The Humvee carrying Cain moved at a steady pace, its four wheels kicking dust into the air and leaving tracks that were quickly erased by the wind.
The journey from the construction site to the excavation zone took several hours. Eventually, Cain, who had been staring out the window beside him, straightened his posture. Outside, he could see heavy machinery relocating sand and massive boulders.
Several people wearing armored suits to protect themselves from the virus were busy coordinating the drivers of those towering metal vehicles.
Before long, the vehicle Cain was riding in slowed to a stop near the workers’ tents, which were lined up neatly on both sides.
"We’re here."
The driver beside him spoke, prompting Cain to turn and nod.
"Thank you for the ride."
Without replying, the man merely waved his hand dismissively.
Seeing that, Cain opened the door beside him and jumped down. The moment his boots hit the hardened ground, his nose twitched as the earthy scent of dry soil rushed in, almost choking his lungs due to the thick dust activity in the area.
It couldn’t be helped. This was an excavation site; it was no surprise that fine dust filled the air. Fortunately, the armor suit Cain wore was equipped with a strict filtration system that kept him comfortable.
"What’s the matter, Cain?"
He turned to the side to see his four teammates already gathered together. Their eyes were fixed on him, waiting for further instructions. Cain frowned slightly and muttered inwardly.
’The longer I stay with them, the more it feels like I’m dealing with four Abels.’
At some point, it wasn’t just Abel who had placed strong trust in him. That faith had begun to spread to the others as well, including the quick-witted girl, Rika.
As the person Cain had appointed as the group’s vice-leader, she was usually the one who questioned his decisions, often leading to small arguments. But that wasn’t a bad thing.
In fact, it made the group feel more alive, rather than having four people who could only nod and reply "Yes" like programmed machines.
The gray-haired boy blinked several times before noticing Rika tilt her head slightly.
"You okay, Cain?"
Hearing that question made Cain want to sigh deeply, but he held back and shook his head.
"It’s nothing. Let’s wait for instructions from the seniors. For now, our job is just to observe and follow the on-site directives."
"Understood."
All four of his teammates replied at once. The obedient tone of their voices echoed in Cain’s head, repeating like a mantra.
’Well... never mind. Just focus on the mission, me.’
Encouraging himself, Cain glanced to the side and spotted Senior Luna approaching with her team.
"Cain, what are you planning to do?"
The sudden question made Cain and his teammates raise their eyebrows in surprise, as if Luna was implying she would follow his lead.
Silence fell between the two groups until Cain coughed lightly to clear his throat.
"Ehem. Sorry, but my experience is still limited, so if possible, I’d appreciate guidance from the seniors."
Cain bowed his head, followed by his four teammates behind him. When he straightened up, he was met with Luna raising a hand to her visor while letting out a small giggle.
"Fufu, it’s a bit strange seeing you act so formal, Cain."
The boy rubbed the back of his head and nodded, fully aware of how weak he was to Luna’s playful tone.
The atmosphere between Cain and Luna softened, clearly drawing the attention of the other team members. They exchanged glances, their eyes filled with curiosity about the relationship between the two.
However, the awkward calm was shattered when Oliver’s voice rang across the site, drawing everyone’s attention.
"What are you all doing over there? Get over here, now!"
Cain and Luna turned toward the senior, who stood with his arms crossed over his chest. They exchanged a glance, then nodded before moving. Cain waited for Luna and her group to leave first, then followed behind them.
Before long, the three groups converged, with Oliver immediately taking command.
"Follow me. We’re meeting the person in charge here."
With that cue, everyone moved together, walking deeper into the excavation zone. Taking the opportunity, Cain, who was walking at the back, turned his head left and right, surveying the surroundings and staying alert as he observed the workers’ expressions.
It wasn’t without reason. Cain didn’t know how long this project had been underway, and he wanted to know whether they had made any real progress or were still trapped in an endless search.
Cain’s eyes narrowed when he accidentally noticed several workers passing by the group. Their expressions were haggard, with dark circles hanging under their eyes. Their breathing was heavy, their movements hurried.
Still, that didn’t fully answer his curiosity. Was their unease a sign of progress, or of something far worse?
Cain’s furrowed brows lifted when he heard the senior in the middle of a conversation. He looked ahead to see Oliver exchanging greetings with a tall man who had a slightly bulging belly.
"Welcome, Oliver. We’ve been expecting you."
The two launched into a lengthy exchange, but the content was empty. The crimson-haired boy showered him with praise, and the potbellied man returned the favor.
’Tch. So this is what happens when two-faced people meet.’
Rather than ending, their conversation threatened to drag on even longer, making Cain almost want to interrupt by shouting. But someone beat him to it, Senior Helena, who willingly stepped into Oliver’s line of fire.
"Oliver, let’s get straight to the point. You’re making the juniors wait too long. It’s unfair to them."
Silence reigned over the area. Even the sounds of heavy machinery faded, as if every cadet’s senses were focused on the confrontation between Oliver and Helena, who were glaring at each other.
In the midst of the tension, Cain lowered his visor with his palm.
’Damn, something this entertaining without snacks. I should’ve asked for some jelly packs before we left.’
"Tch, fine."
Oliver didn’t bother hiding his irritation, which affected the atmosphere in the group. The second-year cadets and Cain’s teammates all frowned. Meanwhile, Cain pressed his lips together, keeping himself silent.
’Ooh, it’s cracking. Your mask is cracking, you know, Oliver. Planning to show that disgusting dark side of yours?’
Despite the brief delay, Oliver and the site supervisor completed the guard rotation, replacing soldiers with cadets as per the Supreme Commander’s orders.
"Good luck out there, kids."
One of the soldiers shouted cheerfully as he passed Cain, though for some reason it sounded like sarcasm to his ears.
"Listen up, all of you!"
Cain shifted his attention to the source of the voice. For a brief moment, he locked eyes with Oliver before the senior turned his gaze away.
"Alright. As agreed, from these three teams, I’ll divide you into two roles, scouts, and guards."
The senior paused, scanning the gathered cadets, then continued.
"As the name suggests, the scouts will survey the surrounding area. Search for a water source, and if you encounter danger, eliminate it if possible. The guards will stay here, assist with the excavation, and monitor the perimeter for enemies. We’ll rotate these roles periodically..."
The cadets nodded as Oliver continued explaining. However, Cain frowned as he listened.
’I have a bad feeling about this.’
Given their history, it wasn’t surprising that Oliver harbored resentment toward him. And that feeling was quickly proven right.
"...And the main scouting team will be—Cain. Take your teammates and scout the surrounding area!"
Cain held his breath for a moment, his fists clenching tightly.
’You never disappoint me, you damn brat.’