A month later...
Arthur sat in his brother's office. The supreme commander was sitting in his chair, arms crossed. The tension in the room was thick. Arthur was hunched over, looking at the carpet beneath his feet. He lifted his head and locked eyes with Chris.
"So, it's time, huh…" He whispered.
"Yes, it is." Chris leaned back in his chair. "The UEOC is pressuring us…the first unit has been resurrected…the people are waiting…"
He leaned forward.
"The expedition to the forbidden continent will begin in 1 week…prepare yourself the best you can." Chris stated.
"I will." Arthur stood up. "It's not like I haven't been there before."
He walked towards the door, opening it. He glanced back at his brother who gave him a nod. He exited Chris's office and closed the door behind him. Chris ran his fingers through his hair.
"You have been there…but only within the walls of the stronghold." He muttered.
***
Arthur descended the stairs, went past the lobby. His face was full of determination. He exited the building; the sun was already setting. Orange and yellow colors covered the horizon. He pulled out his card and unlocked his car. He opened the door to his supercar and entered it. He slammed the door and turned the electric car on. He reversed, exiting the parking lot and drove off.
***
After a few minutes, he reached the neighborhood outside the city with skyscrapers and glowing ads. He parked near a house and turned off the vehicle. He opened the door, exited and slammed the door behind him. He walked up to the front porch of the house. He knocked on the door twice. After a few moments, the door was opened. He saw his dear friend Harvey who was carrying his daughter. He wore a grey sweater with black cargo pants.
The little child was sitting on her father's shoulder with her hand in her mouth. Harvey pulled her mouth out and greeted Arthur.
"Good evening, captain. What brings you here?"
"Nothing. I just want to inform you of some things."
Arthur gazed over his mate's body, seeing that his injuries had healed. He smirked and entered Harvey's home. Harvey made way for his captain.
"Would you like some tea or coffee?" Harvey asked.
"No, I'll be leaving shortly." Arthur replied, sitting down on the small living room couch.
Harvey put his daughter on his lap and sat down as well.
"So, what did you want talk about?" Harvey inquired while holding his daughter's little hands.
"The expedition of the forbidden continent will commence in a week." Arthur leaned back.
Harvey froze. "R-really?"
"Yeah? Why do you seem scared?" Arthur raised his brows.
"Well, it's just…" Harvey smiled awkwardly.
Arthur snapped his fingers. "Oh…right, you haven't been to the forbidden continent, have you?"
"I remember you reached A-rank, but you have to be a master to enter the Bragg." He added.
"Yes…" Harvey sighed. "My body is healed…maybe I'll do some basic exercise to get back into shape."
Arthur stood up. "That's for you to figure out, Good luck."
"Okay…" Harvey waved at Arthur. "Lilly, say goodbye to uncle…"
Lilly looked at her father and then at Arthur who was walking away. Then, she opened her mouth and said in a cute manner.
"Goo…Goodbye!"
Arthur froze and then smiled. For a moment, the weight of being a leader lifted off his shoulders. He felt a sense of satisfaction and happiness.
'Life is for these moments…I'm proud of you, Lilly.'
"Goodbye, Lilly." He replied.
Harvey complimented his daughter as Arthur stepped out of his house. He approached his supercar and opened it with his card. He entered the car and slammed the doors shut. He turned it on and drove away.
***
Arthur drove back into the city. After a few minutes of driving between skyscrapers and glowing ads, he drove outside on the other side of the city.
'Next is Maple…'
He made it a humble neighborhood. He parked near a small house and exited his car. He locked it and walked onto the porch. He knocked on the door twice. After a few moments, he knocked again. Then, a while passed and finally, someone opened the door.
It was Maple. She was wearing an apron with brown sweater and grey trousers. Her silky white hair looked a bit rough, but her blue eyes were shining brightly. She froze. Arthur tilted his head.
"What's wrong? I'm no stranger."
Maple waved both her hands. "N-no, just this is too sudden!"
"Haven't I visited your house before?" Arthur asked.
"No! you haven't!" Maple shouted, flustered.
"Geez, clam down. Let me in, will you." Arthur covered his ears.
Maple stepped aside hurriedly. Arthur walked in and looked around. The house was humble, enough for one person to live in.
"S-so, do you want something to eat?" Maple raised her left hand.
"Nah, I'm just here to inform you of something." Arthur shrugged.
"What is it?" Maple inquired.
"The expedition to the forbidden continent will begin in a week…prepare yourself." Arthur stepped outside.
"Huh? Wait, in a week?" Maple said.
Arthur did not reply and instead entered his electric supercar. Turning it on and then driving off to his next teammate. Maple was still standing at her front door, dumbfounded. She then slowly closed the door.
"I would've made you tea or something if you asked…" She whispered under her breath.
***
Arthur drove back into the city. He navigated the streets once more. The capital was quite cold so the auto-heating feature in the windbreaker he was wearing was a huge bonus.
'Ha…It's really getting cold today…Amelia and Kay live in the same building, right?'
He parked near an apartment complex and stepped out of his car. He entered the complex and ascended the stairs. He reached the third floor and walked down the eerie hallway. Eventually, he made it to a room. He knocked on the door twice and waited for a few moments.
Then, the door creaked open. He saw the eye of a man poking out. The door fully opened, and Kay was the resident inside.
"Dude...what do you want?" Kay inquired.