Liuke didn't pay much attention to the man at first.
However, the stranger slowly began to approach him.
He wasn't wearing Solar Force gear; instead, he was dressed in sharp, formal clothes.
"Yoo, how's it going?" the man asked with a casual tone.
Liuke looked at him, confused. He didn't recognize the face at all.
"Who are you?" Liuke asked. "I... I don't think I know you."
"I'm Helo," the man said with a slight smirk.
"When the old Elders kicked you out using that burnout excuse, they chose me as your replacement."
"But look at us now—I'm out here as a civilian, and you're back in service."
"Commander Elvis brought me back," Liuke replied.
"Honestly, it might be a blessing that you're not coming along. This mission is beyond dangerous."
Helo's expression softened.
"Look, Liuke, I hope nothing happens to you or the squad on this mission."
"But personally? I'm just tired of sitting around until my bones freeze."
"By the way, Helo... how do you know so much about me?" Liuke asked, his curiosity piqued.
"I was there to save you when you were trying to protect your girlfriend from that 'Special Grade' ice monster."
"By the time Commander Elvis, Rayna, and I reached there, it was almost too late."
"You were literally on the brink of death."
"I see," Liuke nodded. "If I were in your position, I'd probably be a little jealous."
"If you aren't, then I salute your maturity."
"I just wish I had some work to do around here," Helo admitted.
Liuke's expression turned serious.
"I don't know about specific tasks... but if you ever see an innocent life in danger, you should save them."
"Beyond that, I can't tell you what to do. It's your choice."
"Fair enough," Helo agreed. "I'll keep an eye out."
"If I see any crime or anything unusual, I'll try to stop it."
"Though I doubt much will happen here—the real trouble is probably brewing inside that forest."
"You're probably right," Liuke muttered.
"Alright then, I'm off," Helo said, turning to leave.
"I just came by to meet the Commander and see the departure. Take care, Liuke."
"You too," Liuke replied as Helo walked away into the crowd.
Immediately after Helo left, Commander Elvis arrived, accompanied by a stranger.
"Cadets! Are you ready?!" Elvis roared, his voice booming with authority.
"YES, SIR!" the squad members shouted back in perfect discipline.
"Today, we are joined by a guide from the Council," Elvis announced.
"He will lead us through the Everdread Forest. This is Osaka."
Osaka stepped forward, looking at the eager faces.
"I am your guide. Before we move, there is something you must know."
"This forest covers 30% of our world. Helmora occupies only 10%."
"The remaining 60% consists of the frozen wastelands."
A wave of shock rippled through the cadets as they realized the sheer scale of the world.
"Enough talk," Commander Elvis commanded.
"It is time. Move out toward the jungle!"
The cadets formed a disciplined line and summoned their Solar Horses.
The research forces rode alongside them as they galloped toward the unknown.
In just thirty minutes, they had crossed the cities and reached the outer edge of the forest.
"Dismount!" Elvis ordered.
As they got off their horses, Osaka pointed toward the dark treeline.
"We are currently just outside the perimeter. There is a reason we aren't heading straight in."
"Invisible Radiation surrounds the forest within a ten-meter radius."
"How are we supposed to cross that, Sir Osaka?" the 14th seat asked.
Osaka reached into his bag and pulled out several pairs of specialized gloves.
"These gloves use the heat from your Solar Energy to nullify the radiation."
"Put them on."
Liuke pulled the gloves on, feeling the advanced tech hum against his skin.
"Move in!" Commander Elvis shouted.
The fifteen-member squad, the research unit, Elvis, and Osaka approached the edge.
Liuke walked up to Rayna, the third-ranked member of the squad.
"Hey, Rayna. Long time no see."
"Long time no see, Liuke," Rayna replied. "What's on your mind?"
"The telecast said squads from other cities would be here, but I don't see them."
"Who knows," Rayna shrugged. "Maybe they've already entered."
"Either way, we should worry less about them and more about the horrors inside."
"Just curious," Liuke muttered.
As they stepped into the forest, the gloves began to grow warm, absorbing the radiation.
Finally, the soldiers and the research force disappeared into the deep shadows of the Everdread Forest.