章節 117: Ch-6 < Initiating the rescue mission >

The day had finally come. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation, not just because it was Kiana's birthday, but because it marked the start of the daring rescue mission to save K423.

Siegfried had initially planned to act after Kiana's birthday, hoping to give her a day of peace before diving into the perilous mission. But fate had other plans. Somehow, Kiana discovered the mission ahead of time, though everyone suspected that Kevin had something to do with it.

Kiana had always idolized her father, seeing him as a hero who could do no wrong. So, when she learned about K423—a clone who shared her genes—she was adamant about being part of the rescue. "I have to help her, Papa! She's my sister!" Kiana pleaded, her eyes full of determination.

Siegfried, though concerned, found it impossible to refuse her. Especially when she turned on her charm, clinging to his arm and pouting until he gave in. "Alright, alright, you can come," Siegfried finally relented, unable to resist her. "But you have to listen to everything I say. This mission is dangerous."

Kevin, who had been quietly watching the exchange, sighed. "Kiana may be young, but her strength rivals that of a B-rank Valkyrie. She'll be an asset to the mission."

With the plan now set in motion, the team began their preparations. Kevin had summoned all the Schicksal operatives he had covertly taken control of over the years, ensuring that they would be able to penetrate the high-security lab without raising alarms.

A sleek, black car pulled up outside the building where K423 was being held. Siegfried, at the wheel, pulled the handbrake and turned to look at Kiana. She was in the backseat, excitedly tinkering with her new equipment—a custom-made gun that could release powerful electric currents, and a small iron bat forged from Soulium which Kevin has gave her.

Kevin, sitting beside her, watched her with a calm expression. Despite his usual stoic demeanor, there was a softness in his eyes as he observed Kiana's enthusiasm. "Today, we're not just rescuing K423," Kevin said, his voice steady and calm. "We're also going to destroy all genetic data and information related to you, Kiana. We can't let Otto create another batch of clones."

Siegfried nodded in agreement. "I'll handle the soldiers blocking our path. Kevin, you focus on getting K423 out safely. Once you have her, we'll regroup and head to the aircraft parked at Schicksal."

Teresa, who had returned to the headquarters of Destiny earlier that day, was tasked with delaying the dispatch of any Valkyrie reinforcements. It was a delicate operation, and everyone had their part to play.

As they finalized the details, Kevin turned to Siegfried and Kiana. "I'll be using the Key of Sentience to create illusions. With the help of the operatives I've controlled, we should be able to bypass the lab's high security."

Siegfried smirked, ready for the challenge. "Kiana and I will go in head-on. We'll take care of the guards and secure a stealth fighter from the lab. Once we have that, we'll rendezvous with you, Kevin. Meanwhile, Anti-Entropy will deploy a wave of mechs to keep Otto's forces occupied."

Kevin gave a nod of approval. "That's the plan. We'll hit them fast and hard."

Kiana, who had been listening intently, smiled brightly at Kevin. "Don't worry, Kebin! We'll rescue K423 and be back before you know it!"

Kevin couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. With a gentle motion, he reached out and rubbed Kiana's head. She immediately closed her eyes and leaned into his touch, purring contentedly like a cat.

The night was silent as the mission began. Kevin and his controlled operatives moved with precision and stealth, slipping past the security measures with the aid of illusions.

The Key of Sentience shimmered in his hand but in reality he used authority of reason and thunder to make sure Cameras displayed empty hallways, and guards saw nothing but shadows as Kevin and his team infiltrated the facility because of key of Sentience.

Meanwhile, Siegfried and Kiana approached the lab from the front, making no effort to hide their presence. They were the distraction, drawing attention away from Kevin's covert operation. The first wave of guards met them with guns raised, but Siegfried was ready.

With a battle cry, he unleashed a torrent of bullets from his custom firearms, each shot taking down a soldier with pinpoint accuracy.

Kiana, despite her young age, moved like a seasoned Valkyrie. Her new gun crackled with electricity as she fired, sending bolts of lightning through the ranks of soldiers.

Those who tried to close the distance were met with the devastating force of her Soulium bat, which she swung with surprising strength. The sound of metal hitting bone echoed through the corridor as she cleared a path.

"Good job, Kiana," Siegfried called out, impressed by her combat prowess. But there was no time to rest. More soldiers were pouring in, and they needed to reach the lab before Otto caught wind of their plan.

Inside the lab, Kevin moved with the grace of a shadow, his presence undetectable. He navigated the sterile hallways, bypassing laser grids and electronic locks as if they weren't even there. The operatives he controlled were his eyes and ears, feeding him information and guiding him to his target.

Finally, Kevin reached the heart of the facility, where K423 was being held. She lay inside a glass pod, suspended in a state of unconsciousness, her appearance eerily similar to Kiana's. Kevin's expression softened as he approached, placing a hand on the pod. " sweet girl… I'm here to take you home."

With a few deft movements, Kevin disabled the security systems around the pod and opened it. As the glass lifted, K423 stirred, her eyes fluttering open. They were the same shade of blue as Kiana's, filled with confusion and fear. "Who… you?" she said.