HPDBC Chapter 514 The Shattering
Chapter 514 The Shattering
The Director sighed and reached under the table, pulling out a bottle of 1800 Tequila and a glass. He poured himself a drink, the weight of the topic clear in his expression. "It's a bit complicated," he began. "After the events in Brazil, the compound there fell apart due to a Vale Monster's appearance.
Many of our members became 'infected.' Ashaiki ended up killing them all, but she got infected herself in the process."Nôv(el)B\\jnn
He took a sip from his glass, the memory clearly troubling him. "She went on a purge, trying to cleanse herself. I'm not entirely sure how she managed it, but it took a long time, and she requested that her whereabouts remain undisclosed until she finished. As of now, she's better, but she's still dealing with the aftermath and is heavily fatigued."
Jade listened intently, her concern deepening. The Director continued, "While you've only met her and Gojaro, there are a few other 'Master' ranks who will soon drop the title and be given the rank of Captain instead. The whole system is being revamped to account for the heavy increase in our ranks. But we can discuss that another time."
He turned to Gojaro, who was standing by. "Gojaro, I need you to go to Beijing and intercept the broken crystal. Team up with Captain Valaria Cruz; she'll help keep you from breaking down too badly."
Gojaro bowed, his respect evident. "Yes, sir. I'm surprised to see her already being a Captain."
The Director nodded. "Yes, well, I want as much control over things as we move forward, so I acted a bit quickly on that one. Help her out as needed."
Jade, still processing the information, looked at both of them with a puzzled expression. "Who is she?"
The Director motioned for Gojaro to leave, and as he exited, the Director explained, "She's a newer recruit, been here about a month less than you. She can secrete an adhesive from her palms that eliminates pain and disorients people. She will be invaluable in helping with the wounded and will play a significant role in the Recovery Division that the United Nations decided we needed."
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Jade nodded, absorbing the information. The Director's words hung in the air, a reminder of the growing complexity and stakes of their mission. As the countdown on the screen ticked closer to zero, the weight of what they were about to do settled in, and the room fell into a focused silence.
Jade's concern was evident as she asked, "Do you think we should move to have this event delayed?" Her voice carried a hint of worry.
The Director shook his head, swirling the drink in his hand with a calm, measured response. "No, even if a Kaiju monster appears, we will have the pieces in place to handle it."
The Director, his expression calm yet determined, looked back at Jade as she hesitated. "Head to San Diego," he repeated, his voice cutting through the tension. "Meet up with Sergeant Ruiz. He'll guide you in handling anyone who starts showing signs of transformation."
Jade nodded, but the unease in her chest only grew. "But what about the Kaiju that's supposed to show up?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.
The Director glanced at the screen, then back at her. "I'll handle it," he said with a confidence that belied the gravity of the situation. "It's time I show why I'm the Director, especially now that the world is watching."
Jade looked at him skeptically. "But sir, I don't remember seeing you fight before."
He smiled faintly, almost amused. "That's because it wouldn't have been fair. Asking me to fight during routine operations is like asking a grandmaster to spar with beginners. You all need your challenges to grow stronger. Besides, I can only be in one place at a time, and it takes a bit of preparation for me to really get going."
Still puzzled, Jade pressed further. "Then why weren't you helping during the invasion?"
The Director's expression darkened momentarily as he headed for the door. "I had my reasons. I was busy in Chicago, working on a project..." His voice trailed off, leaving more questions than answers as he exited the room.
Jade sighed, the weight of the unknown pressing down on her. I suppose I'll have to manage on my own, she thought. But before she could dwell on it, an idea sparked. She closed her eyes, letting the white flames return. For a brief moment, she was seeing through the Director's eyes again, his movements purposeful, his thoughts intense. And then, a single word echoed in her mind: Doomed.
She snapped back to her own body, gasping for air. "Th-that was weird..." Her hands shook slightly as she looked down at them, the fading warmth of the flames still lingering. Maybe I just can't control it yet—whatever this is, she thought, feeling the uncertainty gnawing at her.
But there was no time to dwell on it. The broadcast was still ongoing, and the world was watching.
As Jade turned for the door, her eyes caught the white trail on the screen, growing larger by the second. She realized it was the rocket, steadily approaching its target—the glowing crystal hanging in the sky. A moment later, the rocket collided with the crystal, and a massive explosion erupted, sending a shockwave of colors rippling through the atmosphere.
The brilliance of the light was overwhelming, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still.
Then, she felt the ground shake slightly and thought. Right, a monster is coming... she thought, reminding herself of the Director's confident words. But I'll trust him, I suppose.