It has been about a week since Lukas infiltrated Atlas to get information, though it was now the beginning of September, he was too focused on getting the job done. Most of the time he spent planning with Altare, trying to come up with how to proceed with the operation. They did have a talk with Tanigo and Enma along with the other Managers that work under him about this issue, which under a unanimous vote, they agreed for the operation to proceed.

Currently, the meeting room was filled with everybody as the plan was being explained by Altare as there was a large holographic projection being shown about the inside of the base they plan to infiltrate and neutralize. The base seemed to be further up into Canada, in the more colder climates, though there was alternative methods to reach the base.

Altare: "As you can see, this base is located within a mountain side which is difficult to reach through normal methods. Though judging by the schematics, it does have one access point."

Axel: "Which seems to be at the top of the mountain, though it seems like the base goes further into the mountain. This base must be the whole mountain for that matter."

Zaion: "That would also mean that covering every single area in one go would take too long."

Melody: "There's another way in, yet it would require a separate team to go in from that way while the other team keeps them distracted and barges in at the front gates. I will have to remain here so I can guide both teams through the base."

Dropscythe: "So where the hell does the second team enter from? If there's no other entrance?"

Melody: "There's a warehouse that is disguised as an abandoned subsidiary within Atlas City that can get you into the base through means of teleportation. Unlike the Gateway, they use a form of instant teleportation which is hidden underneath the warehouse."

Lukas: "But we're intending to blow the base up... So where do the charges need to be and how many is required...?"

Flayon: "Judging by the sheer size of the base while also being situated within the mountain itself. We don't need to blow up the whole mountain, that'll take too long. So I think what could work is if we focus on blowing up the supports the keep the base stable within the mountain itself. There seems to be about at least up to five of them. Though judging by their size and scales... I think we'll need at least three charges for each."

Shinri: "Good thinking kid. Though where exactly is the second team going to teleport to within the base?"

Melody: "Most likely in the lower sections, where most of the industrial production lines are. The upper half would be where the higher security would be and the lower half is most likely where they make the robots. Luckily there's only two supports down at the lower half, making the upper half more of a hassle in comparison. We'll need a strong team barging in and getting the job done."

Altare: "I've already decided on that. TEMPUS will be with me as usual as we can deal with the grunts that'll be too difficult for you lot to handle. Zentreya, I'm leaving you in charge of the second team as you're the most experienced compared to the rest."

Zentreya: "I can manage that."

Altare: "So for team one, I'll be leading Shinri, Axel and Hakka as us four will be enough. Second team will comprise of Zentreya, Misaki, Zaion and Dropscythe. You four will be within the base, ensuring you lot can collect the necessary data as evidence to bring Hardway down. But don't forget to ensure that those charges are set."

Flayon: "And what about me?"

Altare: "You are our getaway. I've heard that you're a mech expert that can also control vehicles whether they be land, air or sea. So I'll be counting on you to drop us off and pick us up."

Flayon: "Understood."

Altare: "Also Zentreya, as a heads up, I don't think there's a way to teleport back. So the only thing I can recommend is that once all the charges are set, get back to us as quickly as you can. Once every single charge is set, there'll be a timer. Once that timer reaches zero, the whole base will crumble in on itself. That's all for now, you're all dismissed."

Everyone: "Yes sir!"

Everyone then left as they went to do their own things to prepare for the next day, though Lukas was by far the most nervous. He honestly failed to hide it throughout of the time, so it was clear that he didn't know how this will pan out. He was currently in his room, talking to Veladora in his head as he was resting on his bed.

Lukas *Thoughts*: "You heard everything right?"

Veladora: "Indeed I did, though I couldn't help but wonder... What else does Atlas have that they could be hiding..? They're connected to the High Society, but I doubt that they have similar goals~"

Lukas *Thoughts*: "What do you mean?"

Veladora: "You see, the Hardways are very strict when it comes to their technological advancements. Their family has always strived to improve Humanity's best interests."

Lukas *Thoughts*: "You've met them before...?"

Veladora: "I've only met the first Hardway, who technically is the one that founded the legacy~ Though he was a bit of a hard ass~ He mainly did things on a whim and only followed in his own footsteps into what he thought was best. He did do well for Humanity, but his interests weren't with the Supernatural."

Lukas *Thoughts*: "So mister Hardway could be on a similar thinking process...?"

Veladora: "Not quite. It would most likely be due to certain circumstances that this generation's Hardway would do something like this~ So the more I think about it, the more suspicious it is... And the more it's hurting my brain~~"

Veladora sounded like she was moaning in sorrow as she wasn't really liking the idea to think so much. 

Lukas *Thoughts*: "Well... At least we can find some answers once we go through with this... I just hope we're fighting mainly robots or something..."

He then heard knocking at the door, which made him sit up as he was confused on who would like to see him at this particular hour.

Lukas: "Who is it..?"

Zaion: "It's me Zaion. Can I come in?"

Lukas: "Come in..."

Zaion then opened the door, making her close the door behind herself as she sighs.

Zaion: "I can't believe I'm doing this..."

Lukas: "Doing what..?"

Zaion: "I've noticed you being nervous the whole time Misaki. I can tell this is your first time in some big gig right?"

Lukas: "Y-Yeah... That much is true but... was I that obvious?"

Zaion: "You were. So I've decided to check up on you so we can be more prepared for this operation."

Lukas: "You... came to check up on me...?"

Zaion: "Yeah, just don't get any wrong ideas alright? I know I've been slacking off on my training as I had to do things... However I'm more than capable of still beating you. Got it?"

Lukas: "I'm aware..."

Lukas then awkwardly chuckled as he was aware that he hasn't really fought against anyone in his class besides Dropscythe and Zai. Zaion then took as seat next to Lukas as she sat on the bed, legs crossed and her arms crossed as well.

Zaion: "Now spill it Misaki. What's been on your mind?"

Lukas: "Well... After the encounter with that Z-Model android... OBSIDIAN I believe... I mean, I know that Atlas Corporation has been suspicious for a while, but I didn't know that they've been this far gone..."

Zaion: "What do you mean far gone?"

Lukas: "My family... They may be government officials, but they used to share little bits of stories about Atlas and their fundamentals... I know they make AI to do necessary daily needs or even for militaries but... I didn't know they were making AI like OBSIDIAN..."

Zaion: "The company was shady from the get-go. Recently their new ATLAS Combat Soldiers are able to take down Supernatural beings, which could pose a major threat. They've killed many innocents while covering it up. Mister Hardway will get what's coming to that old geezer."

Lukas didn't really have much to say, but he knows that Zaion was right. 

Zaion: "Your family is also technically shady people right? I mean they saw your younger sister as the golden girl and simply casted you aside without hesitation. Yet now that I think about it, you've never shared on how your family started to neglect you. Why's that?"

Lukas: "That... That's a d-difficult one to share... I don't feel comfortable enough to share about it..."

Zaion: "I see. Very well. I won't press on it any further, however I expect you to share to us about it sooner or later. Otherwise, I'll beat it out of you got it?"

Lukas: "I get it... No worries Zaion... I still got a lot to learn and..."

Zaion: "You still got a long road ahead of you if I'm being completely honest. That darkness of yours still being persistent?"

Lukas: "Not as much right now..."

Zaion: "Good, because you'll need to be at your A game if you want to face your enemies. That is my advice to you."

Lukas: "You make it sound like you have a lot of experience..."

Zaion: "Well I do actually... To tell you the truth, I came from the city known as XSOLEIL, which is located within the Asian continent. But as another part of it, I'm not from this time period..."

Lukas: "Time... period...?"

Zaion: "Yes. For you see, I came from a distant future. A future where the world was in a never ending cycle of chaos, bringing forth what would be known as the Apocalypse. I was really young but... I don't exactly remember how I came to this time period... Yet how I got to the Academy, I won't share since you won't share much about your past. I consider us even when it comes to certain past sharing between us alright?"

Lukas didn't know how to process this information that Zaion just shared with him. He now knew that Zaion came from a distant future, yet she somehow ended up back in time. Yet he wanted to know certain information, but he held back as he knew that he wouldn't be able to get much out of her. 

Lukas: "A-Alright... Thank you for sharing, Zaion..."

Zaion: "Just remember, you don't get to mention any of this to anybody. Only the Co-Founders are aware of this. As for how they found out, I wouldn't know, but I recommend you keep this a secret. It could cause differences to happen and I don't know much about the past anyways."

Lukas: "I understand..."

Zaion: "Good, now as a reminder, be confident in yourself and you'll succeed in this gig. I'll be heading out for a bit to talk to Dropscythe. See ya tomorrow Misaki."

Zaion then got up, leaving as she made sure to close the door behind herself. Lukas was left alone again as Veladora decided to turn into her true form and stretch a bit.

Veladora: "She's an interesting one..~"

Lukas: "Why...?"

Veladora: "Think about it~ She revealed a bit about herself, the side you didn't know about. Therefore, she's opening herself up to you ever so slightly~ The fact is, I think she might be growing a liking to you ever so slowly~"

Lukas then began to blush as he wasn't really expecting Veladora to be teasing him right now.

Lukas: "It isn't like t-that!"

Veladora: "Oh relax~ I'm not saying that you might end up together~ What I'm saying is that you both are warming up to each other~ Every choice we make matters~ The same goes to all of Humanity and of the Supernatural~"

Lukas: "I... I get it... It's still a lot to process since I'm getting into a big situation on my first year into the Supernatural world..."

Veladora: "Well~ I technically got into conflicts within the first week when I started off~"

Lukas: "S-Seriously..?"

Veladora: "Yeah~ Not many of the Supernatural used to like Humanity. Though changing one's mind ain't easy ya know~? Actions can speak louder than words and there is certain situations that calls for it. You don't have to resolve conflict with violence, but it should only be a last resort unless it was necessary. Yet then again, I do miss the Kukyona special meals from my time now...~~"

Veladora suddenly put on a sad expression as she realized something that she had nearly forgotten as well as dearly missed. 

Lukas: "What..?"

Veladora: "Never mind~ The point is that this operation that you're taking part in will shape you into who you'll become. This is a stepping stone into your role in the future. We all experience that kind of thing sometime in our own lives, whether that be from a very young age or through circumstance. Our paths and futures are intertwined by the decisions we make. I think Hardway should be taken down and for someone else to take his place~ As long as there's someone to fill in the role, the outcomes won't always be the same. Whether it be a positive or a negative, we do what we can to improve and overcome. Try to think about that when you face a tough situation alright~?"

Veladora wasn't being her childish self as much right now, which did throw Lukas off a bit. She was being slightly serious while also having a relaxing smile on her face, yet Lukas couldn't help but smile from her contagious smile.

Lukas: "Thanks... Vela..."

Veladora: "Don't mention it~ You're essentially the one guiding me around and showing me what the real world is like after so many years~ Yet in return, I get to guide and mould you into the perfect Omni Magician I used to be~"

She then does a little laugh as she was taking on a bit of a proud parent kind of vibe. Though as she was grinning ear to ear with pride, Lukas couldn't help but wonder to himself and worry if the future is really going to be positive or negative depending on this operation's outcome...