Guided by Dzoavha, Team C navigated Maykarta City Square, combing through the crowds for clues leading to PILAR's new headquarters.
The sun was beginning to set, and the city lights started to shine, making the square even more lively. But for Team C, this cheerful atmosphere was an obstacle, making their search more difficult.
"Okay, according to the map on this watch, the entrance should be near the playground," said Dzoavha, his eyes focused on his watch screen.
The five of them walked towards the playground located in one corner of the square. The laughter of children playing on slides, swings, and seesaws mixed with the sound of music from a street clown entertaining visitors. Nadhyfa looked around, feeling the contrast between the secret world of PILAR they were about to enter and the real world full of simple happiness.
"How are we supposed to find a secret headquarters in the middle of a crowded place like this?" complained Nadhyfa, feeling slightly frustrated.
"Relax, Nad. As they say, 'the truth is often hidden in the most unexpected places'," answered Dhoost, trying to calm his friend.
Dzoavha stopped near one of the public toilet cubicles that looked dilapidated. Its paint was peeling, the door was rusty, and it smelled unpleasant.
"Is this it?" said Dzoavha, pointing to a small panel located near one of the cubicles. The panel looked out of place, too modern for the worn-out building.
"Seriously? The entrance to a secret organization's headquarters is in a public toilet?" asked Radhif, disbelieving.
Dzoavha began typing the code given by Agent Khai via the message on his PILAR watch, "1949".
"1949? What does it mean?" asked Nadhyfa, curious.
Dhoost tried to guess, "Maybe it's the date of the foundation stone laying for Maykarta's construction?"
Radhif chimed in, "If that's true, then the city was founded eleven years ago. That's April 9th, 2019."
After Dzoavha entered the code into the panel, a mechanical sound was heard, and the door of one of the dilapidated-looking toilet cubicles opened. Inside the cubicle, a hole resembling a slide was visible.
"So... We enter through there via a slide?" asked Ryn, slightly surprised.
Without waiting for a signal, Nadhyfa immediately slid into the hole, even before her friends could say anything. "Yahooo!" she shouted, her voice echoing in the hole.
Ryn shook his head, then jumped in after her. "Looks fun..." he murmured.
Dhoost, Radhif, and Dzoavha exchanged glances, then followed their two friends. They didn't know what awaited them below, but curiosity and their duty as PILAR Agents pushed them forward.
They didn't slide too far down. After just a brief moment of enjoying the slide, all five of them arrived at the new PILAR headquarters. Nadhyfa arrived first, but because she didn't move away from the slide's path, Ryn crashed into her, followed by Dhoost and Radhif. Dzoavha managed to jump to the side before crashing into the four of them.
After standing up, Dzoavha led them through a clean, modern corridor, a stark contrast to the rickety public toilet above.
"Hey, wait a minute," Nadhyfa said suddenly, stopping everyone in their tracks.
"We didn't bring anything with us. What if suddenly robots emerge from the floor and attack us like the first time we entered the old PILAR Headquarters?"
Dzoavha calmed Nadhyfa by saying, "Relax, Nad. We're not intruders or new trainees being tested. We're 'professional' PILAR Agents, remember?"
After walking a short while, they finally met Agent Khai, Agent Rusdi, and Agent Fuad in the central room of the PILAR headquarters. The room was equipped with various advanced devices and holographic screens displaying a map of Maykarta City. The five of them were warmly welcomed by the mentor agents, whom they hadn't seen in a long time.
"Welcome to PILAR's main headquarters, Team C," said Agent Khai with a faint smile. "Are you ready for your first mission?"
Agent Rusdi then asked them to accompany him to the equipment room, where they would be given the latest gear and a detailed briefing about their mission.
Nadhyfa cheered with joy, while her four friends looked listless, feeling the weight of leaving their normal lives behind and plunging back into a world of danger.
On the way, Ryn asked Agent Rusdi, "What happened to the old headquarters? Why did PILAR move to a new location?"
Agent Rusdi smiled, then answered, "Actually, PILAR headquarters aren't just in one place. The headquarters you visited before was specifically for trainee training. This headquarters is the main base for PILAR Agents."
They walked to the equipment room, and there they found the PILAR Asia team already present with Agent Revie and Agent Thomas. The presence of Team D livened up the atmosphere, dispelling the anxiety that had briefly enveloped Team C.
Nadhyfa, with her ever-unquenchable cheerfulness, ran to greet them, hugging the four girls from PILAR Asia tightly. "Zuha, Minji, Hanni, Katarina! So happy to see you all again!" she exclaimed, making the atmosphere more familiar.
Dzoavha, Dhoost, Radhif, and Ryn approached Jackson Craig, the Anchor from Australia. They exchanged greetings and chatted briefly, reminiscing about the fierce competition in the tournament that now felt like a sweet memory.
Dhoost, with a pounding heart, met Minji again. This time, he tried to speak, mustering the courage to say a few words. The two of them talked alone for a moment before finally being interrupted by a curious Nadhyfa.
"Ooooh... what are you two talking about?" teased Nadhyfa, nudging Minji's shoulder. Dhoost just smiled shyly, while Minji chuckled softly.
After the brief conversation, the mentors called for their attention. Agent Revie stepped forward, her voice firm yet friendly. "Alright, PILAR Agents! Now, let's focus on the mission awaiting us."
The mentors explained the situation regarding Neotrixite, its potential dangers, and its strategic importance to Maykarta. They also mentioned the detected spies on the Limestone Hill, observing activities at the mine.
Nadhyfa whispered to herself, "So the light I saw before entering the headquarters was PILAR's enemy..."
Agent Thomas then introduced them to a black agent suit with accents corresponding to their respective roles.
"This is the latest combat suit specially designed for PILAR Agents. Equipped with self-defense features and special abilities that will assist you in your missions," he explained.
The Anchor suit was designed to be strong against enemy attacks, equipped with portable shields on the right and left hands, plus additional protective layers on the chest and back.
The Shadow suit provided better stealth capabilities and was designed slightly lighter to enhance movement speed and agility.
The Marksman suit also featured stealth capabilities, plus added stabilization features to improve shooting accuracy.
The Techno suit was designed with more advanced devices, including a holographic interface and an integrated communication system, though slightly heavier than other suits due to its broader range of features.
The Support suit was designed with devices to monitor teammates' conditions, plus some portable equipment for emergencies, like auto-injectors and medical drones.
They were all then given suits according to their respective roles. Nadhyfa enthusiastically checked all the features on her suit and proudly showed them off to her friends. Dhoost and Ryn put on their suits calmly, Dzoavha tested the features on his suit, and Radhif carefully deployed his shield to ensure his movement wasn't hindered in the slightest.
After all the junior agents had tried on their suits, Agent Revie approached Ryn with a faint smile.
"Ryn, this is for you," said Agent Revie, handing a pack of cigarettes to Ryn.
It was the pack of cigarettes that had been confiscated by Agent Miftah during the role test before the PILAR Tournament, promised to be returned once Ryn passed as a PILAR Agent. Agent Miftah kept his promise to Ryn.
Ryn smiled faintly, taking the cigarettes respectfully. "Thank you, Agent Revie," he said.
After trying on their suits, the ten of them were given the chance to choose one additional piece of equipment in the room, according to their respective roles. The room was filled with various advanced weapons, gadgets, and tactical gear, making the young PILAR Agents feel like they were in equipment heaven.
As Team C and Team D explored the equipment room, unexpectedly, a new era of partnership and camaraderie unfolded, promising strong bonds among Maykarta's guardians. This new synergy was a good sign as the young agents prepared to face the dangerous challenges of Neotrixite, equipped with new skills and a shared purpose to protect the city they called home.
TO BE CONTINUED…