Idle Mage: Humanity's Strongest Backer

Chapter 395 Unit-075

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Unit-075, comprised of five seasoned members of the Mystic Guild, moved stealthily through the vibrant landscape of Paradiso. Clad in advanced combat gear infused with both magic and technology, they were a formidable force prepared to face any unseen threats that lurked within the celestial realm. Each member carried a specific set of skills honed through years of rigorous training and battle experience.

At the head of the unit was Captain Kaitlyn, a seasoned leader with a reputation for her strategic brilliance and unwavering resolve. Her piercing blue eyes scanned their surroundings, ever vigilant for any signs of danger. Walking beside her was Specialist Ethan, a master of illusions and stealth, capable of rendering himself and his team virtually invisible to the Celestials' watchful gaze.

Close behind were Corporal Maya, an expert in elemental magic, and Sergeant Rylan, a marksman renowned for his deadly accuracy with both long-range weaponry and arcane spells. Their combined skills offered a versatile blend of offense and defense, ensuring that the unit remained formidable in any situation.

Bringing up the rear was Medic Lily, whose expertise in healing and support magic provided a lifeline for the team, ensuring their survival in the face of adversity. She carried a myriad of potions and restorative spells, ready to mend any wounds inflicted upon her comrades.

As they traversed the lush landscapes of Paradiso, the team communicated through a series of hand signals and subtle gestures, their movements seamless and coordinated. They were acutely aware of the dangers that surrounded them, from the celestial creatures that patrolled the realm to the possibility of encountering hostile Celestial or Hypogean forces.

Their mission was clear: to scout the vast expanse of Paradiso, identify potential threats, and gather vital intelligence for the Sword Empress and the rest of humanity. Their reports would shape the strategies and preparations for the ongoing war, ensuring that no surprises would catch humanity off guard.

As Unit-075 moved deeper into the heart of Paradiso, their senses heightened, their every step measured and deliberate. The air crackled with energy, a blend of the celestial aura and the anticipation of the impending conflict. They knew that within this breathtaking realm, beauty coexisted with danger, and the delicate balance could shift in an instant.

The team remained focused, their determination unwavering, as they pressed forward, relying on their training and experience to navigate the intricate pathways and hidden alcoves of Paradiso. Their eyes darted from one point to another, scanning for any signs of movement or hidden threats, all the while remaining mindful of the ethereal beauty that surrounded them.

Unit-075 knew the stakes were high, and the weight of their responsibility rested on their shoulders. As they continued their mission, they carried the hopes and aspirations of humanity, their duty to safeguard their people evident in every step they took.

Through the realms of Paradiso, Unit-075 moved with precision and purpose, their resolve unyielding. They would not falter in their quest to gather vital information, for their actions would play a crucial role in shaping the future of humanity's struggle against the celestial forces. The fate of their race hung in the balance, and Unit-075 was determined to ensure that humanity stood prepared, no matter the cost.

Captain Kaitlyn gathered her team, positioning them in a secure area shielded from prying eyes. The tension in the air was palpable as she prepared to deliver her instructions.

Kaitlyn: Ethan, I need you to embark on a solo-stealth operation. We need eyes and ears within the Celestials' realm. Your skills make you the perfect candidate for this task. Blend in, gather as much intel as you can, and report back to us. 

Ethan, a seasoned specialist with a jaded demeanor, crossed his arms, his skepticism evident on his face.

Ethan: You want me to infiltrate the Celestials? You know how risky that is, right? They can sense our presence even if we cloak ourselves with magic. 

Kaitlyn's expression hardened, her voice stern.

Kaitlyn: I'm well aware of the risks, Ethan. But we need firsthand information to plan our next moves effectively. Your mastery of stealth is unmatched, and we can't afford to overlook any opportunity. We're counting on you.

Ethan let out a weary sigh, his gaze fixed on the ground as he contemplated the task ahead.

Ethan: You know, Kaitlyn, this war... it's cost us so much. I've seen friends fall, and innocent lives lost. It's hard to trust in any case any more. But if there's a chance to turn the tide, I'll do what I can.

Kaitlyn's eyes softened slightly, understanding the weight on Ethan's shoulders.

Kaitlyn: I know it's been tough, Ethan. We've all lost loved ones and witnessed the horrors of this war. But we can't let despair cloud our judgment. Humanity is counting on us to find a way forward. You have the strength and skill to make a difference.

Ethan's skepticism gave way to a flicker of determination, his eyes meeting Kaitlyn's with a renewed sense of purpose.

Ethan: Alright, Kaitlyn. I'll go. But don't expect miracles. The Celestials won't be easy to deceive.

Kaitlyn nodded a hint of gratitude in her gaze.

Kaitlyn: We're not looking for miracles, Ethan. We're looking for information that can tip the scales in our favor. Be cautious, trust your instincts, and remember, we're with you every step of the way.

With that, Ethan prepared himself mentally for the challenging mission ahead. The weight of the task bore heavily upon him, but he knew that his unique set of skills might just provide the breakthrough they needed. As he disappeared into the shadows, Kaitlyn turned her attention back to the rest of her team, focused on their collective objective—ensuring humanity's survival in the face of celestial adversity.

Ethan swiftly maneuvered through the streets of the nearby celestial civilization, his steps light and purposeful. Cloaked in a magical disguise, he blended seamlessly among the bustling crowds, his keen senses alert to any potential sources of information. His objective was clear—to gather valuable intel that could aid humanity's cause.

Finding a concealed spot in an alley, Ethan leaned against a wall, his trained eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of vulnerability. As he listened attentively, he picked up fragments of conversations, piecing together the puzzle of celestial life.

Amidst the chatter, a hushed conversation between two celestial citizens caught his attention. Intrigued, Ethan subtly maneuvered closer, concealing himself within the shadows while focusing his ears on their discussion.

Citizen 1: Have you heard the rumors, my friend? There's a malignant presence lurking on the outskirts of the city. They say it's even worse than the demons we've encountered before.

Citizen 2: Worse than demons? Ah! You must be talking about the invaders right? Humans, I believe they're called? Yeah, they're horrible.

Ethan fought the urge to scoff at that. He guessed that they weren't wrong when they called humanity 'Invaders', though somehow, the term doesn't sit well with him despite it being the truth. 

'We never wanted any of this. We didn't want to be horrible to you people but you forced our hand. For the sake of our race and world, you all have to die.' Ethan mused inwardly, gripping his fists tightly as he remembers the losses they had so far.

Citizen 1: No, no! Not humans! I know of them, but they're not the ones I'm talking about. It's something more terrible than them.

Citizen 2: Are you sure? Humans are destroying our homes you know? What could possibly be even more terrible than that?

Citizen 1: I know, I know. But this presence... it's different. It spreads fear and darkness wherever it goes. The demons and humans pale in comparison to their malevolence. Some have called it the "Nightmare Incarnate."

Ethan's curiosity was piqued at the mention of this mysterious presence. He had encountered demons before and witnessed their cruelty firsthand, but the notion of something even more sinister intrigued him. The potential implications for the ongoing war were significant, and he knew he had stumbled upon a vital piece of information.

'This...I think I'll have to know more about it. If it's true, then this creature will become an unstable variable in this war.' Ethan grimly thought to himself.

Ethan silently made a mental note of the rumors, aware that this malignant presence could hold the key to turning the tide against the celestial forces. With cautious determination, he decided to delve deeper, gathering more information and uncovering the truth behind the "Nightmare Incarnate."

As he slipped away from the eavesdropped conversation, Ethan resumed his stealthy exploration, using his mastery of disguise and evasion to gather additional intelligence. His mission had taken an unexpected turn, but he knew that uncovering the true nature of this malignant presence could provide Humanity with a crucial advantage in their fight for survival.

With each passing moment, Ethan's focus sharpened, driven by the knowledge that his actions could shape the course of the war. The veil of secrecy surrounding the "Nightmare Incarnate" had been lifted, and he was determined to reveal the true extent of its terror.

What he didn't expect, however, was that he would personally experience the horrors of this unknown creature soon...