The command helicopter sliced through the night air with a rhythmic hum. Ethan sat in the co-pilot's seat, watching as the lights of civilization faded, replaced by the absolute darkness of the northern wilderness. Jason kept his hands steady on the controls, his eyes fixed on the flight path.

"Crul, what is the situation?" asked Ethan.

[Everything is correct, Master. I am controlling the GPS of every vehicle in the column. I have virtually separated them and am covering their trail by overlaying false images onto security cameras and commercial satellites. There will be no issues until we reach the embarkation point] said Crul.

Ethan nodded slightly and activated the radio channel for all pilots to hear.

"To all aerial units, follow the GPS markers strictly. I'll see you at the rendezvous point. Do not deviate even a meter," said Ethan.

"These helicopters are the best money and technology can offer, Boss. We'll be at the landing zone in about six hours," said Jason.

"Excellent. Maintain that speed," said Ethan.

Again, Ethan addressed his internal system, looking to anticipate what they would find at the border.

"Crul, the town where we are arriving... does it have cameras or any security system we can hack before we land?" asked Ethan.

[I am attempting to establish a network connection, but there is nothing available in the area. It appears to be a completely dead or technologically isolated zone. However, if you come into physical contact with any terminal, even if it is isolated from the internet, I will be able to infiltrate it and find the database] said Crul.

"Perfect. Then proceed with the plan. Use all resources to try and breach the security surrounding the Scavengers. I have a bad feeling about this place," said Ethan.

During the next few hours, reports from the ground units began to trickle in over the intercom. Some commanders sounded confused.

"Sir, this is Transport Unit 4. We have several blocked roads, and the GPS is making us go in circles through secondary routes that aren't on the physical maps. Do we confirm the route?" asked a soldier.

"Just follow the system's map. It is the safest route to avoid long-range detection. Don't question the direction—just drive," said Ethan.

The flight continued for six hours in a tense silence. While the ground convoy snaked through forgotten paths, the helicopters soared above the clouds, drawing closer to the border where the ice and the secrets of Parthenon awaited them.

6 hours later the helicopter began its descent, revealing a town submerged under an eternal blanket of white snow. Being so far north, the landscape was a desert of ice where wooden structures creaked under the weight of the extreme cold.

"Where are we dropping, Boss? I don't see any formal landing strips out here," said Jason, adjusting the controls to compensate for the sudden gusts of polar wind.

[You must descend directly onto the town. Present yourselves as high-profile tourists heading toward Greenland. This port serves as a legal tourist departure point to the north; that is its official facade,] said Crul.

Only Ethan could hear the voice of the system echoing in his mind. He turned to Jason with a calm expression.

"You heard the plan, Jason. Tell the others; all five helicopters are to descend the same way. We're going to play the part of wealthy civilians for a moment," said Ethan.

Ethan activated the general intercom. "Attention all aerial units, begin direct approach to the town. Maintain calm and follow the tourist facade protocol. Land with style," ordered Ethan.

As the aircraft tilted for the landing, Ethan watched the frost forming on the reinforced glass. "Will the cold affect the engine performance?" asked Ethan.

"Not at all. These helicopters are top-of-the-line, designed specifically for arctic climates. The ground vehicles were also modified with independent engine heating systems; we won't have any mechanical issues," said Jason confidently.

The five helicopters descended heavily on the outskirts of the town, kicking up massive clouds of powdered snow and immediately drawing the suspicious glares of the locals. Ethan stepped out of the cabin, observing the small fisherman huts and the frozen docks.

"I was expecting a major military center or a fortress, not a fishing village lost on the map," said Ethan to the system.

[This is the rendezvous point, Master. The data indicates that all logistic routes converge here for the final embarkation. However, there is no fixed origin; I have tracked nearly 5,000 different routes across the United States. The primary pickup points are prisons, orphanages, and asylums,] said Crul.

Ethan rubbed his chin, stopping in the middle of the snow. "Prisons, orphanages... what you're describing sounds like human trafficking on a massive scale," said Ethan.

[Based on the gathered information, it is 99% certain that this involves human trafficking. However, the ultimate purpose remains a mystery; the age range of the 'passengers' is too broad for a single objective,] responded Crul.

The Royal soldiers stepped down from the helicopters, and the environment hit them instantly. Many began to shiver visibly; despite being prepared with high-tech thermal gear, gloves, and goggles, the cold was brutal, like knives piercing through the fabric.

However, Ethan stood perfectly still, feeling strangely warm. He even began to feel that the heavy thermal suit was becoming a nuisance.

"Crul, why don't I feel the cold like the others?" asked Ethan.

[Your modified body possesses advanced homeostasis and extreme thermal resistance. Sub-zero temperatures do not affect your biological functions or your physical comfort,] explained Crul.

Ethan let out a small, smug smirk. "I see. I didn't know that resistance, besides making me last longer in bed, also had this practical use in the field," said Ethan.

He walked toward the center of the town, his figure standing out amongst his men who were struggling against the wind. He looked like the only being who truly belonged in that frozen wasteland.

Author's Note: What do you guys think about an arctic adventure that will freeze them to the bone?

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