The troops inside the research lab were stronger than regular security automatons, but since they were more sparsely distributed, the Arius Squad found them hardly a challenging opponent.
Moreover, with Himari having completely blocked external troop support, the only enemies the squad had to face were the reinforcements that entered from the factory towards the research lab.
In such a situation, naturally, the spotlight shone brightest on Azusa’s traps.
Initially, Azusa was controlling the traps’ power to prevent the corridor from collapsing, but thanks to Himari, she confirmed that there was a separate escape route from the research lab to the outside of the factory, and her hesitation disappeared.
The corridor collapses, and the repeated explosions weaken the ground, causing the factory itself to cave in? That was not something the Arius Squad needed to worry about after they had already escaped.
As the entry of the factory’s security forces was delayed, the squad roamed through the research lab like it was their own home, collecting confidential materials. Even the higher-level security robots were somewhat limited by the environment of the lab, making them easy for Azusa and Saori to handle without much burden.
Among the materials collected were studies on standard firearms and tank main gun development, but…
“These Kaiser folks are definitely out of their minds. Biochemical weapons? That’s crossing the line by a long shot.”
[If it were non-lethal biochemical weapons, it would be one thing, but to find such powerful toxic gas that can leave permanent disabilities, it wouldn’t be surprising if Kaiser spiraled into an uncontrollable disaster in just five more years.]
“The fact that they were conducting such research in secret… it wouldn’t be strange to think they were contemplating overthrowing the current regime.”
[Mika-chan has foreseen this much. It’s almost as if she has the insight of an angel from the heavens… or should I say, as a fellow cute girl sharing the same level of vision, I can’t help but feel competitive. Hehe.]
“Of course, Mika-nee knows everything. Naturally, this whole incident is all in her hands.”
In reality, the truth was entirely different, and Himari was not unaware of it. However, she had simply been observing the squad’s reactions every time Mika was complimented because she found it interesting.
But upon hearing Atsuko’s response, Himari couldn’t help but tilt her head in confusion. A serious reaction to a comment made in jest? It seemed there was some backstory behind it that she wasn’t privy to.
At that moment, the spark of curiosity ignited in the mind of the super-genius, sickly-sweet girl.
[Atsuko, was it? So Mika-chan knows everything; I wonder exactly what that means in detail——]
“Stop. We shouldn’t let idle chatter delay our operation. If this situation feels so much like a game to you, then I will proceed with the operation on my own from now on. Given that the materials discovered in this research lab have already fulfilled what Mika desired, I would have no problem declaring the operation terminated and withdrawing from the scene right now. I appreciate your support thus far, but if you plan to hinder the operation further…”
[…Hmph. Understood. I’ll bury my curiosity and solidly support you. I can’t back out now after promising my reward… it seems it’s time to show the sincerity of this super-genius, sweet girl hacker.]
After holding back her explosive spirit, Saori found herself folded by Himari, thus pushing the operation forward.
With Himari now securely in control of the lab’s internal security, she skillfully managed the barriers here and there, preventing the movement of the security forces, while identifying and communicating to the squad the sectors where research was being conducted on the edge of legality.
Finally, as the operation began to proceed smoothly without internal interference, Saori, seemingly pleased with the progress, relaxed the previously tense atmosphere.
With the perfect support, the squad collected all the necessary materials along the optimized route and entered the emergency exit, marking the operation’s success.
“Oh my, this is a bit interesting. I seem to recall that the Defense Office previously had a member caught in a back-pocket scandal but this time it’s about no less than the Defense Office Head involved in a bribery case.”
Himari, wearing a casual smile, didn’t miss the final piece of evidence.
*
While the Arius Squad, aided almost like a Deus Ex Machina by Himari, effortlessly plundered the Kaiser research lab like it was cake, the FOX Squad outside the factory was about to face new obstacles.
The distinctive whirr of helicopter blades echoed from above. Not just one, but multiple helicopters.
“…It can’t be our helicopters. The issue seems to be that we got spotted even before we entered. Their reinforcement speed is excessively fast.”
“Still, it looks like there’s not much capacity for another side to send support. So, the situation is pretty straightforward.”
“Hehe, just as I thought? Let’s just hang in a little longer. When we return to HQ, we’ll have some sushi and take our time to heal.”
Two transport helicopters descended, their searchlights illuminating the FOX squad. The Kaiser PMC insignia emblazoned on the side stood out.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
As they landed, the dark-hued automaton troops descended without the need for ropes, planting themselves heavily in front of the FOX Squad. Reinforcements continued to pour in until a wall of over fifty automatons was established.
“Your wild antics end here, FOX Squad.”
[Hmm, they don’t look like standard PMC soldiers.]
“Those are new models we haven’t seen before, Operator.”
Despite the sudden appearance of fifty troops, neither Yukino nor anyone in the FOX Squad showed any change in expression.
Noticing that the opposing side showed no signs of intimidation, the PMC automaton that seemed to be in command spoke up again.
“We are a newly established special operations unit aiming to catch you foxes. So… we will commence the fox hunt now.”
As the automatons all aimed their weapons at the FOX Squad, they suddenly paused. The distinct clink clink of automaton footsteps could be heard approaching from inside the factory.
“If you came here just to catch our FOX Squad, you should show some regrets. We currently have a rather useful ally on our side.”
[Hah… so we’ve just reached a useful level now? There’s still a long way to go.]
Control of the factory’s systems was still in Chihiro’s hands.
And that meant the factory security troops moved like the hands and feet of the FOX Squad. The number of reinforcements that joined from inside the factory was on par with Kaiser’s special operations unit.
“Hehe. For a hunt, don’t you think the numbers are a bit lacking?”
“Well, even if they weren’t, I wouldn’t have been hunted anyway.”
“Otogi, after watching your shooting skills today, you’ve kind of earned the right to be hunted. You wasted more than half your magazine, you know?”
“How great a performance do you expect when you throw a submachine gun to a sniper? No matter how cute a sniper is, an unsuitable weapon is just that, Kurumi.”
“Excuses, excuses.”
“Otogi-chan, Kurumi-chan. Still, fighting in front of the enemy is…”
“Enough. FOX 3, to your positions. We’ve secured our mission objective, so all that’s left is a swift retreat.”
“Got it, Squad Leader. Let’s hurry back for sushi.”
Hearing Yukino’s command, Kurumi pouted a little and directed her shield forward.
“But just to confirm, we’ll turn every single tin can here into scrap metal before retreating, right? The operation is literally called Can Opening.”
Boom!
The flash that erupted from her shield marked the reversal of positions between hunter and hunted.
The hunters found themselves on the brink of being devoured. And that morning, upon confirming the simultaneous catastrophes that broke out at Kaiser Corporation, the Kaiser President collapsed with a splat.
