"What is that?" Beads of perspiration trickled down Hideaki Xiu Ming's visage.
Akin to a nascent sun, the illumination bathed the obsidian beasts, not with blinding intensity, but with gentle luminescence...
"Clear the way!" 36 vociferated. 13 and 24 executed lateral sidesteps. 36 swiftly launched the sub-ion projectile. The incandescent white orb traversed a linear trajectory, perforating all objects in its path, including the Titan chest armor of the beasts. Diverging from mecha ion cannons, the sub-ion cannon boasted formidable endurance. Ion cannons function as contact-detonation armaments, whereas sub-ion cannons inflict sustained damage.
It traversed the entire line of beasts before dissipating quiescently, as if it had never manifested in this realm.
"Is this the sub-ion cannon?!" 13 marveled at its potency; this single strike felled no fewer than two hundred monsters.
"Impressive, wouldn't you concur?" 36, now enervated, slumped to the ground. "It rivals the mecha's ion cannon. Its sole drawback is the expenditure of physical stamina. A minimum interval of thirty minutes is requisite before the subsequent discharge."
"Naturally. Ion accumulation disrupts the body's metabolism, leading to the depletion of trace substances. Recovery within thirty minutes is achievable only for robust combatants like ourselves. An ordinary individual would remain immobilized, unable to lift a digit, for an entire day." 13 possessed intimate knowledge regarding ion weaponry.
"Approximately one thousand six hundred units remain. Four hundred units per individual. Eliminate them, and our task concludes!" 1 commanded.
36 rose from the ground, rejoining the fray...
"China possesses ion weaponry comparable to M Country's?!" Hideaki Xiu Ming stared incredulously at the large display. This development was entirely unforeseen by Japan...
Amidst Hideaki Xiu Ming's bewilderment, a telephonic communication arrived—originating from Japan.
"Withdraw?!" Hideaki Xiu Ming bellowed into the receiver.
"Correct, withdraw. The battle's outcome is evident; their annihilation is no longer feasible. There is no necessity to squander further beast armaments." The caller was none other than Aota Long Yi; the control room's intelligence was synchronously linked to Japan. Although nominal control had been ceded to Hideaki Xiu Ming, Long Yi, in actuality, maintained oversight through alternative means. Hideaki Xiu Ming had long recognized this, constituting one reason for his profound aversion towards Long Yi.
"Even possessing ion weaponry, you observed its inability to sustain continuous fire. We are fully capable of eliminating him. Even if the remaining beasts prove insufficient, we possess an additional four thousand units. They can provide reinforcement before being entirely eradicated. He will still perish," Hideaki Xiu Ming argued analytically.
"Cease this puerile behavior." Long Yi's frigid words jolted Hideaki Xiu Ming like an alarm. "You merely refuse to concede your failure. Humans err. Everyone miscalculates occasionally. I have experienced such instances myself. Only the strong can transcend their failures. Consider this: even if we deploy all beasts to eliminate Special Operations Team 7, how shall we sustain our forces in Korea? Although Japan's daily production can reach one thousand beast units, that presupposes sufficient electronic systems and saturated Titan metal reserves. The eight thousand units provided represent Japan's annual stockpile. I do not wish to witness Japan's laboriously manufactured weaponry squandered for the sake of four human lives."
"Failure to eliminate him now guarantees the utter collapse of Japan's campaign in Korea. With Zhen Xian deceased, the 'Snake' system's whereabouts are lost. 13 continues his activities in Korea. Numerous commanders will persistently face assassination. The ultimate consequence will be Japan's forced retreat to the homeland, abandoning the Korean theater. All combat efforts will have been futile." Hideaki Xiu Ming finally regained his composure.
"It matters not; the situation is less dire than you perceive. Zhen Xian is not deceased. Prior to the beast legion's assault on 13, they were encountered within the sewer system. I have deployed tracking apparatus. They are currently returning to 13's combat zone. Your sole task is observation," Long Yi stated placidly.
Hideaki Xiu Ming pondered briefly before comprehending Long Yi's implication. "Tracking to locate 'Snake'?!"
"Precisely. In the current circumstances, apprehending Song Zhen Xian would yield no results. It is more advantageous to trail her; the 'Snake's' location will eventually be discovered. That will be the opportune moment to eliminate 13," Long Yi revealed his stratagem.
"However, you must acknowledge: if we cannot eliminate him now, there is no certainty we can do so then," Hideaki Xiu Ming identified the flaw in Long Yi's plan.
"Incorrect," Long Yi countered. "He will assuredly perish then. 'Yamata no Orochi' has already been loaded onto transport vessels. It should arrive in Korea within approximately three days."
A pause ensued...
"Do not presume my plan's failure equates to your victory. My strategy was not flawed; the execution below was imperfect," Hideaki Xiu Ming asserted, uncharacteristically concerned with saving face.
"Indeed, indeed, indeed," Long Yi smiled, akin to placating a petulant child. "Your Excellency's plans have always been meticulously rigorous. We harbor no doubts regarding your capabilities."
"If there is nothing further, I shall terminate the call." Although disliking Long Yi's tone, Hideaki Xiu Ming appreciated the commendation.
"One additional matter," Long Yi's voice held a peculiar excitement. "Remember to attend to your well-being. Do not undertake everything yourself; Miyamoto can often alleviate your burden."
"I am aware. Thank you for the reminder." Hideaki Xiu Ming terminated the call curtly, yet his heart trembled.
"Is Your Excellency quite well?" Miyamoto detected the abnormality; Hideaki Xiu Ming's eyes were moist.
"It is nothing. Order the beast units to regroup. Disregard the special operations personnel. Impose a comprehensive curfew on Seoul. Prohibit civilian movement until the street debris is cleared. Suppress all news of 13's arrival in Korea. Simultaneously, order all Japanese forces in Korea to maintain full alert. Prepare for imminent large-scale conflict." Imperceptibly wiping away a tear, Hideaki Xiu Ming resumed the dignified mien of a military commander.
"Affirmative!" The intelligence officer and Miyamoto responded in unison.
Instantly, the situation reverted to his control; the narrative continued to unfold according to his expectations. He merely hoped no further unforeseen variables would arise today.
Suddenly noticing the beast legion's rapid withdrawal, the quartet, still calculating the time required for their annihilation, found themselves abruptly unoccupied. Gazing upon the tranquil battlefield, the preceding events felt increasingly dreamlike. Only the scattered shell casings and their own labored breathing attested to the reality of what had transpired.
"Do you suppose they were intimidated?" 36 inquired dubiously.
"I cannot be certain, but we are safe regardless. Anything is preferable to pulling a trigger. My fingers are still cramping," 1 slumped onto the ground.
"Thirty minutes, and I expended one hundred magazines. That likely sets a record," 24 smiled, also seating herself on the ground.
13 remained silent, merely walking towards the armored vehicle.
Each step faltered; exhaustion nearly felled him. The 100% state had deactivated. The hyperactive cells subsided, resulting in fatigue assaulting him exponentially. Yet, 13 could not collapse. He simply desired to draw nearer to her.
Removing the black helmet, pulling down the fabric obscuring his face, breathing became easier. He could feel the wind upon his skin—a wind laden with the scent of blood. It evoked not nausea, but profound sorrow. Slaughter possessed no inherent meaning.
Her voice, her smile—never to be perceived again. No longer could she cover him with a blanket at night. His fingers could not wipe away her tears; his arm could not support her embrace. An abundance of 'cannots', solely because she was deceased.
Standing before the armored vehicle, his body trembled slightly, tears falling silently as he sobbed like a child.
"He seems rather peculiar," 36 murmured, observing 13's back.
"During these days in Korea, he must have endured considerable hardship," 1 sighed.
"If only I could be the one to elicit 13's tears. I would willingly exchange my life for a single tear from him," 24's body trembled as well.
"Are all women this perverse?" 36 queried 1. 1 swiftly moved away.
24 reversed her grip, aiming Gale Wind at 36, chambering a round.
"I acknowledge my error, forgive me!" 36's mouth twitched.
A nearby beast carcass suddenly shifted. 13 lacked the strength to react. However, 1, 24, and 36 instantly adopted defensive postures, weapons raised and aimed.
"Boom!" The beast was forcefully overturned; the manhole cover beneath it launched skyward. A slender female leg emerged into view.
A girl attired as a maid climbed out.
Cold sweat beaded on 36's brow. "Did you witness that? That woman possesses monstrous strength."
24 and 1 cast disdainful glances at 36. "You yourself are no different from a monster."
"Bao Zhu?!" 13 recognized the maid.
"Contain your excitement; a greater surprise awaits." Saying thus, she pulled a familiar figure from the manhole. The white dress was stained with sewage. Prolonged jostling seemed to have rendered her complexion pallid. Her hair was somewhat disheveled. Her smile appeared awkward.
The scene fell utterly silent; the sound of raindrops striking the ground was remarkably distinct. Rain traced swift paths down her face.
"I... I apologize for causing you concern," Zhen Xian offered a peculiar apology.
13 calmly approached Zhen Xian.
"Also, regarding my words in the vehicle yesterday, I deceived you. I am truly sorry," Zhen Xian continued her apologies.
13 continued walking.
"The bullet you gifted me... was shattered during the escape. Truly, genuinely sorry." Beyond apologies, Zhen Xian could conjure no other words.
In truth, superfluous words were unnecessary; this moment demanded only quiet elation.
13 forcefully embraced Zhen Xian, holding her with immense tightness, as if the world itself could not separate them. Even in death, they would remain together.
"As long as you are unharmed," 13 whispered softly near Zhen Xian's ear. "Please, do not leave again, alright?"
"Mmm... Mmm," Zhen Xian nodded with all her might, tears cascading uncontrollably.
"24, observe," 36 habitually began a sarcastic remark, but 1 clamped a hand over his mouth. Only then did 36 notice 24's expression—a desolation beyond measure, a sorrow beyond compare.
Something shattered in that instant.
Slowly, she walked towards 13. Her legs trembled slightly, feeling faint. Standing beside 13, Bao Zhu and the others scrutinized this woman clad identically to 13.
"May... May I interrupt?" 24's voice sounded strained.
"What is it?" 13 quickly released Zhen Xian, realizing his impropriety, feeling embarrassed. That expression was akin to rubbing salt into 24's wounds.
"The battle has concluded; we must depart immediately. Otherwise, should new reinforcements arrive, our situation remains perilous," 24 analyzed calmly, merely wishing to avoid witnessing the preceding scene.
"However, our destination remains undecided," 1 also approached.
"Who possesses the greatest familiarity with this area? Indicate a route," 36 addressed Bao Zhu exclusively, his gaze filled with curiosity, mirroring 13's initial impression upon seeing Bao Zhu. A master!
"Utilizing the sewer system, we can exit the city safely," Madman proposed with a smile.
"An excellent suggestion," 1 immediately concurred.
"Correct! The guerrillas—I wonder about their status?" Zhen Xian recalled Zheng Xuan.
"Then let us ascertain their situation first," 13 stated naturally.
"Impermissible!" 24 objected sternly, her tone overly agitated. "That is excessively hazardous."
1 patted 24's shoulder, attempting to calm her.
"Very well. Depart the city first. Once I locate them, I shall rendezvous with you," 13 proposed a compromise, albeit a dangerous one.
24 wished to object but found herself speechless.
"Unnecessary. Remaining together enhances our safety. I doubt those monsters will return. As long as the adversaries are human, they pose no significant threat to us," 1 stated calmly. 24 cast a grateful look at 1—a silent thank you. 24's objection stemmed solely from Zhen Xian's proposal. Yet, a single sentence from 13 necessitated departure—the very scenario 24 dreaded most at this moment.
Unbeknownst to them, nearby, a mechanical fly observed everything.