The True Identity of the Enemy’s Elite Unit part 2
The observation unit Eagle Eye, positioned high above, transmitted visuals of the enemy forces.
「This… this can’t be—」
Robin was rendered speechless, and Kou let out a quiet sigh.
「So, it’s come to this.」
The full extent of the enemy forces was finally revealed.
One after another, enemy aerial Silhouette units launched into the sky. Many of their numbers had sunk to the ocean floor, but those Antique Silhouettes capable of operating—such as the Angels and Archangels—had been restored to active duty.
However, equipping every one of the tens of thousands of mercenary pilots with an Antique Silhouette was impossible. Thus, the Mercenary Association’s Headquarters had instead distributed cutting-edge machines to their elite units—the Underground Forces directly under their command.
The reactions of the different factions were varied.
Hermes doubled over, laughing uncontrollably. Vasa frowned deeply, and Albert shook his head, overwhelmed with despair.
「This is… unbelievable…」
Kelly instinctively covered his face with his hands.
「Enemy Silhouettes detected…」
Aki let out a pained cry.
「Pheasants, Peregrines, and Falke form the core… there are Vulgars as well…」
「High-end units… but of the previous generation, nya.」
Indeed, the Mercenary Association had amassed a fleet of cutting-edge machines. However, these were top-tier models from before Kou had initiated the release of advanced technology.
「Back then, these were considered state-of-the-art.」
Kelly murmured wistfully. The Pheasant, for instance, was a rare Silhouette designed for skilled aces, equipped with limited but impressive flight capabilities.
「True. The Peregrine boasted the highest flight performance of its time. But now? Comparing it to today’s machines is like comparing a hang glider to a modern aircraft—it’s a futile exercise.」
Kinukawa also sighed, remembering the frustration of not being able to create better fighters back then. The Peregrine had achieved flight capability, but its overall performance was far from remarkable. The rapid pace of technological advancement over the past year had rendered these models completely obsolete.
「Against the Murders, radar cross-section (RCS) or stealth wouldn’t have mattered much. But for us? Our aerial forces are mainly fighter jets! How could they not realize how reckless this is?」
Kelly exclaimed, his frustration mounting.
The disparity in capabilities between their forces and the enemy was staggering. In truth, under normal circumstances, a battle like this wouldn’t have even occurred. The overwhelming gap in technological sophistication made the situation almost absurd.
「They sure worked hard to stockpile those, didn’t they? Top-of-the-line machines from over a year ago. They were so busy hoarding them that they didn’t even notice how much their value had plummeted,」
Robin remarked with biting irony. The sight was almost pitiable. Skunk Technologies’ advanced units had once been produced not only by their own factories but also by John Arms and General Defense.
「They pulled out of the Asian War far too early, and they underestimated the technological capabilities of the corporations. Sure, the delayed pace of technology dissemination played a part, but still…」
George added with a resigned sigh.
It had been over thirty years since the Transferees had established corporations. The release of advanced technology had occurred in three major stages—all of which were completed in less than a year.
「Weren’t the battles of the Asian War broadcast globally? How could they have so little information about it?」
「They probably weren’t interested. To them, the current state of the Scheelite Continent was someone else’s problem—a fire on the far shore, so to speak. A distant world’s conflict. But when the Asia War ended, and they saw how quickly we recovered here, they finally took notice.」
「So, we weren’t even considered a potential adversary? We weren’t worth their attention?」
「Exactly. If we’d been a hypothetical enemy, they would have at least collected intelligence. But why would they painstakingly analyze a distant foreign war that didn’t involve them? Their neglect of both us and the Stones proves they didn’t even see us as a potential threat.」
「And once the Asia War ended, they finally started scrutinizing the situation here. After evaluating the aftermath, they realized that every continent, including the Sphene Continent, was embroiled in war. Only when they began searching for a new base to relocate, they finally turned their attention to our domain—the Silhouette Base and everything we had built around them.」
「Ridiculous.」
Barry muttered, his voice tense with frustration, while Robert ground his teeth in anger.
「Even if they attempt to fight… the operational flight time of those outdated Silhouettes likely doesn’t even reach ten minutes.」
「Flying Silhouettes without transformation capabilities are just sitting ducks for fighter jets… The difference in speed and maneuverability is overwhelming, nya.」
Aki and Nyanta even started to feel pity for the enemy pilots.
The turning point was the liberation of the Asia held captive in the X463 Fortress Area. Asia had released a wealth of core technologies, including the manufacturing of metallic hydrogen, which Kou promptly commercialized, triggering a rapid wave of technological advancement in previously restricted areas.
Next came the liberation of the Asia held captive in the F811 Fortress Area, which introduced advanced control systems. These systems enabled the development of advanced models like the Lanius-C Assault Flight Model and the transformable units.
Finally, the R001 Fortress Area was liberated—a facility housing the orbital elevator and the site where the main core of Asia was sealed. Her full liberation released innovations in new materials and miniaturization of existing technologies, dramatically advancing production potential.
However, even with these advancements, mass production of the latest models wasn’t immediate. The absence of large-scale wars also meant there was little demand for such machines. The intervening period became a time for corporations to focus on research and development.
「The fear of falling behind in the information war, huh…」
Blue murmured.
Had the Mercenary Association acquired and analyzed weapon data from both sides of the Asia War, the gap between their capabilities wouldn’t have been this severe. Their ignorance of the technological leaps made in those months had left them woefully unprepared.
「They might not have trusted the information, even if they had it.」
「They probably couldn’t imagine weapons evolving this drastically in just a few months. That’s why they demanded the handover of the Lanius and the Dragon Slayer. They simply wanted to understand their capabilities.」
「That’s possible.」
Aimer agreed with Kou’s speculation with a nod.
「Even so, there’s no need to pity them. We press the advantage.」
Fixing his gaze on the screen, Kou assumed his role as Outis and issued a directive to the entire force.
「Don’t let your guard down. Even if they’re outdated, the firepower of their missiles and cannons remains just as lethal. All units, engage as soon as you’re within combat range.」
Though the enemy machines were outdated, their weaponry was still capable of dealing significant damage. Under his command, the troops steeled themselves for the confrontation ahead.
◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆
The comm channel buzzed with an incoming transmission from Barry—the leader of the defensive squad—stationed aboard the Cimon-class.
「Kou. When did you first realize the treaty didn’t affect the Mercenary Association?」
The discussion turned to the deployment of the Star. Barry recalled the clear answer given by Dike to his earlier inquiry: ‘We have neither a peace treaty nor any agreement with them.’
In other words, the Hanged Man had been available for use at any time.
「From the very start. I’ve been considering it ever since the skirmish with the reconnaissance forces ended. After all, I was the one who initiated peace talks with the Argoforce.」
「That makes sense.」
Barry replied, though inwardly he couldn’t hide his amazement. Kou had been harboring a frighteningly intense resolve all along.
「I thought about what kind of rules might apply when dealing with them. It didn’t take long to realize there were none—anything goes. I confirmed with Okeanos before the battle, and since he gave the green light, I used it. Headquarters didn’t raise any objections either.」
「Reliable as ever. All right, I’ll continue focusing on defense.」
「I’m counting on you.」
「Hey, Kou. Should we issue a surrender demand?」
「There’s no need. It’s been less than twenty minutes since the battle started.」
Kou lowered his head slightly, resting his chin on his hand as he pondered the situation.
「So far, everything’s within expectations. Things are going almost too smoothly. Their movements are slow. It’s too early for us to make a decisive move.」
Aimer found herself struck by an odd realization. Kou, at this moment, exuded an undeniable charm—intelligent, decisive, and fully in control of the situation. It was… attractive. And judging by the glances exchanged among the women present, she wasn’t the only one who thought so.
「Aimer, let’s switch seats.」
「No, Kou.」
「Hm?」
「You belong in the command seat. Stay there—it suits you perfectly. And I’m not just saying that to flatter you.」
「Oh… is that so?」
Kou muttered, looking around. The surrounding women nodded vigorously, clearly in agreement.
「I’ll make sure to support you properly.」
「Alright, then」
Kou said, adjusting his posture and settling back into the command seat.
The women around him knew it too. Just by being there, Kou provided them with a sense of confidence and reassurance.
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