Ch 117 (Volume 10)

The departure from the outpost occurred the day after the meeting with Syuen and the establishment of cooperation for mutual benefit.

It was a return to the northern region after a long time. Moore's attire was suited for cold climates, much like it had been before.

"Commander, we've just received map data from Unlimited."

"From Ludmila, I presume... Ah, no, more accurately, from Alice."

In the elevator, as they ascended towards the surface, a peculiar sensation of floating bothered them. Meanwhile, beside Moore, Rapi showed her the LCD screen of her own mobile device.

The information handed over earlier, more than two months old from Ludmila during their previous mission in the northern region, was indeed outdated. It was expected that they would have additional information, and fortunately, it seemed to be the case.

The Unlimited squad had apparently identified points with a high probability of encounters and uploaded information. On the map sent to Rapi's mobile device, a white dot blinked at a specific location in the northern region.

"It seems we can't rest easy with them around."

"But there's a problem. The so-called 'Mage's Zone'—the magic zone. Even in the northern region with low concentrations of Evra particles, the average has reached 100%."

"Oh... so we won't be able to communicate even at short distances."

"And there's likely to be a snowstorm. Radio communication won't be of much use either."

In the event that they were immobilized, even if they signaled for rescue after significant injuries or damage, it would be nearly impossible to receive that signal.

Those who willingly ventured into such a place were either extremely reckless, mad, or had no other choice. In any case, it was an area that should be avoided if common sense prevailed.

"Let's make sure not to get stranded."

"That's right. Not just for us, but the Commander as well, things could turn tragic."

"Yes. By the way... who could it be?"

"About the support squad?"

Neon, as if suddenly remembering, inquired about the mysterious support squad that had yet to reveal itself.

He still hadn't been told the squad's name by Syuen. Messages had indicated that arrangements were being made for a meeting on the surface, but it was about time the identity was disclosed.

"Metis... they just woke up recently, so I suppose they won't be going outside anytime soon, right?"

"Yes, that's what I think. Syuen will probably keep Metis focused on the media for a while."

Anis and Rapi discussed this alternately. So, which squad could it be? M.M.R.? Or perhaps the Wordless Squad they had collaborated with before?

"If it's a mission to find something... scouting would be suitable."

"Those girls aren't affiliated with Missilis, but if Syuen pleads with Ingrid, the president might forgive them, don't you think?"

"Anis, that's an amusing joke. It's impossible, I think."

"Yeah~"

"...Scouting? Are they part of Elysion?"

It seemed that they had some knowledge of the scouting team, but unfortunately, Moore shook his head because he lacked that experience. From the sound and meaning of the name, it seemed to be a unit specialized in reconnaissance missions.

"Yes. Oh, did Master not know?"

"...Sorry, but unfortunately..."

"Maybe, but Commander seems able to get along really well with Delta. ---Commander? What's wrong?"

"Nothing, sorry. It's nothing."

Three vertical wrinkles suddenly appeared on his forehead, and, noticing the Commander holding his head through the helmet, Anis voiced her concern.

It was just a brief headache that had crossed his mind, so he quickly returned to his normal posture.

In the corner of Moore's vision as he began to consider that if they got along so well, he would like to meet Delta, the LCD screen lit up, indicating that they would reach the surface in a few minutes.

Soon, upon reaching the surface, it was time for the final inspection. Moore gave instructions to the others and began the detailed final check of his assault rifle.

Removing the magazine, pulling the charging handle, and squeezing the trigger, Moore confirmed the dry fire with a distinctive click. Convinced that everything was working fine, he slammed the magazine back in.

Pulling the charging handle and loading the first round into the chamber, he forcefully closed the bolt with the palm of the hand in a flowing motion, aided by the bolt-forward assist on his glove.

"Commander, I've been curious for a while... why the assist knob? It's not in the standard manuals."

"...I wonder why? I just feel like I have to do it this way."

Rapi, with a sudden curiosity, asked Moore, who had moved to the front of the soon-to-open door, the same question he had pondered before.

Since their first meeting, Moore had been performing almost the same action when loading ammunition into his assault rifle. However, the sequence of his actions was not documented in any manuals Lapi was familiar with.

It seemed like a habit Moore had developed on his own, but the way he performed it suggested a somewhat forceful and deliberate act.

Nevertheless, as long as it didn't interfere with the operation of the rifle itself, it was a trivial question.

Beside Rapi, who dismissed the question, Moore lifted the sunglasses hanging on his body armor, spread the temples, and slid them into the housing of the headsets behind his ears, securing them.

Now he was ready.

The elevator gradually slowed its ascent. Just as it came to a stop, the closed door in front of them swung open.

Simultaneously, Moore and Rapi, having removed the safety devices, leaped out while holding their assault rifles.

The cold air enveloped their entire bodies, and breaths were visible in the air. Moore and Rapi, as well as Anis and Neon who followed shortly after, carefully scanned their surroundings.

"Clear."

"Roger."

Rapture was not detected in the continuous reconnaissance carried out in all directions by everyone. For now, they felt relieved. However, just as they thought that, echoes of gunfire from a somewhat distant location reached their ears.

"Gunfire?"

"Scouting, perhaps?"

"No, it's different. It's not the sound of Elysion's firearms."

It seemed to be the sound of rapid gunfire from a point not too near or far. Having heard it, they exchanged glances.

Especially Rapi, being sensitive to the sounds of firearms produced by her own company, felt a sense of incongruity with the different gunfire. Her elegant eyebrows furrowed.

"Regardless, it's likely the support squad. Rapi, lead the way."

"Roger."

The elevator had arrived at the outskirts of a snow-covered city. The distant hill beyond the suburban silver shone where the gunfire had been heard. Rapi took the lead, pointing the muzzle of her assault rifle ahead, and Moore and the others followed suit.

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"Uhehe~! This is fun~! It's like heaven~!!"

Following the gunfire, the sound of an explosion reverberated across the snowy field, accompanied by ecstatic voices echoing in madness.

"...Ugh, so nauseating. Why are they so giddy?"

With a metallic grinding sound, a partially damaged Rapture, using its remaining legs, tried to escape, but a slender leg swung down from above. The shotgun barrel was pointed at the blinking core of the trampled Rapture, and the trigger was pulled repeatedly.

The Counter's group, observing this scene from the top of the snow-covered hill, was uncertain how to react.

"...Just checking, but is it the scouting team?"

"No, it's something else."

"That's a relief. I was worried we had such flashy scouts."

As Rapi answered Moore's question, he replied sarcastically and started descending the hill. Following him, the group saw three Nikkes, reveling in destroying a small group of Raptures at the bottom of the hill.

"Squad leader, squad leader! Something's here!"

"As expected from the information..."

"It's here."

Facing the gaze from the three differently colored eyes, Moore, lifting a finger, secured the safety of his assault rifle that had been removed.

Seeing this, the Nikke with wet-feather-colored hair, highlighted in places with a crimson inner color, and vibrant emerald eyes accentuated by eyeshadow, captured Moore's presence.

Step by step, she descended the hill, walking toward him. Eventually, they closed the distance to about a step apart.

"Counter's, huh?"

Moore nodded in response to her question.

"We were told to provide support for you."

"...We appreciate the support. Just to be sure, can we ask for the unit name and your names?"

"We're Exotic. And I am Crow. Isn't it customary to introduce yourself first?"

With hair color resembling that of a crow, short and adorned with piercings around her ears, Crow's gaze was fixed on Moore, either out of discomfort or for some other reason. If there was another reason, she seemed to be scrutinizing him.

Casually pulling out a thin stick from the pocket of her loosely hung jacket, she held it between her small lips. Moore's outstretched hand was presented before her. 

"Do you need fire?"

"It's smokeless tobacco. No need for fire."

"I see."

Whether it was a type of chewing tobacco or a stick-shaped, molded form similar to rolled tobacco, it was unclear. Regardless, once it was mentioned that fire was unnecessary, bringing out the oil lighter seemed pointless.

Dragging a soft pack from the pouch on his body armor, Moore lit the tip of the stick she was holding. Purple smoke wafted as he fulfilled the role of the oil lighter.

"I'm Moore. Nice to meet you."

"Yeah. Nice to meet you, Moore."

Crow, almost half-naked, presented her right hand, which was close to being bare, slightly loosening the lips that gripped the stick while extending her hand.

Seeing this, Moore – who wouldn't usually release his grip on the assault rifle – adjusted the grip with his left hand. Still, he had just been questioned about etiquette. Re-gripping the assault rifle with his left hand, he extended his right hand while the smoking stick remained in his mouth.

The two hands, one large and one small, were shaken and lightly swayed up and down.

The gaze behind Moore's sunglasses remained unreadable. However, Crow, for some reason, gazed up at Moore and slightly parted her lips, revealing a hint of a smile.