Chapter 67: Newcomers, Newcomers, and Newcomers

Riku and Schwi's command of the battle was textbook level. From the initial base setup, the joint exploration with three dogs or soldiers, the construction of bunkers and outposts to intercept the enemy, the rapid tank deployment, to the coordination of infantry and tanks for the first wave of engagement, they executed every move flawlessly.

Riku chose France, aiming for a steady strategy, leveraging his superior understanding of patterns for victory. Schwi, opting for the Soviets, relied on data indicating the Soviets' equipment would overpower the Allies on this small map, especially once the Iron Curtain was deployed, rendering their tanks invincible.

The battle began.

In terms of speed, Riku was slightly inferior. His calculation power and reaction speed couldn't match Schwi's, and his point-to-point command ability was weaker.

However, in Realism Difficulty, soldiers had morale, and their trust in the commander influenced the outcome. Injuries lowered morale, which reduced the soldiers' desire to fight, diminishing their effectiveness.

Riku's strategy involved no solo battles. Each engagement saw tanks, infantry, dogs, and flying vehicles acting together, prioritizing safety and implementation over efficiency.

Sacrifices were avoided unless absolutely necessary.

In contrast, Schwi's data-driven approach meant sending exactly the calculated number of units needed.

She used lightly injured soldiers as cannon fodder and broken tanks as a front line without repairing them.

Initially, Schwi's tactics worked, dismantling Riku's outposts and cannons.

But soon, the tide turned. Despite having more infantry, Schwi's forces suffered heavy losses while Riku's had only minor injuries.

"What's going on? Data...error," Schwi murmured as her economy deteriorated. Riku's base vehicle and several tanks teleported to a safe location through hyperspace, unfolding new cannons, barracks, power plants, and tank factories.

Riku finally spoke as his cannons aimed at Schwi's base, "You don't understand the human heart. When you do, you'll know why there's a 'data error'."

Dozens of tanks surrounded Schwi's base. Riku's artillery array was deployed, and his soldiers, emboldened, prepared to charge. Schwi's soldiers, demoralized, had lost their combat effectiveness.

It was checkmate.

"Schwi, admits defeat. Schwi will be yours from now on. Please treat Schwi gently," Schwi conceded, seeking to understand the 'heart' she couldn't yet comprehend.

At this moment, Riku felt a chill, especially from behind, as he shivered.

"Ms. Schwi, here is the cleaning solution package you ordered."

"Thanks."

Schwi took a large bottle of cleaning fluid and sipped through a straw.

"What's this?" Riku questioned, sensing something amiss.

"Cleaning fluid, the equivalent of coke."

"I thought she didn't have any money?"

"A certain gentleman did say he was going to pay for Schwi."

Riku, puzzled, saw Schwi adorably blink at him, shattering his inner defenses.

"Riku, do it again."

In this internet café, valuable items could be used instead of currency. Schwi's memory bank contained parts from abandoned Ex Machina bodies, which could be dismantled for valuable components.

Schwi had grasped the art of command.

The human heart? She had recorded data from simulated human hearts. Yet, she wondered why humans were so contradictory: cowardly yet brave, resistant yet willing.

Kisara, dissatisfied, returned to the front desk. "Boss, that guy bullied Schwi."

"Bullying? I don't think so."

"How so?"

"Want to bet with me?"

"Bet on what?"

Kisara became interested. The last time she bet with Liu Yuan, she won a month of extra meat dishes and coke.

"Of course, if those two will become together. If I win, you need to bring twenty new customers."

"Hmph, and if you lose?"

"You tell me."

Kisara thought hard and replied, "Then all my coke will be free from now on. Twenty new people are worth the price, right?"

"Not only free, but I'll also buy you dessert every day."

"You're just waiting to lose!"

Kisara couldn't understand the bond between a bitter young man and a robot.

Liu Yuan, however, did. Humans could develop affection for almost anything, even robots.

Schwi looked cute—who could resist that?

As they chatted, Subaru Natsuki shyly approached. Everyone had been bringing guests lately. Seeing others bring cute girls made him envious.

"Boss, can I go out and come back in?"

"Feel free to come and go during opening hours."

"Okay, thanks, boss!"

Natsuki Subaru gathered his courage and ran out. Kisara remarked, "See, that's what it feels like to bring your sweetheart."

"That makes sense, but guess what she looks like?"

"How can I guess?"

"Aren't you a demon? Can't you eat memories and see it?"

"Hey, hey, hey, those are my abilities, and I can't use them here! Why don't you guess?"

"Me?" Liu Yuan thought. "If it's me, it's definitely the silver-haired, red-eyed little loli."

"?"

Kisara revealed a dangerous expression. But before Kisara could react, Natsuki Subaru returned with a silver-haired beauty and a blue-haired maid.

"Looks like I mostly guessed it right," Liu Yuan said, locking eyes with Natsuki Subaru, who nodded, recognizing a kindred spirit.