Chapter 64: Infiltration: KMS Eastern Division

The KMS Eastern Division... So, how do we get in? After what happened on the Gulfagin, I don't think the direct approach is going to do much good.

So, now you're plotting to infiltrate the Eastern branch of KMS, of all things, huh? If your nerves are that strong, then I can't help but admire you... And if you're just that stupid, I can't help but shake my head...

LeA-BAK!

Did you follow us here?

That's right. I'm concerned about the way your actions lately have been causing ripples in spacetime. The Gulfagin wasn't your original destination, was it? What's started happening in this time axis?

If you want to know, ask Delamair. It seems like he's got his own ulterior motives. We're just here to take back something he stole from us.

Hmph. Very well... In that case, I'll lend you a hand, just this once. I'll tell you the infiltration method I'd recommend.

The KMS Eastern Division building was specially constructed. You might as well call it a high-tech version of a ninja mansion. A frontal assault would be useless. The best plan would be to split into two groups and break in simultaneously.

Split into two groups and break in?

Are you sure this isn't some kind of trap, LeA-BAK?

Why would someone who could destroy you at any moment need a clever trap? Hmph! Even your jokes are slipping. Shouldn't you go in for system maintenance soon, Galliard?

Very well. We shall take you at your word, this time. Now, where are the infiltration points you spoke of?

Right. Come with me, all of you.

One of them is here, on the left side. If you rush in at full speed, you should be able to break into the building.

The other is here, if you charge in quickly on the right side. However, you'll need to be agile and careful to avoid being shot down by their automatic defense lasers.

If you take a direct hit from one of the lasers, you'll be vaporized without a trace.

I guess that's the best strategy we've got. We have to get the Book of the Time Dream back, no matter what!

Right. So, let's split into two groups for now, my team and Amy's team.

Gotcha. If I stay calm and power through, I think I can do this...

Well, what are you all waiting for? Go and show those fools in the Eastern branch a thing or two!

What's up with this room?

It seems to be some kind of training ground.

Huh?! Something's coming!

What is that?!

Intruders detected! Activating forcible removal execution mode!

Lethal force warning! To die is human! To destroy is divine! If you die here! There will be no-one to gather up your bones!

Another KMS war machine, huh? You think we'll let you take us out now? No matter what happens, we're going to hunt Delamair down! Let's do this, everybody!

All right! We did it...

Whoa! What the...?!

This hall has been completely locked down. Don't even think about trying to simply smash your way out. It was constructed to be especially strong, for use in training sessions, you see.

Delamair?!

Show yourself, Delamair! I owe you for what you did to my father!

You stupid little girl. You're all like a bunch of summer insects, fluttering straight into the fire.

What?! What do you mean?!

Urgh! Wh-What's happening?!

Ow! My head...!

System...malfunction...immi...nent!

A-Aldo!

N-No!

This entire hall is being irradiated with powerful hyper-electromagnetic waves. We use them to test special battle suits... But it's very risky to expose unprotected flesh to them. Your blood might boil, or your flesh might burst open...

What?! Y-You monster! Urgh...

S-Such cowardice!

Oh, there's no need to worry. I'll be sure to send in a cleanup crew right away, as soon as the timer goes 'ding'.

You won't get away with this, Delamair!

Farewell, my friends! Do me a favor... And rest in peace!

It's no use! At this rate, we'll...

F-Father...

Nnngh...

Urgh...

S-Synth Hydra?!

Is everyone all right?

It looks like you managed to save us... Thank you, Synth Hydra!

Now that's what I call perfect timing! I didn't know what would happen to us...

Thank you so much!

You are truly a ship to beat all ships! Bravo!

But...what are you doing here, anyway, Hydra?

Well...there is a special signal transmitter implanted in your body.

Huh?

I suspected something like this might happen, so I took care of it a while back, while you were sleeping at an inn. As long as you have it, I can track you wherever you are, in any era.

Wh-Whoa, wait a second! What?! When did you even have time to do that?!

Anyway, you can't just go around implanting things in people's bodies without their consent! What if you messed it up, huh?

Don't worry. There shouldn't be any serious side effects, and I made sure to turn off the self-destruct function... I think. I assessed the situation from the noise the microphone was picking up just now, and judged it was serious enough to step in. If I hadn't, you would all be microwaved to a crisp and meeting your maker by now, wouldn't you?

W-Well, yes, I suppose you're right, but...

Oh, let it go, won't you, Aldo? We owe our lives to his subterfuge.

Nnngh...I don't know, I still feel like he should have asked first...

Hey, look over there. There's a big hole in the inner wall where the Synth Hydra burst in. We could keep going if we go through it!

All right. Well, anyway, let's keep going! Don't go anywhere, Delamair! We're going to pay you back for this in spades!

I will withdraw for now, and stand by aloft. Try not to make another such blunder any time soon.

Sure... Thanks, Synth Hydra.