92. Bipolar Combat

...Uh, I probably understand your plan. But I just heard you guys are gonna save people on the execution site.

It's just ridiculous! I must have misheard.

No, you did not.

Ah, don't you understand what the word secession in General's order means? Well, we cannot blame those who don't know.

I'll take this opportunity to explain the meaning of this word to you...

I said I know the consequences of my choices! But no matter what it is, we still want to save Snezhana...

Wow! How touching! Hooray! Did you think I would say that? A trooper who disobeys the orders of their superiors is a disgrace to the military.

I've made up my mind! You're fired! All of you! I've tried my best. I don't care if you die or live then.

Just find yourselves a place and have fun there.

Eh... what!?

I don't care where you guys go or what you do anymore! I'll take care of myself, and you guys can do whatever you want! Goodbye!

She... she hung up... I didn't expect her to fire us out of the blue...

I think what she meant is: I'll pull strings for you, so just give it your best.

Although she will probably take us to task when we get back... No, it's more than that. Maybe she'll yell at us. However, she won't fire you.

There is nothing to worry about... maybe. Of course, provided that Lieutenant Fenriru can pull the strings for us.

Why is your voice getting lower and lower? What will happen if she fails?

Then the Lieutenant will get fired along with us, right?... And then a job isn't the only thing we'll lose.

Hahaha... This is a bad joke!

Forget it. Anyway, things have come to this point, and there is no way to turn back... Yanling.

I am here. I can assume that you guys have got the permission to participate in the rescue, right? So, let's discuss the details now.

So, how can we infiltrate the execution site?

Ah, I've already done the research. Here is the map. The route and hidden passages are already marked.

Wow, they're marked in great detail! When did you...

Well, we're the radicals and the enemies of the government, right? We should live up to our name. Just be rest assured to leave this kind of task to us.

Don't just sit there and look surprised. Hurry up and come memorize this map! If we want to sneak into the site, this is the only way forward, right? It is said that it was originally an emergency evacuation channel prepared for the government dignitaries.

In case of the worst scenario, this passage would enable the dignitaries to escape safely from Eastrise. So it goes straight from outside of the city to the inner Forbidden City.

We have already confirmed the availability of this passage. It seems that our enemy is not aware of the existence of the passage and has not blocked it.

Really? It's so convenient...

Ah, wait. In that case, previously, when we sneaked into the Archive, we could also go this way, right?

Yes. But this secret passage is our trump card. If the enemy finds it, it will be blocked. I was going to use it at the last moment when I prepare to attack Raeon.

Is it really okay to put this secret passage of paramount importance into use in this operation? Our enemies will definitely find it out afterwards.

It's okay! Nothing is more important than the lives of our partners!

We'll sneak in quickly from here on that day. Then we will put smoke bombs to block the view, and get everyone out with the cover of the smoke.

Oh, it seems that the rescue plan has been finalized. I'd like to offer my proposal and can I get your attention?

Proposal?

Yes. How about taking the Dragon Orchid away while we save them?

What a bold proposal, taking away the Dragon Orchid!

I know that Watchtower is slightly understaffed to carry out this plan now. However, just because of this, there is no better time than now to infiltrate the Archive.

What did you mean?

Raeon will inevitably deploy much of its forces on the execution site. Thus, the forces in other places will be weakened.

The places where the Dragon Orchid is hidden within Forbidden City will be so too.

I see. The right time means that when the security forces of the Dragon Orchid are weakened, right?

That's right. That's why we can't let this opportunity slip away.

...So that's it. Pan Pan once said that the Dragon Orchid Institute is also in the Archive, right?

And there is a possibility that the enemy will fall into chaos by dividing its forces into two parts. Hmm, I also think we can give it a try. Awakener, Sova, what do you think? Any other opinions?

I agree with you.

Well, I also think so... Can the group that infiltrates the Archive not delve too deeply?

After all, we have limited manpower, or there is a risk of injury.

I agree! Then the next step is to decide the members involved.

How about everyone here except for Chiraha?

...! Wait for a second, Yanling. I must participate this time no matter what happens. I can't always ask others to risk their lives for me.

No way, Chiraha. You are the heart and symbol of Watchtower.

Because of you, we are gathered here and have the courage to rebel against the tyranny of Raeon.

This time, it is very dangerous. It is possible that we may all die. But as long as you are still alive, the fire of Watchtower will not extinguish.

Therefore, you should not participate in this operation, got it?

Got it. However, if there are any unexpected events, I can also...

Okay, it's done. Then everyone, let's get ready. Chiraha, just support us at our headquarters.

...

(I can understand it, Yanling.)

(But... would anyone actually want to follow a leader who never took the lead...?)

Pan Pan... the scientist did say that the Dragon Orchid Institute is located at the Archive of the Forbidden City. But the credibility of her words remains to be a question.

Well, from last time we investigated, there was a room that's kept closed, right? It looks very suspicious.

Even if that room is the Dragon Orchid Institute, how can we get in? No matter how they reduce the forces, they would not help us to unlock it.

Well, how about breaking in at the moment when the researcher or trooper opens the door?

Anyway, after that, Awakener is going to make a big scene at the execution site. So that's okay even if we kick up a rumpus here, right?

It's ridiculous...

No abnormalities found. Next, the storeroom.

Speak of the devil and he will appear. Good, let's go.

Well uh!

All right. We can get in. Just like what I said, right?

I finally figured it out. Your nickname is Goddess of the Battlefield and Barrier of Eastrise and so on, while you present yourself as a strategist. However, it's nothing but coincidence, right?

Well, I would appreciate it if you could describe me as resourceful.

Okay, this is where the Dragon Orchid is located, right? I can't find anything that looks like the Dragon Orchid at all.

Look, it's quite spacious here. Let's look for it separately.

Hey, I can't find it at all!

Stara, Yanling! Did you guys find anything?

Not at all! I did find some research materials and a tester but I don't know what it is for!

Me too. No sign of the Dragon Orchid at all.

Judging from the materials here, it is indeed the Dragon Orchid Institute. There are also traces left behind of the Dragon Orchid.

Then, only one conclusion can be drawn.

Is this a trap for us? Have we been fooled by Pan Pan again?

It's not true.

Who are you? And what did you mean?

My name is Zawa. I am the manager of the whole Archive, including this storeroom.

The Dragon Orchid isn't here because someone needed to use it and took it away, in order to kill the ''temporary'' friends that you've made in this life.

No big deal. Because you... And I, your destined spouse, am still here.

Finally, we've met here...Awakener

Uh, Awakener isn't even here? Who are you? Are you familiar with him?

Interesting!... Huh?

It's weird. According to my prediction, Awakener is the one who should appear here. And all of his companions in this life would be transferred to the execution site and die there.

Could it be that I made a mistake in my calculations? No way! I've never made a mistake.

What exactly did that capricious girl want to do? We have been quite distraught now.

Though you and I are enemies, I agree with what you just said. Lord Zawa, although I'm not sure what went wrong, there is no need for us to keep talking with them, right?

Tsk, you're here too.

Indeed, Katch, you are right.

Since my destined spouse isn't here, the encounter tonight is meaningless. You have to leave now.

Are you ready? Still remember my humiliation of being fooled by you earlier? I'm going to pay you back today!

Aah!

Uh, it...

Well... bad news.

I've known for a long time that Katch is very aggressive. However, I did not expect that the girl by the side is also a badass.

It's already a tricky task for us to resist their attacks. It seems that they are not going to spare us!

That's for sure! You've humiliated me so much and you are the last one that I will spare.

Uh...

Stara! Uh...

I can't believe you have any mood to worry about others.

Oooo, I am in dire need of help...

Moreover, although we are in great danger, if it is true that the Dragon Orchid has been taken away...

Hey... I have a very ominous feeling!