ABSOLUTE I

You've failed.

Just as all who sought to reclaim the surface

have failed before you.

As you know, the surface is teeming with formidable enemies.

Our reality as humanity is that

we must endlessly face unknown foes whose strength cannot be measured.

And yet, despite all this, do you still wish to reclaim the surface?

Do you intend to head up to the surface once more?

Are you no longer afraid of failure?

I...

... Hwa!

Eunhwa!

...!

Eunhwa, are you awake?

Wha... what just happened...?

*Cough*

*Cough cough*

*Cough* System malfunction...?

Maxwell said that when the core was exposed,

the Heretic's body released a highly concentrated burst of Alva Particles.

Damn it.

I thought we had her, but turns out she had something up her sleeve.

Where is she now?

Over there.

Laplace is doing her best to hold the enemy back.

She won't hold out much longer.

Let's move. We'll support Laplace.

Emma, unload everything you've got on Indivilia and draw her attention so we can close in.

Vesti, you're with me...

Vesti is unconscious.

... What?

So are Drake and Maxwell.

More importantly, Eunhwa, can you move?

Of cour—?!

Damnit.

Perhaps it would be best to retreat?

No, we won't retreat.

The fact that she's played her hidden card means she's cornered.

We'll end Indivilia right here and now.

... Roger that.

How much longer can we sustain this output?

5 minutes. No more than that.

...

I'll snipe the core from here.

Emma, join up with Laplace and lure Indivilia to face this way.

If she gets distracted, pelt her with everything you've got.

If she shows signs of running, rile her up and hold her there at all costs.

She's got a lot of pride, so provoking her should do the trick.

Do you think you can do it?

I'll do my best.

Good. It's time we bag this Heretic for good.

*Cough*

Good... huh?

!!

Eunhwa, fall back...!

Emma!

Hrngh!

Comm... ander... Sorry... I couldn't... win...

Pl... ease...

... Vesti?

Hnrgh!

You stay here.

What? Why?

Put a bullet through that freak's head for me.

Show her who the real monster is.

Y-yes! Got it!

Eun... hwa.

*Cough!*

I'm... sorry.

No, Ves...!

Huh? Did you call me?

!!

*Gasp!*

Eu-Eunhwa! Are you okay?

Oh my, look at all this sweat...

Were you having a nightmare?

A nightmare...?

I guess I must have fallen asleep.

Yeah. You looked awfully tired, so I didn't wake you.

After we got back from the Crystal Region, we were sent straight out again without even a break.

Since this is already our third mission in a row, I just wanted to let you get some rest.

... Yeah, that's right.

Eu-Eunhwa!

For this mission, should I head down first?

What?

S-since you're not in the best shape,

I'll go ahead first and take care of everything.

You and Emma can come down slowly afterward.

Oh my, our little Vesti has become so dependable!

You'll go down first?

S-sure! ... If you'll let me.

Everyone! We've arrived at the first mission site!

Shall we move out right away?

Sure.

R-really? I can go?

Hehe, okay! I'll go clean things up for you guys!

No, you stay right here.

H-huh? Stay here?

I'll go first.

Wait, you're going first?!

You heard me. I'm going in.

B-but Eunhwa...!

Falcon! What the hell are you standing there dazing for?!

Owl's a lost cause! Give it up already!

No... no...

Falcon!

Ahhh...

*Sigh* At this rate...

Awaiting your next order, Commander.

Order...?

There... there's no point...

Sorry?

Squad 65-04B... and Squad 71-12A...

They're... they're all wiped out...

I was told this was supposed to be a simple resource-gathering mission...

Why are those monsters even here?

We should've run from the start...

If that idiot hadn't insisted on fighting alongside us...

What could we possibly do on our own?

Ha... haha... we're all going to die...

...

Our priority is to protect the Commander and fall back to the rendezvous point.

Falcon, let's move.

...!

Falcon! Stop! Where are you going?!

Owl...?

I thought you'd been taken out earlier...

Commander, requesting a change in objective.

We will first regroup with Owl, then retreat together.

Would that be acceptable?

... Do as you wish.

Thank you.

Something isn't right...

No!

Falcon, st...!

O-Owl...?

Clean shot.

I'm detecting a high-class energy up ahead!

Hmm... I wonder if I can figure out what it is this time?

Let's see... It's Codename: Black Smith!

Ooh, lovely!

Looks like Black Smith is our third target this week.

Hehe. Shouldn't be too difficult.

Tsk, don't let your guard down.

S-sorry...

So, what do you think? Shall we move out now?

Yes. Let's engage.

O-okay!

Roger.

It's Absolute!

We're saved...

Haha... We're going to make it!

Shut up.

You're a spineless wretch who can't even manage a single Nikke under your command.

Move aside, and stay out of the way.

Wh-what did you just say...?

... Tch.

Emma, cover that loser so he doesn't get caught in the crossfire.

Hehe, well, you heard the lady.

It's dangerous over there, so could you come this way, please?

Vesti, I'll draw the tentacles and missiles.

Huh? Y-you'll draw its attention? Again?

Like last time... I think it's better if I do that...

You just focus on launching your own missiles.

Uh... O-okay, got it!

Don't go full scorched earth.

There might still be survivors in the area.

Th-then I can't go all out...

Okay, got it. I'll try to tone it down a bit.

Good.

Signal, support me.

I-I'll do my best!

Absolute, commencing combat.

Target is Tyrant 003: Black Smith.

Let's make this quick.

Encounter.

A-all clear.

Black Smith down.

And the combat data?

I've secured it for now, but...

I'm not sure if data from such a short battle will be of any use...

Doesn't matter. Just send it to Ingrid.

Emma, Vesti, confirm if there are any survivors, then return...

W-wait...

What?

I...

Er...

... Tsk.

Spit it out if you've got something to say.

I was hoping maybe you could leave the cleanup to us...?

If we return like this, we won't have anything to show in our report.

We lost all the resources we collected,

and one of our Nikkes even got corrupted.

If we want to stay on the payroll, we need to have something to report...

What an idiot.

P-please.

Can you let our squad confirm

whether there are any survivors?

They fought alongside us...

We'd like to see it through to the end...

I'd like to request the same too.

... Fine.

We're returning to the Ark.

O-okay.

Uh... good luck.

Here, take this.

What's this...?

It's a suppression round.

The same kind our leader used on your friend earlier.

Keep it on you, just in case.

Judging by her eyes, it looks like it hasn't been long since she was corrupted.

So maybe there's still time. Try taking her to the Ark for a memory wipe.

... It's better than having her disposed of, right?

...

Oh, and one more thing.

The Unlimited Squad should be clearing out the Raptures nearby,

but still, be extra careful, okay?

Roger that.

Hehe, I'm off now.

See you again if we get the chance.

Let's move.

... Okay.

How was the combat data?

Hmm...

W-was it... not very good?

No, it was perfect.

Your movements were flawless. Tactical Upgrade is a resounding success by any metric.

Only your team could pull off such a textbook operation against a Tyrant-class Rapture.

Really?

Hehe. Eu-Eunhwa...! Only us, she says!

...

... Eunhwa?

However...

there's something I can't quite figure out.

And what's that?

Eunhwa.

Why did you act as bait

when facing Black Smith?

!!

...

Of course, even taking that into account,

the operation was flawless in terms of its final outcome.

But it was quite unlike your usual approach.

I wanted to see if there were other possibilities.

... Is that so?

Very well. It's important to explore different tactics.

That'll be all for the squad analysis.

Let's move on.

I'll report the findings on Tyrant 003: Black Smith,

which is the core of today's briefing.

Your face just darkened...

That means something bad, right?

It's just as we feared.

By the time the battle began, Black Smith's large caliber rifle was already damaged.

Could it have been damaged by gunfire from the Nikkes on the resource-gathering mission?

No, the large caliber rifle was ripped away by something sharp.

The marks left on the damaged areas looked like the bite marks of a wild beast.

In other words, before encountering you,

Black Smith had once fought against an unknown entity—

something that wasn't a Nikke.

So it's happened again, huh...

Right.

Last month, we found the shredded remains of a Rapture in the North.

Since then, the Unlimited Squad has reported five similar cases.

And now, we're seeing even a Tyrant-class Rapture like Black Smith with its large caliber rifle damaged.

That confirms it.

Something unknown is out there in the North, hunting Raptures.

And it's powerful enough to take on a Tyrant-class.

D-do you think it's on our side?

That's precisely what we need to figure out.

A-are we

heading back up North now?

I-I don't like it there... It's s-so cold...

I'm sending The Scouts up North for recon.

Gathering intel is the top priority.

While they're doing that,

I won't assign you any new missions,

so use this time to rest and recover.

You just got back from the battle with the Four Beasts,

and have already been on three missions back-to-back.

I'm not pushing you any harder than that.

That's all for the briefing.

You're dismissed.

...

What is it?

Do you have more to discuss with me?

How did the combat data come out?

Didn't I go through that already?

What I'm asking about is our combat data involving Behemoth.

Given our current state,

with Tactical Upgrade in effect, do you think we could take her down without Rapi...

or rather, without the Counters?

Could we defeat her perfectly,

without suffering any casualties?

...

Eunhwa.

I'll ask you instead.

Do you think you can take down Behemoth without the Counters?

...

As the leader of Absolute,

you should know best.

You have to make that call yourself.

You're late.

What were you and Ingrid talking about, I wonder?

Nothing much.

Hmm?

Honestly, it was nothing.

Okay, I'll believe you.

If you're done with your repairs, go ahead first

and quit spouting nonsense next to me.

Hey, come on now, how could I just leave you behind?

Besides, Vesti said she had something to tell us.

Right, Vesti?

Y-yeah.

What is it?

W-well...

I mean, it's our first time resting in a while.

So... um...

how about if we all go somewhere together? Hehe...

Um, there's, you know, all sorts of things... I think we'll have a lot to talk about...

Since we've only been on missions nonstop since we came back from the Crystal Region...

Hehe, I'm all for it!

How about you, Eunhwa?

...

Count me out.

I have no time to waste on such pointless endeavors.

Aw, c'mon, Eunhwa.

I-it's not pointless!

What'd you say?

Talking with each other isn't pointless...

I-I mean it... I just wanted to say something important, that's all...

What is it, then?

Huh?

You said it was important. So what is it?

Y-you want me to say it here?

You said it was important, didn't you?

Stop wasting time and just say it.

Yeesh, Eunhwa. You're way too impatient.

Why don't we do as Vesti said and hang out together next time...

Wh-why are you always telling me to stay behind?

What?

F-for the past few missions, you've kept telling me to stay at the back a lot...

I know you have your reasons!

But... well... it just kind of feels like... I'm only being protected, you know...

...

I-I've really gotten strong now... I even finished the Tactical Upgrade.

A-and now... we actually got our revenge on Behemoth and ended...

Ended what?

H-huh?

What revenge?

If it hadn't been for her, we would have...

Her?

Y-you don't mean... Rapi, do you?

...

Y-yeah, just as I thought... It's Rapi... again.

!!

This time too...

So, so the reason you kept telling me to stay back...

Is it because I'm not Rapi?

!!

What are you talking about?

Th-then why do you always do everything on your own, Eunhwa?

I-I'm not who I used to be anymore.

So why... do you keep telling me to stay at the back?

Is it because... when I stayed behind to fight with Behemoth...

I... I lost?

What?

Is that why you don't trust me anymore? Because I couldn't win back then...

... Enough already.

Stop whining, would you? You're getting in your own head.

!!

Eunhwa...

That's it. I'm leaving.

...

I-I messed up, didn't I?

I told Rapi...

that we'd spend more time together...

that we'd get closer to each other...

That we'd get so close,

she'd be jealous...

That's what I said... but now...

Vesti...

... I-I'm going to go now.

I-I'm sorry, Emma.

Vesti!

*Sigh*

We'll become the saviors of humanity!

We are humanity's future!

We'll reclaim the surface, no matter what!

... Idiots.

You WILL reclaim the surface.

Got that?

You must reclaim it without fail.

And we'll do it the human way!

I...

I thought I was a hero...

I believed that reclaiming the surface...

was humanity's future... but...

Following Absolute's victory over a Tyrant-class Rapture,

hopes for reclaiming the surface have once again been reignited.

Among the citizens, Absolute is recognized as Elysion's strongest squad

and is considered by many to be the Ark's strongest squad with the potential to reclaim the surface someday...

Th-then why do you always do everything on your own, Eunhwa?

I-I'm not who I used to be anymore.

So why... do you keep telling me to stay at the back?

Is it because... when I stayed behind to fight with Behemoth...

I... I lost?

Is that why you don't trust me anymore? Because I couldn't win back then...

And yet, despite all this, do you still wish to reclaim the surface?

Do you intend to head up to the surface once more?

Are you no longer afraid of failure?

Well? Answer me.

What will you do going forward?

Comm... ander... Sorry... I couldn't... win...

Pl... ease...

I...

I knew I'd find you here.

... Emma?

Mind if I sit next to you?

... *Sigh*

Suit yourself.

Hehe, thanks.

Sitting here like this... It really brings back memories, doesn't it?

You remember, right? What Ingrid said back then?

You've failed.

Just as all who sought to reclaim the surface

have failed before you.

As you know, the surface is teeming with formidable enemies.

Our reality as humanity is that

we must endlessly face unknown foes whose strength cannot be measured.

And yet, despite all this, do you still wish to reclaim the surface?

Do you intend to head up to the surface once more?

Are you no longer afraid of failure?

Well? Answer me.

What will you do going forward?

... I remember.

Every time I come here, I remember that moment.

You do?

Well... that was the first time I met you, after all.

And it was also the day Absolute was formed.

There's no way I wouldn't remember something like that, hehe.

...

So Eunhwa, what's wrong?

What do you mean, "what's going on?"

You really think I don't notice you come here whenever something's bothering you?

Did Ingrid tell you something bad?

... No, that's not it.

It's just...

We were sent on another mission not long after the battle with the Four Beasts,

so I didn't get a chance to analyze the combat data myself.

I only heard the summary of the analysis.

I've only heard the summary of the analysis, so I was wondering if we, in our current state, could...

take them down perfectly, without taking a single hit.

And what did Ingrid say?

She said to make the judgment myself.

Like she always does.

Mmm, that certainly sounds like her.

Yeah, exactly.

Hmm... a flawless victory, without taking a single hit...

So that's why you're here.

What?

Haha, nothing.

...

Hey, remember when Rapi apologized?

She asked if things might've been different if she'd said those things to us back then.

I feel the same way you do.

If that had happened...

If she'd told us all that when she left Absolute...

I really do think a lot would've been different.

Do you think so?

Yeah, words that go unsaid never get through to anyone.

Why are you bringing this up all of a sudden?

Hmm...

Maybe because someone else I know is being a bit tight-lipped.

Tsk.

... How's Vesti?

Well... I'm not sure.

She took off running right after you left.

... Is that so?

Why don't you go and comfort...

You know what?

After we came back from the Crystal Region, something showed up in Vesti's room.

After we came back from the Crystal Region?

Yeah,

I went to her room a few days ago and saw a bunch of notes stuck all over her desk.

They were all things she wanted to do with us.

!!

She's always holed up in her room on the days we don't have missions.

So that's what she has been doing in there...

...

Remember what Vesti said that day, on our way back from the Crystal Region?

You know what?

We're going to be more active from here on out.

We'll be doing all sorts of missions, and spending more time together as a team.

We're gonna become closer than ever.

You may end up getting jealous.

We're going to be a well-oiled machine. We'll be perfect.

Vesti just doesn't want to stay still.

She's not like us.

... Yeah.

Since our adorable youngest's working so hard

we have to do our best too, right?

Well? What do you think?

Waaah!

It's sooo cozy!

So warm and...

soft...

I feel like I'll drift off to dreamland any second now... *Yawn*

Hehe, it pleases me to see the tea leaves meet your approval. They are freshly imported.

How do you find them, Tove?

Do they suit your tastes as well?

Yeah, the scent's really nice. Hehe.

Can I have another cup with Neve later?

Very well. I shall have it prepared for you the moment she wakes.

Huh?

My Queen, I think someone wants to talk to us!

Hmm? The Ark ought not to be able to reach us during such a blizzard.

But...

The machine is sparkling!

Indeed.

A castaway, perhaps?

Tove, I leave it to you.

Got it! Hooking up the transmission now!

Uh...

Hmm...

The signal's acting up...

Ludmilla, could you maybe take one step back?

One step back, you say?

...

Ah, pardon me. It seems I had my hand resting on the device.

Is this better now?

I'll try again.

The signal's still kinda weak, but...

If I tweak this part here...

―Oh!

Yes! I patched them through!

Wow, Pigeon, you're amazing!

Hehe. Let me turn on our mic...

Can you hear me?

Help!

!!

... I don't want to die, Eagle. I still...

Test... test...

Can you hear me?

Signal?

I hear you're on a mission in the North.

What's the matter?

Huh?

Th-the transmission's definitely connected...

So why is it only sending...?

Uh, I don't think they can hear us...

Is there truly no way?

Yeah, there's really nothing we can do on our end...

The signal's bad...

I'll quickly update you on our situation...

We've been attacked by a new Rapture. Some special type of...

... Delta... Casualties...

... Outer building... Isolated...

... Support...

The transmission... cut off.

Can you pinpoint the point of origin?

I tried to grab the coordinates while we were connected,

but the connection wasn't great, so it probably isn't very accurate...

That's at least something.

You've done well.

...

Tove, wake Neve and head to the Ark.

Inform them that The Scouts are threatened by a new type of Rapture presumed to be a special entity

and are in grave danger.

Since we can't communicate directly with the Ark, this is our only way to request support.

Leave it to me!

Alice.

You shall accompany me on this search.

We cannot afford to remain idle and wait for support to arrive.

Yes, my Queen!

Well then, time's running out, so let's set off immediately.

What are you looking at?

H-huh?

I asked what you're staring at.

You gonna say something, or just stand there like a statue all day?

Now now, Eunhwa, let's take it easy on the new arrival.

Nice to meet you. You're Vesti, right?

Oh. I-I'm Vesti...

I'm Emma. Let's get along well, okay?

I'm Rapi. Looking forward to working with you.

N-nice to meet you all.

If you're done with the greetings, come this way.

We've got a mission briefing to do.

Oh, come on, Eunhwa, you've got to introduce yourself too.

You already know my name.

I'm sure you've already been briefed on us.

Uh... I-I do. They told me everything.

But still, she's going to be one of us now. So come on, say hello, okay?

*Sigh*...

I'm Eunhwa.

Hey.

Y-yes?

Are you scared?

M-me? Uh... well...

...

I heard you got some of the highest test scores they've ever seen. Is that true?

Y-yeah... I did, but...

Then what are you so scared of?

I heard you're a monster on the battlefield.

N-no... that's just a nickname...

This is my first time on a real mission... I'm nervous that it might not go well...

You don't get to decide whether a mission will succeed or fail.

I do.

And my tactics always succeed.

Even if the plan looks impossible, I'll charge in again and again

until I turn it into a victory.

!!

So,

don't be scared.

So long as we use the most perfect tactics,

no matter the enemy or situation...

we will always clinch a flawless victory.

That's what makes us,

the Absolute Squad.

O-okay!

All you need to do is trust me, follow my orders,

and use those crazy powers of yours to score a direct hit on our enemies' ugly mugs.

Got that?

A single hit won't be nearly enough to take down a Tyrant-class Rapture.

You think I don't know that?

Hehe. I see what you're doing.

You're trying to comfort our new recruit.

Shut up!

As the youngest member...

Let's go. Time to get this mission underway.

All right!

Roger.

O-okay!

Starting today, Rapi will no longer be part of Absolute.

From now on, missions will be carried out by the three of you only.

R-Rapi...?! W-why?

What's going on here?

What's Rapi done? What's going to happen to Absolute?

Ingrid. Did something happen to Rapi?

This is all so sudden...

I won't stand for it.

Absolute is at its strongest when it's all four of us!

It was her own request.

!!

!!

What...?

It was what she wanted.

What... she wanted?

... Yes. I tried persuading her several times, but she was stubborn.

It seemed there was some reason she couldn't speak of.

So, please understand.

Rapi... Oh... I see...

Rapi...

...

So she's leaving? Just like that?

Without any explanation?

No.

I can't accept that.

Not until I hear it from her!

Eunhwa!

*Sigh*...

W-why did this...

Th-then why do you always do everything on your own, Eunhwa?

I-I'm not who I used to be anymore.

So why... do you keep telling me to stay at the back?

Is it because... when I stayed behind to fight with Behemoth...

I... I lost?

What?

Is that why you don't trust me anymore? Because I couldn't win back then...

... Enough already.

Stop whining, would you? You're getting in your own head.

I...

Vesti?

Y-yes?

...!

Hello there, sleepyhead.

E-Emma?

I kept calling but you wouldn't wake up, so I came to wake you myself.

M-me?

... Why?

You're the one who said

we should all go have fun today, remember?

So of course I came!

W-what time is it now?

A little past three.

Th-three o'clock?!

Oh n-no!

I was supposed to wake up early to get through all the stuff I wrote down...

The stuff you wrote down?

Y-yeah.

I jotted down some things I wanted us to do together.

Hehe, I see.

Mind if I ask what you had planned for today?

W-well... nothing special, really.

F-first, I was planning to...

go shopping on Royal Road.

It's been a long time since I last saw Eunhwa in casual clothes.

And... you said your clothes haven't been fitting you lately, too.

Oh wow, you remembered!

I mean, I did see one of your buttons pop right off in front of me...

A-anyway,

I thought maybe we could pick out outfits for each other.

Eunhwa in casual clothes...

It's been a while since I've seen her dressed like that.

The last time was probably when she wore that sky-blue dress, wasn't it?

Y-yeah, that's right.

She used to wear dresses a lot at the dorm because she said they were comfortable, but she doesn't even do that anymore.

Hmm, maybe it's because you keep trying to take pictures of her.

B-but it'd be such a shame if I were the only one to see her like that.

Also, having the pictures comes in handy for teasing her later, hehe.

It's really hard to make Eunhwa shake like that, you know.

Hehe, that's true.

So, what were you thinking of doing after shopping?

A-after shopping,

we'd visit a toy store,

eat parfaits at the cafe...

and I was thinking we could end it off with a pajama party...

...

Looks like we've got a lot to do, huh?

How about we get up and get ready?

O-okay!

Uh... b-but...

I don't think... we can all go together...

Eunhwa's... probably still mad...

Hmm, who knows?

... Never mind.

I'm just gonna sleep in.

Hmm, I guess it can't be helped.

Eunhwa was just waiting for you to wake up around lunchtime, you know.

Eu-Eunhwa?

Eunhwa was waiting for me?

She's not mad at me?

Hmm, from what I heard, that's not really the case.

R-really? You're not lying to me, right?

Nope, Eunhwa said she'd spend the day with us.

After making lunch just now, she said she'd be in the Simulation Room for a bit

and asked me to let her

know as soon as you wake up...

Should I tell her you want to sleep a little longer?

N-no!

I'm awake!

I-I'll get ready super quick!

Hehe, how adorable.

...

Enemy down.

Good jo...

... b.

...

Damn it.

Simulation, reset.

Simulation, reset.

Simulation, reset.

Simulation, reset.

Simulation...!

End.

I know it's just a simulation,

but there's no fun seeing myself fall like that. Hehe.

What?

You were watching?

Well...

I came to let you know Vesti's awake,

but it was kinda hard to find the right time to cut in.

So you tried to contact me... Sorry about that.

A-are the tactics not working?

I think the last time you stayed this long in the Simulation Room

was after our fight with Indivilia...

I'm just trying

to find a way to minimize our casualties.

But you said you wanted to hang out together, right?

So, where do we start...

Ingrid?

I'm just going to take this call quickly.

What's going on?

... What?

They're with me right now.

Okay, we'll be right over.

...

We're being deployed.

If we're being deployed,

could that unknown entity that hunts Raptures have appeared again?

Yes.

Get ready.

We're heading to the Northern Base.

While investigating the unknown entity that's been hunting Raptures,

The Scouts were attacked by what appears to be a new type of Rapture.

During the incident, Delta went missing.

Signal is currently isolated inside a building somewhere,

protecting a man believed to be a Commander.

Did I get all of that right?

Indeed. Precisely so.

Tch.

And you haven't been able to contact Signal again?

Yeah...

We've tried several times, but we still haven't gotten through.

There's probably something nearby messing with the signal,

or maybe the weather's just bad.

If there are still issues with the signal, it's safe to assume that communication won't be possible.

Even so, I'll keep trying.

Who knows? We might get lucky and get through...

Well then, it seems you have a fair understanding of the situation.

May I move on?

Yes, please.

Very well.

Now, I shall explain the rescue mission.

Kindly direct your attention to the screen.

Alice, if you would.

Okaaay!

The location marked on the left of the screen

indicates the last known coordinates of Signal.

Accounting for the margin of error, the area we must search

lies within a one-kilometer radius around that point.

1 km?

That's smaller than I expected.

If one is not accustomed to the Northern terrain, it may well seem so.

Alice, would you be so kind as to switch the map to 3D mode?

As you can see, the coordinates point to an altitude of around 1,000 meters.

That means elevations up to 2,000 meters fall within the margin of error.

Add in the unforgiving terrain of the Glittering Mountains,

and it's clear that this search will be anything but easy.

... I see.

We shall split into two teams.

Alice and I will search the areas above 1,000 meters,

while the rest of you cover the remaining areas.

Reports will be sent regularly every two hours via radio

to the Northern Base.

Tove and Neve will remain on standby to monitor the situation.

That is the plan in brief. Any questions?

Earlier, you mentioned that Signal is protecting a man who appears to be a Commander.

Do we have any further info on him?

Hmm...

Come to think of it, he did say something like this.

"I don't want to die, Eagle."

Can it be...?!

...

Alice, display the coordinates I'm about to give you.

Ludmilla, we'll head there first.

Looks like there's something we need to verify before starting search.

...

Vesti, are you okay?

You've been quiet for a while.

No, I'm not okay.

It's been so long since the three of us got to spend time together...

There's no way I could be fine with it getting ruined like this...

When we find that Rapture, let me handle it.

I'm going to kill it. Got that?

Sure, let's give it some proper payback.

Stop.

They're all missing their cores.

Or rather, they were gnawed out.

W-watch out!

!!

Unknown hostile detected!

It's equipped with optical camouflage!

Everyone, prepare for combat!

Encounter!

Die.

Die!

Diieee!

I'll hold it in place. Emma, spray the liquid jammer around it.

As soon as the jammer picks this thing up, let me know.

Roger.

First, we need to take out that damn optical camouflage.

Vesti, fall back! I'll cover you!

I'm going to drag it out of the corpse!

O-okay!

Damn it!

Urgh...

A-are you okay?

I'm fine. Just a scratch on my arm.

That looks like more than just a scratch...

Vesti, I'll draw its attention.

While I do that, hit it directly with your missiles.

Watch the snow. Any indentations will show where it is.

Y-you're gonna lure it?

Are you sure about this?

There's no one here who can keep up with this thing but me.

Even if it's risky, we've got to pull this off.

All right, let's get started!

B-but...!

Move to the right! It's coming from the left!

Copy that.

Now! Fire!

O-okay!

Focus fire.

Finally showing yourself, huh?

Whew...

Enemy down.

All cle...

Eunhwa.

I don't think we're done here yet.

I'm picking up something over there...

It feels even bigger than what we just faced.

... What?

What should we do?

...

We'll track it.

What... is this?

What's something like this doing here?

The signal's coming from down there.

A-are we going down?

I'll take the lead.

I'm scared...

It's even bigger than the last one.

Yeah. It's probably a Lord-class.

Is it unable to use optical camouflage?

Looks like it's already been through a fight.

Emma, check the perimeter.

Whatever did this might still be inside.

Got it.

First, we take out the enemy right in front of us.

Then we'll figure out the rest later.

!!

A Rapture's... eating another Rapture's core?

What are those...

I'm picking up multiple enemies!

Seven of them. They're all coming this way.

Damn it! I thought there was only one!

Retreat! Back to the surface!

Er...

I'm picking up movement from every passage.

Even the one we just came through.

F-from every passage...?

So... we've been surrounded.

...

Formation FF.

We'll launch a single-point breakthrough.

Sure, but where exactly?

Six o'clock.

Y-you mean the place we came from?

That's right.

As soon as the path is secured, we'll head up to the surface.

We're fighting on their turf now. Getting the hell out of here is our top priority.

I'll hold off the enemies from the rear. You two focus on securing the passage.

You?

Eu-Eunhwa? But you usually...

Once I give the signal, unleash all your firepower and secure the passage.

Can you handle that?

O-okay.

... Roger.

Encounter.

!!

Don't worry about them! Just keep pushing forward!

B-but...

You're first.

... It took the hit for its comrade?

S-sorry,

I really can't

just stand still and do nothing.

Vesti?

I'll take care of these first!

H-huh?

Our missiles are being jammed!

Everyone, brace for impact...!

!!

... Damn it!

Well? Answer me.

What will you do going forward?

... I'm going to become perfect.

Once I do,

I will surely reclaim the surface.

Why did you answer like that?

What?

You said you'll become perfect and reclaim the surface.

Do you really need to ask that?

Isn't reclaiming the surface what humanity's fighting for?

Still, people usually don't say that out loud

since hardly anyone really believes it's possible.

And I heard you used to be a Commander, so you must've been up on the surface before.

Folks like you probably find it even harder to talk about something like that.

Too many people have died.

Huh?

Too many people have died for that damn surface reclamation.

To make sure their deaths aren't in vain,

someone has to take back the surface.

That's all I'm fighting for.

... I see.

You...

No, I mean...

Are we in the same squad?

Huh?

...

... Yeah, I suppose.

I'm Emma.

What's your name?

... Eunhwa.

Call me Eunhwa.

I'm Rapi.

Looking forward to working with you.

Nice to meet you. You're Vesti, right?

Oh. I-I'm Vesti...

N-nice to meet you all.

Eunhwa...

Don't turn on the lights.

What are you doing sitting in the dark?

You'll ruin your eyes.

Sorry, I want to be alone.

...

... Okay.

!!

...

...

... Emma.

... Yes?

... Don't change.

Never change.

... Okay.

... *Sniff*

... I won't.

I will never change.

Th-then why do you always do everything on your own, Eunhwa?

I-I'm not who I used to be anymore.

So why... do you keep telling me to stay at the back?

Is it because... when I stayed behind to fight with Behemoth...

I... I lost?

What?

Is that why you don't trust me anymore? Because I couldn't win back then...

... Enough already.

Stop whining, would you? You're getting in your own head.

!!

Eunhwa...

Comm... ander... Sorry... I couldn't... win...

Pl... ease...

*Sigh*... You're becoming quite irksome. Take this.

Argh!

Eunhwa!

Emma!

!!

Are you awake...?

Signal...?

*Cough*...

*Cough cough*

A-are you okay?

Yeah, I'm fi...

!!

Are you okay?

But first... where are we?

A safe place from the Raptures...

I think.

Where are Eunhwa and Vesti?

W-well...

They're not here.

...

They're not here...?

Yeah...

Signal.

Can you tell me what happened while I was unconscious?

So, to sum it up,

when you were investigating Black Smith's remains, you found signs of a battle.

You followed the trail here,

and that's when you ran into these two.

Y-yeah...

They were fighting hard against a Predator,

so The Scouts jumped right into the battle.

But it didn't really make much of a difference...

Predator?

That's the name we've given to

the special entities we're investigating...

Predator...

That's a fitting name.

So what was the outcome of the battle?

Well...

Not long after Delta and I joined,

another group of Predators suddenly ambushed us,

and things quickly went south.

D-Delta said she'd try to hold them off.

She used a grenade to collapse the passage

and managed to lure the Predators away.

Thanks to her, we barely managed to escape...

But... since then, we haven't heard anything from Delta...

So that's when you sent the distress signal?

Yeah... I somehow managed to find a spot with a signal,

though it cut out not long after.

After sending out the distress signal,

I started looking for an exit while avoiding the Predators.

Then, all of a sudden, I heard an explosion.

When I headed toward the sound,

I found you and Eunhwa lying there, unconscious...

Just Eunhwa and I?

What about Vesti?

I-I'm sorry...

It was just the two of you there...

...

Since she's not here, I assume Eunhwa already woke up?

Yeah...

Knowing Eunhwa, she probably left me with you guys right after she woke up,

then went off alone to look for Vesti.

I tried to stop her, but...

Hehe, I guess you couldn't get past her stubbornness.

... *Sigh*

By any chance, do you know which way Eunhwa went?

Huh?

Y-you're going after Eunhwa?

Um... I might not be much help, but... I'd like to come along...

No, someone needs to stay back here to protect these two.

I'll join up with Eunhwa,

and bring back Vesti and Delta.

Then we'll all head back to the Ark together.

Keep yourself well-hidden in the meantime and lay low, okay?

B-but...

It's too dangerous to go alone...

It'll be okay.

I'm a member of Absolute, after all.

And...

I've decided I'm done waiting on the sidelines.

...

Okay.

I'll protect these two.

Hehe, okay then.

I'm counting on you to take good care of them.

Could you wait a moment?

I'll draw you a map based on what I remember from wandering around.

Thanks, I'd appreciate that.

Are you really going out there again?

You're insane! It's a miracle you're even alive right now...!

If you go back out, you'll just get yourself killed...

Your squadmates are probably long dead!

F-Falcon too... she pushed it too far... and in the end... she was all alone out there...

...

Falcon...

Still, I have to go.

My squadmates are definitely alive

because we're Absolute.

I'm sure they're alive.

I believe that.

Be... lieve...

D-do as you please. I-If it goes wrong... it's not on me...

Emma, here.

Hehe, thanks.

All right, I'll be off.

Based on Signal's map, it should be just past here...

... The Land of the Mage, huh?

Tch.

I always wondered why the Land of the Mage had a 100% Alva Particle concentration,

but now I get it.

If we want to avoid the Alva Particle generators

and get back to the point where Signal found us...

...

First the Alva Particle generators, now these old weapons.

What exactly were they gearing up to fight?

... Well,

I guess it doesn't matter anymore.

... Tch.

Still... I can handle the recoil.

... I can fight a little longer.

...

Tch.

Nothing useful here.

Now then...

So you were here after all.

... FF formation?

They're not even Lord-class, yet these Raptures are using this kind of formation?

!!

See you in hell.

One down,

two to go.

Tch,

not much time before the smoke clears.

Better wrap this up fast.

Another one?!

!!

Argh!

Damnit...!

*Huff, huff...*

I made it in time.

Emma?

Mind if I join in?

I'll take the front,

so watch my back, okay?

Don't worry about their optical camouflage.

I've already deployed the jammers.

Let's do this...

Encounter!

All clear.

Three Predators neutralized.

Whew...

Are you okay?

Well, as you can see.

... You're not looking so great.

It's still moving, so I can fight just fine.

I'll replace the part after we return.

Then you're not okay at all...!

We'll head to where Signal found us. From there, we'll track Vesti's trail

and regroup with her.

If possible, we'll confirm Delta's status

before heading back.

You're gonna keep going in that condition?

... If that's clear, let's move out.

... *Sigh*

Whew...

It's never-ending.

Are you picking up any more of them?

There's nothing within my detection range, at least.

Tch.

So it's a battle of attrition.

...

The two machine guns on their shoulders are just auxiliary weapons.

Their main weapons are blades shaped like fangs and claws.

As long as we maintain our distance, they're not hard to handle,

but their optical camouflage and jamming make things tricky.

Also...

Eunhwa, you felt it too, right?

These Raptures are quite different from any we've faced before.

Yeah.

These things understand tactics.

They might not pull off complex maneuvers,

but they've got the hunting strategies down.

They've probably been hunting Raptures and Nikkes with those skills,

devouring their cores to grow stronger.

Where could they have been hiding all this time?

Using tactical moves is one thing,

but I really doubt Raptures that grow by eating cores are recorded in the Ark database, right?

Well,

just by looking at the map drawn by that guy aboard Mother Whale,

you can tell the surface is full of unknowns.

So it's not surprising that things like that exist.

After all, there were no records of Behemoth or Leviathan in the Ark until recently either.

Hmm, I guess that's true.

... I'm worried about Vesti.

We're almost at the place where Signal found us.

Let's hurry.

Honestly... who's supposed to be worrying about whom here?

... So this is the upper floor we fell from, huh?

Wow, we fell from that high up?

There's gotta be a way back, right?

Considering that the Predators snuck up on us from behind, there must be a through route.

An underground facility like this has to have an exit somewhere too.

At any rate, we'll think about that later.

For now, let's focus on finding Vesti.

... Yeah.

...

... Eunhwa.

I don't think she's here.

Before we move on, let's get ourselves patched up a bit first...

Damnit...

Damnit!

Damni...

Eunhwa, stop!

That's enough!

...

... Let's move.

We have to.

Vesti must be beyond the debris. We'll find her on the other side... I'm sure of it.

Yeah, but how exactly are you going to get through all that rubble?

We'll break through somehow.

Okay, but how?

We'll figure it out!

Eunhwa,

do you really think that's the right thing to do?

We don't have time for this. Let's move...

We can't go...

No, actually, we won't.

What?

I can't follow orders from a Commander

who doesn't even understand the situation

and says the plan is to just "figure it out somehow."

!!

What did you just...!

Look at the state you're in.

Okay, say we somehow manage to get past that rubble in our current condition

and find Vesti.

Then what?

How exactly are you going to help Vesti with that wrecked arm and those slowed legs?

I don't have time to worry about that.

If we waste even a second in a situation like this...

Deep down, you think Vesti's already dead, don't you?

!!

You're convinced she couldn't possibly survive on her own.

That the moment she got separated from us,

she'd be helplessly devoured by a Predator.

N-no...

You think that she's doomed if she doesn't have you by her side.

Because you don't trust her. No, you don't trust us.

That's why you're pushing yourself harder than usual.

...

You're the leader of the Absolute Squad...

The one who should believe more than anyone

that we're perfect.

But you don't, do you?

Never again!

I never want to see someone precious to me end up like that...!

I never want to lose like that again...!

Even if it means pushing myself too far...!

If it's for a perfect victory, then no one must get hurt—no one!

Why?

Why is it that no one is allowed to get hurt?

Well, obviously...!

So,

did we end up losing?

... What?

Vesti's body got torn in half,

and everything's a complete mess.

So, will Absolute lose and call it quits?

That's...

!!

That explosion...!

It's Vesti!

Huh?

Eunhwa? Emma?

Wha... Where am I...?

Our missiles are being jammed!

Everyone, brace for impact...!

!!

Wh-what should I do...!

I-Is it because of me...

E-Eunhwa...? Emma?

... They're not here.

Eunhwa! Emma!

...

Is no one... there?

N-no way... inside there...?

Th-they can't be... no...!

E-Eunhwa! Emma!

A-answer me!

Y-you're not under here, are you?

E-Emma... Eunhwa...!

Y-you're not in here... right?

You can't be here...

You can't be!

*Sob* Please...

Please... Please, please, please...!

*Cough*

!!

Eunhwa?!

*Cough cough!*

Delta...?

Ve... Vesti?

!!!

Delta!

Vesti!

!!

T-trap. Retreat...

...

Wh-what should I do...?

So,

don't be scared.

So long as we use the most perfect tactics,

no matter the enemy or situation...

we will always clinch a flawless victory.

That's what makes us,

the Absolute Squad.

... That's right.

I... I can't back down.

I...!

Vesti?!

No matter the enemy or situation... we will always clinch a flawless victory!

Because that's what Absolute does!

Missile Container, online!

Fire!

The sounds are getting closer...

We're almost there.

Yeah, I'm picking up a signal further down the passage.

How many?

Not many.

Two Predators...

And... two Nikkes fighting them. Though... it looks like only one of them is actually moving...

Two Nikkes, but only one is moving...?

...

Prepare for battle.

Roger.

Die.

Die!

Diieee!

...!

Vesti just doesn't want to stay still.

She's not like us.

You think that she's doomed if she doesn't have you by her side.

Because you don't trust her. No, you don't trust us.

That's why you're pushing yourself harder than usual.

You're the leader of the Absolute Squad...

The one who should believe more than anyone

that we're perfect.

But you don't, do you?

... Vesti.

Eunhwa!

...!

Let's get in there.

... Yeah.

Are you two okay?

Eunhwa...! Emma!

... You're here.

Thank you... for saving me.

Y-you're alive... Th-that's a relief...

Hehe, you were doing so well just now, so what's wrong? Feeling tired already?

I... I'm so relieved...

...

Eu-Eunhwa... uh... um...

Delta, give me a damage report.

... Both my arm and leg parts are damaged.

Moving unassisted is impossible.

... Understood.

Signal briefed me.

Did you find anything else of note while you were on your own?

Among the Predators, I identified one that stands out as an alpha.

When I first encountered it, it was heavily damaged and its core was exposed.

I lost track of it during pursuit, but when it reappeared, it had fully recovered.

There may be multiple such alphas,

but after continued reconnaissance in this area, none others have appeared.

Based on this, I assess that the damaged entity possesses regenerative ability.

That must be the first one we saw...

That's right. It devoured the alpha's core and transformed into a new alpha.

!!

So that's what it was.

That means they don't have regenerative abilities.

Hehe, that's a small relief...

but we can't be sure just yet.

... Right.

...

Vesti.

Y-yeah! Eu-Eunhwa, I-I was wrong...

I'm sorry.

... Huh?

Wh-what for?

This was entirely my fault.

Eunhwa...?

I want you to take Delta and return to the survivors' camp.

If it's you as you are now, I'm sure you can handle any unexpected situation and get out safely.

I'll cover you.

... Why?

What do you mean, why?

It was my decision to come in here from the start.

... It's entirely my fault, so I'm the one who has to take responsibility.

You're... taking responsibility?

I'm sor...

Stop saying you're sorry!

D-don't... apologize to me!

Eunhwa, don't say things like that!

Vesti...?

That's not what you should be saying to me right now.

You should be yelling at me for not following your orders,

screaming at me for ruining the whole mission!

Telling me not to act on my own and make my own decisions!

That's the Eunhwa I know!

...

So don't say things like that...

Don't say it was a mistake to... trust me.

Don't say you thought I was weak!

I'm not some Nikke you have to protect,

but instead, I'm the strongest monster you can unleash...

The best weapon you could ever ask for!

... Vesti.

Eunhwa.

We're part of Absolute too.

For our perfect selves,

for a perfect victory,

we're ready to risk everything.

No matter how many times we fail again and again,

we're ready to stand back up and risk our lives.

Emma...

So, I'm going to ask you again.

Eunhwa, did we fail?

When we faced countless unknown enemies

whose strength we couldn't measure...

did we end up failing in the end?

!!!

If the Counters hadn't been there that day,

do you think we would've lost?

We...

As you know, the surface is teeming with formidable enemies.

Our reality as humanity is that

we must endlessly face unknown foes whose strength cannot be measured.

And yet, despite all this, do you still wish to reclaim the surface?

Do you intend to head up to the surface once more?

Are you no longer afraid of failure?

Well? Answer me.

What will you do going forward?

... I'm going to become perfect.

Once I do,

I will surely reclaim the surface.

With the most perfect tactics!

No matter the enemy, no matter the situation!

Even if I fail, even if I fall, even if this body is torn apart...

I will grit my teeth, get back up, and tear the Raptures apart!

I will absolutely,

perfectly claim victory, no matter what!

Good.

If that's your resolve,

then I'll give you the chance to have perfect squadmates.

A chance to fight alongside squadmates who never lose.

Perfect... squadmates?

Will you join the Absolute Squad?

... Yes.

... You've been running your mouth for a while now.

...

No, we'll never lose.

We'll definitely win.

Hehe, that's more like it!

... *Sigh*

What a damn fool I was.

To keep everyone safe,

I took it all on myself—acting alone, fixing everything alone, and sacrificing myself alone...

Honestly, this tactic is nothing but amateurish.

Eu-Eunhwa!?

Oh my, are you okay?

I'm sorry.

D-don't say you're sorry...

From now on, I won't ever repeat some pathetic stunt that only a weakling would pull.

Hehehe.

P-pathetic...

... That's right.

We are the best of the best.

We are Absolute.

Yeah!

Hehe, that's right!

We... won't fail again.

Whether it's Behemoth, the Predators, or whatever else comes our way...

Regardless of the enemy or the situation,

we will win, no matter what.

For that perfect victory,

we'll do whatever it takes to make it happen.

Hehe, that's what I wanted to hear!

Heh, hehe...!

Just say the word, and I'll kill them all!

Let's go back.

Equipment check... complete.

Weapon condition... good, too.

Got the map Signal gave us...

...

So, uh... are we all set now?

...

At that time, Eunwha...

said stuff like "best of the best"

and "We're Absolute."

It really was like something straight out of a movie!

Wow, no way... there was such an intense moment!

It really does sound like something straight out of a movie!

Both of you... shut it.

Eunhwa, are you okay? Your face is really red.

Mind your own business!

Heh, hehe... it's been a while since I've seen Eunhwa shaking like this.

Hehe, it certainly has.

*Sigh*... All right, looks like everyone's body is in working order for now,

so quit babbling and focus.

Operation briefing starts now.

O-okay.

Got it!

According to both Signal's map and what we personally saw on the way back,

the only exit from this bunker is...

Here, at six o'clock.

Is that the one we came in through?

... Yes.

All the other routes had either collapsed

or been blocked off by debris.

Oh, I see...

So here's the plan.

Starting now, we'll escape through the exit at six o'clock

while simultaneously blowing up this bunker.

Th-this place...?

There's still too much we don't know about these Predators.

All we've managed to figure out so far is that

their appearance and behavior are very wolf-like.

There seems to be an alpha among them,

and when it's in danger, a lower-ranking being devours its core and inherits its position.

The only other thing we know is that, fortunately, they don't seem to have regenerative abilities.

That said, it's all still speculation. We can't be certain.

The worst part is, we're right in the middle of their battlefield.

We don't even have an accurate count of how many are hiding in here.

That's why we need to change the battlefield.

We reduce their numbers as much as possible and lure them onto our ground.

That comes first.

And to do that... we have to take out this safe den of theirs

and force them into a situation where they have no choice but to come out.

Their invisibility is a headache,

but their physical specs aren't that impressive.

If we bring the bunker down and bury them, they won't be able to dig themselves out.

Once we're out of here and the place is leveled,

we track down the alpha and hit it with everything we've got.

The alpha...!

If they truly resemble wolves,

the moment their alpha is taken down, the others will panic.

That's when we strike.

And if we eliminate a bunch of the lower-ranking ones when we destroy the bunker, that'll make our job easier later.

Precisely.

So when we bring down the bunker, we have to bury as many as possible.

As for this job...

it'll go to Vesti.

Huh?

You'll do it.

!!

D-do I just kill all of them?

That's right. Use every last ounce of firepower you've got.

Raze this place to the ground.

Don't take your eyes off the target until it's utterly destroyed.

Even if it feels like your body is about to fall apart,

show those monsters who the real monster is.

... Got it!

Emma, back Vesti up.

Stay alert and watch for any hostiles approaching her.

Roger that.

Signal, Delta, and I will focus on getting these two out through the exit.

Signal.

Yes...!

When you're near the entrance,

focus on sending a signal to the Unlimited squad.

Get them to come provide support.

G-got it!

Delta, you focus on getting these two out.

You're not in any condition to be doing anything more than that.

... Understood.

Are we really going to get out of here?

On our o-own?

Of course. We're the only ones here, aren't we?

But if we wait for the support squad to arrive...

Don't be a fool. How would backup even know to come here?

B-but... What if we fail trying to get out of here?

So, because you're scared of failing, you won't even try?

I...

If you're gonna give up, do it alone.

You can stay behind alone for all I care.

N-no way!

Then shut up and start moving.

That's your only job right now.

... O-okay.

Eagle.

Y-yes!

Focus on protecting this weakling.

All you need to think about is firing on any and all approaching Predators.

G-got it!

I'll bring up the rear, watch for anyone tailing us,

and provide cover for everyone.

Further specifics will be shared individually, if needed.

That clear to everyone?

Roger.

Yes!

Understood.

... Yes!

Okay!

Whew...

Are you nervous?

!!

What the heck? Why are you so surprised?

... Eu-Eunhwa, is that really you?

... Obviously. Who else would it be?

Eu-Eunhwa?

...

S-sorry. You asked so kindly that I...

Vesti.

Yeah?

I...

I've never once thought of you...

As a replacement for her.

!!

So show me.

Show me what a beast you are.

Give those creatures a taste of their own medicine.

Show them who the real monster is.

!!

... I believe in you.

... Okay.

Hehe, yes! I got it!

Haha, that's the spirit.

Emma.

Don't worry about me. I'll make sure this is a complete success.

... Okay.

Then...

Operation: Tactical Upgrade.

Commencing now.

Three Predators, straight ahead.

I'll intercept!

Die.

Die!

I said die!

Left flank clear, no incoming targets!

N-nothing on the right either!

*Huff... Huff...* Do we really need to keep running s-so fast...?

Please... Connect...!

All pursuers eliminated.

Don't slow down! Keep running!

Y-yes!!

Up the stairs ahead! Confirmed target location!

Th-that's the escape route...!

Any ambushes waiting for us?

I'll check!

One unit spotted!

Clear.

Thanks, Eunhwa.

I think that's the last of them.

Good. Let's switch to formation R.

Roger.

Okay!

They begin to ascend the stairs.

Everyone, follow us.

Eu-Eunhwa! I've got a c-connection!

This is Unli... ited! Come in... Signal!

Lu-Ludmilla! Can you hear me?

There's... static... Bu... Can hear!

This is Signal. There are seven members here, including the Absolute Squad.

We are currently trapped inside the bunker.

But we're now making our way toward the exit.

Please send support. I'll relay our coordinates to you.

Ro... ger! Hang in th... A little longe...!

Roger that!

Hehe, glad we got through!

Now then.

Should we stop here?

Y-yeah. This should be good enough.

The rest of you, hurry up the stairs! Leave this to us.

A-are you two really planning on staying here?

Yeah. That's the plan, isn't it?

B-but, we can't just leave you b-behind...!

What are you doing!

Stay sharp and follow me!

O-okay... Let's go, Eagle!

Wha...?

Ahh... Okay!

It feels pretty good to be trusted, doesn't it, Vesti?

Yeah, it feels re-really great!

Since our leader has chosen to put her faith in us...

Let's go all out, huh?

Eunhwa believes in us, we mustn't...!

I will kill them all!!

We're finally outside...!

W-we made it!

!!

!!

Th-that sounded so loud...!

Snap out of it! Stop dawdling and move aside!

The mission isn't over yet!

Y-yes!

O-okay...!

Signal, Delta.

Pull back with those two and keep an eye on the perimeter.

What? But we can still help with...

Zip it. You might've been patched up, but you're still injured.

You're still far from being able to fight at full capacity.

I won't be able to protect you and fend off those things at the same time.

... Understood.

B-but I can at least act as an operator...!

No. Establishing communication with the Unlimited Squad is your top priority.

Under these conditions, that takes precedence.

... Okay. Understood.

Stay hidden until the Unlimited Squad arrives. Use decoys if you have to.

Just make sure not to set any up here.

We're taking this bunker down.

What...? We can't deploy decoys here...?

But all the Raptures will congregate in this area!

That's the point.

That's the point? You're gonna get yourself killed!

So we weren't at risk of dying all those other times?

!!

Get a grip, Weakling. Failure and death have always been the surface's stalwart companions.

If you're not willing to put your life on the line, you'll never achieve anything.

You got that?

That... That may be true, but...

If that's gotten through your thick skull, shut your trap and scram.

Because this is our mission.

And we're going to do whatever it takes to succeed.

... O-okay.

...

Understood. Don't get yourself killed out there.

We'll meet up with the Unlimited Squad and return to back you up.

Just focus on keeping yourself alive, for now.

... We will!

All right, we should get going too.

... Okay.

...

They're staking their lives... for the sake of one mission...

I get that they're an elite squad, but... surely they don't actually think they stand a chance against those numbers?

I don't get it...

I...

Commander? Are you coming?

Oh... Yeah.

Whew... All right then.

...

... I believe.

... Whew.

Whoa! Even with all this smoke, she's nailing every shot!

Very impressive.

Both of you, cut the chit-chat and back me up.

I don't see any more coming out... did we get them all?

I don't think that's likely.

...

The air! It's shimmering!

They've got optical camouflage! Vesti! Make more smoke!

O-on it!

Darn... I thought I'd at least take down one of them!

Don't beat yourself up. The point was to create a smokescreen.

Emma. Can you track their movements through the smoke?

Hmm...?

No, I mean... Track their movements!

Roger that!

I won't be able to land a perfect shot. You know that, right?

All I need is the direction. That'll be enough.

Wow, that actually works?

Let's keep going. Vesti, keep firing. I don't want that smoke to disappear.

Okay!

It sounds like an exhaust...

Give me the location!

It's the alpha!

As expected, it's the leader who does the heavy lifting.

... Tch. Of all times, a dud.

The smoke is all gone! Vesti! Keep firing!

Okay!

Huh?

Did it intercept the missile with its own body?!

Eunhwa! The footprints!

Huh...?

Hyyyyaaah!

*Huff... Huff...* Are you okay?

I'm fine. Thanks Vesti. That was a close one.

I could have sworn there was only one set of footprints.

They rode on top of other Predators...

Like the T-Town Musicians of Bremen?

Actually, that's a perfect comparison. Yeah.

Did they catch onto the fact we were tracking the optical camouflage using their footprints?

Bunch of filthy...

What the...?

...

Did it dodge the bullet?

Looks like it...

Is it reacting in time to the muzzle flash?

The rate of their evolution is mind-boggling.

... Tch. So much for conversation being the foundation of evolution.

...

Let's retreat.

Huh? R-really?

... Roger.

Time to get out of here.

This isn't good. They had a countermeasure for everything we threw at them.

The smoke we used to track the optical camouflage got blown away by the wind.

And they intercepted the missiles I fired with their own bodies, even before they struck the ground.

They even stacked themselves vertically, so tracking their footprints was misleading.

Worst of all, they're paying attention to our muzzle flashes to dodge our bullets.

I didn't even know that was possible...

So what should we do? At this point, w-we've got no way to attack or defend ourselves.

Retreating and calling for reinforcements is probably the safest option.

You're right.

...

But that's not what we're going to do.

!!

We're taking them down ourselves.

...

Hehe. Th-that's not exactly good tactics.

Hmph.

You landed a headshot on the alpha earlier, didn't you?

Yeah, but it was a dud.

It was supposed to be an explosive round. It was effective against Behemoth before, but it didn't do a damn thing this time around.

What do you mean a dud?

The bullet is meant to explode once it's lodged in the target's body, so it has high stopping power. But it only detonates if enough pressure is applied.

The impact angle was off.

Is there any way we can make it explode?

There is a way to set it off manually—a striker on the back of the round. If we hit it, it should detonate.

...

Whoa. S-so you've got to land a shot on the exact same spot again? Are you even able to pull that off, Eunhwa?

What do you think? You saw it react to the muzzle flash and dodge all the other bullets I fired at it.

Th-then what should we do?

S-should I go up there, grab it, and pin its legs?

Haha, if you could pull it off, I bet that'd be quite effective.

Hold on... Grab it and pin it by its legs...

That's a tactic it's not familiar with.

Huh? Really?

It's a primitive strategy, and one we're not very familiar with. There's no way to be sure it'll work.

If we screw this up, it's curtains for us.