2

“Can’t think of a good plan.”

Three days after retaking the first village. We’d taken back a few more villages already, and now we’d made it to the woods near the Kailen base.

Right now, we’re hiding in the trees, soaked through by the endless rain, trying to figure out how to take down the enemy stronghold—Kailen base.

“What were you planning to do, Eld?”

Leon’s question made me scratch my head.

“To be honest, I hadn’t thought anything through. Just charge straight in, knock down anyone who comes out.”

“Now that’s pushing it even for you…”

“Hey, that’s why I’ve got my machine.”

That was really how I’d planned to do it at first.

But this endless rain lately? It’s made that impossible.

The ground’s a mess—muddy as ever. A carriage or a magic cart, no problem. But Armunale? That’s a different story. The footing feels too unsure to trust.

The heavier the machine, the firmer the ground needs to be. Otherwise, it’ll just sink right in.

I’ve already nearly tipped it over a few times on the way here.

I’ve managed operations in the rain before, sure—but still, my machine’s too wobbly.

Yeah, I guess it’s the auto-balancer being off, and that damn artificial arm on the left side, adding so much weight it’s throwing everything off.

Ah, I miss asphalt…

“If only the rain would stop.”

I mutter to myself, staring up at the sky—flat, thick with clouds, no sign of clearing anytime soon. If it’s gone this far, it’ll take ages to dry out. And with the Second Defense Line in mind… we can’t afford to wait that long.

“Wishing for something you don’t have won’t help. Gotta find the best option we’ve got right now.”

“Yeah, but that’s mostly Leon’s job, isn’t it? I’m terrible at thinking up plans.”

Ever since academy days, I’ve never been good at strategy. I was always the type who wanted to charge straight into the fray—never good at stepping back to watch the whole battlefield, moving allies here, enemies there. Just… *go*.

Honestly, if it were up to me, I’d just rush in headfirst and knock everything down. Sure, that’s not going to work this time. Hence the trouble.

“So, what’s the plan, Chief Strategist?”

When did I become the chief strategist, anyway… never mind. Let’s sort out the current state of Kailen Base first.

Under the rainproof tent strung between the trees, we spread out the map of Kailen Base we brought along.

The area around the base is all gentle plains except for the forest we’re in now—no good spots to sneak in unseen.

There are two entrances: the western gate, directly connected to the base, and the southern gate, leading in from the town. Most townspeople evacuated safely, though some got hurt. The ones left are mostly helpless elders or drifters who’ve given up on everything. Not that I’d say they’re expendable, but they’re low on the priority list.

Inside the base, it’s pretty much the same as Jakarta—command headquarters, storage sheds, barracks all lined up. Gotta check on those tanks of concentrated mana fluid we couldn’t afford to scrap, the Hyimagia Liquid. If any’s still left, we might be able to use it after we reclaim it.

“Structurally, it’s plain.”

“Plain’s what makes it hard to attack. Plain means all the waste’s been cut down to the bone.”

“True. So, the plan?”

“Better or best? Which one’s your pick?”

When Leon’s like this, Better’s the reliable option—solid results, no surprises. Best’s the risky one, but if it works, the payoff’s top-tier.

Let’s hear both, then.

“Better?”

"Hit them right when their supply convoy slips through the gate. Once inside, the ground’s paved—shouldn’t be any different from our usual fights."

"Huh. So you’re saying we’ve got the chops for it? What’s the catch?"

"Can’t tell when the supply train’s coming. And we’d be charging in blind. Prisoners’ll probably get killed, fuel dumped—worst case, the boss slips away while we’re fumbling around."

That’d sting. Gotta keep the fuel tanks intact, and we’d want the enemy commander alive, if we can.

"So what’s the best plan?"

"Get inside first, scout the situation. Then open the gate and let us charge through."

"Same job, but we know what we’re walking into before we move?"

"Yeah. But sneaking in’s risky—and since we’re not moving ourselves, trust becomes key."

We’ll be waiting at Armunale, just sitting tight while our allies open and close the gate. That means whoever’s going in’ll have to be one of Armunale’s own.

Who’d be best for that…? First off, the maintenance crew’s out. They’ve got basic infantry training, sure—but their real job’s as mechanics, spending most of their time with the ship.

So the scouts, then? Catreau’d stand out too much. Tall as he is, just walking around draws eyes like a bell. Then there’s Monsieur Bnois…? He could blend in with regular troops, sure—but he’s been out in the rain on recon duty nonstop. Must be worn to a frazzle by now. So who’s left—

“Using a support maid as an infiltrator, huh?”

“Guess so. She’s your girl, isn’t she?”

“Ah… so that’s how it is…”

So it comes down to whether I can send her on a dangerous mission—my call, my burden. Typical. Always making things harder than they need to be…

“Gimme a moment to think.”

“Yeah, either way, we need to know when the gate opens. Decide by then.”

“Got it.”

Nodding once to Leon, I leave the tent.

Headed to Ange’s place… that’s what I’d like to say. But my feet—without asking—carry me straight to Armunale.

I climb into the cockpit, grip the lever without starting it up.

That’s how I focus.

All the clutter in my head vanishes—thoughts clear, sharp. The sound of rain fades. My feet on the pedals, the grip of my hands on the lever—everything sharpens.

Well now, what to do about it?

Part of me doesn’t want to send Ange on a mission this dangerous. But if it works… we could retake Kailen Base in perfect shape. And I believe she’s got what it takes to make it happen.

So as her captain, I should be the one to say, “Go.”

But as her boyfriend, I want to say, “No. Stay.”

My mind spins in circles, arguing with itself endlessly. Then—knock, knock—someone taps on the cockpit’s entrance.

I startle, turn around. There’s Ange, head tilted, eyes puzzled.

“Eld, you okay?”

“Ah—ah, yeah. Something up?”

“Dinner’s ready. You didn’t come to the tent when it was time, so I came looking.”

"Already that time?"

I glanced at the clock—already past one.

Must’ve been lost in thought so deep I’d forgotten what time it was.

What the hell am I even doing? I need to wrap this up as fast as possible.

"Sorry. I’m going right away."

"Okay, but you sure you’re alright? You look pale."

Just as I was getting up from the pilot’s seat, Ange quietly slid in and leaned over to peer at my face.

The look in her eyes—well, I could barely keep from laughing at how rattled I must’ve looked.

"Is this mission really that tough?"

"No, not that—it’s just..."

"Maybe it feels that way to you, Eld, but I’m really worried. Every time I see your machine go out on a sortie, I feel like my chest is being crushed by anxiety."

Her hand brushed my cheek.

Soft, smooth, and wonderfully warm against my skin.

"If your machine breaks down on a sortie, I feel like my chest is being crushed. What if you got hurt, Eld? I’d never know what to do..."

I felt Ange’s worry seeping through the warmth of her palm.

A slight tremble—so faint, so delicate, barely noticeable unless I was this close—but yes, her hand was trembling.

"So if you’ve got something on your mind, tell me. Don’t carry it alone. Let me walk beside you, too."

"Ange..."

That’s right… she’s always been carrying this fear.

Watching someone you love head into battle—being able to do nothing but wait—this is what fear really feels like.

I took her hand from my cheek and pulled her close.

"Eld?"

"Sorry… always sorry."

"Huh!? What’s gotten into you all of a sudden!?"

“The plan this time… might involve asking Ange to sneak into the base.”

I explained the strategy I’d been discussing with Leon.

Then Ange grabbed my shoulder, her eyes sparkling, her smile wide and bright.

Not the reaction I’d expected. I just stared, stunned by the glow in her eyes. I thought she’d flinch, or make some half-hearted protest.

“Meaning I get to shine, huh!”

“Yeah, well… it’s a dangerous mission, you know?”

“Don’t worry! I’ve been stuck doing housework lately—my skills were getting rusty. Perfect timing!”

“Uh… you’re really fired up. Should I even ask?”

“Of course! Leave it to me! I’ll strip that enemy base bare—every last bit!”

“Ah… so this is what anxiety feels like…”

I really—really am worried. Especially when the one doing the kamikaze run’s full of fire.

I guess I’ll have to fight a bit more carefully from now on…

I made a vow to change my ways—then handed Ange the infiltration mission.

Clutching the control lever in the cockpit, I held my breath, barely keeping my foot from pressing the pedals. I stared at Kailen Base, waiting.

Leon’s machine stood beside me in the forest, crouched low like a beast, holding its breath for the signal.

The next day after asking Ange to go in—dawn, supply convoy passing through—I was counting every second, heart thudding in my ears.

“Hey… isn’t the signal late?”

“Still thirty minutes early.”

“Huh….”

My legs started trembling without warning. I clenched my thighs, but the shivers wouldn’t stop. All I could think about was whether Ange was safe… safe… safe…

Did they catch her? Did she get hurt during the infiltration? No, no, she’s already captured by the enemy!?

“Leon.”

“Didn’t I just say it’s not yet? Try calming down a bit.”

“Yeah, but—”

Alone like this, my mind just races with worst-case thoughts. Ah, Ange, hurry up and send the signal! Give me the order to charge! I’ll be there in an instant!

“I get that you’re worried, but try trusting her a little. She graduated top of her class in Academy Support Maid Studies.”

“I graduated top of mine in Pilot Training, too!”

“That’s not what I’m saying. Eld only agreed to this mission because he knows she’s capable of that kind of skill, right?”

“Of course.”

Ange’ll pull off exactly what I need—perfectly.

“Then settle in. Worry’s just mistrust in disguise.”

“Ugh…”

Maybe it is.

I trust Ange. That’s why I gave her this mission. And yet—here I am, all jittery. Feels like I’m doubting her, doesn’t it?

Ange’ll pull it off. No, she’ll do more than that—she’ll bring back something truly magnificent. So I just have to wait. Wait for the best opportunity she’ll bring, and make damn sure I catch it!

Inhale—slow, deep. Let every last bit of air out.

“Alright. Fine. How much time left until the schedule?”

“Huh… less than five minutes now. Get ready.”

“S-sure thing!”

I stay on edge, poised to move at a moment’s notice, waiting for the signal.

One minute. Two. Still nothing.

My body starts to wobble. The machine hums—like it’s itching to move.

Ah… still waiting. Ange, are you still out there? Still waiting?

The scheduled time arrived. Still no signal from Ange.

Why isn’t she coming?

Calm down. Maybe the enemy’s too many. Maybe she’s confused by the gate’s release. Plenty of reasons could explain it.

I know that. I know it. But I still can’t accept it.

I want to stomp on the pedal right now and charge straight at the gate. But that’d be betraying my trust in Ange.

No. I have to wait. Just wait.

A few minutes past the time, a fireball shot up from near the gate leading into town.

The moment I saw it, every hair on my body stood on end.

I stomped the pedal without hesitation, crouching so low it looked like I was about to crawl, and burst out of the woods in one motion.

Leon’s machine came out of the woods a moment later.

But right now, I don’t have the luxury to match Leon’s pace.

Ange gave the signal. Then it’s my duty to get there as fast as I can!

“On my way, Ange!”

The fireball lit up the base, setting off the alarms—suddenly, chaos erupted. At the same time, the western gate began to creak open, slow as a dying breath.

I charged straight for it, shoving the machine through the narrow gap before the gate fully cleared. Artifigouj bumped slightly against the frame, warping it a little—well, whatever. Not worth worrying over.

I plunged into the base. Soldiers still dazed, not even sure what had happened, stared up at my machine in shock.

I swept Artifigouj past them, hard and fast.

Wind roared from the swing—people screamed, flung into the air like dry leaves.

“Ange!”

“Right here!”

I called out toward the base, and Ange shot out from behind a nearby building, flare boosters blazing, landing right on the機体’s shoulder.

I cracked the hatch open just for a second—just long enough to beckon her inside the cockpit.

“Quick rundown, okay? The concentrated mana liquid—Hyimagia Liquid—tank’s intact. Fuel’s still plenty. The hangar’s packed with Abnomyle, but they’re just lined up, not actually hung up. Command center’s still in use. Enemy commander’s a skinny guy with glasses, starting to go bald in the front. And no prisoners. Everyone captured got shipped off to the Empire.”

“Nice recon. You really dug into it, huh.”

I run my fingers through Ange’s hair, leaning over her from the pilot’s seat. Always liked doing this, since forever.

She giggles, nuzzling into my hand, then beams with another bit of good news.

“Ehehe, since it was Zal’s security, I snuck in a little surprise too.”

“A surprise?”

“The magitek carts’ physical simulators—sensors, all of them—yanked out and taken.”

“So they can’t run away at all, huh!”

Escaping through Armunale would be too obvious. They’d use magitek carts or horse carriages. If we’ve disabled every single one, we’ve bought ourselves more time—plenty of time.

“That’s the idea! Go all out!”

“Leave it to me!”

While I was listening to Ange’s report, the Abnomyle troops, scrambled into action, started pouring out from the hangar one after another. The guards who’d been lured by the first fireball were beginning to turn back, noticing our commotion.

And finally, Leon made it down to us.

“Eld, you’re too early!”

“Not a problem!”

“There *is* a problem! With so few allies, at least keep your damn feet in step!”

“Then you go secure the fuel storage tanks. There’s still a few left with concentrated mana liquid—Hyimagia Liquid. I’ll deal with the ones who’ve come out!”

“Listen to me—no, forget it! Just clear them all out and get back here fast.”

That’s my specialty.

Leon left those words behind and charged forward, slashing wildly at the approaching enemies as he ran toward the storage tanks.

I pulled the harmonica pistol from the Artifigoj and fired at the approaching unit.

One shot, one kill. The machine exploded in a tiny burst, shattering into pieces.

Hmm, well, that’s the thing about robot fights—explosions, right? When Armunale clash, the generators can’t be damaged, so no explosions. Looks kind of dull, really.

“This is my show now! Anyone want to die? Come on, try me!”

“Squee! Eld-kun’s so cool!”

With Ange cheering like that, I could probably move three times faster than usual!

I flung aside my empty harmonica pistol and drew my sword, charging straight into the swarm of Abnomyle.

Meanwhile, Leon, riding alone toward the fuel tank, stopped short when he saw Armunale standing before it.

Around him, the Abnomyle that had followed him halted their advance—just watching, circling Leon without attacking.

“Two units. Bold move. You’ve got real confidence.”

“Yeah, well, you’re the one who’s been scrambling all over the battlefield.”

“True enough… but I can’t let you pass.”

“Kuk. That’s right. This fuel’s vital for holding the front line.”

Even with their overwhelming numbers, the truth remains: Armunale is still the battlefield’s ultimate weapon. Its power has shaped every battle so far—no amount of brute force can match it.

That’s why grabbing this fuel tank here means victory in this block’s war. Simple as that.

That’s why Leon followed Eld’s orders without question and came here.

“Still as offbeat as ever. When it comes to guarding something important, strong guardians are always ready. To score real results, it’s far smarter to take down a single Armunale than dozens of Abnomyle.”

Leon licks his lips in the cockpit. His face is smiling.

But that smile isn’t the kind Eld gives—no joy, no warmth. It’s the look of a snake coiled around prey, sharp-eyed, hungry. A hunter’s grin.

“I’ll see just how long that confidence lasts!”

The enemy aircraft draws its blade. Leon drops the machine’s waist in response.

You’re gonna be my score, Imperial Knight!

The blades clashed—then the duel between the two knights began.