The rubble blocking the way is too large. It's only natural that the building itself collapsed, closing off the road.
With no other option, armed vehicles were parked on the shoulder, and from there, the movement continued on foot. It's not clear how much explosive power would be needed to clear the obstacles.
Advancing and moving on foot is not particularly disliked. In fact, it's something one is accustomed to, but the inconvenience lies in--
"Clear."
"Understood."
Engaging with Rapture is the most troublesome. However, whether moving in vehicles or on foot, it seems the trouble remains the same.
Several enemy mechs have fallen on the cracked asphalt road. None of them had the chance to emit a calling signal and were promptly shot down.
The destroyed mechs suffered significant damage, leaking a pitch-black catalyst, scattering sparks, and emitting black smoke from Rapture. When Rapi confirmed the complete silence, Moore nodded and secured the safety device on his assault rifle.
"It feels good. The way to the research facility is smooth too."
"Sometimes, we encounter Rapture, and things get noisy."
After the engagement, Anis, who had slightly eased the tension that had built up throughout her body, made a light remark, and Moore responded with sarcasm.
In response, she lets out a faint wry smile and shrugs her slender shoulders.
"Yep. ─ We've got supplies from the trailer, and everything seems fine, but..."
"─ There's something bothering you?"
"Exactly. Hehe~~I'll give Commander-sama 10 points for that."
"I'm glad to hear that."
Hidden behind the sunglasses worn for ultraviolet protection, Moore's deep brown eyes narrow, and his gaze is directed behind Anis.
At the same time, without turning around, she offered a lighter to Moore as he put the cigarette to his lips, pulling it out from her pocket.
"Hey, Commander. Since when did Nikke become capable of acting independently on the surface without the Commander?"
"Eh? I can't do something like that, you know?"
Neon, standing next to Anis, tilts her head at the sudden remark.
Her amber eyes are slightly angled upward. Wearing a helmet and sunglasses, she directs a question to her commander, who, while shaking his head slightly, lights the tip of his cigarette with the offered electronic lighter.
"Siege Perilous and Triangle may be capable of certain actions, but... generally, they shouldn't be able to."
"Yeah, right? So, what about tailing other units during secret missions?"
"You should know that too, right? In principle, and basically, it's prohibited. Unless there's a valid reason for surveillance, or tailing, it's not allowed. Well, speaking as someone with no recollection... it doesn't feel good to be wandering around without permission."
Inhaling nicotine from the purple smoke sent into her lungs, Moore calmly returns to Anis. She repeatedly nods in agreement.
Then, she turns her gaze to Rapi standing beside Moore.
"--Well, Commander said that. What do you think, Rapi?"
As a squad member, she defers to the leader for judgment. She can't help but let out a sigh at times like this, wishing not to be treated as a leader only during such moments, but she doesn't hesitate to agree with the implied sentiment.
As the leader of the squad, she then shifts her gaze to the commanding officer Moore by her side. Looking up with crimson eyes, she silently seeks guidance.
--Do you mind?
He correctly interprets the question, sending a sidelong glance to her, positioned a head lower, while still holding the cigarette in his mouth. He nods once.
--I leave it to you.
Telepathically understanding each other – considering the relationship between a commander and Nikke as it should be – their association has become remarkably long, almost unusual. Without exchanging words every time, just a glance is enough for matters like this.
Having confirmed his intention, Rapi nods back and slowly moves away from Moore.
Then, she unlocks the safety device on the assault rifle Militaria she is holding. Swiftly, she directs the muzzle not toward Moore but to a huge piece of reinforced concrete about 20 meters behind the group, which appears to be part of a building.
"--Come out. If you don't come out within the count of three, I'll shoot."
"It's better to come out quickly, you know~? Our leader might look like this, but--"
Impatiently, before Anis could interject, the sound of the safety device being released echoed anew.
"--And, our Commander is quite extreme~. We did give a warning though~?"
" "Three." "
They've started counting. When the trusted commander and leader start the countdown together, Anis shrugs her shoulders.
These two are quite alike – including their stubbornness.
" "Two." "
It's a countdown in lieu of an ultimatum. If they don't show themselves, there won't be any room for complaints even if they get shot. However, there's no guarantee that there will be a mouth and brain left to make complaints.
Sensing that they really will shoot, Anis beckons Neon, swiftly moving to the side to avoid their lines of fire.
Certainly, as soon as the final count is declared, triggers would be pulled without hesitation, and the sounds of assault rifles manufactured with Elysion and Tetra Line would echo in the surroundings. While it might be questionable to open fire without warnings or warning shots, it's the fault of those who are wandering around without permission.
Next is "one." Unintentionally, both Rapi and Moore place their index fingers on the triggers, adding a playful element. At that moment, a figure emerges from behind the massive debris.
Moore recalls the appearance and attire of that figure.
"--Stop right there. Drop your gun and belongings on the ground, and raise both hands."
Furrowing his brow behind the sunglasses, Moore issues a stern command, while Rapi calmly gives instructions. Although both of them are advancing slowly towards the figure, they never waver the assault rifle barrels aimed at the person.
As instructed, the figure carefully places the sniper rifle and the shoulder-slung bag on the ground, then raises slender arms up to shoulder level, indicating vulnerability.
With magenta hair and a short dress emphasizing body lines with flashy colors – it seems to reflect sequin-like material. Despite the extremely dangerous surface where Rapture runs rampant, the figure's appearance is as if heading out to a party.
"... Vice Admiral Burningham's aide, wasn't it?"
"--Captain Moore, please use the correct title."
"I apologize. And I am a Major."
"Oh, I forgot. Can you please lower the gun now?"
"Sorry, but I can't do that yet. Anis, Neon. Body check."
Alongside Rapi, Moore keeps his gun pointed at Papillon while still having his finger on the trigger and instructs Anis and Neon.
The two nod and approach the figure, starting to pat down the body over the long-dressed fabric from both sides.
Soon, what comes out is a mobile terminal, a compact for cosmetics, and a small monocular. In the bag, there is ammunition, food, identification, and more.
Anis picks up the identification and hands it over to Moore.
Holding the assault rifle with only his right arm and accepting the ID with his left hand, he checks the photo and the actual appearance of Papillon and eventually returns it to Anis.
"...There are some issues, but... she hasn't made any sniper attacks. There shouldn't be any direct danger. For now."
Anis, implicitly informed that it's fine to return the belongings, seems to have some thoughts but obediently follows his instructions.
"Alright, thank you. You can lower your arms now."
"Why do I have to go through this...!?"
"Because you've been tailing us, right? The Commander noticed you too."
"...The reflection from the lens was the decisive factor."
Moore points the assault rifle downward, away from Papillon, releasing his index finger from the trigger – but the safety is not engaged.
Rapi follows suit, adopting a similar posture.
"So? What's the reason for tailing us all the way down here?"
He asks bluntly, exhaling purple smoke and questioning while holding the cigarette in his mouth.
During the training at the Central Government Army headquarters, he should have maintained a more polite attitude – Papillon recalls his previous demeanor.
Perhaps this is his true self. It seems that the attitude and face she saw before were just for show elsewhere.
If that's the case, she thinks, she should adopt an appropriate attitude herself. She moves towards him at a leisurely pace.
"Reason? I came to help the Major."
"...I don't recall making such a request."
Her ample bosom, asserting itself to the point of overflowing from the dress, sways as she walks. Answering Moore's question with a slightly seductive tone, she was trying to see if his attitude would change.
She might have wanted to know the true nature – whether the ferocious beast slaughtering fully armed Central Government soldiers is the real him.
Or perhaps – like many men – he belongs to the vulgar category, merely directing lecherous glances.
As Papillon mentally urges him to reveal his true nature, in the midst of her thoughts...
"Help? Well, when your superior, there, was fixing the outpost our quarters and facilities were in, which your superior's actions damaged, can you compensate for the costs?"
"Sorry~. That's beyond my jurisdiction."
"Oh, by the way, I almost got shot by that person once... Can't you compensate for the psychological damage I suffered at that time?"
"─────"
--Is interfering with conversations a hobby for these Bit---Nikkes?
However, she is THE Papillon. Serving as the aide to the Deputy Commander of the Central Government Army, she never showed any expression. Still, it's not hard to imagine that curses are being silently uttered in her mind.
However, in a sense, this is quite convenient.
"Really, I'm so sad~~..."
Even though they belong to the same workplace military, receiving a salary, and working daily, being doubted to this extent is disheartening. While expressing this sentiment to Moore, Papillon approaches him, extending her slender arms. Her fingertips target the robust right arm holding the grip of the assault rifle.
"Major, even for you, isn't it sad that the bees and the others are bullying me like this without stopping? Really, it's so sad..."
Immediately, she wraps her slender arms around that right arm, pulling him close. Leading his right arm towards the valley of her ample chest, overflowing from the dress, she presses it between her arms with force.
No man could resist her at this point.
---Now, show me your true colors.
After all, he must be just like any other ordinary man. If she flatters him a bit, he should easily succumb, just like those who yield readily.
With force in her embracing arms, pressing his right arm between her arms against her chest, Papillon expected...
"...I'm sorry, but helping is difficult. I have some resentment towards the Central Government Army, to a greater or lesser extent."
Moore shrugs lightly, withdrawing his right arm, which she was squeezing, from her chest, and once again grips the assault rifle. His attitude seems to suggest as if nothing happened.
It seems a reassessment is necessary.
Perhaps he is indeed a stern character.
"So, what is your purpose? Surveillance? Or information about Marian?"
As he steps back and distances himself from Papillon, Rapi interjects into her view.
She, too, is holding the assault rifle with the safety off.
It seems that the bees Anis' statement about her impatience is true.
"Well, fine. I'll be straightforward as you wish. You want information, right? Yes, that's right. Honestly, that's all you have right now."
"Hmm. In that case, it's a miss. Both I and these girls have been searching for Marian since the Pilgrims took her away, but we have no clues whatsoever. ...I apologize for troubling you. Please be careful on your way back."
Did she dig herself into a hole with her previous actions? Papillon states it, and Moore calmly responds. Then, he raises his left hand to shoulder level and rotates it in a circular motion.
It's a hand signal indicating assembly. Without turning back, he signals Papillon with two fingers in a circular motion.
This time, it's a signal to advance.
"Well then. Goodbye."
"Take care on your way back."
As he passes by Papillon's side, Anis and Neon call out and follow the backs of Moore and Rapi as they begin to move forward.
"Hey, wait a minute!? I do want information, but... I'm willing to exchange information if needed, you know!?"
"Information beyond my grasp is unfortunately unnecessary."
The response is lackluster. It's clear that he is not paying much attention.
Papillon, holding the bag and the sniper rifle she had placed on the ground, hurriedly caught up with Moore, walking alongside Rapi within a few meters of distance.
"─ If the major takes care of the butterfly(Her) that fly to his place skill~~~fully, you might be able to obtain confidential information about a certain vice commander, you know!?"
"Regardless of how many times the vice admiral digs in the dirt or how many mistresses he has, I'm not interested."
"It's not that kind of information! Besides, that person is honest and values his family!"
"...Hoh, I see. I respect the vice-admiral in that regard. Thanks for the information. Your way back is that way."
This is not working. It's utterly meaningless.
Pointing his left thumb and indicating behind, Moore is likely dutifully showing the direction of the return path. However, Papillon has received orders from Burningham to tail or accompany them, gathering information on the squad, the people Moore contacts, and anyone else they might encounter.
If that's the case, there's no choice.
"Well, if that's the case, then the story that there are no survivors on the surface is a lie, right!? What the Central Government is announcing is a blatant lie! There's actually a place called 'Lost Paradise' where humans gather and live..."
.
.
.
.
.
"----Hoooh?"
Suddenly, Moore's steps come to a halt.
His head shakes, and the sunglasses covering his eyes are removed with his left hand.
The opponent facing her is undoubtedly a human.
Yet, despite this fact, Papillon, looked down upon by the narrowed, intense brown eyes, experienced an illusion as if facing a sturdy giant wolf.
"─ Now, I'm a bit intrigued."
The giant wolf expresses with his gaze. Speak more of it .
The rubble blocking the way is too large. It's only natural that the building itself collapsed, closing off the road.
With no other option, armed vehicles were parked on the shoulder, and from there, the movement continued on foot. It's not clear how much explosive power would be needed to clear the obstacles.
Advancing and moving on foot is not particularly disliked. In fact, it's something one is accustomed to, but the inconvenience lies in--
"Clear."
"Understood."
Engaging with Rapture is the most troublesome. However, whether moving in vehicles or on foot, it seems the trouble remains the same.
Several enemy mechs have fallen on the cracked asphalt road. None of them had the chance to emit a calling signal and were promptly shot down.
The destroyed mechs suffered significant damage, leaking a pitch-black catalyst, scattering sparks, and emitting black smoke from Rapture. When Rapi confirmed the complete silence, Moore nodded and secured the safety device on his assault rifle.
"It feels good. The way to the research facility is smooth too."
"Sometimes, we encounter Rapture, and things get noisy."
After the engagement, Anis, who had slightly eased the tension that had built up throughout her body, made a light remark, and Moore responded with sarcasm.
In response, she lets out a faint wry smile and shrugs her slender shoulders.
"Yep. ─ We've got supplies from the trailer, and everything seems fine, but..."
"─ There's something bothering you?"
"Exactly. Hehe~~I'll give Commander-sama 10 points for that."
"I'm glad to hear that."
Hidden behind the sunglasses worn for ultraviolet protection, Moore's deep brown eyes narrow, and his gaze is directed behind Anis.
At the same time, without turning around, she offered a lighter to Moore as he put the cigarette to his lips, pulling it out from her pocket.
"Hey, Commander. Since when did Nikke become capable of acting independently on the surface without the Commander?"
"Eh? I can't do something like that, you know?"
Neon, standing next to Anis, tilts her head at the sudden remark.
Her amber eyes are slightly angled upward. Wearing a helmet and sunglasses, she directs a question to her commander, who, while shaking his head slightly, lights the tip of his cigarette with the offered electronic lighter.
"Siege Perilous and Triangle may be capable of certain actions, but... generally, they shouldn't be able to."
"Yeah, right? So, what about tailing other units during secret missions?"
"You should know that too, right? In principle, and basically, it's prohibited. Unless there's a valid reason for surveillance, or tailing, it's not allowed. Well, speaking as someone with no recollection... it doesn't feel good to be wandering around without permission."
Inhaling nicotine from the purple smoke sent into her lungs, Moore calmly returns to Anis. She repeatedly nods in agreement.
Then, she turns her gaze to Rapi standing beside Moore.
"--Well, Commander said that. What do you think, Rapi?"
As a squad member, she defers to the leader for judgment. She can't help but let out a sigh at times like this, wishing not to be treated as a leader only during such moments, but she doesn't hesitate to agree with the implied sentiment.
As the leader of the squad, she then shifts her gaze to the commanding officer Moore by her side. Looking up with crimson eyes, she silently seeks guidance.
--Do you mind?
He correctly interprets the question, sending a sidelong glance to her, positioned a head lower, while still holding the cigarette in his mouth. He nods once.
--I leave it to you.
Telepathically understanding each other – considering the relationship between a commander and Nikke as it should be – their association has become remarkably long, almost unusual. Without exchanging words every time, just a glance is enough for matters like this.
Having confirmed his intention, Rapi nods back and slowly moves away from Moore.
Then, she unlocks the safety device on the assault rifle Militaria she is holding. Swiftly, she directs the muzzle not toward Moore but to a huge piece of reinforced concrete about 20 meters behind the group, which appears to be part of a building.
"--Come out. If you don't come out within the count of three, I'll shoot."
"It's better to come out quickly, you know~? Our leader might look like this, but--"
Impatiently, before Anis could interject, the sound of the safety device being released echoed anew.
"--And, our Commander is quite extreme~. We did give a warning though~?"
" "Three." "
They've started counting. When the trusted commander and leader start the countdown together, Anis shrugs her shoulders.
These two are quite alike – including their stubbornness.
" "Two." "
It's a countdown in lieu of an ultimatum. If they don't show themselves, there won't be any room for complaints even if they get shot. However, there's no guarantee that there will be a mouth and brain left to make complaints.
Sensing that they really will shoot, Anis beckons Neon, swiftly moving to the side to avoid their lines of fire.
Certainly, as soon as the final count is declared, triggers would be pulled without hesitation, and the sounds of assault rifles manufactured with Elysion and Tetra Line would echo in the surroundings. While it might be questionable to open fire without warnings or warning shots, it's the fault of those who are wandering around without permission.
Next is "one." Unintentionally, both Rapi and Moore place their index fingers on the triggers, adding a playful element. At that moment, a figure emerges from behind the massive debris.
Moore recalls the appearance and attire of that figure.
"--Stop right there. Drop your gun and belongings on the ground, and raise both hands."
Furrowing his brow behind the sunglasses, Moore issues a stern command, while Rapi calmly gives instructions. Although both of them are advancing slowly towards the figure, they never waver the assault rifle barrels aimed at the person.
As instructed, the figure carefully places the sniper rifle and the shoulder-slung bag on the ground, then raises slender arms up to shoulder level, indicating vulnerability.
With magenta hair and a short dress emphasizing body lines with flashy colors – it seems to reflect sequin-like material. Despite the extremely dangerous surface where Rapture runs rampant, the figure's appearance is as if heading out to a party.
"... Vice Admiral Burningham's aide, wasn't it?"
"--Captain Moore, please use the correct title."
"I apologize. And I am a Major."
"Oh, I forgot. Can you please lower the gun now?"
"Sorry, but I can't do that yet. Anis, Neon. Body check."
Alongside Rapi, Moore keeps his gun pointed at Papillon while still having his finger on the trigger and instructs Anis and Neon.
The two nod and approach the figure, starting to pat down the body over the long-dressed fabric from both sides.
Soon, what comes out is a mobile terminal, a compact for cosmetics, and a small monocular. In the bag, there is ammunition, food, identification, and more.
Anis picks up the identification and hands it over to Moore.
Holding the assault rifle with only his right arm and accepting the ID with his left hand, he checks the photo and the actual appearance of Papillon and eventually returns it to Anis.
"...There are some issues, but... she hasn't made any sniper attacks. There shouldn't be any direct danger. For now."
Anis, implicitly informed that it's fine to return the belongings, seems to have some thoughts but obediently follows his instructions.
"Alright, thank you. You can lower your arms now."
"Why do I have to go through this...!?"
"Because you've been tailing us, right? The Commander noticed you too."
"...The reflection from the lens was the decisive factor."
Moore points the assault rifle downward, away from Papillon, releasing his index finger from the trigger – but the safety is not engaged.
Rapi follows suit, adopting a similar posture.
"So? What's the reason for tailing us all the way down here?"
He asks bluntly, exhaling purple smoke and questioning while holding the cigarette in his mouth.
During the training at the Central Government Army headquarters, he should have maintained a more polite attitude – Papillon recalls his previous demeanor.
Perhaps this is his true self. It seems that the attitude and face she saw before were just for show elsewhere.
If that's the case, she thinks, she should adopt an appropriate attitude herself. She moves towards him at a leisurely pace.
"Reason? I came to help the Major."
"...I don't recall making such a request."
Her ample bosom, asserting itself to the point of overflowing from the dress, sways as she walks. Answering Moore's question with a slightly seductive tone, she was trying to see if his attitude would change.
She might have wanted to know the true nature – whether the ferocious beast slaughtering fully armed Central Government soldiers is the real him.
Or perhaps – like many men – he belongs to the vulgar category, merely directing lecherous glances.
As Papillon mentally urges him to reveal his true nature, in the midst of her thoughts...
"Help? Well, when your superior, there, was fixing the outpost our quarters and facilities were in, which your superior's actions damaged, can you compensate for the costs?"
"Sorry~. That's beyond my jurisdiction."
"Oh, by the way, I almost got shot by that person once... Can't you compensate for the psychological damage I suffered at that time?"
"─────"
--Is interfering with conversations a hobby for these Bit---Nikkes?
However, she is THE Papillon. Serving as the aide to the Deputy Commander of the Central Government Army, she never showed any expression. Still, it's not hard to imagine that curses are being silently uttered in her mind.
However, in a sense, this is quite convenient.
"Really, I'm so sad~~..."
Even though they belong to the same workplace military, receiving a salary, and working daily, being doubted to this extent is disheartening. While expressing this sentiment to Moore, Papillon approaches him, extending her slender arms. Her fingertips target the robust right arm holding the grip of the assault rifle.
"Major, even for you, isn't it sad that the bees and the others are bullying me like this without stopping? Really, it's so sad..."
Immediately, she wraps her slender arms around that right arm, pulling him close. Leading his right arm towards the valley of her ample chest, overflowing from the dress, she presses it between her arms with force.
No man could resist her at this point.
---Now, show me your true colors.
After all, he must be just like any other ordinary man. If she flatters him a bit, he should easily succumb, just like those who yield readily.
With force in her embracing arms, pressing his right arm between her arms against her chest, Papillon expected...
"...I'm sorry, but helping is difficult. I have some resentment towards the Central Government Army, to a greater or lesser extent."
Moore shrugs lightly, withdrawing his right arm, which she was squeezing, from her chest, and once again grips the assault rifle. His attitude seems to suggest as if nothing happened.
It seems a reassessment is necessary.
Perhaps he is indeed a stern character.
"So, what is your purpose? Surveillance? Or information about Marian?"
As he steps back and distances himself from Papillon, Rapi interjects into her view.
She, too, is holding the assault rifle with the safety off.
It seems that the bees Anis' statement about her impatience is true.
"Well, fine. I'll be straightforward as you wish. You want information, right? Yes, that's right. Honestly, that's all you have right now."
"Hmm. In that case, it's a miss. Both I and these girls have been searching for Marian since the Pilgrims took her away, but we have no clues whatsoever. ...I apologize for troubling you. Please be careful on your way back."
Did she dig herself into a hole with her previous actions? Papillon states it, and Moore calmly responds. Then, he raises his left hand to shoulder level and rotates it in a circular motion.
It's a hand signal indicating assembly. Without turning back, he signals Papillon with two fingers in a circular motion.
This time, it's a signal to advance.
"Well then. Goodbye."
"Take care on your way back."
As he passes by Papillon's side, Anis and Neon call out and follow the backs of Moore and Rapi as they begin to move forward.
"Hey, wait a minute!? I do want information, but... I'm willing to exchange information if needed, you know!?"
"Information beyond my grasp is unfortunately unnecessary."
The response is lackluster. It's clear that he is not paying much attention.
Papillon, holding the bag and the sniper rifle she had placed on the ground, hurriedly caught up with Moore, walking alongside Rapi within a few meters of distance.
"─ If the major takes care of the butterfly(Her) that fly to his place skill~~~fully, you might be able to obtain confidential information about a certain vice commander, you know!?"
"Regardless of how many times the vice admiral digs in the dirt or how many mistresses he has, I'm not interested."
"It's not that kind of information! Besides, that person is honest and values his family!"
"...Hoh, I see. I respect the vice-admiral in that regard. Thanks for the information. Your way back is that way."
This is not working. It's utterly meaningless.
Pointing his left thumb and indicating behind, Moore is likely dutifully showing the direction of the return path. However, Papillon has received orders from Burningham to tail or accompany them, gathering information on the squad, the people Moore contacts, and anyone else they might encounter.
If that's the case, there's no choice.
"Well, if that's the case, then the story that there are no survivors on the surface is a lie, right!? What the Central Government is announcing is a blatant lie! There's actually a place called 'Lost Paradise' where humans gather and live..."
.
.
.
.
.
"----Hoooh?"
Suddenly, Moore's steps come to a halt.
His head shakes, and the sunglasses covering his eyes are removed with his left hand.
The opponent facing her is undoubtedly a human.
Yet, despite this fact, Papillon, looked down upon by the narrowed, intense brown eyes, experienced an illusion as if facing a sturdy giant wolf.
"─ Now, I'm a bit intrigued."
The giant wolf expresses with his gaze. Speak more of it .
