So, the one known as the Spider Detective has fallen into my trap.
You can't escape from us now.
Against so many opponents, what will you do?
Run away, Spider Detective-sama!
Why, you impudent lass!
Shut up!
Damn you!
Everyone, kill him!
Kill him!
We apologize for interrupting the program in progress, but there has been a change in the schedule.
Why do they have to cut in at the climax of the show?!
The news can wait another three minutes!
Don't they know that the swordfight with those scumbags is the biggest highlight of the show?!
No.
This appears to be very important news.
What are you saying?!
This show, "The Amazing Spider Detective",
This is Uruz-7.
I just found out.
It's already on the news.
Roger.
I'm on my way. I'll rush back using Route B-2.
Sousuke, are you listening?
I have urgent business to attend to.
"Urgent business"?
I'll return the day after tomorrow.
Where are you going?
We have a math quiz tomorrow, you know!
Make sure you head directly home.
Huh?
Wait a minute.
Sousuke!
According to reports on the current situation,
He left.
Seriously.
a dangerous group of terrorists from Northern China,
equipped with more than five AS, are currently fighting within the city of Nanjing.
The labyrinth and the Dragon
That's right. That's right.
Keep shooting.
The beacon is big, and the butt is small.
What do you mean by "butt"?
Nothing really.
Stop! Otherwise...
Otherwise,
it'll be like this!
We overtook them!
Gates with a spectacular display of skill!
All machines are heading towards the final corner!
The spectators are on their feet!
Will he do it? Can he do it?
He beat all odds at the Nanjing Grand Prix, and now...
It's dangerous! Please wear a helmet!
I hate helmets.
They'll make me go bald.
The negotiations to discuss the extension of the cease-fire agreement...
...between Northern and Southern China have been attacked by a group of armed terrorists.
The attack took place seven hours ago in the city of Nanjing, along the Yangtze River basin.
I'm sorry for being late.
Three of the AS units attacked the conference facility...
...and abducted five Northern Chinese participants, including official delegates.
The armed group resisted violently while escaping by land.
They are currently besieged in the depths of the Yangtze River Tunnel pass.
The organization calls itself "The 500,000 Lost Men."
However, we have not yet verified if such a terrorist organization actually exists.
We have already secured the surrounding area.
Captain.
Yes?
Thus far, is all the information correct?
Yes. Please continue.
Yes, Ma'am.
This is where the terrorist group is currently besieged:
The Yangtze River Tunnel pass in the city of Nanjing.
It is four kilometers in length and is the largest man-made structure in this area.
This is where we'll be conducting our rescue operation.
It's definitely huge.
The design is complicated too.
Not only was this tunnel built using outdated technology,
it has also been put to many different uses, due to the various civil wars that have taken place.
As a result, it has a lot of tunnels and inclined shafts.
It truly is a complex structure.
It's just a tunnel in name.
Looks more like a dungeon.
That's right.
It's a kind of labyrinth.
Excluding some of the more narrow areas,
it is wide enough for an AS to perform its mission and move around.
It can be assumed that all six enemy AS and Savage units will be waiting in ambush all over.
We won't be able to foil any booby traps with our current equipment.
It'll be a piece of cake.
We still have the M9.
If all goes according to plan, that is.
We will first send in three infantry units at these points.
Once the routes have definitely been secured, three AS units will proceed inside.
Mao, Weber, and Sagara will pilot the AS squad.
The rest of you will move in military formation.
Due to the nature of the structure,
we can't use anti-aircraft artillery, high-explosive charges, guided missiles or sniping bullets.
Be sure to be careful when communicating.
All of the enemy's equipment, as well as the rest of the information we have confirmed,
are listed on the documents we've handed out.
Hard copy only for now.
Why don't you stop handing out hard copies and start sending us the data instead?
Once we've located the position where the hostages are being held,
we'll inform you of the route, timetable, and other details pertaining to it.
Thus, be sure to memorize the altitude, arrangements and distance of the tunnel.
That's imperative.
But all the different maps don't match one another.
It's written here, "This description is not accurate."
So does that mean that this one is also incorrect?
It's just like the story of the Cretans.
What does he mean?
It's about the Liar's Paradox that says "All Cretans are liars."
It refers to situations where the truth cannot be verified.
Save the lecture on Epimenides for another time.
Next, as for establishing a secure line of communication within the tunnel,
the Intelligence Department has dispatched a technology expert who will meet you there.
Captain Vincent Blueno.
He'll give an explanation on how to use the transmitters and such before the plan is executed.
Roger.
Yes, Sir.
That is all.
Captain, please take care of the rest.
Yes.
From a global perspective, this operation is similar to the one in Khanka and can be said to be very delicate.
As the operation will be taking place inland, we will not be able to provide extensive support.
The current situation is similar to that detailed in my Mechanism Practicum report,
which I disseminated on the 28th of last month. Please read it over carefully once more.
Still, all of you are soldiers who excel in communication and technology.
As long as you carry out your duties as always,
I'm sure you'll be done in time to enjoy a restful lunch tomorrow.
That is all.
Are there any questions?
Very well.
In that case, please follow the arranged procedures and make all the necessary preparations.
I wish you all the best of luck.
Dismissed.
Captain Blueno.
We'll be above Nanjing momentarily.
Please fasten your seat belt.
Okay.
The preparations are complete.
Also, in this situation, the specs of the VRL-108 cannot be verified.
Lieutenant Commander.
Hold on a second.
Don't change this setting.
Speak to the Saks regarding the rest.
Understood, Sir.
Lieutenant Commander, I would like to use the M9 for this operation.
Denied.
Can you please tell me the reason why I must use the Arbalest no matter what?
Before asking me that, tell me the reason why you can't use the Arbalest.
That's because...
That unit is capable of doing what needs to be done.
If you look at it objectively, you shouldn't feel dissatisfied.
Yes, Sir.
Additionally, regarding the report I handed in the other day...
The report on Wraith?
Please think it over.
I don't think the men from the Intelligence Department are fully capable of protecting Chidori in my absence.
As it is, it's the same as...
The same as having a mere observer there?
That's right.
We're the Operations Department.
We have no jurisdiction over the Intelligence Department.
But...
We're investigating it as well.
Concentrate on the current operation for now!
Yes, Sir.
This is the Captain speaking.
We will be surfacing at the eastern tip momentarily.
Please finish all final preparations for the raid.
We'll be reaching the rendezvous point with the technology expert momentarily.
A divided China, huh?
How many years has it been since the civil war broke out and the country was divided into Northern and Southern China?
Eight years.
It's been almost five years since the cease-fire agreement between both military parties was signed.
The negotiations to renew the agreement began in Nanjing yesterday.
You should watch the news, at least.
So that's why they were attacked.
Their security sure is great, isn't it?
Their defenses weren't weak. The attacking party was just too strong.
Precisely.
Besides, the Yangtze River tunnel pass is a neutral zone between Northern and Southern China.
lt is sacred ground, even to the governments.
One of the topics on the conference agenda was to discuss the conflict over the management of the tunnel.
So, it's complicated in many ways, huh?
That's right.
And that's probably why we were called in.
The moderate factions of the Northern and Southern governments,
as well as the pacifists among their backers, the Americans and the Soviets,
are most likely the ones who informally requested Mithril to stand by.
In any case, if anything should happen to the group of hostages,
it'll create trouble for the renewal of the cease-fire agreement.
Five years have passed since the war ended.
To put it bluntly, they're worried that something bad will happen just when both sides are starting to stabilize.
It's simple, right?
What?
It's difficult!
No. It's simple.
If we fail, there's a danger of another civil war breaking out.
That's how it is.
Precisely.
If thats the reason, why didn't you just say so in the beginning?
It was tiring waiting for you guys.
I'm Captain Vincent Blueno of the lntelligence Department.
I'm Sergeant-Major Melissa Mao.
Where's the equipment?
This is it.
I'll hand it over to you now.
As you already know, most normal means of communication cannot be used inside the tunnel.
Thus, repeaters need to be set up at each appropriate point.
What's their range?
l predict it to be about 500 meters.
However, if you use it within the labyrinth, 200 meters should be the max.
The amount you've prepared for us will suffice, right?
Also, will the hook-up with the Danaan be all right?
Yes.
I'll take full responsibility and hook it up personally.
Leave it to me.
I understand.
I'm counting on you.
This is Star-1. The course is clear.
Advancing towards point 4 now...
Stop! Stop!
It's an enemy trap! Notify the engineering units at once...
Damn it! They've attacked us!
It's useless! We have no means of fighting back! At this rate...
All units are to suspend operations! Suspend all operations!
Suspend? But...
All units are to retreat!
We'll let the "experts" handle the rest.
Understand? Retreat at once! Leave the rest to "them"!
This is Uruz-2 to all units.
Looks like an idiot started the party in advance.
Let's show him who's boss now!
Understand?!
Roger!
This is Uruz-7.
Descent successful.
l've entered the labyrinth.
Heading towards point 0202 now.
lncoming AS.
Position distance: 3.
Let's take care of it!
Roger.
It has begun.
Yes.
This is Uruz-2.
Descent successful.
One Savage unit has been eliminated.
Heading towards point 0114 now.
This is Uruz-6.
Descent successful.
One approaching Savage unit...
...has been damaged.
On my way to finish it off now.
This is Team Ruby.
We've arrived at point 0307.
No signs of the enemy.
No casualties either.
As planned, heading towards point 0308 now.
Damn, the interference is terrible!
Hey!
That was scary.
This is Uruz-7.
A second enemy AS unit has been neutralized.
Heading towards point 0208 now.
As there is a lot of interference, most communication channels will not be open.
I know that.
This is Uruz-7 to Ogma-1.
Communications reception is bad. Will it improve?
This is Ogma-1.
This should be good enough.
Request for improvement is denied.
But what if things go wrong?
When that time comes, I'll make the necessary adjustments.
That will be all.
20mm-class sentry guns detected.
2 units.
Activate ECS.
Stealth mode.
Roger.
This is Uruz-2.
Passing point 0215.
I'm going around to back up Ruby and Topaz.
This is Uruz-6.
I've found a trap at point 0311.
Because of this, I will go around to point 0288.
This is Uruz-7.
Passing point 0209.
Heading towards point 0210 now.
The enemy's AS are being suppressed one after another.
They're continuing to encircle the area.
Yes.
Is anything wrong?
Don't you think things are going too smoothly?
I feel the same way, but...
It's not a good enough reason to go easy on them.
You're right.
Please proceed as planned.
Yes, Ma'am.
Boom!
Yet another one disappears.
Such a waste.
Oh! Here he comes!
Rumor has it he's quite handsome.
Then again, if that wasn't true, it wouldn't be worth it.
Yuifan! Get ready!
I already am.
Yuilan-chan, how about you?
Are you scared?
Oops! Sorry! Sorry!
I forgot that you can't talk now!
I didn't do that on purpose!
Honestly!
My younger sister doesn't feel fear.
Thought so.
This is Team Topaz.
We've arrived at the Treasure Box.
All preparations complete.
This is Team Ruby.
We're in position as well.
Ready to storm in anytime.
This is strange.
It's too quiet.
But there are no signs of traps or other tricks either.
Uruz-2 to Ruby and Topaz.
Prepare to charge in.
Count: Three...
Two...
One...
Go!
Clear!
In fact, only the hostages are here.
There's no one else.
Any traps?
None.
Certainly, it does seem to be safe...
Give me a minute.
I'm going over there now.
Will you be all right getting off the AS?
It's fine for now.
I've set the M9 to automatically attack any AS unknown to the IFF.
Topaz is to go around and be on the lookout for any attacks.
This is Topaz. Roger that.
Well then, don't think badly of me.
Yes.
Knight-2 destroyed.
Switching to enemy detection mode.
Man, this is really strange.
What do you mean?
There's too little resistance.
Then again, since my opponent was using an old Savage model, it should be expected after all, but...
I feel the same way.
Compared to the skilled movements they exhibited right after the abduction,
the Savages we just defeated are far too unresponsive.
Sousuke, you think so too?
Yes.
Is there still no sign of the enemy infantry?
Even though I can just smell them around.
Let's just leave as soon as possible after we've checked everything out.
There. You're free now, Miss.
There aren't any chemical weapon traps, are there?
The air conditioning is still on anyway.
Hey, it really is strange!
What?
Is anything wrong?!
There's no one piloting the Savage I defeated.
It's unmanned!
Does this mean that it was controlled by remote?
What on earth does this...
What did you say?
Uruz-6, I didn't copy that!
Respond at once!
Did something happen to Kurz?
Urzu-6.
What's going on?
I have no idea.
Not only are the communication lines not open, there's also no response.
No, wait a minute.
I think I might be able to...
It's connected!
This is Uruz-7 to Headquarters.
Are you receiving?
This is Uruz-7 to Headquarters!
This is Headquarters.
Explain the current situation to us.
The worst has happened.
It seems like we've fallen into the enemy's trap.
Venom...
Good afternoon!
Next Episode
The trap that awaits us at 2030.
Venom and Shadow...
And even the numerous poisonous fangs wake them up from their sleep.
With no path of retreat, we were shot down by spirits of the past.
Next,
"Daylight."
Daylight
In order to live and see sunlight once again, the dangerous ad-lib begins within the darkness.