To my esteemed brethren of the friendly forces of the Legitimate Kingdom.
I am the Elite of the Legitimate Kingdom's 24th Mechanized Maintenance Battalion.
Prizewell City Slicker.
The Legitimate Kingdom's growth is stagnant.
Why is that?
Even though we have the Legitimate Kingdom's official language,
a whole variety of inferior languages are being used at the same time.
This is needlessly slowing down the speed of our information.
In order for our Legitimate Kingdom to seize ultimate victory, we must solve this problem!
Therefore, we will take these various inferior languages and eradicate them.
We will now head for the eastern part of Victoria Island to conduct a military exercise with seven Objects.
By our might, we shall show you our resolve!
Military exercise?
Talk about a transparent lie.
Let me see that projection map.
They're planning to attack the immigrant settlement city.
Hold on a second!
Never mind that!
Our base zone is in danger, too!
Miss Frolaytia!
All personnel, evacuate!
I repeat, all personnel, evacuate!
Get away from the base zone immediately!
All personnel are to evacuate!
Don't wanna die before we see our fire inside so...
We can fight!
In the distance, where your mud-covered expression is facing,
doromamire no sono hyoujou ga misueteru saki e
We can fight!
Our sweat that drips down, even knowing that everything will come to a futile end, Will still never forget how to fight!
nagareo chiru asa ga subete muda ni owaru to shitemo
tataku koto dake wa wasure wa shinai darou
You're so strong - able to smile in any situation, And no one has ever seen you cry...
itsudemo waraeru tsuyoi kimi no nakigao wa daremo shiranai kara
But that just leaves the bruises in your heart unhealed.
kokoro no aza wa kienai kedo
You always never gave up, you never gave up, So nothing's too late!
Just like that - Never wake up, you Never wake up
sou yatte Never wake up, you Never wake up
So let's just go on dreaming! We lamented this world, feeling unable to smile.
yume miteikou ze itsuka nageiteta waraenai sekai wa
But now we'll laugh to the ends of the Earth! That's right! Get Up, Get Up, Get Up!
dokomademo waratte sousa, Get up, Get up, Get up!
We just gotta blaze on through!
kake nukere bai
You Can't Put a Price on Honor
The Critical Running Battle on Victoria Island II
Those who have a command of the correct language will be subjects.
Those unable to command it, but willing to learn, will be servants.
To those unable to command it and uninterested in learning, death!
This will allow the Legitimate Kingdom's economy to flourish and pave the way to victory in this war.
It is the one and only way!
They attacked after providing plenty of time to evacuate.
Making a show of it that they're not the enemy, huh?
Qwenthur, Havia, sitrep on the Objects.
The Snow Quake is heavily damaged.
The Elite appears to have ejected.
The Princess is moderately damaged.
She's hanging in there.
Her drive system got hit, but it seems she can still move, more or less.
Understood.
Dig up any usable equipment and materials out of the rubble!
We will load them onto vehicles and conduct a pit stop on-site!
We're going to repair the Baby Magnum before those crazy bastards attack the immigrant settlement city!
Roger!
This is a bad time for this.
Hey, what's going on?
What's wrong?
What's happened?
The maintenance chief is nowhere to be found.
Don't tell me...
Did she not make it out?
Oh, no, she was here until just earlier.
But then...
Granny wasn't originally from the Legitimate Kingdom, was she?
As I recall, she's an immigrant from the Capital Enterprise's Japanese archipelago.
Yes, that's right, but...
What about her family?
If I remember right, she has a married daughter and a granddaughter.
The immigrant settlement city...
I don't like how this fits together.
That should do it.
First aid treatment, done.
I appreciate it.
Think nothing of it.
What?
What did you say?!
Then, Granny went to save her daughter and her husband in the immigrant settlement city?
I swear, it's a good thing the black units are on separate assignment.
If she'd been found by them, this is a situation where she'd have been shot without mercy.
At any rate, I'm sending the vehicles your way.
You guys get things ready for the Baby Magnum to receive repairs.
Do you think we'll make it in time?
Because the 24th Battalion's Objects are operating with infantry, they're matching speeds with their vehicles.
If we can just get the Princess's propulsion system fixed, we might be able to catch up.
Anyway, whether we're going to go save Granny or protect the immigrant settlement city,
we have to act quickly, or we'll have no time.
Hey, now, hold on.
I'm trying to take this in the direction of "It's too bad, but it looks like we might have to give up this time."
Just listen to me, Havia!
Even as we stand here, the 24th Battalion is approaching the immigrant settlement city.
You think there's any time for wishy-washy deliberation?
We have to act soon, if not this very moment!
What are you, an idiot?!
Seven units!
There are seven enemy Objects!
Like us going up against them is going to accomplish anything!
And what about you, Havia?
Do you really think there are seven whole Objects?
How many people do we need just to keep the one Baby Magnum running?
If they were to utilize seven of those things,
just how much do you think it'd take in terms of people, facilities, and funds?
Even with the Elites who pilot them.
How much effort do you think it takes to train up just one?!
Then, what the hell were those things?
It's hard to believe that they're cutting-edge Objects that cost a fortune.
They're likely cheap models that are 0.5th gen or lower.
Their aim was to prepare dummies that would throw us into confusion.
You've got nothing to corroborate that at all!
You're just guessing!
Then I'll prove it to you!
Huh?
Hey, wait!
Where are you going?!
Hey!
Damn it!
I swear!
In terms of the basic dimensions of the floats, they're each approximately 100m by 20m.
And about 10m high.
As far as the thickness and quality of materials, they're probably...
Hey, what're you looking into, Qwenthur?
Volume.
Even if it's empty inside, at this size, it wouldn't have enough buoyancy for 200 thousand tons.
At best, the most it could do is 50 thousand tons.
Do you get what I'm trying to say?
Then...
You can't put a real Object on this float.
That formation is a bluff.
It's not as if they really have the fire power of seven units.
Seriously?
The thickness of the armor is less than a quarter.
If they're even skimping in areas like that, they won't have done the anti-fire reactant treatment, either.
Its adaptability as onion armor should be low as well.
Even the output power of their reactors is questionable.
The reason they're moving together with infantry units might be to hide the fact that they can't go fast.
If so, it's even suspect whether they can properly fire anything other than their main guns.
Even without using an Object, there might remain a chance that we can blow holes in them with just our weapons!
If it turned out that we blew away seven Objects in one go, that'd be quite the achievement, huh?
Yeah.
All right, you can count me in.
But this is the last time.
I'm rising the hell up in stature and becoming the head of the Winchell family!
And that'll be the end of it.
I'm never taking another gamble where I have to bet with my life again!
Then let's hurry up and go after'the Indigo Plasma.
We're not letting them attack the immigrant settlement city.
Yeah.
Get down!
Hey, now, I was just about to go and do great things here.
We can still make it.
Let's use that car.
No choice.
Medium range sniper rifles and a portable anti-tank missile...
This goes beyond sucking, Qwenthur.
We'll have to ask for permission even to sneeze, or we'll get holes put in us.
What's with the way they're dressed?
Never mind that. That gun...
What's the Capital Enterprise military doing showing up here?
Okay, that's enough whispering.
I guess for now, this should be good enough as a gift to take with us.
Yes, we need them to be.
We're running out of rations, too, so we've got a problem if we don't get something in the win column soon.
Agreed.
And there's nothing we can do until rescue comes for us in the first place.
Who the heck are you people?
What are you trying to do here?
We are the Battlefield Cleaning Service.
The Battlefield Cleaning Service?
A PMC.
A kind of mercenary firm.
Dressed like that?
Because there's a demand for that.
Oh, we ran out of business cards, so you'll have to forgive us.
Capitalist Enterprise money-worshippers...
Honestly!
We've had it really rough, you see.
We were waiting for the Legitimate Kingdom and Intelligence Union militaries to wear each other down,
and the plan was to mobilize our Object in the midst of that chaos,
but you guys ended up winning just like that and took control of the Alaska region.
You're talking about when our Princess fought Ohoho and the Rush.
The Rush?
That's the dull name the Legitimate Kingdom gave it?
Thanks to that, things were all helter-skelter for us.
The operation to withdraw was utter chaos and we missed our chance to catch a transport.
Enemies all around us.
Even finding a place to sleep was life and death.
It was so not funny.
If you want hot soup and a blanket, surrender.
If we did that, the company's reputation would take a hit.
We're the Capital Enterprise, where one's human rights status goes up and down with one's savings.
Advertising, publicity, and one's image are not to be taken lightly.
Then, what are you going to do?
That.
Would you mind pretending to be maintenance crew and get the Elite to eject for an emergency?
Tell her the power reactor is seriously damaged and that it might explode.
Or something like that.
Then, we'll take the Elite into our custody.
I think I have a pretty good grasp of the situation here on Victoria Island.
Those are the last Objects the Legitimate Kingdom has.
The seven traitorous units will soon leave for the Atlantic.
Once that happens, this place will be completely undefended,
the Capital Enterprise military will come along once again, we'll get extracted, and everything will be solved!
Now, if you understand that, how about you get the Elite to eject?
You people...
...are mercenaries, right?
A PMC. A mercenary firm.
If you would like to hire our services, please use the dedicated form on our official website.
There's no time.
I'll hire you people, right here on the spot.
Qwenthur?!
That'll make you our allies.
All right?
You don't seem to know what we go for, little boy.
There's no way you could hire us on your allowance.
A fee is remuneration that is paid in earnest for services rendered.
It's insulting if you think you can haggle us down as you please.
That's like saying that the value of our lives is subject to what's convenient for you.
No one's saying anything of the sort.
Don't mess with us!
It looks like you don't understand the position you're in.
That's you.
I'm a valuable customer, you know.
If you're from the Capitalist Enterprise, I bet you're experts.
Or do you pursue nothing but cash and e-money, making you unfamiliar with gemstones?
Charm!
They're from the military mine that was on the Kamchatka Peninsula.
The one the Faith Organization was hiding to fill their war chest.
They're real diamonds in the range of fifteen carats!
From the looks of it, the color and clarity aren't bad, either.
Or more like, they're top quality.
All of them?!
That's the advance.
I have two more boxes just like that hidden near the maintenance base.
If you help us, I'll give you the rest, regardless of the mission's outcome.
How much do mercenaries go for?
How many years would it take you to earn this much?
You could have just said so earlier!
Master!
Please, please, come right in.
I apologize for the cramped quarters, but we will all do our utmost to make you comfortable.
It smells like a girl's room.
Charm, did we still have tea?
We have used tea leaves that have been reused about twice more and potable water made from melted snow.
What about snacks to go with it?
If you want the crackers that were in our rations...
You mean those pieces of plywood?
Looks like rations taste like crap no matter where you go.
Apologies for not introducing myself earlier.
My name is Wydine Uptown.
Anything from recon and artillery support to shoulder massages and ear cleaning.
Just say the word and we will do anything.
Y-Yeah?
I guess, for starters, it'd help if we could head for the immigrant settlement city.
We have an order!
Full speed ahead to the immigrant settlement city!
If they're willing to do anything, then let's have them do it all.
I, for one, want my ears cleaned with my head in someone's lap...
No one asked you!
Go find a corner and keep your mouth shut!
Wh-What s with this disparity?
It's the difference between a customer who pays our rate promptly
and a stinking bastard who doesn't put up a single penny!
You should be damn grateful just for being allowed on board!
Oh, fine!
I won't expect anything anymore!
But just remember this!
When I feel cold eyes looking down on me with contempt, I'm the type who gets excited, all right?!
Now, what to do?
What might be the matter?
Of the enemy's seven units, six are likely to be dummies that are 0.5th gen or lower.
But they can use their main guns.
Furthermore, our main opponent, the Indigo Plasma, is a second gen.
It's an honest-to-goodness monster weapon.
But still, how'd they manage to get the Elites who are piloting them?
They are probably strategic AIs.
What?
Lemish, please explain it to our client.
Ok.
These are their movements when the six units came ashore.
They're represented by the red arrows.
Can you tell how they move in a distinctive way?
They're moving in awfully straight lines...
And this is their leader, the Lily Maria.
I think your people call it the Indigo Plasma?
And when they come within a 5 klick radius of the leader...
The movement of the dummy units changed.
It's likely that they're ordinarily managed by the strategic AI,
with allowances so that the leader can make adjustments manually.
If it hadn't been a sneak attack, the Object at sea might not have been taken out so easily.
First, the Intelligence Union, and now the 24th Battalion...
Is developing strategic AIs in vogue or something?
If they're strategic AIs, couldn't we apply the Angelina List and bring them to a standstill?
With the Rush, the enemy's attention was glued to the Princess.
That's why we were free to take action.
This time, we don't have that kind of leeway.
If we make a move, they'll point their main guns at us.
Now, now.
The key thing here is this range of five klicks, where things switch from the AI to manual adjustments.
I think it's probably the range that they can exert remote control using infrared or radio waves.
If we can get within that range, there might be a chance we can use that against them...
Sir, our PMC has weapons, ammo, comm units, electronic jamming equipment...
We have all the basics.
If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask.
Our opponent is a formation of seven Objects that includes a second gen.
Not only that, but Prizewell City Slicker is pretty far off his rocker.
Even if we raise the white flag, he won't ease up on the attack.
Once we mobilize, there'll be no walking away in the middle of it.
As long as there's money in it for us, we'll do anything.
And we've already received a plentiful sum.
Shikibu! Iekazu!
Are you inside?!
Damn.
Hey!
What?
Shikibu! Iekazu!
Aren't you here?! Shikibu?!
Yes, yes, hold on a second.
Honestly! What is this all of a sudden?
Mom, what's going on? Your vacation isn't until...
Is Iekazu here?
What about Orihime?
Of course they're not here.
Daddy's at work and she's at school.
So, it's no good.
I thought there might be a chance with landlines, but the phone lines aren't working anymore.
The phones, too?
Here, I thought the TV stopped receiving a while ago, but then, the internet died, too.
What am I supposed to do for my lunch recipe now?
The homeland has shut them down to prevent a panic.
They're likely killing the lines now, starting with the thickest.
Panic?
What are you talking about, Mom?
Shikibu, stay calm and listen to what I have to say.
You're the only one who's flustered here, Mom.
There will be Objects coming to this city soon.
What?
The Legitimate Kingdom military won't be able to stop them.
If we don't quickly get away from this city...
...monster weapons capable of taking on an entire country will turn this city into a sea of flames!
...rush on repair...
I repeat, put a rush on repairing the propulsion system!
The enemy formation is headed for the immigrant settlement city, even as we speak!
If we fall behind now, we'll never catch up to them!
What is this?
What in the world is this?
I have to contact my next door neighbors, too.
I have to tell them to run!
Mom...
There won't be enough time anyway.
Once the panic starts, traffic will be paralyzed and everybody will die.
You're telling me to abandon them?
I don't care if you hold me in contempt.
I'm probably doing the worst thing someone could do, aren't I?
Don't take on that responsibility.
This is my sin.
By rights, my unit was supposed to stop those seven.
Iekazu or Orihime?
Who's closer?
If I had to say, that would be Daddy.
Then, we'll collect Iekazu first.
Give me directions.
Mother, I heard the gist of it, but...
There's no time for discussion!
Mother!
I can think of no good reason to stand by and let Orihime die, even if it means turning the world upside down!
Mother, watch your speed!
Go slower! You'll crash!
Be quiet, you fool!
Iekazu, bring Orihime.
If the staff try to get in your way, use this.
Don't pull the charging handle back.
If the chamber is empty, it can't discharge a round.
Bring her here as quickly as you can!
Hurry!
It's no use.
I didn't make it in time.
But we're still...
We're already within range of their weapons.
That can't be...
I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry.
I wasn't enough.
Hey, Granny, you still alive?
Sir Knight has arrived.
You know, Qwenthur, this is still a thankless role.
No matter how anyone looked at it, fighting against seven Objects isn't normal.
Shut up, Havia.
This is our moment in the spotlight.
Let's go knock this way out of the park and end up being the heroes again this time.
This is pretty much how you always operate.
Wish I could share this with the nobles eating sweets in Safe Nations.
You're no slouch yourself.
You grumble, but you keep up with me every step of the way.
You two, why in the world...
Granny, I can't have you dying on me.
I've still got a ton of technical knowledge that I need to watch and learn from you.
Losing a skilled engineer would hinder me from reaching my dream, too.
And besides...
Our Princess is sulking.
Says she can't get motivated unless, you're the one doing the maintenance.
You guys...
We're about to go engage the 24th Mechanized Maintenance Battalion.
The mission objective is to defend the immigrant settlement city!
Demolish anyone who gets in the way!
Consider it done!
The seasons run on by, our of breath.
kisetsu ga kaketeku iki o kirashite
I try to keep up on an impulse all too faint.
hishi ni tsuiteku awasugiru shoudou
By the time i take notice, everyone's changing their faces
kizuke ba daremo ga kao o kaeteku
Anxious of those around me, i call everything white, "black"
mawari o ki ni shite shiro o kuro to iu
But i don't want to lie to myself, 'Cause there's more than just one form of happiness.
jibun ni uso o tsukitakunai shiawase no katachi wa hitotsu dake janai kara
Rather than a flexible strength, I want a strength that never changes.
kawaru tsuyosa yori kawaranai tsuyosa kokoro ni te o atete jibunjishin o ima aishi tea geyou
Placing my hand upon my heart, I'll make an effort to love myself.
Rather than a flexible strength, I want a strength that never changes.
kawaru tsuyosa yori kawaranai tsuyosa
Not for anyone else's sake, Right now, as i head for the future.
dareka no tame janaku ima, mirai eto
You Can't Put a Price on Honor
The Critical Running Battle on Victoria Island III