Foreword: Changing terms for convenience
Mega-Force -> ‘the aircraft’
Thruster-Armor -> ‘the armor’
Modified humans -> ‘M.H’
Evil Silhouette -> ‘Spirit’
※※
Go!
The method which Neito and Ikeno decided to go with to reach the [Anthrax] base in South-east Asia, was through the usage of [Mega-Force], a high speed aircraft.
Neito was impressed with Ikeno, who managed to make arrangements within an hour. Ikeno, who was the head of the Global Management section managed to get in touch with the planning and technical staff in the span of twenty-two minutes. It was expected of him.
On board the aircraft was Neito, Ikeno, four of Ikeno’s subordinates, and some technical staff. These technical staff were familiar with Neito, knowing him since [Purgatory Island].
Neito understood that Ikeno was a talented human. He managed to gather this much people, even if it meant leaving Metallica behind.
Ikeno called out, as Neito was sitting across him with his back against a comfortable seat.
“Komori, we’re arriving in the designated operation area in five minutes. Prepare yourself.”
While the aircraft might be a high speed transport, it also housed equipment which can be taken out of storage for combat. [Mega-Force] was a multirole aircraft.
While it was quite inconvenient, they had to strategize on the go.
“Hmm.. We’re here already? Aren’t we arriving too soon? I estimated thirty minutes more before we would arrive.”
“Our pilot is quite skilled. My subordinates are ‘also’ quite competent”
Ikeno was just pushing himself at Neito.
If Neito’s subordinates were competent, so were Ikeno’s.
Neito unbuckled his seat belt and stood up from his seat.
“Really? Then everyone in [Slayer] will be competent except me huh. What a reliable bunch.”
He really meant this. Unlike talented individuals, he didn’t posses high intelligence, nor outstanding physical capabilities. He was just an average human. His sight once again trailed back into the interior of the aircraft.
Instead of destroying [Anthrax], they would instead conquer it. This was their current objective. For them to succeed, they needed to come up with a strategy within five minutes.
‘How would each squad move? What tactics are they going to use?’
Those were the points which he and Ikeno were thoroughly discussing.
To be frank, He decided to avoid all of Ikeno’s suggestions. Some of it were too far fetched, and he knew it would never succeed.
“Of course it would be hard. We’re trying to rescue the hostage being sacrificed after all. I’ll take over-all command. Everyone we’re entering combat phase.”
Ikeno also stood up from his seat.
Their other subordinates also stood after them. Half of them were equipped with [Thruster-Armor] while the other half were modified humans. The former belonging to Ikeno’s group, and the latter from Neito.
Both groups finalized their preparations as the modified humans finalized their transformation.
Looking at them closely, the modified humans sported some wings, while the ones on [Thruster-Armor] were outfitted with a jet engine behind them.
Neito couldn’t handle the equipment well, so he put on a headset.
The aircraft vibrated as it was beginning to slow down. Cold breathes could be heard as the interior stood still. The aircraft soon stabilized itself.
“The operation will start in 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5…”
Ikeno started counting down.
Ikeno’s subordinates held their breathes to calm themselves.
‘What a scary bunch.. their ability to stay calm is almost beyond human’
Neito could hear his heartbeat amidst the stillness in the aircraft.
He was preparing himself. Collecting his thoughts and ‘turning ON’ the switch inside him.
He didn’t realize when he was able to do it, but now he had control over it.
Killing his fear, calming his emotion, and solely focusing on his goal. He would use whatever method available to achieve his goal.
Hot like a fire, yet cold as ice. Neito would embody that ‘thing’
“Don’t screw up now Ikeno.. I know you’re not yet satisfied but,”
“Shut up. I don’t make mistakes”
This was the last conversation they would have inside the aircraft as Ikeno’s countdown was closing in.
“3, 2, …”
The aircraft was almost stalling.
With only a few more kilometers to the island, this was as far as this aircraft can go. There were no airstrips in the island where the aircraft could land.
They would by now have the attention of [Anthrax], as their shaman could sense heat signatures.
[Anthrax] furthermore has control over flying beasts which could intercept them.
Now detected, the aircraft would be shot down in no time. With such tight defenses, it showed how much the cultists considered the island as a strategic point.
The only reason why Tsurugi and other squads were able to come to the island was through the usage of stealth submarines.
So how was Neito and his group going to get to the island? The answer was simple
“.. 1, deploy!”
The floor within the aircraft opened up.
“Go!”
Thrusters were simultaneously activated as they descended. The M.H also acted individually to simulate flight.
Amidst the dark and cold night sky, the group started flying towards the island.
A group of flying shadows were now aiming for the aircraft from where the hostage was held.
Neito jumped out a bit late, his skin was now feeling the hot wind of the tropics.
A group of wyverns(1) was now flying towards the empty aircraft. Within a few moments, their aircraft collided with a wyvern who was about to shoot a fireball. The wyvern and the aircraft burst into flames.
‘As expected of Ikeno, he timed the jump perfectly’
The remaining wyverns were now targeting the group
< Evasive maneuvers! Prioritize defending yourselves and push forward! On me, now! >
He could hear Ikeno barking commands in his headset.
Everyone engaged their thrusters, while periodically striking down the wyverns.
A high speed dogfight broke out as the group kept pushing forward, breaking the encirclement.
The wyverns yelped a pitiful cry as they were struck down, while others unleashed their fire breath.
“Ha!!”
But Ikeno didn’t stop. Arrogantly looking down on the wyverns, he performed a spin, avoiding the fire breath and using the downward momentum with his thrusters to close the distance.
With a swift swing of his blade, the wyvern let out a cry before its head fell from the sky.
“Damn lizard”
In the dark skies of south east asia, a group of beasts and super soldiers were fighting each other.
Neito was in the back of the group, neither transformed nor equipped with equipment. He was just free falling towards the island.
Sky diving but with no parachutes.
Normally he would faint from shock, but that didn’t happen.
The current situation didn’t stir his heart one bit.
This was because they deemed it neccessary. He was assigned a different task to land by himself towards a different landing point. Separated from the group, he needed to reach there without transforming.
Fixing his headset, he issued commands to his allies. There already was a set frequency in case of an emergency. Tsurugi, Niina, and Anice would definitely be waiting for him.
“Niina! Can you hear me?!”
※※
Tsurugi was no doubt the strongest among Neito’s subordinates, but he was a first when it came to a night raid against a strong enemy.
With Neito was falling at a high speed from the sky, he would be lying to himself if he said he wasn’t panicking.
They were now in a race against time. Grasping the situation, a call of action was needed.
< What the hell are you doing Senpai?! >
Niina beside him was now madly calling out.
< You guys will.. >
< Ikeno will take overall command right? Well I’d prefer him over you anytime Senpai >
As expected of Niina, he already had a grasp of the situation.
< That’s right! Now.. I’ll be going- >
< Stealthily right? Understood. Then please discard your headset once you land. They have a way to tract electronic signals with their weird powers. >
< At that rate and direction, you’ll be landing towards Area C-12 of the map. That’s a sandy area, and you’ll arrive after 20 seconds! >
As soon as Niina finished talking, he switched over to Ikeno’s frequency to inform him of the current situation on each squad. They were now formulating a plan in dealing with the situation.
Knowing Ikeno couldn’t speak much while fighting, Niina sent a map to Ikeno’s terminal, highlighting each squad’s location, condition, and movements.
※※
Niina went beyond Neito’s expectation. He no doubt would be aware what they were aiming for.
‘He continues to surprise me everytime..’
The island was now quickly closing in. He no doubt would die if he landed with his current speed.
But he now had room to breathe. With Niina calculating 20 seconds, he no doubt would arrive 20 seconds later. Thanks to Ikeno creating a distraction, no flying enemies were aiming for him.
As he was free falling, he issue his next command.
< Tsurugi! >
< I got tired waiting for you boss >
Tsurugi’s voice was calm and collected. His voice assured him that he could fight in any situation.
< There’s only one command I’m going to give you… I give you permission to transform >
While Neito was abroad, Tsurugi finished the procedure to augment himself with [Spiritual Silhouette]. Due to ‘certain reasons’, he needed Neito permission to transform.
With Neito opening the seal, there was only one meaning.
— Who ever stands against my sword will only find death and their demise —
< Understood… >
There were no traces of hesitation in his voice. Only a firm and resolute will.
< Naaaaate! It’s been a while !! >
With that timing, Anice came in and called out. She knew Neito was busy giving orders, so she waited for the perfect timing to call out to him.
Even with such situation in front of her, she was energetic as usual. He couldn’t count how much her bright personality gave him a push when he needed it.
< H-Hey Anice.. how have you been? >
< I’m doing great! What about you Nate?! >
< Ahh hmm.. I fought with Ikeno a few hours ago so it still hurts, and I’m also about to come crashing into the island so there’s that.. that should also hurt quite a bit. And then I need to fight against several beasts alone later on.. >
< I see. Then ‘he’ also must be hurt then. That’s a relief ~☆ >
< Hahaha… >
He sighed in relief after hearing her voice. He knew she must be doing this to ease him up. She wasn’t energetic for no reason. She knew how to use her positivity to cheer people up.
< Nate.. I don’t like you dying >
Her voice was almost praying for him.
< It’s okay. I won’t be dying here >
At least, he wasn’t going to die now.
< Got it! Fighto-! Nate!>
She immediately cheered up.
‘Thank god.. Now, ‘
< I can crash land after feeling refreshed >
Niina’s calculations were correct. the ground was now in front of him.
< …Transform >
Just as he was about to crash, his spirit covered him, transforming him as he hit the ground.
Ikeno, who was fighting in the skies would no doubt be finished and would have made landfall.
With this, the remaining squads on the island wout match them and make their move while Ikeno commanded them.
With such favorable situation, they could finally fight [Anthrax]
‘And the plan I came up on board can finally start’
‘Now, the prophet Benante and [Anthrax] would fall into my hands tonight’
As if a meteor fell into the island, the island shook in massive vibrations.
Gritting his teeth, Neito braced himself as he landed.
※※
1. Originally 飛竜 which means dragon, but I refuse to believe a dragon can be easily taken down
Foreword: Changing terms for convenience
Mega-Force -> ‘the aircraft’
Thruster-Armor -> ‘the armor’
Modified humans -> ‘M.H’
Evil Silhouette -> ‘Spirit’
※※
Go!
The method which Neito and Ikeno decided to go with to reach the [Anthrax] base in South-east Asia, was through the usage of [Mega-Force], a high speed aircraft.
Neito was impressed with Ikeno, who managed to make arrangements within an hour. Ikeno, who was the head of the Global Management section managed to get in touch with the planning and technical staff in the span of twenty-two minutes. It was expected of him.
On board the aircraft was Neito, Ikeno, four of Ikeno’s subordinates, and some technical staff. These technical staff were familiar with Neito, knowing him since [Purgatory Island].
Neito understood that Ikeno was a talented human. He managed to gather this much people, even if it meant leaving Metallica behind.
Ikeno called out, as Neito was sitting across him with his back against a comfortable seat.
“Komori, we’re arriving in the designated operation area in five minutes. Prepare yourself.”
While the aircraft might be a high speed transport, it also housed equipment which can be taken out of storage for combat. [Mega-Force] was a multirole aircraft.
While it was quite inconvenient, they had to strategize on the go.
“Hmm.. We’re here already? Aren’t we arriving too soon? I estimated thirty minutes more before we would arrive.”
“Our pilot is quite skilled. My subordinates are ‘also’ quite competent”
Ikeno was just pushing himself at Neito.
If Neito’s subordinates were competent, so were Ikeno’s.
Neito unbuckled his seat belt and stood up from his seat.
“Really? Then everyone in [Slayer] will be competent except me huh. What a reliable bunch.”
He really meant this. Unlike talented individuals, he didn’t posses high intelligence, nor outstanding physical capabilities. He was just an average human. His sight once again trailed back into the interior of the aircraft.
Instead of destroying [Anthrax], they would instead conquer it. This was their current objective. For them to succeed, they needed to come up with a strategy within five minutes.
‘How would each squad move? What tactics are they going to use?’
Those were the points which he and Ikeno were thoroughly discussing.
To be frank, He decided to avoid all of Ikeno’s suggestions. Some of it were too far fetched, and he knew it would never succeed.
“Of course it would be hard. We’re trying to rescue the hostage being sacrificed after all. I’ll take over-all command. Everyone we’re entering combat phase.”
Ikeno also stood up from his seat.
Their other subordinates also stood after them. Half of them were equipped with [Thruster-Armor] while the other half were modified humans. The former belonging to Ikeno’s group, and the latter from Neito.
Both groups finalized their preparations as the modified humans finalized their transformation.
Looking at them closely, the modified humans sported some wings, while the ones on [Thruster-Armor] were outfitted with a jet engine behind them.
Neito couldn’t handle the equipment well, so he put on a headset.
The aircraft vibrated as it was beginning to slow down. Cold breathes could be heard as the interior stood still. The aircraft soon stabilized itself.
“The operation will start in 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5…”
Ikeno started counting down.
Ikeno’s subordinates held their breathes to calm themselves.
‘What a scary bunch.. their ability to stay calm is almost beyond human’
Neito could hear his heartbeat amidst the stillness in the aircraft.
He was preparing himself. Collecting his thoughts and ‘turning ON’ the switch inside him.
He didn’t realize when he was able to do it, but now he had control over it.
Killing his fear, calming his emotion, and solely focusing on his goal. He would use whatever method available to achieve his goal.
Hot like a fire, yet cold as ice. Neito would embody that ‘thing’
“Don’t screw up now Ikeno.. I know you’re not yet satisfied but,”
“Shut up. I don’t make mistakes”
This was the last conversation they would have inside the aircraft as Ikeno’s countdown was closing in.
“3, 2, …”
The aircraft was almost stalling.
With only a few more kilometers to the island, this was as far as this aircraft can go. There were no airstrips in the island where the aircraft could land.
They would by now have the attention of [Anthrax], as their shaman could sense heat signatures.
[Anthrax] furthermore has control over flying beasts which could intercept them.
Now detected, the aircraft would be shot down in no time. With such tight defenses, it showed how much the cultists considered the island as a strategic point.
The only reason why Tsurugi and other squads were able to come to the island was through the usage of stealth submarines.
So how was Neito and his group going to get to the island? The answer was simple
“.. 1, deploy!”
The floor within the aircraft opened up.
“Go!”
Thrusters were simultaneously activated as they descended. The M.H also acted individually to simulate flight.
Amidst the dark and cold night sky, the group started flying towards the island.
A group of flying shadows were now aiming for the aircraft from where the hostage was held.
Neito jumped out a bit late, his skin was now feeling the hot wind of the tropics.
A group of wyverns(1) was now flying towards the empty aircraft. Within a few moments, their aircraft collided with a wyvern who was about to shoot a fireball. The wyvern and the aircraft burst into flames.
‘As expected of Ikeno, he timed the jump perfectly’
The remaining wyverns were now targeting the group
< Evasive maneuvers! Prioritize defending yourselves and push forward! On me, now! >
He could hear Ikeno barking commands in his headset.
Everyone engaged their thrusters, while periodically striking down the wyverns.
A high speed dogfight broke out as the group kept pushing forward, breaking the encirclement.
The wyverns yelped a pitiful cry as they were struck down, while others unleashed their fire breath.
“Ha!!”
But Ikeno didn’t stop. Arrogantly looking down on the wyverns, he performed a spin, avoiding the fire breath and using the downward momentum with his thrusters to close the distance.
With a swift swing of his blade, the wyvern let out a cry before its head fell from the sky.
“Damn lizard”
In the dark skies of south east asia, a group of beasts and super soldiers were fighting each other.
Neito was in the back of the group, neither transformed nor equipped with equipment. He was just free falling towards the island.
Sky diving but with no parachutes.
Normally he would faint from shock, but that didn’t happen.
The current situation didn’t stir his heart one bit.
This was because they deemed it neccessary. He was assigned a different task to land by himself towards a different landing point. Separated from the group, he needed to reach there without transforming.
Fixing his headset, he issued commands to his allies. There already was a set frequency in case of an emergency. Tsurugi, Niina, and Anice would definitely be waiting for him.
“Niina! Can you hear me?!”
※※
Tsurugi was no doubt the strongest among Neito’s subordinates, but he was a first when it came to a night raid against a strong enemy.
With Neito was falling at a high speed from the sky, he would be lying to himself if he said he wasn’t panicking.
They were now in a race against time. Grasping the situation, a call of action was needed.
< What the hell are you doing Senpai?! >
Niina beside him was now madly calling out.
< You guys will.. >
< Ikeno will take overall command right? Well I’d prefer him over you anytime Senpai >
As expected of Niina, he already had a grasp of the situation.
< That’s right! Now.. I’ll be going- >
< Stealthily right? Understood. Then please discard your headset once you land. They have a way to tract electronic signals with their weird powers. >
< At that rate and direction, you’ll be landing towards Area C-12 of the map. That’s a sandy area, and you’ll arrive after 20 seconds! >
As soon as Niina finished talking, he switched over to Ikeno’s frequency to inform him of the current situation on each squad. They were now formulating a plan in dealing with the situation.
Knowing Ikeno couldn’t speak much while fighting, Niina sent a map to Ikeno’s terminal, highlighting each squad’s location, condition, and movements.
※※
Niina went beyond Neito’s expectation. He no doubt would be aware what they were aiming for.
‘He continues to surprise me everytime..’
The island was now quickly closing in. He no doubt would die if he landed with his current speed.
But he now had room to breathe. With Niina calculating 20 seconds, he no doubt would arrive 20 seconds later. Thanks to Ikeno creating a distraction, no flying enemies were aiming for him.
As he was free falling, he issue his next command.
< Tsurugi! >
< I got tired waiting for you boss >
Tsurugi’s voice was calm and collected. His voice assured him that he could fight in any situation.
< There’s only one command I’m going to give you… I give you permission to transform >
While Neito was abroad, Tsurugi finished the procedure to augment himself with [Spiritual Silhouette]. Due to ‘certain reasons’, he needed Neito permission to transform.
With Neito opening the seal, there was only one meaning.
— Who ever stands against my sword will only find death and their demise —
< Understood… >
There were no traces of hesitation in his voice. Only a firm and resolute will.
< Naaaaate! It’s been a while !! >
With that timing, Anice came in and called out. She knew Neito was busy giving orders, so she waited for the perfect timing to call out to him.
Even with such situation in front of her, she was energetic as usual. He couldn’t count how much her bright personality gave him a push when he needed it.
< H-Hey Anice.. how have you been? >
< I’m doing great! What about you Nate?! >
< Ahh hmm.. I fought with Ikeno a few hours ago so it still hurts, and I’m also about to come crashing into the island so there’s that.. that should also hurt quite a bit. And then I need to fight against several beasts alone later on.. >
< I see. Then ‘he’ also must be hurt then. That’s a relief ~☆ >
< Hahaha… >
He sighed in relief after hearing her voice. He knew she must be doing this to ease him up. She wasn’t energetic for no reason. She knew how to use her positivity to cheer people up.
< Nate.. I don’t like you dying >
Her voice was almost praying for him.
< It’s okay. I won’t be dying here >
At least, he wasn’t going to die now.
< Got it! Fighto-! Nate!>
She immediately cheered up.
‘Thank god.. Now, ‘
< I can crash land after feeling refreshed >
Niina’s calculations were correct. the ground was now in front of him.
< …Transform >
Just as he was about to crash, his spirit covered him, transforming him as he hit the ground.
Ikeno, who was fighting in the skies would no doubt be finished and would have made landfall.
With this, the remaining squads on the island wout match them and make their move while Ikeno commanded them.
With such favorable situation, they could finally fight [Anthrax]
‘And the plan I came up on board can finally start’
‘Now, the prophet Benante and [Anthrax] would fall into my hands tonight’
As if a meteor fell into the island, the island shook in massive vibrations.
Gritting his teeth, Neito braced himself as he landed.
※※
1. Originally 飛竜 which means dragon, but I refuse to believe a dragon can be easily taken down
