Chapter Eighteen: The Policy of Appeasement—The Struggle Session

The bridge gradually descended, and the Satans, impatient, surged forward before it was fully lowered, unaware that what awaited them was death yet again...

A sound reminiscent of a chainsaw echoed; the bodies of the Satans were torn apart, the remaining human blood mixed with their own, flowing down into the sea below. A scene of carnage unfolded once more.

"Sigh, it's a pity about those bullets. Still, as long as they can destroy the Satans, it doesn't matter how many we use." Erte, sitting at a distance, let out a sigh.

"But these weapons are truly impressive—11.82mm armor-piercing rounds for the Satans. The power is remarkable," Mingchuan commented, munching on a sandwich.

("Hey, what's going on? Where did the food come from?")

"No need for any elaborate explanations, Wenxin. I can tell from your expression. I had a light breakfast, so I bought some before we departed."

"No wonder you suddenly ran off earlier."

"Alright, let's head back. With these weapons holding the front, our task is done."

"Wait, Erte, aren't we supposed to go to Istanbul?"

"That place? Actually, our mission is just to help these guardians who have limited mobility break through some of the water zones. In reality, places like this, we just need to blast them clear, and once they're flattened, let the guardians move in."

"What do you mean by that?"

"You don't know? It's orders from the higher-ups. Until we figure out how to deal with the giants, we're to avoid going too deep."

"Is that so?"

Mingchuan stood up, grabbed Erte hard, and punched him squarely in the face.

"Captain!" Bart, seeing this, wanted to intervene, but Erte stopped him.

"It's fine, Bart! Mingchuan, I understand how you feel. When I first heard the news, I was just as angry as you, but after a few days of rage, I calmed down. After all, we can't influence the thoughts of those above."

"Really? If we don't fight them, how will we ever discover their weaknesses? Foolish leadership!"

"Enough. Let's go back and think things over. I've been pondering this for half a month. The higher-ups are also upgrading the mech combat systems. I reckon they'll succeed soon."

"Alright, let's head back for now."

Mingchuan set aside his anger for the moment, and he and Erte led the team, stepping over the corpses of the Satans as they returned to the defensive line.

(After returning to the base...)

"Welcome back, good work." Tina greeted them in the hangar, with Instructor Anthony standing beside her.

"Instructor Anthony," Erte stepped forward, "I want to discuss the 'appeasement policy' with you, together with Mingchuan."

"Is that so?" Captain Anthony replied, "You too? Honestly!"

"We too?" Mingchuan asked, curious.

"Yes, Ellen and Andrew came to see me a few minutes ago as well. I sent them to the conference room first. Since both of you are team captains, come along with me. (Calling out) The rest of you, go rest. We may be heading to Ankara in a few days."

The other members left, while Mingchuan and Erte followed Instructor Anthony to the conference room, where Ellen and Andrew were already seated.

"Anthony, you rascal, you finally showed up," Andrew immediately snapped at Anthony upon seeing him. "Explain why, just when the battle was getting good, you suddenly called us back."

"Alright, Andrew, could you not be so hot-tempered? Calm down!"

"Ellen, I don't have time for your nonsense. That guy—" he pointed at Anthony, "—if he doesn't explain himself, he won't hear the end of it from me!"

...

－－－－－－Extra Notes－－－－－－

Late again this time. If I don’t finish the manuscript by 20:00, it’s scheduled for release at nine the next day, but there’s more disappointing news for readers. Next week, the author will be traveling (dragged along by my parents), and it’ll be at least ten days. So during that period, I likely (definitely) won’t be able to update. I’ll try to write another chapter or two before departing. I might also scribble a bit for "The Prey"—that’s what I’ll call it from now on. In fact, I’ve already written the first piece, but, due to certain regulations, "The Prey" can’t be published yet. Please be understanding—I’ll strive to release it before I leave.