Was there any man who could resist what stood before him?
Predator One was said to be a mimic spider, but in truth, its resemblance was only superficial. It felt as though it had fused elements from several other designs.
At least in Zane's eyes...
This thing was absolutely breathtaking.
Of course, in terms of actual combat usefulness, these mechs weren't of much value to him...
"By the way, Trigger, what exactly do you do here?"
Zane turned and continued walking toward the Angel series mechs, casually throwing the question to Trigger at his side.
He remembered how, after Trigger received Soldier 11's mission, she had stayed at Tanuki House for a while in a rather "fragile" state.
"Developing the Super War AI and conducting pilot tests. During that Hollow Zero combat mission, I was actually supposed to be one of the pilots."
Trigger's reply was straightforward. Her work wasn't classified—especially since Professor Muse had already granted Zane the highest level of clearance.
Naturally, she had nothing to hide.
"Is it dangerous?"
"Of course it's dangerous. Developing AI is exhausting enough, and pilot testing? Don't even get me started. If I hadn't come from the Falkenhayn Mercenary Troupe, I probably wouldn't have been able to handle it."
"But really, no one here is safe. Even Professor Muse has to personally oversee experiments every day. If one fails..."
Trigger placed a hand on her hip, speaking as if these dangers had nothing to do with her.
Beside her, Soldier 11 pressed her lips together and shot Trigger a fierce glare.
Noticing Soldier 11's reaction, Zane couldn't help but chuckle quietly. Now that he knew Trigger's role, he figured he could look out for her a little in their future collaboration.
But what she had said about "superintelligence" immediately brought Fairy to mind. That thing was a true super AI, through and through.
Tch... was it possible that Fairy could seize control of these mechs with her abilities? No—that wasn't what her powers were suited for. But...
Fairy did have a few "kindred spirits," didn't she?
That was a hidden risk worth keeping in mind...
"Oh, look over there. That's some of our developed armor. Unlike mechs, it's lighter and more agile, made for individual combat..."
Trigger, unaware of Zane's thoughts, introduced a nearby research bay as they passed.
Personnel were in the middle of removing armor suits.
Zane gave them a glance. They had a distinct "Iron Man" vibe, but he didn't pay them much attention. Compared to the level he imagined, these were still far too crude. There was a long way to go.
The underground complex was vast. After taking one elevator upward and another to the left, the trio arrived at the unfinished Angel series mecha facility.
Zane looked around with interest. Trigger, long accustomed to the sight, didn't care much, while Soldier 11's curiosity was plain.
The three of them moved through the massive facility.
...
Meanwhile, as they toured the Mars District's underground space, elsewhere in the Hollow Zero...
...
BOOM!
A deafening crash erupted, followed by the sound of rubble tumbling down. Hoshimi Miyabi descended sharply along a vertical wall, using crystallized ice to slow her fall before landing steadily.
In the next instant, a storm of blade flashes scattered the falling debris, slicing it to shreds.
She rose, blade sliding back into its sheath, her eyes sharp as lightning. A thin veil of dust clung to her clothes, but she ignored it.
Her gaze locked firmly onto Nineveh, struggling to take flight again after slamming into a skyscraper. Miyabi's brows furrowed slightly.
"Yanagi, status?"
"Section Chief, Nineveh's ether index is still slowly rising. She shows no signs of retreat. Looks like she intends to force her way toward the Outer Ring."
"Her ether index is still climbing? And she still wants to break through?"
Hearing Tsukishiro Yanagi's report, Miyabi's frown deepened.
She studied Nineveh's battered form in the sky. It was unlike anything she had seen before.
Normally, once Hollow Special Operations Section 6 suppressed such high-risk Ethereal, they would retreat when pushed to their limit.
Otherwise, they'd be slain.
But now...
For some reason, Miyabi's mind flashed with the image of Zane—his appearance as the "fire picker."
She remembered that battle within the Hollow Zero.
Her gaze dropped faintly to the ID badge she still hadn't replaced. She hadn't even reported it missing.
That thought—that she could "take back" her ID once more—still kindled a spark inside her.
She shook her head, pushing away the thoughts. Yanagi's voice reached her ears again.
"Section Chief, what do we do now? Soukaku and I have already set up blockades along her escape path, but judging by Nineveh's movements, it's not working. Harumasa, though, should be able to keep up on the other flank..."
"Then let Harumasa keep pace. I'll head around from the other side. Maintain communication range and regroup with me as soon as possible."
Miyabi's mind rapidly mapped the area's terrain as she gave her order.
They would trap her.
But after a moment's thought, she added,
"Remember, Nineveh is special. The situation is unclear. Maintain suppression unless absolutely necessary—there's no need to kill her."
Still, she knew the others in Unit 6 weren't capable of "complete suppression" against Nineveh. Shaking her head, she forced herself into focus and set off according to plan.
Elsewhere, the other three members of Unit 6 also began moving as instructed.
In the depths of the Hollow Zero, dark currents swirled...
...
Late at night, Janus District, Sixth Street.
"Zane, want some fruit?"
The video store had closed. Belle descended from upstairs, carrying a freshly peeled fruit platter.
Inside, Panta played with Eous and two other Bangboo, while Zane and Wise sat at the computer, combing through data with Fairy.
Belle's voice rang out. Before Zane could even turn, Wise had already taken the platter from her, answering without looking back:
"Belle, thanks."
Belle froze, one hand flat, the other half-raised in midair.
Wait a second—she hadn't even had a piece herself, and he just took the whole plate?
Wise, oblivious to her expression, grabbed a slice of fruit and handed it to Zane.
"Zane, look—this one?"
"When Old Eridu fell, the Trial Tower was detonated to suppress Hollow Zero. It was massive..."
Wise pointed to the computer screen, his face deadly serious.
It was the very truth he and Belle had pursued all along. Of course he cared.
What he didn't understand was why Zane had suddenly decided to investigate it the moment he returned today.