Over two hundred sub-miniature AS units charged at the blazing, collapsed manor from every direction. Using the immense strength of machines, they overturned the wreckage of the buildings, dragged out every buried survivor, and dealt with them one by one. From beginning to end, they had never intended to let a single person leave safely.
More than two hundred sub-miniature AS units were enough to completely surround the ruins. Their built-in life detectors and other identification programs could locate every living person. Looking at those who were unconscious, wailing, or weeping bitterly, Renard's expression and mood remained utterly unchanged by their deaths.
Maintaining that unconcerned, faint smile, he said softly, "This is the gift I gave you, but you are the gift I gave him. Both sides have received the most suitable gifts. Isn't that wonderful?"
"Hm?"
Renard suddenly gave a soft cry of surprise. On the screen, two people leaped out from the ruins. One jammed a weapon directly against an AS's head, while the other kicked a second AS off balance, darted behind it, locked both hands around its head, and tried to wrench it free.
"They actually survived the pursuit of the small AS units. They have some skill, at least." Renard raised his left hand and checked the information on his wristwatch, the corner of his mouth curling slightly as he muttered, "Still, they differ a little from what I expected. I thought you two would be more capable. Heh, these small AS units aren't the same shoddy models as before."
"Hmm... I see. Internal program disorder caused it to crash. Was it due to the violent vibrations? Did something malfunction?"
The one who had leaped out with a gun was Quincy Isha. Aside from her tattered clothes and bedraggled appearance, she seemed otherwise unharmed. After