136: Trouble

"What?! Lord Akechi is personally leading an elite unit to rescue us?!"

This sudden news exploded through the comm channel like a thunderclap.

The three operatives, who had been barely holding their own with the Sandevistan, nearly froze at the same time. Beneath their masks, their pupils contracted sharply as they repeatedly confirmed the order in disbelief.

When they had sent the distress signal earlier, they had indeed harbored a secret hope—claiming they had not wanted rescue at all would have been a lie. Like travelers in a desert chasing a mirage despite knowing the oasis might be an illusion.

But they understood even more clearly Arasaka Corporation's iron law of survival: on the scales of value, frontline soldiers like them would never measure up to even a fingernail of strategic-level talent.

Heavy breathing came through the encrypted channel. They had originally only hoped for clear tactical instructions—even if they were told to activate their self-destruct protocols and perish alongside the enemy, or ordered to commit suicide like ancient samurai so as to leave behind no trace that could be tracked.

These war machines raised by the corporation had always longed, deep in their souls, for someone to give meaning to their sacrifice.

Yet what came through their communicators now was the route replanned by the hackers and the metallic clatter of the tactical squad preparing their weapons.

Lord Akechi Goro was not only taking full responsibility for the mess caused by their out-of-control operation; he was coming here in person to face Militech.

This... this was far more than they deserved.

Lord Akechi was someone valued by Oda Sandayu at Miss Hanako's side. Even the stupidest person could easily distinguish the difference in value between Lord Akechi and them. Yet under such circumstances, someone far more important was risking