They've Gone Mad

The last Gear Train slowly traveled along the tracks, the only sound in the carriage being the turning of the gears.

There were only two people in the carriage, sitting one in front of the other in two corners. They looked like complete strangers, but they were wearing the same uniforms, one new and one old.

Neither of them spoke, but a voice echoed in the other person's mind.

Do you think this squad leader is here to kill you?

The one who spoke was naturally Bai Wei, and sitting at the front and back of the train were Ku De and Jie La Er.

Why did he want to kill me?

In response to Jie La Er's question, Bai Wei chuckled lightly, "Are you asking a question you already know the answer to, or do you simply not believe it?"

Jie La Er slowly closed his eyes, and after a long while, he replied, "I don't know."

He still remembered what was said to him at the headquarters of the Skeleton Corps.

Now, the people here are using methods outside the rules to deal with him.

Over the past decade, although countless people have wanted Jie La Er dead, Jie La Er has survived to this day because those who wish him dead haven't directly attacked him. Instead, they've sought to kill him within the bounds of the rules. For example, they might order him to carry out extremely dangerous missions with minimal or no support, or dump him in the perilous Mud Swamp Forest hoping he wouldn't escape, or make deals with forces outside of Lyra to have them do the work.

The bottom line is that I won't personally take action against Jie La Er, because that would cross that line.

But now, even without Bai Wei's specific reminder, Jie La Er can sense that the other side's transgressions are becoming more and more frequent.

Things that would never have happened before are now happening frequently.

Therefore, Jie La Er had anticipated this development when Ku De offered to give him a ride.

Although he didn't want to think about it, his body had already reacted. From the moment he entered the train, his body had been in a "warm-up" state to ensure that it wouldn't be unable to respond immediately in the event of an emergency.

After all, he wasn't facing a novice like Ocott this time.

... Ku De.

Even including his old comrades who are no longer alive, Ku De is one of the best people Jie La Er knows. In the Skeleton Corps, he is also the youngest squad leader and has been on long-term overseas missions.

The Skeleton Corps is also divided into two parts: one part is the security force responsible for the city's defense, and the other part is the dispatched force responsible for dealing with other churches. The latter often faces the situation of not being able to replenish their supplies for a long time outside of Lyra, so their own mechanization level is not very high, while the non-mechanical parts are also more outstanding.

This is somewhat similar to the original Xiaoxing, who emphasized that machines are an aid to the body.

Jie La Er and Ku De are both outstanding in this regard. In many instances, Jie La Er sees a resemblance between himself and Ku De in the latter, especially since they have been partners for a considerable period and understand each other well.

That is why, emotionally speaking, Jie La Er did not want to regard Ku De as a mortal enemy.

However, rationally speaking, he had to be extremely wary of Ku De, not only because Ku De was very powerful, but also because... he had no weapons at hand.

Yes, Jie La Er is currently unarmed; his Chainsaw Sword was left with the Skeleton Corps.

The reason given by the Skeleton Corps was simple: their weapons were too old and needed maintenance and repair.

This is the official rule, and Jie La Er has no way to refuse.

This is a completely open conspiracy.

Ku De carries his Folding Slash Axe with him. Jie La Er has seen that axe before. With the boost of [Overload], Ku De can fully unfold the switching axe and launch a thunderous slash in a second. This is very difficult for Jie La Er, who does not have Chainsaw Sword and whose mobile suit is far inferior to Ku De's, to block.

So after entering the carriage, Jie La Er sat in the seat furthest from Ku De, just to give his body enough time to react.

But Jie La Er knew that even so, it would be difficult for him to defeat Ku De.

"If a fight really breaks out, do you want to make a deal with me?" Bai Wei's lazy voice echoed in Jie La Er's mind. "I'll help you kill him."

When Bai Wei asked the question, he had already guessed Jie La Er's answer.

As it turned out, he was right; Jie La Er refused.

"No."

"Why is that?" Bai Wei said. "He really will kill you. Are you still insisting on the bottom line of not using my power to harm the Lyra People? Don't you think that's just burying your head in the sand?"

"I didn't steal any bells," Jie La Er said. "But I know he's not the mastermind, and he doesn't know the truth behind it. He's just following orders."

"So you just let him kill you without resisting?"

"Of course I will resist," Jie La Er said, "But I will only resist with my own strength, not yours."

Ugh, this is such a hassle.

Bai Wei felt that Jie La Er was really stubborn and inflexible, like a rock in a latrine.

Just as Bai Wei was pondering how to guide... no, persuade this guy, Ku De on the other side had already stood up and picked up his Folding Battle Axe.

... Shall we begin?

Bai Wei narrowed Jie La Er's eyes. He could also sense that Jie La Er was tense and ready.

But Bai Wei also knew very well that Ku De wasn't a fool like Ocott, who had amazing equipment but didn't know how to fight. In a sense, Ku De was a younger Jie La Er with more advanced physical assistance and weapons. In this situation, Jie La Er was no match for him. If Ku De decided to fight to the death, Jie La Er would have a hard time even surviving.

Is there no other way?

Bai Wei's pupils narrowed slightly.

If it really comes to that, even if Jie La Er is unwilling, he will have to take action anyway.

He wouldn't allow Jie La Er to die here.

No one is allowed to come.

"Knock knock".

The train passed the penultimate platform and headed towards the last station.

The lights of the penultimate platform gradually faded into the distance, their flickering light and shadow dancing in the eyes of the two.

Ku De slowly raised the switchblade in his hand.

Bai Wei gradually widened his eyes.

Then...

"Bang".

A crisp sound.

Ku De threw the switch axe out of the car, and the weapon, a blend of exquisite craftsmanship and brutality, vanished into the darkness in an instant.

Jie La Er was stunned.

"I wasn't sure before, but when they explicitly ordered me to kill you, I understood... they really have gone mad."

Ku De looked directly at Jie La Er.

"We need to have a serious talk, Xiaoxing."