Asuka Island was relatively undeveloped. The locals lived off small-scale farming and fishing, and the natural environment remained largely untouched.
But the island's total area was not large, and by the standards of these seas, its population density was fairly high.
So a "road network" did exist in the tropical rainforest, though it consisted of barely discernible dirt paths.
At that moment, a unit of NEO Marines lay in a multilayered ambush around the road network connecting the port town to the survivors' village.
"The Vice Admiral still isn't here... she isn't taking another route, is she?"
A middle-aged man with a scar on his face rubbed the hilt at his waist. With a hint of excitement in his voice, he questioned the communications soldier.
He wore a black officer's uniform similar to those of Impel Down, with a black Marine coat draped over it. Both bore white, inverted-cross Marine insignias.
"Yes, Lieutenant Colonel. The team at the port confirmed it several times. Lady Ain made no deliberate attempt to disguise herself; she simply wasn't wearing anything distinctive. Judging by the time, she should be here soon."
The communications soldier answered. He wore only a black version of the Marine enlisted uniform and carried a communications pack.
The NEO Marine soldiers hiding throughout the area wore red capes over their black uniforms. In addition to a katana each, they were equipped with various advanced weapons.
They had repeating rifles, revolvers, and Man-Portable Rocket Launchers from the North Blue. A quarter of them also carried Electromagnetic Rifles and stun batons from Titans, all with a cyber-alchemical aesthetic.
"Heh... good. I can hardly wait to invite the Vice Admiral to join our cause. Only the strong can rule over everything. That is true justice-hehehe... to c-create a whole new world..."
As the