"Warm-up's over." Bullet licked his lips, baring his stark white teeth. "Now it's time to get serious, Holy Knights' 'big brother'!"
Shamrock's sword arm trembled slightly, his breathing a little ragged.
That lightning-fast series of exchanges had thoroughly wiped away his contempt for Bullet.
Or rather, Shamrock, who had spent his life in the Holy Land, simply lacked experience. Against Bullet, who treated life-or-death duels like candy, the gap showed!
No wonder Heavenquake dared let him escort the Mother Flame alone!
I underestimated him! Maybe Hawk-Eye doesn't even need to join in. Just...
This 'demon' alone could keep me tied down until I die!
Against an evenly matched opponent, stalling tactics often put one's own side at a greater disadvantage!
Just then, Bullet seemed to see through Shamrock's thoughts and let out a mocking sneer.
"Tch, that look in your eyes... you've clearly realized I can pin you down, and now you're stuck between a rock and a hard place."
Bullet flexed his fists as he spoke, making his knuckles crack.
"But judging by your stance, you're not planning to retreat... you'd rather get stalled to death than fail your mission?"
"Heh, so this thing Gern had me escort-the 'Mother Flame,' was it?
"The World Government... really does value it!
"Enough to send watchdogs like you 'gods' out in person. And maybe... on more than one front?"
Shamrock said nothing.
"Not answering?" Bullet's mind worked quickly, instantly piecing the situation together. "Then over at G-10 Base...
"Tesoro, Toritoma, and the others probably have 'visitors' too, huh?
"You're attacking on multiple fronts, determined to get your hands on it!"
At that, Shamrock broke his silence. He tightened his grip on his sword, his voice icy. "There's no other choice.
"This mission... has a high enough priority.
"The World Government will have...