"Then let's begin the mock battle for the White Blood Cell assault operation."
"Based on scenario D-14, Yu Xiang, you find yourself forced to face an Endlave robot alone. If you successfully shake off Steiner and enter the train car behind me, you win."
Over the past few days together, everyone had gained a very clear understanding of Lin Guang's strength.
Moreover, Lin Guang had gotten along very well with everyone, especially Argo.
"Hey! Lin Guang! If you can't beat Ayase easily, don't come drinking with us!"
Argo shouted as he patted Ōkumo's shoulder beside him.
Ōkumo also gave Lin Guang a thumbs-up, expressing his agreement with Argo.
Lin Guang smiled at Argo and Ōkumo and said, "Got it!"
At some point, Inori Yuzuriha had taken her place at the highest point overlooking the entire mock battle, watching the scene below.
"Lin Guang..."
Meanwhile, hearing Lin Guang and Argo's words, Ayase Shinomiya gritted her teeth and clenched her fists.
"Damn you, Lin Guang! Just watch me teach you a lesson!"
Ayase Shinomiya gave a light huff, turned her wheelchair around, and wheeled over to the Mental Linkage Pod, climbing inside by herself.
"Lin Guang really might be able to evade Steiner's pursuit. Ayase, you'd better be careful."
Tsugumi's voice came through her headset.
Ayase Shinomiya said, "I know, but I won't let him pass that easily."
Tsugumi froze for a moment at her words.
Did something happen between Ayase and Lin Guang? But over the past few days, they haven't had any contact outside their usual training. What's going on?
Just then, Ayase Shinomiya's voice came through Tsugumi's headset.
"Tsugumi, we can start."
Hearing Ayase Shinomiya's voice, Tsugumi activated the connection.
A light flashed across Steiner's eyes. Then it stood up, its movements as fluid as a human's.
"Let's begin!"