Back in the Philadelphia Space Command Center...
Streams of data continued pouring into the auxiliary server clusters.
One technician stared at the transfer monitor before looking back at Vergil.
"...Holy shit."
She slowly shook her head.
"This is the mother lode."
"We already recovered archives from the Siren base."
"We copied practically the entirety of Azur Lane Headquarters."
"And now..."
She looked at the rapidly increasing storage counter.
"...the Rapture research network."
Another analyst hurried over with a datapad.
"Vice Commander!"
"The auxiliary servers are holding perfectly."
"No packet loss."
"No corruption."
"The transfer is proceeding at maximum bandwidth."
Vergil nodded without taking his eyes off the display.
"Status?"
The technician grinned.
"We stole..."
"...a lot."
She almost laughed.
"A ridiculous amount."
"We're going to need weeks..."
"...maybe months..."
"...just to read through everything. We haven't even finished processing the Sirens data and Azur Lane archives yet."
Another researcher looked up from one of the downloaded files.
"You've got to see this."
"They even have complete research files on the Hunter-class Raptures."
Several analysts immediately gathered around the display.
"So that's how they evolved..."
"And here..."
"These deployment logs answer half the questions we've been asking over the past two weeks."
Another file opened.
"...Corruption research."
"Rapture manufacturing."
"Behavioral adaptation."
The analyst looked genuinely astonished.
"These datasets fill in countless gaps that even the Azur Lane archives couldn't answer."
Vergil allowed himself a satisfied smile.
"Good."
"Keep indexing everything."
Across the command center, massive streams of information continued flowing into three enormous auxiliary server arrays.
One dedicated entirely to Azur Lane intelligence.
One housing every recovered Siren archive.
And now—
A third repository devoted solely to Rapture data.
The separation had been intentional.
After the sheer volume of information recovered from Azur Lane, Vergil had refused to risk overwhelming the GDI's primary mainframe.
Each archive existed inside its own isolated environment.
Completely independent.
Completely sandboxed.
Every incoming file passed through multiple layers of analysis before it could even be viewed.
At the center of the process—
JARVIS supervised every transfer.
The AI continuously scanned every packet for hidden code.
Corruption.
Backdoors.
Self-replicating malware.
Anything even remotely suspicious was immediately quarantined inside the isolated auxiliary systems.
Vergil folded his arms.
"The data is valuable."
"But protecting our own network comes first."
He watched another progress bar climb.
"If there's a virus clever enough to breach JARVIS' security..."
He smiled faintly.
"...then I don't want it anywhere near the GDI mainframe."
The researchers silently nodded.
No one argued.
The auxiliary servers existed for exactly this reason.
Study first.
Verify second.
Only then—
Transfer anything deemed safe into the GDI's central knowledge network.
For now...
The Mother Whale continued unknowingly feeding its greatest secrets directly into GDI hands.
With every passing second...
The balance of knowledge shifted further in humanity's favor.
Vergil continued watching the streams of data pouring into the auxiliary servers before finally making a decision.
"As tempting as all this is..."
He minimized several research windows.
"...our priority hasn't changed."
He turned toward the operations staff.
"Recover the prisoners first."
"The research can wait."
His fingers danced across the holographic keyboard.
The newly acquired schematic of the Mother Whale expanded into a massive three-dimensional blueprint.
Every deck.
Every corridor.
Every maintenance shaft.
Every security checkpoint.
Every prison block.
Every laboratory.
Everything the Raptures had hidden was now laid bare before GDI.
One by one, sixteen blinking markers appeared.
"There."
Vergil pointed toward them.
"The prisoners."
"Eleven Shipgirls."
"Five Nikkes."
"They're all still alive."
The command center immediately began plotting rescue routes.
Every boarding squad's visor updated simultaneously.
The shortest path.
Enemy concentrations.
Emergency bulkheads.
Alternate escape routes.
Everything was recalculated in real time.
Vergil smiled.
"We've got them."
Meanwhile...
JARVIS had already begun Phase Two of the cyber intrusion.
Rather than merely copying data...
The AI quietly infiltrated the Mother Whale's internal control systems.
Factory control.
Internal logistics.
Automated production lines.
Security cameras.
Door control.
Maintenance drones.
One subsystem after another fell under JARVIS' growing influence.
Progress bars slowly advanced.
Factory Network... 14%
Security Grid... 22%
Automated Logistics... 18%
Unlike the research database, these systems remained actively contested.
Rapture countermeasures continuously attempted to isolate compromised sectors.
Vergil calmly watched the progress.
"It'll take time."
"They're fighting back."
"But JARVIS will eventually break through."
One technician looked up.
"If we seize the factories..."
Vergil nodded.
"We'll stop them from manufacturing reinforcements."
"And if we capture the security network..."
He smiled.
"...the Mother Whale becomes our ship instead of theirs."
The room fell silent.
It was an ambitious objective.
But one that now seemed increasingly possible.
Outside...
The EMP's effects finally began wearing off.
Across the Mother Whale's battered hull, emergency power gradually returned.
One weapon system after another flickered back to life.
Gun batteries slowly rotated.
Missile launchers regained power.
Point-defense cannons resumed tracking.
A system alert echoed across the Daedalus.
"Enemy weapons coming back online."
No human voices answered.
Only the synchronized awareness of the shipgirls filled the command network.
Yorktown remained perfectly calm.
She simply observed the tactical display through her shared interface.
"It doesn't matter."
Enterprise's consciousness flickered across the network, acknowledging the update.
Yorktown enlarged the Mother Whale's upper hull.
Nearly every primary anti-air battery was highlighted in black.
Destroyed.
Collapsed.
Reduced to twisted wreckage.
The Harbinger Gunships.
The Firehawks.
The Orca bombers.
The Kodiak bombardment.
Together, they had systematically stripped away the Mother Whale's air defenses while its systems lay dormant beneath the EMP.
Only scattered secondary batteries remained operational.
Far too few to challenge the Diving Eagle's overwhelming air superiority.
Enterprise smiled as another Harbinger strafed a newly reactivated turret.
It exploded moments after coming online.
"They're too late."
Illustrious calmly nodded.
"Our aerial bombardment has already achieved its objective."
Yorktown folded her arms.
"The Mother Whale may have regained its guns..."
Her blue eyes remained fixed upon the tactical display.
"...but it has already lost control of the skies."
Far below...
Yuuki's boarding force continued advancing.
Unaware that, above them...
The battle had already shifted decisively in the Diving Eagle's favor.
The Mother Whale finally launched its remaining aerial reserves.
Hangar doors opened across its massive hull.
Hundreds of Rapture interceptor drones and jet fighters burst into the sky in tightly coordinated formations.
Within seconds, the swarm filled the air around the battlefield.
Their objective was clear.
Break the Diving Eagle's air superiority.
Escort the remaining weapon systems.
Protect the Mother Whale.
Target-lock warnings echoed across every GDI vessel.
"They're launching their fighters."
Yorktown's eyes never left the tactical display.
"I see them."
Without hesitation, she transmitted a fleet-wide order through the synchronized command network.
"Air superiority squadrons."
"Intercept."
"Acknowledged."
Almost instantly, Eagle Union fighters roared off the Daedalus' flight deck.
Yorktown's carrier air wing climbed rapidly to meet the incoming swarm.
Across the battlefield, Akagi smiled as the Zeus One's launch deck came alive.
"So..."
"They wish to challenge us in the skies."
Her blue eyes narrowed.
"They have chosen poorly."
Launch catapults fired in rapid succession.
Entire squadrons of Mark III and Mark IV Firehawks screamed into the air.
Moments later—
Kaga's Zeus Two launched its own air wing.
The twin carrier groups spread apart before converging on the incoming Rapture formations from opposite directions.
The sky erupted into chaos.
Missiles crossed paths.
Tracer fire filled the clouds.
Explosions bloomed one after another.
Yorktown calmly directed her squadrons with practiced precision.
"Blue Squadron."
"Break left."
"Gold Squadron."
"Target their bombers."
Enemy formations immediately began collapsing.
Akagi's Firehawks dove straight through the center of the Rapture formation.
Her laughter echoed across the comms, sharp and delighted.
"Ahahaha~! All for my Shikikan-sama!"
Their pulse cannons ripped interceptor after interceptor apart.
Those that attempted to escape found Kaga's fighters already waiting.
Not a single avenue of retreat remained.
Meanwhile...
San Diego stood inside the Daedalus command room, hands flying across the control interface with an excited grin.
"My turn!"
Her anti-air targeting systems instantly locked onto dozens of hostile aircraft through the ship's sensor network.
Weapon systems across the Daedalus responded to her commands.
Missile batteries aligned.
Tracking reticles snapped into place.
"Fox Three!"
WHOOSH!
A storm of surface-to-air missiles launched from the Daedalus, streaking into the heavens.
Each missile selected an individual target.
One.
Five.
Ten.
Twenty.
The sky exploded with consecutive detonations.
Burning Rapture drones rained into the sea below.
San Diego laughed proudly.
"Hah!"
"Nobody beats Sandy at anti-air!"
Another wave attempted to push through.
She simply fired again.
More missiles streaked skyward.
More explosions followed.
Above them, Yorktown watched another enemy formation disappear beneath the combined assault.
"They're losing altitude."
Enterprise's Harbingers immediately capitalized.
The gunships swept through the disorganized enemy formation, their rotary cannons tearing apart the surviving drones before they could regroup.
Akagi's smile twisted into something far more unhinged as her eyes gleamed with manic delight.
"Ahahahaha~! Yes... burn, burn, burn!"
Her laughter echoed across the comms as her Firehawks tore through the remaining drones with ruthless precision.
"The skies belong to us."
Kaga calmly finished off another fleeing interceptor with a precisely guided missile.
"As they always shall."
Within minutes...
The Rapture air assault had collapsed.
Smoking wreckage fell from the clouds.
The few surviving drones turned away, attempting to retreat toward the Mother Whale.
Most never made it.
Firehawks hunted them down one after another.
By the time the smoke cleared...
The Diving Eagle Fleet remained completely uncontested in the skies.
Air superiority...
Was absolute.
=================
Inside the Mother Whale, the battle showed no signs of slowing.
Naval cannons continued to thunder through the colossal corridors.
Volt rifles crackled with blue lightning.
Missiles streaked overhead.
The T-800's twin cannons echoed relentlessly as shell after shell blasted apart charging Rapture formations.
Yet despite carving a path of destruction through the enemy...
Yuuki never ordered the assault team to advance.
They held their position.
Methodically grinding down every wave that came to them.
Thousands of Raptures still occupied the Mother Whale's interior.
Charging blindly deeper into the vessel without complete intelligence would only risk unnecessary casualties.
"Hold the line."
"We move only when Vergil gives us the prisoners' exact locations."
No one questioned the order.
Every Shipgirl and Nikke understood.
This wasn't hesitation.
It was discipline.
So they continued fighting.
Every Rapture destroyed translated directly into experience.
Golden flashes erupted across the battlefield one after another.
Level Up.
Level 26.
Then—
Level 27.
Another surge of strength coursed through the entire boarding force.
Weapons synchronized once more with their owners.
Armor performance increased.
Reaction speeds sharpened.
Even the T-800's crew could feel the difference.
Neon laughed as another missile barrage erased an entire platoon.
"We're getting stronger again!"
System notifications continued appearing across every visor.
Feature Already Unlocked at Level 20
Mission System
Daily Missions Available
Eliminate 100 Raptures
Restore 10,000 Shield Energy
Defeat Elite Rapture Units
Complete One Rescue Objective
Rewards: Credits • Experience • Upgrade Materials
Another notification followed immediately.
Long-Term Mission Updated
Rapture Extermination
Progress: 2,417 / 5,000
Reward Milestone Reached.
Credits Awarded
Next Milestone: 10,000 Eliminations
The mission automatically expanded as new objectives unlocked beyond the previous goal.
Anis whistled.
"It just keeps giving us more things to shoot."
Akashi's ears perked up as another notification appeared.
"Nyaa!"
"More credits!"
"Commander wasn't kidding!"
"Our salaries really go up with our ranks!"
The payroll window updated automatically.
Current Rank
Recruit Rank 8
Promotion after promotion had come in rapid succession since entering the training dimension and now the Mother Whale.
From Recruit Rank 20...
To Recruit Rank 8...
...in barely a day.
An achievement that normally took ordinary recruits months of deployment.
A financial summary appeared beneath it.
Base Salary: 5,000 Credits
Rank Bonus: +120%
Current Salary: 11,000 Credits
Neon blinked.
"...We're making more than double already?"
Mary smiled.
"I suppose surviving impossible missions has its benefits."
Pepper laughed.
"I'll take both the salary and the experience."
Yuuki briefly glanced at the notifications before closing them.
"Enjoy the rewards later."
He looked toward the corridor where another sea of Raptures was charging.
"We've still got prisoners waiting for us."
The girls were initially stunned by the salary increase.
Eleven thousand credits.
Just a few hours ago, five thousand had sounded like a fortune.
Now...
Not so much.
====================
They recalled what had happened during breakfast that morning.
Curious, several of them had opened the GDI Shop through their HUDs while seated around the table.
Almost immediately—
Silence had fallen over the room.
"...Commander wasn't kidding."
Enterprise had slowly scrolled through page after page of available upgrades.
There were entire categories dedicated solely to naval weaponry.
High-Velocity Railgun Conversions.
Overcharged Plasma Cannon Arrays.
Hypercoil Barrel Reinforcement.
Multi-Target Fire Control Systems.
Advanced Target Prediction Modules.
Each upgrade dramatically increased a ship's combat capability.
Further down—
Personal weapon upgrades.
Reinforced magazines.
Smart ammunition packages.
High-density energy cells.
Particle acceleration modules.
Weapon cooling systems.
Energy amplification components capable of multiplying the destructive power of rifles, cannons, and support weapons alike.
Akagi's eyes had widened as she reached the aviation section.
"...Aircraft upgrades..."
Next-generation jet engines.
Radar-absorbent stealth coatings.
Expanded missile payloads.
AI-assisted targeting computers.
Adaptive electronic warfare suites.
Each upgrade promised to transform already formidable carrier air wings into even deadlier forces.
Then they saw the prices.
50,000 Credits.
75,000 Credits.
120,000 Credits.
Some reached into the hundreds of thousands.
Yorktown's expression fell the moment she saw the upgrade cost required to equip the Black Eagle jets.
As the strongest among Allied fighters, their cryogenic missiles could devastate most ground targets with ease.
But to even begin integrating them, she would need to upgrade and modernize her runway systems, expand her hangar capacity, and dismantle her outdated 1940s aircraft. Purchasing just four hangars for her rigging bay alone already exceeded her current salary. And that didn't even account for veteran bonuses, armor enhancements, firepower upgrades, speed improvements, nano self-repair systems, or additional anti-air missiles and bomb payloads. It wasn't just her—every carrier faced the same overwhelming costs.
Moreover, their credits were strictly personal. There was no gambling, no lending, and no sharing between individuals. Every credit had to be earned independently. Any external funds obtained through unauthorized or illegal means would not be recognized by the system. Everything had to come from legitimate sources—authorized operations, missions, and daily objectives.
Even the Nikkes faced the same challenge—upgrading their weapon systems, enhancing energy output and explosive capabilities, and reinforcing their bodies to withstand the increased firepower. Their upgrade trees revealed layers of complexity: reinforced skeletal frames to handle recoil from high-caliber weapons, upgraded neural processors for faster targeting and reaction speeds, and advanced energy cores to sustain prolonged combat without overheating.
Some paths even allowed for specialized combat roles—heavy artillery configurations, high-mobility assault builds, or support-oriented systems with enhanced shielding and repair capabilities. Each improvement demanded not only credits but careful planning, as every choice would shape how they fought on the battlefield.
The excitement from their salary increase had disappeared almost instantly.
"...We're poor."
Neon had muttered.
Anis had slowly nodded.
"...Very poor."
There was no shortcut.
If they wanted these upgrades...
They would have to continue leveling.
Complete daily missions.
Accept long-term contracts.
Undertake faction requests across the Ark, Aqua, and every allied territory connected to the GDI.
Credits had suddenly become just as valuable as experience.
Nearby, Eugen had quietly browsed her own upgrade tree.
"...I knew it."
A detailed progression path had unfolded before her.
Hull Reinforcement Upgrade Required
↓
Advanced Cooling System Required
↓
High-Capacity Ammunition System Required
↓
Railgun Integration Available
She had stared at the final requirement.
Total Estimated Cost: 75,000 Credits
"...Just to replace my main cannons..."
She couldn't help but laugh.
"And that's only one upgrade path."
The tree had continued far beyond it.
Hundreds of additional upgrades branched outward.
Armor improvements.
Shield emitters.
Targeting computers.
Engine enhancements.
Electronic warfare systems.
Energy cores.
Eugen had eventually stopped scrolling.
"...This is going to take forever."
Her attention had shifted toward another upgrade.
New Element Ark Reactor
Replaces the legacy oil-powered propulsion system with a high-efficiency New Element Ark Reactor, dramatically increasing operational endurance and energy output.
Cost: 250,000 Credits
Eugen had quietly closed the window.
"...Right."
"I'll need a lot more missions."
"A lot more levels."
She had smiled anyway.
For the first time...
She had a clear path forward.
Not merely becoming stronger.
But choosing how she wanted to become stronger.
Around her, the other Shipgirls and Nikkes had slowly reached the same realization.
The GDI didn't simply hand out power.
It provided the opportunity to earn it.
=====================
Now, eleven thousand credits suddenly no longer felt like a large salary.
Within the GDI...
It was merely enough to begin the journey.
Still...
No one looked discouraged.
Their current strength was already enough to stand against low-level Raptures—something that had once been unimaginable.
More importantly...
For the first time in years...
They could see themselves becoming stronger through their own efforts.
Daily missions.
Long-term missions.
Faction contracts.
Every completed objective meant more experience.
More credits.
More upgrades.
The future was finally in their own hands.
Then—
Without warning—
THUD!
Massive blast doors slammed shut throughout the corridor.
One.
Two.
Three.
Towering armored bulkheads descended from the ceiling and rose from the floor simultaneously.
The advancing tide of Raptures vanished behind walls of reinforced alloy.
The boarding force found themselves completely sealed inside an enormous compartment.
Neon blinked.
"...Uh..."
"Did we just get locked in?"
Eugen walked toward the nearest wall and knocked against it.
CLANG.
"...That's thick."
Takao rested a hand against the alloy.
"It isn't ordinary armor."
Yuuki's HUD immediately analyzed the material.
Composite Fortress Bulkhead
Designed to withstand internal reactor detonations.
"Not something we can simply punch through."
Before anyone could respond—
A familiar laugh echoed throughout the chamber.
"Hehehe..."
The voice resonated from hidden speakers across the compartment.
Behemoth.
The holographic image of the Heretic flickered to life above them.
She folded her arms, wearing an infuriating smirk.
"So..."
"The mighty Diving Eagle finally got trapped."
Her crimson eyes gleamed with satisfaction.
"I must admit..."
"You've caused me far more trouble than expected."
"But while you've been amusing yourselves..."
She casually glanced toward another display.
"...I've already begun relocating your precious prisoners."
A tactical projection appeared beside her.
Rows of containment pods were moving deeper into the Mother Whale through internal transport rails.
"They won't be where your little hacker expects them to be."
Her grin widened.
"As for Nayuta..."
Another warning flashed before her.
The upper research decks had gone completely silent.
She clicked her tongue.
"Tch..."
"So the blue armored bitch and the original are already breaking through my research division."
Her expression darkened.
"No matter."
"I'll simply capture her again."
This time...
"I'll make sure she never escapes."
The hologram disappeared in a burst of static.
Silence returned to the compartment.
Yuuki merely smiled beneath his helmet.
"...She talks too much."
His communicator suddenly chimed.
Vergil's icon appeared on everyone's HUD.
"I heard all of that."
"And don't worry..."
A confident grin spread across Vergil's holographic face.
"She's forgotten one very important detail."
"The moment she moved the prisoners..."
"...JARVIS saw exactly where she moved them."
Yuuki chuckled.
"I figured."
Yuuki wasn't surprised in the slightest.
"Upload their location to us."
Vergil nodded, but his expression became more serious.
"Well..."
"I have bad news."
Yuuki raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
Vergil expanded the newly acquired schematic of the Mother Whale.
Two blinking markers appeared.
One blue.
One red.
"You and the boarding team are here."
The blue marker flashed near the forward section of the Mother Whale.
"The prisoners..."
A second marker blinked at the opposite end of the vessel.
"...are all the way back here."
He zoomed the map out.
The sheer size of the Mother Whale became apparent.
"It'll take you through nearly the entire length of the ship."
"Between you and the prisoners..."
Thousands of hostile signatures lit up the hologram.
"...there are several thousand Raptures."
Silence filled the compartment.
Vergil continued.
"JARVIS is still fighting their security AI."
Another progress bar appeared.
Security Network Breach
30% Complete
"I estimate another thirty minutes before we gain full control of the internal security system."
Yuuki clicked his tongue.
"...Damn."
Kaguya looked toward him.
"Dearest..."
"What shall we do?"
Around her, every Shipgirl and Nikke turned toward their commander.
Waiting.
Trusting.
Yuuki remained silent for a few seconds.
His eyes slowly swept across the sealed compartment.
The reinforced bulkheads.
The tactical display.
The army waiting for his next order.
Then—
He made his decision.
"Nimi."
"Neon."
"Laffey."
"Javelin."
The four looked over.
"Out of the tank."
Without hesitation, they climbed out of the T-800.
Neon looked slightly confused.
"...Commander?"
Yuuki walked over to the hovering Super Hovertank.
He pressed a command on his wrist display of his War Machine Mark V armor.
The massive vehicle folded inward.
Armor plates shifted.
Weapons retracted.
The entire T-800 compressed into a compact armored capsule that landed neatly in his hand.
He stored it away.
"We won't need it."
Takao looked toward the sealed wall.
"...Even the T-800 couldn't break through this armor."
Yuuki nodded.
"Exactly."
He slowly looked upward.
"...Since it's come to this..."
He activated the communicator once more.
"Vergil."
The Vice Commander immediately answered.
"I'm here."
Yuuki smiled beneath his helmet.
"Mind sending..."
"...the big guns?"
Vergil blinked.
"...Which package?"
Yuuki didn't hesitate.
"Strike Package Soviet."
He paused.
"...And throw in four Toukunis as well."
For the first time since the operation began...
Vergil's eyebrows rose.
He quickly opened the deployment manifest.
Then...
A grin slowly spread across his face.
"That's..."
"...one hell of a package."
Several of his operators nearby immediately turned toward his display.
Their eyes widened.
"...Commander seriously wants to deploy all of that?"
Vergil chuckled.
"You realize what this means?"
He looked back at Yuuki.
"If I Chronoshift Strike Package Soviet into the Mother Whale..."
"...the Chronosphere won't have enough reserve energy for another jump."
"At least twelve hours. If things go south, you'll have to get out on your own."
Yuuki didn't even blink.
"Send it."
Vergil's smile widened.
"...Your call."
He reached toward the Chronosphere control console.
"Preparing..."
"Strike Package Soviet."
"And four Toukunis."
The entire Philadelphia Command Center suddenly became much quieter.
Everyone present knew exactly what those words meant.
Whatever was about to arrive inside the Mother Whale...
It was powerful enough...
...that Yuuki had simply referred to it as—
The Big Guns.
=======================
The girls exchanged bewildered glances.
Their commander...
Still had more hidden cards to play?
Neon blinked.
"...There's more?"
Anis looked at Yuuki, then at the sealed compartment.
"I thought the giant tank was already ridiculous."
Eugen chuckled.
"I've learned something about our commander."
"When he says 'big guns'..."
"...he never exaggerates."
Above them, the Chronosphere began humming.
Vergil's voice echoed through every communicator.
"Chronoshift package arriving in..."
5...
The air distorted.
Blue-white arcs of electricity danced across the chamber floor.
4...
Three enormous circular portals expanded outward, each nearly thirty meters across.
The floor trembled.
3...
Gravity itself seemed to warp around the portals.
Even the Raptures beyond the blast doors momentarily ceased their assault.
2...
Massive metallic silhouettes slowly became visible inside the shimmering gateways.
1...
BOOOOOOM!!
Three colossal machines crashed onto the reinforced deck.
The impact shook the entire compartment.
Dust erupted everywhere.
Shockwaves rippled across the floor.
Even the armored bulkheads groaned under the force of their arrival.
When the dust settled...
Everyone simply stared.
Neon's jaw slowly dropped.
"..."
"...What the hell is even that?!"
Standing before them were not tanks.
Nor walkers.
They were mobile fortresses.
Each machine stood nearly six stories tall, supported by six gigantic armored legs capable of traversing almost any terrain.
Their hulls resembled moving bunkers.
Layer upon layer of thick titanium armor covered every surface.
At the center of each walker rested an enormous triple-barreled main battery.
Each barrel dwarfed the cannons mounted on most battleships.
Yuuki stepped forward.
"Girls..."
He looked up at the towering war machines.
"...Meet the Steel Fortresses."
His voice carried a hint of pride.
"One of the former Soviet Union's ultimate land weapons during the Third World War of my world."
Avrora's eyes widened in disbelief. Her faction in his world had built these monsters?!
The tactical specifications immediately appeared across everyone's HUD.
Steel Fortress-Class Super Walker
3 × 460 mm Heavy Siege Cannons
2 × Heavy Missile Launcher Batteries
4 × Heavy Torpedo Tubes
4 × Autonomous Flak Cannons
2 × Collider Artillery Cannons(Convertible to Anti-Air Configuration)
Reinforced Body Ram
100-Layer Titanium Composite Armor
The girls could only stare.
Yuuki continued.
"If the T-800 is a Super Hovertank..."
"...then this..."
He gently patted one of the gigantic mechanical legs.
"...is a Super Walker Tank."
Designed to dominate land warfare, the Steel Fortress combined overwhelming firepower with near-impenetrable protection.
Its triple 460 mm siege cannons could demolish fortified positions with sustained bombardment.
Its missile batteries saturated entire battlefields.
Its flak cannons created an anti-air umbrella capable of shredding hostile aircraft.
The collider cannons could deliver long-range artillery strikes...
Or instantly reconfigure into devastating anti-air weapons when needed.
And because of its sheer mass...
Almost nothing could physically stop it.
Buildings.
Fortifications.
Enemy armor.
Anything unfortunate enough to stand in its path was simply crushed beneath six colossal mechanical legs.
Takao slowly looked upward.
"...It's..."
"...walking artillery."
Yorktown quietly exhaled.
"No..."
"...it's an entire fortress."
Kaguya smiled behind Yuuki.
"My, my..."
"So these are the 'big guns'?"
Yuuki nodded.
"They're about to make us a road."
Almost on cue—
The three Steel Fortresses slowly raised their colossal 460 mm cannons.
Their targeting systems locked onto the reinforced bulkheads sealing the compartment.
Deep mechanical growls echoed through the chamber as the siege cannons began loading.
The rescue operation...
The rescue operation...
Had just entered a very different phase.
Yuuki rested a hand against one of the Steel Fortress' armored legs.
"You know..."
"We actually recovered an old schematic from the former Soviet archives."
A holographic blueprint appeared beside him.
It depicted a much older walker.
Four legs.
Three oversized cannons.
Its hull looked squat and heavily armored.
"The Steel Tortoise."
Neon tilted her head.
"...It looks weird."
Yuuki nodded.
"It was."
"It was the prototype."
"The Soviets wanted a mobile land battleship, but the design was unstable and had poor weight distribution."
The blueprint shifted to another design.
This one mounted four main cannons instead of three.
"They tried solving the firepower issue by adding another heavy cannon."
He shook his head.
"Didn't work."
"The recoil was excessive."
"The extra weight made underwater operations nearly impossible."
"It sacrificed mobility without gaining enough firepower to justify the redesign."
The hologram shifted one final time.
The six-legged Steel Fortress standing before them replaced the previous images.
"So..."
"They redesigned everything."
"Six legs for stability."
"Three main siege cannons."
"A lighter but stronger chassis."
"Better center of gravity."
"This..."
He smiled.
"...is the final production model."
He turned toward the team.
"Nimi."
She immediately stood at attention.
"Yes, Commander!"
"You're driving the first Fortress."
Her eyes sparkled.
"Roger!"
"Neon."
Yuuki pointed toward the massive triple-barreled battery.
"You get the main cannons."
For a second...
Neon simply froze.
Then—
"COMMANDER!!"
Her eyes practically shone.
"NOW I REALLY LOVE YOU!!"
The others laughed.
Yuuki sighed.
"Yeah..."
"Yeah..."
"I know."
He pointed toward the side weapon stations.
"Laffey."
"The auxiliary weapons are yours."
Laffey lazily looked up.
"...Weapons?"
"The four massive eighty-eight millimeter explosive rotary cannons."
Her sleepy expression immediately became slightly more awake.
"...Big dakka."
Yuuki nodded.
"Exactly."
She quietly saluted.
"...Laffey approves."
"Javelin."
"You'll serve as navigator."
"Guide the Fortress through the Mother Whale."
"Aye!"
Javelin smiled confidently.
"I'll make sure we don't get lost!"
Finally—
Yuuki looked toward Belfast.
"Bel."
She stepped forward elegantly.
"Yes, Master?"
"Take the upper fire-control station."
"The collider cannons are yours."
A gentle smile appeared on Belfast's face.
"It would be my pleasure."
Yuuki looked over the five of them.
"You'll crew the first Steel Fortress."
"Break us a path."
"Understood!"
The five answered together.
At that exact moment—
Hydraulic locks hissed.
A massive boarding ladder unfolded from beneath the Fortress' hull.
Neon didn't wait another second.
"I CALL THE MAIN GUNS!"
She sprinted toward the ladder at full speed.
"I LOVE YOU, COMMANDER!"
She was already halfway up before anyone could respond.
Anis watched her disappear into the Fortress.
"..."
"...She really wasn't kidding."
Nimi laughed as she followed behind.
"Come on!"
"We've got a fortress to drive!"
Even Belfast couldn't hide a small chuckle as she gracefully ascended toward the upper gunnery compartment.
Yuuki looked toward the remaining girls.
"Pepper."
She immediately straightened.
"Yes, Commander?"
"You're with the first Fortress."
He pointed toward the missile control station displayed on the holographic layout.
"You'll handle the heavy missile launchers."
Pepper smiled brightly and saluted.
"Aye, Commander!"
As the team went inside, the command compartment of the fortress was vast—far larger than any of them had expected, nearly the size of a full-scale command center.
"...Whoa..." Nimi breathed, her eyes widening as she stepped forward.
"This is bigger than the Ark's command rooms..." Pepper whispered in disbelief.
Rows of control panels lined the walls, each station equipped with advanced interfaces, holographic displays, and redundant systems designed for battlefield resilience.
Neon spun in place, staring at everything.
"Commander wasn't kidding... this is a whole battleship on legs!"
The interior lighting adjusted automatically as they entered, illuminating pathways and highlighting key stations for each assigned role.
"Oh! It's guiding us!" Javelin pointed excitedly as glowing lines traced paths across the floor.
The space had clearly been engineered as a mobile stronghold, capable of housing and coordinating up to a hundred personnel during extended operations.
"...A hundred people?" Laffey muttered, blinking slowly. "...Laffey feels small."
Reinforced bulkheads, shock-absorbing flooring, and layered communication arrays hinted at its ability to function even under heavy bombardment.
Belfast gently ran her hand along one of the panels.
"Remarkable craftsmanship... even under siege, this vessel would remain operational."
As they moved to their respective stations, their HUDs flickered to life, seamlessly syncing with the fortress systems.
"Oh—it's connecting!" Pepper said as data streamed across her vision.
Detailed tutorials and control schematics unfolded before their eyes—guiding them through navigation protocols, weapon systems, and emergency procedures.
"...It's teaching me how to drive it," Nimi said in awe.
Neon grinned widely.
"And it's teaching me how to fire EVERYTHING!"
Even without prior experience, the interface made it feel as though they had trained for this moment all along.
"...Feels natural," Laffey murmured, settling into her station.
Javelin pumped her fist.
"We've got this!"
Belfast smiled softly.
"Then let us ensure we meet our master's expectations."
Yuuki turned toward the second Steel Fortress.
"Next team."
His eyes settled on Rapi.
"Rapi."
She stepped forward.
"Yes, Commander."
"You're driving."
Without hesitation, she nodded.
"Understood."
He looked toward Anis.
"Anis."
She grinned.
"Let me guess."
"The big guns?"
Yuuki smiled.
"You'll operate the main battery."
Her eyes sparkled.
"Oh, this is going to be fun."
"Cocoa."
The small maid immediately raised her hand.
"Yes!"
"You'll serve as navigator."
"I'll guide us there!"
"Cocoa replied enthusiastically."
"Mary."
The doctor adjusted her glasses.
"Commander?"
"You'll handle the missile batteries."
She smiled calmly.
"I'll make sure nothing gets close."
Yuuki then looked toward Ade.
"Ade."
She folded her arms with a confident grin.
"Collider cannons?"
Yuuki nodded.
"The upper fire-control station is yours."
"Rain artillery on anything unfortunate enough to survive the main guns."
Ade chuckled.
"Now that's my kind of assignment."
Yuuki gave one final glance over the team.
"Second Fortress..."
"...is yours."
"Roger!"
One by one, they made their way toward the massive walker.
Hydraulic ladders extended from beneath the armored hull as access hatches opened with a deep mechanical hiss.
Rapi climbed directly toward the driver's compartment.
Anis practically skipped toward the main gun controls.
"Oh..."
"I am so firing first."
Mary laughed quietly as she headed toward the missile control room.
Cocoa unfolded the navigation display before she had even reached the cockpit.
Ade disappeared toward the upper gunnery platform, eager to take control of the twin collider cannons.
The collider cannon controls display a tactical map indicating where the bomblets will land, allowing Ade and Belfast to target enemies with precision.
Within moments...
The second Steel Fortress began coming to life.
Its reactor rumbled.
Hydraulic systems pressurized.
The six massive legs shifted slightly as the colossal machine awakened under its new crew.
Two Steel Fortresses...
Now stood ready for battle.
Yuuki turned toward the final Steel Fortress.
"Third team."
His gaze settled on Hipper.
"Hipper."
She instinctively placed a hand on her hip.
"Y-Yes?"
"You're driving."
Her eyes widened.
"Me?"
Yuuki nodded.
"You've got the temperament to push this machine through anything."
A confident smirk slowly appeared on her face.
"...Heh."
"Leave it to me."
Yuuki looked toward Eugen.
"Eugen."
She smiled knowingly.
"The main guns?"
"The main guns."
"Oh my... you really do know me well, teddy bear."
She licked her lips slightly while looking at the three gigantic 460 mm cannons.
"I've always wondered what it would feel like to command battleship-sized artillery."
Yuuki chuckled.
"Now you'll find out."
"Vestal."
The repair ship stepped forward.
"Commander?"
"You'll handle the collider cannons."
She nodded gracefully.
"Understood."
"I'll provide long-range fire support."
"Akashi."
"Nyaa?"
"Navigation."
Akashi saluted enthusiastically.
"This kitty won't let us get lost!"
"Soda."
The cheerful maid immediately perked up.
"Yes, Master!"
"You'll control the side weapons."
"The eighty-eight millimeter explosive rotary cannons."
Soda clasped her hands together.
"I'll keep everyone safe!"
Yuuki smiled.
"I know you will."
He then looked toward the three little Bulins.
"Bulin."
"Purin."
"Kurin."
The tiny engineers immediately saluted.
"Bulin!"
"Yes!"
"You three stay inside the Fortress."
Their eyes sparkled.
"Engineer duty?"
Yuuki nodded.
"Exactly."
"If anything gets damaged..."
"I want my best mechanics already inside."
"Bulin!"
"We'll fix everything!"
The three cheered together before happily running toward the boarding ladder.
Just then—
Kaguya gently stepped beside Yuuki, her tails swaying elegantly.
"What about this wife, dearest?"
Yuuki smiled.
"You'll support the three Fortresses."
She blinked.
"...Support?"
He nodded.
"You don't need to enter the cockpit."
"Simply ride atop the Fortress."
"Use your rigging and battleship cannons from there."
"Anyone foolish enough to survive the Fortress' firepower..."
"...gets to meet yours."
A delighted smile bloomed across Kaguya's face.
"My..."
"What a wonderful idea."
She gave a graceful bow.
"Thy wish..."
"...is my command."
With effortless elegance, Kaguya floated upward, landing atop the Steel Fortress as though it were her own personal throne.
Her ten tails spread proudly behind her.
Golden spell circles slowly materialized around the mobile fortress.
Meanwhile—
Perched upon Yuuki's shoulders—
Esche and Oberis exchanged a glance.
"We shall assist as well."
Esche raised her tiny staff.
Golden motes of light drifted toward the three Steel Fortresses.
"Blessing of Valor."
A warm aura enveloped every machine.
Armor strengthened.
Weapons resonated with magical energy.
Oberis followed immediately.
"And Blessing of Protection."
A second enchantment settled over the walkers.
Their already-imposing armor shimmered briefly as layers of magical protection reinforced the hundred-layer titanium plating.
Yuuki watched the blessings settle over the machines and smiled.
"Thank you, you two."
The two fairy sisters giggled.
"Anything for our contractor."
Inside the third Steel Fortress, every station came online one after another.
Hipper gripped the driver's controls.
Eugen rested her hands upon the massive siege cannon interface.
Vestal synchronized the collider targeting systems.
Akashi's navigation displays filled with newly downloaded maps.
Soda eagerly spun up the twin rotary cannons, listening as the barrels accelerated with a satisfying mechanical whine.
Above them...
Kaguya stood atop the walking fortress, her battleship rigging floating around her as foxfire danced between her fingertips.
Three Steel Fortresses.
Three fully crewed combat teams.
And one fox goddess standing atop the last of them.
The assault force had just become significantly more terrifying.
======================
Yuuki turned toward the four Takao-class sisters.
"Now..."
"...as for you four."
His gaze swept across them.
Takao.
Atago.
Maya.
Choukai.
Atago placed a hand over her chest and smiled teasingly.
"Ara..."
"For a moment, we thought you'd forgotten about us."
Yuuki smirked.
"Not exactly."
He snapped his fingers.
Snap.
Four new Chronosphere portals erupted behind the sisters.
Unlike the Steel Fortresses, these portals were smaller.
Yet the pressure they emitted was no less imposing.
Heavy metallic footsteps echoed from within.
THOOM...
THOOM...
THOOM...
One by one, four towering silhouettes emerged.
The Takao sisters looked up.
"..."
"...Whoa."
Standing before them were four enormous humanoid war machines.
Each stood nearly five times taller than a Shipgirl.
Unlike the fortress-like walkers, these machines possessed a distinctly humanoid form.
Broad armored shoulders.
Powerful mechanical limbs.
A massive triangular jingasa-style helmet gave each machine the appearance of an ancient samurai reborn as a steel giant.
Their armor plating was layered and reinforced for close-quarters combat.
Mounted across their backs were heavy missile pods.
Their forearms housed retractable laser cannons.
Clamped at each hip rested gigantic ionized katanas, each blade several times taller than a human.
Across their backs rested equally massive ionized longswords.
Even standing motionless...
They radiated overwhelming presence.
Yuuki stepped toward them.
"These..."
"...are the Toukuii."
"A mechanized Samurai Walker obtained from Empire of Rising Sun from my world."
The girls inside the Steel Fortresses looked through their external cameras.
Neon whistled.
"Commander..."
"...those are AWESOME."
Yuuki nodded.
"We've developed three variants over the years."
A holographic blueprint appeared.
"The original production model."
It shifted.
"The heavily armored assault variant."
Another shift.
"And finally..."
"The GDI retrofit."
The final blueprint displayed additional weapon systems, improved reactors, and upgraded armor.
"But for today's operation..."
He looked toward the four towering samurai.
"...we're deploying the armored assault models."
He turned back to the Takao-class sisters.
"Takao."
"Atago."
"Maya."
"Choukai."
"You'll each pilot one."
The four blinked.
"...Us?"
Yuuki nodded.
"Think of them as oversized riggings."
"They move like extensions of your own body."
"The onboard AI will synchronize with your combat instincts."
Takao slowly stepped closer to one of the towering machines.
"...A giant sword..."
She couldn't help smiling.
"...I approve."
Atago giggled.
"My..."
"I've always wanted to become taller."
Maya cracked her knuckles.
"So I get to punch things..."
"...while carrying a giant sword?"
Yuuki nodded.
"And missiles."
"And laser cannons."
Maya grinned.
"Even better."
Choukai quietly examined the machine.
"The balance..."
"It really was designed by swordsmen."
Yuuki smiled.
"The primary weapon remains the ionized katana."
He pointed toward the massive blade.
"Its plasma edge can slice through armor far thicker than ordinary battleship steel."
"Should ranged combat become necessary..."
"The forearm laser cannons."
"The shoulder missile launchers."
"And the integrated fire-control systems are all synchronized with your movements."
He folded his arms.
"So yes..."
He smiled.
"Imagine yourselves five times taller than the largest Raptures."
"Swinging swords."
"Launching missiles."
"And firing laser cannons."
Neon immediately leaned out of the Steel Fortress cockpit.
"Commander!"
"Can I get one after this mission?!"
Yuuki laughed.
"Get enough credits first."
The entire boarding force burst into laughter.
The four sisters approached their respective Toukuii.
Each cockpit slid open with a deep mechanical hiss.
Unlike the Steel Fortresses, the interiors were compact, designed around a single pilot.
Takao climbed inside first.
Atago followed with graceful curiosity.
Maya stepped in without hesitation, her movements precise and controlled.
Choukai quietly examined every control before taking her seat.
The moment each cockpit sealed—
Synchronization Detected.
Echo Suit Signature Confirmed.
Pilot Registered.
Initializing Neural Motion Link...
The displays around them illuminated.
Blue holograms surrounded each pilot as the Toukuii's systems synchronized directly with their Echo Suits.
"...Synchronization complete."
Then—
An unusual sensation washed over them.
It didn't feel like piloting a machine.
Instead...
It felt as though their bodies had suddenly expanded.
Takao slowly blinked.
"...I..."
She looked down.
Except...
It wasn't her own body she saw.
It was the towering armored frame of the Toukuii.
Its massive hands responded the instant she thought about moving.
The fingers slowly flexed.
The metallic joints moved with astonishing smoothness.
"...These are..."
"...my hands."
Nearby, Atago gently raised an arm.
The giant samurai mirrored her movement perfectly.
"My..."
"It truly does feel like an oversized rigging."
Maya observed her movements carefully.
"...Response time is excellent."
She tested a controlled strike.
The gigantic mechanical fist shot forward with precision.
"...Minimal input required."
"It feels efficient."
Meanwhile, Choukai performed a small hop.
The twenty-meter-tall samurai effortlessly left the ground before landing with a heavy metallic THOOM.
She tilted her head slightly.
"...Calibration complete."
"...No noticeable delay."
"The response is nearly instantaneous."
Takao slowly reached toward her left hip.
The Toukuii copied the motion.
SHIIING!
A gigantic ionized katana slid free from its scabbard.
Blue plasma raced along the blade's edge.
The weapon hummed with contained energy.
Takao instinctively performed a slow practice swing.
The enormous katana carved effortlessly through the air.
Despite its immense size...
It felt perfectly balanced.
"...Remarkable."
She smiled faintly.
"It truly moves as though it were my own sword."
Atago spun her own katana gracefully.
"My..."
"I do believe I could get used to this."
Maya drew both the katana and the massive longsword.
She tested their weight with measured movements.
"...Balance is stable."
"...Control is responsive."
She executed a series of deliberate swings, each producing a deep electrical hum.
Choukai activated the forearm laser cannon.
A targeting reticle immediately appeared before her eyes.
"...Weapons synchronized."
She cycled through the systems.
"Laser cannons."
"Missile launchers."
"Ionized blade."
"Everything responds to thought alone."
Yuuki watched the four towering samurai come to life one after another.
Four gigantic mechanical warriors now stood beside the three Steel Fortresses.
Each awaiting only a single command.
He smiled.
"...Perfect."
"They're natural pilots."
Yuuki watched the four giant samurai take their first tentative steps before speaking again.
"Oh..."
"One more thing."
The four pilots looked toward him through their external cameras.
"The Toukuii isn't just a giant swordsman."
"It has its own combat techniques."
A new menu immediately appeared on each pilot's HUD.
Toukuii Combat Skills
Takao quietly read through the list.
"...Fast Jump."
Yuuki nodded.
"High-output thrusters built into the legs."
"You can leap several hundred meters in a single bound."
"Perfect for closing distances or crossing difficult terrain."
Atago's eyes moved to the second skill.
"...Flash Step?"
"The mobility servos temporarily overclock."
Yuuki explained.
"It allows the Toukuii to perform rapid bursts of movement."
"To your enemies..."
"...it'll look as though the machine disappeared."
Maya remained composed, her gaze steady as she reviewed the data.
"...Efficient."
She continued scrolling.
"...Rapid Slash."
Yuuki smiled.
"The onboard combat computer assists your movements."
"One command."
"Multiple consecutive sword strikes."
"The Toukuii performs them faster than any human-sized swordsman ever could."
Choukai nodded appreciatively.
"...A sword technique integrated directly into the machine."
"Efficient."
Then—
Atago stopped scrolling.
"...Spinning Tornado?"
Yuuki coughed lightly.
"...Ah."
"About that one."
The four looked at him.
"The Toukuii rotates at extremely high speed while extending both blades."
"A full-area attack."
"It tears through everything surrounding the machine."
Maya studied the description without reaction.
"...High risk, high output."
Yuuki raised a finger.
"There's one small problem."
Everyone waited.
"...Don't puke inside the cockpit."
Silence.
"..."
"...Huh?"
Yuuki scratched his cheek.
"The stabilization system handles most of the spinning..."
"...most."
"But your inner ear still knows you're rotating."
Neon leaned out from the Steel Fortress again.
"...Wait."
"It actually makes people motion sick?"
Yuuki nodded with complete seriousness.
"The first test pilots..."
"...didn't have a pleasant experience."
Anis immediately burst into laughter.
"They threw up inside the cockpit?!"
"...Repeatedly."
Yuuki admitted.
Maya remained steady, unfazed.
"...Then it should be used only when necessary."
Takao calmly shook her head.
"I'll refrain until absolutely necessary."
Choukai quietly made a mental note.
"...Avoid Tornado Spin immediately after eating."
Atago covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
"My..."
"I never imagined 'motion sickness' would be listed as battlefield advice."
Yuuki folded his arms.
"I'm serious."
"If anyone throws up inside the cockpit..."
"...you're cleaning it yourselves."
That finally made everyone laugh.
Even Hipper's voice came over the communications channel.
"...Commander..."
"I think that's the strangest pre-battle briefing I've ever heard."
Yuuki simply smiled.
"Better embarrassed than surprised."
The four Toukuii pilots nodded.
Their giant samurai walkers stood ready.
Swords sheathed.
Laser cannons charged.
Missile launchers armed.
And, if absolutely necessary...
A tornado attack waiting to turn both the battlefield—
—and possibly the pilot's stomach—
upside down.
=================
Now...
The assault force had transformed completely.
Three Steel Fortresses.
Four Toukuii mechanized samurai.
And Kaguya standing proudly atop the central Fortress, her ten tails flowing behind her as golden spell circles surrounded the advancing machines.
Yuuki ignited his thrusters and rose into the air before landing gracefully beside Kaguya.
"My, dearest..."
She smiled.
"We certainly have made quite the entrance."
Before Yuuki could reply—
Behemoth's furious voice echoed throughout the compartment.
"What the hell?!"
"How did you get those things inside the Mother Whale?!"
Yuuki merely grinned beneath his helmet.
"Surprise..."
"...surprise."
He looked toward the lead Steel Fortress.
"Nimi."
The driver's voice immediately came over the communications channel.
"Ready, Commander!"
"Use the front legs."
"Ram the wall."
"Roger!"
The Steel Fortress lowered its massive body.
Its two foremost legs shifted position, their reinforced tips angling forward like gigantic siege lances.
Hydraulic pistons locked into place.
"Brace!"
THOOOM!
The first strike slammed into the armored bulkhead.
The entire compartment shook.
A deep metallic groan echoed through the wall.
A small crack appeared.
Again.
THOOOM!
The reinforced legs punched even deeper.
Armor plating buckled inward.
Warning sirens immediately erupted throughout the Mother Whale.
"Structural breach detected."
Nimi grinned.
"Again!"
The six-legged fortress lunged forward one last time.
KRAAAAAANG!!
Both siege legs punched completely through the massive blast door.
Jagged holes opened from one side to the other.
"Got it!"
The gigantic legs spread apart.
Hydraulic servos roared.
With overwhelming force—
The Steel Fortress pried the shattered bulkhead apart.
Metal screamed.
Support beams snapped.
The once-impenetrable wall slowly peeled open like a giant steel gate.
Until—
A massive opening stood before them.
Beyond it...
Thousands of Raptures filled the adjoining corridor.
Every one of them froze.
They had expected trapped prey.
Instead...
They found three walking fortresses staring back at them.
Yuuki smiled.
He stepped onto the Fortress' armored hull and looked through the opening.
"...Here's Johnny."
Inside the cockpit—
Neon's eyes sparkled brighter than ever.
"Hehehe..."
Her hands gripped the firing controls.
"Oh..."
"I've been waiting for this!"
She slammed both palms onto the trigger.
"FIRE!!"
The Steel Fortress' triple 460 mm siege cannons erupted simultaneously.
BOOOOOOOOOOM!!
Three colossal shells screamed through the opening.
The muzzle blast alone shook the entire compartment.
The reinforced corridor ahead vanished beneath fire and debris.
Rows upon rows of Raptures disappeared in an instant as the shells carved a path straight through the Mother Whale's interior.
The rescue force...
The rescue force...
Had officially begun its advance.
Inside the Philadelphia Command Center, JARVIS' calm voice echoed through the operations room.
"Commander."
"Mother Whale security network breach has reached 50%."
Vergil smiled.
"Halfway there."
"Keep going."
Back inside the Mother Whale...
The lead Steel Fortress slowly withdrew its massive siege legs from the shattered bulkhead.
As if responding to the damage, emergency protocols activated.
One by one...
The surrounding blast doors began retracting.
Entire walls folded away.
The once-sealed compartment opened into an enormous central corridor.
Beyond it...
An endless Rapture army stretched into the distance.
Combat drones.
Heavy walkers.
Quadruped assault units.
Flying interceptors hovering overhead.
Thousands of crimson optics locked onto the newly revealed invaders.
For a brief moment...
Neither side moved.
The Raptures hesitated.
Standing before them weren't ordinary enemies.
Three colossal Steel Fortresses.
Four towering Toukuii samurai.
A ten-tailed fox standing atop one of the walkers.
And an army of Shipgirls and Nikkes positioned within the Steel Fortresses behind them.
Even the Rapture tactical network appeared momentarily uncertain.
Then—
Every hostile unit received the same command.
Eliminate the intruders.
The corridor erupted.
Missiles screamed through the air.
Autocannons unleashed torrents of fire.
Heavy artillery roared.
Energy bolts and cannon shells flooded toward the GDI assault force in a relentless barrage.
Yuuki calmly raised one hand.
"Advance."
The Steel Fortresses answered first.
Their reactors roared.
The triple 460 mm siege cannons thundered once again.
BOOOOOOM!
Three massive shells ripped through the center of the Rapture formation.
Entire columns of machines vanished beneath the explosions.
At the missile stations—
Neon grinned from ear to ear.
"Oh, this..."
"...THIS is firepower!"
She launched another full salvo.
Dozens of heavy missiles streaked across the battlefield before erupting among the enemy ranks.
On the second Fortress...
Anis laughed as she worked the firing controls.
"HAHA!"
"I could get used to this!"
The main guns fired again.
Another section of the corridor disappeared beneath overlapping explosions.
Inside the third Fortress...
Eugen wore her usual confident smile.
"My..."
"I think I'm in love."
She squeezed the firing controls.
The three 460 mm cannons unleashed another devastating broadside.
The recoil shook the entire machine.
Far ahead...
The shells detonated among a concentration of heavy Rapture walkers, tearing them apart in a chain of explosions.
Meanwhile—
The Toukuii had already reached the enemy.
Takao drew her massive ionized katana in one smooth motion.
The glowing blade swept across the battlefield.
Several Rapture walkers were sliced cleanly in half.
Atago followed with elegant precision.
Her samurai walker leapt high before descending in a devastating overhead slash that split a heavy assault unit from head to toe.
Maya remained composed, her expression focused.
"This will suffice."
Her Toukuii activated Rapid Slash.
The enormous machine blurred forward, its giant katana carving through multiple enemies in a whirlwind of steel and plasma before they could react.
Nearby, Choukai fought with calm efficiency.
Her forearm laser cannons fired in controlled bursts, destroying distant targets before she seamlessly transitioned into close combat, her ionized longsword cutting apart anything that survived.
Behind them, Kaguya floated gracefully above the advancing Steel Fortresses.
Golden magic circles expanded around her.
Battleship cannons roared.
Arcane spells rained from the heavens.
Explosions blossomed across the battlefield wherever her attacks landed.
Supported by the Steel Fortresses' overwhelming bombardment...
And the relentless assault of the four Toukuii...
The Rapture front line began collapsing.
The rescue force continued pushing deeper into the Mother Whale, leaving a trail of shattered machines and burning wreckage in its wake.
==============
Elsewhere within the Mother Whale...
Yuu and Nayuta continued carving their own path through the Research Division.
The laboratory corridors were littered with smoking wreckage.
Destroyed security droids.
Collapsed defense turrets.
Shattered blast doors.
The Raptures had attempted to seal them in countless times.
Every attempt had failed.
Blue lightning flashed across the corridor.
Nayuta's Volt Auto Rifle discharged another burst.
Three advancing Rapture droids exploded almost simultaneously.
Beside her—
One clone eliminated enemies from the left corridor.
Another secured the rear.
Three more advanced ahead to clear intersections.
Two remained beside Yuu, acting as bodyguards while she continued monitoring the battlefield.
A golden light enveloped the original Nayuta once more.
Level Up!
Level 7
A new clone materialized beside her, immediately joining the formation.
Without hesitation, the newcomer raised her Volt Auto Rifle and took up overwatch.
Yuu glanced across the growing squad.
"...Seven already."
She shook her head with a helpless smile.
"I've officially stopped being surprised."
Every few minutes...
Another level.
Another clone.
Another increase in combat efficiency.
It almost felt unfair.
The Mother Whale simply contained too many enemies.
Every Rapture destroyed accelerated Nayuta's growth at an astonishing pace.
Yuu ducked behind the remains of an overturned research console as another wave of enemy fire crossed the corridor.
"Cover me."
"Understood."
All seven Nayutas answered in perfect unison.
A wall of precise rifle fire immediately pinned the approaching Rapture force.
Satisfied, Yuu activated the tactical interface projected from her Mark 49 armor.
A holographic status window unfolded before her.
At the same time—
Nayuta's eyes flickered faintly.
A similar interface appeared within her own vision.
============
GDIN Nayuta
Level: 7
Upgrade Points Available
Talent Points Available
============
Yuu smiled.
"Let's spend these before the next wave arrives."
Nayuta briefly knelt beside her while the seven clones maintained a perfect defensive perimeter.
Her fingers moved slightly—
But most of the interaction happened mentally.
Menus shifted instantly within her own interface.
Basic attributes increased first.
Reaction speed.
Energy efficiency.
Weapon handling.
She immediately invested her accumulated talent points into abilities that complemented her natural strengths.
A pulse of blue energy rippled through the original Nayuta.
Instantly...
Every clone received the exact same enhancement.
Seven Volt Auto Rifles simultaneously recalibrated.
Their capacitors glowed brighter.
Electrical output increased.
The barrels emitted a sharper, more concentrated hum.
Yuu blinked.
"...The upgrades synchronize with every clone?"
Nayuta nodded calmly.
"Every clone created after integration inherits my current capabilities."
She stood.
"And every improvement I receive..."
The seven clones raised their rifles in perfect synchronization.
"...they receive as well."
Yuu couldn't help laughing softly.
"Commander is going to have a field day reading your system report."
Before either could say another word—
The motion sensors lit up again.
Hundreds of fresh Rapture signatures appeared on the tactical display.
The clones calmly took aim.
Yuu closed the upgrade interface.
"...Back to work."
"Indeed."
Eight identical voices answered at once.
Then the corridor erupted once again in a storm of blue lightning.