A Battlefield Without Her

10-1 Start

[...]
[...In a certain Griffin forward base.]

MP41: Listen to me, it’s true!

HK23: Mm, yes, yes
It’s not that I don’t believe you, but the Commander ordered us to withdraw from this base.

MP41: There’s no need to abandon it.
SF only sent one ringleader, I’m sure we could take her all out if we all attacked her together!

HK23: That sounds just like something you’d hear from a mook who gets one-shotted right away...

MP41: It doesn’t matter what I say!
The key is that this is a rare opportunity!
If we take out this Sangvis ringleader together, we’ll become the stars of Griffin for sure!

HK23: Alright, then let’s go!
—Did you actually think I’d say that?
I’m not going to take the bait again; I still remember how you got me all excited last time and then recorded me to show the Commander.
I’m going; please go bother somebody else.

MP41: Wait, don’t go….



MP41: ...And that’s how it is.
XM8, let’s go wipe out the Sangvis scum and crush their advance!

XM8: The Commander must have some reason for asking us to withdraw.

MP41: But there’s still a few more days until we absolutely have to withdraw, if we all go up at once and take out the SF ringleader…
We might not need to retreat any more, and when that happens we’ll surely become the talk of Griffin.
—For example, they might end up writing headlines about us going “Legendary Dolls Ambush Sangvis And Change Griffin’s Fate” or something like that!

XM8: Look, the Commander is ordering this retreat to protect your feelings. We’re all ordinary Dolls here…
Don’t keep indulging in wishful thinking.

MP41: Am I...

XM8: And if I’m not wrong, I remember you snitching on how  I slacked off during logistics.
I might have been willing to take a chance if it were someone reliable talking, but you? ... In any case, bye bye.

MP41: Urgh… you shouldn’t slack off, then...

MP41: Ah, she’s gone...

[...]

MP41: ...Hey, isn’t that…!?
It’s Miss WA2000! She’s really strong!

MP41: But… I guess I’ll pretend I never saw her.

WA2000: MP41! I’ve found you at last!

MP41: Aiiieeee—!

WA2000; You were the one who went around telling the other Dolls about how the Commander secretly snuck me deserts!

MP41: But, but I really saw you eating ice cream that you weren’t issued...

WA2000: It was a REWARD for good battle performance!
I worked hard for that, but you made it sound like I had something going on with the Commander!

WA2000: Although I wouldn’t mind if that was the case…
But still, you can’t go around talking nonsense!

MP41: ...I, I’m sorry!
There’s something I need to do, I need to go!

WA2000: Hold it right there!

[...]

MP41: I… I finally managed to escape…
Who knows what would have happened if she’d managed to catch me…
I guess it’s better to find a Doll that I have dirt on. Let me go through my files...

G43: Huh? Haven’t you gone yet, MP41?

MP41: ...Ohhhh!?
You’re just in time! Come, look at my files.

G43: What, what’s going on...

MP41: Hehehe—
Last week, you broke the Commander’s souvenir and then tried to pretend nothing had happened after you glued it back together, didn’t you?

G43: Hahaha…
I have no idea what you were talking about…

G43: No point playing dumb! I saw the whole thing!

G43: Ehhhh…!? R-really!?

MP41: My eyes have recorded your crimes.
Now, shall we count up your sins?

G43: Uwaaaahhhh… Please don’t tell the Commander.
Otherwise my good name…

G43: (Well done, MP41! I’ve finally got someone on the hook for this!)
Ahem—!
Well, I COULD keep it a secret, but you have to do one thing for me.

G43: What… what kind of thing?

MP41: Actually, I have a plan...

[Just like before… MP41 outlines her plan to strike back at Sangvis to the Doll before her.]

G43: There, there’s no way this could work, right?

MP41: Don’t worry, I’ve made thorough preparation!
Do you want to keep your “good name” in the Commander’s eyes?

G43: Uuu… It feels like I’m going to my doom…
...Right, you’re sure that you won’t tell the Commander if I go on this mission with you?

MP41: Of course!

G43: Then wait for me.
I’ll go back up my digimind...

MP41: Fine, but don’t take too long.

[As she watches G43 run off into the distance, MP41 leans against the wall.]

MP41: I finally found someone willing to do this with me, but G43 still seems a little weak.
What other stronger Dolls are there?
Hahhh… if only the others were willing to group up with me…
I mean, I came up with a perfect plan, I even scraped together all the explosives I secretly gathered from all those logistics missions...

[MP41 sighs.]

MP41: I’ll be stuck running logistics forever if I don’t distinguish myself, I need to—

MP41: Huh? That Doll is…?

MP41: Ah, please wait!

???: Hm? Looking for me?

MP41: You’re Miss Mauser Kar98k, aren’t you!?

Kar98k: Yes, I am.

[MP41 excitedly pulls her files out of her satchel.]

MP41: Let me check the data I collected…
Uwah! You really are an elite Doll!
I didn’t think I’d meet someone who completed so many secret solo missions in a beat-up base like this!

Kar98k: Oh really… you’re too kind.

MP41: Hm, yes, I think I have been.

Kar98k: ...May I know what that’s supposed to mean?

MP41: Things like taking out high-level Sangvis units by yourself and simultaneously tying up multiple Sangvis echelons…
It’s plain to see that these accomplishments are all fake. How could a single Doll do all that?

Kar98k: ...

MP41: Well, it’s not like I don’t understand. You must have completed all those missions with the Commander’s help.
However, you said that you did it all by yourself after the fact to make yourself look good!

Kar98k: ...You really are an interesting girl.
I have other missions waiting for me. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be off.

MP41: Ah… wait!
(Crap! I accidentally slid back into my old habits of picking on others’ problems…)
I, I’m sorry! All that was just theorizing on my part… I mean, there were no witnesses, so anyone would be suspicious, right, ahaha...

Kar98k: I don’t mind. It’s not like I care how others see me.

MP41: Hehe, everyone says that, but who knows what they really think inside?
Actually, I’ve got a secret mission; if you could complete it with me, I could be a witness to your accomplishments!

Kar98k: Didn’t the Commander order all Dolls to withdraw from this base?
Aren’t you going to get ready?

MP41: Well, the mission is related to the withdrawal order.
Actually, I’ve already done some checking up, and I know exactly how Sangvis is going to attack!

MP41: I wouldn’t tell anybody else, you know.
But since you’re an elite Doll, I guess I could tell you about my plan!

[MP41 shoves the report in her hand at Kar98k. At a loss for what to do next, Ka98k quickly goes over it.]

Kar98k: ...
You really are very interesting after all… So going purely by the Sangvis movements you saw while on logistics…
You managed to predict a potential Sangvis attack?

MP41: Yup! I’m certain that Sangvis is only sending a single ringleader for this attack!
And I’ve already determined the ringleader’s location… plus I managed to gather some explosives.
All we need to do is plant it on the route she’s going to take and then detonate it! That way we won’t have to retreat!

Kar98k: So, do you know which ringleader it is?

MP41: I think she was called Gager? I saw her from a long ways  away during a logistics mission.
Oh well, she didn’t look like a really strong ringleader anyway.

Kar98k: ...Gager is also a high-level Sangvis command Doll. Your observation skills aren’t bad.
But this isn’t enough for you to take on a Sangvis ringleader.
Time’s up. See you around.

MP41: Eh? Why the hurry?
Ah… what should I do about my plan...

[MP41 looks at Kar98k’s back as it fades into the distance.]

MP41: ...Wait a minute, she just said that the Commander was withdrawing all the Dolls, but she’s heading towards Sangvis lines instead.
Don’t… don’t tell me she’s carrying out a mission to eliminate the Sangvis ringleader!?

G43: I’m back, MP41.
Hm? Wasn’t that Miss Kar just now?

MP41: How could I let you steal my glory!?

G43: What are you talking about?

MP41: ...Oh, you’re back, G43.
That elite Doll just now is trying to steal our credit!
We need to go after her right away!

G43: Er, are we heading that way?
Aren’t there a lot of Sangvis scout units around?

[MP41 shakes her head.]

MP41: How are you going to distinguish yourself if you get scared in a place like this!? If you meet any Sangvis units, just kill them!

MP41: This is MP41. heading out!

G43: Eh? ...W-wait for me...

10-1 End
[...The battle ends.]

G43: I knew we’d run into Sangvis forces if we charged out recklessly...

MP41: Well, we got rid of them, right?

G43: I got rid of 90% of them...

MP41: Shh… keep quiet and stay here.

G43: Hm? What happened?

[MP41 creeps over to a nearby grass patch.]

MP41: I’ve found you.
98—

[A hand suddenly emerges from the grass and drags MP41 inside.]

G43: MP41!
Oh no, where’s she been taken to?

MP41: Don’t shoot don’t shoot don’t shoot! It’s me, MP41!

Kar98k: I know.
How did you find me just now?

MP41: Er… um… ah…
Well, for starters, this is high ground, and there’s lots of trees and vegetation here, so visibility and concealment here is good.
And then your tracks suddenly vanished, so I guessed you might be watching from over here?

Kar98k: Looks like… you aren’t as silly as I thought.

MP41: What…
So you thought I was stupid, Kar98-nee!?

Kar98k: Let’s leave that aside for now.
...Could you please call me something else?

MP41: You don’t like it? Alright… let me think…

Kar98k: Just call me Kar.

MP41: Kar, huh? Doesn’t seem too polite…
I’ll call you Kar-sempai, then!

Kar98k: ...Alright, then.
Why did you pursue me all the way here?

MP41: Well, you must have come here to hunt the Sangvis ringleader, right?
Take me with you, Kar-sempai! I’m sure I can help you out!

Kar98k: ...

MP41: ...And, and also, if it turns out you just came here to walk around and then claimed credit in the after-action report,
I’d have to expose you for the sake of Griffin’s future.
But… perhaps you really could pull off a feat like that, so I wanted to see if for myself!
Then I’d spread good publicity for you afterwards, so nobody would ever doubt you again!

Kar98k: What you say is quite interesting, in a sense.
It’s true that I’ve been given a mission similar to what you describe. This is one of the Sangvis observation points.

MP41: It’s true that this place is good for observation…
But, but there’s no trace of Sangvis activity nearby, is there?

Kar98k: Like you said, Sangvis only sent out one ringleader this time, so she must be doing her best to hide her tracks.
You just stay here and act as an observer. I’ll head to the firing position and wait for an opportunity.
Don’t worry, it isn’t far.

MP41: Eh—? No, I’d like to move with you, sempai.

Kar98k: Another pair of eyes is another chance to spot the enemy. If you manage to find Gager, it’ll be a great contribution too.
And if you miss her… then neither of us will have anything to show for it, will we?
I trust you’re the kind of Doll who wants to take hold of victory, right?

Mp41: A Doll who wants to take hold of victory?

Kar98k: The kind of Doll won’t let go of any possibility of winning, who’ll try anything in order to succeed.

Mp41: Oh! Of course, that’s me exactly!
Believe in me, Kar-sempai! I’m going to help you wipe out that Sangvis ringleader! You’ve got to remember that!

Kar98k: Mm, I will.
Listen closely to what I’m about to say. If dawn comes and the Sangvis ringleader doesn’t show up, that means our luck is bad.
You should head back to base and prepare to withdraw without making a fuss.

MP41: What about you, Kar-sempai?

Kar98k: I’ll withdraw in my own way.
Don’t tell me you can’t return to base without me.

MP41: I… of course I can! I’ll be fine by myself!

Mp41: But sempai, don’t go changing the combat report when I’m not around.
Er? Where’s sempai?

[By the time Mp41 has realised it, Kar98k has vanished into the darkness…]

MP41: ...That’s fine. You just watch and wait, Miss Kar
I’ll drag that Gager out and show you.
And then the Commander and all the Dolls on the base will praise me!
But before that, I need to tidy up this observation point.
Let’s pluck all this annoying grass… uwah!

[As MP41 pulls out the grass, she suddenly sees G43 in front of her.]

G43: Ah! MP41! So Sangvis didn’t get you after all?

MP41: Say what!?

G43: I thought that Sangvis had captured you, and I thought…
If I went one last round and didn’t find you, I’d be heading back to base by myself.

MP41: Hahhh, low-grade Dolls are so unreliable…
I found Kar-sempai just now, she told me to stay here and be an observer for her!

G43: I see… well, sorry for being a low-grade Doll.
In that case, I’ll be heading back, then. You and Kar-sempai can carry out the mission.

Mp41: Indeed… with Kar-sempai...

G43: (Excellent!)
I’ll be off then. Good luck with the mission, live long and prosper, by—

MP41: Wait a minute!
Observers need protection after all!
Our deal isn’t over yet!

G43: What the heck…
Uuu… I’m sorry, Commander.
I won’t mess with anything interesting I see next time...


10-2 Start
[...]
[...Inside an abandoned base.]

StG44: 98k, you’re late.

Kar98k: Sorry, I was a little delayed.

StG44: ...So you deliberately wasted all that time circling around to the safe zone just to draw those two measly little Dolls there…
Was there a point to that?

Kar98k: I just can’t hide anything from you. I was going to say I got lost.

StG44: Why not say, “Sangvis decided to do me a favor and blew themselves up”, that would be more believable.

Kar98k: That observation point is safer for them. They won’t be spotted by Sangvis forces unless they go running off by themselves.
I guess they’ll head back of their own accord once day breaks.
Although I think that MP41 is going to be very disappointed if that happens.

StG44: Don’t be too kind to them… Kar.
She won’t thank you for it.

Kar98k: I know. I’m not doing this for thanks.
It’s time to begin; what’s the situation like now?

StG44: I’ve got a good idea of Gager’s location, but she keeps moving around.
It’s… it’s as though she’s looking for something.

Kar98k: We need to find a way to lure her to the optimal shooting zone for me. She’s an elite Sangvis Doll, so if I don’t get her weak spot in a single shot…
Neither of us might be going back.

StG44: Given her movement patterns, she’ll come by in a couple of hours.
When that happens, I’ll feint an attack to draw Gager in front of you, like before.
I hate the feeling of adjusting to a new body after downloading my neural cloud into it…
So can you please kill it in one shot?

[Kar98k laughs quietly.]

Kar98k: Don’t worry.
Have you ever seen me mess up?

[Elsewhere...]
[MP41 is standing by.]

MP41: 201 stars, 202 stars, 203 stars…
I’m so booooored… is it going to be morning soon?

[MP41 opens up her comms terminal and checks the current time.]

MP41: It’s only been 2 hours...

G43: Why don’t you try contacting your “Kar-sempai?”

MP41: She’ll think I’m totally unreliable if I contact her without finding anything...

G43: Oh really…
I don’t think Sempai’s ever seen you as reliable before.

MP41: Oh yeah, why don’t I search the surroundings? Who knows, I might find something new!

[MP41 runs out of the observation point and begins investigating the surrounding terrain.]

G43: (sighs) She ignored me, huh...

MP41: Yeah, the location of this observation point is pretty good.
But according to my previous calculations, Sangvis ought to be advancing through the other sector.

G43: That’s good, right? At least I won’t have to re-download a backup.

MP41: As if!
Instead of waiting at the observation point like idiots, why don’t we go over there and take a look? Who knows, we might find a clue.

G43: But didn’t sempai ask you to wait in the observation point?

MP41: You brainlet! Even Sempai can make mistakes!
I’m better at information-gathering! Let’s head out!

G43: Why am I still here… just to suffer…
I’m going to write up a resignation letter once I get back, even being a salesgirl would be better than this.


10-2 Mid-Mission
[MP41 and G43 begin their infiltration.]

G43: Looks like you were right, MP41… There really are Sangvis forces here.

MP41: Hold it!

G43: Huh? What’s the matter?

MP41: Fall back first!

[G43 nervously takes several steps back after hearing MP41’s warning.]

MP41: I’m picking up a lot of Sangvis signals in the vicinity. Since there’s only two of us, we ought to focus our combat power on defeating their ringleader.

H43: Uwah...

MP41: What, what’s the matter?

G43: For some reason it feels like there’s a careful side to you.

MP41: Heh, of course. Don’t forget that I’ve got a file on you, so you’d better help me out.

G43: (Can’t you apply that side of yours to other things…)

10-2 End
[...The battle ends.]

G43: We ran into Sangvis forces again.
I’m so tired...

MP41: I’m surprised, you’re doing a pretty good job as a bodyguard.

G43: When did I become a bodyguard, this is more like being a nursemaid...

MP41: Ah!

G43: Enemies again!? Where?

MP41: There’s Sangvis parts on the ground!

G43: …
Isn’t it normal for there to be parts on the ground after wrecking so many Sangvis units?

MP41: No no, look closely...

[MP41 picks up one of the parts and hands it to G43.]

MP41: This is a worn motive component, there are no bullet marks on it. It’s very likely that it was simply changed out after it was used up.
In other words… Sangvis’ main force must have camped here earlier.
My theory from just now was right, they must have gone this way!

G43: So we’re still continuing on…
Don’t you think we’ve gone a long way from the original observation point...

MP41: Ehh!?
Ah… it’s true…
We accidentally came this far out out… Kar-sempai won’t scold me, will she?

G43: Yup yup, your sempai’s not going to be happy with this.
Let’s hurry on back, shall we?

MP41: Still, that’s her fault for picking a place with no Sangvis forces around. Turns out I’m better after all.
...Wait a minute, I’ve been through the area up ahead pretty often on logistics, haven’t I?
My judgement that Sangvis would attack through this place was right after all!

MP41: ...Could it be that I’m better than an elite Doll, no, even the Commander!?

G43: What the hell happened inside your neural cloud to make you reach that conclusion!?

MP41: I’ll accept your praise.
I’ve run over a thousand logistics missions here…
I know every single pebble and blade of grass here, so setting up an ambush in this place would be a piece of cake!
Now what should I do next… I guess we’ll go with burying the explosives, like my original plan...

[Just as MP41 puts her hands on her hips and thinks, she suddenly hears a burst of gunfire.]

Mp41: Hm? I thought I heard gunshots.

[MP41 and G43 hurriedly look toward the sound of the gunfire.]

MP41: This is—
A Griffin team fighting Sangvis units?
All they’re doing is running away, were they ambushed by Sangvis?

G43: Look! There’s a high-end Sangvis Doll behind them!

MP41: Ah!
Isn’t that Gager?
I’ve spotted her at last!
I need… I need to contact Kar-sempai right away...

G43: But she’s still at the observation point, right?
That’s a long way off; she wouldn’t make it even if she rushed over right now!

MP41: What, what should we do…!

[...Elsewhere, at the sniping spot where Kar98k is located.]

Kar98k: Are they exchanging fire?

[Kar98k looks at the distant points of firelight and suddenly, a comms request pops up.]

MP41: Kar-sempai, can you hear me?

Kar98kL What’s the matter, MP41? It’s not a good time for me to talk.

MP41: Are you waiting for the Sangvis ringleader, Kar-sempai?

Kar98k: Ah?
Mm… yes.

MP41: Then it can’t be helped, I’ll just have to do it by myself.

G43: What are you going to do?

MP41: Ah, I see the Sangvis ringleader—

StG44: Kar! Do you read me? We’ve managed to draw Gager over!

Kar98k: Roger.

Kar98k: Sorry, MP41, something’s come up, I’ll be ending the transmission now.

MP41: Wait—

Kar98k: StG, how are things now?

Stg44: ...She nearly hit me in the head just now.
The situation is proceeding within predictions. I’ll wipe out the trash while luring Gager over.

Kar98k: Still not close enough, if you can’t get her another kilometer closer…
I won’t be able to guarantee I can breach Gager’s armor even if I use an AP round.

StG44: She keeps trying to advance on my position, it’s interfering with the control of my dummies.
Three of my dummies are already unable to receive signals.
Sorry, but I might not be able to lure her to a place where you can attack her flank.

Kar98k: ...That’s fine. We’ll go with Plan B; get as close to my position as you can.
If you can shrink the distance to 500 meters, I have a 50% chance of penetrating her armor from the front.

StG44: I’ll try to get her within 200 meters of you, that should guarantee a penetrating hit.

Kar98k: Can you do it?

StG44: An ordinary ringleader wouldn’t take the bait so easily.
But this ringleader is weird; she seems obsessed with approaching my position, even though I’m well within the range of her guns.

Kar98k: Be careful, I’ve seen cases where Sangvis tried to capture our Dolls…
Her actions line up with those precedents.

StG44: Understood. If I’m unfortunate enough to suffer such a fate, I’ll destroy my own core immediately.
She’s drawing close again, how much further?

Kar98k: Another 100 meters and she’ll be within 1 km.

StG44: So all I need to do is work a little harder and I’ll be right—
Wait a minute, Gager suddenly stopped!

StG44: 98K, can you see what’s going on!?

Kar98k: She’s… got her hands on a Griffin Doll...

StG44: A Griffin Doll? Is it one of my dummies?

Kar98k: No, she’s holding on to…

Kar98k: MP41.

10-3 Start
[Several minutes ago, on the other side.]

MP41: I knew it, Kar-sempai can’t make it in time… that means I’ll have to do this myself.

G43: How… are you going to handle this by yourself?
If we fight high-end Sangvis Dolls like this, we’d normally end up redownloading oru backups into our neural clouds.

MP41: Hm… then do you want to stick to the original plan?
But we’ve already started exchanging fire with her, and there’s no way Gager would obediently run to where I planted the explosives…
And more to the point, there’s no time to bury the explosives now!

G43: Why don’t we just fall back first?
Wouldn’t it be better to let the elite Dolls handle this?

MP41: But other Dolls are being attacked!
If we don’t do something now, they might end up being wiped out!

G43: That said… if we just rush in and fight her, we’ll end up being wiped out too...

MP41: I, I need to calm down… I need to hurry and think of a solution…
Ah! That’s it! Everything will be okay if we just do this!

[Several minutes later…]

MP41: Don’t, don’t shoot! I surrender!

Gager: ...

Mp41: Look — I can’t run any more.
I surrender, I’ve already thrown my weapon away.

[Gager cautiously approaches Mp41.]

MP41: (What a surprise, she really didn’t shoot. I thought I’d get one-shotted.)
(Now, all I need to do is get that ringleader to approach me…)

MP41: Please don’t hurt me, I’m not a threat any more...

MP41: …
...As if!

[On a distant mountain.]

MP41: Didn’t expect, did you, stupid Sangvis scum? That’s just one of my dummies.
Half the explosives are already tied to it, and once you get close…
Hehehehe...

G43: Is that Sangvis Doll really going to take the bait?

MP41: I spent months coming up with this plan, there’s no way a mere Sangvis Doll could see through it!

[Gager approaches MP41’s dummy…]
[And lifts her up by the neck.]

MP41: With this, I’ll become Griffin’s shining star!
EXPLOSION — !

[...]
[...]
[...Far away in the distance, absolutely nothing happens.]

MP41: Er…?

G43: ...

MP41: Eh!?
Why was there no explosion?
I pushed the button and everything… why isn’t my dummy obeying my commands?

Gager: When a new Griffin Doll showed up, I thought it was a friend of that trash Doll which lured me over just now...

Gager: As it turns out, it’s just another piece of trash.

G43: Did Sangvis jam your signal?

MP41: That’s right, that’s right, that’s, that’s got to be it!
Oh no, I can’t believe I forgot that Sangvis forces can jam transmissions!
What, what should I do, I think I messed up.

G43: I told you, right? There’s no way we can take down a high-end Sangvis Doll!
Why don’t we slip away?

[...At the sniping point, where Kar98k is.]

StG44: Is that MP41? What’s she doing all the way here?

Kar98k: ...

[Kar98k continues taking aim.]

StG44: Kar, prepare to reposition, the plan to lure the enemy has failed, we’ll switch to Plan C.

Kar98k: No, we still have a chance.

StG44: Are you telling me you’re going to shoot from that range!?

Kar98k: It’s a 20% chance.
I have a 20% chance of scoring a penetrating hit if I fire from this distance.

StG44: Don’t tell me… you’re trying to save that Doll?
It’s a little far so I can’t be sure, but isn’t that just one of MP41’s dummies?

Kar98k: If it’s a dummy, then her mainframe must be nearby.
If I can get my shot on target, we can all go home safely.
If… I don’t make the shot, then Gager will try to find my position.
Use that opportunity to get her out of here right away.

StG44: I don’t think saving that Doll is part of our mission.
I can try to bait Gager again afterwards and ensure the mission is completed.

Kar98k: If we just abandoned our friends so casually, how would we be any different from Sangvis?
Besides, I’m also responsible for her running around like this… Please get her out of there. I’ll use our last resort.

StG44: Are you insane?
You’re going to go one-on-one with that ringleader!?

KAr98k: You know I can do it. Even if the worst comes to pass, it’ll be easier for me to withdraw on my own.

StG44: ...Fine, do whatever you want. Besides, you’re in charge.
You might have realized it already, but I’m going to say it anyway.
You should have chased that Doll away from the start. What you did earlier not only endangered her, but it endangered us too.

Kar98k: I will reflect on my actions once I get back. Now get moving.

StG44: Understood.

[StG44 nimbly darts into the trees and vanishes into the darkness.]

Kar98k: Alright, time to roll the dice.
I need to hit her core, right in the center of her torso, otherwise the other SF units will continue moving.

Kar98k: Taking aim...

Kar98k: ...

Kar98k: And now!

[—!]
[The bullet streaks through the air, and just as it’s about to strike Gager dead center…]
[She instantly blocks it with her weapon.]
[Gager lightly fingers the small dent in the dust cover of her weapon and looks in the direction Kar98k was firing from.]

Gager: Over 1 km away, huh…
Looks like a decent Griffin Doll showed up at last, if they’re able to hit me from that far away.
Just you wait… I’ll catch you and then question you for everything I want.

[At the same time, on MP41’s side.]

MP41: There’s the sound of a different gun from the distance… it’s Kar98k!
Is Kar-sempai nearby?

MP41: Kar-sempai, can you hear me? I thought you were still around the observation point!

StG44: You brainlet! You messed up our plan!

MP41: Ah? What happened? Isn’t that StG44’s voice? What happened to Kar-sempai?

StG44: Stop talking nonsense and tell me your location!

MP41:I, I’m behind the rocks on the mountain’s slopes…
I’m syncing the coordinates to you.

StG44: I can’t believe she’s on the other side of the Sangvis forces, how the hell am I supposed to make my way over?


10-3 End
[...StG44 arrives at the coordinates that she has been given.]

StG44: I finally made it.

[There is the dull sound of gunfire in the distance, followed by a series of three gunshots.]

StG44: That gunfire sounds rushed...

StG44: Kar, what’s your status?
Kar, can you hear me?

[Several minutes ago…]

Kar98k: Tch, she’s harder to handle than I thought.
My shot was on target; looks like I’ll have to move closer.

Gager: To think you were the only one Griffin sent out. Looks like they’re looking down on me.

Kar98k: Is this a forced transmission?

Gager: Oh? You’re not running like those low-end Dolls. Instead, you’re actually approaching me.

Kar98k: You want to be polite? Then don’t force your way into my comms.

Gager: Hmph. Your teammates have all fled, but yet you still want to take me on alone.
For that, you have my respect.

Kar98k: Well, that’s because… I alone am enough to deal with you.

Gager: Talk tough while you can.

Kar98k: Well, if you’re so confident, then why not attack me right away?

Gager: Right now…
I want to give you a chance.

Kar98k: Oh, that sounds nice.
You’re just afraid of being ambushed, aren’t you?

Kar98k: What if I were to tell you that we’ve already prepared the ground in anticipation of your arrival?

[Pew.]
[A bullet flies over at Gager from her side, but she casually blocks it.]

Kar98k: Looks like my reinforcements have arrived.

Gager: ...Hmph, you’re all talk.

[Pew. ]
[Another shot flies at Gager from her other side.]

Gager: Splitting up your dummies? You really think too highly of yourself, don’t you?

[Pew, pew, pew.]
[The first and second shots come from different directions at almost the same time, and Gager unconsciously leaps back.]
[Right after that, the third shot passes through the place where she had been before evading.]

Gager: The decision-making skills of Griffin’s dummies is as bad as I expected. Were you thinking of intimidating me with just that much?

Kar98k: …

Gager: Cat got your tongue?

Gager: Or are you plotting something else?

Kar98k: Looks like this will work, now—

{Pew — the sounds of sniper fire continue, with Gager observing the direction of fire as she evades.]
[The last shot comes from the distance, but this time, Gager chooses not to evade it, instead standing her ground.]
[The bullet grazes Gager’s right shoulder and embeds itself into the dirt. She glances contemptuously at the bullet hole, and then looks up.]

Gager: I see.

Gager: This battle is over.

Kar98k: (What?)

[Gager lightly raises her weapon—]
[And then she fires in four separate directions in an instant.]
[The Kar98k dummies hidden behind various pieces of cover have no time to react before they are promptly vaporized.]

Gager: Pathetic.
You were thinking of using your dummies to harry me and then sneak up to my side so you could put one of your outdated bullets through my core, right?

Kar98k: Tch...

Gager: Now… you’re under the tree right in front of me. I will gladly obliterate you along with that piece of flimsy cover you’re hiding behind.

[Gager points her weapon forward, while Kar98k prepares to launch a sneak attack from that position.]

Ka98k: Looks like I fell for it.

Gager: Run out of things to say?

Gager: In that case, would you like to hear about the chance I’m giving you?

[On the other side...]

MP41: Weren’t you dealing with Gager together with Kar?

StG44: I can’t possibly take on enemies on that level.
My mission now is to get you out of here.

Mp41: But there’s so many of us, we might be able to surround her—

[The sound of Gager firing comes from the distance. MP41 and the others hurriedly look in that direction.]

AtG44: That light just now…
The signals from Kar’s dummies vanished.

Mp41: Which dummies?

StG44: All of them...

MP41: But isn’t Sempai an elite Doll? If her dummies were all wiped out in an instant...

StG44: Now you understand that high-end Sangvis units aren’t the sort of thing that ordinary Dolls like you can handle.
Sangvis ringleaders are extremely dangerous! When Kar asked the Commander to take on this mission, she did it with the full knowledge that she might die!
In the first place, there were no Dolls in this base that could take on Sangvis ringleaders…
And just now, we almost managed to pull that bitch into Kar’s effective range!

MP41: (Don’t tell me it was all my fault…)

MP41: Uuu… No, no way...

G43: What, what do we do now...

Kar98k: StG44, do you read me?

StG44: Kar! What’s your status!?

Kar98k: The last resort didn’t work either. Gager’s got a lock on my position.

Kar98k: Looks like this mission...

MP41: I’m sorry, Kar-sempai… it was all my fault.

Kar98k: No need to be too hard on yourself.
It was a risky mission in the first place.
What you need to do now is get out of here right away with StG44 and your friend.

MP41: ...

MP41: ...

G43: MP41? What’s with you?

MP41: No! I still can’t...

MP41: I still can’t go!

StG44: What are you saying at a time like this!?

MP41: Kar-sempai, I told you before that I’d help you wipe out that Sangvis ringleader!
Well, I’ve come up with a plan, both to make up for what I did earlier and to accomplish something today…
So please, have faith in me!

Kar98k: …
I might as well hear you out.

StG44: Kar!

Kar98k: I don’t want to be vaporized either, so if there’s a chance that we might win—

MP41: If there’s a possibility of winning, then we can’t let go of it… am I right, Kar-sempai!?


10-4 Start
[...]

Gager: Looks like you’re not as elite a Doll as I thought. You’re a far cry from the Griffin Dolls I’ve fought in the past.
I trust you understand the differemce in our respective abilities now?

[Kar98k slings her weapon on her shoulder and comes out with both hands up.]

Kar98k: You too. You’re a far cry from the Sangvis Dolls I’ve fought before.

Gager: Hmph, still so cocky, even at this stage?

Kar98k: You found my position when you found my dummies…
So why didn’t you wipe me out along along with them?

Gager: I was simply showing you mercy.

Kar98k: Oh? Then, may I ask why a Sangvis Doll would show mercy?

Gager: Where’s that ringleader you captured before?

Kar98k: What ringleader? I have no idea what you’re talking about.

[Architect laughs dryly.]

Gager: I wasn’t expecting you to tell me anyway. I’m going to capture you, rip off your links and hack your neural cloud directly.
At that point, I’ll get what i want without you having to speak.

Kar98k: Looks like MP41’s files really are comprehensive. She even managed to guess your objective.

Gager: What?

Kar98k: I’m sorry, but… you will never have the chance to capture me again.

[Suddenly, the sound of countless gunshots erupts from behind Gager.]
[Gager unconsciously ducks, but the bullets accurately strike the location where Gager is dodging to.]
[Gager is forced to deflect the bullets with her own weapon and leaps behind the nearest cover.]
[However, the new rounds unerringly strike her hiding place, and so Gager is forced to frantically flee the gunfire…]
[However, the follow-up attack strikes her as she attempts to run away.]

Gager: Tch…
Why didn’t I sense them? Are they shooting from long range? Is there another elite Doll out there?

[A moment before Gager hits the ground, she sees…]
[Kar raising her gun, taking aim at her.]

[Several minutes ago…]

Kar98k: So what’s your plan?
Hurry up and tell me before Gager roasts me.

MP41: Hehe, leave it to me, Kar-sempai!
This Sangvis ringleader has excellent armor and reflexes, but your position gives you a big advantage, Kar-sempai!
If we can keep Gager from evading your shots, you’ll be able to penetrate her at this distance!

StG44: But you saw Gager’s attacks just now. Kar would probably get wiped out before she could even raise her gun, don’t you think?

MP41: That’s when my bodyguard will step in!

G43: Ehhh? Me!?

MP41: Yup, you use a rifle too, don’t you? If we can hit Gager from behind, even if it’s just for a moment… we’ll be able to slow her down and distract her.
And then, Kar-sempai will be able to shoot her directly at close range! The glory will be all ours!

StG44: You know… we’re over 1 km away from Kar.
And Kar’s the only one who can shoot this accurately...

G43: Yeah… Like, I might still have some confidence if we were shooting stationary targets at the range…
But there’s no way I can hit something that moves as fast an a ringleader.

MP41: No, no. Actually, all I need you to do is hit a stationary target.

G43: Eh? But why would a Sangvis ringleader stand still to let you shoot her?

MP41: Let me ask you something, what’s the most important element of successful shooting?

G43: Er… Distance? The wind?

MP41: You brainlet! It’s the terrain!
Actually, Kar-sempai luring Gager to that spot made a lot of sense, there’s pretty much no cover there and visibility is excellent.

MP41: I spent a long time studying that ground in daily life, I can’t believe Kar-sempai found an ambush spot almost instantly….

Kar98k: Yeah, I did lure her over for ease of shooting.

MP41: Yup! You helped lay a solid foundation for us, Kar-sempai!

MP41: Anyway, like I was saying!
Once Gager hears gunshots, she won’t have a lot of places to hide, In other words, there are only several dozen possibilities!

StG44: Several dozen is more than enough for her. G43 and her dummies will only have the chance to fire five shots.

MP41: That’s why we need to work together as a team!
First off, you need to talk to that ringleader to get her attention, Kar-sempai.

Kar98k: Talk?

MP41: Yes, that ringleader must be looking for something, which is why she didn’t kill you with your dummies.
Griffin’s beaten Gager before… although the operation details are classified, I heard that her partner was captured.

StG44: To think this was the case...

MP41: I wasn’t sure if this was true before this, but her actions clearly indicate that something like this happened.
I’m sure she wants to hack your digimind to find information on this…
Which is why she’ll be careful not to damage your body too much, Kar-sempai.

Kar98k: Understood, so that’s what’s going on.
I’ll try and find a way to buy you time.

MP41: StG44, while Kar-sempai is stalling Gager, you need to help shoot with G43.

StG44: But my weapon can’t reach out that far, you know?

MP41: It doesn’t matter, I’ll help guide your shooting!
Given the way Gager eliminated Kar-sempai’s dummies she must be using bullet trajectories to pinpoint her targets and predict when she’ll be shot.
Meanwhile, your bullets’ flight paths are going to be all messed up because they don’t have enough range, and as it happens Gager likes to search for our positions while evading…
That’s why she won’t have any idea where we are!

StG44: That does make sense...

MP41: After the first time she evades, she’ll have much fewer options.

MP41: G43, you and your dummies should presight on the positions I’ve calculated beforehand…
After this, once Gager makes her move, you just need to switch between positions depending on where she goes, and then fire three volleys.

G43: Got it!
The chances of landing a successful shot are much higher; one of them has got to be able to hit that Sangvis ringleader!

MP41: Yes, and then while she’s too busy trying to save her own tail, you can take her out in one shot, Kar-sempai!
It’s perfect! I’d expect nothing less of me!

Kar98k: That sounds like a very good plan.
However, there’s a chance that shooting her in the back might end up failing.

MP41: That’s fine… at that point, I’ll activate the final backup plan.

Kar98k: Final.. Backup plan?

MP41: I can’t tell you about it now…
But in any case, my and Kar-sempai’s success depends on you, G43!

G43: This… this is so heavy...

MP41: It’ll be fine, you just need to shoot as I tell you, there won’t be any problems!

Kar98k: Yeah, I agree on that point. StG44, you need to give us cover fire.

StG44: I’d do that even if you didn’t tell me to.

Kar98k: Well, I’m moving out of cover, wish us luck.

[Back to the present…]

[At this range, Kar98k doesn’t even need to aim. Before Gager even hits the ground, the bullet strikes her in the chest—]
[Where a Sangvis Doll’s core is located.]

Gager: —!

[Gager collapses,iommobile.]

Kar98k: I didn’t think that would actually work…
We turned things around in an instant thanks to MP41’s plan. I’m seeing her in a different light now.

MP41: We did it!
This is great, it’s a huge achievement, Kar-sempai!

Kar98k: Yes, you were a big help.

MP41: Hehe, looks like the Commander won’t just send me on logistics missions anymore!

StG44: You wait over there, Kar, we’re coming over now.

MP41: ...
Wait a minute! Something’s not right, the Sangvis units are still moving!

Kar98k: What—

[Suddenly, there’s a bright flash from where Gager collapsed…]
[Kar98k evade but she’s a moment too slow, and the plasma beam hits her left arm.]
[The beam’s impact sends Kar flying, and then she crashes heavily to the ground.]
[The severe damage leaves her nearly unable to move, and she uses all her strength to slowly, tortuously drag herself into cover before looking at gager’s position.]

Gager: Despicable… you despicable Griffin… Dolls…
I’m done showing mercy!

Kar98k: ...

StG44: Kar, are you alright!?

Kar98k: My left arm’s been blasted away, and my body functions are unstable…
I didn’t think I’d be unable to breach her front armor even like this…
In other words, we could never have succeeded in this mission in the first place.

G43: Uwah! The Sangvi forces are sending suppressive fire our way!
They’ve suddenly become super aggressive!

Kar98k: Heh… guess we made her mad.
I can’t escape, you’d better get out of there before Sangvis surrounds you…!

MP4: ...No.
There’s still the final solution. I’m sure I can exterminate the Sangvis ringleader with it...

Kar98k: Get your head out of the clouds…
Our weapons can’t breach her armor… and I can’t aim effectively...

MP41: Which means that without the armor, you can hit her core, right?

Kar98k: That’s right… but we can’t do it!

MP41: No, we can definitely do it!

Kar98k: What…?

MP41: You see… I’m the kind of Doll who never lets go of the possibility of victory.

MP41: Kar-sempai, please find a good shooting position and then wait for my signal.

MP41: I know a path that’ll get me close to Gager quickly. I’m counting on you!

StG44: I have no idea what you want to do, but Kar’s counting on you. We’ll try to destroy the Sangvis forces and distract them from you.

StG44: G43, the right sector is yours!

G43: Okay, I’ll do my best!

MP41: It’ll work this time...

MP41: I won’t let this accomplishment slip away from me!

10-4 Mid-Mission
[...Gager has found Kar98k’s hiding place.]

Gager: What, run out of tricks?

Kar98k: (Tch, the Sangvis self-repair was faster than me.)
(No good… I can barely move… I’ve taken too much functional damage.)

Gager: At first, I had hoped to leave you with some semblance of dignity, but a shameless, despicable Doll like you deserves only to be ripped apart, piece by piece!

[Gager approaches Kar98k as she leans against a big tree.]
[Gager lifts her by the neck.]
[She understands that the Sangvis ringleader is going to begin hacking.]

Kar98k: (Preparing to initiate neural cloud self-destruct…)

MP41: Wait a minute! I’ve got something you want!

Kar98k: !

Gager: Hmph, if it isn’t the clown from just now.
Looks like you Griffin Dolls want to be crushed together like the weaklings that you are.

MP41: You want to know where Architect is, right?
I know that very well! I’m one of Griffin’s intelligence Dolls, and I know way more than that combat Doll over there!

[The way Gager looks at MP41 seems to change.]

Gager: What… where is she?
No, did you think I’d believe your lies!?

MP41: Architect was captured during a winter operation!
After that, she was sent to IOP for research and analysis before being sent to a certain Griffin base for behavioral observation…
And this base is at a certain set of coordinates!

Gager: (—!)

MP41: How about it? Still want to find out?
All this data’s in my neural cloud, and if you connect to my neural cloud…
You’ll find out everything you want to know.
But as a price for that, you have to let go of Kar-sempai and let her leave this area!

Gager: Do you think you deserve to talk terms with me, you low-grade Doll?

MP41: What, you don’t dare to talk terms with me?
Or are you saying that you’re too chicken to connect to a low-grade Doll after one of them managed to hit you?

Gager: Hmph...

[Gager throws Kar98k aside.]
[In the next moment, she is in MP41’s face…]
[And she has grabbed her by the collar.]

MP41: That was fast… As expected of a high-end Sangvis Doll…
(Uwah! She’s forcing her way into my neural cloud… It hurts…)

Gager: You trash, how dare you try and stand up to me with functions as pitiful as yours.

Gager: I’ll get what I want and then capture you all—

MP41: (Kar-sempai… get… get ready…)

Kar98k: (...)
(Beginning countdown.)

Gager: You insect…
There’s nothing about Architect in your neural cloud!

MP41: Hehe... of course, didn’t you just say I was a low-grade Doll?
That’s right, how could a low-grade Doll know confidential information like that?

[MP41 holds on tight to the arm Gager is using to lift her off the ground, and then smiles in impending victory.]

Gager: What is this…
Let go of me, your filth!

[If I hadn’t said that just now, would you have approached me?]
[And if you hadn’t approached me, would I be able to blow you to bits?]

Gager: You attached explosives to yourself!?

MP41: Looks like saving half the explosives was the right thing to do. It doesn’t matter how thick your armor is… there’s no way it’s surviving a blast at such close range in one piece!

Gager: You bitch!

Kar98k: MP41!

MP41: Kar-sempai! Witness me!
I told you I’d help you take out the Sangvis ringleader, right!?
And now, I’ve finally succeeded…
...Hehe, this is an accomplishment now, isn’t it?

[KABOOM!]
[MP41 detonates the explosives on her.]
[The massive explosion forces Kar98k to shield her eyes with her one good arm.]

Gager: ...

Gager: I  won’t…
I won’t… fall here...

10-4 End
Gager: I… I can’t…
I can’t… go down here!

Gager: Architect’s… still waiting for me...

Kar98k: I can’t believe you’re still functional… Still…

[Gager has been scorched black by the explosion, and her body armor is peeling off in pieces from the high temperatures.]
[Her core is completely exposed to Kar98k’s gun.]

Kar98k: Now that we’ve gotten this far… I can’t betray her expectations...

[Kar98k sttuggles to turn herself around, bracing her gun against her  knees and shakily taking aim...

Kar98k: ...Aiming.

Kar98k: Fire!

[A gunshot rings out.]
[Gager stands stiffly in the clearing, but in the end she can’t hold on any more, and crumples to her knees before collapsing into the ground.]

[On the other side…]

[The Sangvis units fighting with G43 and StG44 slowly lower their heads and stop moving.]

[Kar forcefully works the action of her rifle, sending a scalding hot brass cartridge spinning out, accompanied by the scraping of metal and the acrid stench of cordite.]
[And then, Kar slowly gets to her feet, using her weapon as a crutch.]

[Just then, in the distance, the sun slowly rises.]

StG44: Kar, the Sangvis units on our side have suddenly gone still.
Did you do it?

Kar98k: yeah...

StG44: Got it ,we’re heading over right now.

Kar98k: Mission… complete...

[...Several days later.]

MP41: You’ve got to believe me, it’s true!

HK23: Mm, yes, yes,
It’s not that I don’t believe me, but the Commander’s already given me another mission.

MP41: I’m the big shot who took out Sangvis’ Gager, you know, you’ll be famous if you go on this mission with me!

HK23: I’m not falling for that again, that was just something Kar said to make you feel better, right?
Why don’t you tell me how someone like you could defeat Gager?

MP41: Er… I don’t remember… my body was destroyed back then.

HK23: See? You got wiped out right away and it was Kar and the others who defeated Gager.
Then you went and made it all out to be your hard work. That’s how it is, right?
I’ve got other missions to carry out, see you.

MP41: No… wait, it’s not like that!

G43: What’s wrong, MP41? Why are you going around pulling other people into your squad, don’t you have a good partner like me?

MP41: Mm… you’re just too weak. I really do need an elite Doll as my partner after all.

G43: What the heck! And to think I fought so hard for you back then!

G43: Really? I don’t remember at all!

G43: Of course I did! Stop using that as an excuse!

MP41: Well, I understand the principles, but my backups are only until I left the base.
The elite Doll we were following didn’t show up, and I don’t even know how much I contributed to defeating Gager...

G43: You were blown to bits by the time we got to you…
Kar-sempai was severely damaged and had to be sent for repairs, and I had no idea what happened back then...

MP41: You’re just useless as a partner!
I knew I should have told the Commander about you!

G43: Hey! I went on that mission with you and everything, how can you go back on your word!?

MP41: But we didn’t end up with any credit in the end, so doesn’t that mean we failed the mission!?

G43: You’re just twisting words now…

G43: How did things end up this way...

???: No, I remember your accomplishments.

MP41: That voice… it’s 98-nee!

Kar98k: That’s Kar-sempai to you.
I can’t believe you even forgot that memory...

MP41: Oh, really? Kar-sempai sounds pretty good too.
So, ah, Kar-sempai, what did I do when I destroyed Gager?
Don’t tell me I really got taken out at the beginning.

Kar98k: Well, I could tell you, but before that… I need a spotter and an assistant shooter.
Are the two of you willing to join my echelon?

G43: Ehhhhhh!? Really?

MP41: Hehe, I knew it, all high-end Dolls are the same, you need others to witness your accomplishments, right?
I know all the wicked little schemes in your mind.

Kar98k: It’s a reward for your efforts.
You won’t find out what you did back then if you don’t go with me, right?

MP41: Ah!
What will I do with you. Hehe, besides, I’m sick of logistics. It would be good to do something different.

Kar98k: Then head over and submit your application to the Commander. I’ve already arranged things to the Commander. The transfer will go through if you two are willing.

MP41: Hehe, good! Then I’ll keep an eye on you from now on. Let’s go, G43!

G43: Yup!

[The two Dolls hurriedly run out of the range, and it seems they hit someone, who cries out.]

StG44: Isn’t that Kar? Back from repairs?

Kar98k: Yeah.

StG44: … You’re not seriously going to let the two of them join now, are you?

Kar98k: We’ve been operating alone for too long, so I’d like a change of pace… or are you saying that you’re jealous of other people joining?

StG44: Why not say that Sangvis decided to do us all a favor and blow themselves up, that would be more believable.

Kar98k: Hehehe… well, I do have to keep my promise, after all.

StG44: A promise?

Kar98k: Yeah. I’ll witness her, until the day the fighting ends.

StG44: Oh, is that the promise you made?
That said, we really might not have been able to complete the mission without them.

Kar98k: Battle has changed them, and it’s changed us.

Kar98k: Let’s go, the Commander’s got another mission lined up for us.

StG44; What kind of mission?

Kar98k: An important piece of equipment for a Doll was stolen.
Let’s settle this quickly before they come back.

StG44: So it’s the last time we’ll be able to play lone rangers then? Looks like I’ll have to enjoy this before things get all rowdy in the future.