"PROJECT's ambitions are huge. By using this chance to spark the Fifth Corporate War, they're clearly trying to use the New United States as a stepping stone."
Berlitz spoke calmly, looking at the person in front of him.
"Yeah, the intent is obvious. What I don't understand is where they get the confidence to take on the entire world…"
Kana nodded, rubbing his chin.
"The entire world? Not necessarily. The Highriders have been close to PROJECT for a while now. In this situation, they'll probably gain yet another new technology."
Berlitz shook his head expressionlessly, pointing out the Highriders.
"That's a problem… We can't let the Highriders keep getting advanced tech from PROJECT, or we'll fall behind."
"That's exactly why I agreed to NetWatch's request this time. We can't keep backing down. We need to force the Highriders out and suppress PROJECT's growth."
"I agree with that. But how do you plan to make the Highriders back off?"
Kana looked directly into Berlitz's eyes.
"The Twelve Angels. They haven't acted in a long time. Let them take control of the situation at the Crystal Palace."
"Have you lost your mind? They can't just go around killing people."
Kana frowned.
"I know that. And when did I say anything about killing? This is just a warning."
Berlitz remained completely calm.
"You want to lock down the situation so the Highriders can't provide military support?"
Kana quickly grasped the plan.
"Exactly. Their biggest threat is the orbital launchers. They agreed not to use them against us, but if they support PROJECT, they might use them on the New United States. That would be bad for us."
"That makes sense…"
Kana nodded.
"Then who's carrying it out?"
"…Anyone except Jamil."
"You don't trust him?"
"Do you?"
Berlitz answered with a question.
"Heh… then let the others handle it."
Kana shrugged.
...
Buzz—
"Understood. I'll handle it."
A silver-haired man, his entire body wrapped in silver cyberware, slowly stood up and walked out.
He was Misael, the "Angel of Judgment" among the Twelve Angels. Previously ranked second in combat strength, now third after Jamil joined.
At that moment, inside his room, Jamil, who seemed to be idly spacing out, had a faint orange light flicker in his eyes.
Then he stood and walked out as well.
The two met face to face.
"Misael, where are you going?"
Jamil blocked his path.
"That's none of your concern. This is an assignment from above. You don't need to know."
Misael replied coldly.
"That's exactly why I don't like you."
Jamil sneered, then struck instantly.
Boom!
A shockwave burst out as their arms collided. The force pushed Misael back several steps, making him frown.
"What are you doing, Jamil? Planning to betray the European Space Agency?!"
"Heh. Relax. Just felt like sparring."
Jamil gave a half-smile.
Misael's face darkened.
"You serious?"
Jamil dropped the playful tone and took a proper stance.
Misael understood immediately. After a deep breath, he lowered his helmet.
"Then let me see what kind of confidence PROJECT's cyberware gave you."
Whoosh…
Boom!
A massive explosion echoed through the Crystal Palace.
The Highriders' leadership immediately turned pale. Moments later, they received confirmation. After exchanging looks, they rushed toward their designated safe point.
"So ESA actually sent the Twelve Angels after us…"
"That was expected. Stay calm. Focus on how to handle it."
"Stick to the plan. As long as we stay in the designated zone, they won't act."
"Yeah… we just have to endure for now."
They quickly reached a consensus.
But the moment they stepped out, two figures blocked their path.
"Where are you all heading in such a hurry?"
"Lancourt… Lyroste…"
The Highriders' executives went silent and slowly sat back down, their expressions dark.
"Relax. Our mission is simple. Make sure you don't use orbital launchers or provide military support to PROJECT. We're not here to do anything else."
Lancourt shrugged.
Opus and Logan Doyle exchanged glances and nodded.
If they couldn't support with force, then they would support with resources.
...
Bang! Crack!
Misael looked down at the shattered armor across his body, his expression grim, before raising his head toward Jamil, who had stopped attacking.
Jamil looked calm.
"I didn't expect this many people to be deployed. That's surprising."
"…Jamil, you made a very stupid choice."
Misael exhaled slightly.
"Did I? We'll see."
Jamil glanced at him, then turned and left.
Misael remained behind, his expression dark.
Only after Jamil left did he begin checking his condition.
Multiple armor sections were destroyed. Several cyberware joints had suffered severe damage.
The performance gap was obvious.
If this had not been a restricted combat environment, he might have already been dismantled.
"PROJECT's top-tier cyberware… is this strong…"
...
"Failed? Figures."
Roland waved it off casually.
"Can the Source Code virus get into the Crystal Palace?"
"It can, sir. But internal network isolation measures will limit effectiveness."
"That's fine. Getting in is enough."
Roland didn't seem concerned.
"Mobilize all mechanical forces across our bases. Let the Source Code AIs act as commanders and lead the machines."
He paused slightly.
"It's time to start a full-scale war across this continent."
"As you command."