The Aldecaldos were deeply shocked by the three humanoid armors they saw.
Yet one of the armors took off its helmet, clutching its head and grimacing.
"Damn it, this ride almost made me puke. If I had known, I wouldn't have worn the armor in the car."
Squinting to recover for a moment, Jackie finally came to his senses.
"Everyone, excuse us for the awkward display. We are the reinforcements from Hive this time."
"The 'Crusader' squad, led by yours truly."
Letting out a long breath, Jackie tapped his fists together with a metallic clang, his energy restored.
"This is 'Jumping Shot' James, and this is 'Chagatai' John."
He reached out to introduce them, and the two beside him also took off their helmets, letting everyone see their faces.
Only then did the Aldecaldos realize that the three who had arrived were real people, not some humanoid mechs.
But the shock remained.
Mitch murmured.
"I've never seen stuff like this even in the military."
Exchanging a glance with Scorpion, both were shaken.
Although they knew Hive's origins were very mysterious, they hadn't expected Hive to be able to field equipment of this caliber. This was not something a mere gang could possess.
At this moment, the name Hive became even more mysterious in their minds.
"Alright, since everyone is here, let's discuss the plan."
The two groups mingled and went into the abandoned gas station, discussing the plan over a map on the table.
"Our plan is to intercept the transport convoy at the junction of the railroad and Highway 101, then launch an attack from the rear, and quickly retreat afterward."
Panam Palmer rested her hands on the edge of the table, reiterating the Nomads' plan while pointing at the map.
"There's a control room nearby; we just need to find the switch, and then..."
The Nomads were truly experts at this highway robbery business. Jackie nodded repeatedly as he listened to their plan.
If they followed their method, they could indeed swallow this shipment.
But Jackie felt it was still too much trouble.
Especially since he was currently encased in a bunch of iron shells, and combined with the arduous training of the past few days, his confidence was exceptionally inflated.
Simply put, he was getting a bit carried away.
And the plan sounded too complicated to him; he was ready for something simpler.
"How about this? See if this works?"
After restating the plan, Jackie pointed to the point on the map where the transport convoy would appear and said.
"When the transport convoy appears in the ambush zone, I'll take my team and jump directly onto the train, then take out the guards inside, cut the connection between the cars, and then we'll just tow those cargo cars away. What do you think?"
The Aldecaldos listened quietly to Jackie's words, their breathing becoming heavy.
Good grief, is this what you call a plan?
It sounds simpler than going to a second-hand market to buy souvenirs.
But looking at the armor on the three of them, which clearly wasn't simple, the Aldecaldos stopped themselves from objecting.
You know, you really can't say it won't work.
This plan might actually succeed.
"Isn't this a bit too simple..."
In the end, Panam Palmer frowned and said this.
Jackie waved his hand, dispelling her doubts.
"Hey, isn't human wisdom meant to be used to turn complicated things into simple ones?"
This improved version of the transport convoy heist plan was thus finalized.
...
With premeditation against the unprepared, and the presence of such an overpowered existence as the 'Crusader' squad, the failure of the Militech transport convoy was inevitable.
The next evening, the Aldecaldo-Hive coalition was already having a party in their camp.
The plan was very successful.
No, it should be said it was too successful.
All the Aldecaldos could do was watch as the 'Crusader' squad jumped onto the Militech armored train like tigers descending from the mountains, then swiftly took out the escorting drones and the onboard Mercenaries, and then... there was no 'then' left to do.
Reduced to spectators, the Aldecaldos could only stare blankly after watching the 'Crusader' squad's performance, and then could only do the driver's work.
They towed the hijacked cargo cars to the Aldecaldo camp with trucks.
"Unbelievable, is this the true strength of the Hive..."
Mitch arranged for people to drag the acquired "Basilisk" tank into the makeshift shed, his eyes filled with astonishment as he watched the boisterous crowd around the campfire.
The Mercenary named Jackie was tilting his head back, performing the stunt of chugging two bottles of beer at once.
The other two guys in armor were also drinking and singing there; they were practically ready to start rolling on the ground.
No one would ever connect these three clowns to the god-of-war-like warriors from this morning.
"But whatever, why think so much? The important thing is that we succeeded."
Mitch shook his head, dismissing his thoughts, and prepared to go have a few drinks to calm his nerves.
Today was simply too intense.
And just like that, the second joint operation between the Aldecaldo Family and the Hive was a complete success.
If this were in a game, it would at least get an "SSS+" rating.
But while some were happy, others were worried. The Aldecaldos and the "Crusader" were all rejoicing, but Mitsuhide was currently facing a dilemma comparable to a life-or-death choice.
Seeing Panam Palmer chugging bottle after bottle at the party, Mitsuhide vaguely sensed a bad omen, but he didn't expect the choice to come so quickly.
The party ended, and Mitsuhide looked for a chance to slip away to the vehicle to hide.
But it seemed Panam Palmer had anticipated his plan; she had already come over in advance and was waiting for him up ahead.
"Ah, it's Panam Palmer. What a coincidence, running into you here."
Caught in the act of escaping, Mitsuhide awkwardly scratched his chin.
Panam Palmer had been chugging alcohol all night, and now her wheat-colored face was flushed with a pink hue. Her head was muddled by the alcohol, and her eyes were unfocused.
However, upon seeing Mitsuhide, her eyes lit up, cold and clear in the darkness, making Mitsuhide feel incredibly guilty.
"Mitsuhide, I have something I want to tell you."
Not good. This posture—it smelled like a confession.
Watching Panam Palmer cross her arms and lower her head in thought, Mitsuhide felt a sense of dread and immediately prepared to bolt.
"Alright, Panam Palmer, it's getting late. Let's talk about whatever it is tomorrow."
Mitsuhide interrupted forcefully, intending to run away.
As long as he reached that place, as long as he hid inside the vehicle, then this scene of carnage would end, right?
But unfortunately, Mitsuhide's wish was not granted.
As he passed by her, Panam Palmer grabbed his sleeve.
"Hey, Panam Palmer, Panam Palmer, let's talk this out, no need for physical force!"
Once she grabbed his sleeve, she wouldn't let go, pushing and pulling until she pinned Mitsuhide against a nearby vehicle.
Mitsuhide didn't dare to resist too much.
With his metallic body, if he used any force, he might break Panam Palmer's arm.
"I originally wanted to try testing you, and then hide back in my shell waiting for a reaction, but..."
Alcohol had eroded her reason; Panam Palmer was now barely able to control herself. The emotions she usually suppressed and the words she wanted to say all poured out. After pushing Mitsuhide against the vehicle, she held him tightly, leaving him no room to escape.
"You've been avoiding me lately, haven't you? Don't take me for a fool; I can tell."
Panam Palmer's eyes were firm, allowing no escape; she was clearly laying her cards on the table.
Everything is BBQ'd.
Now he was truly backed into a corner.
Seeing this scene, Mitsuhide was filled with regret.
It was all because of that thigh. If he hadn't been clumsy and touched Panam Palmer's thigh back then, maybe things wouldn't have developed like this.
But it was too late to say anything now.
Panam Palmer's attitude was firm; if Mitsuhide didn't come up with a clear explanation tonight, he wouldn't be able to get away.
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