Right after calming the surviving recruits, they didn’t rest — they moved straight outside.The No.7 Defense Force base’s hangar was located externally, after all.That had been their destination from the start.It was technically “outside,” but since it was attached to the base, there was no second battle against the creatures.The hangar door was already half-open, making entry simple.And when they finally reached it—someone let out an involuntary gasp.It was a completely different sight from the No.5 Defense Force base.There wasn’t a single light, yet the overwhelming silhouettes pulled the eye.Among them, one sight drew the most attention.The battle machines.Tyrone, who had been calm until now, unconsciously stepped forward, mesmerized.“Legion-class…”What he was looking at was a three-meter-tall heavy-armored unit —a commander’s Armored Machine boasting an immense 2,000-horsepower output.And there weren’t just one or two — there were three.In addition, nearly a hundred entry-level mass-production models were lined up, awaiting deployment.“We’re not too late, then.”He had worried someone else might have taken them already,but the sight of those machines still proudly in place put his mind at ease.After all, no one could predict how the butterfly effect might play out.Now that they had confirmed the machines—“Everyone, gather for a moment.”He called the team together.What followed was an emergency meeting.“Until the main force arrives, we’ll decide what needs to be done here at the No.7 Defense Force base,” Eli began carefully.“First, we’ll need to restart the emergency power plant.”“Is that possible?”“It’ll take a bit of time, but it’s doable. We have enough fuel… The issue is what comes next.”“What do you mean?”“The hangar itself wasn’t shielded. I’m not sure those machines will even function properly.”“They probably didn’t worry about shielding the hangar itself, since the battle units had their own built-in shielding,” Tyrone replied, his expression dimming slightly.No one could offer false comfort.“Some of them should still be usable with a little work.”“Hmm.”These were military units, so they did have basic shielding — but…“Defense industry corruption.”In true dystopian fashion, much of what looked pristine on the outside was hollow within.The advanced Legion line would be fine,but the cheaper entry line was another story.Even optimistically, perhaps only one-third of those would function properly.Out of three units, one would be intact — the rest, spare parts.Still, even a third of that was a considerable force.Recovering just thirty working battle units would instantly elevate their combat capability by several levels.‘Good thing we arrived now. Any later and everything would’ve been looted.’There were three main types of battle machines:the heavy-armored Armored Machine, focused on defense;the heavy-weapon Weapons Machine, specialized for enemy annihilation;and the Engineer Machine, responsible for construction and demolition.All three were essential — they would need to take whatever they could.‘We can use the Engineer Machines to transport ammunition and other supplies.’But that could wait. A more pressing issue was at hand.“Tyrone, take two soldiers and start clearing the bodies inside.”“Yes, sir.”“Eli, have the technicians restart the emergency generator and check the equipment.”“Understood.”Eli silently worked on the machine’s data systems.Her hands — once clean and unblemished just days ago — were now a little rough.“You’re working hard.”“Someone’s got to.”She didn’t even turn her head, focused entirely on her task.Though her tone sounded indifferent, there was a hint of frustration beneath it.“You’re doing great, Eli. Always have.”“…You think so?”“Hm.”Her voice carried faint dissatisfaction — and he could guess why.“Not everyone needs to shoot or fight, you know.”“…I suppose so.”She looked dispirited — likely thinking she was a burden.Something that wouldn’t bother most people weighed heavily on her.Perhaps that was just her pride talking.‘Actually, this is a good opportunity.’He placed down the metal case he had brought.It was a gun case, nearly as tall as she was.“What’s this?”“A semi-automatic sniper rifle. I was lucky to find it.”Eli finally looked up at him.“Why give it to me?”“With some practice, it’ll help you a lot.”“But didn’t you just say not everyone needs to fight?”“That’s true — but in an emergency, you still need the means to protect yourself.”“Hmm.”She opened the case and gazed down at the rifle inside.A Phantom.Compact, lightweight, and — true to its name — boasting excellent performance.‘Can’t think of a better fit for her right now.’He’d chosen it considering her strength; anything heavier would be too much.This base didn’t have railguns or energy weapons anyway.As an armored unit base, it had few sniper units — only five rifles in total.‘Melanie would be better with an anti-tank sniper rifle.’Someone of Melanie’s skill could handle something heavier and more powerful.So he had taken the best remaining option for Eli.As he thought this, Eli spoke softly:“Then… you’ll teach me how to use it later?”At least the gift seemed to lift her spirits a little; the faint smile on her lips said as much.However—“Ah, about that…”That was a problem.He hadn’t actually brought a gun with him, only the case.“I’ll tell Melanie to teach you.”“Hmph.”She made a vague, dissatisfied face — but the moment passed quickly.“We’ve received a transmission.”“The main force — where are they?”“They contacted the researchers at the shelter about an hour ago and are now en route here.”“I see…”Their numbers were an advantage,but also a limitation — their movement speed being one of them.‘Can’t be helped.’He turned toward the interior.The stench of rot was beginning to creep in.‘We’ll have to leave the cleanup to the main force, then.’This was something that had to be done swiftly once begun;he couldn’t afford to lose time.Still, even working alone now, his options were limited.The remaining tasks were the power plant and the cultivated meat facility —a dilemma born from their conflicting priorities.And if he chose [N O V E L I G H T] to act alone again, it would certainly cause problems for others.Should he compromise a little?‘No.’Compromise wasn’t something this world allowed.Time spent establishing the Ark unit and stabilizing its interior had been necessary —but that was then. Now was different.Even if it caused worry,he had to do whatever he could.‘Waiting for the main force will cost at least a full day.Once they arrive, they’ll spend another on inspection and cleanup — two days gone.’He couldn’t just sit idle for that long.Time was too precious to waste on ceremony.Better to move than to sit still.He gathered his thoughts and looked out the window.It was unmistakably autumn.High clouds drifted, and dry leaves swept down like scattered ash.Winter would be brutal.In a world where civilization had collapsed, the seasons themselves were violent.At least there was one silver lining —during winter, the mutants and infected slowed their activity.At subzero temperatures, the creatures would enter hibernation.But when winter ended—‘Level 2 entities will multiply explosively. Maybe even Level 3s will start appearing.’Level 2 entities: Eaters.Level 3: Greeds.Even Jimba had been a Level 2 — a special case, perhaps,but still within that classification.With their immense regeneration, strength, and even speed,a single touch could tear a human apart without powered armor.As those grim thoughts deepened—light suddenly flooded the dark interior.“It’s working!”‘They must’ve fixed the emergency generator.’Dark, damp places could drive anyone half-mad,but even with the lights back on, the sight wasn’t pleasant —the sound of people gagging confirmed that much.Now that the lights were on, they could assess remaining supplies.The weapon stores had already been checked,but the other warehouses still needed inspection.Inside was chaos —discarded power suits, heaps of broken combat units,even deactivated drones.And counting the combat androids, the sheer amount of material to transport was staggering.‘What a hassle…’Still, everything here had to be recovered.Military equipment like this could no longer be replaced.But he didn’t stop there.He kept scanning the surroundings —hoping to find something personally useful.Sure enough, he did.“This one…”A formidable-looking power suit, found in the commander’s storage.Just one glance told him it was no ordinary piece of equipment.“With this, my defense just went up a level.”[Chrome Power Suit (A)]He knew this model well.A commander-grade suit of the No.7 Defense Force —far superior to the mass-production models,and visually impressive as well.‘A bit flashy, though…’As expected of a suit meant for ceremonial use,it was adorned with ornate embellishments everywhere.Without hesitation, he tore off anything that hindered movement.Rip— crack!Emblems and medals clattered to the floor.Maybe it looked too plain now — but it would do.“Good.”Next, he found another useful item in the supply depot.A bulky but serviceable device caught his eye.[Engineer Arms] —equipment covering the hands up to the shoulders, used by technicians for specialized tasks.For him, it was perfect.‘With this setup, I can endure extreme strain a little longer.’In extreme states, using his abilities produced sonic booms that tore at the body.Even commander-grade armor wasn’t enough to handle it.This wouldn’t solve the problem completely —but it would mitigate it enough to keep him functional.At least using Mountain Splitter would be less of a burden.“Hm.”Now, wearing the Chrome Suit with the Engineer Arms over it,he looked at himself in the mirror.‘Not bad.’He prioritized performance above all,but even he couldn’t deny he liked good-looking gear.He flexed his arms experimentally — the movement was smooth.“Perfect.”He was ready to move out.

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