Previous Chapter: Terrorist Suppression | Masoukishin II Chapter List

Hringhorni – Exercise Room

Lune: 997…998…999…1,000!

Masaki: Impressive as always, Lune. That’s the maximum load, right?

Lune: Yeah, though if I could get it a little higher, I could reduce the number of reps.

Masaki: Don’t be ridiculous. That would break the machine.

Yang Long: Training, are we? Impressive.

Masaki: Yang Long! You just get back?

Yang Long: Yes, thanks to the aid of Rodney and his people. They’ve already built several connections in Shutedonias.

Yang Long: Because of them, I was able to return earlier than planned.

Lune: I see. He and Ellis must be working hard.

Masaki: Rodney…

Lune: You’re not still worried, are you, Masaki?

Masaki: Oh, no…not really.

Lune: Liar. It’s written all over your face.

Yang Long: …Masaki. How long has it been since we’ve had a match?

Masaki: When you say ‘match’…you mean ground combat?

Yang Long: Yes. Unarmed or with weapons, whichever you prefer.

Masaki: …Alright. Don’t hold anything back.

Yang Long: In that case, we’ll need someplace with more room…

Lune: Oh, the ship has a dojo that you can use.

Yang Long: Does it now? This vessel is massive indeed. Please show us there.

Hringhorni – Dojo

Masaki: I lost…am I loosing my edge?

Lune: Good effort, Masaki.

Yang Long: Don’t coddle him. That won’t solve anything.

Masaki: What’s that?

Yang Long: The reason you lost is because your heart is wavering.

Masaki: …..

Yang Long: It’s a good thing we were only sparring, because if that was an actual battle, you would be dead.

Masaki: I know that!

Yang Long: Shouting at me won’t help. In the first place, you’re…

Lune: STOP! Don’t lecture him! That’s not fair!

Yang Long: Not fair? What’s not fair?

Lune: Well, your sermons can get kind of…torturous.

Yang Long: That’s because the listener’s heart is clouded.

Yang Long: It is said, ”

Lune: Oh boy, here we go…

Guido: Ah, here you are. Oh, pardon me…

Yang Long: Mm? You must be a new herald. I am Huang Yang Long. Herald of Granveil.

Guido: Yes, I’ve heard of you. I’m Guido Seehoffer. Dinflail’s herald.

Yang Long: So, do you need something?

Guido: Oh, yes. I was analyzing the data that we recovered, and I found some interesting information.

Masaki: The data we got from the terrorist hideout?

Guido: The same. Xenia will explain further, so we’re to gather in the briefing room.

Masaki: Snatched from the jaws of death…

Yang Long: …Very well. We’ll head to the briefing room.

Hringhorni – Briefing Room

Wagner: It looks as though everyone has gathered.

Wagner: Now, Xenia will elaborate on the contents of the data that was obtained from the terrorists.

Simone: So what did you find?

Xenia: The people backing the Expanding Cell. Just as I thought, the Kingdom of Erial is involved.

Mio: Well, you’ve suspected them from the beginning.

Xenia: This time we have solid evidence, so they can’t prevent an investigation.

Tytti: And what evidence is that?

Xenia: Transaction records of money into a hidden account. The account itself is just a dummy, but the source of the cash is from a confidential account located in Erial.

Masaki: Hmm, well if Xenia is so sure,

Mefil: I’ve got a bad feeling, though.

Xenia: You’re still on that, Mefil? You’re just worrying over nothing.

Mefil: I hope you’re right.

Xenia: Anyway, now we’re in a position to call for an investigation of Erial.

Masaki: So, were heading off to Erial?

Wagner: Well, more accurately, we’re waiting on the Federation’s decision.

Masaki: Here we go again…

Tytti: It can’t be helped. Our group still hasn’t been completely recognized.

Masaki: I feel like we had more freedom before becoming the Antiras Squad.

Tytti: Things were different with Shutedonias and Bagonia. There was a war going on at the time.

Tytti: Besides, if we were in a state of war we would be able to use Compulsory Execution.

Wendy: Be patient, Masaki. Arrangements have been made, so the decision will most likely be passed down tomorrow.

Masaki: Uh, no, I’m not being impatient.

Mio: Just short-tempered.

Masaki: Quiet, you.

Wagner: I have one more announcement to make. An inspector from the Langran government will be accompanying us.

Masaki: Inspector…Forche?

Wagner: I can’t say for certain, but probably.

Masaki: *groan* Not her again.

Mio: She’s way too stiff.

Lune: Tell me about it. Yang Long alone fills the ‘stiffness’ quota for this team.

Wagner: We’ll plan on departing at 1000 hours tomorrow. Please make sure you’re prepared ahead of time.

Hringhorni – Bridge

Forche: As you are aware, my name is Forche Zeora Megistos, and I’ll be accompanying you today. Thank you for your cooperation.

Bradroy: Hey hey, we’re all friends here, no need to be so formal.

Forche: No, there is. I’m an inspector. Familiarity is strictly prohibited.

Bradroy: Familiarity, eh…

Guido: I believe this is the first time we’ve met, fräulein.

Forche: Guido Seehoffer. I’ve read your file. Pleasure to meet you.

Guido: My file, you say? You can’t really claim to know someone until you do so personally.

Forche: I don’t see the need for that.

Guido: My my, that’s harsh. Perhaps you would like to further investigate me?

Forche: Minus one point.

Guido: Oh. You use a point system for people you’ve met?

Forche: Keep prying, and you’ll lose even more.

Guido: Understood. But at least give me the opportunity to make amends, fräulein.

Forche: You may refer to me as Forche, Guido.

Guido: Forche, then. Will you gives me a chance to redeem myself?

Forche: Hmph…very well. If such an opportunity presents itself.

Guido: Well, I pray one does so in the near future.

Simone: …A genuine playboy. Are all German men like this?

Guido: Ethnic jokes are not my cup of tea. I am myself.

Wagner: It’s time. Let us depart.

Sharian: Indeed. Well then, Captain?

Bradroy: Mm. Hringhorni, launch.

*Travel from Langran’s Mt. Ginas to Erial’s Port Sunga*

Hringhorni – Bridge

Masaki: Wow, so this is the Kingdom of Erial…

Mio: Check out that cityscape. Not much different from one in Langran.

Tytti: La Gias doesn’t seem to vary much culturally.

Wendy: Langran did rule over the entire world at one point in the past. That would be when the cultures converged.

Xenia: Still, some countries are moving to restore their old cultures. Look at Medina and Stroheim.

*Radar pings*

Holly: !? The spirit radar is picking up something! It appears to be a Masouki from Erial!

Sharian: What’s going on here? We have official clearance from the Federation!

Colette: A message has come in!

Colette: The sender is Captain Raikou Zefenbar, leader of Erial’s Adversary Unit. ‘To the Antiras Squad.’

Colette: ‘We do not recognize the Federation’s decision. Withdraw from our airspace at once.’

Forche: They’re ignoring an ultimatum from the Federation!?

Wagner: No questions asked, hm?

Masaki: Get ready to intercept! I don’t want them attacking us while our guard’s down!

Wagner: Agreed. Make preparations for counter-tactics ASAP.

---

Chapter 18 – Merchant of Death

---

Port Sunga

*The Hringhorni appears, followed by several Svend-class mechs*

The Kingdom of Erial’s Adversary Unit

Raikou: The Antiras Squad!?

Masaki: Yeah, who’s asking!?

Raikou: We are the Kingdom of Erial’s Adversary Unit! We won’t let you enter our country!

Masaki: Are you kidding me? Our mission was sanctioned by the Federation!

Raikou: Don’t make me repeat myself! Our country is not beholden to the Federation in this matter!

Masaki: This might take awhile.

Wendy: Will you at least hear us out?

Raikou: Hm? Y-You are…Wendy Lasm Iknart!?

Wendy: Eh? Yes, I am, but…

Raikou: It’s really her! She’s even more beautiful than the holo-image!

Wendy: Um…you know who I am?

Raikou: Of course I do! Wendy, the Golden Alchemist, is an idol in our Kingdom of Erial!

Masaki: An idol…for real?

Xenia: Well, the country is known for its artisans. Both the craftsman and the otaku varieties, apparently.

Raikou: A-Ah, Miss Wendy, would you mind giving me…

Yuno: …Raikou, our mission.

Raikou: Huh? N-No, I haven’t forgotten. It’s just, you know, not every day you get to meet the Wendy…

Masaki: Hmmm, looks like he’s more willing to talk. Wendy, you take over negotiations…

???: What are you guys doing?

Masaki: !? Who’s there!?

???: Don’t tell me you’ve already forgotten. It’s me.

*Zelvoid appears*

Kuro: That’s…the Black Cybuster from a few days ago! Meow! How did the Spirit Radar not pick it up!?

Masaki: Elan! You!

Elan: Hello again.

Masaki: What are you even doing here!?

Elan: Isn’t it obvious? I’m here to help you guys.

Masaki: Help? What are you…?

*Zelvoid rushes one of the Erial mechs*

Elan: There’s no need to hold back.

Aoi: What!? Where did you…

Elan: Too slow. The Adversary Unit is supposed to be the best this country has to offer, right? Yet this is all you can offer?

Aoi: Uwah!?

*Elan attacks and destroys Aoi’s mech*

Raikou: Aoi!?

Sumera: You monster…

Elan: Meh, hardly a challenge.

Masaki: Elan! What the heck do you think you’re–

Elan: If the rest of them are this easy, I’ll leave them to you. There’s no need for me to waste my time on small fry.

Masaki: Hold it!

Elan: Later, Masaki!

*Elan flies off*

Raikou: …I was foolish to trust you lot. To arms!

Masaki: Hey, wait a minute! That guy’s wasn’t one of ours!

Raikou: Don’t mock me! It’s clear that mech was the same model as your Cybuster!

Masaki: No! He has nothing to do with us!

Raikou: Enough!

*More Erial mechs surround the Hringhorni*

Bradroy: This is bad…our retreat has been cut off.

Wagner: We’ve no choice; deploy our units before anything else can happen.

Forche: You can’t! We’re need to negotiate…

Masaki: Defending ourselves comes first! If they surround the Hringhorni before we get out there we’re sunk!

Tytti: Right, let’s move.

*Cybuster and other units deploy, Battle starts*

Anyone VS Goshin

Goshin: Oh boy, something tells me that this battle is pointless…but it can’t be helped.

Mio VS Goshin

Mio: Wuh-oh, here they come!

Goshin: What’s this? Are you not a child?

Mio: …I do look like one, though I hate to admit it. But I assure you I’ve got the mind of an adult!

Goku: …That gag doesn’t work without context from the last stage, Master.

Anyone VS Sumera

Sumera: You’ll find the Adversary Unit more than a match for your Antrias Squad!

Anyone VS Yuno

Yuno: …Target, locked-on.

Xenia VS Raikou

Xenia: The latest model Svend-type! I’ve gotta record this!

Precia VS Raikou

Precia: You moron! You should be more willing to hear people out!

Raikou: What!? The Antiras Squad has children among their ranks!?

Precia: Don’t treat me like some stupid kid!

Raikou: Hmm…that stance…how unexpected.

Raikou: I understand, and I won’t hold back!

Masaki VS Raikou

Masaki: Wait wait wait! If you would just listen…

Raikou: No more words!

Raikou attacks the Hringhorni

Raikou: Miss Wendy, if you’re aboard that ship…please evacuate now!

Wendy: …If your that concerned, call off your attack.

Raikou: Ugh….n-no…this is a battlefield…I cannot show mercy!

Any ally attacks or counterattacks an enemy

Raikou: So you continue to attack us…as I thought, this is your true face!

Turn 4 Player Phase, if no enemies were defeated

Raikou: …What’s going on here? Why won’t you fight back?

Masaki: It’s like we keep telling you! That black Cybuster isn’t one of ours!

Raikou: …I wouldn’t trust words alone, but you’ve backed up your claims with your actions.

Raikou: All right. I’ll call off our attack.

*Stage end*

Hringhorni – Bridge

Raikou: …..

Wagner: Welcome aboard, Captain Raikou Zefenbar.

Raikou: Thank you for extending this invitation.

Masaki: So you know we’re not enemies now, right?

Raikou: …You swear that what you say is the absolute truth?

Masaki: Yeah, that black Cybuster…Zelvoid isn’t a member of our group.

Raikou: I see…forgive me. We were in the wrong. Not you!

Tytti: Apology accepted.

Masaki: As long as you understand, we’re cool.

Raikou: I do…and thank you.

Masaki: Though, I hope you guys aren’t selling Masouki around like a bunch of death merchants.

Raikou: Hold it! I cannot overlook that slanderous statement!

Masaki: Huh?

Xenia: You numbskull! That’s not something you just blurt out!

Masaki: Oh…sorry.

Raikou: It appears you have a misconceived notion about our country.

Xenia: Maybe we do, but isn’t it true that your nation has built itself around manufacturing and selling weapons?

Raikou: That doesn’t make us merchants of death. And we aren’t solely dependent on our arms export.

Xenia: Would you mind elaborating further on that?

Raikou: W-Well, that’s…I-I can’t explain it very well. May I bring one of my companions aboard to answer that question?

Xenia: I guess so…it’s true that we don’t know much about this country, after all…

Masaki: Why don’t we gather in the briefing room for this? And make sure it’s someone who can explain the situation in a simple manner.

Raikou: Very well.

Hringhorni – Briefing Room

Yuno: Our Kingdom of Erial is a nation that is renowned for its technology, and earns its national income from the export of industrial products. You’re aware of this much, correct?

Masaki: Yeah, and your main exports are weapons, right?

Yuno: Yes, they are. But it’s also for national security purposes.

Masaki: National Security? How?

Yuno: In short, any country that uses weaponry made in Erial will be unable to successfully invade our own country.

Masaki: I don’t get it…

Yuno: The weapons we manufacture are mainly used by Masouki. In other words, they are high-precision industrial products.
　
Yuno: They require constant maintenance and often need replacement parts.
　
Yuno: Now, in order to get those services…

Masaki: …Ah, from the Kingdom of Erial, right?

Yuno: Correct. Countries that rely on our Masouki cannot maintain their armed forces without relying on supplies from us.

Yuno: If we stop exporting said supplies, their armies wouldn’t be able to operate.

Masaki: Now I get it…you’ve really thought this through.

Wendy: It goes deeper than that, even.

Wendy: The most essential part of a Masouki is its Black Box, and if there’s anything wrong with how its built, the Masouki won’t even be able to move.

Wendy: In a worst-case scenario, the control system could be hacked into and overridden by an external source.

Yuno: …That kind of feat can only be done to a select few of our Masouki.

Masaki: You can actually DO that!?

Yuno: We are a small, maritime nation, which makes us vulnerable to invasions by other nations.

Guido: I see, modern geopolitics combined with easy access from the sea.

Yuno: Now do you understand why arms exports are a necessary measure for the defense of our country?

Masaki: Well…I guess.

Yuno: This is also the reason why our country doesn’t have a very active diplomatic relationship with Langran.
　
Yuno: Langran has the same technological capabilities that we do, to the point of developing their own Masouki.

Yuno: If we aren’t careful with who we allow access to our products, there’s a high risk of our technology being leaked and duplicated.

Goshin: You also have the Alchemist Society, a pretty tall ivory tower.

Wendy: But there’s a branch of that society in this country.

Goshin: True, but it’s significantly smaller than Langran’s. Besides, our country’s not a fan of how secretive they are.

Wendy: You seem to think it’s secrecy is a bad thing, but an Alchemist has a duty to take responsibility for the results of their research.

Wendy: If we aren’t careful with how we share those, we run the risk of people creating highly dangerous technologies…like Zetz did.

Goshin: Well, I agree, that guy went way too far…

Goshin: But shouldn’t you have more faith in Masouki engineers?

Wendy: I consent that the engineers in this nation are great craftsmen, but my opinion as an Alchemist remains unmoved.

Yuno: We’ll have to agree to disagree. In any case, I hope you now have a better understanding about the national status of our country.

Masaki: Yeah, I get it. Sorry for calling you death merchants.

Forche: So, are you willing to accept our request for an investigation?

Yuno: I presented the records of the recent battle to our government, and they have granted permission for your inspection. I am to escort the inspector to the Ministry of Defense headquarters.

Wagner: And I would like Xenia to accompany you there, Inspector.

Forche: Understood.

Wagner: What should the ship do while we wait for the inspection to finish?

Yuno: Special permission has been given by the Ministry of Defense for you to resupply at Opa Base.

Xenia: Did I hear that right? You’re going to give us supplies?

Yuno: This misunderstanding has caused damage to your ship and her Masouki, so we are going to compensate you for it.

Masaki: Well, that’s really kind of you.

Raikou: I shall accompany you to Opa Base. The location has already been relayed to the navigation officer.

Wagner: In that case, let’s set a course for Opa Base.

Raikou: Oh, before that…um, Miss Wendy.

Wendy: Eh? Me?

Raikou: Y-Yes. Would you…sign this?

Wendy: What? You still want my autograph…?

Xenia: Oh c’mon, why not humor the guy?

Wendy: But, I don’t have a signature…

Raikou: It’s fine if you write your name normally.

Wendy: O…Okay. If you insist.

Raikou: Yes!

Yuno: …Groupie.

Merchant of Death End

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