Editing City Series:Volume1 Chapter 6 (section)

===Part 4===

At 10:07 AM, the Bladlikburg was silent, but it was not peaceful. It was simply unable to move after losing track of the dp-XXX the night before last.

The bridge was filled with the sounds of normal work and communications conversations, but no actions stood out.

Surrounded by that unnerving stillness, Oscar frowned in front of the phone on the wall.

“Are you saying not even the truth serum was any use?”

It took a several seconds to receive an answer and he sighed as he listened to it.

“Do not let it get to you. They are scholars who are used to long nights. Their level of focus is on a different level from ours. Show them our true strength that does not rely on such things.”

The person on the other end must have expressed their understanding because he asked a businesslike question.

“You understand, don’t you?”

He took a breath.

“Do not force yourself too much.”

After a quick word of confirmation, he set down the receiver.

“What is it?” asked someone behind him.

He turned toward it and found Mayer holding a pile of documents.

“Did those two do something again?”

He sounded a little amused as he asked.

“They are a troublesome bunch,” replied Oscar.

“They probably see you as the troublesome one.”

“Do not be ridiculous.”

“Yes, sir. I should not have said that.”

“…But I have no choice but to do this.”

“What?”

Mayer did not seem to have heard the other man’s muttered words, but Oscar did not mind.

“More importantly, how are you doing?”

“Oh. Yes, sir. I have now tested the Flammen Ritter’s weapons under all circumstances: low altitude, normal altitude, high altitude, extremely high altitude, with and without an angle of elevation, in the early morning moon, and in the wind resistance of movement. I have the report on the results here.”

“Excellent work.”

“It wasn’t all that much. The results are as follows: the error in field emitter targeting during sudden turns is only 0.2 degrees and the prototype Panzer Emblem activated properly. It is much more stable than the previous fighter craft.”

“Can you defeat the dp-XXX?”

The young officer thought for a moment with the report in hand.

“As the dp-XXX is now…”

He hesitated, looked up, and spoke.

“I most likely can.”

“As it is now?”

“Yes, sir. In other words, I can defeat the dp-XXX as it was when we captured it.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Based on the battle records, its current form is only made for long-range combat. Its greatest advantage in long-range combat is its warship-level firepower and its mobility that exceeds that of a fighter craft.”

“I see.”

“But I believe the Flammen Ritter’s acceleration is equal to or even greater than the dp-XXX’s. If I attack that ship that has no close-range ability…”

“You can use that acceleration to fly right up to it?”

Mayer nodded.

“Correct. It takes a short time for its Kunst to activate, so it cannot use it for a one-on-one battle. And I can use my Schwert to cut through the Kugel it fires. All I have to do is charge right in.”

“That is easier said than done.”

“Yes, but that is the only way to win. I would not have stood a chance against its close-range combat form from before it evolved, but there is an opening now.”

“…”

“What do you think?”

Oscar looked into Mayer’s eyes as the young man asked.

There was strength in those eyes that had not been present before.

And so he nodded.

“I will leave this to you.”

There was a somewhat cheerful tone to his voice.