前のエピソード――Chapter Four Part Three | Trial By Fire

　Chapter 4 Part 4 | Upsilon, Phi, Chi

　However there is no need for investigation as the source of the alarm soon presents itself. The Kelda's head snapping towards the direction it was heading. Through the camera's view, and projected over many displays inside the cockpit, innards of a barrel. Zhaojun had snuck around, slipped out at a pivotal moment, sticking her secondary against EX-2's faceplate. Without even a fleeting second to react, Phi (EX-2) shouts out in their cockpit, putting all their weight into a joystick, trying desperately to avoid their inevitable fate. Inadvertently forcing a sweat. Fortunately, It proves useless, Kodo-4 squeezing the hairpin trigger.

　Without moving even a foot since processing this threat, Phi has their Kelda's head struck by the massive 110mm Var433P's lead. Upon impact, D.O.S. activates a flurry of airbags, filling the already dark interior with fabric, engulfing Phi. Despite it being wargames, and only using training munitions, the fact remains that real weapons are in use, producing massive forces upon contact.

　The point-blank range of Kodo-4's shot causing metal and composite armours of the Kelda's head to bow; give way and split. Bullet splitting into fragments, not before annihilating the head of Phi's frame, as a solid metal shell would. Two other members of EX squad realising the fate of their comrade. EX-2's radar signature disappears as the Kelda frame falls lifelessly to the ground at Kodo-4's feet. A momentary victory towards Kodo squad's score.

　Ex Squad doesn't take kindly to Zhaojun's killings. «Phi is down.» A mostly calm voice announces to their remaining teammate.

　«Clearly.»

　Exposed, and down a member, EX-3 and Ex-1 begin drastic measures. Not holding back an ounce. Yato expends her second magazine of 35 bullets, needing to reload. «Reloading!» She tosses away her empty mag, relying now on Kodo-2 to keep EX-Squad at bay.

　With practiced precision, Chi (EX-3) swings their MAK-72 towards Zhaojun, holding it now singlehanded and spraying a flurry of full-auto hellfire at her. Var433P wielded in it's other hand, ensuring Ryuuji still gets a dose of shot. Kodo-4 clicks her tongue in irritation, unable to get a clear shot and forced to retreat behind a supply pillar, again.

　Everything blurs into a singular moment, Kodo squad unable to keep up with the relentless assault of Ex squad. So much so, Chi manages to slide into cover, pursing Kodo-4's trail. Conversely, Ichijo is frozen, the pace to fast for himself to manage, only capable of sending a small burst down range towards Chi's former position.

　«GODDAMN IT! I CAN'T TRACK THESE GUYS!»

　«Stop panicking Kodo-5!»

　Yato slams a new magazine into her Kikan and charges the handle.

　«Be useful! Watch your radar and tell us where that other one went!»

　She re-joins Ryuuji in firing at EX-1, who was a dozen metres behind Chi.

　Ichijo stammers through his microphone, frantically searching his cockpit for the map's display. Upsilon (EX-1) can virtually feel Kodo squads disarray and uncertainty. But their senses only carry them so far; they are still being fired upon by two operators, whilst in the open. They know Kodo-4 has slipped away and is being pursued by Chi, that much is seen on radar. Either they dive for cover also, creating a stalemate of sorts, or option 2.

　Knowing a threat is posed by Kodo squad, one that they did not expect, they flip a mental coin. Landing in favour of the second option. Upsilon shrugs subtly, somewhat pleased by the outcome, and mutters a few inaudible words masked by intense sounds of combat. D.O.S. however, hasn't any issue processing the command.