Chris examined the tactical layout in front of him, making small adjustments to the deployment to ensure the troops could be mobilized rapidly in the event of any sudden changes.
Although the number of forces assigned to him wasn't small, it was still somewhat stretched thin for a territory the size of this state—especially after seizing so much land in one push while still needing to continue the offensive.
"Hmm… we'll probably need to request reinforcements."
Chris nodded after placing the final unit.
"The PROJECT squad is already in position. We can proceed to the next phase."
Boros stepped out from the side and reported to Chris.
"All of them?"
"More or less. Only Apocalypse didn't come. There are also special operations teams sent over from the corporation, along with PROJECT reserve squads."
"What about Zed? If he's here too, I can loosen up and make some more aggressive single-operator deployments."
Chris nodded and asked further.
"He's here as well."
"Oh? That's unexpected. The boss doesn't need him to keep his identity hidden anymore?"
"From what I heard, they've already torn up any pretense. No point keeping things under wraps now."
Understanding dawned in Chris's eyes. He silently crossed out the original plan and replaced it with a far more aggressive approach. The main battlefield strategy shifted to a spearhead tactic centered on elite single-operator combat.
The PROJECT squad would serve as the core assault force, supported by dedicated personnel, with the Sovereign-class Fighters delivering devastating strikes from above.
That combination was more than enough to tear through every defensive line currently in Idaho.
And the speed at which they would achieve their objective would far exceed the expectations of anyone watching from the shadows. Chris was deliberately creating pressure for the New United States.
He wasn't satisfied with the current situation.
He wanted to swallow even more of the New United States' forces.
...
Swish—
Zed bent one leg slightly before settling down atop a discarded mech that still crackled with electric sparks, silently observing the battlefield below.
At the center of the field, a large formation of mechanical soldiers had gathered around Mountain. Each unit was encased in a yellow energy shield. When the shield was depleted, it would explode—its released energy reinforcing the shields of nearby units that bore the same barrier.
This small force had effectively become a battlefield grinder, crushing everything in its path.
Meanwhile, Destruction, Purification, and the others had formed decapitation squads. With tracking-type robots like Fanged Hounds in tow, they relentlessly hunted down Idaho's mid- and high-ranking officers.
The tactic drove Idaho's side into a fury of curses. They switched to remote command in response—only for their databases to be blown apart by PROJECT's netrunner units.
PROJECT's netrunners then simulated the images of Idaho officers and issued false commands, leading the unsuspecting Idaho forces straight into traps and inflicting heavy losses.
In the end, Idaho's supreme command fell into a deadlock.
If they sent officers to the front lines for direct command, they risked being eliminated in decapitation strikes—losing them meant chaos, like headless flies. If they didn't, their systems could be breached and fake orders issued without their knowledge, causing even greater damage.
In past wars against major corporations, they had never been so passive.
This time, they were completely beaten down.
Several units even chose to surrender outright, believing that continuing to fight would be nothing more than suicide. Morale had plummeted to rock bottom.
Bang!
Jackie pulled his arm out from a robot's chest cavity, its energy core still clutched in his hand, then casually tossed it aside.
"Hey, you seen Jhin anywhere?"
"Nope. Probably off doing some decapitation mission or something."
Pilar shook his head, glancing at a combat mech with a gaping hole blasted through its chest.
Jackie nodded and looked over at Rebecca, who stood nearby with her weapons lowered.
"What about you, kid? How's that promise from the boss coming along?"
Rebecca rolled her eyes.
"How would I know? I'm starting to think he was just messing with me. Haven't heard a damn thing… And besides… forget it."
She waved her hand irritably, clearly annoyed. Then, as if venting her frustration, she pulled the two heavy guns from her back and rejoined the battlefield cleanup.
Jackie turned to Pilar in confusion.
Pilar simply shrugged, signaling he had no idea either.
"Teacher, you seem pretty idle."
Lucy flashed to Zed's side and spoke calmly.
Zed glanced at her and crossed his legs.
"I thought you wouldn't be participating in this operation."
"Roland told me to get some proper training. Honestly, he's the one who needs it. Sitting in an office all day—won't he grow mold?"
Lucy couldn't help but complain.
"You're getting a bit too presumptuous."
The sudden chill in Zed's voice made Lucy stiffen instantly. She turned her head stiffly and met his eyes, now glowing red.
"Gulp… I just wasn't thinking…"
"I think you've forgotten something. Let me remind you."
"We're still on a mission, Teacher!"
"It won't make a difference. They're just a bunch of trash."
Lucy clenched her teeth. She already knew she wasn't getting out of this.
I'll remember this, Roland. I'll get you back for this sooner or later!
The consciousness of an ancient hero—Zed's true age was beyond imagination.
Watching the scene unfold, Roland couldn't help but chuckle. He had sent Lucy over precisely to rein her in. Lately, she really had been getting a bit overconfident.
...
In stark contrast to the relatively relaxed atmosphere on PROJECT's side, Idaho's internal command was shrouded in gloom.
"…Any ideas?"
Farrow swept his bloodshot eyes across the room and spoke.
The only response was prolonged silence.
Seeing this, Farrow slowly clenched his fists, as if about to say something, but eventually loosened them again and let out a long sigh.
"Since the New United States wants to use our state as their arena, then let them have it. I assume you've all made your preparations?"
A deeply mocking smile spread across his face.
"Commander Fro, don't look at us like that. How are we any different from you? Don't tell me you haven't prepared either. Let's not pretend otherwise. Facing those monsters, I don't have a solution either."
A man suddenly stood up, shaking his head helplessly.
Farrow shot him an angry glare but said nothing. This was the man who had brought the New United States into Idaho in the first place.
But he wasn't wrong.
Farrow had already prepared for evacuation. From the moment the war began, he had braced for the worst. He had once hoped to use strategic missiles as leverage for deterrence and negotiation, but the appearance of the Sovereign-class Fighters had forced him to abandon that idea.
"Rest assured, the New United States will give everyone a satisfactory explanation."
Seeing that Farrow remained silent, Oser stood up with a faint smile. He had no worries about his own future—he had already transferred his assets into the territory of the New United States.
As for Idaho's future, he didn't care.
It was nothing more than a bargaining chip to secure greater profits.