Rosseaulyn handed the map to Vermilion and Ayukawa, who wasted no time in memorizing the two routes. Vermilion's photographic memory allowed her to absorb the map's details within minutes, right down to the complex layout of the military campsite.
"Alright, soldiers, where's the vehicle?" Rosseaulyn inquired.
"It's this way, Ma'am. We made sure it wouldn't catch anyone's eye!" One soldier reported.
"And will it fit all of us? Don't forget we're hauling an extra adult and a kid."
"Don't you worry, Ma'am. This van can handle at least ten people!" another soldier assured her.
"Good thinking!"
Vermilion followed closely behind them, but her anxiety was obvious. Her increasingly loud breaths and trembling legs revealed her nervousness. Ayukawa, ever the observant one, didn't miss a beat.
"Hey, Vermilion, get a grip on yourself and quit acting like a nervous wreck!" Ayukawa snapped.
"I'm trying... Ugh!" Vermilion replied, her hand covering her mouth as if to hold back her unease.
"Pathetic... Try thinking about this 'operation' as a stroll through a military theme park." Ayukawa advised sarcastically.
"That's... better... I'll try... Ugh!" Vermilion forced out amidst her turmoil.
Meanwhile, one of the soldiers voiced his concern, "Is Ms. Yeleona alright?"
Ayukawa shot back, "She's fine, just overdramatic. She's trying to hide her excitement by covering her mouth."
The soldier still seemed unconvinced. "Are you sure? Her expression looks more like agony than excitement."
"Give her a break. She needs time to pull herself together." Ayukawa replied dismissively.
Rosseaulyn's men soon led them to the vehicle they had "borrowed."
"What the... A prisoner escort van?! How in the hell did you get your hands on this?" Rosseaulyn exclaimed incredulously.
"We 'borrowed' it!"
"Borrowed? Well... I won't pry into the details right now. Just make sure you return it pronto and strip off any modifications once this mission is done. We can't afford extra trouble!" Rosseaulyn admonished them.
"Yes, Ma'am!" they replied in unison.
Rosseaulyn sighed, shaking her head. "You three little miscreants. You're giving me more headaches than the whole damn mission."
"But, Ma'am, at least it's got bulletproofing. Could come in handy!" one soldier pointed out.
"Yeah, I'm aware of that. Alright, everyone, let's pile in. We're already wasting too much time on this," Rosseaulyn declared.
"Okay."
They all settled into the vehicle, with one of the soldiers taking the driver's seat while the others occupied the back seats. Rosseaulyn opened a bag and displayed its contents – various military weapons and equipment.
"Ladies, take these special 'walkie-talkies' with you. They're custom-made, and their signals can't be detected. However, they only work in a small area, so we have to try not to stray too far from each other." Rosseaulyn explained.
"Understood. What about these other items?" Vermilion asked, examining the gear.
"Night vision goggles, though you probably won't need them. There's enough light in the campsite. And this is a wire cutter, along with a climbing rope. Ms. Ayukawa, you're proficient with a military knife, but do you want any other weapons?" Rosseaulyn inquired.
"No, the knife will suffice!" Ayukawa replied confidently.
"Very well."
"Ma'am, we're almost at the destination!" The driver called out.
"Got it! Ms. Yeleona, your safety is paramount. If you spot them, notify me immediately and withdraw. Don't take unnecessary risks!" Rosseaulyn emphasized.
"I'll do my best." Vermilion affirmed, now steadied after her earlier unease. Ayukawa nodded in agreement.
"Thank you, and Ms. Ayukawa too. Despite my reservations about you being more dangerous than this mission, your eyes tell me I can trust you completely. So... good luck, I suppose."
"Appreciate the sentiment, but worry about yourself more." Ayukawa retorted.
"We've arrived!" the driver announced.
"Alright, let's stay concealed at this location! Ladies, ensure you remember our whereabouts, and make sure you don't lose your way when you return!" Rosseaulyn instructed.
"Understood!" Vermilion replied resolutely, her earlier nervousness now under control, while Ayukawa simply nodded.
"One last check of the walkie-talkies... Hmm... Yep, they're working perfectly. Here you go! Wishing you both the best of luck!" Rosseaulyn handed over the communication devices.
"Alright, Ayukawa, time to move!" Vermilion urged.
"Yeah..." Ayukawa replied, determination etched into her fierce countenance.
Vermilion and Ayukawa followed Rosseaulyn's guidance via the walkie-talkies and soon reached the border of the campsite, encircled by wired fences. Numerous soldiers patrolled the perimeter, so they proceeded with extreme caution. Vermilion attempted to cut a hole in the fence using the wire cutter, but Ayukawa had already made an opening with her knife.
"How did you manage to cut through that rough wire with just a knife?!" Vermilion whispered in shock, trying to maintain a low voice.
"Could you please stay low profile and only speak when necessary?!" Ayukawa replied in a hushed yet firm tone.
"Hey! Who's there?!" The patrolling soldier's voice rang out.
"Damn! My bad..." Ayukawa muttered.
"He's coming this way! What should we do? Should we run? Or should I use my gun? No, the gun could kill him! What else?!" Vermilion's voice wavered with panic.
"Stay calm! Just stay here. He's alone... I'll take care of him."
"Please, don't be too rough..."
"I won't. Just use your power to hide yourself. I'll give him a surprise!"
The soldier approached the fence, discovering the cut in the wire. He began to investigate with his flashlight but found nothing. As he started to crawl through the hole, Ayukawa suddenly appeared in front of him. With one hand covering his mouth, Ayukawa stared intensely into the soldier's eyes, her fierce demeanor causing the soldier to pee in his pants and pass out instantly.
"Huh?! I hadn't even done anything to him, and he's passed out. What a useless weakling!"
"It just shows how terrifying you can be..."
"Don't spout nonsense! Let's pull him out and toss him into the bushes over there."
"Alright..."
"Damn! I was planning to threaten him to get information on their location so we wouldn't have to sneak in."
"Luckily, you didn't... Rosseaulyn specifically told us not to."
"This idiot... You know what? We should strip him of everything so that even if he wakes up later, he won't be able to go anywhere!"
"Is that really necessary?!"
"Yes! Let's give him what he deserves!"
"I'm not sure I can watch this..."
"Fine! I'll do it myself if you can't handle it!"
Vermilion was taken aback by the intensity of Ayukawa's anger and hatred towards the soldier.
"Done! I've thrown everything away."
"Let's continue then..."
They could hear the loud snoring coming from one of the tents as Ayukawa held Vermilion tightly, her sharp eyes scanning the surroundings vigilantly. They continued to move cautiously, staying hidden when patrolling soldiers were nearby. Vermilion activated her power, standing still until the soldiers passed if they found themselves with nowhere to hide.
"Phew! I think we're doing well so far, right?" Vermilion whispered.
"Perhaps. Where's the map? I can barely remember the layout here!"
"It's right here. I still have a clear picture in my head. We should turn left at the junction ahead, if I remember correctly."
"You're right. You have an excellent memory. These tents all look the same to me, and I tend to get lost in places that look identical."
"Speaking of getting lost, the alleys in our slum are not only identical but also way more complex than this campsite. I've almost gotten lost there before."
"I agree. Hey, they're gone! Let's move now."
"Okay... Hmm?! Hold on a second, there's no junction here!"
"Let me see the map... We're definitely on the right path. Maybe they've changed the layout. Nothing unusual about that."
"Let me ask Rosseaulyn... Hello, Rosseaulyn? The camp's layout doesn't match the map!"
"Seriously? The map must be outdated. Take another look at your map. I think there's an alternative route for the first path, but you'll need to pass the armories. It's probably full of patrolling soldiers and tight security. If you have enough energy left, you can use your power to get through."
"I see. I understand which path you mean now. I think I can do it!"
"The abandoned armory is up ahead after you get past those armories. It should be empty, with no guards unless they're holding someone hostage in there."
"I'll stay alert and check the abandoned armory!"
"Don't push yourself if you're uncertain. You can always switch to the second route, which leads to the abandoned warehouse."
"Don't worry, let me give it a try."
"Alright, stay in touch!"
"Sure!"
"Wait! Are those armories made of concrete with solid roof tiles?" Ayukawa added.
"Yes, Ms. Ayukawa. Why do you ask?"
"I just have a better idea now."
"Understood. Just don't do anything reckless."
"I won't! Vermilion, let me know when you're ready!"
"Okay... Let me take a deep breath..."
"Remember to prioritize your safety first!" Ayukawa reminded her.
"I will do my best! I'm ready!"
"Okay, we'll go separately. I'll get past them from the roof, while you use your power only for yourself. We don't want you running out of energy in the middle of it. But don't worry, I'll keep an eye on you, got it?"
"Got it!"
"Wait a moment... They're gone, move!"
The different layout forced them to take an alternative path, which was longer and more perilous. Ayukawa effortlessly climbed up to the roof within seconds, while Vermilion continued to advance on the ground, using her power to avoid the soldiers.
As they approached the armories, the number of soldiers increased. Vermilion spotted a military truck and quickly hid behind it to catch her breath and assess the situation before moving forward.
'So, this is it... I must create a moving parallel space from now on and rush past all the soldiers until I reach the abandoned armory... I doubt whether I still have enough energy to do this... I'm kind of short of breath right now' Vermilion thought.
Ayukawa remained focused on the path ahead and didn't properly check their surroundings. They were both unaware that a soldier was inside the truck and had noticed Vermilion hiding behind it. However, the soldier didn't act immediately; instead, he continued to monitor Vermilion through the side mirror.
After observing for a while, Vermilion started to move again. The soldier saw her move and quickly put on his helmet and mask, then left the truck. He followed closely behind her, and neither of them was aware of his presence. After a while, they reached the center of the heavily guarded armories.
The only way Vermilion could get through them was to enter her parallel space and move it along with her, but this would drain her energy rapidly. Vermilion held her breath and used her power to run through the area until she passed the armories. Ayukawa noticed Vermilion had disappeared and continued her path by swiftly jumping through the roof without alerting any of the soldiers.
Meanwhile, the soldier who had secretly followed Vermilion was shocked as he witnessed her sudden disappearance. He looked around but couldn't find any trace of her.
'She just disappeared in front of me! Where did she go?' The soldier thought, utterly shocked.
"Hmm? Newcomer, are you looking for something here?" a patrolling security guard asked the soldier.
"Nope... I just want to go that way..." the soldier replied.
"There's nothing there, just an abandoned armory up that path."
"I know, I just want to take a walk."
"Fine, fine! Just go ahead if you'd like."
Meanwhile, Vermilion activated her power and sprinted through the soldiers, but as she reached the halfway point, she began to struggle and gasp for breath. However, she refused to give up and pushed herself forward with determination. With her unwavering persistence, she managed to shake off the soldiers, but in doing so, she had completely depleted her energy and was on the verge of losing consciousness. Ayukawa acted swiftly, catching Vermilion in her arms before she could collapse to the ground.
"Huuh... Huuh... We... did it..." Vermilion wheezed, her voice strained.
"Yeah, I knew. We can't stop here! Those scums are still behind us, and I can see them. I will carry you to the abandoned armory!"
"Thanks..."
Ayukawa hoisted Vermilion onto her back and continued to advance until they reached an abandoned-looking armory. She found a concealed spot for Vermilion to rest and recuperate while she checked the armory herself. Confirming that it was empty with no one in the vicinity, Ayukawa reported back to Rosseaulyn.
"Hey! I've checked around the armory, all clear!" Ayukawa said into her walkie talkie.
"Then, I guess they must have been taken to the abandoned warehouse..."
"Got it! We will proceed there. Just give us a break!"
"Sure!"
Ayukawa heard the sound of a nearby river and realized Vermilion needed water. However, there were no containers to fetch water. She had no choice but to carry Vermilion to the riverbank. Gently and carefully, she held Vermilion's head and turned her face toward the river, allowing her to drink directly from the water.
"Just take it slowly."
"Ok..."
Meanwhile, the soldier who had been searching for them spotted Ayukawa from a distance. From his vantage point, it appeared as though Ayukawa was attempting to drown Vermilion in the river. He quickly rushed forward and yelled at Ayukawa.
"You there! Release the girl at once!" the soldier demanded loudly.
"Damn, how did he manage to find us here?!" Ayukawa muttered under her breath, her fierce gaze locking onto the approaching soldier.