She had to admit, the rival was truly young and did merit the title "Mecha War Emperor," but she wasn't scared. She had faced the menacing oppression of the Revenge Shadow Rider, and in comparison, this was hardly intimidating.

Accelerating rapidly, Mirami fired a burst of mental power at the control panel of the crimson fighter, pursuing her enemy. This combat was not as casual as skirmishes with Federation soldiers; she was really pushing her skills to their limit.

The energy swords clashed in the void. After a brief engagement, Mirami retreated slightly. Yes, the mental power explosion had introduced an unfamiliar sensation. What was it? This sense of impending danger couldn't be from Mansfield; he couldn't possibly have that kind of capability.

What just happened? Mansfield, prepared to go all out, didn't expect Mirami to suddenly pull back. He was not foolish enough to attack proactively. Against three super soldiers, there was no way he could win.Their presence was primarily aimed to break the deadlock for the Holy Flames Armor Corps.

Lily and Reiko were still suppressing the Holy Flames Armor Corps. Simultaneously, their communicator received a warning from Mirami, "Be careful, I sense an ominous presence." As a mental ability user, Mirami's perception was extremely keen. This was one of the reasons why she was amongst the 12 stars.

"Dame Mirami, if there's any situation, please provide details," came the response.

"I'm not sure, but I can feel danger lurking in the vicinity."

"Hey hey, isn't that being overly cautious? Now is an excellent opportunity to take down the white mecha and eradicate the Holy Flame Troops," Lily voiced her opinion.

Mirami did not reply. She could only inform the Allied forces as much. Besides, she was under considerable pressure, having to look after the Holy Flames Armor Corps while also communicating with the pair. She was currently in a state of mental power overdrive and fighting on the front lines. Such a division of focus was hazardous. If given an opportunity, why would she not want to take down an enemy? An additional super soldier on the battlefield posed a significant threat to their forces.

In the dark, a ghost-like sniper slowly set down his long-range weapon. It seemed the young girls were pretty vigilant. Well, there was always another opportunity. He couldn't afford to take a risky shot and unwittingly reveal his location. Or perhaps, he preferred that the nations of Vesia remained oblivious to his existence.

Thinking this, a middle-aged man casually pulled out a crumpled pack of cigarettes from his pocket and lit one up, satisfyingly closing his eyes, savoring the thrill of the kill. At the same time, he was silently calculating time. After five puffs, or when he finished his cigarette, he would take another aim. If the enemy remained on guard, he would decide to forgo his target.

This man was Heinsilio, the ace pilot of the Pross Empire. Compared to combat, Heinsilio preferred long-range sniping. His shooting skills were unparalleled, his bullets never missed the mark. No one could evade his fatal snipe without raising any alert, aside from the ace pilots. Albeit not incapable of close-quarters combat, people have their specializations, and his mecha piloting skills could only be compared to the 12 stars. Hence, Heinsilio was the only one not recognized as a 12 star. No matter the category, whether age, military rank, or potential for future development, it's challenging for him to surpass the 12 stars.

Usually, by this age, a 12-star would be at least a colonel with remarkable achievements, while Heinsilio was merely a Major. But he didn't care much about it. As long as he had cigarettes, alcohol, women, money, and an environment that allowed him to fight, he was content. Heinsilio was an easily satisfied man, at least that's what he thought of himself.

The guy, also known by his nickname "Five Puffs A Cig," didn't smoke fast, but he took big, strong puffs. While listening to the continuous commands of the Pross fleet commander and the incessant chattering of the military advisor in his earpiece, he took off his headphones quite impatiently and happened upon a captivating sight—a trio of cute little kitties, who, while initially cautious, now relentlessly pressured Mansfield.

Well, well, Valan is considered an ally after all. Be grateful to me, with this shot; Heinsilio believed he could eliminate one opponents in an instant. Thinking this, he quickly extinguished his cigarette and maneuvered the mecha to aim and lock at the target.

Under the cold night sky, the pitch-black muzzle of the gun seemed ominous. Ten seconds passed, Heinsilio, who hadn't moved an inch almost seeming to hold his breath, hadn't yet pulled the trigger. He was a patient hunter waiting for the precise moment to shoot. For an elite sniper, each shot is vital as their battlefields are more hazardous than those of the charge-first pilot. You are entirely oblivious to their presence and the timing, direction, and methods of their ambush. In essence, snipers are the most terrifying presence on the battlefield until their position is revealed. The moment they fire a bullet is also their most dangerous.

Unfortunately for Mansfield, he was severely outnumbered; even though the Holy Flames Armor Corps relieved some pressure, the reality was he was still against three. In other words, while attacking Mansfield, the three opposing female pilots were still observantly surveying their surroundings. As such, he wasn't entirely certain he could make a kill-shot.

However, opportunity always favors the diligent. Therefore, even though Heinsilio had been patiently waiting for two minutes, he was still focused on the circling mechas.

Mansfield, reluctant to fight, was already drenched in sweat. Even for an ace, it's hard to handle a three against one situation. His current endurance was thanks to the fire support of the Holy Flames Armor Corps. There was still some hope; he needed to quickly eliminate one of the trio, it didn't matter which one. If he couldn't find a critical failing in a short time, he would have to retreat. Despite the battle being only a few minutes long, the accompanying physical exhaustion considerably spiked his risk.

Finally, Mansfield decided to take a gamble. He thrust his sword forward, missing on purpose and stumbling back quite a distance deliberately leaving him vulnerable, hoping to lure his opponents to a 1v1 situation.

Reiko was the closest to Mansfield. She thought he was trying to flee and impulsively chased after him, only to be met with an unexpected attack from Mansfield.

Indeed, God always looks after the diligent. Simultaneously, in the shadows, Heinsilio finally found his window. As soon as he pulled the trigger, the cold, venomous bullet whizzed through the air, seemingly traversing time, directed ominously towards Reiko's mecha.

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