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Staff Sergeant Alex Hope already knew full well how strong the Kronos Union was.
Even without the shelter of Ark, they were a force capable of threatening Ark itself. It would've been stranger if they weren't strong.
'But this... this is something else.'
Colossal Behemoths were not foes one could hunt recklessly without a certain level of firepower.
That was basic knowledge in Ark—tactical doctrine, even.
And yet… what was he looking at now?
'...Is this real?'
Alex Hope doubted his own eyes.
Because the reality unfolding before him was simply too hard to believe.
"What do you think of the strength of the Kronos Union?"
"…It's impressive."
He hadn't seen the process firsthand, but what did that matter?
In Ark, the only thing that counted was the result.
And the Kronos Union had delivered exactly that.
"Oh, that's not to say we don't need Ark's support. I'm sure those weapons will be a big help."
"…I hope so."
In war, you could never have too many weapons.
No matter how strong the hidden strength of the Kronos Union was, having usable weaponry was never a bad thing.
"Then I'll be off."
"Yes, thank you for your efforts."
"If we survive this, let's share a drink sometime, Ark officer."
It was the kind of offer Alex Hope would normally have flatly refused.
He had always been wary—hostile even—toward outsiders.
"Gladly."
But for some reason, he nodded without hesitation.
He didn't even know why.
"Boss! Hurry it up! Our guys are dropping like flies!"
"On my way!"
There wasn't much more to say.
Without even asking for names, Alex Hope parted ways with the commander from the Kronos Union who had accompanied him to the weapon depot.
There wasn't any lingering regret.
If they survived, there would be time to meet again.
"...."
After the brief commotion, Alex Hope finally arrived at the front line.
And for a moment, he forgot everything he had to do—lost in the sight before him.
It couldn't be helped.
Outside the walls of Ark, an unbelievable scene was unfolding.
[Grrrrrr...!]
[Kaaaaaah!]
Amid the relentless cries and explosions from the beasts, one particular group stood out.
They danced across the Colossal Behemoth's body with impossible agility, ravaging it completely.
From what Alex Hope knew, there were very few who could create such a scene.
'...Special Assault Division?'
No—he couldn't tell exactly who they were from this distance, but one thing was unmistakable.
'...Violet flames.'
Flames of a cursed hue spread in all directions—an ominous aura anyone could feel.
It could only mean one thing.
Lania Marcus was there.
Naturally, Alex Hope realized who these people must be.
'A detachment from the Kronos Union.'
The violet flame gave away their identity—but the others were no less impressive.
People raced up the Colossal Behemoth's body at nearly a vertical incline.
It seemed impossible for a human—but they dodged every incoming attack from the beasts as if it were nothing.
'Ether soldiers? Skull Knights? Or perhaps enhanced troops from Heshbon?'
He couldn't be sure.
What was certain, however, was that this Kronos Union detachment was on par with, if not superior to, the Rose Line's renowned Special Assault Division.
Even Ark's elite front-line squad rarely brought down three Colossal Behemoths amid a wave this massive.
'And considering Ark's Special Assault Division only succeeded with firepower support...'
Surpassing them outright?
It was almost unimaginable—but here it was, happening before his eyes.
Of course, to be exact, the Rose Line had more than just the Special Assault Division.
There were Cypher Units made up of Ether soldiers, squads of Skull Knights, even teams composed of cursed ones from the Church of Morte and other hybrid forces.
But the Special Assault Division was the Rose Line's public face—its pride.
And right now, the Kronos Union detachment was eclipsing that symbol.
'Just how many times will the Kronos Union defy expectations…'
Alex Hope was starting to feel exhausted.
Every time he thought he understood them, they shattered those assumptions.
Any more shocks and his heart might not survive.
"Gate Officer! The equipment has been deployed!"
At that moment, the installation of the weapons was complete. Alex Hope nodded.
"Teach the Kronos Union troops how to use them. Begin activation immediately."
"Understood!"
Noncommissioned officers from Gate Rose-15 moved quickly.
Ark-grade weapons were designed for simplicity—so that even those receiving brief instructions could use them.
They were made that way to ensure replacements could step in quickly when veterans fell.
And this applied even to Level-8 weapons designed for Anti–Behemoth combat.
As long as the operation was explained, the Kronos Union would have no trouble using them.
'Now then…'
Alex Hope moved on.
There were more matters to discuss with the Kronos Union.
"Ark officer, we meet again. What brings you here this time?"
The first person he sought out was the one he had gone to the weapon depot with.
It was always easier to talk to a familiar face.
"I have something to discuss regarding the new weapons supplied to the Kronos Union."
"Hmph. Something like 'don't use them recklessly,' eh?"
"Something like that."
"Let's hear it."
"Given that your detachment is deployed on the field, do not directly target Colossal Behemoths with the new weapons. Focus first on the surrounding beasts. Leave the Behemoth-class targets for after your detachment returns."
He reminded them of a crucial point—one that might have been forgotten.
Level-8 Anti–Behemoth-Class weapons were incredibly powerful. If used improperly, the consequences could be catastrophic.
It was only natural.
When the detachment was out on the field, fire support from the main force had to be restricted.
If not, friendly fire could become a fatal error.
Of course, Ark sometimes did provide fire support under such conditions—but only when they were willing to sacrifice the detachment.
And given who made up this particular detachment of the Kronos Union, that was unthinkable.
"Hmph. Appreciated—but I doubt the folks out there need the warning."
"…These aren't just weapons. They were designed to slay Colossal Behemoths. No matter how skilled your warriors are, a single mistake could cost lives."
"I said they don't need the warning."
Alex Hope found himself frustrated—but then he saw why.
Something was happening beyond the front line again.
"There."
His gaze drifted back to the battlefield.
THU-THOOM───!
A massive tremor.
Of the original five Colossal Behemoths, one of the remaining two had just fallen.
"What in the world…"
Only one remained.
There was no longer any need for Alex Hope to issue his warning.
"No need to worry. Once the hunt is over, the detachment will return to Ark. We're not about to fire on our own allies."
The Kronos Union commander—who now had some familiarity with Alex Hope—laughed heartily.
Alex Hope tried to form a reply but eventually gave up.
"…I can't compete with that."
"You bet."
"Who are those people?"
"Who else? The finest warriors of the Kronos Union."
Of course, Alex Hope knew that—but he didn't ask further.
It would seem strange to press the matter right now.
And truthfully, he no longer felt the need.
"I should be going."
"Hm? Ah, of course."
"By the way… what's your name?"
"Huh? Why?"
Alex Hope chuckled lightly.
"If we're going to share a drink later, I need to know who to look for."
"Haha! Fair point. I'm Pavel. Just say 'Pavel the Hauler,' and anyone'll know."
Despite the war, the man offered his name freely.
So free and blunt—it almost left Alex Hope stunned.
'A hauler, huh…'
It didn't suit the man's station—but oddly, it also kind of did.
"Got it. I'll make sure we meet again."
"Not gonna tell me your name, Ark officer?"
Realizing his slip, Alex Hope replied,
"Staff Sergeant Alex Hope. I'm in charge of Gate Rose-15. Though I'm hardly anything special."
"Quite the big shot. An honor."
"Just another officer."
"Aren't we all?"
The two exchanged small smiles.
For some reason, Alex Hope found himself liking this Kronos Union man named Pavel.
"Until next time."
"Stay safe, great officer of Ark."
Alex Hope didn't reply.
Instead, he quickened his pace.
There was still much to be done.
* * *
Returning to Ark wasn't easy.
No surprise—roaming outside Ark during a multi-wave event was no small feat.
["Finished eating, my pretties?"]
Even after fierce combat, there was little time to rest.
Janus and Horus devoured the beast corpses to recover their strength.
I drank from my canteen of Lifewater and applied it across my body.
'Now… it's time to go.'
Back to Ark.
Of course, returning from this position meant striking the beast horde from the rear.
Even if it was a surprise attack, it wouldn't be easy.
'But it has to be done.'
Gripping Horus's bone reins tightly, I urged him forward.
[Kiihet!]
Horus was fast.
And at this altitude, I began to see the Ark battlefield below.
["Master, look…"]
Even Esther was briefly stunned by the view beneath us.
Beasts, monsters, more beasts—
It was like an entire world below was composed only of beasts and monsters.
["Even after everything we killed… there are still that many…"]
'Because what I took down was just a sliver.'
Strictly speaking, I'd only eliminated a fraction of the flying beasts and monsters.
Sure, it had some impact on the battlefield—but not enough to change the tide.
["…You're still going, right?"]
'Of course.'
Horus spread his wings wide.