The atmosphere in the AST base's operations room early in the morning was more solemn than during normal training.
Not only were all members of the Amamiya City AST squad fully armed and on standby, but elites from the DEM Company's Second Executive Division were also present.
Leading them were Ellen Mathers, dressed in a sharp combat suit with eyes as keen as an eagle's, and Takamiya Mana, standing by her side with a stern expression.
On the massive tactical screen, real-time footage transmitted from high-altitude reconnaissance units was displayed—in the enhanced image.
Phoenix-in Chinatsu could be clearly seen in her apartment bedroom, holding two pieces of clothing up to a full-length mirror as if comparing them, with a dazzling array of cosmetics scattered across her vanity.
"According to continuous scanning feedback from the 'Observer' unit," a DEM Company technician reported calmly.
"Target 'Phoenix-in Chinatsu' is currently preparing to go out. Behavioral pattern analysis... highly suspects preparation for a 'date'."
"Although her spirit wave activity is in a silent state, its stability is extremely high, showing no significant difference from that of an ordinary human. This provides an ideal window for us to perform a deep scan and mark lock using the 'Creator Reverser', but it will require time."
Captain Ryouko Kusakabe looked at the seemingly harmless figure of the girl on the screen, her brows tightly furrowed, her face expressing strong disapproval.
She took a deep breath, turned to Ellen, and raised an objection in a serious tone:
"Madam Ellen, I have Understanding of the DEM Company's determination to eliminate the Spirit threat, and I acknowledge the power of the 'Creator Reverser' system."
"However, if the target is, as monitored, about to head to a crowded public place for a so-called 'date'..."
She pointed to the predicted map of the target's potential activity area on the screen, her voice growing heavier:
"This means that during your long duration of scanning and locking, the target and her date will be exposed for an extended period in densely populated areas like busy districts or the Amusement Park!"
"Once we sound the Spatial Quake alert, panic and evacuation will take time! And your weapon, according to the description, has uncertainty regarding its effect! If—and I mean if—the attack causes collateral damage, or if the target notices at the last moment and reacts violently, the consequences would be unimaginable!"
"We cannot guarantee the absolute safety of ordinary citizens! I believe that conducting such a high-risk operation, requiring extensive preparation, in a densely populated area is irresponsible!"
Ellen Mathers showed no change in expression after hearing Ryouko's words, responding only with her cold voice, imbued with unquestionable authority:
"I have heard Captain Kusakabe's concerns. But please recognize reality: First, the target's threat level is confirmed; her ability to remain silently dormant itself represents an extremely high risk. Second, the 'Creator Reverser' is the most effective weapon we have developed specifically against her authoritative characteristics, and it must be used. Third..."
She paused, her gaze sweeping over the AST members present, speaking with a near-cruel rationality:
"War is always accompanied by risk. To eliminate a greater threat, localized, controllable risks are acceptable. This is the first rule of the DEM Company's operational guidelines."
"The highest priority is always the complete elimination of the target. As for potentially affected civilians... as long as the cleanup is fast enough, the subsequent impact can be controlled."
These words sent a chill through many of the AST members.
However, constrained by the DEM Company's authority and Ellen's powerful presence, no one dared to speak up in rebuttal; the anxiety on their faces only intensified. The atmosphere in the conference room fell into a stalemate.
Just then, a calm voice broke the silence.
"Captain, Madam Ellen. I have a proposal."
Everyone looked over. The speaker was Tobiichi Origami, standing at the front of the line. She still maintained her expressionless demeanor, but a calm light flickered in her pale blue eyes.
"Please speak, Origami." Captain Ryouko immediately motioned.
Origami stepped forward, her gaze sweeping over Chinatsu's image on the screen, and stated in a steady tone:
"I have a certain... personal relationship with the target 'Phoenix-in Chinatsu'. I know her, and I have had contact with her."
This statement caused Ellen's eyebrow to twitch slightly.
Origami continued: "Based on this, I request permission to intervene beforehand in a 'personal capacity' and proceed to the likely location for close-range surveillance."
She began to elaborate on her plan, which was logically clear and goal-oriented:
"I have three mission objectives: One, Confirmation and Surveillance: To confirm the target's movements in real-time, assess her threat level, and provide more precise coordinate guidance for the 'Creator Reverser' system."
"Two, Protection and Guidance: To prioritize securing the safety of the key hostage, which is the date. When the operation begins, I will prioritize guiding him out of the core combat zone."
"Three, Luring and Evasion: If conditions allow, I will attempt to interact and guide the target to an area that is relatively less crowded and easier to control, minimizing potential risks to ordinary citizens."
She concluded: "My intervention allows us to obtain firsthand intelligence without prematurely exposing our operational intent, and effectively lowers the risk factor of engaging in a densely populated area."
"This is more feasible and safer than blindly waiting or forcibly launching an attack in a busy downtown area."
Origami's proposal was well-structured, considering both operational requirements and the principle of civilian safety consistently emphasized by the AST, and she even proactively took on the most dangerous tasks of frontline surveillance and luring.
Captain Ryouko's eyes lit up; Origami's plan clearly aligned better with her philosophy.
She immediately looked at Ellen: "Madam Ellen, I believe Senior Sergeant Origami's proposal is highly feasible! It ensures the element of surprise in the operation while effectively controlling the risk!"
Ellen Mathers' sharp gaze lingered on Origami for a few seconds, seemingly assessing the true intentions and capabilities of the seemingly indifferent girl.
After a moment, she nodded slightly, making her decision:
"Accepted. Senior Sergeant Tobiichi Origami, your action plan is approved."
She emphasized: "Your primary mission is to cooperate with the 'Creator Reverser' system to complete the scan and lock on the target, and ensure she cannot escape."
"Provided these two points are guaranteed, you may execute your protection and luring plan. Remember, no action must interfere with the execution of the final purification procedure."
"Understood." Origami snapped to attention and saluted. Her expression remained unchanged, but deep in her heart, the core objective of protecting Shido's safety was already locked in.
"Very good." Captain Ryouko also breathed a sigh of relief. "Origami, change into civilian clothes immediately and deploy! Keep communications open and report status at all times!"
"Yes!"
Origami turned crisply and left the operations room.
She quickly changed into a set of easily movable civilian clothes, checked her hidden communicator and necessary equipment, and then quietly left the AST base.
Like the most precise hunter, she stepped preemptively into this dangerous and complex game unfolding around Shido and Chinatsu.
Her intervention would add countless variables to what was originally a simple "date."
And her true objective, at this moment, diverged slightly from that of the organization she served.
Protecting Shido became her highest priority personal mission.
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