𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟎: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐲

Even after receiving the distress signal from the All-Rounder, Kenichi Okuma, the representative of 『New World Tree Housing』, did not change his expression.

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He had been monitoring the situation all along, receiving progress reports on the survey from other Actors, and that’s why he noticed the unnatural movement of the All-Rounder just now.

After momentarily stopping his movement in an exaggerated manner, the All-Rounder moved as if to dodge something, followed by a sniper shot.

He must have coordinated with a fellow sniper to make it look like the shot had missed, but the lag made it unnaturally conspicuous.

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Okuma, interpreting it that way, looked suspiciously at the tree where the All-Rounder was hiding.

It was a gray color, almost black.

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“Don’t pay attention to the distress signal. They’re just trying to lure us out.”

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The heavy rounder-type Actanoid that Okuma controlled, known as Heavy Armored Helmet, could not be easily penetrated by a sniper rifle. If you bring an anti-materiel rifle, it’s a different story, but the way the trunk of the tree just splintered suggests that it was done by a 『Yoichi』, a sniper rifle commonly used.

To begin with, sniping with an Actanoid is a difficult task due to lag. There is little demand for it, so there are few sniper-like weapons, and equipment for Actanoids corresponding to anti-materiel rifles has not been developed.

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However, there could be a possibility of custom-made items. Approaching carelessly would be unwise.

Okuma asks his colleagues at New World Tree Housing through a dedicated line.

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“Where is the sniper’s position?”

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The day before, several Actanoids had been destroyed by a sniper, so a wide security net was spread.

In particular, there were machines among the Lannoid-type in reserve that excelled in reconnaissance.

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“This is the Conductor team, no Actanoid sighted nearby. Continuing search.”

“This is the Psycholon team, analyzing the drone footage from the Conductors, even considering the possibility of camouflage. No presence within 700 meters.”

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If there is no presence within 700 meters, it’s completely long-range sniping. Without using AI’s behavior prediction and Actanoid’s automatic sniping, it’s an impossible distance to hit due to communication lag.

To confirm, another team of Lannoid-type responded.

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“This is the Jackalope team. We can’t detect the sound of gunfire. No reaction to various searches. It’s long-range sniping. Probably a silent sniper rifle, likely a 『Yoichi』.”

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The Kaien Heavy Industries sure made a troublesome gun, Okuma thought resentfully, as he instructed them to send up drones.

He figured that if he could detect the gunfire smoke or muzzle flash, he could determine the target’s position.

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Beside Okuma’s machine, the Actor of the heavy rounder-type Actanoid 『Keeper』 aimed a light machine gun 『Saiga=Counterweight』.

The barrel was casually pointed at the tree where the All-Rounder, who had been moving unnaturally, was hiding.

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“Should I shoot?”

“The All-Rounder? Don’t joke. Even though the possibility of being a spy is high, it’s an Actanoid that was formally requested. Shooting from behind would be liable for compensation. Wait until the All-Rounder shoots.”

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Okuma agreed that it was unpleasant, but shooting now would affect their credibility.

Just in case, the equipment of that All-Rounder had been checked in advance. Assault rifle, large-caliber handgun, grenades, and wire—a typical set for rental machines.

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From the current position of the All-Rounder, none of the equipment could reach Okuma and his team, and even if it approached, it couldn’t destroy Okuma’s machines unless it came close enough for the range of a large-caliber handgun that could shoot piercing bullets.

There’s no problem considering it absent.

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“If he approaches, just give a warning. For now, dealing with the sniper comes first.”

“But the distress signal has ceased.”

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In the report from his subordinates, Okuma was looking at the system screen. Before he knew it, the distress signal from the All-Rounder had disappeared.

Is he planning to run away now that he’s been discovered as a spy? Okuma frowns at the thought. Truly, an annoying move.

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Was he wary of the All-Rounder? The Psycholon, one of the subordinates, reported.

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“He’s making strange moves. He threw a grenade. . . . . .?”

“What?”

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There was a faint sound.

Checking the All-Rounder’s location with the sub-camera, smoke was billowing.

He hid his figure in the smoke.

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“That All-Rounder, is he planning to ambush?”

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Taking advantage of not being fired upon first, he moves to the side or rear to ambush. Considering the situation, it’s probably the best move.

Even though it’s an annoying move by the Actor, he can’t help but admire the enemy.

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“Psycholons position to the side. Be on guard for the All-Rounder’s ambush. Put the Lannoid series inside the formation. They’ll be the first targets.”

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Destroying the Lannoid series and inflicting damage on the lines is a common tactic in group battles with Actanoids. Lag or packet loss can turn even the highest-spec Actanoid offline.

The ambushing All-Rounder will almost certainly be heavily damaged, but if it takes down even one of the Lannoid series, it’ll be cost-effective. There’s nearly a five-fold difference in price.

Most importantly, it’s a blow that inflicts serious damage on the finances of Okuma’s civilian clan.

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“Usapyu, with such a silly account name, is reading the board accurately.”

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With this, Okuma and his team are unable to move carelessly. Time is bought for the sniper to get within range.

Or is it time to let the sniper escape?

Okuma continues to hypothesize in his mind, waiting for the discovery report from his subordinates.

What made him realize that all these conjectures were off the mark was none other than the All-Rounder’s next move.

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“――Huh?”

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At the unexpected change in the situation, Okuma involuntarily opened his mouth in surprise.