Night gradually fell. The air grew cool and damp. The buzzing of countless insects and the sharp, repetitive calls of frogs came one after another from the surrounding forest.
Bucky, wrapped in white bandages that looked stark in the twilight, lay on the wooden floor of the porch, his breathing deep and rhythmic. He was already asleep. The fire in the courtyard had died down to a pile of glowing embers, raising wisps of thin gray smoke.
Nolan, encased in his Terminator armor and unable to lie flat, leaned against the rough surface of the boulder in the courtyard. He sat on the cold and damp ground, the chill seeping through his undersuit. He closed his eyes, his helmet off, listening to the rhythm of nature. He held a glass, taking occasional sips, the faint whir of servos in his arm the only sound he made.
After the alcoholic beverage was gone, Nolan put the empty glass down on the rock with a quiet clink. He opened the simulator page, the interface shimmering to life in his vision.
At this time, the countdown for the last salvage mission had ended.
His eyes swept over the familiar list of usual supplies and useless garbage, stopping on some new things he had not seen before.
[Salvage Harvest: Ork Chain-Choppa (1)]
Note: A brutal chain-toothed melee weapon crafted by a particularly 'kunning' Ork mek. Why do those little green freaks get chain weapons? I want one too…
[Salvage Harvest: Tau Pulse Rifle (1)]
Note: Standard Fire Caste infantry weapon of the Tau Empire. High-velocity, magnetically accelerated plasma rounds. "For the Greater Good."
[Salvage Harvest: Master-Crafted Multi-Melta (1)]
Note: A master-crafted melta weapon associated with the Minotaurs Chapter. Designed for brutal, close-range anti-armor assaults. "Burn it. Melt it. Reduce it to slag."
Nolan stared at the multi-melta that appeared in the salvage list. A corner of his mouth twitched, pulling into a faint, satisfied smile. Although he already had quite a few weapons, he still felt a little excited to get a new one.
At least, he could let Servo-Skull Reditus study and imitate it in the future. There was now a prototype to refer to.
Accompanied by a slight shimmer, the huge, blocky multi-melta slowly emerged, materializing between Nolan's metal palms.
He subconsciously widened his cyan wolf eyes.
After looking over the brand-new weapon repeatedly, running a gauntleted thumb over the cold alloy casing, he raised his hand and placed it on the boulder behind him with a heavy metallic thud.
Then, Nolan once again chose ten salvages.
[Salvage countdown: nine hours, fifty-nine minutes, and fifty-nine seconds]
He closed the simulator page. Nolan looked up at the cold, distant stars in the sky and gradually closed his eyes, the faint hum of the armor's power core a low rumble in the night.
Three days later.
Inside the courtyard, a newly drawn map of the castle tower was spread out on a low wooden table in front of Nolan and Bucky.
Bucky, who had fully recovered from his injuries, was bare-chested. His torso was a roadmap of old scars and new, pink tissue. He frowned slightly, pinching his chin with one hand, and said to Nolan:
"Captain... are you really going to attack here? I think it's better to continue to sneak in."
Nolan lowered his head slightly. He raised an arm, wrapped in its heavy shell, and waved it in a dismissive gesture.
"According to David's continuous investigation of the Hiroshima base, Madam Hydra AKA Viper has summoned all Hydra soldiers. Even the teams that were out on missions have returned to the base."
His voice was a low rumble. "The total number of Hydra soldiers is close to 2,500."
"The destruction of the Mount Fuji base has stimulated their danger sense, and the difficulty of infiltration has likely increased several times."
Then, Nolan stretched out a massive, metal finger, waving it in front of the map. It hovered over the drawing, casting a large shadow.
"The Yashida family's castle tower is located in the mountains of Hiroshima. The terrain is steep for ordinary ground troops, but it is useless for the Valkyrie transport. With David's control skills, even if the opponent's anti-aircraft firepower is fierce, it's not a problem."
"Besides, this time I will take the lead in the frontal attack to attract their firepower. Bucky, your mission is to lead the Yashida family's resistance forces to support the rear and cause as much damage to Hydra as possible. If the opportunity is right, you can also take the opportunity to break into the interior and assassinate Madam Hydra."
Nolan paused, and his voice went flat. "As for that Yashida Mariko... If she delays our action to destroy the Hydra base, I hope you can adapt to the situation and make the necessary choice."
As soon as he finished, Bucky's brows gradually relaxed, the frown lines smoothing out. He raised his head, his gaze steady, and nodded solemnly to Nolan.
"Got it, Captain."
A few hours later, night was about to fall. The sinking sunset covered everything in a final layer of blood-red light, casting long shadows.
Nolan, wearing the Terminator power armor, slowly put on his diamond-shaped helmet. There was a hiss as the seals locked.
Behind the power backpack, which occasionally made a low hum, the huge multi-melta and the C'tan Phase Sword were firmly mag-locked. The masterwork bolter was hung on the armor's waist. One by one, huge magazines filled with bolts were stuffed into the ammunition storage, each one making a solid, final click.
After completing all preparations, Nolan walked out of the courtyard, his footsteps thudding on the packed earth.
At the same time, Bucky, changed into a black combat uniform with carapace plates stuffed into his vest, followed him. He carried a hellgun and the new pulse rifle on his back, his own boots making almost no sound.
A few minutes later, when Nolan arrived at the location where the Valkyrie transport was parked, a group of Yashida ninjas, carrying guns and ammunition, were lined up in disciplined silence. They were led by Yukio, who was now also in a black tactical suit.
She quickly came to Nolan's side.
"Respected sir, all the manpower on the island and the family forces scattered throughout Hiroshima, a total of more than 700 people, have rushed to the outskirts of the Hydra base. They will lurk around the target location and wait for your order."
The heavy footsteps of the Terminator armor slowly stopped. The red eyepieces of the diamond-shaped helmet focused on the petite Yukio, seeming to glow in the twilight.
Nolan's low voice came through the obstruction of the helmet.
"I don't want to see any cowardly or stupid behavior on the battlefield. Your people can say they are afraid of death now, but after they go to the battlefield, there is no mercy."
"Respected sir, they are all clansmen with the blood of Yashida. For the future of the family, they can definitely make any sacrifice."
Yukio slightly raised her expressionless little face, a pale mask in the gloom.
"If necessary, even I can die for the family, as long as Mariko-neesan can return safely!"
Hearing Yukio's promise, Nolan gave a single, short nod. He retracted his gaze. He moved in Terminator armor into the cabin, the ramp clanging under his weight.
With a solemn expression, Bucky walked in front of Yukio. He hesitated for a moment and stopped.
Bucky gently patted her shoulder with his human hand and whispered:
"Kid, everything will be fine after destroying the Hydra in Japan."
Then, Bucky also turned and stepped into the dark interior of the cabin.
Blinking quickly, Yukio suppressed her emotions and took a few deep, steadying breaths. Her mask of composure had almost cracked. She firmed her jaw and, without hesitation, waved her hand in a single, sharp motion, leading the silent ninja team into the Valkyrie.
The mechanical valve made a final, slight hissing sound, and the heavy cabin door slowly closed.
Boom, boom, boom...
Accompanied by the sudden and violent roar of the vector engines, the Valkyrie transport roared into the sky, blasting leaves and dirt across the clearing.
Whether it was the Hiroshima base of Hydra or their leader, Madam Hydra...
Death was approaching.