September 1, 2026. 9:23 PM. UCIA Japan Branch Investigation Base, Ground Base. Materials Warehouse.
“Hardy. It looks like our version of the M7 (the new assault rifle) is finally coming up.”
Hayama was typing on a keyboard while looking at a monitor in the corner of the materials warehouse.
“I believe I’ve told you to call me Director while we’re here. So, the military wants us to use 6.8mm rounds here too, I take it?”
“Well, it seems that way. The custom UCIA version took more time than expected, apparently. It looks like they were forced to redesign it almost entirely from the frame up. Take a look at this.”
An image of an assault rifle fitted with custom parts in numerous places was displayed on Hayama’s monitor.
“What is this… I don’t think it retains almost any of its original form. It has all sorts of weird parts attached to it…”
“Nominally, it’s an M7, but… judging by its appearance and specs, you could call it a completely different beast. What’s also strange is that there are two types of standard ammunition. There’s the common 6.8mm rounds and 6.8mm ME rounds. We’re being supplied with the common rounds for training. We’re instructed to use the ME rounds for actual operations.”
“ME rounds… I’ve never heard of them. Are they some kind of enhanced ammunition?”
“From the looks of it, there’s no difference in specs from the common rounds. I don’t really know what they are. Another thing that bothers me is that the optical sight has a different model number than the standard one. XMS-201. It seems it took quite a bit of time to manufacture this.”
“I see. If it has all these unknown specifications, it’s safe to assume it’s weaponry designed for anti-AW combat…”
“Well, I suppose so… The fact that something like this is coming our way means that danger is creeping up on us accordingly. I guess that’s what it implies.”
Just then, a large man entered. It was Stephen.
“You two. Late-night snacks are ready. Today it’s authentic Hakata-style yakitori and edamame. Plus a cabbage salad.”
“Oh, nice. That menu makes me want to drink a beer.”
“Alcohol is naturally prohibited. You’ll just have to make do with non-alcoholic beer.”
Stephen looked at the monitor displaying the M7 to be delivered to UCIA.
“So they’re delivering things like this, huh… Things are finally starting to get restless around here too.”
Stephen said with a grim expression.
“I don’t want to do any more killing, though… When I heard that you two, Hayama and Stephen, were being assigned here, I had a bad feeling about it.”
“I miss the days when the three of us ran around the battlefield… but I’m done with all that…”
Hayama said. The two of them looked down.
“Kamikura must have… been in that unit, I think. I thought the unit was disbanded after that incident… but they were still operating in secret. When I think about that, I can understand just how deep a wound he suffered…”
“Hardy. Let’s drop that subject… Who knows what will happen if the higher-ups find out we’re violating regulations?”
At Hayama’s words, Hardy momentarily sealed her lips.
“…Anyway, you two know the drill. We have no idea what might happen tonight. I’ll be counting on you when the time comes, Stephen.”
Stephen nodded powerfully at Hardy’s words. And then, the three of them headed to the cafeteria…