Arknights' Lock of Heaven

"...Let's go," but her companion wasn't so interested.

"Aren't you going to watch it?"

"There's nothing to see here. We'd better go back and properly inspect our weapons so that no one else can take advantage of them."

This statement, in the context of the current situation, is quite thought-provoking.

The red-haired squirrel was also persuaded.

"Haha, you're right! Wait for me!"

After saying that, the two of them left the arena together.

Little did they know that they themselves were being watched by others.

Watching their departing figures, Xia Yu thoughtfully stroked her chin.

A few days ago, after intercepting the assassins from the Unarmored Alliance who were clearing out the infected, I didn't simply go to see Platinum.

They even sent a familiar to follow the infected.

They had hoped to find Red Pine through this, but unfortunately, although these infected individuals did have connections with the Red Pine Knights, they did not meet with Red Pine after moving away from their original address.

Judging from their wary expressions, they probably know they've been exposed and don't want to drag Hongsong down with them.

The intention was kind, but Xia Yu felt helpless.

I was thinking of going to contact them myself in a couple of days, but I never expected to see such a pleasant surprise here.

But right now, the most important thing is to celebrate Maria's birthday; finding the red pine tree can't be rushed.

So a bird soared into the sky behind him and easily caught up with the two little squirrels.

185 Celebration Time

"Mr. Mob."

Just as Mob was pondering how to end things, a man in a suit quietly approached him from behind.

"Hey! This is the commentary booth! Get down here!"

Mob remained expressionless upon hearing this, then reached out and covered the microphone, speaking softly.

"Shh, keep your voice down, don't let the audience hear... The audience can't see me from this position, don't worry."

The man in the suit said in a low voice, "I'm just here to convey some of Mr. Pavel's opinions..."

"Pa...you, you called the president by his first name...what do you want?"

Hearing this, Mob became very nervous.

Pavel, the president of Howling Guard Company and a member of the Business Federation's board of directors, was a figure he considered unapproachable.

"It seems Serkiak lost the competition due to his lack of skill, disappointing the Howling Guards. It's a pity."

The man didn't say it explicitly, but rather hinted at it in a very subtle way.

"You mean..." Big Mouth Mob asked tentatively.

He wasn't unaware of the meaning behind those words.

The plastic knight was abandoned.

But to be on the safe side, he still asked a question.

After all, there are lessons to be learned from the past, so it's always better to be cautious for everyone.

"Shh... You know in your heart what's going on, what should be said, and what shouldn't be said."

The man didn't answer his question directly, but said, "Go ahead, the audience is waiting for you."

"Also, your performance just now greatly satisfied the higher-ups."

This undoubtedly refers to his decision not to mention the new armored vehicle, Whistling Guard, after realizing the change in the game.

It's obvious that if Plastic Knight wins, it will be a failure on Big Mouth Mob's part.

But now that he's lost, Mob's actions deserve praise.

After saying that, the man left, leaving only Big Mouth Mob deep in thought.

The plastic rider is gambling, but isn't he gambling too?

The plastic rider was gambling with his own and his family's lives and fortunes, while I was just a failure in publicity, at most losing my job.

It's not enough to cost you your life.

Everyone is gambling.

From the Cavaliers on the court to the commentators, and then to the audience.

The country truly lives up to its name as a gambling nation.

"Everyone—! Everyone!"

Mob, having composed himself, began his commentary: "Judging from the odds and votes, this is undoubtedly a major upset! This match is destined to be the center of discussion for the next few days!"

"An untitled independent knight defeated the Great Vanguard of the Howling Knights! It seems Maria Nearl is not to be underestimated; she defeated the 'plastic' Sergeak with her strength!"

"Did Surgeon let his guard down against the newcomer? Or did the content of their conversation on the court determine the outcome? Ah, I told you I should equip the Cavaliers with a microphone!"

"I'm sure everyone is curious about what they said, since the situation started to reverse again and again after those few words!"

"But—! No matter what excuse you make, it's too late! I am honored to announce the result of the first match of the day!"

"The winner is—Maria Nearl!!"

……

"cheers!"

Inside Martin's tavern, everyone gathered around Maria to celebrate.

"Congratulations on your victory, girl! That was a fantastic performance, much better than I used to be!"

As a retired Cavaliers player, Steve Fogg praised without hesitation.

"Hmph, you do have some self-awareness," Koval said, as was his habit, before looking at Maria's armor with a puzzled expression.

What exactly happened?

He wanted to ask directly, but at the same time, as a former war craftsman, he also knew what the technology of this armor represented.

So I've been struggling with this decision.

"Well played, kid, this is a toast to you."

Bald Martin raised his glass and gave a thumbs-up with his right mechanical arm.

"Oh, thank you," Maria said, blushing.

"A steady and methodical approach, followed by a decisive blow—the classic tactics of the Sword and Shield Knights. They were able to defeat the Howling Knights' vanguard on their very first appearance on the battlefield..."

"very impressive!"

"N-No, that's not true... If it weren't for this armor, I really wouldn't know where to begin..."

“Hey, don’t underestimate yourself. Weapons and equipment are also part of strength,” Bald Martin waved his hand. “But Serkiak is an experienced racing knight, and he’s wearing the latest armor.”

"It would be great if you could win."

Hearing this, Maria lowered her head in embarrassment.

"There's no need to be too modest. Although it's brutal, knightly competitions have always been results-oriented."

“But I always feel like that plastic knight seems really desperate,” Old F said, puzzled. “If the crossbow really couldn’t get through the girl’s armor, why would he be fighting so hard?”

"As long as we maintain our usual pace and keep shooting from a distance until we've fired several quiver of arrows and the girl is still unharmed, let everyone know that this is truly not a fault of war."

"Even if we surrender directly, it would be dignified. After all, it's just asking a crossbowman to fight a sword and shield knight in melee combat."

"Public opinion afterward probably won't be too harsh on him."

Why did he choose such an aggressive playing style? It's like...

"It's like there's no way back?" Maria chimed in, "Actually, I feel that way too."

"Moreover, I have some guesses about why he did this."

Hearing this, everyone perked up their ears to listen to Maria.

"The Jack 2 model he was wearing was a product I had never heard of before, nor had I seen it on the official websites of any major companies. It was basically an experimental product."

"He probably wants to use this match to promote his new product. He likely signed a very harsh contract with Howling Guards."

“But I didn’t expect Maria to be such a newbie,” Xia Yu continued, “Her armor was clearly stronger and very effective against crossbow knights, so the opponent was defeated.”

"So, his eagerness to win and his aggressive tactics were a last resort?" Upon hearing this, Bald Martin suddenly realized, "Then he must have had a very harsh contract with Howling Guards."

"No wonder……"

Everyone shook their heads upon hearing this.

That was quite a fall, tsk tsk tsk.

Serves you right, you dared to underestimate our girl.