威瑪戰爭171－誘敵戰術
Warma War 171 – The Luring Tactic
------ 壩體上方 | Atop the Dam ------
橘子汽水不斷輸出冰彈，密集的冰霜彈幕接連命中巨大蜘蛛型怪物的頭部與前肢。
Orange Soda continued firing ice projectiles, unleashing a dense barrage of frost rounds that repeatedly struck the head and forelimbs of the enormous spider-like monster.
然而，怪物似乎完全沒有退卻的打算。
However, the monster showed no intention of retreating.
數條粗壯的觸手從牠的身軀下方竄出，沿著壩體表面高速掃過，猛烈撞擊著周圍的混凝土結構。
Several thick tentacles shot out from beneath its body, sweeping rapidly across the dam's surface and violently smashing into the surrounding concrete structures.
「藍甲蟲！左側三點鐘方向，觸手突破火力線了！」
"Blue Beetle! Three o'clock on the left! A tentacle has broken through our firing line!"
路德迅速轉動機甲的上半身。
Luther quickly rotated Blue Beetle's upper body.
藍甲蟲抬起武器，連續射擊。
Blue Beetle raised its weapon and opened fire in rapid succession.
砰！砰！砰！
Bang! Bang! Bang!
幾發炮彈精準命中觸手的關節，迫使它偏離原本的攻擊軌跡。
Several shells struck the tentacle's joints with pinpoint accuracy, forcing it off its original attack trajectory.
「命中！暫時壓制！」
"Direct hits! It's temporarily suppressed!"
「暫時就好！別讓它們碰到壩體！」
"Temporary suppression is enough! Don't let them hit the dam!"
路德話音剛落，另一條觸手便從側面猛然抽來。
As soon as Luther finished speaking, another tentacle suddenly lashed out from the side.
藍甲蟲急忙側身閃避，觸手擦過裝甲，重重砸在後方的混凝土護欄上。
Blue Beetle hurriedly dodged sideways as the tentacle scraped past its armor and slammed heavily into the concrete guardrail behind it.
轟！
BOOM!
碎石四散飛濺。
Concrete fragments scattered in every direction.
「這傢伙到底有多少條觸手啊！」
"Just how many tentacles does this thing have?!"
路德重新穩住機體，立刻將槍口轉回目標。
Luther steadied his machine and immediately turned his weapon back toward the target.
「橘子汽水，繼續凍結牠的前肢！不要追求殺傷，先限制牠的行動！」
"Orange Soda, keep freezing its forelimbs! Don't focus on dealing damage. Restrict its movements first!"
「收到！冰霜彈幕，持續輸出！」
"Roger! Maintaining the frost barrage!"
就在兩台機甲全力牽制怪物的同時，一隻巨大的蜘蛛腳掌，終於踩上了壩體頂端。
While the two mechs were fully occupied suppressing the monster, one of its enormous spider-like legs finally stepped onto the top of the dam.
沉重的衝擊讓整座壩體微微震動。
The tremendous impact caused the entire dam to tremble slightly.
鐵齋看著眼前的景象，瞳孔驟然一縮。
Tessai watched the scene unfold, his pupils suddenly narrowing.
「馬汀尼！」
"Martini!"
通訊頻道裡傳來他的吼聲。
His shout rang out over the communications channel.
「目標進入壩頂！準備執行第二階段！」
"The target has reached the top of the dam! Prepare to execute Phase Two!"
「收到！」
"Roger!"
火鳥的機體瞬間閃爍，隨即消失在眾人的視線之中。
Phoanix flickered for an instant before disappearing from everyone's sight.
隱形系統啟動。
The stealth system had activated.
蜘蛛型怪物似乎沒有察覺異常，反而更加肆無忌憚地向前推進。
The spider-like monster seemed unaware of anything unusual and continued advancing even more aggressively.
牠的前肢接連跨過壩頂，龐大的身軀逐漸壓上水壩結構。
Its forelimbs crossed the top of the dam one after another, and its massive body gradually shifted its weight onto the dam's structure.
混凝土表面開始出現細微裂紋。
Fine cracks began to appear across the concrete surface.
「警告！壩體局部承載壓力持續上升！」
"Warning! Localized structural loading on the dam continues to increase!"
路德的駕駛艙裡響起警報。
An alarm sounded inside Luther's cockpit.
「牠再往前一步，這裡就真的要被踩穿了！」
"One more step, and this place is going to get crushed!"
鐵齋緊盯著怪物的動作，沒有立即回答。
Tessai kept his eyes fixed on the monster's movements and did not answer immediately.
他正在等待。
He was waiting.
等待這頭怪物將重心完全移過壩頂。
Waiting for the monster to shift its center of gravity completely over the top of the dam.
等待牠把前肢伸到最難以收回的位置。
Waiting for it to extend its forelimbs into a position from which they would be hardest to retract.
「馬汀尼，確認目標重心。」
"Martini, confirm the target's center of gravity."
「目標前肢已經跨過壩頂，軀幹持續前進。牠正在把重量轉移到前側！」
"The target's forelimbs have crossed the top of the dam, and its torso is continuing forward. It's shifting its weight toward the front!"
「很好。繼續等。」
"Good. Keep waiting."
「鐵齋！再等下去，壩體就要撐不住了！」
"Tessai! If we wait any longer, the dam won't hold!"
路德急促地喊道。
Luther shouted urgently.
鐵齋沒有回頭。
Tessai did not turn around.
「路德，穩住你的火力。現在不是把牠打退的時候。」
"Luther, maintain your firing position. Now is not the time to drive it back."
「那什麼時候才是？」
"Then when is the right time?"
「等牠自己走進陷阱！」
"When it walks straight into our trap!"
下一秒，蜘蛛型怪物抬起另一隻前肢，朝著壩體中央重重踏下。
The next moment, the spider-like monster raised another forelimb and brought it crashing down onto the center of the dam.
就在牠的重心向前傾斜的瞬間，一道火紅色的身影突然在牠的側下方現形！
At the exact moment its center of gravity tilted forward, a fiery red silhouette suddenly materialized beneath its side!
「就是現在！」
"Now!"
馬汀尼解除隱形，火鳥引擎瞬間推進至最大輸出。
Martini disengaged the stealth system, and Phoanix's engines instantly surged to maximum output.
轟——！
ROOOOAR—!
火鳥從側面猛然撞向蜘蛛型怪物已經踏上壩頂的前肢。
Phoanix slammed into the spider-like monster's forelimb from the side, targeting the limb that had already stepped onto the dam.
這不是為了直接撞倒整頭怪物，而是針對牠此刻最脆弱的支撐點，強行破壞牠的平衡。
The goal was not to knock the entire monster over through brute force, but to disrupt its balance by striking the weakest point in its support structure.
蜘蛛型怪物發出刺耳的嘶鳴。
The spider-like monster let out a piercing shriek.
牠的前肢猛然偏移，龐大的軀體因慣性向前傾斜。
Its forelimb jerked sideways, and its massive body lurched forward under its own momentum.
「重心偏移！牠失去平衡了！」
"Its center of gravity has shifted! It's losing its balance!"
路德大喊。
Luther shouted.
「所有人保持距離！不要讓牠抓住機體！」
"Everyone, keep your distance! Don't let it get hold of your mechs!"
馬汀尼駕駛火鳥急速脫離，從怪物的前肢下方抽身而出。
Martini piloted Phoanix into a rapid disengagement, pulling the mech out from beneath the monster's forelimb.
然而，怪物的反應比預想中更快。
However, the monster reacted faster than expected.
一條觸手猛然朝火鳥纏去！
A tentacle suddenly lashed toward Phoanix, attempting to ensnare it!
「馬汀尼，右後方！」
"Martini, behind you on the right!"
鐵齋的警告幾乎與攻擊同時傳來。
Tessai's warning came almost simultaneously with the attack.
馬汀尼立刻拉動操縱桿，火鳥側身翻轉。
Martini immediately pulled the control stick, sending Phoanix into a sideways roll.
觸手擦過機體背部，狠狠抽在壩體邊緣。
The tentacle scraped across the mech's back before lashing violently into the edge of the dam.
轟！
BOOM!
混凝土碎塊直接墜入下方的水道。
Chunks of concrete plunged straight into the water channel below.
「差一點就被抓住了！」
"That was way too close!"
「別回頭！脫離交戰區！」
"Don't look back! Get out of the combat zone!"
鐵齋一邊下令，一邊鎖定怪物暴露出來的前肢。
Tessai issued the order while locking onto the monster's exposed forelimb.
「蓋布里歐，榴彈砲裝填！」
"Gabriel, load the grenade launchers!"
「裝填完成！」
"Loaded and ready!"
「等我的指令！」
"Wait for my command!"
此時，蜘蛛型怪物已經無法穩住重心。
By now, the spider-like monster could no longer maintain its balance.
牠試圖重新抬起前肢，卻因為支撐點遭到撞擊，整個軀體向壩體外側傾倒。
It tried to raise its forelimb again, but with its support point compromised by the impact, its entire body began tipping toward the outside of the dam.
下一個瞬間，巨大的身軀直接翻過水壩邊緣！
In the next instant, its enormous body toppled straight over the edge of the dam!
轟隆隆隆——！
KRRRRAAAASH—!
怪物沿著壩體外側摔落，撞上坡面，翻滾著墜向下方。
The monster fell down the outer face of the dam, slammed into the slope, and tumbled toward the ground below.
壩頂劇烈震動。
The top of the dam shook violently.
「目標墜落！確認目標位置！」
"The target has fallen! Confirm its position!"
「還沒死！牠正在重新起身！」
"It's not dead! It's trying to get back up!"
馬汀尼的聲音立刻從通訊頻道傳出。
Martini's voice immediately came through the communications channel.
火鳥重新現形，穩穩落在壩頂的另一側。
Phoanix reappeared and landed steadily on the opposite side of the dam's crest.
「鐵齋！趁現在，兩發榴彈砲，攻擊牠的落地位置！」
"Tessai! Now's our chance! Fire two grenades at its landing position!"
「明白！」
"Understood!"
鐵齋操縱蓋布里歐抬起雙肩的榴彈砲。
Tessai maneuvered Gabriel, raising the grenade launchers mounted on both shoulders.
「目標鎖定！發射！」
"Target locked! Fire!"
轟！轟！
BOOM! BOOM!
兩枚榴彈沿著不同角度飛向壩體下方，在怪物身側接連爆炸。
Two grenades flew toward the area below the dam from different angles, exploding one after another beside the monster.
劇烈的爆風掀起大量塵土，迫使剛準備爬起的蜘蛛型怪物再次伏倒。
The powerful blasts kicked up clouds of dust, forcing the spider-like monster, which had just begun to rise, back down to the ground.
「命中！目標行動受到干擾！」
"Direct hits! The target's movements have been disrupted!"
「不要戀戰！」馬汀尼立即說道，「我們的任務不是在這裡擊殺牠！」
"Don't get carried away!" Martini immediately said. "Our mission isn't to kill it here!"
路德一愣。
Luther froze in confusion.
「等等！我們不是要撤退嗎？你們兩個到底在做什麼？」
"Wait! Weren't we supposed to retreat? What exactly are you two doing?!"
馬汀尼轉頭看向鐵齋。
Martini turned to look at Tessai.
鐵齋也恰好看向他。
Tessai happened to look at him at the same time.
兩人隔著通訊頻道，幾乎同時笑了出來。
Separated by the communications channel, the two men burst out laughing almost simultaneously.
「你應該跟我想的一樣吧？」鐵齋問道。
"You were thinking the same thing I was, weren't you?" Tessai asked.
「哈哈哈！看來我們真的很有共識。以後作戰前，還是多溝通一下比較好！」
"Hahaha! Looks like we're really on the same wavelength. Maybe we should communicate a little more before operations from now on!"
「喂！你們兩個倒是說清楚啊！」
"Hey! Would you two mind explaining what's going on?!"
路德忍不住大喊。
Luther couldn't help shouting.
鐵齋收起笑意，重新看向壩體下方正在掙扎的怪物。
Tessai stopped laughing and turned his attention back to the monster struggling below the dam.
「我們要引誘牠離開壩體。」
"We're going to lure it away from the dam."
「利用壩體地形，迫使牠把重量集中在壩頂，再由火鳥破壞支撐點。」馬汀尼接著說道，「只要牠失去平衡，就能讓牠從壩體上摔下去。」
"We're using the dam's terrain to force it to concentrate its weight on the crest, then Phoanix disrupts its support point," Martini continued. "Once it loses its balance, we can make it fall off the dam."
「而且，」鐵齋補充道，「只要我們持續從外圍牽制，牠就會把注意力放在我們身上，追著我們離開這裡。」
"And," Tessai added, "as long as we keep harassing it from the perimeter, it'll stay focused on us and follow us away from here."
路德沉默了幾秒。
Luther remained silent for several seconds.
「所以，你們從一開始就沒打算在這裡解決牠？」
"So you never intended to finish it off here in the first place?"
「答對了。」
"Correct."
馬汀尼笑著回答。
Martini replied with a grin.
「不過，這傢伙比想像中還難纏。要是再慢一點，恐怕真的會跟水壩一起陪葬。」
"Still, this thing is tougher to handle than we expected. If we'd been any slower, we might have ended up buried here along with the dam."
鐵齋看著逐漸出現裂紋的壩頂。
Tessai looked at the cracks spreading across the dam's crest.
「火鳥、藍甲蟲、橘子汽水，開始撤出壩頂！維持交替掩護，別讓怪物重新爬上來！」
"Phoanix, Blue Beetle, Orange Soda, begin withdrawing from the dam's crest! Maintain alternating covering fire and don't let the monster climb back up!"
「收到！」
"Roger!"
三台機甲迅速轉移位置，將火力集中在怪物可能攀爬的路線上。
The three mechs quickly repositioned, concentrating their fire on the routes the monster might use to climb back up.
然而，蜘蛛型怪物並沒有就此放棄。
However, the spider-like monster refused to give up.
幾條觸手突然刺入坡面，硬生生將牠的身體撐起。
Several tentacles suddenly plunged into the slope, forcibly pushing its body back up.
牠的複眼重新亮起，死死鎖定了壩頂上的機甲。
Its compound eyes lit up again, fixing an unwavering gaze on the mechs atop the dam.
「糟糕！牠又站起來了！」
"Damn it! It's back on its feet!"
「那就讓牠繼續追！」
"Then let it keep chasing us!"
馬汀尼重新啟動推進器。
Martini reactivated the thrusters.
「鐵齋，撤退路線確認！」
"Tessai, confirm the retreat route!"
「西側坡道！不要走中央水道，壩體已經出現結構損傷！」
"The western slope! Avoid the central water channel. The dam has already sustained structural damage!"
「明白！火鳥負責前方引導，蓋布里歐負責後方壓制！」
"Understood! Phoanix will lead from the front, and Gabriel will suppress the enemy from the rear!"
「藍甲蟲、橘子汽水，跟上！」
"Blue Beetle, Orange Soda, follow us!"
三台機甲迅速脫離壩頂。
The three mechs quickly withdrew from the dam's crest.
而在牠們身後，那頭巨大的蜘蛛型怪物也再次展開追擊。
Behind them, the enormous spider-like monster launched another pursuit.
這場戰鬥，才剛剛進入真正危險的階段。
The battle was only just entering its truly dangerous phase.
------ 壩體內部隧道 | Inside the Dam Tunnel ------
「所有人檢查裝備！準備撤離！」
"Everyone, check your equipment! Prepare for evacuation!"
瑞德站在紅龍戰車的指揮位置，快速確認隊伍狀態。
Redd stood at the command position inside Crimson Dragon, quickly checking the status of the team.
「我們放棄這個設施。所有人帶走必要的武器、資料與監測設備，其他東西一律不准拖延撤離時間！」
"We're abandoning this facility. Everyone takes only essential weapons, data, and monitoring equipment. Nothing else is worth delaying our evacuation!"
「真的好可惜。」
"What a shame."
修寶看著逐漸遠去的壩體內部設施，忍不住嘆了口氣。
Xiubao looked at the dam's interior facilities, which were gradually receding into the distance, and couldn't help sighing.
「如果能把洪水引下去，說不定就能把那些怪物一次沖垮。」
"If we could release the floodwaters, we might be able to wash away all those monsters in one go."
「前提是我們能控制洪水的方向。」瑞德冷冷地回答，「一旦壩體失控，洪水不會分辨敵我。」
"That assumes we can control the direction of the floodwaters," Redd replied coldly. "Once the dam goes out of control, the flood won't distinguish between friend and foe."
修寶聳了聳肩。
Xiubao shrugged.
「我只是說說嘛。」
"I was just saying."
「說說也要看場合。」
"Even casual remarks need to be appropriate to the situation."
一旁的尤里正操作著監測設備。
Nearby, Yuri was operating the monitoring equipment.
「指揮官，資料傳輸已經完成初步連線。監測器正在把壩體結構、怪物活動紀錄與現場環境數據回傳七號基地。」
"Commander, the data transmission link has been established. The monitoring system is transmitting the dam's structural data, monster activity records, and environmental readings back to Base Seven."
「確認資料完整性。」
"Verify the data integrity."
「正在確認……主資料完整，部分外部感測器因為戰鬥衝擊失去訊號，不影響主要紀錄。」
"Verifying... The primary data is intact. Some external sensors lost their signals due to combat impacts, but the main records remain unaffected."
「很好。設備撤收後立即上車。」
"Good. Load the equipment onto the vehicles as soon as it's packed up."
嵩馬站在車隊前方，透過通訊器逐一點名。
Shuma stood at the front of the convoy, calling out each unit over the communications system.
「各車回報人員狀態！」
"All vehicles, report personnel status!"
「一號車，完畢！」
"Vehicle One, all personnel accounted for!"
「二號車，完畢！」
"Vehicle Two, all personnel accounted for!"
「三號車，完畢！」
"Vehicle Three, all personnel accounted for!"
「全員確認完畢！」
"All personnel accounted for!"
紅蓮坐進駕駛艙，啟動紅龍戰車。
Guren climbed into the cockpit and started Crimson Dragon.
「車隊已經整備完成，可以出發！」
"The convoy is ready to move out!"
瑞德最後看了一眼壩體深處。
Redd took one last look into the depths of the dam.
遠方不斷傳來沉悶的撞擊聲。
Dull impacts continued to echo from somewhere in the distance.
上方的戰鬥仍然持續著。
The battle above was still raging.
「所有車輛保持間距，按照既定路線撤出設施。任何人都不准擅自離隊！」
"All vehicles, maintain your spacing and evacuate the facility along the designated route. No one is to leave the convoy without authorization!"
「收到！」
"Roger!"
紅龍戰車率先向前。
Crimson Dragon led the way.
後方的車輛依序跟上，車燈照亮了隧道裡斑駁的混凝土牆面。
The vehicles behind followed in sequence, their headlights illuminating the weathered concrete walls of the tunnel.
隨著車隊不斷深入隧道，壩體上方的轟鳴聲逐漸遠去。
As the convoy continued deeper into the tunnel, the roaring sounds from above the dam gradually faded into the distance.
然而，沒有人因此放鬆警戒。
Nevertheless, no one relaxed their guard.
他們都知道，這座壩體已經承受了太多衝擊。
They all knew that the dam had already endured far too much punishment.
如果戰鬥繼續惡化，整個設施隨時可能崩解。
If the fighting continued to escalate, the entire facility could collapse at any moment.
而一旦他們被埋在這裡，就算成功救出了路德，也毫無意義。
And if they were buried here, even successfully rescuing Luther would have been meaningless.
------ 四號基地 | Base Four ------
「已經收到消息，他們成功救出路德了。」
"We've received word that they've successfully rescued Luther."
庫柏一邊操作終端，一邊將最新的通訊紀錄投影到會議桌上。
Cooper operated the terminal while projecting the latest communications logs onto the conference table.
索尼亞終於鬆了一口氣。
Sonia finally breathed a sigh of relief.
「太好了。至少這次行動沒有白費。」
"That's good. At least this operation wasn't in vain."
「不過，瑞德似乎還有其他任務。」
"However, Redd appears to have another mission in mind."
「其他任務？」
"Another mission?"
庫柏沒有立刻回答。
Cooper did not answer immediately.
他走到會議桌旁，啟動全息投影。
He walked over to the conference table and activated the holographic projector.
薩德大陸的地形圖迅速展開，山脈、河道、基地位置與各處戰場逐一顯現。
A topographic map of the Sade Continent rapidly unfolded, revealing mountain ranges, waterways, base locations, and various battlefields.
接著，系統將赤司先前在氣象站收集的觀測資料整合進地圖。
Next, the system integrated the observation data previously collected by Akashi at the weather station.
原本零散的氣象變化、地形資訊與怪物活動區域，逐漸拼湊成一幅更加完整的戰場態勢圖。
Scattered weather patterns, terrain information, and monster activity zones gradually came together to form a more complete picture of the battlefield.
索尼亞仔細看著投影。
Sonia studied the projection carefully.
「這是最新的戰場資訊？」
"Is this the latest battlefield intelligence?"
「沒錯。赤司提供的氣象資料，讓我們重新修正了幾個區域的判斷。現在，至少能更清楚地掌握各條行動路線的風險。」
"That's right. Akashi's weather data allowed us to revise our assessments of several areas. We can now better understand the risks associated with each operational route."
他指向地圖上的一個位置。
He pointed to a location on the map.
「所以，他們現在在哪裡？」
"So, where are they now?"
「成功救出路德之後，瑞德的隊伍就朝鐵壁洪關的方向前進了。」
"After successfully rescuing Luther, Redd's team headed toward Ironwall Floodgate."
索尼亞忽然想起一件事。
Sonia suddenly remembered something.
「等等，他知道雷暴彈的事情嗎？」
"Wait. Does he know about the Thunderstorm Bombs?"
庫柏搖了搖頭。
Cooper shook his head.
「應該還不知道。那是赤司提出的建議，後續一直由笙竹負責開發。」
"He probably doesn't. The idea was proposed by Akashi, and Shengzhu has been in charge of development ever since."
「目前的進度呢？」
"What's the current progress?"
「我查一下。」
"Let me check."
庫柏快速翻閱資料。
Cooper quickly searched through the records.
幾秒後，相關數據便出現在投影畫面上。
A few seconds later, the relevant data appeared on the projection.
「目前完成度百分之八十五。核心系統已經完成，剩下的是穩定性測試，以及實際部署前的最後調整。」
"It's currently eighty-five percent complete. The core system is finished. What's left is stability testing and the final adjustments before field deployment."
索尼亞盯著那個數字，眉頭微微皺起。
Sonia stared at the number, furrowing his brow slightly.
「還差百分之十五……」
"Still fifteen percent to go..."
「至少已經進入最後階段了。」
"At least it's in the final stages now."
「不夠。」
"That's not enough."
索尼亞抬起頭。
Sonia looked up.
「如果瑞德真的打算繼續往鐵壁洪關推進，我們就不能等到他抵達目的地，才開始準備後續支援。」
"If Redd really intends to continue advancing toward Ironwall Floodgate, we can't wait until he reaches his destination before preparing further support."
他伸手放大地圖。
He reached out and enlarged the map.
「等這次任務結束，立刻聯絡瑞德。請笙竹安排一支支援隊伍，把必要物資、補給、裝備，以及雷暴彈的相關設備送過去。」
"Once this mission is over, contact Redd immediately. Ask Shengzhu to arrange a support team to deliver essential supplies, provisions, equipment, and the necessary Thunderstorm Bomb systems."
庫柏立刻記錄指令。
Cooper immediately recorded the order.
「明白。」
"Understood."
「另外，雷暴彈尚未完成全部測試，部署時必須明確標示使用限制。不要讓前線以為拿到裝備，就代表可以直接投入作戰。」
"Also, the Thunderstorm Bombs have not completed all their tests. Their usage restrictions must be clearly marked during deployment. Don't let the frontline assume that receiving the equipment means it's ready for combat."
「我會一併通知笙竹。」
"I'll make sure Shengzhu is informed as well."
索尼亞沉默了一會兒，才繼續說道：
Sonia remained silent for a moment before continuing.
「坦白說，我真的很不喜歡瑞德這種擅自改變行動計畫的作風。」
"Honestly, I really dislike the way Redd changes operational plans without authorization."
庫柏看向他。
Cooper looked at him.
「但這次，他的判斷可能是對的。」
"But this time, his judgment might be correct."
索尼亞點了點頭。
Sonia nodded.
「如果我們按照原定計畫，從前線一路推進，再安排人員進入壩體部署相關設備，勢必要花費更多時間，也會承擔更高的風險。」
"If we'd followed the original plan, advanced all the way from the front line, and then sent personnel into the dam to deploy the necessary equipment, it would have taken considerably more time and carried much greater risks."
他看向地圖上壩體的位置。
He looked at the dam's location on the map.
「現在，他們已經到了那裡。比起我們從後方重新安排整支隊伍，這個機會確實難得。」
"Now they're already there. Compared with reorganizing an entire team from the rear, this really is a rare opportunity."
庫柏雙手交叉，思考片刻後說道：
Cooper folded his arms and thought for a moment before speaking.
「也就是說，瑞德現在執行的任務，很可能已經超出我們原本規劃的範圍。」
"In other words, Redd's current mission may already have gone beyond the scope of our original plan."
「不只是超出範圍。」
"It's gone beyond the original scope and then some."
索尼亞的神情逐漸嚴肅。
Sonia's expression gradually grew more serious.
「他正在把原本分散的幾項任務，逐漸串成一條新的作戰路線。」
"He's gradually connecting several previously separate missions into an entirely new operational strategy."
他指向鐵壁洪關。
He pointed toward Ironwall Floodgate.
「救援路德、取得壩體資料、確認怪物活動情況，再到後續的雷暴彈部署……如果這些事情能夠順利銜接，我們就有機會重新掌握戰場主動權。」
"Rescuing Luther, obtaining the dam's data, confirming monster activity, and then deploying the Thunderstorm Bombs... If all these operations can be connected successfully, we may have a chance to regain the initiative on the battlefield."
庫柏望著全息地圖，緩緩說道：
Cooper gazed at the holographic map and spoke slowly.
「我想，我們還有很多計畫需要讓瑞德知道了。」
"I think there are still a lot of plans we need to bring Redd up to speed on."
索尼亞沒有反駁。
Sonia did not argue.
他只是盯著那片遼闊的薩德大陸。
He simply stared at the vast expanse of the Sade Continent.
有些事情，已經不是一份原定計畫就能完全掌控的了。
Some things could no longer be fully controlled by a single predetermined plan.
而前線的瑞德，顯然正在用自己的方式，改變這場戰爭的走向。
And Redd, out on the front lines, was clearly changing the course of the war in his own way.
------ 薩德大陸・大壩水道口 | Sade Continent – Dam Waterway Entrance ------
「怎麼回事？他們三台機甲呢？」
"What's going on? Where are the three mechs?"
瑞德坐在紅龍戰車內，看著戰術畫面上突然改變的訊號位置。
Redd sat inside Crimson Dragon, watching the signal positions suddenly shift on the tactical display.
修寶迅速調出周邊感測資料。
Xiubao quickly pulled up the surrounding sensor data.
「確認到訊號了！三台機甲都在西側山頭！」
"Signals confirmed! All three mechs are on the western hill!"
「西側山頭？」
"The western hill?"
瑞德立刻切換畫面。
Redd immediately switched the display.
「不是已經命令他們撤退了嗎？」
"Didn't we already order them to retreat?"
「他們正在向我們移動……等等，後方還有怪物訊號！」
"They're moving toward us... Wait, there are monster signals behind them!"
修寶放大感測畫面。
Xiubao enlarged the sensor display.
三個機甲訊號正沿著山坡快速接近，而在牠們後方，幾個龐大的紅色標記正不斷逼近。
Three mech signals were rapidly approaching along the hillside, while several enormous red markers steadily closed in behind them.
紅蓮看了一眼，立即做出判斷。
Guren glanced at the display and immediately reached a conclusion.
「架起武裝！這不是單純撤退，他們正在把怪物引過來！」
"Prepare the weapons! This isn't a simple retreat. They're leading the monsters straight toward us!"
瑞德瞇起眼睛。
Redd narrowed his eyes.
「引誘牠們？」
"Luring them here?"
「應該是鐵齋的想法。利用山坡拉開距離，再把怪物帶到我們能夠集中火力的位置。」
"It was probably Tessai's idea. They're using the hillside to create distance, then drawing the monsters into a position where we can concentrate our firepower."
「唉……這群人真的是！」
"Ugh... These people, honestly!"
瑞德揉了揉眉心。
Redd rubbed his temples.
「每次都能把撤退搞成新的戰鬥。」
"They somehow manage to turn every retreat into another battle."
嵩馬已經開始下達指令。
Shuma had already begun issuing orders.
「全車隊進入戰鬥配置！一號車負責前方警戒，二號車拉開射界，其他車輛保持機動距離！」
"All vehicles, assume combat formation! Vehicle One, secure the forward perimeter. Vehicle Two, establish a clear firing lane. All other vehicles, maintain maneuvering distance!"
「紅蓮，確認撤退路線！」
"Guren, confirm the retreat route!"
「西側坡道可以通行，但前方有一段狹窄區域。一旦怪物衝進來，車隊可能會被迫停下！」
"The western slope is passable, but there's a narrow section ahead. If the monsters charge into it, the convoy may be forced to stop!"
「那就不能讓牠們衝進來！」
"Then we can't let them get in!"
瑞德看向修寶。
Redd turned toward Xiubao.
「怪物總數確認了嗎？」
"Have we confirmed the total number of monsters?"
修寶快速比對感測訊號。
Xiubao rapidly cross-referenced the sensor signals.
「目前只捕捉到三個大型目標……不對，還有殘留訊號！」
"We've detected only three large targets so far... No, wait! There are residual signals as well!"
「搜尋所有怪物的活動紀錄！我要知道有幾隻還能追上來！」
"Search all recorded monster activity! I want to know how many of them are still capable of pursuing us!"
「收到！」
"Roger!"
尤里立即接手分析。
Yuri immediately took over the analysis.
「確認兩隻已經失去活動訊號。一隻位於壩體前方，另一隻倒在山坡附近。剩餘三個目標正在向我方移動！」
"Two targets have lost their activity signals. One is ahead of the dam, and the other is down near the hillside. The remaining three targets are moving toward our position!"
瑞德迅速下令：
Redd issued his orders without hesitation.
「不要只盯著眼前的敵人。確認周邊還有沒有其他活動訊號！」
"Don't focus solely on the enemies in front of us. Check whether there are any other active signals in the surrounding area!"
「正在掃描！」
"Scanning!"
「全車隊保持移動，不要在開闊地帶停留。紅蓮，尋找適合交戰的地形；嵩馬，準備側翼火力。修寶，持續更新敵方位置！」
"Keep the entire convoy moving. Do not stop in open terrain. Guren, find suitable terrain for engagement. Shuma, prepare flanking fire. Xiubao, keep updating enemy positions!"
「明白！」
"Understood!"
車隊開始加速。
The convoy began to accelerate.
紅龍戰車的引擎聲在山谷間迴盪，裝甲車輛依序離開水道口，沿著預定路線向前推進。
The roar of Crimson Dragon's engine echoed through the valley as the armored vehicles left the waterway entrance one after another and advanced along the planned route.
遠處，三台機甲終於出現在視線之中。
In the distance, the three mechs finally came into view.
火鳥衝在最前方。
Phoanix led the way.
馬汀尼一邊控制機體速度，一邊透過通訊器回報。
Martini controlled the mech's speed while reporting over the communications channel.
「紅龍戰車，這裡是火鳥！三個大型目標正在追擊，預估即將進入你們的有效射程！」
"Crimson Dragon, this is Phoanix! Three large targets are pursuing us. They are expected to enter your effective firing range shortly!"
「收到。把牠們帶過來，但不要直接衝進車隊！」
"Copy that. Lead them toward us, but don't charge straight into the convoy!"
瑞德的聲音從通訊頻道傳出。
Redd's voice came through the communications channel.
「我們會提供火力掩護。你們負責把敵人引入射程範圍！」
"We'll provide covering fire. Your job is to draw the enemies into our firing range!"
「了解！」
"Understood!"
馬汀尼關閉通訊，重新看向前方。
Martini closed the communications channel and turned his attention back to the path ahead.
蜘蛛型怪物的觸手正不斷在地面上交錯，將牠龐大的身軀向前拖動。
The spider-like monster's tentacles repeatedly dug into the ground, dragging its massive body forward.
牠的速度比預期更快。
It was moving faster than expected.
而且，牠似乎已經學會如何避免火鳥的正面撞擊。
Moreover, it seemed to have learned how to avoid Phoanix's frontal charges.
「鐵齋！這傢伙開始改變移動方式了！」
"Tessai! This thing is starting to change the way it moves!"
「看到了！不要再用相同的角度撞擊！」
"I see it! Don't attack from the same angle again!"
鐵齋操縱蓋布里歐，朝怪物的側面發射數枚炮彈。
Tessai piloted Gabriel and fired several shells at the monster's flank.
爆炸迫使怪物稍微偏轉方向。
The explosions forced the monster to veer slightly off course.
「火鳥，往右側拉！讓牠跟著你走！」
"Phoanix, pull to the right! Make it follow you!"
「收到！」
"Roger!"
馬汀尼猛然拉動操縱桿。
Martini sharply pulled the control stick.
火鳥沿著山坡邊緣高速掠過。
Phoanix sped along the edge of the hillside.
蜘蛛型怪物果然追了上來。
As expected, the spider-like monster pursued him.
牠抬起一條粗壯的前肢，朝火鳥落腳的位置狠狠砸下！
It raised one of its thick forelimbs and slammed it down at the spot where Phoanix was about to land!
轟！
BOOM!
地面瞬間炸裂。
The ground exploded on impact.
馬汀尼操縱火鳥躍過碎石，推進器在半空中爆發出猛烈的火光。
Martini piloted Phoanix over the flying debris as its thrusters erupted in brilliant flames midair.
「目標已進入預定區域！」
"The target has entered the designated area!"
「全車隊，準備接戰！」
"All vehicles, prepare to engage!"
瑞德的聲音響徹通訊頻道。
Redd's voice rang out across the communications channel.
「第一輪火力，集中攻擊牠的前肢！不要浪費彈藥攻擊裝甲最厚的軀幹！」
"First volley, concentrate fire on its forelimbs! Don't waste ammunition shooting at its heavily armored torso!"
數輛戰車同時轉動炮塔。
Several armored vehicles rotated their turrets simultaneously.
就在蜘蛛型怪物準備跨越坡道的瞬間，第一輪炮火迎面襲來。
Just as the spider-like monster prepared to cross the slope, the first volley of fire came crashing toward it.
轟！轟！轟！
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
爆炸在怪物前方接連炸開。
Explosions erupted one after another in front of the monster.
牠的動作被迫停頓，前肢猛然抬起。
Its advance was halted, and its forelimbs jerked upward.
然而，另一條觸手卻突然從煙塵中竄出，直撲火鳥！
However, another tentacle suddenly shot out of the smoke and lunged straight at Phoanix!
「馬汀尼，後方！」
"Martini, behind you!"
鐵齋大喊。
Tessai shouted.
火鳥立即急轉，觸手幾乎擦著機體側面掠過。
Phoanix immediately swerved sharply, and the tentacle swept past so close that it nearly scraped the mech's side.
「差一點！」
"That was close!"
「別分心！目標正在轉向車隊！」
"Stay focused! The target is turning toward the convoy!"
鐵齋話音剛落，蜘蛛型怪物突然放棄追擊火鳥，轉而朝紅龍戰車的方向猛衝。
As soon as Tessai finished speaking, the spider-like monster abruptly abandoned its pursuit of Phoanix and charged toward Crimson Dragon instead.
「糟糕！牠改變目標了！」
"Damn it! It's changed targets!"
修寶盯著感測畫面大喊。
Xiubao shouted while staring at the sensor display.
瑞德卻沒有慌亂。
Redd, however, remained calm.
「嵩馬，側翼火力壓制！紅蓮，保持車隊移動，別讓牠抓住我們的隊形！」
"Shuma, suppress it with flanking fire! Guren, keep the convoy moving. Don't let it catch us in formation!"
「收到！」
"Roger!"
「所有機甲，拉開距離！不要讓牠一次攻擊命中兩個目標！」
"All mechs, spread out! Don't let it hit two targets with a single attack!"
馬汀尼立刻操縱火鳥重新切入。
Martini immediately maneuvered Phoanix back into the fight.
「鐵齋，跟我一起攻擊牠的支撐腳！不能讓牠衝進車隊！」
"Tessai, attack its supporting legs with me! We can't let it charge into the convoy!"
「明白！」
"Understood!"
火鳥從左側高速切入，蓋布里歐則從右側展開攻擊。
Phoanix swept in at high speed from the left, while Gabriel launched its attack from the right.
兩台機甲幾乎同時開火。
Both mechs opened fire almost simultaneously.
榴彈砲與機甲武器接連命中蜘蛛型怪物的前肢關節。
Grenade rounds and mech-mounted weapons struck the joints of the spider-like monster's forelimbs in rapid succession.
怪物的身軀劇烈晃動。
The monster's body lurched violently.
牠試圖重新站穩，卻因為一側支撐腳遭到破壞，整個身體猛然向下傾斜。
It tried to regain its footing, but with one of its supporting legs damaged, its entire body suddenly tilted downward.
「就是現在！」
"Now!"
馬汀尼再次啟動推進器。
Martini activated the thrusters once again.
火鳥沒有正面撞向怪物的軀幹，而是沿著側面切入，狠狠撞上牠已經失去平衡的前肢。
Rather than charging directly into the monster's torso, Phoanix swept in along its flank and slammed hard into its already unbalanced forelimb.
轟！
BOOM!
蜘蛛型怪物的支撐腳直接偏離地面。
The spider-like monster's supporting leg was knocked completely off the ground.
龐大的身軀重重摔在坡道上，激起漫天塵土。
Its enormous body crashed heavily onto the slope, sending clouds of dust billowing into the air.
「目標倒地！重複，目標倒地！」
"Target down! I repeat, target down!"
修寶興奮地大喊。
Xiubao shouted excitedly.
「全車隊注意！保持射界，不要靠近！」
"All vehicles, maintain your firing lanes! Do not approach!"
瑞德立即下令。
Redd immediately issued the order.
「牠還沒死！準備第二輪火力！」
"It's not dead yet! Prepare the second volley!"
紅龍戰車的炮塔緩緩轉向。
Crimson Dragon's turret slowly turned toward the target.
然而，蜘蛛型怪物已經開始掙扎。
However, the spider-like monster had already begun struggling.
牠的觸手刺入地面，試圖重新撐起身體。
Its tentacles dug into the ground as it attempted to push itself back up.
就在牠即將站起的瞬間，火鳥與蓋布里歐再次發動攻擊。
Just as it was about to rise, Phoanix and Gabriel attacked again.
這一次，兩台機甲沒有追求擊殺，而是集中火力打斷牠重新支撐身體的動作。
This time, the two mechs did not attempt to kill it outright, but concentrated their fire on disrupting its efforts to support its body again.
轟！
BOOM!
怪物再度倒下。
The monster collapsed once more.
「漂亮！」
"Excellent!"
瑞德終於露出笑容。
Redd finally broke into a smile.
「就是這個戰術！機甲負責牽制與破壞支撐點，戰車負責遠距離火力壓制！」
"That's the tactic! The mechs handle the distraction and destroy its supporting points, while the tanks provide long-range fire suppression!"
他立刻切換通訊頻道。
He immediately switched communications channels.
「所有單位注意！不要停留在原地。確認怪物失去追擊能力後，立即脫離接戰區！」
"All units, listen up! Do not remain in place. Once the monster is confirmed unable to pursue us, immediately withdraw from the engagement zone!"
馬汀尼駕駛火鳥退回隊伍前方。
Martini piloted Phoanix back to the front of the formation.
「收到！火鳥已脫離！」
"Roger! Phoanix has disengaged!"
鐵齋也讓蓋布里歐收起武器，迅速跟上車隊。
Tessai also lowered Gabriel's weapons and quickly rejoined the convoy.
「瑞德，這次的戰術效果不錯吧？」
"Redd, that tactic worked pretty well, didn't it?"
瑞德看著戰術畫面，無奈地嘆了一口氣。
Redd looked at the tactical display and sighed helplessly.
「效果是不錯。但下次執行這種計畫之前，至少先通知指揮官一聲！」
"It worked well enough. But next time you carry out a plan like this, at least inform your commander first!"
馬汀尼哈哈大笑。
Martini burst out laughing.
「下次一定！」
"Next time, I promise!"
「你最好是！」
"You'd better!"
瑞德關閉通訊，隨即重新看向前方。
Redd closed the communications channel and turned his attention back to the road ahead.
「全車隊保持隊形，目標七號基地！」
"All vehicles, maintain formation! Our destination is Base Seven!"
紅龍戰車再次加速。
Crimson Dragon accelerated once again.
三台機甲分別守住車隊前方與兩側，確保沒有其他怪物能夠輕易接近。
The three mechs secured the front and both flanks of the convoy, ensuring that no other monsters could approach easily.
身後的塵土逐漸散去。
The dust gradually settled behind them.
而那座已經傷痕累累的水壩，也終於被遠遠拋在後方。
The heavily damaged dam was finally left far behind.
這一次，他們沒有選擇與怪物正面硬拚。
This time, they chose not to engage the monster in a direct contest of strength.
他們利用地形、控制敵人的移動方向，再以集中火力破壞怪物的行動能力。
They used the terrain to control the enemy's direction of movement, then concentrated their firepower to cripple its mobility.
在戰場上，能夠決定勝負的，不一定是誰的武器更強。
On the battlefield, victory does not necessarily belong to whoever has the more powerful weapons.
而是誰能讓敵人，在自己選擇的地方，做出自己預期的動作。
It belongs to whoever can make the enemy do exactly what they want, in the place of their choosing.
「走吧。」
"Let's move."
瑞德望向遠方的道路。
Redd looked toward the road stretching into the distance.
「我們還有很多事情要做。」
"We still have a lot to do."
車隊朝著七號基地的方向持續前進。
The convoy continued advancing toward Base Seven.
下一場戰鬥，已經不遠了。
The next battle was not far away.
