Morris, following the explicit list of supplies provided by Osiris, once again contacted Militech's "Probe" team through the pre-set encrypted channel.
The message was concise and direct: the transaction location was set at the edge of the Badlands, coordinates XXX-XXX; the time was 20:00 standard time, forty-eight hours later; the transaction content was all the supplies on the list in exchange for a high-performance structural alloy formula.
This information caused quite a stir among Militech's high-ranking officials.
The supplies on the list—especially the "centaur" tactical exoskeleton platform and several specific rare alloy specifications—were extremely difficult to acquire, even requiring the use of strategic reserves and special approval processes.
However, when the technical evaluation department analyzed the alloy formula fragments Osiris had provided in advance, all hesitation vanished instantly.
Preliminary simulation data showed that this alloy significantly surpassed Militech's current best comparable materials in key indicators such as strength-to-weight ratio, energy resistance, and fatigue limit.
Its potential applications, ranging from individual armor to aircraft structures, were immeasurable.
Undoubtedly, this was an offer they couldn't refuse.
To this end, Militech's security department devised a strict handover plan, dispatching an elite tactical team for escort, led personally by Major Ward, who had previously interacted with Morris, while Dr. Mara Sorenson provided remote technical support from the rear.
The entire operation was marked as top secret.
However, Militech's internal structure was not monolithic.
Arasaka's deep-cover spies, like viruses lurking deep within the system, keenly detected the signals of this unusual material transfer.
Relevant information was quickly encrypted and transmitted to Arasaka Tower's Counter-Intelligence Department.
Abernathy, the executive director of the Counter-Intelligence Department, immediately smelled an opportunity upon receiving the intelligence.
She didn't know exactly what Militech was trading, but for them to go to such great lengths, and with such a mysterious force as the counterparty, its value must be astonishing.
Her logic was simple and direct: instead of bothering with negotiations, it was better to seize it directly.
This would not only strike a blow against Militech but also allow Arasaka to acquire potentially high-value assets, killing two birds with one stone.
She quickly drafted an ambush plan, mobilizing an elite action team from the Counter-Intelligence Department, equipped with the latest reconnaissance and suppression gear, with the goal of simultaneously controlling both parties of the transaction and seizing all supplies and technical data.
On the night of the transaction, at the designated coordinates on the edge of the Badlands.
This was the wreckage of a deserted mining facility, its weathered metal framework radiating coldness under the clear moonlight, with only the ceaseless wailing of the wind all around.
Militech's armored transport vehicle arrived on time, and Major Ward directed his team to quickly establish a temporary perimeter.
Morris also appeared punctually at the entrance of the ruins, still in a dark gray combat suit, her steps steady, without any superfluous movements.
Following Osiris' instructions, Rebecca also came along this time, ostensibly to "assist," but in reality, Osiris believed she needed more combat environments to adapt to her new equipment.
Rebecca seemed a bit excited, with the heavy grenade launcher on her back, almost as tall as she was, and her green cybernetic eyes constantly scanned the surroundings in the dim light, as if anticipating something to happen.
After Major Ward briefly confirmed with Morris, the two sides began the handover.
Militech soldiers unloaded sealed supply crates one by one from the transport vehicle, while Morris handed over a data chip containing the complete alloy formula.
The entire process was silent and efficient.
Just as Major Ward's subordinates began verifying the authenticity of the data chip, and Morris was preparing to receive the supply crates—a sudden change occurred.
Several dazzling bright white beams of light suddenly shot from afar, precisely enveloping the entire transaction area; this was the combined effect of flashbangs and tactical searchlights.
At the same time, high-frequency interference waves instantly covered the entire area, attempting to paralyze all external communications and electronic devices.
"Enemy attack! Take cover!" Major Ward reacted extremely quickly, shouting out immediately while raising his weapon.
Militech soldiers, well-trained, quickly took cover and formed a defensive formation.
Arasaka's ambush team appeared simultaneously from three directions.
They wore unified black combat suits, covered with lightweight armor, wielded Arasaka's latest "Masamune" smart submachine guns, and were equipped with throwables that had electromagnetic interference capabilities.
Their movements were coordinated, and their firepower was seamlessly integrated, forming a crossfire network in an instant, bullets raining down on Militech's defensive perimeter and Morris, who was still standing in the center of the field.
Major Ward's heart jolted; he recognized these as the elite forces of Arasaka's Counter-Intelligence Department.
He simultaneously directed his team to fight back fiercely and tried to contact for rear support, but only piercing static remained in the communication channel.
The situation was extremely unfavorable for them.
However, Morris, at the center of the firepower vortex, showed no trace of panic in the face of the sudden barrage of bullets and strong light.
Her body instantly entered a state of heightened focus—a reaction ingrained in her instincts after countless life-and-death struggles and deep modifications.
In her vision, the trajectories of the high-speed bullets seemed to become clearly discernible; the enemy's positions, movement rhythms, and even their possible next actions were rapidly captured and predicted under her highly concentrated mental perception.
A nearly absurd thought flashed through her mind: these people simply didn't understand what kind of existence they were provoking.
This realization brought not fear, but a coldness akin to pity, almost causing her modified lips, which rarely showed subtle expressions, to curl into an almost imperceptible sneer.
She did not seek cover but directly activated the Sandevistan System.
Time perception was instantly stretched to its limit.
Everything around her—the whistling bullets, the flashing muzzle flashes, the slow movements of Militech soldiers seeking cover—all transformed into slow-motion images.
Morris's figure left an almost undetectable afterimage on the spot, moving at a speed far beyond the limits of human vision.
She did not use the more energy-intensive Sonic Blade, but relied purely on speed and precision.
Her movements were like a ghost, weaving through the dense curtain of bullets.
Each brief pause was accompanied by a precise burst—she used the auxiliary submachine gun mounted on the side of her arm, and though its power was inferior to her main weapon, under her control, every bullet found its mark.
An Arasaka soldier was about to peek out from behind cover when a bullet hole appeared in his forehead, and he fell silently.
Another soldier tried to throw an electromagnetic grenade, but as soon as his wrist was raised, it was instantly pierced by a bullet, and the grenade rolled to the ground.
Morris's movement trajectory was erratic, sometimes dashing close to the ground, sometimes leaping onto broken metal beams, launching attacks from incredible angles.
Her shooting was almost incessant, gunshots forming a rapid and deadly string of notes, precisely harvesting lives.
Arasaka's formation crumbled in an instant.
They couldn't lock onto their target, only frantically spraying bullets at the afterimages Morris left behind, but the bullets all missed, instead accidentally injuring several comrades who were too close.
Rebecca, in the first moments of the attack, excitedly raised her grenade launcher, but before she could find a suitable firing angle, Morris had already swept into the enemy ranks like a whirlwind.
She could only watch in stunned silence as Morris single-handedly performed this killing show, unable to help but complain in a low voice: "Damn it! Leave some for me!"
She tried to aim several times, but Morris's speed was too fast, and she was too close to the enemies, so she feared friendly fire. In the end, she had to grudgingly put down her gun and instead stood guard, watching Morris complete this one-sided annihilation.