<b>Chapter </b><b>499 </b>


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    However, the flight test would have to wait until nightfall–flying during the day would draw too much attention and risk exposing their current location.


    The mecha fighter jets werepact units, standing only about six feet tall when transformed into their mecha forms. They were the perfect embodiment of the saying that good thingse in small packages.


    So Shermaine waited from morning until deep into the night.


    Only after Baykeep’s bustling energy had settled into quiet did she climb into her mecha fighter jet and hit the startup sequence. She piloted one while Joshua took control of the other.


    At two in the morning, both fighter jetsunched straight up from their position. Nearby surveince cameras were scrambled by signal interference, unable to detect the jets‘ presence.


    Within moments, the two aircraft vanished into the sky, breaking through the stratosphere.


    Under a bright moon and scattered stars, the two fighter jets soared through the night.


    Although Shermaine had only piloted virtual mecha fighter jets before, this being her first time with the real thing, she admittedly felt clumsy at first. But after a few practice runs, she gradually got the hang of it.


    “Switch to mecha form,” shemanded aloud. The fighter jet’s systems responded instantly, initiating the transformation.


    The towering red mecha stood suspended in midair, its massive frame reaching nearly seven feet in height. In its mechanical grip was a rapier unlike any other–forged from a material so extraordinary that it could slice through diamond as easily as paper.


    Shermaine’s voice crackled through the high–frequency radio to Joshua. “Feel like a sparring match?”


    Joshua’s lips curved into something that might have been a smile. “Sure thing, Sheary. Just go easy on me.”


    Dawn broke quickly, chasing away the darkness of night.


    Today was no ordinary day–the International Gambling Tournament had arrived, and the entire city of Baykeep pulsed with electric excitement.


    By early morning, massive parades had already begun snaking through the streets, drawing crowds so thick that every sidewalk and corner overflowed with people.


    Shermaine and Joshua had flown their jets far toote the night before, and after an intense dogfight in their fighter nes, their mental energy waspletely drained. They’d copsed into bed the moment they got back.


    Themotion outside seemed to have nothing to do with them. Early that morning, Shermaine was still fast asleep while Joshua sat <b>in </b>his study conducting a video conference.


    A woman who bore a striking resemnce to Judy appeared on therge screen–this was Judy’s sister, Shirley. She wore awn atop her head and sat regally on a jewel–encrusted throne, dressed in full military uniform.


    “Hello, Cain,” Shirley said with a slight smile. “It’s an honor to work with you on this Baykeep operation.”


    “We’re both getting what we need out of this,” Joshua replied curtly.


    Shirley’s smile widened. “I’ve received word that Judy mobilized five thousand troops this morning and is heading toward Baykeep. I <b>suspect </b><b>you </b><b>two </b>have been exposed–she’sing for you.” She leaned forward slightly. “You’ll need to hold your ground until my forces arrive.”


    After all, before Judy showed up, they still had to deal with Bronx and the Moreno family, who would undoubtedly try to prevent <b>both </b><b>her </b>people <b>and </b>Boa Hanks from participating in the tournament.


    08:50 Sat, 12 <b>Jul </b>


    “What kind of troops are we talking about in those five thousand?” fethus asked


    “Five hundred airmen, three thousand ground forces, and fifteen hundred androids. These five thousand troops are all site gelte grider katy’smand


    specialists in both closebat and long range attacks, equipped with heavy weaponry that packs series firepower


    Joshua hummed in acknowledgment, then let out a derisive chuckle


    Shirley looked puzzled. “What’s so funny, Cain?” Judy was about to arrive with her forces, yet this


    man could still fret something tough about


    Joshua’s tone remained casual, almost dismissive. “Just five thousand troops? She’ll regret bringing so few


    “Even if it’s only five thousand, don’t forget that Baykeep has thirty thousand soldiers stationed here. We can’t afford to be careless,” Shy marad


    “No problem.”


    Shermaine had woken up from her nap. Joshua prepared a simple breakfast for everyone–just a bowl of pasta, nothing fancy


    After Shermaine and Joshua finished feeding Gracie, Joshua led Shermaine <i>into </i>another room.


    The space was packed wall–to–wall with weapons–guns, high–tech equipment, and gear she’d never seen before. Shermaine’s eyes darted around the room, overwhelmed by the sheer variety of armaments on disy.


    Joshua said, “Pick out some closebat weapons for protection.”


    “When did these weapons arrive?” Shermaine asked.


    “Damien bought them yesterday.”


    Shermaine shook her head in amazement as she began making her selections.


    Half an hourter, the two prepared <i>to </i>split up and head to their respectivepetition venues.


    Jasmine came out to see them off, her anxiety evident. “Shermaine, please be extra careful out there.”


    Shermaine settled into the car and rolled down the window. “They’re the ones who should be worried,” she said with a slight smile.