Chapter 499

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 were compact units, standing only about six feet tall when transformed into their mecha forms. They were the perfect embodiment of the saying that good things come 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 jets launched straight up from their position. Nearby surveillance 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,” she commanded 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 too late the night before, and after an intense dogfight in their fighter planes, their mental energy was completely drained. They’d collapsed into bed the moment they got back.

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

A woman who bore a striking resemblance to Judy appeared on the large screen—this was Judy’s sister, Shirley. She wore a crown 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 suspect you two have been exposed—she’s coming 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 both her people and Boa Hanks from participating in the tournament.

“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’s command—specialists in both close combat and long-range attacks, equipped with heavy weaponry that packs serious 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 find something to laugh 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,” Shalay Murad said.

“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 into 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 display.

Joshua said, “Pick out some close-combat 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 hour later, the two prepared to split up and head to their respective competition 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.