The line representing the tracks led forward until they neared a small lake.
A hunting consultant started to brief everyone on what they discovered.
\"The lake up ahead is one of the most desirable water sources for the beasts in the hunting zone. It's laced with a high concentration of desirable minerals to the huge cats. Even a Crown Cat like Zeigra likes to linger around the lake. Right now, we are reasonably certain we can find our target in the vicinity, though pinning down his exact location can't be done without approaching the site.\"
Everyone present knew that the critical first round of battle loomed close!
\"Forgive me for asking, but is Zeigra nocturnal?\" Ves asked.
\"We don't know.\"
Huh?
\"To be more precise, we haven't been able to discern a pattern from the information we've obtained about Zeigra.\" Lady Miralix explained. \"The organic products produced by the labs show a high amount of variance. Right now, we can't make any assumptions about Zeigra's sleeping patterns.\"
This meant that they had no idea whether Zeigra was at his most alert state when it was day, night, dusk or dawn!
\"When will we launch our attack, then?\"
The noble switched the projection to depict a simulation of an attack launched in broad daylight!
\"Since it is not viable for us to scout and observe Zeigra without revealing our presence, we will commence our attack in a timing that best suits our hunting team. My hunters and I are still accustomed to a normal sleeping pattern. This means we are most alert and primed for combat in the late morning, which is the best time for us to confront the Crown Cat!\"
Lady Miralix and a number of hunters proceeded to explain the plans they made for the first round of attack.
The projection demonstrated various scenarios that might happen. The Felixia Catstrikers had to be prepared for every eventuality.
What if Zeigra wasn't alone and enjoyed the company of another huge cat?
What if the Crown Cat sniffed out their presence long ago and quietly slinked away?
What if Zeigra turned out to be stronger than anticipated and pressed the Catstrikers back?
What if Zeigra avoided the mechs and instead launched an ambush towards the vulnerable legged transports?
Emphasizing good preparation, Lady Miralix demanded a ready answer to all of these questions and more.
The leadership and competence she exhibited soothed everyone's nerves. She possessed a good foundation to take charge in her future roles in the Sentinel Kingdom's military.
\"As you all know, the first round is critical. Even if we don't encounter any surprises, Zeigra may still be able to overpower our mechs through sheer brute force.\"
No one wanted to see this happen, especially not during the first round of combat when Zeigra fought at his peak!
\"If worse comes to worst, my Kinslayer and I will step in to push Zeigra into retreat!\"
\"No!\"
\"That's too reckless!\"
\"Your mech won't be able to hold when it matters the most!\"
\"SILENCE!\"
The woman strongly pressed everyone into shutting their mouths. She glared at everyone who expressed their doubts.
\"I know what you are afraid of, but that was when we still had our old mechs! It's different now! Remember that we have a new guest among us! We are in the company of a mech designer who is famed for creating miracles and has an abundant amount of experience in repairing mechs in the field!\"
Everyone turned their attention to Ves, making him feel very uncomfortable all of a sudden.
\"Mr. Larkinson here will make sure that any deterioration my mech might suffer will doubtlessly be remedied for future confrontations! Isn't that right?\"
Ves offered a nervous smile. \"I appreciate your compliments, but the spare parts, supplies and equipment you've brought can only do so much. I can probably patch or jury-rig some minor damage, but if Zeigra rips off an entire limb from the Kinslayer, repairing such heavy damage is beyond my capabilities!\"
\"I'll make sure my Kinslayer won't be pushed to that point.\" She grinned back. \"You can rest at ease, Mr. Larkinson. Everything is under control.\"
If there was one thing the Laternas excelled at, it was in maintaining control!