The security team of the Lowminer convoy defended well against the incoming flux of bandits. Although they were outnumbered, they fought smartly, with remarkable calm and composure.
Rui, on the other hand, was not quite as calm.
('Think.') Rui urged. ('Why would they discard the element of surprise, attack us head on and that too without the Martial Apprentices?')
Rui had thoroughly memorized the intel provided by the Martial Union in the mission bill, the presence of Martial Apprentices as well as their well-executed ambushes that exploited the element of surprise had been the two major reasons they cleanly succeeded in their strikes.
What was to be inferred from their intentions if they did not use either of these two main elements that was responsible for their victories?
('It means they have no intention of winning through this particular battle. But then why even send them at all then?') Rui wondered.
All decisions were driven by incentives and disincentives, gains and loss, reward and risk. By simply applying this principle, one could gain insights into the minds of others. As far as Rui could see, there was either something to be gained through this battle, or something they could avoid losing.
('Intel.') Rui quickly realized. ('They're trying to learn more about the risk associated with attacking us.')
This was not only plausible, it was the only realistic possibility. Rui knew that the convoy was aware of the hidden operation of the Lowminer Industries as well as their presence, although they had not conveyed this to anyone, this knowledge would be reflected in their demeanor, as well as their responses in times of crises.
('They're not acting like they would if we weren't there.')
Rui's shot wide open at this. If this was truly the goal of the bandits, to evaluate the risk of attacking the convoy by gauging their response and sense of security. Even if their initial goal to draw out all the security measures set up by the Lowminers, they still gained valuable information about the convoy even if Rui and his friends stayed in their carriage.
('This is bad.') Rui grimaced.
The bandits were much smarter and sharper than he'd expected. These guys were definitely not ordinary grunts!
('More specifically, they must have an incredibly intelligent leader.') Rui mused. ('Now then, what to do?')
* * * * * * * * * * *
"There's one thing I don't understand boss." Feilin said.
The blonde-haired man continued gazing at the battle.
"Why aren't the Martial Apprentices acting, if they're even there in the first place?" She asked with a dubious expression.
"What do you think they normally would do if they were present in the convoy?" He asked. "Commissioned for a regular bodyguard mission, let's say."
"Well, they would have joined the battle and defended the convoy from our men, right?" She replied with a confused expression.
"And if they were there, the fact that they didn't do this tells us what?"
"...It tells us that this isn't a regular bodyguard commission, otherwise they would have done exactly what you said earlier." He told her. "But why would it not be a regular commission?"
"Commissions made to the Martial Union are aimed at fulfilling an objective that can be fulfilled via Martial force. Different commissions fulfill different objectives." He briefly explained. "Thus, from this premise it can be inferred that if their commission is different from the norm... Then their objective is also different from the norm."
Feilin grew more confused. "A different objective?"
"An additional objective, to be more precise." He said. "Normally the objective would be to simply protect the convoy, or the important goods, atleast. What additional objective do you think there could be?"
He sighed. "An objective that the Lowminers would logically want. An objective that involves Martial force and conflict. An objective that requires Martial Apprentices. An objective that is to be fulfilled in the Shadow Trails."
He glanced at her, meeting her eyes. "What objective fulfills all those conditions?"
Realization dawned upon Feilin. "The objective of dealing with us, once and for all."
"Something to that effect." He turned back to the battlefield. "From the response of the convoy, the probability of Martial Apprentices somewhere within the convoy, or at a distance is not low. It could also be that they have certain powerful esoteric technological solutions at hand as well, though this is unlikely, because the logistical measures needed to for such solutions would be too noticeable."
He paused before continuing. "Martial Apprentices are equally powerful, but with zero logistical and inventory constraints."
"So what do we do?" She asked.
"We wait." He replied. "If they are there, they'll act sooner or later. One is at their most vulnerable at the moment of victory."
Down at the battlefield, the bandit force had just shown signs of managing to break through the perimeter and headed straight for the storage carriages.
"It's time." Rui stated. "Dalen, Kane and Fae. I suggest the three of you go." Rui instructed. "Milliana and I should stay."
"You're just trying to dodge some work, aren't you? You Martial Shirker." He grumbled, even as he followed Rui's words
His instructions didn't receive much resistance from the remaining Martial Artists either. Rui could be scarily sharp, everybody knew this. His absurd performance on the mental attributes of the evaluation exam a year ago had not been forgotten.
"Why did you make only the two of us stay?" Milliana asked out of curiosity, once the three of their teammates had left and had begun reinforcing the perimeter.
"They're a balanced team." He stated. "Defense, offense and maneuvering. They give the impression that they're a single team all by themselves."
"...So what does that have to do with us staying back."
"I want the hidden bandits to believe that those three are the only Martial Apprentices hired by the Lowminers."
"Hidden bandits?" Milliana tilted her head in confusion.
('Ah I forgot she's an airhead.')
"This mission wouldn't be graded six if the bandit group was that small and weak. These are merely pawns." He explained. "In Chess, the pawns are the weakest."