"The Twelfth Independent Technical Division..."
The candidates from the five groups selected by Stan Lee Hawkins arrived at the station of the Twelfth Independent Technical Division. Looking at the Astray Gundams currently being maintained, their hearts were filled with immense anticipation.
Although the mass-produced models of the Gundam Astray Series were no different from the Astray Gundam in shape and appearance, these elites, who were very familiar with MS, could still feel the gap between them.
"Are you the exchange team sent by Colonel Hawkins?" At this moment, Amuro and Gai Murakumo came to greet them.
"Pardon us." The members of the exchange team stood at attention and saluted. Yesterday's battle had already conquered the hearts of these elites, even if the ranks of those present were higher than Amuro's and Gai Murakumo's.
"Follow us." After returning the salute, Amuro and Gai Murakumo led them toward the training ground. Along the way, Amuro and Gai Murakumo also introduced themselves. "I am Amuro Ray, the Interceptor of the 1st Squad. This is Gai Murakumo, Captain of the 10th Squad."
"1st Squad!?" Everyone in the exchange team was surprised. Before coming to the Twelfth Independent Technical Division, they had done their homework. The MS combat units of the Twelfth Independent Technical Division were divided into 10 squads, each with a size equivalent to a battalion in a conventional force. The 9th and 10th squads were the last to be established, so their strength was relatively weaker. The first few squads were comparable in strength, but the 1st Squad was the undisputed strongest, and the Captain of the 1st Squad was Yang Hui himself.
Looking at Amuro, who was only a teenager, they never expected him to be a member of the 1st Squad.
"Young man, you're from the 1st Squad?" Maximilian Michael asked with a strange expression.
"Yes, Sergeant Michael. I am the 1st Squad's Interceptor. In combat, I am responsible for providing fire cover from the mid-line and intercepting enemy units, supporting the vanguard while protecting the rearguard." Amuro did not get angry, calmly introducing his position and responsibilities in the squad.
"..." Everyone fell silent. Although no one said it explicitly, nor did they have the courage to do so, they all began to harbor doubts in their hearts. Even if they had witnessed the Asura's hell with their own eyes yesterday, Amuro was simply too young.
"We're here." Along the way, Gai Murakumo didn't say a word until they reached the training ground, where he spoke for the first time.
The exchange team stopped and saw that the MS pilots of the Twelfth Independent Technical Division were all performing simulations.
"Don't you perform basic physical training?" Pierce P. Rell asked.
"Physical training is conducted in the morning. The afternoon is for practical skills training and theoretical study," Amuro answered.
"Theoretical study?"
"Yes." Facing the confusion of the exchange team, Amuro patiently explained, "Everyone in the MS units must not only strengthen their physical fitness and MS piloting skills but also learn theoretical knowledge such as tactical command, military topography, wilderness survival, and basic mechanical technology. Because our missions are very dangerous, we usually go deep behind enemy lines without support or supplies, and sometimes we even get separated from the main force. Having more knowledge increases our survival rate."
"But mechanical theory and such... isn't that a bit much?" Maximilian Michael wondered. He could understand tactical command, military topography, and wilderness survival, as those were all useful military knowledge, but mechanical technology... wasn't that something only maintenance crew and researchers needed to know?
"If you are behind enemy lines and your Mobile Suit malfunctions and needs maintenance or repair, what do you do?" At this point, Gai Murakumo asked.
"This..."
Gai Murakumo's question left everyone stunned, and it also made them realize. It turned out that these things they deemed useless would play a very important role in combat missions, greatly improving their survival rate and combat efficiency.
"As expected of the strongest; the requirements are far too high." Someone clicked their tongue and shook their head. They had thought the gap between them was only in MS piloting skills, but they found that the other party surpassed them by far too much.
"After all, there are no maintenance crews to support us in enemy-occupied areas, so we need to do it ourselves. However, such high requirements aren't necessary when you first join the division."
Amuro was already dropping hints to everyone present, but many did not notice. Only the four members of the White Wild Dog team, who had been personally invited by Yang Hui, heard the deeper meaning.
"It seems we aren't the only ones being headhunted," Maximilian Michael whispered to his teammates.
"That's not our concern," Pierce P. Rell said. How many people the Twelfth Independent Technical Division wanted to poach was irrelevant to them. Their purpose for this trip was to learn more about the Twelfth Independent Technical Division and then make a final decision.
"Yes, yes, I know." Maximilian Michael gave a casual wave, having grown accustomed to being rebuffed.
"Excuse me, is it only the MS units here?" Anida Julian raised her hand and asked. She wasn't an MS pilot to begin with; she wanted to know more about the Twelfth Independent Technical Division's CIC.
"Yes, because we drop directly from space, only the MS units came this time. The Luna will arrive in Australia in two days."
"The Luna! Is it the first ship of the Federation's newest mainstay Kirin-class warships, the Luna?" When the Luna was mentioned, stars twinkled in everyone's eyes. An MS would always be the first choice for a partner, and second only to an MS was a giant space warship. No man could refuse that.
"Yes."
"Awesome!" several people exclaimed.
"Excuse me, after the Luna arrives, can I study under Captain Badgiruel?" Anida Julian asked excitedly.
"You know Captain Badgiruel?" Amuro asked in surprise.
"Of course! Captain Natarle Badgiruel, the first female Lieutenant Colonel captain in the Federal Army, and also the first captain of a Kirin-class warship. In the battles of the Twelfth Independent Technical Division, she commanded the Luna to achieve countless terrifying feats. She's my idol!"
"Uh..." Amuro's lip twitched. He hadn't expected Natarle to have such a fanatic fan in the Federal Army. "...I'm not sure about that. So far, the only one Captain Badgiruel has mentored is Major Brad. He was the First Officer of the Luna before becoming the captain of the second ship, the White Base. Besides, we still have missions to carry out, so..."
Anida Julian understood what Amuro meant. He wasn't rejecting her, but reminding her that if she wanted to learn from Natarle, it would depend on Natarle's own wishes, and... it would also depend on her own choice.
Just then, everyone's attention was drawn to a commotion nearby, and they all looked over.
"George, you're not fighting fair!" Ford Romfellow jumped out of the simulation pod and pointed at Giorgio Miguel, who was also rising from a simulation pod, and cursed.
"Training is actual combat. The Colonel taught us that," Giorgio Miguel shrugged and teased.
"Dammit! If you've got the guts, fight me head-on! What kind of skill is it to fire from 1,000 kilometers away!?"
"Who told you that you couldn't catch up to us?"
"Tch, 10 against 4, there's no pride in winning."
"At least I can accurately take you out with one shot."
"You bastard! I... hmm? Amuro, you're back! Perfect! Come on, quickly, let's take revenge together..."
"I thank you for finally noticing me. Can you please stop embarrassing yourself?" Amuro held his face in frustration. Usually, it was fine; everyone was familiar with Ford Romfellow's personality and style. But there were outsiders here, especially since some of them might join them.
"Uh..." Ford Romfellow also noticed the presence of the exchange team. His old face flushed, and he awkwardly ducked back into the simulation pod to restart his training.
"This guy." Giorgio Miguel shook his head and laughed. He had been lectured so many times, yet he still hadn't learned his lesson. "Welcome. I am Giorgio Miguel, Captain of the 5th Squad."
"Hello. What was that just now...?"
"Ford Romfellow, the 3rd Assaulter of the 1st Squad. Don't mind him; he's quite childish."
"Uh... it's fine, it's fine."
"Amuro, what are the plans next?" Giorgio Miguel asked.
"This afternoon's theory class is canceled. The Colonel asked us to let them experience our training mode," Amuro reported.
"Is that so?" Hearing this, the corners of Giorgio Miguel's mouth curled up. He walked over to an empty simulation pod and tapped it. "Find an empty seat yourself. Who's going first?"
"I'll go." Three voices spoke at once.
Pierce P. Rell, Gao Liang, and Maximilian Michael were the first to step out and take a position. They had come to familiarize themselves with the Twelfth Independent Technical Division, and they wouldn't miss such an opportunity.
The others were still hesitating, afraid of losing face and not wanting to be the first to stick their necks out. But seeing the White Wild Dog squad take the lead, they couldn't stand still either. Soon, they snatched up all the remaining simulation pods.
Giorgio Miguel nodded to Amuro and Gai Murakumo and connected the simulation pod's communication.
"Everyone, let's start directly. You've all done the basic training programs, right?"
"Yes."
"Report the highest level you've passed."
"LV.3"
"LV.4"
"LV.5"
...
Hearing these figures, Giorgio Miguel and the others couldn't help but shake their heads. The best among them was Pierce P. Rell, who had passed LV.6. However, the passing mark for the Twelfth Independent Technical Division was LV.7. Without reaching this level, let alone individual strength, they wouldn't even be able to keep up with the squad's coordination.
"Now, we will start from the highest level each of you has passed. There is no upper limit. Please do your best to break your own records. Begin."
"!"
Everyone was still surprised, but seeing the screens of the simulation pods light up, they all pulled their thoughts back and focused on the current training program. Although they knew the chasm between them and the Twelfth Independent Technical Division, they also wanted to leave a good first impression.
And then...
"Tsk, tsk, it's painful to watch."
Perhaps it was because of the nerves; it was fine at the beginning, steady and sure, until pressure began to build midway through a level. After struggling through the current level, the pressure spiked, and they began to fall into disarray.
--Enjoying the story? Want more chapters? Check out my Patreon and support me for 40+ advance chapters.
Just search for "TLGod" on Patreon!"
Thanks!