Paptimus Scirocco wasn't insane for considering concentrating his remaining forces to assault Gryps II at this moment.
In truth, Paptimus Scirocco was thinking very clearly. Communications with the Jupiteris at their rear had been completely severed. The last message received indicated that the Aries was launching a surprise attack against them.
With Reid Isaac already appearing on the frontlines, it was highly probable that the Jupiteris had fallen. He could decisively conclude that his retreat path had been cut off.
Gathering forces to retake the Jupiteris would be meaningless—if Reid ordered its self-destruction, the ship would still be lost. It was better to go all-in on winning the frontline battle, after which the Jupiteris would no longer matter.
Similarly, Scirocco couldn't simply retreat to the reinforcement fleet either. A full rout on his part would only result in the Colony Laser wiping out the support fleet, and he certainly couldn't outrun its firing range.
Of course, Paptimus Scirocco had no intention of facing Reid and his madwoman head-on again.
His plan was simple: seize control of the Colony Laser and obliterate Neo Zeon's forces with a single shot. Then, rather than engaging Reid's group directly, he'd abandon the Titans forces here and rendezvous with the reinforcements, retaining his position as the Titans' leader.
As for Reid's team charging into the Titans' main force to hunt him down—Scirocco considered that impossible. With Neo Zeon's main force absent, who would recklessly attempt a three-unit decapitation strike against hundreds of Mobile Suits when victory was already assured? After all, Neo Zeon currently held overwhelming battlefield superiority.
Truthfully, Scirocco's assessment was correct. Had he chosen to flee now, Reid would undoubtedly pursue him for the Merit Points.
But with Scirocco opting for a full assault instead, Reid naturally prioritized regrouping with Neo Zeon first. There was a world of difference between beating a retreating enemy and single-handedly confronting an entire pack.
Kamille and Emma Sheen had no choice but to withdraw as well. Their mission had been to retrieve Katz Kobayashi, but by all measures, they'd failed completely.
With both Neo Zeon and the Titans now converging on Gryps II, the war was far from over. The Argama would soon face another grueling defensive battle.
Meanwhile, upon seeing Paptimus Scirocco rally his forces and charge toward Gryps II, Reid knew the enemy commander wouldn't flee. Satisfied, Reid avoided reckless advancement and instead led Ange and Noin to regroup with Neo Zeon's main force.
However, during their approach, Reid witnessed a beam comparable to a Buster Beam Rifle slice through Neo Zeon's formation—instantly destroying at least thirty Gaza-C units.
The source of this beam required no speculation. At this stage of the conflict, only one weapon could produce such firepower: the Hyaku Shiki's FHA-03M1 Super MEGA Particle Cannon.
Flying closer, the situation unfolded just as Reid had anticipated. The Hyaku Shiki, protected by the remaining two AEUG warships and all operational Mobile Suits, relentlessly swept through the Neo Zeon fleet with its FHA-03M1 Super MEGA Particle Cannon, driving them back.
Haman considered stopping it, but the AEUG's defenses were impenetrable. Three or four Reams units formed a shield wall with their Anti-Beam Shields, blocking the Qubeley's Funnels.
It could only be said that the Funnels of this era weren't powerful enough—the Anti-Beam Shields easily deflected most of their attacks.
Moreover, the Argama and Radish laid down a dense barrage of fire, making it difficult for the Qubeley to close in.
However, the AEUG was merely clinging on. In terms of firepower, Neo Zeon's main forces were all here. With so many Mobile Suits, even if they didn't all use the High-energy MEGA Particle Destroyer Cannons with their rated output of 6.7MW, just the combined firepower of their "small pipes" like the Methuss's beams could overwhelm the two ships.
It was only because the new recruits were intimidated by the FHA-03M1 Super MEGA Particle Cannon's power, and Haman wanted to preserve her forces rather than ordering a full assault, that the Argama and Radish had held out this long.
But this was the end. When Captain Bright on the Argama noticed the Titans charging toward them, followed by Kamille reporting that Reid Isaac was also approaching, he quickly assessed their remaining Mobile Suits—aside from the Gundam Team, only seven were left, including the Methuss still undergoing emergency repairs. Without hesitation, he ordered:
"Kamille, Char, we're breaking through. We can't hold this position any longer!!"
Kamille was furious upon hearing this. After all the effort they'd put in, after so many lives lost—to retreat at the final moment? Wouldn't those sacrifices be in vain?
She immediately protested, "Captain Bright, what's the point of retreating now? If we leave, won't Katz's death—and all the AEUG ships lost—be for nothing?"
Bright understood Kamille's feelings, but holding out further was meaningless. Besides, he had no intention of handing the Colony Laser over to Neo Zeon or the Titans. He replied firmly:
"Of course we won't retreat without doing anything. Kaiser, take control of the Colony Laser now—aim it at the Titans' support fleet. Then overload all its Nuclear Pulse Engines. Calculate the critical time limit and fire ten seconds before it reaches its breaking point.
"After firing, immediately activate the self-destruct sequence. If Neo Zeon and the Titans are still near the Colony Laser when it blows... well, the overloaded Nuclear Pulse Engines' explosion will give them quite the surprise.
"Lieutenant Quattro (Char's alias in the AEUG), Kamille—hold off the enemy pursuit, especially Reid Isaac. Keep him in your sights. If he cloaks near our ships again, the Argama and Radish won't stand a chance."
Bright's plan was simple: if they couldn't hold the Colony Laser, neither side would get it.
Destroying it outright would be wasteful—might as well take a shot at either Neo Zeon or the Titans first.
However, the main force of Neo Zeon was already near the Colony Laser at this point. To attack them, the Colony Laser would have to turn significantly. It would be better to continue targeting the approaching Titans support fleet instead. At least due to the extreme distance, they couldn't observe the situation here at all, making it nearly impossible to evade the Colony Laser's attack.
After Bright Noa finished speaking, Kamille breathed a sigh of relief. If the final outcome of this war was her having to break through just to escape, she would truly feel uneasy. After all, she could sense the fallen still watching her from the battlefield.
Thus, the Argama and Radish immediately changed course after setting the Colony Laser's program, fleeing in the opposite direction of the cannon's muzzle.
At this moment, Reid had just rendezvoused with Haman when he saw the Argama and Radish changing direction.
Reid instantly realized Bright intended to escape. He couldn't let this duck fly away when it was already in his mouth. Without hesitation, he said to Haman:
"Haman, first arrange for someone to occupy the Colony Laser and defend against Paptimus Scirocco's attack. The AEUG is trying to replicate our earlier tactics—I'll deal with them. Just provide support when you're done if the opportunity arises."
"Gaia, Ortega, Mash—you three bypass the combat zone at top speed and head to the Aries. Have them flank around to intercept the Argama and Radish. If we let them escape here, catching them later will be troublesome."
"Oh, and tell Une if possible—don't sink the Argama. I have an idea for that ship. We'll need it for experiments later."
Haman naturally agreed to Reid's suggestions without hesitation. After all, Reid always took on the toughest challenges himself while leaving the easier tasks for her. How could she refuse such a considerate man?
Seeing Haman and the Black Tri-Stars spring into action, Reid immediately charged toward the Argama and Radish with Ange and Noin.
The AEUG's Mobile Suits all knew the prowess of Reid's trio. Having received their orders, the Reams clustered around the Hyaku-Shiki scattered instantly when the Mystic Lightning, Immortal Aegis, and Wing Gundam came charging. They retreated near the Argama and Radish, continuing to engage the Gaza-C units harassing the two ships.
Meanwhile, the Hyaku-Shiki fired a sweeping shot from its freshly charged FHA-03M1 Super MEGA Particle Cannon at Reid's group to disrupt their assault.
Facing the overwhelming beam from the FHA-03M1 Super MEGA Particle Cannon, Reid's trio had to show some respect. They obediently accelerated upward to evade the beam, momentarily halting their advance.
Once the beam dissipated, the Hyaku-Shiki abandoned its cumbersome cannon and joined the Zeta Gundam and Gundam MK-II in blocking Reid's path.
Seeing the two biggest prizes—the Zeta Gundam and Hyaku-Shiki—hadn't fled, Reid no longer felt urgent about pursuit.
The Argama and Radish were both nearly wrecked, accompanied by six Reams with battered shields. With such a lineup, if the completely unscathed Aries still let them escape, it would be downright absurd. Gaia and the others might as well drop the Black Tri-Stars title and rename themselves the Gray Three Tofus—Xia Yulan and Une would have to write self-criticism reports too.
Seeing Reid and his two companions halt, Kamille still hoped to avoid further conflict. She took the initiative to establish a Laser Communication link between both sides and said:
"Mr. Reid, the AEUG has already retreated. Let's stop fighting. Can you stop pursuing us?"
If anyone else had asked this, Reid would have immediately responded with a Beam Cannon shot, as if to say, "You think you can just decide when to stop? Do you think this battlefield is an amusement park where you can come and go as you please?"
But for Kamille, Reid wanted her to face reality—she wasn't suited for the battlefield. After this battle, it would be better for her to find a quiet place to live in seclusion.
So Reid replied:
"Kamille, if you want us to stop pursuing you, there's one condition: the entire crew of the Argama and Radish must surrender to me unconditionally. I guarantee the safety of all your lives, and I will release every one of you immediately after this battle ends."
Naturally, Kamille couldn't agree to Reid's demand. Even if she trusted Reid, Char and Bright Noa wouldn't.
So Char cut in and responded:
"Surrender is out of the question. Reid Isaac, if you want what you seek, defeat us in battle."
Reid wasn't surprised by this answer. Raising his sword, he said:
"Just as I expected. But, Char, I must say—Kamille isn't cut out for the battlefield. Her heart is too gentle. You shouldn't have led her to this position."
With that, Reid abruptly cut off communications and turned to Ange and Noin:
"Ange, you handle Kamille. Remember, if you suddenly sense overwhelming danger from her, retreat immediately. She can enter a state similar to the Lambda Driver using her own abilities. Your standard weapons will be almost useless against her; only the Lambda Driver can break through her defenses.
But since you're still inexperienced with the Lambda Driver, a direct confrontation is too risky. I suggest you keep your distance and stall for time—her mind can't sustain that state for long.
Noin, the Gundam MK-II is yours. You can choose to shoot it down or capture it—your call."
Having given his orders, Reid immediately piloted the Mystic Lightning, activating its Lambda Driver Mirage Colloid Beam Warping Barrier, and charged straight toward the Hyaku-Shiki.
Ange and Noin, following Reid's commands, engaged their respective opponents.
Char wasn't entirely surprised that Reid had chosen to fight him. After all, he had once been with Zeon—it made sense that the leader of this covert unit would want to "clean house."
So Char maneuvered the Hyaku-Shiki into a retreat while firing a few test shots with his Beam Rifle, hoping to gauge Reid's reaction before deciding his next move.
When Kamille saw Char attacking the Mystic Lightning with a Beam Rifle, she urgently warned over the internal comms:
"Captain Quattro, Beam Weapons are ineffective against Mr. Reid's Mobile Suit!!"
But Kamille's warning came too late. Worse, her momentary distraction in front of Ange was practically suicidal—in the first exchange, Ange sliced off the Zeta Gundam's High-Energy MEGA Particle Cannon.
Meanwhile, Char, like all pilots encountering the Mirage Colloid Beam Warping Field for the first time, stared in shock as his beams were deflected. Before he could react, the Mystic Lightning closed the distance in an instant.
But Char was still Char. Faced with the Mystic Lightning's High-Heat Twin Blades, he swiftly hurled his Beam Rifle directly at the oncoming blades while tilting his Mobile Suit sideways.
As the Heat Saber cleaved through the Beam Rifle, its ammunition detonated. The explosion's flash momentarily obscured the main camera feed.
So Reid didn't immediately notice that the Hyaku Shiki had already tilted sideways, causing his first right-handed horizontal slash to miss. When he tried to follow up with a downward stab using his left hand, the Hyaku Shiki kicked against the leg armor of the Mystic Lightning, disrupting its balance while simultaneously using its thrusters to create distance—making Reid miss again.
But Reid wasn't so easily dealt with. He quickly adjusted his Mobile Suit's posture, raised his right arm straight, and fired three consecutive shots from the twin-linked Beam Cannons at the Hyaku Shiki, which was now retreating at full speed.
At this moment, the Hyaku Shiki was no different from a target at a shooting range—all three shots hit their mark.
However, the Hyaku Shiki was fully coated with anti-beam coating. A normal Mobile Suit would have been destroyed by a single shot from the Mystic Lightning's Beam Cannon, but the Hyaku Shiki could withstand much more.
The three shots struck the Hyaku Shiki's right leg, left shoulder, and head display.
The damage inflicted was as follows: the right leg armor was completely destroyed, causing a small explosion. The internal electrical components were visibly damaged, with arcs of electricity sparking out. The left shoulder fared slightly better—only one of the two beams hit, but the entire shoulder armor was blown off, exposing the skeletal frame beneath. As for the head, it was merely grazed; the two cylindrical antennae were melted by the beam, cutting off Char and Kamille's communications.
Reid wasn't one to show mercy once he gained the upper hand, especially not to Char. If Char had the skill, he could survive and stage another comeback in this parallel universe's 0093. If not, then he could just die.
So the Mystic Lightning dashed forward again, closing in on the Hyaku Shiki. By now, the right leg's thrusters had clearly failed, preventing any further backward flight. Left with no choice, the Hyaku Shiki deactivated its thrusters entirely and gripped its Beam Sabers with both hands, clashing head-on with the charging Mystic Lightning.
Naturally, the Hyaku Shiki was sent flying back from the impact.
But Char had a plan even in this desperate exchange. He deliberately adjusted the angle of the clash, using the Mystic Lightning's own force to propel the Hyaku Shiki toward the wreckage of a nearby AEUG warship. The collision with the debris slowed it down.
Without hesitation, Char turned the Hyaku Shiki and took cover inside a gap in the wreckage.
Reid naturally pursued in the Mystic Lightning, only to freeze in surprise upon entering.
Inside the wreckage, the Hyaku Shiki was kneeling in what had once been the Hangar. Its systems were shut down, the cockpit open—fully recoverable. Char had clearly abandoned the Mobile Suit and hidden himself somewhere in the wreckage.
This was one of Char's old tricks. Whenever he lost a fight, as long as the enemy didn't have overwhelmingly powerful weapons, he would exploit their desire to capture him alive or watch him die by fleeing into cramped spaces where Mobile Suits couldn't follow.
If the enemy didn't pursue, simply destroying the cover or just the Mobile Suit from outside would give him a chance to escape in the chaos.
But if they did follow him inside, it would become a battle between humans—giving Char the perfect opportunity for a desperate reversal.
This time, however, Char miscalculated. For Reid, defeating Char meant earning rewards, and forcing him to abandon his Mobile Suit counted as a victory.
So Reid decided to leave Char hiding in the wreckage. "Hope there's still a functional escape pod in there," he thought. "Otherwise, you're just going to rot inside."
He had the system recover the abandoned Hyaku Shiki, then turned the Mystic Lightning around and left without another thought.
After leaving the wreckage of the battleship, Reid noticed that Kamille, who had been relentlessly pursued by Ange, had already transformed her Zeta Gundam into MA Mode and fled the combat zone. From the camera feed, it appeared Kamille had cleverly lured Ange into the chaotic battlefield between Titans and Neo Zeon forces, likely intending to use the Titans' Mobile Suits to hinder Ange's pursuit and buy herself some breathing room.
Meanwhile, on Noin's side, the Wing Gundam held a significant performance advantage over the Gundam MK-II. Emma Sheen was completely overwhelmed, forced to hide behind her Shield while dodging continuously, unable to mount any counterattack.
Seeing this, Reid prepared to eliminate the Gundam MK-II directly. However, he considered that killing Emma Sheen outright would turn her soul into one of the most potent fuels for Kamille's explosive power.
Kamille's soul-powered outburst was something Reid deeply feared—a bug-level ability capable of turning the tide even in desperate situations. If possible, he didn't want to strengthen this power further. (Another reason was that Emma Sheen had ranked among the top three "Best Women in Gundam Series" in an official poll. The author was quite fond of her too, despite finding her hairstyle somewhat unacceptable. Actually killing her off might invite backlash from fans.)
So instead, Reid flanked the Gundam MK-II and swiftly reduced it to a Limbless Suit. With a touch of dark humor, he inserted an MS emergency distress beacon into the neck socket of the crippled Gundam MK-II and gave it a strong push toward the Argama's escape trajectory.
Reid was certain neither Bright Noa nor Henken Bekkener (captain of the Radish, who shared ambiguous ties with Emma Sheen) would abandon her to drift helplessly in space. They would inevitably halt their retreat and dispatch a rescue team—adding another layer of insurance to ensure the Aries could catch up with the two ships.
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