Chapter 405: Joining Angel (1)
However, Sherilyn replied with a hint of disappointment, "Unfortunately, Celestial Being only manufactured five Solar Furnaces in total, and Angel was allocated just one.
Even though we have four Gundams, only one can sortie at a time. The other three can only serve as backups."
Looking at the four Gundams, Tolle narrowed his eyes with a smile. "Then let me think of a way. Maybe I can find an alternative energy source so they can all operate at once."
Just then, with electromagnetic shackles hanging from both wrists and a remote-controlled bomb strapped around his neck, Fon Spaak walked out with his hands in his pockets, swaggering like a street thug.
Laughing wildly, he said, "Hahaha! Is this the new pilot?
You've got guts—talking about finding alternative energy to activate them all at once. If you can really pull that off, that'd be exciting.
But whether you're truly as capable as VEDA claims is still questionable. How about we get to know each other a little better?"
"Fon Spaak!" Sherilyn said angrily. "Watch your words! You were only freed because VEDA recognized your MS piloting skills. Otherwise, you would have already been executed by the government forces."
Fon shrugged indifferently. "Yeah, yeah, all thanks to VEDA. I just want to test the rookie's piloting skills. No need to be so tense.
You said yourself he's recognized by VEDA. So why are you acting like a protective mother?
Besides, we've got simulation trainers. What could possibly happen? At most, he'll pass out for a bit."
"You—!" Before Sherilyn could continue, Tolle reached out and stopped her.
He had long wanted to compete with this ace pilot. Ever since his piloting skills had reached A-rank, he hadn't truly tested them. This was the perfect chance to use Fon as his first victory.
Tolle looked at Fon and said, "That's fair. Without showing some real skill, it's hard to convince anyone."
Then he turned to Sherilyn. "Sister Sherilyn, let me spar with him. It'll be a good way to gauge my actual level. That way, we'll have a concrete reference for future missions."
Sherilyn looked worried. "Dax, those simulation trainers aren't the stationary kind. They fully replicate the acceleration and motion of a real mobile suit.
Without professional training, it's easy to injure your body."
"It's fine. Don't worry. I've piloted MS before. I'll be fine."
"Oh? Looks like the rookie's got some experience." Fon shot Tolle a provocative glance. "Commander, the rookie says he's fine. Let him show his talent."
Sherilyn glared fiercely at Fon, then turned back to Tolle with concern. "If you feel uncomfortable once you're inside the simulator, stop immediately. Don't push yourself."
"Don't worry. I won't."
On the way to the training room, Wang Liu Mei gently nudged Tolle and whispered, "Are you really okay? You can still back out now. I've heard some reserve pilots fainted on those simulators when they first started."
Tolle lowered his head and whispered into her ear, "Thanks for worrying, my dear fiancée. I'll be fine. I personally test-flew the new unit we built for the [Human Reform League]."
Feeling his breath against her ear, Wang Liu Mei flushed red but maintained her proud tone. "Who's your wife? We're not married yet!
And I'm not worried about you. I just don't want you throwing up in my car when I drive you back."
"Alright, alright. I understand, my cute and kind fiancée. Even if I get motion sickness, I won't throw up in your car."
"Hmph! You jerk." Feeling teased, Wang Liu Mei puffed her cheeks and stopped talking.
Soon, they arrived at the training room.
Sherilyn asked the petite maintenance officer who was making final preparations, Sherilyn Hyde, "Sherilyn, are the simulators ready?"
After completing the last adjustments, Sherilyn wiped the grease from her face. "Sister Sherilyn, everything's ready. They can start anytime."
"Thank you, Sherilyn."
Sherilyn turned to Tolle and Fon with a serious expression. "Alright, you may begin. But before that, let me reiterate—we'll be teammates from now on. Regardless of the outcome, no resentment. Understood?"
Tolle and Fon looked at each other and answered in unison, "No problem." ×2
Tolle then asked, "Are we using data from the four Gundams for simulation? Can we choose freely, or are we using identical units?"
"Same unit for both," Sherilyn decided after a moment. Then she instructed, "Sherilyn, load Gundam Astraea's data into both simulators. Battlefield: asteroid belt. Let them fight fairly."
"Roger." Sherilyn quickly worked at the console and completed the setup.
After exchanging another glance, Tolle and Fon each entered their respective simulator cockpits.
Once inside the simulation, Tolle immediately began maneuvering the simulated Gundam Astraea, performing various movements to familiarize himself with its mobility.
"As expected of a Solar Furnace unit. It's moving at Tallgeese-level speed without overwhelming acceleration. Even in simulation, this feels incredible."
After finishing his adjustments, Tolle switched weapons—Prototype GN Sword in his right hand, GN Beam Rifle in his left.
He pushed the control lever forward and charged at maximum speed through the asteroid field toward Fon's position.
On the other side, Fon watched Tolle's white-colored Astraea weaving and spiraling at high speed through the asteroid belt. He burst into laughter. "Hahaha! Looks like the rookie's got some skills. Now I can have some real fun."
He piloted his red-colored Astraea, dual-barrel GN Beam Machine Gun in his right hand and Prototype GN Sword in his left, and accelerated into the asteroid field, showcasing his own expertise.
As they closed distance, Fon fired first, unleashing a barrage from the dual-barrel GN Beam Machine Gun.
Tolle made a light turn, slipping behind an asteroid to evade the attack. Then he forcefully rammed several nearby asteroids toward Fon, using them to block his path.
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