Let's reach 100 Powerstones for an extra chapter
***
"What's going on here? Since when did the Stratton Family develop such a powerful MS?" Alistair Silas, a middle-aged man, asked in a control room, his tone reflecting both shock and professional curiosity as he observed the Original Gundam's battle on a large display.
Edwin Alistair, his younger brother, stood beside him, his brow furrowed in a thoughtful frown as he also watched the engagement unfold.
The Alistair brothers, both members of the Starfall Dynasty's prominent aristocratic families, found themselves in a situation of unforeseen complexity. The Alistair and Stratton families, possessing equally esteemed reputations, frequently engaged in competitive endeavors across various commercial sectors, marked by intense rivalry.
Their motivation for hiring the Gun Wolf Pirate Group had been to apprehend Yumi Kaneshiro, with the intention of pressuring Takeo Kaneshiro to withdraw from an impending military MS bidding process.
To maintain a degree of operational ambiguity, they had discretely acquired GM units and fighter craft from the Western Star Confederacy, intending to obfuscate their involvement.
However, the seemingly straightforward task of capturing Yumi had unexpectedly escalated with the intervention of a previously unknown MS from the Kaneshiro Family. It became evident that Takeo Kaneshiro placed considerable value on his daughter's well-being, deploying what appeared to be their most advanced MS asset to ensure her protection.
Alistair Silas turned to an announcer, inquiring, "What is the current tally of enemy MS units and fighter craft neutralized by this specialized MS?"
"Current estimates indicate the specialized MS has neutralized over thirty enemy MS units and nearly ten fighter craft, predominantly consisting of MS units and fighter craft sourced from the Western Star Confederacy," the announcer reported with precision.
Alistair Silas issued a directive, his voice firm, "Maintain continuous collection of combat telemetry pertaining to this MS asset. Any actionable intelligence is to be relayed immediately."
Ryuuichi's focus is absolute, the constant blare of the cockpit alarm a mere backdrop to the unfolding chaos. The Original Gundam becomes a whirlwind of motion as enemy attacks converge from every angle, each pirate MS and fighter jet vying for a shot at the legendary machine.
The rocket launcher, now an empty husk, is jettisoned into the void, leaving the Beam Rifle, twin Beam Sabers, and the head-mounted 60mm Vulcan cannons as the Gundam's only means of defense. The shield, battered and scarred, bears the marks of countless near misses, while dents of varying sizes mar the Gundam's once pristine surface.
Amidst the storm of laser fire and exploding debris, an enemy MS, brandishing a crude physical sword, lunges at the Original Gundam. The distance closes too rapidly for evasive maneuvers.
Brace for impact!
Ryuuichi raises the tattered shield in a desperate attempt to block the incoming strike. The already compromised shield shatters upon contact, disintegrating into a cloud of metallic fragments. The physical sword slams into the Original Gundam's left arm, sparks erupting from the point of impact.
The Gundam reels, its internal systems momentarily disrupted. Seizing the opportunity, Ryuuichi channels his frustration into a swift counterattack.
With a burst of controlled fury, the Original Gundam pivots, its leg slamming into the attacking MS, sending it spiraling out of control. Before the enemy pilot can recover, Ryuuichi lines up his shot and fires a precise burst from the Beam Rifle, piercing through the cockpit.
One down!
Ryuuichi quickly assesses the damage. The left arm is compromised but not crippled.
Still operational!
With a thought, Ryuuichi activates the Beam Sabers. The Original Gundam now wields a gleaming Beam Saber in its left hand and the Beam Rifle in its right, ready to meet the next assault.
As if on cue, another MS charges from behind, attempting to exploit the Gundam's momentary vulnerability. But Ryuuichi is ready.
The Original Gundam executes a lightning-fast spin, the left-hand Beam Saber arcing through space, bisecting the ambushing MS at its waist. The severed halves drift lifelessly, their internal explosions adding to the spectacle of destruction.
Not today!
Ryuuichi slams his foot on the accelerator, the Original Gundam rocketing forward, weaving a chaotic dance through the battlefield. Beam Rifle fire erupts in staccato bursts, each shot finding its mark with deadly accuracy. The Gundam becomes a blur of motion, dodging incoming fire with impossible precision.
Gotta keep moving!
Ryuuichi's relentless assault draws the enemy's attention, pulling their firepower away from the other Antares MS units and fighter jets. Seizing the reprieve, Hayato, Avina, and Pani unleash their own attacks, adding to the carnage.
A cacophony of desperate pleas fills Luther's comms, "Commander, let's pull out! This MS is a monster! We're getting slaughtered!"
"Commander, I don't want to die!"
Luther's heart aches as he hears the almost tearful shouts from his men. He glances at his radar display, the green dots representing his forces dwindling with alarming speed.
Damn it!
Luther's face contorts in a mask of anguish. His life's work is crumbling before his eyes, the battlefield littered with the wreckage of his ambition. He can't afford to lose any more.
With a heavy heart, Luther issues the order, "All units, retreat! Fall back to the ship!"
A flare bursts in the void, signaling the retreat. The Pirate Group's MS and fighter jets scramble to disengage, fleeing back towards their mothership.
In the span of fifteen minutes, Ryuuichi, piloting the Original Gundam, has single-handedly neutralized over fifty enemy MS units and fighter jets.
His combat performance is nothing short of legendary, drawing the bulk of the enemy's firepower and turning the tide of the battle. But victory comes at a cost.
The Original Gundam's left arm hangs limp, its internal mechanisms severed. Ryuuichi has cut off power to the damaged limb, preventing further complications. The Gundam's entire frame is riddled with dents, a testament to the intensity of the battle.
That was... intense.
Based on the combat data, Ryuuichi concludes that the Original Gundam is somewhat overkill for this level of conflict. Its true potential remains untapped, limited by the inferior capabilities of its opponents.
These guys couldn't even handle a GM.
The enemy MS and fighter jets are not only outmatched by the Original Gundam but also lag far behind even the GM in terms of performance. Their reaction times, speed, and overall maneuverability are woefully inadequate.
This world's MS tech is way behind.
Ryuuichi estimates that even the most advanced MS in this world cannot compare to the early models of the Zaku. He had hoped for a true test of the Original Gundam's abilities, but this skirmish has proven to be little more than a glorified training exercise.
With a sigh of disappointment, Ryuuichi pilots the Original Gundam back to the frigate, the weight of unfulfilled potential heavy on his shoulders.
"Well, that was disappointing."
During his return, Ryuuichi observes the condition of the MS units deployed by his aunt's bodyguards. A good number of them exhibit clear signs of heavy combat, with many showing different levels of battle damage.
Inside the Antares Mercenary Group's escort frigate, Ryuuichi notes the damage sustained by the GM MS piloted by Hayato and the others. Some have broken arms or legs, battle scars from the recent engagement.
Once the Original Gundam is safely docked, Ryuuichi climbs out of the cockpit. He removes his helmet and hands it to the waiting maintenance crew.
As he turns to leave, Yumi approaches, seemingly wanting to engage in a conversation. However, Ryuuichi offers a curt dismissal. He strides past his aunt, ignoring her intentions, and heads directly to his room to rest.
In the days that follow, there are no further attacks or disturbances. The damaged MS are repaired.
Ryuuichi steadfastly declines Yumi's repeated requests to come aboard his frigate. He understands her motivations and is uninterested in complying with her unspoken agenda.
Yumi acknowledges that her nephew is aware of her intentions and is actively avoiding her. Rather than forcing the issue, she decides to bide her time, believing that future opportunities will present themselves.
Upon reaching the Ganze Ancient Country, Ryuuichi refrains from any extended stay or recuperation. Instead, he immediately directs the frigate back to his factory.
Yumi watches from a window as the escort frigate gradually disappears from view. She shakes her head slightly and turns her attention toward her own business.
She overhears her bodyguards animatedly discussing the Original Gundam that her nephew piloted. Their expressions convey shock and envy. It's clear that every bodyguard who pilots an MS wishes they could command such a powerful machine.
Yumi has spent the past few days studying the Original Gundam's combat data. Her analysis reveals that its overall performance is far superior to the new generation MS currently under development by the Kaneshiro Family.
What is even more astonishing is the Original Gundam's impressive armor defense. It withstood numerous shell attacks without being destroyed. The Kaneshiro Family's arms enterprise has yet to develop such advanced armor.
"Incredible attack power, remarkable speed, and amazing defense," Yumi muses. "Such an MS is capable of changing the world. If several such MS were deployed on the battlefield, it could drastically alter the outcome of a war."
"Miss, a communication from the Master," Walter announces as he hands Yumi a communication device.
Yumi accepts the device and answers the call.
"Yumi, are you alright?" Takeo's kind and concerned voice comes through the speaker.
"I'm fine, Dad," she replies.
"That's good. I received the video and data you sent. Was that MS really developed by Ryuuichi?"
"Yes, Dad. It's an MS that Ryuuichi developed. Its codename is Gundam, and it's named Original."
"Where is he now? Is he with you?" Takeo asks.
"He has already left," Yumi replies.
"Why didn't you keep him by your side?" Takeo's tone carries a hint of reproach.
Yumi offers a wry smile. "Dad, Ryuuichi is wary of me. How could I possibly keep him by my side? He didn't even share his contact information with me."
"Then find a way to get his designs. These things are too important to our family. With them, our family's strength will reach a new level."
"Dad, Ryuuichi is your biological grandson, no matter what. Why is your attitude toward him so different from your other grandsons?" Yumi asks.
"If his mother had a clean background, I could accept him. But unfortunately, she was indecent and engaged in that kind of work. Allowing him to bear the Stratton surname is already more than enough grace. You want me to care for that mongrel? Impossible!" Takeo raises his voice.
"Dad, if you treat Ryuuichi like this, you'll regret it sooner or later," Yumi says.
"What would I regret? Do you think that mongrel will be a threat to our family? I would do well to just kill him."
Yumi takes a deep breath to compose herself. "Dad, if you're trying to make me deceive my nephew, then I advise you not to bother. I won't hurt him." With that, Yumi ends the call and throws the device back to Walter.
Walter, having worked for the Kaneshiro Family for many years, understands that Takeo dotes on Yumi. Given her attitude just now, any other member with such an attitude would be prepared for punishment.
"Walter, prepare the vehicle. I'm going to discuss business."
"Yes, Miss," Walter responds.
***
Donate Powerstones for extra chapters
Advance Chapters in my Patreon: patreon.com/Najicablitz