"Captain Axel, Federation forces spotted. Leave the attack signal to us?" the Rhinocerous captain asks via comms, subtly asserting DC's control over Desert Cross. Understandable—they don't want an outsider stealing their first step as Neue DC.
"Fine. It's your op. I'm just backup, here to break in my unit," I reply.
"Appreciated," he says, restraining a frown at my casual tone. More disciplined than Kenneth Garrett, at least.
"This is Neue DC's first operation! Prove we're worthy of leading the charge! Show our guests no shame! Our blade, not the Federation's, will strike the aliens! All units, attack!" the captain rallies.
Pilots surge from Rhinocerous and the air fortress Stoke—Lion, Garlion, Barrelion, Landlion, Shadow Mirror's Solpressa fighters, Fürgia hover tanks, and Neue DC's prized Landgriz. Over a hundred units swarm the unprepared Federation fleet.
The Federation's slow response—mass-produced Gespenst Mk-IIs, Lions, Garlions, and a few Huckebein Mk-IIs—takes heavy losses.
"Can't just watch," I mutter, activating Grow Savior's Tesla Drive, lifting into the air.
The balance feels off—upgrades shifted its weight. With my Air-S terrain rank, I adjust in minutes.
"Let's test Ranse Kanone."
I unfold Chronos' lower barrels, aiming where DC isn't. A group of Garlions and Lions moves to flank. "Eat this!"
Ranse Kanone's twin beams fire relentlessly. Its power surpasses Halberd Launcher, with superior rapid-fire. A barrage—not area denial like Halberd, but pinpoint devastation. The Lion-Garlion squad crumbles in under a minute, all downed.
Downside? Lemon's customization swapped ammo for energy, guzzling power. Normal units couldn't handle it, but Grow Savior's Chrono Engine copes.
"Captain Axel, thanks," the captain comms, suspicious but courteous.
"No big deal. Just breaking in the unit," I say.
"That machine… resembles the Invisible Man, doesn't it?"
He's sharp, digging into alien tech rumors. The Federation considers Grow Savior, dubbed Invisible Man, an Aerogater unit—high-priority, classified. Archibald's retreat didn't spark chatter; either it was missed, or someone—Vindel, maybe?—had Isurugi Heavy Industries bury it via Grassman Graien.
"What? This is Shadow Mirror's custom job. Questions?" I deflect.
"None. Keep supporting our units," he says, backing off to avoid friction. A capable guy—too loyal for recruitment, though.
Per Vindel's orders, I hold back. "Phantom!"
Ten Phantoms launch from Chronos, aiding struggling DC units. I stab a Lion's back with a laser blade, then snipe a Gespenst Mk-II targeting a Barrelion.
"T-LINK's perfect," I note. Vaisaga's Direct Feedback System lagged, stressing me out. El Eins might've been better. My style's molded to T-LINK's precision. I wield Phantoms freely across the battlefield, resisting full sync to stay cautious.
"Targeting me?" A Huckebein Mk-II, Rectangle Launcher aimed, charges.
"One unit against Grow Savior? Underestimating me."
I fire head Vulcans to pin it, then launch Fire Daggers from the chest. It downs some with Rectangle Launcher, then switches to head Vulcans and beam sword to parry. Decent pilot for a Fed.
"Need help, Captain?" the captain asks. Most Federation units are down or surrendering.
"Nah, I'll end this quick."
"Accelerate, Focus, Effort!"
Using three spirit commands, I boost Chronos to 60%, slipping behind the Huckebein. "Greipnir Thread!"
T-LINK activates the threads, ensnaring the enemy. "Phantom!"
Ten Phantoms swarm, laser blades piercing the Huckebein, sending it crashing.
"Good enough for a shakedown."
The ambush ends in DC's total victory.
Back at Earth Cradle's strategy room, Lemon, Vindel, Echidna, and—rarely—Wodan await.
"Welcome back. Ambush succeeded. How's the upgraded Grow Savior?" Lemon asks.
"Not pushed to the limit, but solid. Ranse Kanone's great, head Vulcans flawless. W16's side?"
"All units shot down, but we got improvement data. Hagane was delayed as planned," Lemon says.
Hagane's absence was key—its knack for defying odds and ace pilots could've tipped the scales.
"Evidence cleaned up?" Vindel asks.
"Of course. Ban's watchers didn't catch on. W17 will handle any leaks," Lemon assures. Mass-produced Ws self-destruct if disabled, keeping secrets safe.
"Next phase?" Lemon prompts.
"W15?" I glance at Wodan.
"Adjustments done. Ready," Lemon confirms.
"Good for silencing the Federation and Ban," Vindel adds.
"Target… Wolf?" Lemon asks, eyeing me—Kyosuke Nanbu.
"Do it. I'm joining, though," I say.
"It's DC's show. No full power to hide our cards, okay?" Vindel warns.
It's been a while since facing Hagane. I'm curious about their progress, but that's on hold. "Fine."
How will Hagane react to the Invisible Man? Should be interesting.