"Impressive. Neue DC's not half bad," Vindel's voice echoes on Shirogane's bridge, tinged with admiration.
He's on a comm. Something's up?
"Vindel, what's happening?" I ask for Lemon, who's watching curiously.
"Neue DC retook Hawaii from the Inspectors," Vindel replies.
"Guess that's the former ethnic liberation leader for you," Lemon quips.
"Yeah. Ban led the charge himself on Rhinoceros," Vindel adds.
"Then Operation Plantagenet's next stop is Langley Base," Lee says, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. He was under Kenes at Langley once.
"Lee, Kenes was incompetent, but Hagane's a capable unit. Don't make them your enemy," Vindel warns.
"I get it rationally… but emotionally, I can't," Lee admits.
"Even the 'Perfect' can't fully control emotions," I note. Complete control might make one less human.
"Hawaii's liberation means Earth's forces—Federation and Neue DC—are gaining the upper hand in Plantagenet," Vindel says.
"Thanks to their cooperation," Lemon adds.
"In our world's history, a Neue DC faction joined the Inspectors next. Never thought we'd play that role," Vindel muses.
Shadow-Mirror making a historic pivot. Ironic.
"Got a problem with that?" Vindel asks, noticing my silence.
I shake my head. "No. Our fight's bigger than small gripes."
Our fight—against the Einsteins. Vindel probably thinks I mean returning to our world.
I notice Lee, silent, deep in thought. The Inspectors, alien like the Aerogators, must trouble him.
"Lee, still can't stomach allying with aliens like the Inspectors?" I ask.
"If it's a necessary step to build the ultimate army and secure Earth through struggle, I'll endure. But, Colonel…" Lee's tone is bitter.
"I know what you're saying, Lieutenant Colonel. We'll use their tech and power, then discard them when they're no longer useful," Vindel assures.
"Thank you, sir!" Lee responds.
His hatred for Hagane and aliens runs deep. Redirecting it might help, but it's tough.
"What about Hagane and Hiryuu Kai post-Hawaii?" I ask.
"Intel says they broke through the West Coast, heading to Tesla Lab," Lee answers swiftly. Top graduate, like me.
Tesla Lab, huh. Wonder how they'll react to Dygenguar and Aussenseiter after seeing Growseiva's Lanze Kanone and Trinity Gain. Will Ilum grill Jonathan about Slade Gelmeer or Adamon Halber? Lamia might've tipped them off.
"Not thrilled they're securing Tesla Lab," Vindel mutters.
"Colonel, shall we deploy?" Lee asks.
"No. We need to stay ready. But we should chip away at their strength," Vindel says, pondering.
"I'll go," I offer.
"No, Axel. You're our ace for Plantagenet. Lemon, can W15 deploy?" Vindel asks.
"No issues, but are you sure? He might miss the main operation," Lemon cautions.
"Can't be helped. We can't send a large force. W15's combat strength fits, since Axel's out and W16's command-focused," Vindel reasons.
"Fine. I'll brief W15," Lemon says.
"I'm going too. Waiting here's boring," I add, following Lemon out.
"Where's W15?" I ask.
"Hangar, this time of day," Lemon replies.
As expected from the W-Series' creator, Wodan's there, meditating cross-legged. His senses are sharp; he opens his eyes and stands as we approach.
"W15, mission," Lemon says.
"Enemy?" Wodan asks.
"Reduce Hagane and Hiryuu Kai's forces at Tesla Lab. Avoid Helios. As for Beowulf…" Lemon glances at me.
"Do what you want. Cut him down if you can," I say.
"So he says," Lemon adds.
Wodan nods, eyes closed briefly. "Zengar Zombolt?"
"What do you want with him?" Lemon asks.
"A one-on-one duel, if possible."
"Your will?" Lemon's voice carries hope, perhaps for Wodan to develop a self like Lamia.
Wodan stays silent.
"Fine, do as you please. I want to see if you'll keep your identity. But know this: defeating Zengar Zombolt is the only way to become Wodan Ymir, the Sword of Magus, not just W15," Lemon says.
"Understood," Wodan replies, heading to Slade Gelmeer.
Lemon watches him go, a mix of mother, scientist, and dreamer seeking hope.
Hours later, Wodan returns. His report stuns us: instead of weakening Hagane and Hiryuu Kai, he fought alongside Zengar, repelling Vigagi, an Inspector leader. This let Hagane and Hiryuu Kai gain Dygenguar and Aussenseiter, boosting their strength.
Vindel and Lee seethe, barely restraining themselves from punishing Wodan. Lemon and I, calmer, summon him.
Wodan stands before me, composed, awaiting my words.
"W15, your mission was to reduce their forces, excluding Helios. Why help Zengar Zombolt? He gained DGG, strengthening Hagane and Hiryuu Kai. You disobeyed orders," I say.
"It was necessary for a fair duel," Wodan replies.
"A fair duel? Fine. But what if you lose? Keep this up, and you're an irregular like W17. Ready to lose your place?"
Wodan stays silent, his stance resolute, like a principled warrior mirroring Zengar.
"Enough. Go. You said it—Zengar's yours to defeat," I dismiss him.
He bows and leaves.
I turn to Lemon, who overheard. "You want W15 to develop a self like Lamia?"
"Partly. Their adjustments match our world's, yet they're changing. Coming here caused it," Lemon says.
"So W16 too?" I ask.
"If my theory's right," she replies.
"I get your hope. But the W-Series wasn't designed for self-awareness."
"True, but Lamia changed that for me," Lemon admits, her gaze distant. Is she dwelling on being reborn from Excellen's base via W-Series tech?
"Fine. W15 vowed to beat Zengar. That should calm Vindel and Lee. Tesla Lab's fall means Plantagenet's climax is near. Our turn's coming," I say.
"Yes. Excellen, Lamia… this fight will be profound," Lemon muses.
We head to the bridge, discussing Zengar.
Axel Alma Stats
Level: 28
PP: 40
Melee: 218
Shooting: 236
Skill: 228
Defense: 225
Evasion: 253
Accuracy: 275
SP: 366
Ace Bonus: SP Boost (enhances slime performance with SP)
Growth Type: Versatile/Special
Terrain: Air S, Land S, Sea B, Space A
Spirit Commands:
Accel (SP 4) Effort (SP 8) Focus (SP 16) Direct Hit (SP 20) Awaken (SP 32) ???
Skills: EXP Up SP Boost (SP Up Lv.9, SP Recovery, Focus) Telekinesis Lv.10 Attacker Gunfight Lv.9 Infight Lv.8 ??? (x5)
Kill Count: 135
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