"Neue DC's putting up a fight," Vindel remarks, watching Solpressa's ASRS footage on Shirogane's bridge.
The monitor shows Langley Base, where Colonel Ban's Rhinoceros leads Neue DC's forces. Mao Industries and lunar cities secured, the enemy fields PTs, AMs, some Elsines, and other-world Gespenst Mk-IIs via Roze.
"Reinforcements?" I note, spotting green and red units—VC-type, airborne. Yuki and Carla's Landgriz Raven and Razangriff Raven, hidden units if conditions are met.
Despite their arrival, Inspectors hold the advantage. Without Hagane and Hiryuu Kai, Neue DC only delays defeat.
But their effort pays off—Hagane and Hiryuu Kai arrive.
"The main players," Vindel says.
Their skill shines, deploying swiftly to counterattack. Alto Eisen, Weissritter, RyuKoOh, Dygenguar, Valsione, Angelg, Gespenst Type-RV—devastating in unison.
"They're well-equipped. Could repeat our world's mistakes," Vindel warns. "Axel, Lemon, W15, W16, Lee—prepare to strike once they crush the Inspectors. Roze has coordinated; don't attack our allies. Also, Archibald's defected to us via Roze. He's a friendly—don't engage unless attacked."
Archibald, an ally? Disgusting, but he'll likely be dealt with by Rai or Elzam at Earth Cradle. No need to care.
We nod and head to the hangar. Glancing at Lee, I notice his tense aura.
"Lee, about Hagane—" I start.
"I know!" he snaps. "Get to your unit, Captain."
His volatility worries me, but time's short. I trust his restraint and leave.
I realize I must contact Ouka's group. Hidden in their cabin since leaving Earth Cradle, they're unaware of the situation. This battle's their chance to join Hagane and Hiryuu Kai, believing we're fighting Inspectors alongside them. Reality's different.
Shaking it off, I prioritize survival. Hagane and Hiryuu Kai are at full strength—carelessness could mean my end. Our only "allies," the Inspectors, can't be trusted; I must watch my back.
"Ouka, Zeora, Querbo, you there?" I knock.
"Yes, Captain," Ouka answers, opening the door. All three look fine.
"It's time. As planned, security will lax when we deploy. Don't miss your chance. Whatever you see, stay focused. Understood?"
"Captain?" Ouka senses unease.
"Nothing. Focus on your happiness. Dr. Querbo, they're in your hands," I say, ruffling Ouka's hair. Querbo nods silently, understanding.
"I'm off to prep. It was great meeting you. Stay strong out there."
Ignoring Ouka's attempt to speak, I close the door. Their resentment stings, but it's my choice. I head to the hangar.
"Axel? You're late," Lemon's voice crackles from Rapiesage as I enter Growseiva's cockpit, her smile teasing.
"Had some business," I reply.
"Saying goodbye to the School kids?"
I freeze. Ouka's escape plan was secret, even from Lemon, my lover, to protect her if Vindel found out.
"You knew?" I ask quietly, using our private comm.
"Of course. How long have we been together?" she says, amused.
"Got me," I surrender, hands raised.
"It's fine. I haven't told Vindel or Lee. But Ouka… you sure?"
"What?"
"Never mind. You're like that with Fiona, Ouka…" Lemon sighs, covering her face.
Vindel's voice interrupts, addressing all Shadow-Mirror units. "Inspectors are down to two leader-class units. Ready? Today, we take history's stage—in this world. System XN, activate!"
Trinity Gain generates a transfer field, engulfing Shirogane. Gyanland and Wonderland stay behind, to rendezvous post-Plantagenet.
"Target: Hagane. Fire twin shock cannons!" Lee orders post-transfer.
Damn it, as expected. I tried reforming Lee, but his hatred for Tetsuya Onodera surpasses my predictions. The monitor shows Hagane reeling from Shirogane's surprise attack.
"Know your sins, Tetsuya Onodera! My ideal army has no place for weaklings like you!" Lee rants, his vendetta personal.
"Shadow-Mirror, deploy—" Vindel begins.
"Wait, Vindel! Not yet!" My telekinesis screams danger. "Something's coming!"
Vindel frowns but trusts my sixth sense, retracting the order. "All units, stand by."
The next moment proves me right. Thunderous roars echo continuously—Mekibos's Greaterkin's MAP weapon, Thunder Crash. I forgot it amid Lee's attack and Ouka's escape, distracted.
The attack subsides, silence settling.
"Now! All units, deploy!" Vindel commands.
I launch Growseiva, taking position in the sky. Neue DC's forces are reduced to Yuki, Carla, and Ban's Rhinoceros. No Archibald—likely retreated after Thunder Crash.
Hagane floats, barely functional, its PTs and AMs damaged by Thunder Crash. We're lucky it hit before we launched, sparing us.
So much for trusting Inspectors.
"Mekibos, what was that?" I aim Halberd Launcher at Greaterkin.
"Just setting the stage. Didn't want to owe you," Mekibos replies.
"If that's all, fine," I say.
"We don't fully trust you either," he admits.
"So, I could shoot you now and call it an accident?" I taunt.
"Earthling bravado, huh?" Mekibos aims his Mega Beam Buster.
"Stop, Axel. It's easier to use each other this way," Vindel interjects.
I lower my weapon; Mekibos follows.
"You… Shadow-Mirror betrayed us!" Ban's bloodied voice crackles from his damaged Rhinoceros.
"You allied with enemies for your ideals, didn't you, Colonel?" Vindel retorts.
"You'd sell Earth to them!?" Ban accuses.
"For a world of constant struggle, the Inspectors are useful. And Helios, opening Aguieus's Gate with you strengthens us," Vindel says, pointing Trinity Gain at Gilliam's Gespenst Type-RV.
"System XN's repaired!?" Gilliam exclaims.
"Exactly. We came for you, Helios… and her," Lemon says, Rapiesage facing Angelg and Weissritter.
"Her? Lamia!?" Excellen's Weissritter shields Angelg. "She's our family!"
"Not Lamia. You, Excellen Browning," Lemon clarifies.
"Me!? I've got nothing to do with you!" Excellen protests.
"Come to us, and I'll explain," Lemon teases.
"Sorry, my boyfriend says not to follow strangers."
"Boyfriend? Or father?" Lemon quips.
Vindel cuts in. "Enough. Your existence disrupts our world's balance. You'll be eliminated."
"Our goals align there," Mekibos adds.
I contact Alto Eisen. "Beowulf, our cards are on the table. Let's test your strength!"
I aim Halberd Launcher at Alto Eisen. Weissritter moves to aid, but Lemon's Rapiesage blocks her.
"Your fight's with me, Excellen," Lemon says.
Slade Gelmeer targets Dygenguar with Zankantou, as promised. Echidna's Vaisaga confronts Angelg with her Great Sword.
Vindel's order rings out: "All units, attack! Eliminate everyone but Helios!"
Axel Alma StatsLevel: 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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