"Hurry up and equip the Assault Suit's weapons... Huh? Kid, what are you mumbling about here?"
In the hangar, Sergeant Murdoch, who was in charge of maintenance, looked curiously at Kira—the boy was devoutly paying respects to the Assault Suit as if he were a faithful worshipper bowing before a sacred idol.
Though Murdoch didn't consider himself particularly worldly, he had seen all sorts of bizarre beliefs, but this was the first time he had encountered someone worshipping an MS.
Are people from ORB... always this avant-garde?
"Shh... I'm making offerings to the Assault Suit's Machine Spirit. Mr. Lu said it might enhance its performance."
Kira whispered, genuinely resembling a devoted worshipper in a temple, careful not to disturb the Machine Spirit with loud noises.
After being persuaded by Lu Tianming to make offerings earlier, he discovered that the Assault Suit actually responded... and he gradually began to believe in it.
But even if he believed, he wouldn't have taken the initiative to worship on his own.
"Mr. Lu is working so hard... and I can't help much. I can only try doing this, hoping it might assist him."
Lu Tianming's previous friendly attitude, along with factors like "teaching his friend," had left Kira with a favorable impression of this man he hadn't known for long.
Now, seeing him endure exhaustion to return to the dangerous battlefield to protect their safety... Kira couldn't just sit idly in the Archangel, helplessly waiting for Lu Tianming's return like a helpless fledgling.
So he chose to pray here... even if it could only help a little.
"Is that so—Alright! I'll join you too!"
Murdoch nodded, understanding Kira's feelings... after all, he felt the same way.
The thought of someone younger fighting on the battlefield to protect him made him deeply uncomfortable.
As for the credibility of the Machine Spirit, he didn't really care. Perhaps, in his eyes, the intention mattered more than the actual effect.
"Hey, those of you who've finished your work over there, don't just stand around! Come join the pre-battle prayers for the Assault Suit!"
The maintenance crew nearby, who had completed their tasks, heard Murdoch's call and curiously gathered. After hearing the situation, they all joined in.
In no time, Kira's prayer group had expanded exponentially...
Meanwhile, inside the cockpit, Lu Tianming and Xia Chuan watched the increasing number of worshippers on the display screen, feeling a sense of pride.
Neither of them had expected... what started as a small excuse to tease Kira would develop into such a scene.
"Wait... do they actually believe it? I never performed any miracles in front of them."
Xia Chuan looked puzzled; he hadn't anticipated so many people joining the worship... after all, he had only pretended in front of Kira.
"Whether they believe... isn't always that important."
Lu Tianming shook his head. Did all these worshippers truly believe in the existence of the Machine Spirit?
Not necessarily. They might have come to worship for one simple reason.
They—hoped their prayers and efforts could assist him and Xia Chuan.
A warmth spread through Lu Tianming's heart. At this moment, for the first time, he genuinely felt... this world's acceptance of him.
Xia Chuan clearly felt the same way. Even though his body had become cold steel, his heart remained warm, capable of appreciating the care from the people before him.
He let out a long sigh and said to Lu Tianming with a bitter smile:
"Damn... I was just thinking of taking it easy and going easy on them this round, but now I can't bring myself to slack off."
"Then give it your all."
Lu Tianming replied with a laugh. Xia Chuan was the type who responded better to kindness than force. If you pressured him to fight, he might not be willing, but if you coaxed him like this, he'd take the initiative himself.
Amid their banter, the Sword Pack was nearly fully loaded by the automatic mechanical arm, and the Assault Suit was gradually moved toward the launch catapult by the ejection system—many procedures on the Archangel were automated. The crew only needed to input commands, and the machinery would operate automatically.
After launching out of the hangar, Lu Tianming and Xia Chuan finally saw the situation on the battlefield.
A large hole had been torn open in the wall of the space colony, as if it had been ripped apart by force. Most likely, the enemy forces had breached through here.
The enemy's response consisted of two GINNs and an Aegis—one fewer GINN compared to the original. Lu Tianming guessed that it was probably because he had killed Miguel earlier, resulting in one less Mobile Suit pilot on the enemy side.
At the moment, the Archangel was engaging the three enemy units with a barrage of fire. The dense curtain of bullets temporarily held them at bay, but the Archangel, due to its massive size, had also become a sitting duck for the three enemy units. The situation could reverse at any moment during reloading pauses.
"Private First Class Lu, your mission is to pilot the Assault Suit and coordinate with the Archangel's covering fire, aiming to deplete the enemy's ammunition as much as possible."
"Lieutenant Mu's Moebius Zero is also undergoing urgent repairs and will sortie once it's ready. That will be our chance to launch a counterattack."
"The enemy has also deployed a G Series unit this time. Your machine's performance may no longer hold an advantage, so... be careful."
With the communications officer absent, Badgiruel had to personally contact Lu Tianming to issue the orders.
Lu Tianming nodded upon receiving the notification. In fact, he had been thinking the same thing.
Strictly speaking, the Sword Pack wasn't ideal for engaging multiple enemies, especially when the opponents relied heavily on long-range attacks—it was easy to fall into their rhythm.
Since the enemy's missile payload was limited, it was better to play it safe and focus on attrition, which would increase their chances of victory.
But just as he prepared to wait for the enemy to make the first move and brace for their assault—he saw the Aegis in the enemy formation suddenly accelerate. Ignoring even its teammates, it pushed its thrusters to the limit and charged straight toward them.
The crimson Aegis, propelled by its powerful thrusters, shot forward like a comet, heading directly for Lu Tianming.
Without holding back, the Aegis wielded a Beam Saber in each hand. The two sabers resembled the fangs of a hunting hound, and the Aegis itself seemed like a rabid beast, snapping its jaws at Lu Tianming's Assault Suit.
Perhaps because it moved too quickly—not only did the Archangel and Lu Tianming fail to react in time, but even its teammates were left confused, wondering why the Aegis had charged so far ahead.
"Tch... Why does it feel like this guy has a special interest in us?"
Xia Chuan clicked his tongue lightly. Since the other side had already attacked, there was no reason for them to hold back and take the beating. The Assault Suit swiftly drew its Armor Schneider and held it in front, ready to charge forward for a blade clash at any moment.
Still, he couldn't quite understand... Why was Aegis, that is, Athrun, suddenly being so 'enthusiastic' this time?