The Duel Gundam and the Strike Suit swiftly engaged in close combat. Both Mobile Suits were designed for mid-range combat and had been equipped with additional armaments based on their original configurations. Like archrivals meeting, the two nearly identical machines immediately locked in battle, momentarily appearing evenly matched.
No... strictly speaking, a difference could be discerned.
Even from the initial exchange, it was evident—the Strike Suit held a clear advantage in this battle. The Flight Platform beneath its feet granted it superior mobility. During several circling engagements, Lu Tianming employed a tactic of separating the pilot from the platform, using one to draw attention while the other seized the opportunity to strike.
Although Yzak's Duel Gundam had been enhanced... facing two adversaries simultaneously still posed a significant challenge.
But that was fine—his role was merely to distract. The real trump card of this assault was Nicol's Blitz!
Just as this thought crossed his mind, the Strike Suit's optical sensors flashed, and it abruptly turned, firing three consecutive Beam shots toward an empty sector of space.
What was he doing?
Yzak was momentarily baffled by the Strike's sudden change in tactics, but then his eyes widened in realization.
That was exactly where Nicol's Mobile Suit was positioned!
As those shots were fired, the Archangel, as if receiving targeting data, unleashed a barrage—machine guns, ship cannons, missiles... all pouring down upon the Blitz!
"What?"
Nicol himself hadn't anticipated that the Blitz's prized Mirage Colloid System would be detected. Faced with the onslaught of attacks, he had no choice but to deactivate the Mirage Colloid System and activate the PS Armor. While evading, he relied on the PS Armor's ballistic resistance to withstand several rounds of machine gun fire.
"Haha, still daring to use stealth? Your dad has anti-stealth capabilities! Didn't expect that, did you—"
Xiachuan Dale was elated, having just utilized the function of the sensor system, identical to that of the Bewildering Heresy, retrieved from ORB's warehouse.
Previously, without encountering the Blitz, this anti-stealth feature had remained unused. Now, it had finally emerged from storage to make its official debut.
"Tch... So the Naturals were already prepared for this function."
Yzak let out a disappointed click of his tongue upon seeing Nicol's failed attack.
He had long suspected that the Earth Alliance, while developing the Mirage Colloid System, would have also devised countermeasures. The Strike's reaction just now confirmed this.
Once detected, the Blitz lost all its advantages. Trapped within the Archangel's intensifying defensive network, it couldn't close in even slightly.
Observing this, Yzak pondered briefly before swiftly issuing new orders:
"Nicol, fall back and assist me in pinning down the Strike! If we can't take down the Battleship, let's focus on destroying this MS!"
Yzak shifted tactics instantly. With limited time, if they couldn't neutralize the Archangel, destroying the Strike would still be a significant achievement!
Upon hearing this, Nicol quickly turned around. In moments, the two had Lu Tianming surrounded. The Duel Gundam's Corpse Armor—equipped with a Railgun on the left shoulder and a Missile pod on the right—combined with its Beam Rifle, unleashed a full volley at the Strike.
Simultaneously, the Blitz, like a phantom, charged straight at the Strike from behind, firing several Beam shots of its own.
"I'll handle the frontal barrage. You take control of the Manta Ray to restrain the Blitz and keep it from getting close!"
The Blitz was positioned more like an assassin, with weapons primarily effective at mid-to-close range. Similar to the Aegis in MS mode, it excelled in close-quarters combat.
"Got it—leave it to me! Great Booster, launch!"
The Strike Suit kicked off forcefully from its foot platform, swiftly dodging sideways. Under Lu Tianming's precise control and aim, the head-mounted Vulcan Cannons accurately picked off the incoming missiles one by one. Leveraging the Striker Pack's agile mobility, it returned fire while evading and shooting.
The kicked-off Manta Ray was taken over by Xia Chuan—the crimson flight platform suddenly extended its wings. As the two Beam Cannons on top poured fire toward the Blitz, the Beam Sabers on the wings also deployed abruptly, shooting straight at the Blitz.
"A flight platform? But this thing—can't stop me!"
Nicol was momentarily startled by the incoming platform but quickly regained his composure. He stomped hard on the right pedal, instantly boosting the Mobile Suit's speed. With almost a sidestep, he evaded Xia Chuan's interception fire and even lightly stepped on the Manta Ray as if skimming the water, using the recoil to charge directly toward the Strike Suit.
"Using me as a springboard? No—Tianming, watch out!"
Xia Chuan was dizzied by the step, even forgetting he was currently just a platform. He quickly retracted his focus and called out to warn Lu Tianming.
By now, Lu Tianming had also noticed the Blitz attacking from behind... but the Duel in front was pressing him relentlessly, leaving him no room to divert his attention.
He had to seize the right moment... to strike down the Blitz in one blow!
The Blitz suddenly raised its arm equipped with the composite assault shield, firing three armor-piercing high-explosive projectiles like steel needles. Coordinating with the Duel's barrage, they tightly confined the Strike Suit's movement, leaving only one path of retreat.
"Leaving an opening... the Blitz's intent is clear. Xia Chuan, ready the shield arm. When I throw the shield, charge the Lightning Ball!"
"On it!"
The encircling barrage, the retreating Duel, and the undiminished speed of the Blitz—their goal was obvious: to create an opening for the Blitz to engage in close combat!
Fine... if you want to come, I'll meet you in battle!
Once they reached a mutual understanding, the Strike Suit decisively retreated along the gap left by the Duel and Blitz. Just as expected, the Blitz's composite assault shield emitted a Beam Saber, thrusting toward the Strike Suit's position as if premeditated.
But—Lu Tianming had already anticipated the Blitz's anticipation.
The Strike Suit abruptly turned, slamming its shield directly into the Blitz's arm. The Beam Saber failed to pierce the shield, which was coated with anti-beam material, and instead forced the arm aside.
At that moment, a sphere of energy flickered in the Strike Suit's free hand. With a burst of blue flame from its back, it hurled the Lightning Ball straight toward the Blitz's cockpit.
"...I expected you'd pull something like this."
Nicol muttered calmly, as if things had unfolded exactly as he foresaw.
The Strike Suit's pilot thought they were setting a trap for him... but wasn't he setting one for them as well?
To capture the Strike Suit's Mobile Suit intact... this Blitz Gundam had been specially equipped with new functions.
The Lightning Ball crashed down in vain, yet Blitz had anticipated the Strike Suit's violent charge and swiftly retreated in tandem. The distance between them remained unchanged, perfectly balanced.
At that same moment, facing the Strike Suit still struggling to brake, the pitch-black Blitz raised its left arm like a reaper lifting its scythe.
With a sharp whoosh, the "Wolf Binding Lock" claw-type Rocket Anchor mounted on its
left arm fired, snagging the Strike Suit's cockpit with the precision of a claw machine.
Instantly, sparks of lightning danced across the steel cable.
--Enjoying the story? Want more chapters? Check out my Patreon and support me for 40+ advance chapters.
Just search for "QueenTL" on Patreon!"
Thanks!