Detecting the large-scale attack from UE, Grudick naturally wouldn't foolishly let Diva face the enemy alone. He immediately contacted Zalam and Auba, asking them to deploy MS units to join the combat sequence.
Although Zalam and Auba's MS and weapons wouldn't have much effect against UE, they could at least attract UE's attention. The main combat power consisted of Diva, three Gundams, and G-Onger.
Although Yang Hui had equipped Lagan's Genoece with the latest Vargas rifle, the foundation of Jeroyas was still there, making it unable to play a decisive role.
"Vargas, how's the situation?" Yang Hui asked as he arrived at the Hangar.
"The maintenance of the Samurai Gundam is complete and ready for deployment. The Vargas rifles for G-Onger and Genoece are also finished, but Gundam AGE-1..."
"How much progress is left?" Yang Hui inquired while starting to check the analysis progress of the AGE System.
"Expected to be completed in five minutes."
After taking a look at the new armaments created for Gundam AGE-1 by the AGE System, Yang Hui nodded in satisfaction. It was indeed the speed-enhanced Swift Sparrow Type; Flit had chosen a high-mobility combat style.
"We don't have time. Gundam AGE-1 will launch in its standard form, and when the new equipment is ready, we'll have Flit come back to switch."
"Understood."
Yang Hui quickly changed into his pilot suit and boarded the Dawn Gundam, beginning to check the systems.
"CPG settings complete... Ion concentration normal... Primary motion recognition device complete... Power reactor critical... Energy output normal... All systems normal..." As Yang Hui checked the OS of Dawn Gundam, he had already reached the launch deck. "Dawn Gundam can launch!"
"Understood. Electromagnetic charging complete, launch device ready. Dawn Gundam, please launch."
"Understood. Dawn Gundam, launching."
With a fierce tail flame and in a state of electromagnetic acceleration, Dawn Gundam left Diva and headed straight to the front line.
Samurai Gundam, Gundam AGE-1 standard type, and G-Onger followed closely behind, forming the first line of defense in the center, while Zalam and Auba's MS units spread out on both flanks in front of Diva.
"Lagan, protect Diva. Even with the Vargas rifle, Genoece's performance isn't enough to assault the enemy formation. Woolf and Flit, pair up and hunt down enemies."
"Understood. If only I had a better machine..." Although Lagan was reluctant, he was also an elite pilot of the Federation. Unfortunately, Genoece couldn't keep up with the speed of Gundam and G-Onger, so he could only stay in the rear formation.
"Stop complaining. After the battle, let Young Master Yang make you one," Woolf teased.
"That... sounds tempting..." Lagan was quite moved but felt embarrassed. Yang Hui's current works were just Dawn Gundam and Samurai Gundam, and he had also participated in the design of the Vargas rifle and the modification of Gundam AGE-1. However, he knew that his relationship with Yang Hui hadn't reached that level yet. How much face would it take to receive a Gundam-level MS? Lagan was aware that he didn't have that kind of standing.
"Let's wait until the final battle is over. Right now, we don't have the time, equipment, or materials," Yang Hui said.
"Really? Can I too?" Lagan asked, surprised and delighted.
"Of course, we're comrades after all," Yang Hui smiled. Lagan's piloting skills were indeed not bad; although he couldn't compare to Woolf, he was definitely an elite among elites in the Federation Army. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been chosen as the test pilot for Gundam AGE-1. He was just being held back by the machine.
"Yang Hui... then thank you!"
"Mm."
"What about me?" Graham interjected, noticing that everyone else had a task while he did not.
"You?" Yang Hui was taken aback for a moment, then grinned, "Are you interested in taking down the enemy's mothership with me?"
"That's really crazy..." Graham cursed, then immediately showed an excited smile, "...but I like it!"
"Wait, isn't this too reckless? Even Dawn Gundam and Samurai Gundam can't..."
"Don't worry, we know our limits. If we can't win, we'll retreat."
"Well... okay, just be careful."
At that moment, Don Boyaji and Ractor Elmelda connected to Yang Hui's communication.
"What a magnificent machine! So, tell me, kid Yang Hui, how are we going to fight?"
"Auba will temporarily accept your command."
"Uncle Dong, Mr. Ractor, your MS units should focus on long-range suppression to create opportunities for Woolf and Flit. Don't get too hot-headed and engage in melee combat, and definitely avoid infighting," Yang Hui advised.
"Is that so? Tch, that's so unsatisfying. Hurry up and send over the new rifles after the battle!"
"I feel the same. The noble Auba can't just keep taking hits without fighting back."
Although Don Boyaji and Ractor Elmelda were displeased, the lessons from the past were still fresh in their minds. They wouldn't let their people go to their deaths; after all, there would be plenty of opportunities to show off later.
"Here we go."
As soon as the words were spoken, missiles flew over the heads of the MS, exploding not far ahead, scattering tiny Anti-Beam Particles.
At the same time, Fah Bausser's bombardment arrived, but the powerful Beam Cannon struck the area of reflected beam dispersion, directly spreading out, not even scratching the paint of the frontline MS units.
Although the long-range bombardment was ineffective, UE's forces had already closed in, and both sides had entered effective attack range.
"Woolf, Flit, Lagan, be careful."
"We're off. Don't die on us."
After hanging up the communication, the flames behind Dawn Gundam and Samurai Gundam erupted, accelerating instantly as they charged toward UE's mothership, Fah Bausser.
"Wow, there are really a lot of them. There must be sixty units, right?" Graham exclaimed, noting how a single battleship could carry such a massive number of MS units, showcasing its capacity.
"Is that all? How many units did you send to encircle us back then? Have you forgotten?" Yang Hui rolled his eyes and retorted.
"That's not the same! If it weren't for Gundam's overwhelming performance back then, even one-tenth of the forces could have taken you down."
"Stop talking nonsense. I'll clear the way for you; we'll go straight for the mothership."
"Understood, I'll leave my back to you."
"Don't worry."
In the cockpit, Yang Hui's eyes were already filled with brilliance as he entered Innovator Mode. His rational eyes scanned the red dots on the screen, marking all the targets that needed to be eliminated along the path. Meanwhile, the Electromagnetic Cannon at his hips and the Beam Cannons on his shoulders deployed, firing simultaneously with the dual guns in his hands.
"Boom boom boom..."
Samurai Gundam advanced without any reduction in speed. Any enemy aircraft that blocked its path would be destroyed by a beam or an Electromagnetic Cannon shot. Graham had absolute trust in Yang Hui; his task was to reach the enemy mothership in the shortest time possible, while he could rest assured about the safety behind him.
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Yellow and pink beams intertwined, and upon being attacked, UE's offensive momentum sharply declined, with half of their frontline forces diverted to assist.
But as soon as they turned around, they would be pierced through the waist by the beams from Gundam AGE-1, G-Onger, or Genoece, or they would be firmly held back by Zalam and Auba's MS units. Even the few MS that managed to escape the entanglement couldn't keep up with the speed of Dawn Gundam and Samurai Gundam, only able to watch helplessly as they drew closer to the mothership.
"We won't let you pass!"
"Shh~ still as formidable as ever, no wonder you're my rival."
"Is this really the time to say that, Mr. Woolf? And wasn't your record all losses?"
"Uh... don't mind such trivial matters."
Thanks to the distraction caused by Dawn Gundam and Samurai Gundam, the battles between MS units weren't too tense or dangerous. UE's MS were anxious to return for support, giving them too many opportunities. If it weren't for Yang Hui's initial reminders, the high-spirited Zalam and Auba would have wanted to draw their swords (or axes?) and charge at UE.
Woolf and Flit also didn't feel tense; they even joked and chatted during the battle.
On Diva, Mireille reported the results to Grudick: "The MS units' line is stable. Dawn Gundam and Samurai Gundam are approaching the enemy ship."
"The MS units are advancing steadily. Diva is moving at five times the speed of battle, with all cannons ready. Once enemy aircraft enter the main cannon range, fire immediately."
"Understood!"
Not only the frontline MS units but even everyone on Diva was in high spirits, extremely excited. Their effective combat power consisted only of Diva, three Gundams, and two MS. Although Zalam and Auba's MS were numerous, they couldn't be considered combat power and could only serve a restraining role.
Yet, such a force was able to suppress UE's large army, allowing them to vent their pent-up frustrations.
However, they also understood that this situation was brought about by Yang Hui and Graham. If they hadn't drawn most of UE's attention, the situation would likely have reversed.
"Captain, Vargas communication. The new equipment for Gundam AGE-1 is complete. Requesting Gundam AGE-1 to return for a switch."
"Permission granted."
...
"Flit, the new equipment is ready. Hurry back to switch."
"But the battlefield..." Flit knew very well that the reason the line could hold was that Gundam AGE-1 and G-Onger had been roaming and hunting, eliminating enemy aircraft that approached friendly units. It seemed easy, but the pressure was still significant. After all, only Gundam and G-Onger had the capability to break through UE. If he returned now, it would undoubtedly put immense pressure on the front line.
"Flit, go. I'll handle things here." At that moment, Lagan's Genoece arrived beside Gundam AGE-1, continuously firing the Vargas rifle in his hands, taking down an enemy aircraft that was about to charge the line.
"Lagan! Diva..."
"The advantage is on our side now. Captain Grodek told me to directly support you."
"..."
It seemed like a good idea, but Flit knew that Genoece couldn't replace Gundam AGE-1. Its poor mobility and significant threat could easily make Genoece the target of concentrated fire.
"I can't leave."
"But..."
"Vargas, launch the new equipment directly. Change in space!"
"What!? That's too dangerous!" Vargas immediately opposed. The performance of Gundam was high, but during the switch, it would be a sitting duck. Moreover, if interference occurred, it could be ruined before the enemy even had a chance to strike.
"There's no time to return. Launch immediately!"
"Eh! I don't care what happens!"
(End of Chapter)