Chapter 248 – Resolution
Asshimar wasn't equipped with any melee weapons, so she could only twist her beam rifle around in an attempt to fire at close range and pierce through the Gaplant's defenses.
But seeing this, Eli immediately let go of the beam saber's hilt and used Gaplant's mechanical hand to grab the barrel of Asshimar's beam rifle, forcefully wrenching it away.
When that attack failed, Asshimar decisively released the rifle, forming a fist and suddenly slamming it forward!
The sudden change in tactics didn't catch Eli off guard. His entire mobile suit flipped backward, transforming mid-maneuver. As every thruster lit up, Gaplant rapidly accelerated, pulling away from Asshimar in an instant.
Immediately after, several beams came flying from that direction!
It was clear that while the other TMA pilots were still clinging to close-quarters MS-style combat, Eli had already established a hit-and-run tactic tailored for TMA units.
More importantly, with time tight and the mission pressing, Eli had no intention of wasting time trading blows.
After all, taking a punch from Asshimar wouldn't be pleasant either.
The reason Eli was pulling away now wasn't just to reorient himself, but to create an opportunity for a decisive strike.
The reason he was puzzled earlier when the first Asshimar was shot down so easily was simple—Asshimar's armor was designed to withstand beam attacks.
However, due to its transformation mechanism, that armor couldn't fully cover the mobile suit when in MS mode. So once Eli created distance, that Asshimar would definitely transform and launch an assault.
"If Kamille could do it, there's no reason I can't!"
Eli now piloted the Gaplant in a high-speed charge toward Asshimar.
While Asshimar's armor could withstand beam fire, its internal structure could not.
And during its transformation, the armor over its chest would split open, exposing its internal structure.
As long as Eli timed it right and fired a beam into Asshimar's interior, he could take the suit down in a single shot!
But here's the thing—Asshimar's transformation only took 0.5 seconds.
And in that mere 0.5 seconds, Eli grasped the future of victory in his hands!
"Fall!"
Eli growled in the cockpit as he fired early from the Gaplant.
The two beams reached Asshimar just as its chest armor unfolded and it entered the transformation sequence.
One beam missed its mark, but the other struck Asshimar square in the chest.
That shot seemed to sever the entire mobile suit's control system. Still in MS mode, Asshimar lost all control and began falling toward the ground.
Eli saw that as it dropped through the clouds, the first Asshimar that had been shot down earlier flew over and caught it on its back, then turned and retreated without looking back.
Eli made no move to pursue. Instead, he decelerated and gradually ascended.
He kept climbing until he reached the same altitude as a shuttle that had just emerged from the black zone.
Through a window now protected by raised shielding, Eli looked at the passengers inside.
Among them were successful entrepreneurs and political elites.
Anyone able to return to Earth at this time was, without exception, a so-called "elite" of human society.
Some were heading to Earth for official matters, while others had succeeded in space and now chose to settle back on Earth.
One thing was clear—they were all overjoyed at the prospect of returning to the planet.
People like that, Eli had no interest in paying attention to.
The Gaplant rolled slightly to the side, moving to the other side of the shuttle.
This time, Eli immediately noticed his superior.
General Jamitov was seated toward the rear center of the shuttle, gazing at the Gaplant as well.
Even through the screen, Eli could feel as if Jamitov was staring directly at him.
Judging by his expression, Jamitov clearly had no interest in mingling with the so-called elites on this flight.
Despite being a staunch elitist himself.
Or perhaps it was because of that—because he believed in elitism, he was dissatisfied with the current crop of "elites."
The clouds below began to churn again, revealing a colossal form.
It was the White Chaser.
The White Chaser's portside hangar was opening, its approach lights flashing to guide the shuttle's landing.
With the Gaplant flying alongside, the shuttle had no choice but to comply and descend toward the White Chaser.
When Eli landed inside the hangar, he noticed that the ground crew only helped secure the shuttle and did not prepare any sort of welcoming ceremony for Jamitov.
Nor did the shuttle's passengers disembark. Instead, they all remained clustered around the windows, peering into the battleship's interior.
"General Jamitov said his presence is confidential. He doesn't want to cause a stir among the public—especially under current circumstances. The fewer people who know this whole confrontation was about him, the better."
After hearing Captain Otto's explanation, Eli simply nodded toward General Jamitov, who was still seated and looking his way. Then he remained in the hangar.
—
"General Jamitov."
Eli didn't have to wait long in the reception room Arthur had prepared for him before he sensed the familiar presence approaching.
As he turned around, Eli rose and saluted the moment the door opened.
It was General Jamitov who entered.
"Apologies, Eli. I didn't expect them to drag you into this situation while I was still negotiating with the Lunar Commerce Guild."
Jamitov wasted no time expressing his regret.
"No, General. Even if you had warned me, they would've still found some way to force me down to Earth, using me to serve their own schemes."
Hearing Eli say this on his own initiative, Jamitov gave a slight nod. Then, without hesitation, he seated himself at the head of the room.
"The Titans have crossed the line this time… So what are your thoughts? Will you swallow your pride and negotiate with the Titans, who now control Jaburo and possibly half the Federation military? Or will you go to war with them?"
"What do you think, General?"
Instead of answering immediately, Eli countered with a question of his own.
This slightly different attitude from before caused the corners of Jamitov's mouth to curl faintly upward.
"Eli, though we may not fully understand each other, I believe you know my convictions. I think humanity should leave Earth behind."
Jamitov once again laid out his ideology—but this time, far more plainly than ever before.
"And yet Green Wyatt's current actions aim to bring the Titans' soldiers back to Earth."
"This goes beyond mere privilege. We must strike back—hard."