A month passed in the blink of an eye. With the activation of the Mercenary Mission System, Veteran Point System, and Exchange System, Prometheus Fortress was brimming with unprecedented vitality and energy—unlike before when everyone had merely been engaging in aimless simulations.
"Impressive. Everyone's morale is high," Yang Hui remarked approvingly as he observed the still-bustling Central Hall after a month.
"This is just the beginning, and they haven't faced any real danger yet," Creuset said pragmatically. "I've reviewed all the mercenary missions currently available in the Central Hall—they're all straightforward. Given our current personnel, there's no risk involved, which is why everyone's so enthusiastic. But once..."
Creuset didn't finish his sentence, but Yang Hui understood. The current fervor stemmed from easy rewards, but once danger arose and casualties occurred, that enthusiasm would be doused with cold water.
"Have faith in them. They'll pull through."
"..." Creuset remained silent. The people here were elites from their respective worlds—their skills were undeniable, but their mentality... that was another matter entirely. "Today's the end of the month, isn't it?"
"Mm. I've already notified the participants to gather in the main conference room. Timing-wise... let's head over now. It's about time."
"Understood."
Yang Hui and Creuset walked side by side to the main conference room, which was already filled with attendees. They took their seats.
"Out of the 15 candidate mission worlds, I've selected the six most suitable ones..."
The announcement caused everyone to pause momentarily before furrowing their brows. Since only five teams were currently capable of undertaking missions, only five worlds should have been chosen. The fact that six had been selected was intriguing, and they waited for Yang Hui to elaborate.
"...These are the five teams I've chosen based on overall skill, specialization, and squad composition—everyone present here."
Upon seeing the list, they realized why familiar faces surrounded them. The teams were composed of members from the Gundam OO World, Gundam AGE World, Gundam SEED World, and Gundam UC World, with the Iron-Blooded Orphans World and Over Limit Hunter Kaineng World merging into a single team led by Sumeragi, Creuset, Flit, Revil, and other seasoned or exceptionally capable participants.
"Kati, Sergei, you'll lead the team to the Full Metal Panic World. Jehart, Asemu, you'll take the Gundam X World. Murrue, Natarle, you're responsible for the BUDDY COMPLEX World. Sumeragi, Creuset, you'll head to the ALDNOAH.ZERO World. And lastly..."
Yang Hui turned his gaze toward the Gundam UC World team. "Char, Amuro, Yazan, Katz..."
"Is this a zoo or something!?" xN
The named individuals—Char and the others—immediately cut him off with indignant roars.
"Hmm... I think the nicknames are quite fitting."
"Fitting my ass! Be serious!" xN
"Oh." Yang Hui shrugged and continued, "You will be heading to the world of Gundam Z, which is part of the UC timeline, set eight years after the end of the One Year War."
"The future of our world?" Char and the other members of the UC Gundam team frowned.
"Correct." Yang Hui nodded and addressed everyone. "For this mission, the Gundam 00 and Gundam SEED teams will be going to an entry-level Fantasy-type World, while the other teams will be heading to Real-type Worlds. The difficulty levels differ, so the Real-type Worlds have mandatory restrictions. For example, Char, your UC world is set eight years into its original future, and all present members must participate because you are all key figures during that period."
"So... we'll play very important roles in the story eight years later?" Char asked.
"Exactly, which is why your participation is mandatory."
"But wouldn't that mean there could be two identical people? Like two versions of me? Also, can this world connect to Prometheus Fortress? And if it does, how would this world coexist with our original one?" Char pressed.
This was a major concern for them. No one liked the idea of a duplicate of themselves existing. But if two worlds from different times but the same timeline coexisted, significant issues would arise—such as having two identical individuals.
"Mephis."
[Yes, Commander.]
Mephis's projection appeared to provide answers for Char and the others.
[The UC world is unique among all worlds because its timeline spans over two hundred years, with countless major events occurring throughout. Many of these periods can be isolated as separate Mission Worlds, each capable of connecting to Prometheus Fortress.
When you enter a Mission World, there won't be duplicates of yourselves. Instead, you will replace your counterparts in that world.
Once connected, the two worlds will exist independently. However, only one version of each member can exist within Prometheus Fortress. The Otherworld Counterpart will prioritize the member who joined the fortress first, assimilating the unaffiliated counterpart. The fortress will then use its authority to modify the memories of the assimilated counterpart via the world's will, ensuring the world continues to function normally.]
"...Understood."
In short, there wouldn't be two identical individuals coexisting. The Otherworld Counterparts would merge through assimilation, with priority given to the members of Prometheus Fortress.
The thought that they might effectively erase another version of themselves left everyone with mixed emotions—not quite pity or sorrow, but a sense of unease and reflection.
"What about you, Yang Hui?" Revil asked. As the strongest and supreme commander of Prometheus Fortress, Yang Hui wasn't joining any team for this mission. So then...
"Correct. According to the latest authorization, after every three missions, the fortress commander may leave the squad to undertake a mission in one of the selected worlds. Mobile Suits and warships are not permitted, and no more than two companions may accompany you. Among the 15 candidate worlds this time, the six selected either have appropriate difficulty levels or contain essential objectives we must obtain—none can be abandoned. I've done my best to organize my memories and will now share them with you, including the historical background, key figures, original historical progression, and mandatory objectives beyond the mission for the world you're heading to. We depart in half an hour, so take this time to review."
"Hmm..."
Everyone pulled out their PADs and began browsing the files Yang Hui had shared. Some were detailed, while others were vague—understandable, given how much time had passed. Memories inevitably fade, but the critical points were all there, so there were no issues.
"So, Yang Hui, you plan to go solo this time?" Creuset asked. The world Yang Hui had chosen was one he found difficult to abandon, and the fact that he was going alone left Creuset uneasy.
"Yes, just me—"
"Apologies for interrupting, Mr. Yang Hui, but you promised Father you would take me along to the Mission World."
Yang Hui's words were abruptly cut off as everyone noticed the purple-haired girl sitting behind him. Her appearance...
"Whoosh—!"
Dozens of eyes instantly locked onto Tieria, because the girl looked identical to him.
"Your twin sister?" Lyle asked from beside him.
"Get lost!" Tieria shot Lyle an annoyed glare. "I'm an Artificial Innovator. Where would I get a twin sister?"
"Then she—"
"That's Regene Regetta. Like me, she's an Artificial Innovator. The 'Father' she mentioned is Aeolia Schenberg." Tieria explained, though his expression was grim—not just from the misunderstanding, but because of Regene Regetta's very existence.
Regene Regetta had originally been their enemy, then a traitor among the villains before being accepted back by Aeolia Schenberg and joining Prometheus Fortress. The most infuriating part...
She has my face, but went from male to female! Doesn't that just announce to everyone that Artificial Innovators can customize their gender!? How am I supposed to handle this? How can I be with Mileina now... Ugh!
At that thought, Tieria suddenly felt a chill down his spine as he noticed Yang Hui glaring at him with murderous intent.
"Tieria, were you just thinking something incredibly rude?"
"N-no! Nothing!"
"Good. Just making sure." Yang Hui didn't press further, steering the conversation back on track. "Anyway, she's an Artificial Innovator cultivated by Aeolia Schenberg. The old man assigned her as an observer and recorder to accompany me on missions. I couldn't refuse him, so I agreed. That's why she's coming along this time."
"Oho~ Old man Aeolia's got style, sending you a wife right off the bat..." Lyle teased, only to freeze mid-sentence.
"Her previous body was male. If you want, I can have the old man whip up a dozen for you!" Yang Hui snapped irritably.
"Huh!?" XN
Everyone stared wide-eyed at Regene Regetta, then turned to Tieria with strange expressions.
"Don't look at me! I'm male!" Tieria shouted angrily.
"Let me explain, everyone," Regene Regetta chuckled lightly, stepping forward. "My consciousness has merged completely with VEDA. To me, bodies are merely biological terminals that can be replaced at any time, so gender makes no difference. Considering Chairman Yang Hui's personality and style, I believe my current gender will facilitate better cooperation with him."
"Hmm, that makes sense." XN
"Hey! What the hell do you mean by that!?" This time it was Yang Hui's turn to explode.
"Well..." The group carefully examined Regene Regetta's current form and nodded in unison.
"Perfect figure."
"Stunning looks."
"Melodious voice."
"Impeccable fashion sense."
"Elegant yet sensual, with a hint of allure."
"Totally Yang Hui's type." XN
"That's enough! Dismissed! Prepare for departure!" A furious Yang Hui stormed off, refusing to spend another second with these animals.
Am I really that depraved? Gender-switching individuals were never my thing... Wait! I'm not some walking libido machine!
"HAHAHA..." XN
"Chairman Yang Hui."
"Why are you following me?" Yang Hui glared at Regene Regetta trailing behind him—this was all that gender-bender's fault!
"We're about to enter the Mission World, and I haven't received the relevant intel yet." Regene Regetta shrugged, unbothered, even finding Yang Hui's outburst amusing.
"Here!" Yang Hui angrily transmitted the data to Regene Regetta.
"Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion... Interesting title."
(End of Chapter)