Gaia immediately informed Reid about the attack on the patrol forces.
Standing on the bridge, Reid watched the footage transmitted from the frontline. The Raider, Forbidden, and Calamity, accompanied by over a dozen Strike Daggers, were already engaged in combat with the patrol unit led by the Black Tri-Stars.
Though he had mentally prepared himself, he couldn't help but mutter in frustration,
"Seriously, can't we just stick to our own business? You do your thing, I do mine—everyone gets what they want. It's not like Azrael even wants Coordinators anyway."
But complaints aside, Reid quickly issued his orders.
"Yulan, Yufang, you're up. Those three custom units are yours. You've both familiarized yourselves with the new system through simulations—now it's time for real combat. Destroying them is fine, but if they retreat beyond firing range, don't pursue."
"Captain Grodek, I'll be sortieing in the Mystic Lightning as well, but I'm heading toward the Atlantic Federation forces. You're in charge of the battle here."
With that, Reid turned and strode off the bridge, ready to have a proper chat with Azrael.
As soon as the order was given, Xia Yulan and Xia Yufang, who had been on standby in the hangar, launched immediately.
However, during the short flight to the frontline, the usually taciturn Yufang unexpectedly spoke up.
"Sister, this is the first time we've been assigned the same mission while piloting Mobile Suits under our master's command, isn't it? (During the W incident, we were always given separate tasks.)"
Yulan wasn't sure why her sister was bringing this up now, but she answered anyway.
"That's right. So we absolutely can't afford any mistakes. As tools, failing a mission we're clearly capable of completing would mean we're only fit for disposal."
Yufang nodded in agreement. Compared to Kowloon, Reid had treated the Xia sisters far better—almost unbelievably so.
Since their master had taken such meticulous care of them, Yufang, who saw herself as a tool, was determined to deliver the greatest results in return. She declared,
"Of course. Now, sister, let's prove our worth. Connective, Xia Yulan."
This was the activation phrase for the Psycho-Induction System in the Coupling System Cockpit. Yulan immediately responded,
"Acception."
The moment they finished speaking, the newly installed Bio-Intelligence AIs in both NT-X units simultaneously initiated the system startup announcement.
"Psycho-Link Induction activated."
From the headrests of the Xia sisters' seats, three Psycho-Induction Plates, made from Lambda Driver-infused Psycho-Induction wiring, extended outward, radiating a prismatic glow.
At the same time, the shoulder armor of both NT-X Gundams split open in three segments, while the leg and arm armor unfolded along the link patterns. The V-fin antennas on their heads split apart, revealing additional Psycho-Induction Plates stored within. Unlike the usual red and blue color schemes of CE, Reid had opted for a different aesthetic—after the armor deployed, the underlying glow shimmered in a spectrum of colors, as if the Mobile Suits were wrapped in rainbow ribbons.
Then, the NT-X units' speed surged dramatically. The wind pressure revealed that the Mobile Suits were now encased in a spherical barrier, which could even morph into a conical shape to reduce drag.
This was the new Coupling System Cockpit developed by Elvira Hill, integrating the Psycho-Literacy function of the Psycommu System.
Since Reid had prohibited further Psycho-Wave Anchoring experiments, Elvira Hill had to seek alternative methods to complete the Mental Link System.
Fortunately, Reid possessed numerous advanced technologies, allowing the Non-Rated Psycho-Link approach—which had been rejected in Elvira's original timeline—to achieve theoretical success.
The so-called Non-Rated Psycho-Link method was, in essence, quite similar to the dual-pilot drift system from Pacific Rim.
It primarily relied on two individuals with matching behavioral patterns and seamless coordination. By minimizing the computer's interference in adjusting the psycho-waves, the system instead relied on fine-tuning the link between two closely aligned mental wavelengths.
However, this theory encountered two major issues in Elvira's original timeline.
First, while finding well-coordinated pairs wasn't impossible—after all, there were plenty of twins, and some exhibited exceptional telepathic synergy—the practical implementation was problematic. Each pair required unique psycho-wave parameter adjustments, resulting in enormous labor costs. Additionally, since individuals varied in mental strength, the equipment parameters couldn't be standardized. For the military, which sought mass production of the system, this was a significant drawback.
Second, human emotions were too unpredictable. Even the closest pairs could argue. Without computer mediation, if the linked individuals had a disagreement, the system would simply fail to activate.
According to Elvira, during her teacher's leadership of the project, one pair of sisters once argued over what to eat for dinner, causing their synchronization rate to remain below 5% for days.
Even the Black Tri-Stars encountered this issue during tests at the Star Palace Colony Satellite. Though the trio worked seamlessly together, they frequently quarreled after drinking too much in private.
However, none of these problems applied to the Xia sisters. Conditioned by Kowloon, their mental states were extraordinarily stable (here, "stable" referred to minimal fluctuations, not a lack of extreme thinking). Both sisters were perfectly loyal to Reid's commands, eliminating any risk of arguments during mission execution. As a result, their synchronization rate soared straight toward 100%.
The only downside was that the Mental Link System Elvira had developed wasn't as overpowered as its original counterpart, lacking the unexplained energy ore from the source material.
Currently, the system's primary functions were drastically enhancing the linked pair's reaction speed, piloting ability, and predictive judgment.
By sharing computational power between their brains, the Xia sisters—armed with their extensive combat knowledge—could predict enemy movements 0.5 to 1 second in advance. Their reaction speeds became comparable to activating SEED mode.
Xia Yufang's elite-level Mobile Suit piloting rating was instantly boosted to ace-level, though unfortunately, Xia Yulan's ace-level rating couldn't be elevated to master-level.
Moreover, the fusion of their mental strengths produced a 1+1>3 effect, amplifying the Lambda Driver's capabilities severalfold. Functions like full-body shields and Mirage Colloid-enhanced weapon boosts—which even Reid couldn't sustain indefinitely—could be maintained continuously by the sisters.
The sole drawback was that the system required the two units to remain within a limited distance. Exceeding the permitted range would sever the link, demanding impeccable coordination between the pair.
Additionally, the psycho-synchronization materials were derived from Lambda Driver components. Prolonged synchronization risked triggering the same issues Whispered individuals experienced during mental synchronization in Full Metal Panic.
Therefore, time must be strictly controlled. Under normal circumstances, the Psycho-Link System is only allowed to remain active for ten minutes—and this leniency is solely due to the Xia sisters' nearly identical personalities and thought patterns.
In principle, this modified version of the Psycho-Link System functions as an active burst skill within the Cosmic Era universe.
The Xia sisters essentially opened with their ultimate move from the start.
The Bit Rocket Boosters propelled them at blinding speed. By the time the Raider Gundam in MA Mode at the forefront detected the system alert, the Xia sisters were already in its face.
Their coordination at this moment was so seamless it was as if one person was piloting both Mobile Suits. From the Raider Gundam's camera perspective, it couldn't even distinguish two separate units—the two NT-X Gundams appeared completely overlapped.
Cloth Buer's decision was relatively sound. At this range, ascending or barrel-rolling would be futile, and transforming back to MS Mode would be suicidal.
So he immediately sent the MA-form Raider Gundam into a 90-degree nosedive.
Xia Yulan, leading the charge, anticipated the Raider's maneuver. Adjusting her aim now would be too slow, so she violently stomped downward with her Mobile Suit's foot.
Her NT-X Gundam's foot connected perfectly with the Raider Gundam's wing in MA form.
The Raider's flight stability instantly collapsed from the impact, sending it spiraling out of control.
Yet the Xia sisters' assault wasn't over. Xia Yufang, positioned behind, intuitively understood Yulan's attack decision. She angled her Beam Rifle downward and fired at the Raider's center mass as it spun toward the ocean.
The Raider couldn't possibly evade. Though unclear what critical component was hit, the Mobile Suit erupted in explosions before trailing smoke as it crashed into the sea—its main structure seemingly intact but combat capability certainly neutralized.
The Xia sisters didn't spare the Raider another thought. Its destruction and Cloth Buer's uncertain fate immediately triggered the other two enhanced humans.
Witnessing his comrade's downfall, Olga Sabnak roared "Cloth!" before unleashing the Calamity Gundam's full arsenal:
-
125mm "Ram" High-Energy Long-Range Beam Cannon
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580mm "Scylla" Multiplex Phase Energy Cannon
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337mm "Stygian" Plasma-Piercing Rocket Cannon
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115mm "Beetle Zwei" Twin Assault Shield Cannon
He saturated the airspace above with indiscriminate fire, maintaining maximum rate of fire from ground position against the two NT-X Gundams.
But Olga's wild barrage would have been easily dodged by the sisters even without Psycho-Link synchronization, let alone in their current state. They flitted through the Calamity's bombardment like butterflies, rendering all its output ineffective.
Shani Andras retained some rationality. Knowing Cloth's skill level, she recognized the threat posed by these opponents who defeated him instantly.
Instead of charging recklessly with her Forbidden Gundam's melee weapons, she cautiously supplemented the Calamity's fire with her Vulture Guided Plasma Cannons for probing attacks.
Unfortunately for her, Reid's mastery of Mirage Colloid beam deflection far surpassed Shani's. Having frequently engaged Reid in simulation battles, the Xia sisters were exceptionally adept at evading distorted beams.
Moreover, Shani Andras had now revealed the unique characteristics of his Mobile Suit.
If Mirage Colloid could distort beam attacks, it could certainly distort beam defenses as well.
Coupled with the massive scythe wielded by the Forbidden Gundam, the Xia sisters immediately deduced that this was likely a close-combat specialist. While the NT-X had melee capabilities, it was far from its forte. Thus, it was best to avoid close-quarters combat with this scythe-wielding machine.
As a result, Xia Yufang decided to test the defensive strength of the green "giant frog's" Mirage Colloid. She fully activated the Lambda Driver to restrain the Mirage Colloid and amplified the Heavy Particle Beam Cannon (beam shaping in the CE universe relied on Mirage Colloid, so the NT-X also had it, though not as extensively equipped with dedicated Mirage Colloid systems). She then fired directly at the Forbidden Gundam.
Seeing the beam attack, Shani Andras instinctively activated the Mirage Colloid Deflection Field, using the two shoulder Shields on the backpack for defense.
To his surprise, the Mobile Suit's Mirage Colloid Deflection Field failed to deflect the incoming beam.
With both sides enhanced by Mirage Colloid, the Lambda Driver's shaping amplification caused their respective particles to collide and cancel each other out.
Under these conditions, the beam could no longer be deflected—only scattered. Though its power was somewhat reduced, it was still more than standard Phase Shift Armor could withstand. Thus, the Forbidden Gundam's dual Shields were instantly destroyed.
However, the impact of Xia Yufang's attack ended there. The explosion of the Shields caused minimal damage to the Forbidden Gundam itself.
Instead, Shani Andras was thoroughly enraged by this unexpected outcome.
He piloted the Forbidden Gundam into a reckless charge against the Heavy Particle Beam Cannon fire that Xia Yulan followed up with.
Of course, Shani Andras wasn't suicidal. As he charged, he continuously fired the "Vulture" Guided Plasma Cannons forward.
Xia Yulan's Heavy Particle Beam collided mid-air with the Forbidden Gundam's plasma shots, triggering an explosion.
But Shani Andras, now in full berserker mode, ignored the Forbidden Gundam's condition and plowed straight through the blast, swinging his scythe in a sweeping strike toward Xia Yulan's NT-X Gundam.
He sorely underestimated Xia Yulan's reflexes, however—and her sister Xia Yufang, who was mentally synchronized with her, had faced every weapon imaginable.
This meant Xia Yulan knew exactly how to counter a scythe.
Before the Forbidden Gundam could complete its swing, Xia Yulan closed the distance instantly, relying on the Lambda Driver's protection to ram into the Forbidden. Her left Shield locked onto the scythe's long handle, preventing further movement.
At this proximity, the Forbidden's scythe was useless. All it could do was unleash a barrage of 75mm anti-air Vulcan Gun fire at the NT-X's head from its head-mounted cannons.
Unfortunately, such solid-round attacks couldn't even breach the Lambda Driver's shield. Xia Yulan didn't bother dodging.
To make matters worse, Xia Yufang wasn't about to stand idly by. Seeing the scythe immobilized, she unhesitatingly drew her Beam Saber and severed the Forbidden Gundam's right arm, then delivered a powerful kick to its waist from the right.
Synchronized with her sister's actions, Xia Yulan deployed the backpack's Wired Bits into the atmospheric environment.
With the rocket propulsion, the Bit didn't fall straight down. Xia Yulan's plan was simple—use the Bit's tether to strangle the Forbidden Gundam's neck.
Just as anticipated, when the Forbidden Gundam was kicked away, its neck got caught in the tether, causing the Mobile Suit to flip horizontally mid-air into a straight line.
Now completely exposed, the Forbidden Gundam was an easy target. Xia Yufang calmly fired a single shot that pierced straight through the cockpit.
Unlike the Raider Gundam, this time the Forbidden Gundam clearly exploded upon destruction—Shani Andras inside was absolutely, undeniably dead.
Meanwhile, below, the Assault GM Dominion squad, under the command of the Black Tri-Stars, had completely annihilated the dozen or so Strike Daggers. Only five of their own Mobile Suits were lost, all shot down by the three "natural-born aces" before the Xia sisters arrived on the battlefield.
Olga Sabnak, now a lone commander without any forces, was utterly dumbfounded.
Fortunately, he hadn't completely lost his wits. The moment the Forbidden Gundam exploded in the sky above, he turned tail and fled without hesitation.
Despite the Calamity Gundam's numerous cannons, its weight was only 81.48 tons—lighter than even the Forbidden Gundam.
This lightweight design allowed it to hover on air cushions over both land and water. Additional thrusters—four at the waist, two on each shoulder, and two on each foot—gave the Calamity Gundam considerable speed, though it couldn't fly.
Taking advantage of Orb's mountainous terrain (the nation being a massive volcanic island), the Calamity Gundam quickly vanished from sight, soon escaping even the NT-X's firing range.
Following Reid's orders not to pursue, the Xia sisters let him go.
Though slightly disappointing, the Atlantic Federation had clearly lost one special Mobile Suit, with another heavily damaged if not destroyed—more than enough to report as a success.