Huckebein Mk-II counters my Rekkahajin kunai with head Vulcans again. Can't let them think I'm predictable.
"Accelerate, Focus!"
Vaisaga's speed, decent for a special unit, lags behind Grow Savior. I use Accelerate to close the gap and Focus to sharpen my concentration.
"Water Claw Fang!"
Energy claws extend from Vaisaga's gauntlets. Using the dust from clashing kunai and Vulcans as cover, I dart to Huckebein's side.
"Haaah!"
I slash at its flank, but Huckebein's beam sword parries. Damn, Vaisaga's response is sluggish! My attack should've slipped past, but the machine can't keep up with my reflexes. Its Direct Feedback System relays my thoughts instantly, yet the hardware's too slow compared to T-LINK's precision. Lemon knew this, recommending Vaisaga for its similar system, but it's no Grow Savior.
"Strong!" Britt exclaims, retreating to favor ranged combat.
"Not enough! Earth-Slashing Sky Blade!"
I charge energy into the ground, unleashing it with Godaiken. The surge races toward Huckebein, only to be swallowed by a blue energy torrent—Grungust's Final Beam. Irm's here.
"What a skilled pilot," Irm taunts over open frequency.
I ignore him, aiming Godaiken at Grungust.
"Talk a little, why not?"
"Like I told your friend, win first, then I'll answer."
"Two-on-one, and you're fine with that?"
"Think you can win with just that? Arrogant."
"Prove that big talk!" Irm draws Ketto Rahu Ken from Grungust's wings.
"Here I go!"
I charge, Godaiken ready. Irm meets me head-on. Our machines are similar in size, but Vaisaga's mobility outclasses Grungust. Built by Tesla Lab in my world—based on Grungust Type-3's blueprints—Vaisaga's specs dominate. Only pilot skill can bridge the gap.
Grungust blocks my Godaiken with Ketto Rahu Ken raised high. I extend Water Claw Fang from my left gauntlet, slashing as I hold Godaiken with my right. But Huckebein's Photon Rifle aims at me. I retreat, narrowly dodging its energy blast. My claw grazes Grungust's armor, no deeper.
"Two-on-one, no complaints, right?" Britt taunts.
"Fine by me. Sure two's enough?"
Britt falls silent. He'd love backup, but Latune and Rai are tied up with Ouka's El Eins, and the rest battle Echidna's Gespensts. Hagane crushed our initial wave easily, but Echidna's command has them struggling now.
"You're tough, but don't underestimate us!" Irm shouts, launching Grungust's right arm—Boost Knuckle.
"Too slow!"
I spread Vaisaga's cape, enveloping and redirecting the arm back at Grungust.
"No way…" Irm mutters, stunned.
Compared to Beowulf-turned-Ainst, this is child's play. To beat Ainst or Inspectors, they need more. Time to borrow Yuuki's line.
"L5 Campaign's victory was just luck, huh?"
"No!" Irm snaps.
"Prove it. Can't beat me, can't beat aliens."
"Brit, sync up!"
Grungust, arm reattached, charges with Ketto Rahu Ken. Its weight slows it—three times Vaisaga's mass.
"Chakram Shooter!" Britt fires Huckebein's wired chakram.
"Accelerate!"
I dart behind Grungust, using it as a shield. The chakram arcs to avoid Irm, chasing Vaisaga with telekinetic guidance. Its precision's low, blocked by Grungust. No Greipnir Thread to snare it, so I extend Water Claw Fang, catching the blade with my right claw, severing the wire with my left, and flicking the chakram away.
Sensing danger, I leap back as Ketto Rahu Ken carves the ground where I stood.
"Nice move, but getting close was a mistake!" I spin into Grungust's guard, Water Claw Fang scarring its armor. Irm, unfazed, opens Grungust's chest, charging energy.
Final Beam at this range!?
"Accelerate!"
I dodge the beam, retreating to ready Godaiken.
"Cut flesh to break bone? Too bad," I taunt.
"An ace like you, unknown till now?" Irm replies, unshaken.
"If you can't beat me, how'll you protect Earth from aliens?"
Grungust and Huckebein face me, their coordination tight—Grungust tanks, Huckebein supports. Still, they're no match for Inspectors or Ainst.
"Round two," I mutter, preparing Rekkahajin, when Echidna's call cuts in. I switch to her channel.
"Captain, Ouka Nagisa's fled the battlefield. We're at a disadvantage. Permission to retreat?"
Only two Gespensts remain. Impressive they lasted this long against Kyosuke's crew.
"No choice. Pull back. Grungust's lightly damaged—mission somewhat accomplished."
"Yes, sir. Rhinocerous awaits."
Echidna deploys ASRS, vanishing. I switch back to open frequency.
"Sorry, business calls. Want answers? Sharpen your skills by next time."
"Think we'll let you go? We've got questions—Gespensts, Alblade!" Irm snaps.
"I said, beat me first."
I cut comms, deploy Earth Cradle's ASRS, and escape as Hagane's pilots hesitate.
Episode 0082.5: Shadows of Manipulation
In Agira Setome's Earth Cradle lab, she and her aide, Cuerbo Sero, adjust Ouka Nagisa, suspended in a cylinder.
"How is she, Dr. Setome?" Cuerbo asks.
"Rejection symptoms, as predicted," Agira replies.
"Because of her attachment to Latune from the School?"
"Not just that. Shadow Mirror's Axel stirred doubts about her existence. Puppets don't need full autonomy. Also, Bronzo 28's survival caused a shock."
"Arado's alive!?"
"Recorded in her logs. Axel's words and Arado's survival disrupted Aurum-1's subconscious, triggering rejection. Bronzo 28, a defective unit, is annoyingly resilient."
"Should we tell Zeora, in sleep adjustment, about Arado?"
"No. Reset and rebuild Aurum-1 and Bronzo-27's memories. Make them see Bronzo 28 as an enemy. It'll streamline their missions. And plant hostility toward Axel for meddling," Agira cackles.
Agira works gleefully; Cuerbo, conflicted, continues Ouka's memory adjustment.
Character: Axel Almer
LV: 25
PP: 25
Melee: 206
Shooting: 224
Skill: 216
Defense: 213
Evasion: 241
Accuracy: 263
SP: 342
Ace Bonus: SP Boost (Enhances Slime performance with SP consumption)
Growth Type: All-Rounder/Special
Terrain: Air (S), Land (S), Sea (B), Space (A)
Spirits:
Accelerate (SP 4)
Effort (SP 8)
Focus (SP 16)
Direct Hit (SP 20)
Awaken (SP 32)
???
Skills:
EXP Up
SP Boost (SP Up LV.9, SP Recovery, Focus)
Psychokinesis LV.10
Attacker
Gunfight LV.9
Infight LV.4
??? (x5)
Kill Count: 100