"Diversion?" I ask.
Vindel explains Ban's request for Shadow Mirror to distract the Federation. "Neue DC, holding most of Africa, targets Europe next—Riksent Duchy via Aviano Base. A frontal assault wastes resources, so they want us to hit the Federation's Mediterranean regroup point."
"Riksent's war-torn," Lemon remarks, referencing Adler Koch's DC attack. Kyosuke's ATX team saved it then, but per the original story, Archibald's forces will occupy it now. Yuki and Carla might temper him, but it's iffy.
"Who's attacking Riksent?" I ask.
"Archibald," Vindel confirms.
"More senseless deaths," Lemon mutters.
"Leave that to Ban," Vindel says. "Axel, can you handle it?"
"Got it. Available forces?"
"W16's ready, as always. W15's nearly done with Magus—good to go. It's a feint, so ten mass-produced Ws should suffice," Lemon replies.
Federation numbers are unclear, but for a diversion, that's enough. "Vindel, it's just us? No Neue DC or Earth Cradle units?"
"Correct."
"Then I can go all-out with Grow Savior?"
"Fine, but it's a diversion. No need to overdo it," Vindel warns.
"Even if I wipe them out?" I quip, channeling a certain red archer.
Vindel smirks. "If you must."
"Time for a real fight," I say.
"Captain, we're nearing the target," Echidna reports from Rhinocerous's bridge.
"Ground battleship's too slow," I grumble.
"It's Vindel's flagship and escape option. Wunderland's still under repair, and Ladybird can only carry five PTs. Stoke's Neue DC's symbol—they won't share. Rhinocerous is best," Echidna explains.
"W15, thoughts?" I ask Wodan.
"Ladybird's limited to one special unit. Rhinocerous is better," he replies.
Losing a Trilobyte to Cry Wolves hurt. We need Shirogane soon—per the original, post-Riksent recapture. "No use wanting what we don't have. Prep for launch. It's just us—go wild."
"Understood," Echidna says.
"Roger," Wodan adds.
Echidna boards Vaisaga, Wodan Sladegelmir, Ws El Eins, and I Grow Savior. Earth Cradle's ASRS hides us from Federation sensors—an ECM gem. It drops after attacking, but until then, we're ghosts, perfect for elite ambushes.
"W15, crush them with Sladegelmir's first strike. Then we hit with full firepower," I order.
"Understood!" Wodan roars, transforming Sladegelmir's shoulder into Zankantou and charging. "Extend, Zankantou!"
Machine Cell blades stretch, becoming energy, slicing through Ladybird, ships, PTs, and AMs. "Star-Slicing Blade!" Wodan bellows, wiping out 30-40% of the enemy.
"I am Wodan Ymir, Magus's blade!" his voice thunders.
Survivors—about 50 units—charge. "Impressive numbers," I note. A 1:5 ratio favors them in quantity, but our quality flips it.
"W16, take command!" I order, rushing past Sladegelmir.
"W15 set the stage. My turn. T-LINK, full contact! Focus, Direct Hit, Effort, Phantom!"
First full T-LINK sync in months. I unleash all Phantoms, deploying beam gatling, linear railgun, and Ranse Kanone barrels, wielding Gun Rapier and Halberd Launcher.
"Federation, become our sacrifice! All units, fire!"
Phantom laser blades rain, piercing enemies. Beam gatling shreds Lions, scattering parts. Linear railgun obliterates Gespenst Mk-IIs. Ranse Kanone beams skewer Huckebein Mk-IIs. Gun Rapier cripples Garlions; Halberd Launcher finishes them. Grow Savior's onslaught overwhelms like waves on a sandcastle.
Echidna's Vaisaga obliterates Government tanks with Earth-Slashing Sky Blade. Wodan slices ships with Zankantou, unfazed by our barrage. El Eins' G-Railguns hit, Machine Cells repairing instantly.
Enemy counterattacks dwindle. From 1:5 odds, we dominate. Wodan's opening strike and our barrage shattered them. Fleeing Neue DC's Africa campaign, they let their guard down—ripe for ambush. Hagane or Hiryu Kai might've resisted, but not these remnants.
"Captain, continue?" Echidna asks.
"Five more minutes, then offer surrender. Non-compliant, we annihilate."
"Understood."
I fire Fire Daggers at a Huckebein Mk-II aiming a Rectangle Launcher, destroying its arm. "Surrender or die?" I demand, Gun Rapier aimed.
The pilot raises hands, yielding. "Surrender accepted. Stay put. We'll broadcast terms."
As I focus T-LINK for the next target, the pilot speaks. "Who are you? Neue DC? No Lion units…"
"We're not Neue DC, just allies."
"Why aid Earth's chaos?"
Ignore him? No, I'll bite. "You can't protect Earth. Heard Ban's speech? We need Harpe's scythe, not Aegis's shield."
Echidna reports, "Captain, they're surrendering. Accept?"
"Yes. Handle cleanup. I'm returning to Rhinocerous for Vindel's report."
"Leave it to me."