Setting the Stage for the Endgame
The Aubade Force swiftly seized the airspace. High-performance Silhouettes belonging to the Mercenary Association Headquarters were mercilessly shot down. Unlike the current Transformable Silhouettes or the flight-capable Silhouettes of Trireme, their aerial endurance was notably limited.
Trireme fighter units, equipped with anti-air missiles and small-caliber railguns, systematically destroyed enemy Silhouettes with precision. Despite their robust armor, many of the Angels faced a grim fate—helplessly torn apart under relentless long-range barrages. Unable to muster speed, they were slaughtered in a devastating spectacle. With a maximum speed of only about 500 kilometers per hour, the Angels stood no chance against the high-speed fighters dominating the air.
From the sea, hover tank units under the Wangcheng Industrial Group Corporation of Yunlan joined the fray. This unit composed of dragoon tanks—the Silhouette Suzaku and the hover tank Jingfong—were equipped with flight capabilities. Tanks skimming across the ocean surface or launching brief aerial assaults were a nightmare for the silhouettes belonging to the Mercenary Association Headquarters.
Amidst a chaotic swirl of ECMs and anti-laser interference weapons, the effective range and power of particle cannons and laser anti-air armaments were severely curtailed. The concentrated fire on turret systems, intricate precision instruments themselves, was effectively eroding the space fleet’s combat capability. Most concerning of all, the escort units were failing to fulfill their defensive duties.
「It figures. I hate to say it, but… humanoid forms in aerial combat make for perfect targets.」
「No kidding. Back then, the enemy didn’t even have fighters to contend with.」
Kinukawa and Kelly were engaged in conversation, their expressions betraying a mix of emotions.
Kou, meanwhile, was filled with gratitude for the valiant efforts of his allies, who had completely overwhelmed the Mercenary Association.
「There’s no need to force an attack on their anti-air defenses. Without their escort units, they’re just sitting ducks.」
Kou issued a warning to the fighters attempting to close in on the enemy ships.
The enemy’s objective was clear: to capture Fortress Area P336 and establish dominance. If they lost their escort units, retreat would be their only option.
「Some of their ships are gradually retreating.」
「That’s because they don’t have a flagship. Their command structure must have been decimated.」
「Even the remaining ships haven’t surfaced.」
「A testament to how effectively our submarine units are doing their job.」
Kou studied the displayed sea chart intently. Surfacing would allow the enemy to evade submarine attacks, but it would also expose them to devastating bombardment from the Star, the Fortress Areas, railguns, and indirect fire from ground forces. The choice was starkly obvious.
「They can either endure the relentless assault from our submarines or surface and be torn apart by concentrated fire. Let them pick their poison.」
「They should just surrender already.」
For Aimer, the situation was exasperating. The outcome of the battle had long been decided.
「Half-hearted mercy only leads to more casualties on our side. Keep attacking until they issue a formal statement of surrender.」
The reason Kou refrained from issuing a surrender ultimatum was clear: he wanted to make the enemy acutely aware of the overwhelming disparity in power between their forces.
「A premature surrender offer might make it seem as though we—Trireme—are the ones seeking a ceasefire. It’s better to demonstrate the full extent of the difference in strength first.」
For now, he judged that the disparity was not yet evident enough. His reasoning was, as ever, rooted in minimizing the risk to allied forces.
「You’re remarkably calm, Kou.」
「I’m just doing my best.」
Kou replied with a wry smile, deflecting the praise.
「The Mercenary Association Headquarters, which holds the authority to surrender, is in shambles. It’s also possible that the individual Underground Forces have their own reasons preventing them from surrendering.」
「And with the sea full of submarines, they can’t even dive to escape. There’s nowhere left to run.」
The battle was beginning to become a one-sided massacre. The Mercenary Association Headquarters’s fleet had clearly entered a war of attrition, with no coherent strategy left. Each ship moved erratically, the lack of coordination glaringly obvious.
Kou closed his eyes for a moment, gathering his thoughts.
「What’s the status of the Gorgias? Can we conclude that it’s no longer operational?」
Kou inquired, directing the question to the combat operations crew.
「We share the same assessment.」
Aimer, providing support, confirmed on behalf of the team.
Kou gave a single nod, and getting in the role of Outis, issued a directive to the Trireme forces.
「The enemy flagship, Gorgias, is considered eliminated. Air and sea supremacy are ours. Maintain this state.」
After cutting communications, Aimer, standing beside him, turned to ask a question. The elimination of the enemy flagship was a monumental victory for the allied forces.
「Are we taking the initiative now?」
It was clear that the time for Kou to make his move had arrived.
「Time to begin. We’re entering the second phase of the operation Mozu Drop.」
「A new ‘shrike’s offering’?」
「Our objective has always been to resist their overbearing policies. Our victory goal was to demonstrate that Trireme is a force on par with theirs—and that’s been accomplished. Now, it’s time to showcase the caliber of our training and coordination.」
Kou paused, deliberating.
「To truly demonstrate the superiority of our weapons and military prowess, taking down the enemy’s ace is the best way to do it.」
「That’s what the Mozu Drop is for?」
「Exactly. We’ll surpass their strongest. Aimer, can I leave command to you?」
「Of course.」
Kou stepped away from the command seat, relinquishing it to Aimer, and made his way toward the door, heading for Unit 5.
「But won’t the enemy deploy one of the strongest Antique Silhouettes they have?」
「High-end models of the Antique Silhouettes are rare. I’ve consulted their designer about both their strengths and weaknesses. Right, Astraea?」
「Yes.」
Astraea responded with a calm smile, her expression brimming with confidence in their preparations.
「Unit 5 can handle it, more importantly, pilot experience is overwhelmingly on our side. However, there is a risk of long-range sniping with laser cannons. Exercise caution.」
「Understood.」
Kou strode purposefully toward Unit 5, resolute in his mission.
「Time to set the final pieces in place for the endgame.」
Kou climbed into Unit 5, initiating the start-up sequence. There was no discomfort. If anything, he could sense Unit 5’s eagerness for battle, as though the unit itself was ready to fight alongside him.
「So this is the Lanius CX model, huh?」
「It’s a pretty temperamental machine, but with your current skill level, you should have no trouble handling it.」
Voy assured him with confidence.
The unit’s striking blue frame featured shoulder guards reminiscent of the large sleeves of ancient armor. Equipped with a D-rifle, a longsword, and the twin electro-blades of a daisho pair (tachi and wakizashi), it was built for versatility and precision. The massive thruster system, supported by six auxiliary petal-shaped thrusters, would deploy during acceleration for peak mobility.
Its weaponry was minimal, giving little indication of its lineage within the Lanius series.
「Looks like Arges took heavy inspiration from your country.」
「My country, huh?」
「He said your nation’s ingenuity was worth emulating.」
「Well, that’s the kind of country it was.」
Kou and Arges had spent countless hours experimenting with various weapon designs. Kou shared stories of his experiences and the innovative approaches of his homeland. Arges, always attentive, listened without rebuttal, absorbing every word.
Kou had long suspected that Arges himself might be close to a super-AI. Yet, the calm giant always deflected such inquiries with a quiet, evasive demeanor.
「An oversized thruster system, huh?」
「It’s experimental. At best, you’ll get two or three uses out of it. And even then, it won’t last more than three hours consecutively.」
「That’s more than enough.」
The machine was undeniably a marvel of excess—akin to a mass-market vehicle painstakingly modified into a high-performance race car, with adjustments costing billions. Each adjustment required extraordinary resources, and the costs were astronomical. Arges and the engineers aboard Astraea had poured their utmost effort into modifying the unit.
Finally, from within Unit 5’s MCS, Kou initiated action. It was time to confront the enemy fleet, who were likely anticipating him. Kou’s voice carried across the wideband broadcast.
「Can you hear me, representative of the Roche Phalanx? I am Outis.」
A reply came swiftly.
「What business does the Supreme Commander have with us?」
A man in his middle years appeared on the comms screen, seated within his own MCS. His presence radiated experience and authority.
「I’ve got a grievance with you. You should know what I mean if I mention the Aratron reconnaissance incident. Let me propose this: have your commander of Roche Phalanx settle this one-on-one with me. There’s no need for us to waste more lives unnecessarily.」
The Antique Silhouette raid had been the spark that ignited this war. Raimund immediately realized Kou was referring to the same incident that led to open conflict, and his expression soured as though he had bitten into something bitter.
「I am Raimund, representative and commander of the Roche Phalanx. Outis, you want to settle this? Are you serious? You’re the ones in an overwhelmingly advantageous position.」
Raimund said, his tone laden with suspicion. He suspected it was some kind of trap. Though he didn’t voice it, he had expected Kou to issue a surrender ultimatum.
Yet Kou refrained from doing so, leaving Raimund in an awkward position. He couldn’t outright ask, Why aren’t you demanding our surrender? The frustration was evident on his face.
「I’ve got a bone to pick with those holier-than-thou angel machines, always looking down on us from on high. I won’t feel right until I punch one square in the face. But just so you know, I’ll be using a machine that’s up to the task.」
Kou seemed amused by Raimund’s visible confusion over the lack of a surrender demand.
「Interesting. I accept your challenge. We’ll use a machine worthy of the duel as well. One-on-one, is that right?」
Raimund replied, regaining his composure.
「That’s fine, but no ship-based cannons or anti-air lasers. Let’s keep this fair.」
Kou said with a sly grin, his tone deliberately provocative.
「That’s my line. This is a one-on-one duel. No interference of any kind.」
Outis’ decision to challenge Raimund to a duel, despite the overwhelming disadvantage of the Roche Phalanx, struck Raimund as arrogance born of power. Yet he saw this as an opportunity—a rare opening to exploit. If there was ever a moment to act, it was now.
「Very well. The coordinates will be here.」
Raimund declared, transmitting the location. The designated area was open ocean—clear and isolated. Any traps hidden in the vicinity would be immediately detectable with their sensors.
「Understood.」
Kou replied without hesitation.
The communication cut off.
「Playing the role of the final boss isn’t easy.」
Kou muttered with a wry smile.
The exchange had been a battle of wits, a psychological skirmish before the real duel.
Turning back to his allies aboard the Trireme, Kou issued a formal declaration.
「I will now face Raimund, leader of the Roche Phalanx, in one-on-one combat. Watch over this duel, no matter the outcome.」
The proclamation of a showdown with the top figure of the Underground Forces sent a wave of excitement through the frontline troops. Morale soared as their Supreme Commander stepped forward to challenge the enemy head-on.
「The Aratron you destroyed was a unique machine. The remaining enemy units will likely be named after higher-ranking angels.」
Astraea informed Kou, sharing her analysis of the enemy’s potential forces.
「Got it.」
Kou replied simply, as Unit 5 began its steady march toward the catapult.
He paused briefly, turning toward his comrades.
「Nyanta, Aki, I’m heading out. For you, and everyone else, I won’t lose to an Antique Silhouette.」
His resolve was clear. Though he bore no personal grudge against Raimund, Kou intended to use this duel to dispel the prejudice against Artifact Consciousness and the dependence on the remnants of the Interplanetary War era technologies.
It would mark the downfall of the old regime and the old practices.
「Good luck!」
「Unit 5, launching. You will not lose.」
Nyanta wished earnestly for Kou’s victory and Aki coordinated the catapult’s readiness.
Watching Kou’s departure, Nyanta’s voice softened, her emotions spilling out.
「Kou… Even though you’ve changed, you’re still the same in a way. You remembered, didn’t you? The very first day we met…」
「You’ve cared this whole time… Thank you.」
Beside her, Aki, usually stoic, silently celebrated Kou’s words, her joy barely contained.
Nyanta and Aki —a Wildcat and a Gunsmith—were considered unnecessary and outdated in the Interplanetary War era. Their skills were deemed unnecessary during the heyday of optical weaponry. The unit Kou was preparing to fight was the pinnacle of that era, a Silhouette loaded with the weapons that had rendered them obsolete. Kou decided to fight and win for them to reaffirm their worth.
As Unit 5 prepared to launch, Nyanta’s wistful reflection drew curiosity from others.
「What’s this about ‘the first day’? What’s that supposed to mean?」
「I’d love to hear more about that.」
Blue glared at them, jealousy apparent in her voice, and Asia pestered them to share an explanation while wearing the same expression as Blue.
From the command seat, Aimer simply observed the scene with a quiet smile.
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