Gundam: Changing the World Even with a Mass-Produced Unit

Chapter 15: A Despairing Reunion

Even with a pilot's rapid reactions, the massive body of the mobile suit couldn't evade the beam attack in such a short time. However, this precarious moment granted test pilot Aina a slim chance of survival.

The Minovsky flight system operated by releasing a large quantity of Minovsky particles beneath the suit, creating a grid-like "I-field" that produced a hovering effect similar to a hovercraft. This technology had also been employed on the Federation's latest Pegasus-class warships.

At this moment, the sudden and dense explosion of the I-field unexpectedly intercepted Eli's beam attack. Normally, the Minovsky flight system of this size would be capable of dispersing the beam completely, ensuring the Apsalus would remain unharmed. However, the current malfunction in the system meant that, while the beam was diffused, it wasn't fully neutralized. The residual energy continued forward like a scattered shotgun blast, striking the left underside of the Apsalus.

Several glowing red points, caused by the heating and burning of metal, appeared on the surface, almost resembling navigation lights on the massive machine. These marks inadvertently served as guides for the enemy's subsequent attacks.

"Avoid random attacks on the underside!"

The Sandath unit, armed with a 180mm cannon, fired several rounds at the Apsalus's sides without hesitation. Each shell created thick plumes of smoke upon impact, and with every hit, the Apsalus's altitude dropped slightly.

"Fall, damn you, death god!"

Sandath roared as he fired again.

Suddenly, a volley of rockets landed near Sandath's machine, launched by Dopp fighter jets. However, they soon faced retaliation as Karen, wielding her 100mm machine gun, unleashed a barrage that shot down one Dopp on the spot. The remaining Dop had no choice but to retreat, only to be relentlessly pursued by Karen.

A distinct "buzz" from a beam being activated brought a sense of sci-fi drama to Eli amidst the chaos of jungle combat. Yet, with her keen awareness, Aina deliberately positioned the Minovsky flight system beneath the Apsalus to intercept the attack.

"Shiro, stay close to me!"

Eli, seeing her beam deflected, adjusted her strategy. Crouching her mobile suit, she activated the thrusters on its backpack, which roared to life with brilliant blue flames. In an instant, the two ground-type Gundams ascended to match the altitude of the Apsalus.

Eli steadied her beam rifle with both hands, aiming at the Apsalus while her thrusters provided stable upward propulsion. Pink particles began to coalesce at the muzzle of her weapon.

Beside her, Amada Shiro wielded a 100mm machine gun in his left hand and a rocket launcher in his right, firing continuously. Though his attacks didn't cause substantial damage, the resulting explosions produced clouds of thick black smoke that enveloped the Apsalus's Zaku-like control center, temporarily obstructing its pilots' view.

Moments later, the smoke was pierced by a pink beam, which directly penetrated the left side of the Apsalus's armor, unleashing a terrifying explosion. Already struggling to maintain altitude due to its experimental malfunctions, the Apsalus plunged further, its bottom now almost scraping the treetops.

"Get on top of it!"

Recognizing the opportunity, Eli immediately made a decision. The thrusters on her back emitted another burst of flame, propelling her suit above the Apsalus. The ground-type Gundam extended its legs, its soles deploying claw-like hooks with a metallic "clack," anchoring itself firmly to the Apsalus's armor.

Eli adjusted her stance, standing up from a slight crouch used to absorb the landing force. Nearby, Shiro mimicked her maneuver, landing on the Apsalus as well. Without exchanging words, the two opened fire simultaneously, unleashing their full arsenal, including the Vulcan cannons on their mobile suits. Each shot from Eli's beam rifle resulted in a deafening explosion on the Apsalus.

"Good! Keep firing and bring it down!"

Eli tightened her grip on the trigger, firing relentlessly.

"Can you hear me, Federation pilots? If you don't leave immediately, I'll detonate myself!"

Just as victory seemed within reach, a communication came through from the Apsalus's pilot.

"The explosion from this machine will annihilate everything nearby—does that not matter to you?"

The clear, melodic voice, even in the form of a threat, carried a peculiar allure. Yet, in the chaos of the battlefield, such aesthetic appeal did nothing to halt the fighting.

Eli and Shiro paused, though Eli quickly raised her beam rifle and aimed it directly at the Zaku-like cockpit of the Apsalus.

"Before that happens, I'll shoot through your cockpit. For both our sakes, surrender immediately."

Eli used her nascent Newtype instincts to lock onto the pilot—a girl seemingly trapped within the Apsalus, bound by what one might call the chains of fate. This was Aina.

Eli refrained from pulling the trigger immediately, concerned that an explosion from the Apsalus could rival the destructive force of a tactical nuclear warhead. Given their proximity to the frontlines, such a detonation could drastically alter the situation in the Southeast Asian warzone.

"How could this happen…"

Aina's voice returned, now devoid of its earlier facade of strength, revealing a fragile femininity.

Having rarely participated in combat herself, Aina felt a growing fear as she stared at the pitch-black muzzle of the Gundam's beam rifle on her monitor. Her mind raced. What should she do? This was her brother's masterpiece—it couldn't fall into the Federation's hands.

"Aina… Is that you?"

Amid her inner turmoil, Aina suddenly heard her name over the comms.

She focused, recognizing the voice as coming from the other mobile suit. It was a voice she had heard not long ago—out in space.

"That voice… is it Shiro?"

In an instant, the panicked Aina found a strange sense of calm.

"Yes, it's me! Aina, it's really you… Please, surrender!"

The unexpected reunion caused Amada Shiro to lower his weapon. Using a tone bordering on pleading, he implored Aina to give up.

Though their time together had only been a few hours, those moments left an indelible impression on Shiro, stirring emotions he couldn't fully articulate. It wasn't love, but something he deeply cherished.

He also understood Eli's unwavering stance against Zeon. If Aina refused to surrender, the battle would escalate to a point of no return.

"Please, Aina!"

Under the vast expanse of the sky, Shiro's desperate cry echoed with sorrow.