However, the Guren Mk-II evaded every shot, slipping into my close range.
"Hah!"
I aimed an upward slash with the assault blade at the Guren Mk-II, but it blocked it by deploying its Radiation Wave on its right hand. Simultaneously, the effect of the Radiation Wave sent microwaves into the blade, causing it to expand, but I disregarded that and swung the assault blade with all my might.
A unit of about 5 meters, and a unit of nearly 20 meters. The size difference was roughly fourfold. The Guren Mk-II couldn't possibly resist such a mass difference and was sent flying high into the air. But at the same time, my assault blade was also rendered useless.
I knew this from the original story, but it's an incredibly troublesome weapon. The Guren Mk-II is fast, small, and suited for close combat. In contrast, I'm large, and only have ranged weapons left… No, I still have the Sonic Breaker. Since that doesn't directly attack with the unit itself, it should be effective even against the Radiation Wave. And ultimately, it's a ramming attack, so the mass difference of the units will be decisive.
"Axel, I'll leave this side to you. I'm taking on Zero!"
Cornelia, with only her Slash Harken, challenged the three Burais. Some anxiety remained, but the opponents were Zero and members of the Ohgi group. Their KMF piloting skills were known to be limited, and Cornelia should be able to handle it.
My job is to prevent this incredibly troublesome Guren Mk-II from going over there.
"Understood, be careful."
The Guren Mk-II, brandishing its Type-02 Custom Blade on its left hand, assaulted me. I evaded its attack, which aimed to stab the Guren's leg, by moving into the air using the Tesla Drive. I fired the Burst Railgun continuously. However, as expected of the Guren Mk-II, it completely evaded the Burst Railgun fire even while retreating.
"That speed is troublesome."
Compared to the Guren, it's smaller, and at that speed, my attacks rarely hit. Moreover, I'm specialized in unit control through the T-LINK system, so the Guren's and Landliona's reactions are too slow for me.
The Guren Mk-II retreated for a moment but then closed the distance again. It probably intended to finish me with a single blow from its right arm.
It passed underneath my flying Guren, got behind me, and swung its right arm to strike with the Radiation Wave. I evaded by advancing, then barrel-rolled in mid-air to dodge a thrown Type-02 Custom Blade. I immediately turned back to face the Guren Mk-II and charged, firing the machine cannons. The machine cannons were completely blocked by the Radiation Wave, but my goal was to make it use the Radiation Wave to stop its rapid movements, so it was no problem!
"Stopping your movement is the end of your luck! Sonic Breaker!"
The Guren deployed T-DOT Array energy fields from both shoulders. It then charged into the now-stopped Guren Mk-II.
If things had continued as they were, the Guren Mk-II would have been blown away by the Guren. But unbelievably, Kallen used her Radiation Wave to block the Sonic Breaker's charge. However, it naturally couldn't completely absorb the Guren's mass, and green sparks flew from its right arm, which housed the Radiation Wave mechanism.
"I'll crush you as you are!"
Just as I floored the Guren's throttle to crush the Guren Mk-II, a sudden landslide occurred, sweeping away the Guren Mk-II along with the ground beneath it.
"Tch!"
I immediately engaged the Guren's Tesla Drive at full power. Just before I could crash into the ground, I kicked off the earth and floated into the air.
And that became the signal for the Black Knights to begin their retreat. Cornelia's Gloucester knelt.
"That was close."
"Yes. But…"
Just as Cornelia was about to say something. The Lancelot finally appeared. It probably took time to cross the mudslide, but the battle with the Black Knights itself had only lasted a few minutes.
"Viceroy Cornelia, Mr. Axel!"
"Special Dispatch Corps?"
"Yes. Lloyd deployed me as a reinforcement. I have Euphemia's permission."
"…I see. Second Lieutenant Kururugi. Pursue Zero."
"But!"
"He's only out of energy fillers. And Axel is here too. Go!"
"YES, YOUR HIGHNESS!"
Watching the Lancelot's retreating figure as it pursued the Black Knights, I spoke to Cornelia.
"That was dangerous."
"Yes. You saved me again."
"Don't worry about it. As I said in Kyuushuu, as long as you're safe, that's all that matters."
"…I see."
I somehow picked up Cornelia's unit by placing my hands behind its knees and head—a princess carry, so to speak. In that state, I moved through the air using the Tesla Drive.
"Axel, this unit is…"
Right. I need to talk about that.
"I apologize, but if you consider my help this time an obligation, I would appreciate it if you didn't pry into this unit."
"…I see. Understood. I swear under the name of Cornelia li Britannia that I will not pry into this unit."
"My apologies. …The time might come when I can tell you, but please wait until then."
As we flew through the air, talking about such things, a familiar unit appeared. Guilford's Gloucester.
"Your Highness! Are you safe!"
"Thanks to Axel."
"That unit, is it Axel's after all?"
"Yes. But under my name, I forbid any inquiry into this unit. Also, inform all forces. Prepare for withdrawal. There is no further reason to risk our soldiers' lives. Maintain combat posture while slowly retreating."
After sending the communication to Guilford, she muttered regretfully.
"I must admit it. This time, we lost."
Hours after the battle in the Narita Mountains concluded. Preparations were underway to return to the Tokyo Settlement, including collecting remaining forces, repairs, and resupply.
Incidentally, the Lancelot apparently experienced the shock image from C.C. as in the original story and was recovered after its energy fillers ran out while in a berserk state. Considering Euphemia rushed to the Special Dispatch Corps looking worried, those two will likely proceed as in the original story. Now, if only I can somehow prevent the Euphemia Massacre…
By the way, the Guren has already been returned to Spatial Storage, where it remains. The G-1 Base unit and Britannian soldiers who know me seem to want to ask me something, but since Cornelia explicitly forbade prying into the unit under her own name, they apparently can't ask, even if they want to.
Character Status (for context, not part of the narrative)
Name: Axel Almar
LV: 34
PP: 165
Melee: 242
Ranged: 260
Skill: 252
Defense: 249
Evasion: 277
Accuracy: 299
SP: 414
Ace Bonus: SP Boost (Consumes SP to enhance Slime performance)
Growth Type: All-Rounder, Special
Air: S
Land: S
Sea: B
Space: S
Spirit Commands:
Accelerate: 4 SP
Effort: 8 SP
Concentrate: 16 SP
Direct Hit: 20 SP
Awaken: 32 SP
Love: 48 SP
Skills:
EXP Up
SP Boost (SP Up Lv.9 & SP Recovery & Concentration)
Psychokinesis Lv.10
Attacker
Gunfight Lv.9
Infight Lv.9
Morale Limit Break
???
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Kills: 192
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