On the Second Moon, Ezelcant stood atop a high-rise as usual, gazing at the chaotic city below with calm, unreadable eyes. It was unclear what he was thinking.
"Lord Ezelcant!"
"What's with the panic? What's happened?"
Seeing his subordinate rush in frantically, Ezelcant was displeased. This was the Second Moon, his kingdom, where he believed everything was under his control. His subordinates were not allowed to act in such a disorderly manner.
"Please take a look…"
The attendant, scolded, immediately lowered his head and timidly projected a photo for Ezelcant to see.
Upon seeing the photo, Ezelcant's pupils contracted, and he could no longer maintain his composure.
"Where was this photo taken?"
"In the passageway from Hangar E21 to Port 989."
"Why wasn't this discovered earlier!?"
"Port 989 was abandoned three years ago. Most of the surveillance cameras there have been damaged due to lack of maintenance, and we relaxed our monitoring of the area after the port was decommissioned…"
"Fools! I've said all entrances and exits on the Second Moon must be strictly monitored! Is this how you carry out my orders!?"
"N-no… We did request instructions when the port was abandoned, asking whether to maintain the surveillance system in that area, but at the time, Lord Zannald cited budget and resource shortages and told us to abandon the maintenance…"
"Useless! The enemy has infiltrated our home! Sound the alarm immediately! Mobilize all defense forces and ensure the intruders are captured!"
"Yes!"
The attendant hurriedly ran out to relay the orders. Ezelcant grabbed a vase and smashed it to pieces in frustration. His kingdom had been invaded, and by the enemies he despised and feared the most.
"Yang Hui… Graham… and Asuno… you must die!"
With a venomous curse, Ezelcant took his private elevator to the core of the secret research facility. He intended to personally end the nightmare he had long refused to acknowledge but deeply feared.
...
"Boom~!"
A deafening explosion echoed as the hangar doors were blown open, and the battered Gundam AGE-3 Orbital burst through the smoke, flying toward the outer reaches of the Second Moon.
After navigating the lengthy passageways, the Gundam AGE-3 Orbital finally rendezvoused with the Dawn Gundam, Flag Gundam, and Gundam AGE-2 Barret Hunter.
"They're here. Prepare to retreat."
"The guests have arrived too."
Joining Yang Hui and the others were not just the Gundam AGE-3 Orbital, but also countless enemy units.
"Asemu, take Kio and go first. We'll cover you."
"Understood."
The Gundam AGE-2 escorted the Gundam AGE-3 away. After capturing the Gundam AGE-3, VEGAN had done nothing but study it. It remained in the same state as when it was captured—missing limbs and barely functional.
Moreover, Kio and the Gundam AGE-3 were their primary rescue targets. Rather than staying behind and getting in the way, it was better for them to return to the ship and put everyone's minds at ease.
After all, the narrow space was not conducive for the Dawn Gundam and the Flag Gundam to fight effectively. The Dawn Gundam's Funnels all formed a shield in front, as both the Dawn Gundam and the Flag Gundam fought while retreating, covering the withdrawal of the Gundam AGE-2 and Gundam AGE-3 while leading the enemy forces to a more open area suitable for combat.
"Tch, what a hassle!" Yang Hui complained. The space was too cramped, leaving little room for him and Graham to dodge. Moreover, since this was the enemy's stronghold, the pursuing forces were overwhelming. The suppressive fire left no room for maneuver, forcing them to defend. The Funnels forming the shield were nearly all destroyed.
"Who told you to boast about covering the rear? Wouldn't it have been better to retreat together and fight outside?" Graham scolded.
"With the AGE-3 in that sorry state, do you think we could outrun them?" Yang Hui retorted irritably.
"Hmph, one of these days, you're going to get me killed!"
"When I get tired of fighting, I'll send you to your death."
"Dream on! How could I ever get tired of something as thrilling as battle?"
Though the two kept bickering, neither willing to back down, their movements were swift, and their coordination was seamless. The Dawn Gundam and the Flag Gundam took turns covering each other, one retreating while the other provided covering fire, without the slightest hesitation.
However, no matter how well they coordinated or how precise their shots were, they couldn't hold back the swarm of enemy units surging toward them like ants. Each volley destroyed several enemy units, leaving behind a field of wreckage, but the gaps were immediately filled by more enemies, reforming an impenetrable web of fire.
In this frustrating battle, the Dawn Gundam and the Flag Gundam finally reached the abandoned dock. The space opened up, and they no longer had to endure the hail of bullets in such a confined area.
"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh~..."
The two Gundams burst out of the exit. The pursuing enemy units had barely emerged when they were pierced by dozens of beams, exploding densely at the exit. Flames, smoke, and debris filled the entire passage.
"Yang Hui, Graham, are you alright?" Yurin asked as the Luna Gundam holstered its gun.
"Fine, just annoyed."
"I'll get them back later!" Graham grumbled.
"Cut it out. Let's retreat before we get surrounded, alright?" Yang Hui snapped irritably, then moved with the Luna Gundam toward the rendezvous point.
Graham, unable to vent his frustration, could only endure it grudgingly as he followed them. However, they hadn't gone far before they encountered the two Gundams and two G-Titans that were supposed to have returned to the transport ship. The G-Titans' arms were missing, their severed ends sparking with arcs of electricity and flames.
Surrounding them were several warships and hundreds of MS, their gun barrels glowing with restrained energy.
This level of encirclement didn't faze Yang Hui, Graham, or Yurin. They had faced similar situations multiple times before and had even managed to annihilate the enemy forces completely.
But... this time, they might not be able to pull it off. At the core of the enemy formation stood a new machine, resembling a Gundam but unlike anything they had ever seen. It looked down on them arrogantly, as if they were nothing more than prey caught in a trap, no matter how fierce they were.
The slender frame lacked the sharp angles of the Dawn Gundam and other units, with more rounded edges instead. Beyond the classic blue, white, and red color scheme, the joints were adorned with gold paint, adding a touch of opulence and grandeur. It wielded a gun in its left hand and a shield in its right. The chest featured a forward-facing emerald green circular surface, which, along with the long tail, served as a beam cannon. Beneath the V-shaped antenna, a hallmark of Gundam design, was not a pair of eyes but a single thin line, following the VEGAN style.
"Should I say it's our first meeting? Yang Hui, Graham, Yurin, I am Ezelcant," the unknown Gundam opened a public channel, transmitting Ezelcant's voice.
"Haha, I suppose so. I never expected you to personally pilot an MS to face us. Aren't you afraid of dying here?" Yang Hui sneered, retorting.
"Hmph! This Gundam Legilis is the latest unit, developed by analyzing the Gundam AGE-3 and incorporating EXA-DB technology. It's the pinnacle of VEGAN's engineering. You stand no chance!"
"Haha, calling it the pinnacle of technology? Did you develop any of it yourself? You just copied others' work and made a shoddy imitation. Only you would treasure such a thing."
In terms of verbal sparring, Yang Hui didn't consider himself invincible, but he had yet to be defeated. Ezelcant's low-level verbal attacks were easily countered.
"You! Hmph! I won't argue with you, Yang Hui. This is your last chance—surrender, or die here!"
"Hahaha, feeling nervous, old man? If you weren't afraid of us, would you be trying to persuade us to surrender? Remember... we are your nightmare."
Yang Hui had no intention of engaging in a prolonged verbal battle with Ezelcant. The banter was merely a way to buy time. The encirclement wasn't enough to trap them, even with the Gundam Legilis, which was slightly superior to their units.
However... Yang Hui wasn't confident about safely retreating with the others who had lost their combat capabilities, which was why he was stalling.
"I wonder if the preparations on their side are complete. Otherwise, Gerard and Rena might be in danger."
"Lieutenant General."
At that moment, Gerard and Rena's communication came through.
"Gerard, Rena, find the right moment. We'll create an opening for you."
"Lieutenant General, don't worry about us."
"With us in tow, even you won't be able to escape. We'll pave the way for you..."
Gerard and Rena knew they were a burden, but their resolute determination made them willing to sacrifice their lives to create a path for their respected superior and mentor.
But Yang Hui had never been one to abandon his comrades. Even if there was the slightest chance, he wouldn't let others risk their lives for his sake.
"Enough! Follow orders. Asemu, seize the opportunity and lead them out!"
"Understood!"
On the other side, Ezelcant, though infuriated by Yang Hui, noticed that Yang Hui and his team remained inactive and wondered if they were plotting something.
Ezelcant didn't believe for a moment that Yang Hui and his team were scared or considering surrender. If he had thought that way, he would have joined VEGAN decades ago.
As expected, the Dawn Gundam, Flag Gundam, and Luna Gundam suddenly launched an attack, tearing a gap in the encirclement.
The fully prepared Gundam AGE-2 immediately led the Gundam AGE-3 and two G-Titans in a breakout.
Kio, as usual, was reluctant to leave Yang Hui and the others in danger, but Asemu, who had anticipated this, firmly controlled the Gundam AGE-2 to hold onto the Gundam AGE-3, dragging it toward the rendezvous point.
"Let me go, Dad! Grandpa Yang Hui and the others..."
"Kio! Stop being unreasonable! Staying here will only hold them back!"
"But there are so many enemies..."
"It's fine. They are the Federation's [Three Archangels], the former VEGAN Reapers, and they still are! And don't forget, our mission here is to rescue you!"
"..."
Kio fell silent, his grip on the control stick loosening as he silently accepted the situation.
His emotions were in turmoil. Whether it was Yang Hui's earlier reprimand or his own helplessness on the battlefield, he didn't know if piloting the Gundam and joining the fight was the right or wrong decision.
On the other side, Ezelcant watched as the Gundam AGE-2 and the other three machines broke through the encirclement without a hint of panic. The analysis and research on the latest model of the Gundam AGE series, the Gundam AGE-3, were already complete, rendering it useless. As for whether Kio would return to VEGAN to serve as the planned bridge, it no longer mattered.
Yang Hui and the other two remained within the encirclement, and this... was what Ezelcant most wanted to accomplish.
To completely erase VEGAN's Reaper, his nightmare!
Sorry, sorry, I missed sending this earlier. I'll contact BJ as soon as possible to adjust the chapter order.
(End of Chapter)