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Aidoneus Island
Tenzan: Hey, old man. Why can’t we launch a full-fledged attack on the Hagane?
Adler: You have the nerve to ask me that after losing Wake Island!? You little brat…!
Tenzan: Tch…If I had a Barrelion at the time I’d have finished them off.
Adler: Shut your mouth. If it wasn’t for me, you would never have gotten this position.
Adler: And the only reason the soldiers follow your orders is because of me.
Tenzan: I never asked for that. You’re the one who made me join the DC.
Adler: …Tenzan, I’ll give you a Barrelion. I want you to attack the Hagane immediately.
Tenzan: What! Are you serious!?
Adler: Although the Commander intends to acquire that ship for future battles…we have plenty of ships for our forces.
Adler: Watching them come closer is beginning to be an eyesore. So in this case, I don’t care if it’s sunk.
Tenzan: Sweet… I’m on it!
*Tenzan leaves*
Egret: Was that Tenzan Nakajima…?
Adler: That’s correct.
Egret: He seems like an ordinary kid…
Adler: Perhaps, but his visual acuity, reaction time, and ability to adapt to new mechs are way above average.
Egret: According to his combat statistics, he doesn’t seems to have much potential…
Adler: He never received medication or proper training…but his results are phenomenal.
Egret: I see…
Adler: He can master the operation of a mech in no time.
Adler: And he’s not an android or otherworldly being.
Egret: Hmph…so he’s a natural, is that it?
Adler: Specifically, he’s part of the Advanced Children.
Egret: …..
Adler: They’re a group of highly trained soldiers that are created by using my own highly evolved gaming machines…almost like a mutant.
Egret: …..
Adler: With the help of our spies, I’ve obtained other samples similar to Tenzan.
Adler: And from their combined data…I shall create the perfect combat AI.
Adler: And, it will be the guardian angel of the Earth Cradle. Heeheeheehee…!
Egret: In other words, these people are the members of your second School.
Adler: Hmph…the Graduates of The School aren’t even comparable to these new specimens.
Adler: They relied heavily on medical procedures and enhancement training, and turned out to be failures in the end…
Hagane – Briefing room
Tetsuya: A short while ago, we received an encrypted transmission from the Far East Brigade.
Tetsuya: According to the message…the DC central battalion is advancing on Central Europe.
Irm: Both the EFA and the Feds have their headquarters in Geneva.
Rai: And what of our forces?
Tetsuya: We’re mobilizing our remaining soldiers at Aviano Base in Southern Europe.
Tetsuya: However, since our spy and attack satellites have been taken over by the UCC…
Tetsuya: It will be difficult to defeat the DC battalion.
Tetsuya: Therefore, we must reach Aidoneus Island before the DC forces begin their invasion of Southern Europe.
Irm: Our strategy has been one of boldness and aggression…
Irm: And now we must charge into the heart of our enemies.
Garnet: Take notes on how to charge into someone’s heart, Giado.
Giado: …I dunno what you’re talkin’ about.
Masaki: I should’ve gone to Aidoneus Island alone.
Shiro: But, you’d never make it there by yourself.
Aya: Let’s see. First you’d have to find your way to the hangar.
Irm: Why don’t we put a leash on him?
Masaki: I’m not some stupid animal!
Kuro: *hiss* That’s an insult to us animals!
Shiro: Seriously, meow.
Daitetsu: Major Ingram, Vice-Captain Tetsuya…please explain the specifics of the mission.
Tetsuya: Two hours from the present time…the ship will cross the equator.
Tetsuya: Our route lies between Christmas Isle and Phoenix Isle.
Tetsuya: The shuttle base on Christmas Isle…currently has been taken over by the DC.
Ingram: So, they will most likely launch a large-scale offensive against the Hagane from there.
Ingram: And there aren’t any islands along our route, so we can’t deploy our standard mechs…
Ingram: Therefore we’ll be forced to break through to the Equator with our flying units.
Ingram: Ryusei will pilot the Wildraubtier for this mission.
Ryusei: Yes sir…
Ryusei: (I’m not so confident in my aerial combat maneuvering …but I have no choice.)
Ryusei: (If we don’t take out the DC’s headquarters, the damage will only get worse…)
Ingram: …Until we reach the equator, we will be on Battle Station 3. That is all.
Hagane – Hallway
Rai: …You want advice on aerial combat?
Ryusei: Yeah. My skill with the Raubtier’s aerial mode isn’t that great…
Rai: I was…aware of that.
Ryusei: According to Rob, the R-1 can also transform into an fighter jet…so I thought it would be best if I started building up my skill right away.
Rai: Did you ask Major Ingram for advice?
Ryusei: …All he said was to keep training and studying.
Rai: So you came here looking for a shortcut…
Ryusei: I came at the risk of being sarcastically told off! Just show me the ropes!
Rai: …..
Ryusei: I-Is that a no?
Rai: I have no intention of saying anything sarcastic…but there is truth in what Major Ingram says.
Ryusei: Huh?
Rai: First of all, collect the maneuvering data of various fighter aircraft, then study the ones that are the closest to the specs of your own mech.
Rai: I can incorporate the data into your TC-OS.
Ryusei: In other words…you’re willing help me?
Rai: Yes. Latune should have all the data you need.
Rai: She was originally using a fighter jet…and she’s especially good at data analysis.
Ryusei: I don’t suppose you’ll let me use…your data?
Rai: I could give it to you…but I’m not sure you could use it. Our fighting styles are completely different.
Ryusei: All right. Then, I’ll try talking to Latune. Thanks!
Rai: Heh…at least he’s no longer rushing in blind.
Hagane– Hangar
Latune: …..
Ryusei: …That’s why I’m here. Sorry to bother you, but could you lend me your maneuvering data?
Latune: …..
*Latune shies away*
Ryusei: Aaaaand she’s gone…
Ryusei: (I was hoping she’d loosen up after the incident with the costume…)
Ryusei: (But, still…why is she so anti-social in the first place…?)
Chapter 14: Cross the line
Tetsuya: Captain, the ship has reached the equator.
Daitetsu: Deploy all PT units and jet fighters.
*Ryusei and Latune deploy, Prep screen, remaining units deploy*
Daitetsu: Any signs of the enemy?
Eita: Battleships, submarines, AMs…no signs of anything. All clear.
Daitetsu: Good…we’ll cross the equator and head to our destination. We need to reach this point.
*Edge of map highlighted*
Daitetsu: Hold steady, flank speed ahead!
Tetsuya: Flank speed!
*Before the Hagane can move one square…*
Eita: !! Incoming contact approaching fast!!
Tetsuya: What!?
*And now it’s been damaged…*
Tetsuya: Argh! Report the damage!!
Eita: We were hit on the starboard bow! The outer armor’s been breached!!
Tetsuya: Where did they shoot from!?
Eita: From 11 o’clock! I think it was a battleship cannon…!
Tetsuya: A battleship!? But there aren’t any in this area!
Rio: V-Vice-captain! Possible AMs veering inbound!
*Squad of Barrelions appear*
Tenzan: Whoaaaa…the Barrelion’s got some serious firepower.
Tenzan: Plus, it’s heavily armored. I like it way better than the Lion or the Guarlion.
Tetsuya: Wh-What’s that mech…? A new DC AM!?
Eita: Y-Yes…the cannon attack came from that AM.
Tetsuya: A cannon-equipped AM…!
Ingram: Moreover, it must be using a Tesla Drive…not only can it fly, but it’s heavily armored…
Ingram: Like a flying tank.
Tenzan: Now, Hagane…it’s time for a little payback for Wake Island…!
Daitetsu: Vice-Captain, tell Master Sergeant Ryusei to secure our route!
Tetsuya: Yes, Sir!
Daitetsu: Ready the cannons! Prepare the energy field! Charge the engine!
Daitetsu: We must cross that line!!
*Conditions shown, Battle starts*
*Turn 2 Enemy Phase*
Tenzan: Sorry, I won’t let you pass. Fire the anti-ship missile!
Tenzan: But don’t hit the bow. I don’t wanna end up collateral damage from the attack.
DC Capt.: But, even if we don’t hit it, our other troops are too close!
Tenzan: Then if they wanna live, they’d better get outta there! Just shoot it already!
*Two missiles launch*
Rio: The DC sub just shot a large missile!
Tetsuya: At this close of a range…! They’re willing to kill their own men!?
Daitetsu: All guns! Shoot down those missiles at all costs!
Tenzan: Nothing personal. That’s just how I roll.
Ryusei: What the heck, Tenzan!!
Tenzan: Hey, Ryusei. Having fun playing the game?
Ryusei: You still act like this is all a game…do you even value the lives of your own troops!?
Tenzan: Of course not, they’re all just pawns.
Ryusei: What!?
Tenzan: When you’re playing chess, do you feel bad when you sacrifice a pawn?
Ryusei: Y-You monster…!
Tenzan: C’mon man, don’t be a hypocrite.
Ryusei: Why I oughta…!
Masaki: Wait, Ryusei. There’s no need to respond with words.
Ryusei: Masaki…!
Masaki: Instead, respond with actions.
Masaki: This isn’t a game…and humans aren’t pawns!
Tenzan: Hey, I owe you one too. I’ll pay you both back at once!
Masaki: Don’t mess with me and my Cybuster!!
Masaki: My burden is much heavier than yours!!
*Battle resumes*
*Turn 4 Player Phase or Cross the line of Barrelions, enemy ambush occurs*
Tenzan: And, checkmate!
Ryusei: Blast…reinforcements!
Masaki: Tch…do I have to use the Cyflash to wipe them all out!?
Ingram: All units. Secure the Hagane’s route.
Ryusei: Tenzan’s directly in the path of the Hagane! We need to shoot him down to clear the way!
Ingram: Then take him out quickly.
Ryusei: (But I know my Raubtier can’t handle Tenzan’s mech.)
Ryusei: (If only I had that flight pattern data…!)
Latune: …..
Ryusei: ! W-What…!? Someone is sending me data…!
Ryusei: It’s…the flight pattern data!
Latune: …Ryusei, use that.
Ryusei: Latune! Thanks, you saved my hide!
Tenzan: How pathetic. You think you can beat me with the data from some kid?
Tenzan: Huh? Why IS a kid piloting a mech?
Latune: …..
Tenzan: Oh…I remember Adler talking about you. You’re that girl from The School, right?
Latune: !
Tenzan: Hehehe, bulls-eye.
Tenzan: You know, I pity you. They used you as part of an experiment…and in the end you were just thrown away.
Ryusei: Experiment…what does he mean!?
Tenzan: Wait, you…don’t know? She’s just a lifeless doll. Like an item in a game.
Ryusei: Item!?
Tenzan: Looks like she’s been repaired. But she’s still a defective item.
Latune: …!!
Garnet: Hey you! Stop yammering already…you have no idea how Latune feels!
Tenzan: Oh, sorry. But you know, most of the kids from the school were used as experiments for…
Giado: Shut your mouth!! Or I’ll shut it for ya!!
Tenzan: Hah, this coming from a minor character. I’d like to see you try.
Giado: You little punk!!
Ryusei: Tenzan!!
*Ryusei changes position and powers up*
Tenzan: ! Wh-where did he learn those maneuvers…!?
Ryusei: Just now from the data that Latune sent me!
Tenzan: Ha! You learned that from motion pattern data? You’re my kind of pilot!
Ryusei: Tenzan! I won’t let you get away this time!!
Tenzan: Please, no need to act like a hero.
Tenzan: Don’t forget…the two of us aren’t that different!
Ryusei: I know! And that torques me off!!
*Battle resumes*
{Ryusei VS Tenzan, after combat}
Tenzan: Nice move. You’re giving my Barrelion a lot of experience.
Ryusei: This is the last time you’ll make a game out of war!!
Tenzan: Hey…I was taking it easy on you, ‘cause you’re a gamer…
Tenzan: But since you’re getting cocky, how about I just kill you now?
Ryusei: To that, I say the same thing you said to Giado!
Tenzan: What…!?
Ryusei: I’d like to see you try!!
{Masaki VS Tenzan}
Masaki: Don’t think you can outrun the Cybuster with your slow mech!
Tenzan: Hey, loudmouth! You need to chill out!
Tenzan: The Equator’s hot enough already!
Masaki: Then go and take a dip in the ocean!!
*Defeat Tenzan*
Tenzan: Tch…! I guess I need more practice with this mech…!
Tenzan: I’ll save my best moves for next time.
*Defeat Tenzan with Ryusei*
Ryusei: Take that!!
Tenzan: Tch! I need more practice with this mech…!
Tenzan: Well, I guess if I lose this time, our rivalry will really heat up.
Tenzan: See ya, Ryusei. Keep up the good work!
Ryusei: …I’ll get you next time, you monster…!
*Barrelion explodes, Tenzan escapes*
*Clear the Map*
Hagane – Hangar
Ryusei: Latune, thanks for sending me the flight pattern data. You really saved me.
Latune: Um…I’m glad you’re alright…
Latune: And…I want to say thanks…
Ryusei: Huh?
Latune: Ah…N-Never mind…!
*Latune runs off*
Ryusei: Once again, she ran away. She really doesn’t like me.
Garnet: That’s not true. She’s just shy.
Ryusei: Garnet…
Garnet: Actually, she likes you a lot.
Ryusei: Because I managed to fight off Tenzan with the data she sent me?
Garnet: That’s not it…
Garnet: When Tenzan mentioned The School…you got angry.
Garnet: She can’t express herself very well, so she gets embarrassed, and runs away…
Garnet: But she thinks you’re reliable.
Ryusei: Can’t express herself…so it’s not an ordinary case of shyness?
Giado: De School was an elite PT pilot training academy…
Giado: Due to all de cruel training and conditioning, she was deathly afraid of other people. Though she’s betta now den in da past.
Ryusei: So that’s why…
Garnet: I just wanted her to get a chance to connect with everyone…that’s why I dressed her up like that.
Giado: I’m not sure if dat’s how I’d go ‘bout it.
Garnet: Anyway, just keep trying to be friends with her.
Ryusei: Yeah…sure thing.
Cross the line End
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