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

Chapter 31: A Glorious Feat

In the vast expanse of space, Mobile Suits (MS) are equipped with numerous thrusters of varying sizes distributed across their frames to facilitate swift directional changes in response to attacks from all angles. This mechanism enables AMBAC maneuverability. However, such features are rarely installed on ground-combat MS models.

The Flying Tiger, however, stands apart due to its ability to fly in the air. Leveraging his combat experience in space, ace pilot Ramba Ral narrowly evaded what Eli had considered a guaranteed strike.

"It seems I can't underestimate anyone," Eli muttered as he quickly widened the distance between himself and Ramba Ral. Yet Ramba Ral showed no intention of pursuing, cautiously ascending to prepare for Eli's next potential attack.

With a mechanical click, the shield on the Flying Tiger's left arm slightly unfolded, revealing two parallel Gatling gun barrels. These extended forward and immediately unleashed a barrage of bullets, blanketing Eli's Ground Combat Gundam in gunfire.

"Damn it!" Eli cursed, raising his small shield to protect the cockpit's frontal area. For the first time, he realized the limitations of his otherwise reliable shield. In the open field, the small shield could only protect vital parts, and its lightweight advantage for increased mobility was rendered useless against an airborne enemy.

Whizz! Whizz! Eli fired two beam shots, but Ramba Ral deftly evaded both, plunging the battle into a stalemate.

Just as Eli began to find the situation increasingly difficult, a sudden explosion broke the tension. Boom! Sanders and Amada Shiro had each taken down the Zakus blocking their path and were now charging toward the Apsalus. Just like before, the two jumped onto the Apsalus, using their combined weight to restrict its flight while confronting Norris' threats.

From a strategic standpoint, Eli's role had shifted to keeping Ramba Ral occupied.

"The Apsalus is in danger!" Ramba Ral grew anxious at the sight. While he had indeed used the Apsalus as bait to lure the White Base, he felt responsible for both Lieutenant Dozle and Ginias, as well as for Aina, the young pilot under his care. He couldn't allow the Apsalus to fall.

The mono-eye of his experimental Flying Tiger gleamed as he initiated a dive. Retreating outright would only expose him to denser firepower from Eli, putting himself at greater risk. He needed to inflict some damage on the mass-production Gundam to slow it down before heading to assist the Apsalus.

As long as he could secure the Apsalus, its MEGA Particle Cannon—capable of sinking the White Base in one shot—could still turn the tide of the battle, even if it couldn't fly high.

"You're not getting away!" Eli's Gundam leaned forward in a stance ready to withstand impacts, clearly intending to take the attack head-on. Instead of using the beam saber, he kept the shield raised to block.

At the moment of collision, Eli ignited his thrusters for a sudden burst of acceleration, slamming directly into the Flying Tiger. Sparks flew where the heat sword clashed against the shield, forcing both pilots to squint. Neither dared avert their gaze, anticipating the other's next move.

But the stalemate was broken by neither Eli nor Ramba Ral. Instead, a missile from above struck the Flying Tiger's sword-wielding arm, blowing it off from the shoulder.

"Was that Amuro?" Eli turned his gaze skyward, spotting a familiar red-and-blue aircraft rapidly approaching and launching another missile at the now one-armed Flying Tiger.

"Such terrifying combat instincts," Eli thought, marveling at Amuro's ability to achieve such results with just a Core Fighter.

"Mr. Eli, do you read me? The White Base will soon have the Apsalus within firing range. Bright wants us to hold it down!" Amuro's voice came through the comms.

Eli glanced back and spotted a massive shadow slowly approaching against the night sky. "Understood. Amuro, you should fall back. It's too risky with just that craft."

To Eli's surprise, Amuro bristled at his suggestion. "You were the one who insisted I continue piloting, and now you're saying this?"

The temperamental young Newtype clearly struggled to control his emotions. Soon, two bright points of light appeared on the horizon, and Eli's monitor displayed friendly IFF signals. As they grew closer, the two light sources revealed themselves to be Gundam components: the chest and leg units. Amuro expertly maneuvered the Core Fighter between them.

Without any elaborate transformation sequence, the Core Fighter retracted its wings and nose as the components docked together, forming the legendary MS: Gundam!

"Watch me fight!" the Gundam declared its arrival, its twin eyes glowing as it locked onto the retreating Flying Tiger. The thrusters on its back flared with blue light, propelling it forward at a speed far surpassing Eli's Ground Combat Gundam.

Eli, momentarily stunned by Amuro's display, resumed his advance but refrained from assisting him. Instead, he joined Amada Shiro to attack Norris' Flying Tiger, aiming to secure control of the Apsalus. Once captured, they could use the White Base's main cannon as leverage. In this desolate area, the enemy pilot would have no means to threaten them with self-destruction.

"Miss Aina, ascend immediately! Even if the Apsalus is lost, you must return safely!"

Norris, already struggling against overwhelming odds, grew increasingly determined as yet another Ground Combat Gundam approached. His tone was resolute as he decided to sacrifice himself to ensure Aina's escape.

"I'll find a way to drive them off!" His words left no doubt about his intent.

However, before Norris could act, Ramba Ral's voice came through the comms:

"Don't lose hope. We still have a chance."