In the distance, the Downes Space Fortress continuously monitored the battle in Tordia. Jehart, being too young, was appointed as the overall Commander of the Earth Conquest Operation by Ezelcant, but there were still too many who were unconvinced. Therefore, Jehart needed to achieve certain results to gain the trust of his subordinates.
Initially, Medel Zant suggested that Jehart send a small team to conduct armed reconnaissance on Diva, to test Gundam's capabilities and formulate a better battle plan. However, Jehart directly refused. He was already well aware of Asemu's level. Although he had learned through special channels that Asemu had obtained a brand new Gundam, no matter how good the machine's performance was, if the pilot's skills were insufficient to utilize that performance, it would be in vain.
Moreover, Tordia was the rear base of the Federation's front line. If they could directly occupy it, it would be like driving a nail into the Federation's territory, dispersing its combat power and gaining more advantages for the front lines.
If the Federal Army sent a large force to attack, they could simply abandon Tordia and retreat, making the Federal Army's efforts in vain.
Of course, Jehart had his own thoughts. Although he had made an agreement with Asemu to seek a path of mutual understanding, Asemu, piloting Gundam, would undoubtedly become a new stumbling block for VEGAN. Instead of sending a small team to give Asemu experience… no, to conduct such a petty armed reconnaissance, it would be better to directly destroy Gundam along with Diva, this significant battleship, and eliminate them from the stage.
"Is this also influenced by Yang Hui?" Jehart thought to himself. Asemu might not have felt it, but he could sense the well-hidden ruthlessness towards enemies that was deeply ingrained in Yang Hui.
"Lord Jehart, the operation has failed," Medel Zant reported.
"What happened? Laril's forces should have been strong enough to take Tordia," Jehart frowned. According to his analysis, the garrison in Tordia had little combat power. Although Diva and the unknown Gundam were variables, they could not overcome the advantage of numbers. Could it be...
"The new Gundam?" Jehart asked.
"No, the Grim Reaper has arrived."
"The Grim Reaper? The Celestial Being squad!?"
"Yes."
"Weren't they entangled with Harris's forces? How could they arrive for support so quickly?"
"Harris's fleet was completely annihilated, and we just received intelligence that the Grim Reaper will execute the same mission as the Trojan Horse. It seems the Grim Reaper was already on its way to rendezvous with the Trojan Horse."
"…Laril's fleet was also completely annihilated," Jehart had no doubts about the survival of Laril's fleet. With the Celestial Being squad participating, how could there be any survivors returning?
It was precisely because the battles involving the Celestial Being squad either ended in total annihilation or capture, with no third outcome, that they were referred to as the Grim Reaper.
"Yes."
"I understand. Organize the battle data and continue monitoring the movements of the Trojan Horse and the Grim Reaper."
"Understood."
Seeing Jehart's weary figure leave, Medel Zant said to Daz Roden, "Jehart's pressure has increased."
Originally, Medel Zant was Jehart's direct superior, but due to Ezelcant's orders, he was now Jehart's adjutant. Jehart was a young man he had high hopes for, and whether it was due to Ezelcant's orders or personal feelings, he wished for Jehart to grow.
"There's no helping it. After all, the Grim Reaper has appeared, and others won't dare to blame Lord Jehart," Daz Roden said.
"That's true… Daz Roden, I leave the calming work to you."
"Understood."
...
Jehart returned to his room, slumping into a chair as exhaustion washed over him. Suddenly becoming the overall Commander, his pressure was immense. It wasn't just about fulfilling Ezelcant's orders; he also bore the lives of the entire fleet. A single mistake could lead to the loss of many comrades' lives.
He knew that the failure of this operation was a combination of chance and inevitability. No one had anticipated that there would be a traitor within the Federation helping to lead the Celestial Being squad into a pre-arranged trap, resulting in the complete annihilation of the ambush forces, and that they would provide support to Tordia at the last moment.
But he also understood that this failure would lower the evaluation of him among his subordinates by another level. The emotions of failure needed an outlet; if they couldn't vent them on the enemy, then he would have to bear them himself.
"The Grim Reaper… the Celestial Being squad… Gundam… this is truly troublesome," Jehart murmured.
If Asemu and his new Gundam posed a danger level of 5 in his mind, then the danger level of the Celestial Being squad was even a 10 within the entire VEGAN. Now, with just three people in their squad, it felt like an insurmountable mountain standing in their way.
"Next time, let me experience it firsthand, the Grim Reaper of the Federation."
...
Due to the attack from VEGAN, Diva's departure was delayed once again. Baize had just arrived at Tordia to assist the remaining forces in cleaning up the battlefield, and they needed to wait for reinforcements from the Big Ring base before they could set off. Otherwise, Tordia was completely defenseless, and if VEGAN launched another attack, there would be no power to resist.
At this moment, Yang Hui, Graham, and Yurin were in Diva's captain's room discussing with Mireille and Woolf.
"There are traitors within the Federation?" Mireille frowned after hearing Yang Hui's description. She knew the Federation was deeply corrupt, but she didn't expect it to be to this extent.
Yang Hui, Graham, and Yurin were known as the Federation's Three Archangels, absolute star figures and morale benchmarks. There had long been a rumor within the Federal Army that "as long as the Celestial Being squad participates in a battle, victory is guaranteed." If any one of them encountered a problem, it could potentially cause turmoil within the Federal Army, leading to a drastic drop in morale.
"It's unclear whether they are traitors or spies, but I believe the possibility of collaboration is higher. After all, with Flit as the overall Commander, no one can hold us hostage anymore," Yang Hui said, shrugging.
"Tch, those cunning and treacherous politicians only see their own interests. I shouldn't have obeyed the orders back then," Woolf cursed.
Woolf was one of the veterans of the Celestial Being squad. When the squad was first established, it was just him, Yang Hui, and Lagan, along with the three of them. To put it bluntly, the reason the Federation now had the qualification to stand against VEGAN was largely due to their efforts.
They took on the most dangerous battlefields and executed the most difficult missions, struggling countless times on the edge of life and death, buying precious opportunities and time for the Federation.
Only after the situation stabilized did the Celestial Being squad have the chance to expand and cultivate a large number of excellent pilots for the Federal Army.
When Woolf and Lagan received their orders, they wanted to refuse, knowing that this was the Federation weakening the Celestial Being's strength, but they had no choice.
"If you refuse, you either retire and go home to live a quiet life, or become a traitor and be hunted down by us."
"I know, but… sigh."
"Does Commander Flit know about this?" Mireille asked Yang Hui.
"He knows. I inform Flit of every situation, and he is secretly investigating the internal parasites of the Federation. I've heard he has already found some evidence, and it won't be long before those people are brought down."
"Alright, I understand. Then let's continue with the tasks assigned by the Commander."
"Yes, but be mentally prepared. I have a feeling this journey won't be peaceful."
"That's to be expected. Gundam and Diva have always been thorns in VEGAN's side; they won't miss the opportunity to eliminate us."
"Then we'll head back to Baize. You two haven't seen each other for a while, right? Since there's still a chance now, enjoy some time together as a couple," Yang Hui teased, dispelling the heavy atmosphere.
"Shut up! I know, so hurry up and get lost!" Woolf's face turned red as he cursed, and even Mireille couldn't help but blush.
After Yang Hui and the others left, Woolf and Mireille exchanged smiles. The reason they could be together was still due to Yang Hui's matchmaking; otherwise, with Woolf's personality, he would have definitely missed out.
...
As Yang Hui and the others were preparing to return to Baize, they ran into Asemu and the other pilots waiting in the Hangar for Diva.
"Uncle Yang Hui… Major General! Major Graham! Lieutenant Colonel Yurin!"
"Hmm? Asemu, and you all too."
"Yes!"
"Good, looks like you've grown a bit," Yang Hui praised. After all, they were not at home; in the military, there had to be military rules, even for family.
"Yes," Asemu felt a bit awkward, as this was something Yurin had just taught him on the battlefield not long ago.
"Is there something you need?" Yang Hui asked.
"Uh… I just saw you and wanted to say hello," Asemu initially wanted to say how amazing Yang Hui and the others were and why they hadn't told him before, but then he thought that he was just an ordinary person before, and it wasn't appropriate to share internal military matters, so he decided not to ask.
"Excuse me! I am Arisa Gunhale! Pilot of the Adele II Unit 2!"
"Max Hartway! Pilot of the Adele II Unit 3!"
"Obright Lorain, pilot of the Adele II Unit 1. Thank you very much for your support, Major General."
"You're welcome. When our allies are in trouble, we naturally have to provide assistance. Moreover, we will be executing missions together with you from now on, so please take care of us along the way," Yang Hui said gently to the three.
"Yes!" The three were very excited. As MS pilots, there was no one who didn't admire the three in front of them, especially Yang Hui, the undisputed ace of the Federation and the nightmare of VEGAN. They just didn't expect that the terrifying Yang Hui on the battlefield would be so gent
le in private.
"I've heard Woolf mention you, Obright. You are a steady person. Asemu, Ox, and Alisa are all newcomers, so take good care of them."
"Eh? Major, are you and Captain Woolf close?"
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