Over ten days passed. During this time, the crew of the Nahel Argama eventually moved past their initial week of shock and curiosity at seeing so many temporal counterparts with identical appearances. Gradually, they settled back into their routine of daily training and ship maintenance.
Of course, according to Big Haro, the Nahel Argama's recent data transmission volume was a bit suspicious—it was unclear exactly what these fellows were downloading.
Murrue had also mentioned to Roz that because there were countless divas and idols on the Courtyard forums, the professional pressure was immense. The crew's plan to return to their old profession as Vtuber streamers was facing an uphill battle.
Even Natarle couldn't help but complain: while they were supposed to be performing daily training, the crew members were constantly multitasking, never stopping their Vtuber livestreams.
Debuting as a Vtuber had seemingly become the core logic of the Nahel Argama crew! (Verified)
To this, the crew had their own excuses, muttering things about how the "Limited Edition Gryps War Painted Jesta Model" had been a hot topic before the Nahel Argama departed, and they were planning to replicate such paint jobs on more new machines to sell.
At this moment, the once-empty workshop was filled with various frames and parts. Several MS stood quietly in the workshop, ready to be moved from their mounting racks into the Hangar.
Among them, several blue-and-white machines stood silently, allowing the mounting racks driven in from the hangar to secure them.
The ReZEL, model number RGZ-95, is a mass-produced transformable MS from the same era as the Jegan and Jesta. Its primary feature is the ability to transform into a Waverider (WR) mode to function as an SFS (Sub-Flight System), executing hit-and-run tactics or helping allies rapidly reach the battlefield.
The reason Roz had originally drawn up the ReZEL blueprints was that it could use some of the Jegan's parts for emergency replacements, allowing it to re-enter the battlefield quickly.
But now, facing unknown future enemies, the original ReZEL blueprints had to be improved and optimized.
Thus, the ReZELs before them were the "ReZEL Type C," which had undergone extensive optimization by Roz.
Full use of SEED's signature electric propulsion, three miniaturized battleship-grade nuclear fusion reactors, reinforced thrust for the propulsion nozzles, strengthened airframe structure, and the addition of PS (Phase Shift) Armor... after each improvement was completed, the entire ReZEL Type C was a completely different beast inside, despite its familiar exterior.
Specifically, through the collaborative improvements by Christina and Cindy, these three ReZEL Type Cs gained the ability to descend into the atmosphere.
The specific operation involved spraying a specialized anti-ablation gel built into the machine after transformation, forming a protective film to resist the friction and impact of atmospheric entry.
Yes, this was the technology originally used on Archangel-class ships. However, compared to the massive heat-dissipating surface of the Archangel, the anti-ablation gel used on the ReZEL Type C had to be specially reinforced.
Consequently, by combining Christina's research on anti-ablation gel with Cindy's slight modifications to the machine structure, these ReZEL Type Cs received a "patch" that allowed them to land on Earth.
Roz, naturally, had not been idle. After the various machines were finished, he began strengthening the existing units.
For instance, the Jesta had its frame reinforced by Roz and was equipped with PS Armor. Now, both the Jesta and the ReZEL could, in emergencies, carry a Beam Magnum into battle.
Unfortunately, no matter how much the frame was reinforced, due to the inherent structural design of the machines, testing showed that these two models would essentially have their trigger hands rendered scrap after firing a single magazine from the Beam Magnum.
Nevertheless, it seemed more and more people were coming to appreciate the joy of the Beam Magnum.
"As expected of Big Brother Roz..."
Casually placing her wrench back onto her tool belt, Cindy looked up, adjusting her hat as she stared at the giant MS before her.
"I gave it my all just to make slight changes to the internal structure, but he can drastically modify the machine's architecture while maintaining the original functions and appearance... So strong."
"He is a genius we can't catch up to even if we try our hardest."
Christina, holding her tablet, walked down from the catwalk. She had been checking the status of the ReZEL's anti-ablation gel.
"But, according to Big Haro, there are many other geniuses in the Courtyard similar to Big Brother Roz."
"Yeah... the Courtyard really is a place where crouching tigers and hidden dragons dwell."
Sighing with emotion, Cindy glanced toward the nearby simulation training pod currently in operation.
Inside, Roz was incessantly working the controls.
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It was the familiar Axis battlefield, one he had practically memorized, and the opponent was once again Amuro.
Perhaps there was an issue with the simulation pod's parameters, as for some reason, this routine training session took a long time to load.
My opponent... surely it must be the Hi-ν?!
Staring at the screen, Roz froze. He saw a blue-and-white machine in the distance, but from his own cockpit view, he realized he was piloting an identical blue-and-white machine.
Did I just input this unit into the system?
Soon, Roz noticed that the control logic of the Hi-ν Gundam before him was different from the previous "Amuro" AI.
"Why... hasn't it attacked immediately?"
Roz frowned slightly. While his right hand remained firmly on the control stick, his left hand quickly flipped through the simulation program's status.
Silence fell over Roz as he saw that the original data for "Amuro" had been replaced by an external link labeled "Unknown."
"An intrusion? An enemy... no, it's impossible for an enemy to appear inside the Courtyard."
Roz shook his head, dismissing his own suspicion. He looked back at the Hi-ν Gundam in front of him and took a deep breath.
"I don't know who you are, but I won't be holding back."
With that, Roz slammed down on the pedals. His Hi-ν Gundam charged toward the other unit, which was still observing him.
He raised his beam rifle, firing continuous particle beams at the target, while the six Fin Funnels on his backpack were deployed, swarming toward the observing "Unknown" from all directions.
"Unknown" did not simply stand there dazed. Instead, the pilot adjusted the thrusters, forcing the machine into a backward reclining posture. This maneuver dodged the first wave of incoming particle beams and lowered the machine's profile in Roz's visual field.
Then, while still reclining, the six Fin Funnels were released, forming a pyramid-shaped beam barrier that enveloped the Hi-ν.
Clearly, an opponent this proactive—with an offensive drive that hit like wave after wave of a rising tide—had momentarily startled "Unknown."
However, "Unknown" possessed incredibly solid fundamentals. With just two maneuvers, the first offensive wave from Roz was neutralized.
Roz didn't idle. Seeing that "Unknown" had deployed Fin Funnels and activated the beam shield, he kept up the pressure with his beam rifle. Meanwhile, two of his own Fin Funnels had quietly reoriented, aiming directly at one of the funnels maintaining the enemy's barrier.
But for some reason, "Unknown" seemed to have seen right through Roz's intent. One of the enemy funnels, positioned who-knows-when, opened fire without hesitation on the funnel Roz was about to use.
With a flash of light, Roz's first Fin Funnel was destroyed.
Roz glanced at the enemy funnel that was already preparing to fire on his second unit. As if his aim were slipping, several particle beams from his rifle fire suddenly "strayed" from their original trajectory, streaking toward the "Unknown" funnel instead.
Almost simultaneously, Roz's and "Unknown's" funnels opened fire at the same time.
One of "Unknown's" funnels forming the protective barrier was hit and destroyed. Immediately following that, the Fin Funnel that had just fired a beam was taken out, and in the next heartbeat, the Fin Funnel that "Unknown" had used to attack was also destroyed.
In an incredibly short span of time, both sides had engaged in a mutual exchange of funnel casualties; for now, the battle remained a stalemate.
Through this brief period of engagement, Roz gained a rough understanding: "Unknown" possessed incredibly solid fundamentals in MS piloting and excellent situational reflexes... this was likely a battle-hardened warrior.
For someone like himself who came from a more unorthodox, self-taught background, defeating such a "veteran" required finding a specific opening.
However, it was clear that continuing this standoff would only allow a veteran like "Unknown" to see through him, making the situation increasingly unfavorable.
Therefore, to create an opportunity, he had to attack—to strike with a relentless onslaught!
Roz gritted his teeth and slammed down on the pedals once more. "Unknown" seemed to sense Roz's intent, maneuvering the machine to close the distance.
Both machines and their funnels clashed once again in this virtual space, beams of light splashing in every direction.
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Not knowing how much time had passed, Roz Links felt sweat begin to seep from his forehead.
How long had it been since he felt like this?
Compared to the AI "Amuro," the "Unknown" before him was far more insidious. It utilized many unconventional firing positions that the AI never used—such as shielding its own back with its Fin Funnels and opening fire on Roz the moment he attempted to evade. This variety of tactics was beginning to leave Roz exhausted.
The positioning of the "Unknown" was airtight; even now, Roz had yet to find an opportunity to turn the tide of the battle.
Suddenly, a massive number of dummy balloons, identical to the Hi-ν, appeared in front of Roz, causing him to become instinctively wary.
Precisely because of this momentary distraction, his remaining Funnels engaged the enemy's in a trade, resulting in a four-to-two loss in his favor.
Watching the enemy Funnels weave through the dummy balloons and fly toward him, Roz gritted his teeth. He maneuvered his mobile suit to lean back and sink downwards while casually throwing out a beam saber.
The double-edged beam saber spun like a boomerang. Roz controlled his unit to raise its beam rifle, firing continuously at the rotating saber.
The particle beams, shattered by the beam saber, scattered into a spray of beam buckshot, destroying two Fin Funnels along with a cluster of dummy balloons.
In the next second, a thick beam struck the beam rifle in Roz's hand, triggering an explosion.
Roz tossed aside the wreckage of the rifle and, holding his blue-and-white shield, charged toward the Hi-ν that had just launched the attack.
Drawing a beam saber and habitually slamming the pedals to the floor, Roz lunged toward the "Unknown" at extreme speed, swinging the high-output beam saber at his opponent.
With the first slash, Roz knocked the "Unknown"'s shield aside. Then, transitioning from a slash to a thrust, he aimed a backhanded strike at the enemy's right arm.
The "Unknown" skillfully discarded its beam rifle, and the mobile suit shifted toward Roz's left flank.
"What?!"
Roz's eyes widened instinctively at the "Unknown"'s movement, and he swept his beam saber in the direction the enemy was moving.
At that moment, two white cylinders appeared before Roz.
They were the fuel tanks from the Hi-ν's propulsion backpack, discarded by the "Unknown."
The armor on the "Unknown"'s right forearm slid back, revealing the machine gun beneath, which opened fire on the two fuel tanks.
A violent explosion accompanied by flames filled Roz's vision, obscuring the "Unknown"'s silhouette. At this point, Roz could only follow through with his movement while simultaneously adjusting the direction of his shield.
The next second, the "FAILED" title appeared, and the flames vanished.
Now, Roz could see exactly how he had been defeated.
The "Unknown" unit had not retracted the machine gun on its right forearm; instead, it had activated the oscillator on the gun, turning it into a beam tonfa—similar to the Unicorn Gundam.
After a slight adjustment in direction, it had accurately pierced through the waist of his mobile suit and into the cockpit.
"...I lost."
Watching the frozen image on the screen—his Hi-ν's waist impaled and the cockpit destroyed by the "Unknown"—Roz took a deep breath and slumped back into his seat.
Though he had expected this, he hadn't imagined it would happen like this... Are the pilots from the Courtyard all monsters?
"There are countless geniuses in the Courtyard, so being defeated is perfectly normal," Big Haro spoke up, trying to comfort Roz.
To be honest, after witnessing a battle filled with such lethal hidden moves, Big Haro momentarily wondered if Roz's fighting spirit had been broken.
"I am well aware of that, Big Haro."
Roz deactivated the simulation in the training pod and copied the combat data from his fight with the "Unknown." He planned to adjust the data to create an even stronger "sparring partner."
The phase of decadence and self-abandonment was long gone. The Roz of today would never falter on the path to "becoming stronger."
"It is precisely because I realize I'm not strong enough that I must continue to grow stronger."
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"So, what do you think? The newcomer's level."
Somewhere in the Courtyard, within a grand manor, Char sat in a rocking chair, swirling the red wine in his glass with a faint smile playing on his lips.
Pshhh—
Just as Char posed the question, a simulation cockpit not far away hissed open.
"Did you call me all the way here just to pick a fight with him?"
Amuro Ray stepped out of the cockpit, cradling his own Haro in his arms. "Now that you've entered retirement, is your next hobby watching different pilots battle, aside from writing books that damage the reputation of Newtypes?"
"Amuro, do you truly not appreciate the beauty of a young mother?"
Hearing his dear friend show such contempt for his heartfelt creative works, Char set down his wine. He began slapping the armrests of his rocking chair repeatedly. "That sense of tolerance for a Newtype's emotions, A deep understanding of a Newtype... isn't a woman like that the perfect partner and guide for us?!"
"Mmm... what happened again?"
As Char continued to slap the armrests, a soft, delicate voice drifted over.
A young girl in a dress ran out from somewhere and hugged Char.
"Geez... Char, you mustn't get angry. It's bad for your health."
"Sigh... thank you, Lichten."
Feeling the embrace, a look of blissful happiness appeared on Char's face.
Watching Char interact with his Haro—which had been transformed into a human body—the look of disdain in Amuro's eyes grew even more intense.
Just as Amuro was about to utter the words, "Char, you pathetic man," Char looked up.
Still wearing his sunglasses, Char stared back at Amuro, enduring the judgmental gaze as he pressed for an answer.
"Back to the point—what did you think of that newcomer?"
"...His aggression is very strong. The maneuvers he weaves into combat have traces of my own style."
Amuro fell silent for a moment, reflecting on the battle with Roz Links. "However, he was likely trained by an AI. Probably one using my combat data with the parameters cranked up very high... No one in the Courtyard trains against an AI with those kinds of stats. Except for that group of 'Super Robot' types, no one else could withstand it."
"Oh? Such high praise?"
Hearing Amuro's assessment, Char's eyes widened slightly behind his sunglasses. He hadn't expected that his momentary curiosity would lead to Amuro holding the newcomer in such high regard.
"In that case, perhaps I should meet him next time?"
As he spoke, Char instinctively reached out to stroke the hair of the young girl, Lichten, in his arms. "I've become a bit curious about a person like you."
"Char, you bastard!"
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"Looks like preparations are almost complete."
Using its miniaturized avatar, Big Haro skillfully hopped onto the top of Roz Links's head, watching the units being transported out of the workshop one by one by the fixed gantries.
"If we stay here any longer, our resource points are going to run out. We'll be living on welfare by then!"
"Yeah... everything is ready."
Roz, with Big Haro perched on his head, stepped out of the simulation cockpit and looked at the mobile suits he had built with his own hands.
"We can set out at any time now."
"Alright, let me see what mission has been assigned to you... Whoa."
Big Haro let out a strange sound.
"What's the mission?"
Hearing Big Haro's reaction, Roz instinctively looked up, trying to see the Haro on his head. However, the movement nearly sent Big Haro tumbling off.
"Emmm, the world designation is 00—that is, the timeline series of one of the Courtyard's legendary pilots, Setsuna F. Seiei."
Big Haro paused for a moment, its eyes projecting a mass of data into the air. "The general situation is... it's been invaded by a squad of Agents from the Lord God, but the mission rank is actually only C?"
"It must be a team that only recently started developing..."
While Roz didn't know exactly how the Courtyard's mission ratings worked, if it was only a C, it shouldn't be too difficult.
What was this? Compensation after a high-difficulty match?
"Big Haro, time waits for no one. Once the ship's inspection is complete, let's head out."
..................