Boom!
An explosion rang out.
The maneuvering Vanguard Fighter disintegrated mid-air, its pilot instantly killed the moment the explosion occurred.
Following its destruction, the White GINN turned toward other Vanguard Fighters, dodging attacks with a leftward maneuver while firing its Heavy Assault Machine Gun.
Two bullets flew along different trajectories one after another—the first forced the fighter to alter its course, while the second struck the Vanguard Fighter as it attempted to evade.
"Ah!"
The pilot in the cockpit cried out in terror.
Just as he tried to activate the escape mechanism, the explosion consumed him, ending his life along with the Vanguard Fighter.
After destroying it, the White GINN prepared to continue firing when ground tanks targeted it with suppressing fire. Felix, piloting the White GINN, evaded the incoming shells, lowered his gun muzzle, and returned fire at the ground.
Two shots left the barrel, accurately hitting two tanks.
Boom! Boom!
Explosions erupted on the ground in quick succession.
After eliminating the tanks, the White GINN maneuvered right, dodging long-range attacks from Vanguard Fighters. As a Vanguard Fighter pilot saw the situation and tried to change course to re-engage, the White GINN surged forward with the powerful thrust of its Guuru, closing in instantly.
At close range, the Vanguard Fighter stood no chance. With a swift rise and fall of the Heavy Sword, it was dispatched in an instant.
Amid a violent explosion, the fighter blew up in mid-air.
...
The battle continued for twenty minutes.
The second wave of Vanguard Fighters and ground firepower units, coordinated by Felix and several other ZAFT Forces Mobile Suit Pilots, were reduced to just one-third of their original numbers.
More than half of these losses were inflicted by Felix in his White GINN.
However, ZAFT Forces also suffered significant casualties.
After two rounds of combat, over one-third of the ZAFT Forces had been lost, and by the end of the second engagement, Felix was the only one remaining on the battlefield.
"Squad leader!"
A teammate's voice came through the comms. Felix turned to look and saw reserve GINN units arriving.
"Quickly enter combat readiness!"
Felix only said a few words over the comms before resuming the fight.
"Roger!"
The arriving ZAFT Forces responded through the comms.
They quickly piloted their GINNs into the fray.
With their support, the battle flowed more smoothly, and Felix felt the pressure on him lessen considerably.
The White GINN dodged incoming attacks and fired its Heavy Assault Machine Gun.
A single shot accurately hit a Vanguard Fighter.
After destroying it, Felix shifted targets for the next engagement.
...
Earth Alliance Forces Rear Command Post
"How is our offensive progressing?"
Hope looked at the large screen in front of him and asked his Adjutant, Horton. Horton turned to face Commander Lieutenant General Hope, saluted, and began his report.
"We have achieved gains on all fronts, but our unit has also suffered significant casualties."
"What is the casualty situation?"
Hope looked at Horton and continued questioning.
Horton proceeded with his report.
"The northern front suffered the heaviest casualties. Nearly all deployed forces there have been lost. The situation is somewhat better on other fronts."
"Order the troops to return!"
After considering the report, Hope ultimately issued the command to halt the offensive.
Upon receiving the order, Horton quickly executed it.
Soon, frontline units received the command and began an organized withdrawal.
Frontline Battlefield
"Captain, the Earth Alliance Forces are retreating!"
A voice from another squad member came through the White GINN's cockpit communicator. Hearing this report, Felix thought for a moment before issuing his command.
"Do not pursue to avoid falling into enemy traps. Execute an orderly withdrawal!"
After delivering the command, he pulled the trigger and eliminated a Vanguard Fighter ahead. With the explosion of this fighter, the airspace was completely cleared of Earth Alliance aircraft. Observing the situation, Felix maneuvered the White GINN to attack the Earth Alliance ground forces.
Several minutes later,
After firing the final shot, Felix ceased combat operations with the White GINN and led his unit back to Victoria Spaceport.
...
Victoria Spaceport
The Guuru carrying the White GINN descended steadily toward the ground. Just before landing, the connection between the White GINN and Guuru disengaged.
Using its own thrusters, the White GINN landed smoothly on the surface and strode toward the Temporary Hangar.
Under system control, the Guuru completed its autonomous landing. With its landing wheels rolling, it also headed toward the Temporary Hangar.
Temporary Hangar
The White GINN parked on the maintenance platform.
Once stabilized, Felix opened the cockpit hatch from inside, exited through the connecting corridor, and disembarked from the MS. After a brief discussion with the maintenance crew, he left the area.
As he walked, he removed his helmet.
Holding the helmet, he shook his head, flinging off sweat from his damp hair.
With his other hand, he unzipped his Combat Suit to let his exhausted body breathe and find some relief.
...
"Exhausted, aren't you?"
Temporary Command Post
Andrew looked at Felix upon his return, noticing the fatigue on his face, and asked with concern.
Lifting his head to look at Andrew, Felix nodded without concealment.
"Very tired!"
After speaking, he placed his helmet on the table, pulled out a chair, and sat down. Leaning back, he gazed at the ceiling overhead.
"Today's battle is one of the most exhausting I've experienced since I started fighting."
Letting his mind relax briefly, he sighed with emotion.
Andrew, who had fetched a glass of water for Felix, placed it on the table and leaned against the desk with a slight smile.
"Fatigue is inevitable. After all, Earth's environment is different from that of space."
Felix nodded in agreement, then turned to Andrew with a somewhat serious expression.
"Although the Earth Alliance suffered considerable losses in today's battle, our losses are not insignificant either. We can handle it once or twice, but if such battles become more frequent, we might not be able to cope."
"Hmm! You're absolutely right."
Nodding in agreement, Andrew pondered for a moment before continuing, "However, after today's battle, I don't think the Earth Alliance Forces will rush into another engagement. To minimize casualties, they'll definitely reassess their tactics."
He paused briefly before adding, "So I believe we'll have a brief respite tomorrow to catch our breath."
"That doesn't mean there won't be missile attacks though!" Felix countered, looking at Andrew.
After his rebuttal, he adjusted his sitting position and continued, "During today's battle, I noticed the Earth Alliance's missiles have been upgraded with new guidance systems - they're nothing like before."
"So even if they don't send troops, they'll still bombard us with missiles, denying us any real rest."