Inside the cockpit of the GINN piloted by Felix, he watched the concluded battle and ceased controlling the mobile suit's movements. Seated in the pilot's chair, Felix delivered his final message through the comms.
"The most important lesson I can leave you with is this: survival is paramount on the battlefield. Only by staying alive can you become victorious. So if you ever find yourselves in combat, your foremost priority must be to endure the war—nothing else matters."
Without waiting for their responses, Felix shut off the communication and piloted the GINN toward December City .
Inside their own GINN cockpits, Athrun and the four others replayed Felix's teachings from both the battle and his parting words. As these lessons echoed in their minds, they each began identifying their own shortcomings from the engagement.
Back at the Military Academy, Stuer turned off the display and addressed the students with a stern expression and serious tone.
"Every one of you must engrave Captain Griffith's words in your hearts. But memorization isn't enough—you need to fully comprehend these principles and elevate your capabilities accordingly."
Stuer's voice grew more emphatic as he continued.
"Is that understood?"
"YES, SIR!"
The resounding reply echoed from the cadets. Satisfied with their response, Stuer gave a slight nod before turning to his colleague with additional instructions.
"This mock battle provides excellent combat data. Preserve it carefully for integration into our simulation pods later."
"Don't worry, I'll handle it," the colleague replied with a smiling nod.
Reassured, Stuer picked up his communicator.
"The exercise is over. You five return now!"
"Understood, Instructor," came Athrun's group's synchronized response through the comms.
The five pilots near December City each guided their GINNs back toward the city.
Inside Hangar One of December City 's aerospace port, Felix's GINN stood securely parked. The cockpit hatch opened, and Felix emerged. After exchanging a few words with the maintenance crew, he headed toward the locker room.
Removing his combat suit and changing back into civilian clothes, he promptly departed the facility. Taking the elevator into the satellite's interior, Felix walked directly toward his home.
The next day, Felix's sleep was interrupted again by the ringing communicator. Hearing the familiar sound, a frown of annoyance crossed his features.
Even on leave, it feels busier than actual combat duty, he grumbled inwardly.
Sitting up in bed, Felix reached for the phone on his nightstand and pressed the answer button.
As the connection established, Patrick's face appeared on the screen.
"Chairman, good day."
Felix raised his hand in salute as he greeted him.
Patrick responded with a serious expression and a nod, speaking directly.
"Come to the Ministry of Defense!"
With that, he hung up the communication without giving Felix a chance to ask any questions. Staring at the disconnected call, Felix was filled with suspicion, desperately wanting to know what had happened.
Thinking this over, Felix headed toward the bathroom.
Standing in front of the office of the Chairman of the Ministry of Defense in District One of Aprilius City, Felix was about to knock when the secretary on duty outside spoke up directly.
"Captain Griffith, you may go right in."
"Thank you!"
Hearing the secretary's words, Felix turned to look at him, smiled slightly, and expressed his gratitude. The secretary smiled back and quietly reminded him.
"The Chairman might not be in the best mood, so be careful once you're inside."
"Thank you!"
Grateful for the warning, Felix thanked him again.
Facing the office door, Felix pressed the button on the doorframe.
The door opened, and Felix stepped inside.
Upon entering the office, Felix saw not only Chairman Patrick but also the three other Defense Committee members present.
Looking at his superiors, Felix raised his hand in salute and addressed them.
"Chairman, good day. Committee Member Joule, Committee Member Amalfi, Committee Member Goode, good day to you all."
The four nodded slightly in acknowledgment. Among them, Patrick pointed to an empty chair.
"Take a seat."
"Thank you, Chairman."
Expressing his gratitude, Felix walked over to the chair and sat down, sitting upright as he looked at Patrick and the others.
After Felix sat down, Herman reached out and handed him a document. Looking at the file, a puzzled expression appeared on Felix's face.
"After you read it, you'll understand."
Seeing Felix's confusion, Herman said calmly.
Nodding, Felix reached out and took the document from Herman. Under the gaze of the four, he opened the file and began reading its contents.
The very first glance left Felix utterly shocked, and he looked up at Patrick and the others. Patrick said nothing, signaling for Felix to continue reading.
Felix held back what he wanted to say and kept reading the contents of the document.
In less than a minute, he had skimmed through the file. Placing the document on the table, he sat back in his chair. After a moment of contemplation, Felix looked at Patrick and spoke.
"Did my operation plan fail?"
"It failed, but it's not just the failure of the operation plan."
Ezalia looked at Felix, her stern voice tinged with anger. She continued.
"Rather, there's a possibility that the operation plan was leaked."
A mole!
Hearing Ezalia's words, the term instantly came to Felix's mind. Following that thought, Felix thought of Creuset.
Remembering him, Felix couldn't help but clench his fists.
"Felix, who else knew about this operation plan of yours?"
The Chairman's voice reached his ears. Felix looked up at the Chairman and answered without hesitation.
"Chairman, before the official handover to Captain Rogers, only you, me, and a few others were aware of this plan. I have no knowledge of what happened after the transfer."
"Are you certain?"
Patrick's piercing eyes fixed on Felix as he asked in a commanding tone.
Meeting Patrick's gaze steadily, Felix replied with unwavering clarity, "Chairman, I am absolutely certain."
After his response, Felix suggested, "Chairman, you could ask Captain Rogers."
"Rogers fell in battle during this operation," Yuri interjected, turning to glance at Felix with a trace of sorrow in his expression.
Upon hearing of Rogers' death, Felix froze momentarily before a shadow of grief crossed his features. He sighed inwardly, The trail ends here.