Upon receiving the command from headquarters, Yang Hui, Jung, and Kajima Yuu activated all systems of their Mobile Suits and began system self-checks.
"Energy Transmission System operating normally... output power stable... pack connection to Mobile Suit normal... all systems normal, Unit 1 launching."
The Aerial Combat Pack closely resembled the space-use pack, except the missiles on the wings had been removed to reduce weight, an additional pair of stabilizers had been added to enhance balance, and a small I-Field Generator had been installed to grant the Mobile Suit the ability to hover.
The Mobile Suit's frame itself had also been reinforced. While this inevitably reduced the unit's agility and maneuverability, it was a necessary trade-off. The speeds achieved in aerial flight were far beyond what could be reached on the ground, and the Astray Gundam might not have been able to withstand such velocities otherwise.
The wings flipped up and down, the glow from the thrusters growing increasingly bright. When the Astray Gundam stood on the catapult, the flipping ceased, the nozzles contracted, and the flames intensified.
The electromagnetic catapult activated, propelling the Astray Gundam outward at tremendous speed. Simultaneously, the thrusters on its back flared brilliantly, the immense thrust sending the unit soaring into the sky.
"I-Field activated... normal... maintaining altitude at 1000m... speed... 300m/s. Headquarters, this is Unit 1, all systems normal."
"...Unit 2, all systems normal."
"...Unit 3, all systems normal."
"Whoo~!!!" Cheers erupted as the first phase of testing concluded successfully. Everyone had been incredibly tense moments before. If any accident had occurred at the Astray Gundam's current speed and altitude, even jettisoning the pack immediately would not have guaranteed survival.
"This is Headquarters. Units 1, 2, and 3, increase altitude. Target 1100m, speed 310m/s."
"Roger."
An altitude of 1000m was a critical threshold; anything beyond that was considered high-altitude flight. Therefore, even a 100m increase presented a challenge for Yang Hui and the others. The same applied to speed. Their current velocity was already approaching Mach 1. While that might not seem particularly fast—the Swordfish's flight speed exceeded Mach 2—it was crucial to remember that an MS was not a fighter jet. Aside from its own weight, an MS lacked the streamlined design of an aircraft, resulting in significantly greater air resistance and placing a much heavier burden on the unit.
Yang Hui did not dare be careless, steadily and cautiously increasing both altitude and speed.
"Altitude 1100m, speed 310m/s, all systems normal."
"Altitude 1200m, speed 320m/s..."
Performance and limit testing continued until reaching an altitude of 1500m and a speed of 340m/s. This was the Astray Gundam's limit. Output power had reached its threshold, and the unit's structural tolerance was maxed out. Any higher or faster, and the Mobile Suit risked disintegrating, with the Minovsky Reactor also in danger of overloading and exploding.
Nevertheless, this result alone filled everyone with shock and excitement. It signified the success of the Aerial Combat Pack. Not only did it grant MS the ability to fly, but it also supported high-altitude combat and high-speed flight capabilities. In everyone's eyes, the Federation's Air Superiority was no longer something Zeon had any right to challenge.
But... Revil didn't think so, because he wondered, at such high speeds, how many pilots would have sufficient reaction capability to fight flexibly?
"This is the Command Room. Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3, proceed to the second phase. Marker guns unlocked. Exercise begins."
"Roger." x3
"What are the rules of the exercise?" Revil asked at that moment.
"Units 2 and 3 will jointly pursue Unit 1 for ten minutes. Either shoot down Unit 1, or be shot down by Unit 1 after ten minutes."
"Two against one? And a ten-minute pursuit time?"
"Correct."
"Hmm, let's wait and see."
Everyone's attention focused back on the screen. The speed and altitude of the three Astray Gundams were now beyond what the naked eye could clearly follow, so numerous drones equipped with high-definition cameras had been deployed throughout the test area to record the entire exercise.
And then...
Revil and the others witnessing Yang Hui pilot an MS in combat for the first time were stunned.
The moment their weapons were unlocked, the Unit 2 and Unit 3 machines piloted by Jung and Kajima Yuu launched a fierce assault on Unit 1. Their coordination was excellent, executing MS tactics for the two units to perfection, like a flawless symphony.
Yet, in the face of such intense pursuit, Yang Hui's Unit 1 moved like an agile fish, treating the sky as its ocean, swimming freely and effortlessly evading every attack.
When the ten-minute pursuit time ended, Unit 1's restrictions were also lifted. It performed a casual, graceful flip in the air, directly circling behind Units 2 and 3, raised its gun, fired, and the exercise concluded.
Was it that simple? It was indeed that simple!
"The Dancing Fairy," Gopp suddenly remarked.
"You felt that too?"
"Elusive, elegant, free."
"Do you all agree?" Revil asked the others.
"Yes." xN
"The Dancing Fairy, huh... heh." Revil felt the title suited Yang Hui's performance just now. But then he recalled the nickname Zeon had given the Twelfth Independent Technical Division: [Phantom Ghosts]—mysterious, elusive, appearing and vanishing without a trace, the very embodiment of lethality. That also seemed quite fitting.
"Combat exercise concluded. Requesting permission to return."
"Permission granted. Well done, Major." Tim Ray suppressed his excitement and the urge to cheer, continuing to issue orders for the next test. "Commencing third phase. Units 6, 7, and 9, please sortie."
"Roger." x3
...
Half an hour later, the Aquatic Specialized Backpack test also concluded, once again delivering a pleasant surprise to Revil and the others.
The Aquatic Specialized Backpack was based on the design blueprints Yang Hui provided, identical to the first-stage Aquatic Specialized M1 from the Gundam SEED world. However, to control costs, some armaments were simplified. For example, the trident had its Beam Generator removed, becoming a purely physical weapon, and several torpedo launchers were also omitted.
Its flexibility, speed, and maximum diving depth in water all met the expected values, perfectly conforming to the standards for an aquatic MS.
The subsequent combat exercise also provided Revil and the others with a spectacular visual feast.
Unlike the combat exercise with the Aerial Combat Pack, the Aquatic Specialized Backpack exercise was a three-way free-for-all. Travis Kirkland, Giorgio Miguel, and Renard Reiber were evenly matched in skill, but each had their own specialties, allowing Revil and the others to witness elite Mobile Suit combat from three distinct perspectives.
Fred Reiber excelled at assault melee combat, with rapid directional changes, sudden acceleration, and fierce hit-and-run engagements.
Giorgio Miguel specialized in long-range artillery combat, constantly maintaining distance and delivering precise, tricky shots. When closed in on, he would calmly block and retreat.
Travis Kirkland's combat style wasn't particularly distinctive, but it was mature and stable. He handled both intense close-quarters combat and tricky long-range artillery with ease, and was always ready to launch counterattacks.
"Data collection complete. Phase four finished. Units 6, 7, and 9, return to base."
"Roger." x3
The three Astray Gundams, locked in fierce combat, immediately ceased fighting upon receiving the order and returned together. This display of discipline impressed Revil and the others—such model soldiers were welcome anywhere.
"Spirits of the water."
Compared to the earlier aerial combat, the underwater exercise was even more spectacular. While the aerial pursuit had been thrilling, Yang Hui had divided it into two phases: one where the target didn't fight back, and another of spiral counterattacks and swift eliminations. It ended quickly—impressive, but too brief.
The underwater battle, however, lasted a full half-hour and was a three-way free-for-all. Three completely different combat styles clashed, perfectly demonstrating to Revil and the others how to handle various opponents. It was less of an exercise and more of a vivid lesson.
"No wonder this unit could turn the tide of the Middle Eastern conflict."
"The performance of the MS is beyond expectations."
"No, it's not the MS that's impressive—it's the people piloting them."
"General Revil, I think…"
"No, you don't." Before the speaker could finish, Revil cut him off. Everyone present, except him and Gopp, had eyes burning with fervor, practically wearing "we want them" on their faces. "The Twelfth Independent Technical Division is currently the Federation's only combat-ready MS unit. With Zeon's second drop operation imminent, we cannot disperse our forces."
"Understood…"
Revil's refusal left them disappointed. Such exceptional talents—even one in their own units would be a blessing, let alone so many in a single small force. It was frustrating.
But remembering that the Twelfth Independent Technical Division was Revil's direct command, they didn't press further. It was one thing to mention it, but secretly poaching after being refused? How would Revil react?
Compared to their careers, even the most outstanding subordinates were worthless.
In truth, Revil himself coveted them just as much!
The Twelfth Independent Technical Division was nominally under his command, but in reality, it belonged solely to Yang Hui. How wonderful it would be if all these exceptional talents were truly his own!
Meanwhile, Revil grew even more wary of Yang Hui, for he realized that Yang Hui's greatest threat lay not only in his unfathomable hidden cards but also in his ability to lead others.
Revil had managed to obtain detailed records of the several Mobile Suit pilots in the Twelfth Independent Technical Division. Before joining the division, they had been utterly unremarkable—some were even fresh recruits straight out of basic training.
Yet in such a short time, how had Yang Hui trained them? How had he transformed them into such exceptional Mobile Suit pilots?
A single formidable individual was never truly frightening. What was truly terrifying was when a formidable person could elevate those around them to the same level of excellence. That was the most fearsome thing of all.
At that moment, Gopp patted Revil on the shoulder. "Don't worry too much. At least for now, our interests align."
As Revil's old friend, a single glance at his expression told Gopp exactly what he was thinking. He had pondered the same issue, but his perspective differed from Revil's.
So far, Yang Hui had no conflicts of interest with them. Moreover, Yang Hui had indeed inflicted significant losses on Zeon on the battlefield. Although they worried about the imbalance in their contributions—they owed Yang Hui far too much and had no idea what price they might have to pay to balance the scales—Gopp believed that Yang Hui had never intended to overthrow the Federation and crown himself king. This judgment was based on experience and intuition.
"Yes, I know. It's just... I have an idea."
"Oh? What a coincidence. I have an idea too."
The old friends exchanged a knowing smile, revealing the cunning grins of foxes.
"Those youngsters down there are getting quite restless these days."
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