Just like the command center at the testing grounds, the newcomers in the spectator stands were also thrilled by what they saw. This was their first time witnessing a Mobile Suit battle up close, and also their first glimpse of what the Federation's MS looked like.
Moreover, they were soon going to possess such Mobile Suits themselves, and the ones who had performed so brilliantly were their very own commanding officers.
If before they had only felt fear toward Yang Hui, now they also felt admiration.
The military was always a world of wolves. Wolves only submit to the strong, taking the strong as their goal to strive toward, to chase after, and to surpass.
"Can't hold back already? This is just the beginning," Ford Romfellow said with a smile.
"Huh?" The newcomers were taken aback.
"The Major hasn't even used half of his abilities," Ford Romfellow declared proudly, as if the protagonist he spoke of were himself.
"What!?"
The new recruits were stunned. Yang Hui's performance just now had already been incredibly impressive. Despite Jung and Kajima Yuu's relentless pursuit, they hadn't even managed to touch the hem of Yang Hui's clothes. Once the time limit ended, he had effortlessly taken out both Jung and Kajima Yuu, clearly demonstrating that the gap in their abilities wasn't just a little.
Even though Jung and Kajima Yuu's skills were already something they aspired to, Yang Hui's performance was seen by them as godlike. And yet, that wasn't even his full strength? Not even half?
Even South Burning and Cima Garahau were astonished, as this was also their first time seeing Yang Hui in action. Having already started simulation training, they knew well that the newcomers couldn't grasp much from what Yang Hui had just shown, but they understood how difficult it was. Whether it was the spiral maneuver during high-speed flight or the two precise shots fired before his Mobile Suit regained balance—they weren't sure they could pull it off themselves, especially the accuracy of those shots.
Jung and Kajima Yuu weren't stationary targets. They were excellent pilots themselves and naturally knew how to evade. Yet they were hit just as they began their evasive maneuvers, which meant Yang Hui had seen through their intentions from the start, predicting their predictions.
"Hah, the young ones these days are truly terrifying," South Burning thought to himself, also resolving to work hard to keep up.
Cima Garahau's expression, however, darkened slightly. When she had been in despair, it was Yang Hui who had pulled her out of that deep pit. He was her hope, the light she yearned for and chased after. That was why she had trained the hardest among everyone, all so that once she became stronger, she could be useful to Yang Hui and protect him. But now...
Was Yang Hui, so powerful, even in need of her protection? What could someone as strong as him possibly need from someone as weak as her?
"Well, there's no need to be so disheartened," the observant Blog noticed Cima Garahau's gloom, as well as that of several others whose pride had been wounded. "The Major is indeed formidable, but if you take him as your goal and keep chasing after him, you'll succeed one day."
"...Yes!"
Though everyone knew this was a fleeting comfort, it still lifted the spirits of the disheartened group. They were all elites from their respective units, each with their own pride. So what if they had been outmatched? Being outmatched meant they had to catch up. With Yang Hui set as their goal, even if they couldn't surpass him, they would strive to close the gap and become stronger.
Only Cima Garahau didn't take it to heart, because her starting point was different from everyone else's.
"Ah," sighed South Burning when he saw this. He didn't offer any words of comfort, as he and the other comrades from Granada were well aware of Cima Garahau's issues. The only one who could truly lift her spirits was Yang Hui, so he planned to inform Yang Hui about it later.
Meanwhile, at the command center, Yang Hui had disembarked with Jung and the others to report to Revil and his team.
"General Revil."
"Hmm, an exercise that exceeded my expectations. I am very satisfied with the results of the Twelfth Independent Technical Division."
"For the Federation, we give our all!"
"Heh, that's a good line," Revil chuckled, though inwardly he sneered. Yang Hui, giving his all for the Federation? What a great irony. "Major, the First MS Land Assault Battalion is currently being established. I'm planning to arrange an exercise where the Twelfth Independent Technical Division faces off against the First MS Land Assault Battalion. What do you think?"
"Not a good idea! It's just asking for trouble!"
That was what Yang Hui thought, but he replied respectfully, "As you command, General."
"Hmm, very good."
After witnessing the capabilities of the Twelfth Independent Technical Division, Revil and Gopp had come up with this idea. The training and cultivation of Mobile Suit pilots had been ongoing, and a large number of promising pilots had emerged. However, simulation training alone was no match for actual combat.
Moreover, an undesirable trend had emerged among the training units below—arrogance and overconfidence.
The pilots selected to form the first regular MS units were naturally top performers in simulation training, which had led to their growing arrogance. Some had even boasted that they could achieve the same results as the Twelfth Independent Technical Division if given the chance.
Initially, Revil and Gopp had also believed that the success of the Twelfth Independent Technical Division was largely due to the performance of their Mobile Suits and Zeon's underestimation of them.
But after today's observation, they realized that the division's reputation was well-deserved. The MS pilots of the Twelfth Independent Technical Division were truly exceptional, far surpassing the so-called "elites" they had observed in simulation training at the grassroots level.
It was time for Yang Hui and his subordinates to cool the arrogance of these overconfident "elites" and show them that there was always someone better.
Having gained much insight, Revil and his team didn't linger. After the test concluded, they returned to their duties. Although the exercise plan had been scheduled, it certainly wouldn't happen now. Zeon's Space Fleet was becoming increasingly active, and the second drop operation was likely just days away. The top priority was to hold back Zeon's offensive.
Yang Hui instructed Travis Kirkland to continue the assessments for the new recruits who needed them, while the others continued training with those who didn't. He then called Tim Ray aside.
"How many Aerial Combat Packs and Aquatic Specialized Backpacks do we have now?" Yang Hui asked.
"There are nine in total, and only these nine left. I brought them all down," Tim Ray replied helplessly and gloomily. "First, before the tests succeeded, they were just prototype units. We didn't dare produce more without knowing if they'd work. Second, the production factory we rely on now is Luna II. Besides warship retrofits and upgrades, and the construction of Qilin-class ships, Luna II's factories are entirely dedicated to producing mass-production mobile suits and space specialized packs."
"Didn't you contact Anaheim?"
"I did." As the third young master of the Vist Foundation, Yang Hui was practically half-owner of Anaheim, so he could use their production lines when necessary. Unfortunately, someone else had beaten him to it. "But Anaheim can't take on any new orders now. Warship construction, MS production, and various Earth-use pack manufacturing—their production lines are completely booked."
"Didn't I have Cardeas reserve a few production lines specifically?"
"I asked. Mr. Cardeas said General Gopp's order was simply too large. He figured you could use the Federation's internal factories for now and wouldn't need Anaheim's lines in the short term, so he allocated them elsewhere."
"..." Yang Hui was speechless. Cardeas's reasoning wasn't wrong—Yang Hui had thought the same initially. But… who knew unexpected setbacks would come so quickly!?
That wasn't even the most frustrating part. Tim Ray continued, "Also, the costs for the aerial combat pack and underwater specialized pack just can't be brought down. They can't be widely distributed to regular units. And based on test data, they aren't something ordinary pilots can handle anyway. So it's unlikely the Federation will set up a dedicated production line for these two packs anytime soon."
"...Fine, we'll wait a bit longer." Yang Hui had originally wanted to equip all his subordinates with a full set of packs. After all, the Twelfth Independent Technical Division was the Federal Army's top elite force, and they developed all the MS equipment themselves. Even if they didn't use them, they should at least have a complete set, right?
But the conditions just weren't there yet. Forming regular MS units was the Federation's top priority. The Twelfth Independent Technical Division's minor requests would have to take a back seat.
"Right, but… Major, about our next development plan… should we continue?" Tim Ray asked, somewhat worried the follow-up plans might be put on hold.
"Of course we continue. Otherwise, what's the point of having a plan?" Yang Hui asked in surprise.
"But… the budget…" The next phase of the plan would be another groundbreaking project. If successful, it would surely cause another uproar. However, before even starting, rough calculations showed the development costs would be a massive burden for the Federation in its current state.
"What does that have to do with us?!" Yang Hui snapped irritably. "We're a research unit. Our job is to research and develop. The Gundam Astray Series was just the beginning. I've already done those old fossils a favor by cutting the budget. Now that we've proven our research is necessary, let the production and procurement departments deal with budget headaches themselves. Do they really think they can just freeload?"
"Uh... alright, I understand."
"By the way, how is the progress on the Qilin-class?" Yang Hui asked.
"Progress has reached 90%."
"One ship or all of them?"
"All three."
"After you return to Luna II, keep an eye on the Qilin-class progress. Once completed, conduct tests immediately. If everything is confirmed correct, have Natarle Badgiruel pilot one to Earth to pick us up."
"What about the other two ships?" Tim Ray asked.
"Do you think that guy Tianem would let you take them all?"
"Uh, no."
"Exactly! We used Luna II's resources and Luna II's production lines. Giving us one ship is already a favor considering the developers. The Qilin-class will definitely prioritize the Space Fleet's needs first."
"I understand, then I'll..."
"Not so fast." Seeing Tim Ray ready to turn and head back into space at the drop of a hat, Yang Hui grabbed him and pointed at Amuro beside him. "Your vacation isn't over yet, is it? Stay and spend some time with Amuro."
"Hmm..." Tim Ray looked at Amuro, who turned his head away but occasionally stole glances at him with hopeful eyes. Tim Ray finally nodded. "...Thank you."
(End of Chapter)