Chapter 248: Tekkadan 6
Crank asked seriously, "I'm aware of your marksmanship, but could you refrain from using long-range weapons and fight me in close combat instead? That way, even if I lose, I'll be convinced in heart and soul."
Tolle nodded slightly. "Sure, no problem. Give me a moment — we'll do it your way."
As he spoke, Tolle unloaded the two Gatling cannons, the shoulder-mounted armor-piercing rounds, and the ammo storage units from the Heavy Firepower-Type Bael Gundam, leaving them at the CGS base. He kept only one physical combat knife and returned to the battlefield.
"All right, let's begin."
"Very well, I'm grateful." Crank cleared his throat and declared solemnly, "Crank Zent of the Gjallarhorn Mars Branch Combat Unit — challenges you!"
Tolle, with a wry smile, followed suit: "Tolle Koenig, Chairman of the Spark Interstellar Trade Security Group — accepts."
A gust of Martian dust swept across the battlefield as both mobile suits ignited their thrusters and charged at each other.
The blade of Crank's battle axe clashed violently against Tolle's combat knife. The two machines locked in a test of strength, but it wasn't long before the more powerful Heavy Firepower-Type Bael pushed the Graze's battle axe aside.
Realizing the disadvantage, Crank took a few steps back, swung his axe in a full arc to build momentum, and struck hard toward Tolle.
Unwilling to give ground, Tolle met each blow with his combat knife, parrying the assault.
At the instant Crank's axe was knocked back by the recoil, Tolle seized the opening. The Bael Gundam spun and delivered a heavy side kick, sending the Graze crashing to the ground.
Tolle then accelerated with his thrusters, closing in fast. He raised his combat knife to the Graze's neck and opened the comm channel.
"You've lost, Crank. I trust you'll honor your word."
Inside the cockpit, Crank closed his eyes, answering with a tone of reluctant acceptance, "Yes, I've lost… though it's frustrating. I didn't expect to be beaten so thoroughly, even in close combat — something I took pride in."
Looking at the man's demeanor, Tolle was reminded of Wufei — another warrior with a strong sense of honor. Wanting to give him one more chance, Tolle asked, "How about another round? This one wouldn't count toward the wager."
Crank shook his head. "No need, Chairman Tolle. I know my limits. A loss is a loss — I'll not deny it."
"Good. Then make sure to remind Deputy Minister Coral of this — I don't care about other matters, but if it involves Spark property, I'll intervene to the very end."
"Understood, Chairman Tolle. I'll report everything to Deputy Minister Coral. Though… it's possible the Gjallarhorn Mars Branch will be under new leadership soon. Coral might not be in charge by then. In any case, until we meet again — I look forward to our next match."
"Likewise. And if you ever find you can't stay with Gjallarhorn, you're welcome to join Spark anytime."
Following Crank's command, he and Ein retrieved their Graze unit and withdrew from the CGS base.
Guddilia and the others finally breathed a sigh of relief — the battle was over.
Tolle parked the Heavy Firepower-Type Bael Gundam on an open space within the CGS base and immediately sought out Orga.
"Orga, how's CGS holding up? I came as soon as I heard Gjallarhorn attacked."
Orga replied solemnly, "Tekkadan — that's our new name. CGS, that rotten title, is part of the past now."
"Oh? 'Tekkadan,' huh — does that mean the 'Iron Flower'?"
"Yeah. The flower of steel — one that will never wither."
Tolle extended his hand with a smile. "Congratulations, Orga. You're one step closer to your dream."
Seeing that Tolle had no objections, Orga and the rest of Tekkadan finally relaxed.
Orga glanced at his grimy, blackened hand, but before he could react, Tolle grabbed it firmly.
Tolle chuckled, "Come on, don't get so uptight. It's just dirt — wash it off later. Everyone gets their hands dirty sometimes."
Kudelia, watching Tolle's gesture, had intended to speak up but chose instead to remain silent, quietly observing their exchange.
Orga stopped overthinking it, tightening his grip on Tolle's hand. "I really don't know how to thank you."
"No need. I'm a practical man. When you start making big money, just remember to give me a bigger cut of the profits. I'm not asking for much — half of Tekkadan's territory, and I'll play the part of a hands-off boss."
"Haha, deal. Tekkadan remains a subsidiary of the Spark Group. The share distribution will stay exactly the same as before."
"All right, that's fine by me. I'll send some Spark personnel to help with the reconstruction. As for the loot Gjallarhorn took from you — I'll prepare a gift for your official reopening."
"That's more than generous — we're truly grateful."
Tolle nodded, then turned to Mikazuki. "Mikazuki, I'll be taking your Barbatos Gundam for a bit. I'll overhaul it and optimize the Alaya-Vijnana system. Otherwise, your brain won't last — you could end up a vegetable."
Hearing that his Barbatos would be taken away, Mikazuki frowned, clearly defensive. "No need to worry. I don't use my brain much anyway — I'll be fine for a long time."
Tolle stared at him speechlessly — typical of someone who'd never read a book: blunt, efficient, and terrifyingly direct.
"Fine. But after the upgrade, you'll be able to fight longer — that way you can keep helping your leader, Orga. Otherwise, a paralyzed Mikazuki would only hold him back."
Tolle's psychological tactic worked as always. After thinking a moment, Mikazuki nodded. "All right then. Take it. Just bring it back soon after you're done."
"No problem. It won't take long. I'll have a Spark battleship waiting in orbit around Mars — when you make it to space, the refit will be much easier."
"That's great. Thank you, Chairman."
Then Tolle turned to Akihiro. "Akihiro, would you like your own Gundam — just like your brother, Masahiro's?"
Akihiro shrugged indifferently. "Thanks for the offer, Chairman, but that green turtle shell is way too bulky. Really not my style."