The beam saber swept horizontally, severing the legs of two GINNs under Athrun's control.
After the strike, Athrun maneuvered the Justice Gundam to evade left, then pulled the firing trigger.
The 93.7cm high-energy beam cannon fired.
The rapidly traversing beam severed the legs of two GINNs.
After this attack, Athrun checked the retreat status of the Eternal and other battleships on his screen. Just then, Kira's voice came through the comms.
"Athrun, how are you holding up?"
Hearing Kira's concern, Athrun replied while controlling the Justice Gundam to dodge incoming fire.
"Don't worry about me."
As he spoke, Athrun pulled the firing trigger again.
The 120cm high-energy beam cannon unleashed its beam.
Two GINNs moving through space had their legs struck.
Hand on the throttle, Athrun pushed it forward while pressing hard on the acceleration pedals.
The Justice Gundam equipped with Meteor advanced at high speed.
Athrun's hands manipulated the control sticks, deftly evading every incoming attack.
He charged toward a Nazca-class high-speed battleship.
The 120cm high-energy beam cannon fired.
The thick beam damaged the propulsion system of the Nazca-class high-speed battleship.
Meanwhile, in a sector near Boaz Fortress...
The Vesalius was advancing through this area.
On the Vesalius's bridge...
"Commander, we'll be able to join the battle in fifteen minutes."
The Vesalius's captain reported to Creuset.
Creuset nodded slightly upon hearing this and stood up.
"Commander, are you preparing to sortie?"
Seeing his commander's movement, the Vesalius captain respectfully inquired.
After glancing at him, Creuset gave a slight nod.
"Don't approach the front lines later. Just provide support fire from the rear."
The Vesalius captain saluted and replied with utmost respect.
"Yes, Commander."
.....
"Rau Le Creuset, launching!"
.....
Fifteen minutes later,
Near Boaz Fortress
Creuset piloted the newly assigned GuAIZ through the battlefield. When he spotted the Freedom Gundam on his screen, memories from the Mendel Satellite surfaced in his mind.
Gripping the control sticks tightly, a plan began forming in Creuset's thoughts.
A slight smile touched his lips as he directed the GuAIZ toward the Freedom Gundam.
Inside the Freedom Gundam's cockpit
Kira maneuvered the Freedom Gundam to evade attacks.
While watching his screen, Kira noticed Creuset's GuAIZ approaching him.
Seeing the distinct color of this GuAIZ triggered memories in Kira's mind as well.
At that moment, Creuset's GuAIZ opened fire on the Freedom Gundam. As the incoming beam filled his vision, Kira's hands moved rapidly over the controls.
The Freedom Gundam shifted left and avoided the attack.
Kira's finger pressed the trigger, and the 93.7cm high-energy beam cannon fired a high-energy beam.
Creuset's GuAIZ evaded the thick beam, its backpack thrusters increasing output to accelerate toward the Freedom Gundam at even greater speed.
Inside the GuAIZ cockpit
Creuset watched the Freedom Gundam on his screen, smiling inwardly.
"'Once again, you've heavily damaged the GuAIZ I'm piloting!'"
As he spoke, the GuAIZ activated the twin Beam Claws mounted on its shield. Swinging its arms, it performed close-quarters combat maneuvers against the Freedom Gundam.
Watching the Beam Claws swinging toward him from the GuAIZ, Kira controlled the Freedom Gundam to retreat backward.
He avoided close combat with the GuAIZ.
The two Sailfish Railguns on its waist deployed, firing two projectiles at extremely high speed.
The high-velocity projectiles rushed toward the GuAIZ.
Inside the GuAIZ cockpit
Observing the Freedom Gundam's attack, Creuset piloted the GuAIZ to evade while using its shield for defense.
After dodging and blocking the projectile attacks, the GuAIZ continued advancing toward the Freedom Gundam under Creuset's control.
Aboard the Athena
In Felix's room
Felix sat at his desk, looking at Patrick's face on the screen while listening to his report.
"Felix, the Earth Alliance Forces have withdrawn from the Boaz Fortress front. Their next destination is most likely the Moon, so you need to be extra cautious there."
Giving a slight nod, Felix responded.
"I understand."
After this reply, Felix looked at Patrick and asked:
"Chairman, what's the combat strength of this Earth Alliance force that withdrew from near Boaz Fortress?"
"This unit has suffered quite severe losses. We'll need to compile specific data before I can give you details." Patrick replied, taking a deep breath before continuing. "But this Earth Alliance force still maintains strong combat capabilities - it's a considerable reinforcement."
"Requesting reinforcements!"
Upon hearing this, Felix directly asked Patrick for support. Hearing this demand, Patrick slightly furrowed his brow before speaking after a moment.
"I'll do my best to assemble a reinforcement force for you."
Learning of Patrick's commitment, Felix inquired about the arrival time.
"Chairman, when can this force arrive?"
Patrick remained silent for a moment before answering:
"I'll do everything possible to dispatch this reinforcement to you within three days."
'Three days?'
Felix thought to himself, accepting this timeframe. Seeing Felix's silence, Patrick asked:
"Is there a problem?"
"No."
Shaking his head, Felix responded.
Noticing this, Patrick gave a slight nod, checked the time, and ended the communication.
Looking at the now-dark screen, Felix swiveled his chair and stood up.
After leaving his room, Felix entered the Bridge.
Seeing Felix's arrival, Aric stood up and approached him.
Standing before Felix, Aric raised his hand in salute.
"Captain!"
"Hmm." Felix nodded slightly and sat in his seat, giving orders to Aric. "For the next three days, we will not engage in offensive operations."
"Not attack?"
Aric sounded puzzled, then looked at Felix with a confused expression. Seeing the confusion on Aric's face, Felix continued:
"In three days, the Defense Department will dispatch a reinforcement force to us."
Hearing about reinforcements, Aric immediately understood.
Having grasped the situation, Aric no longer seemed puzzled. He saluted Felix and replied:
"Yes!"
Lowering his arm, Aric turned and walked away beside Felix. Taking his seat, Aric opened the communication channel.
"For the next three days, we will cease all attacks and await the arrival of reinforcements!"
As soon as the order was issued, replies came through the comms.
"Affirmative!"
"Received!"
"Understood!"
...
After the various responses concluded, Aric turned to look at Felix.
"Captain, the orders have been fully relayed!"