Gundam: Changing the World Even with a Mass-Produced Unit

Chapter 46: Gravitational Frontline

After confirming that Ramba Ral had left the White Base, Bright had no choice but to order the crew to lift the internal alert and refocus on the battle ahead.

Eli returned to the hangar, preparing for combat. At this moment, Sayla, who had just returned, approached him.

"Did Ramba Ral… escape?"

Sayla appeared nervous, her fingers twisting together as she questioned Eli, who was about to board.

Observing her reaction, Eli already had his answer. It was clear she wasn't the one who leaked the information. Given Sayla's personality, if she were guilty, she'd remain composed and mask her emotions, not show worry for Ramba Ral's safety.

"Yes, he escaped. We couldn't catch up to him," Eli sighed, sharing the revised truth.

After all, it wasn't the right time to reveal that he knew her identity or discuss his agreement with Ramba Ral.

"I see, that's… good. Oh, I mean, it's good that you're safe," Sayla said, almost slipping up. She quickly crossed her arms, both to cover her misstep and out of genuine relief.

"By the way, have you completely forgotten about me? If it's just piloting the Core Fighter for communication, I could've done it. Why risk yourself?"

As if trying to cover her concern for Eli, Sayla quickly spoke in a reproachful tone.

"Are you sure about this? As I recall, aside from Amuro, you're the most resistant to carrying out military tasks on White Base, right?"

Eli probed her attitude. It wasn't that he didn't think Sayla could handle the mission, but he was considering her willingness and the difficulty of the task.

Let's not forget the Zeon Dopps weren't significantly reduced; as soon as the Core Fighter took off, Zeon would surely dispatch Dopps to intercept.

He explained the situation to Sayla.

"It's fine. My previous aversion to war was my personal belief. Now, piloting the Core Fighter is also my choice. People change; no one knows this better than you, right?"

Sayla smoothed her slightly messy hair caused by the helmet, only to notice Eli staring at her.

Her cheeks reddened, and the words of rebuke almost left her lips.

"Stay safe and take care of yourself," Eli said, his concern unmistakable.

"I… you…"

Sayla's blush deepened as she brought her hair forward, trying to hide her expression.

Eli chuckled at this tough-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside woman, turned, and climbed the boarding rope.

"Our safety depends on you and Amuro, so make sure you survive," Eli said while ascending.

As he sat in the cockpit, Amuro, already inside Gundam, opened communications.

"Let's move out together, Mr. Eli."

"You too—stay alive, Amuro."

At this point, Eli no longer insisted Amuro avoid risks. If Amuro was resolved, Eli's job was to fight hard and bring both of them back alive.

"Eli Lee, Ground Type Gundam, launching!"

The Ground Type Gundam shot off the White Base's catapult at full speed, heading for the canyon exit!

Close behind was Amuro in his Gundam.

This time, Eli didn't bring the Ground Type Gundam's small shield but the standard Gundam shield instead. Thanks to this, he managed to block several rocket rounds mid-air before landing safely.

Once Eli touched down, beams rained from above, taking out several Zaku units.

It was Amuro, landing beside Eli.

Without any verbal exchange, the two alternated covering each other as they advanced.

Against Dopps or Magella Tanks, Eli used the 100mm machine gun. Against mobile suits, the beam rifle came into play. Using the terrain as cover, they held their ground amidst the encirclement.

Even so, the battlefield was ablaze with explosions, and there were at least ten mobile suits confirmed ahead.

Luna Titanium armor could shrug off most artillery, but the vibrations from constant explosions were another story. Prolonged exposure to heavy fire could kill them from the shockwaves alone.

"Eli, can you hear me? I've connected with the Big Tray! Send the artillery coordinates!"

As the bombardment pinned them down, Sayla's voice came through the comms.

"Got it. Coordinates are…"

Eli quickly transmitted the data, which the Core Fighter relayed to the Big Tray.

Eli popped up, taking out an approaching Tiger unit with his beam rifle before ducking back down.

"Whistling!"

The sharp sound of artillery shells filled the air, throwing the Zeon forces into chaos.

Even Eli was surprised. He hadn't expected Sayla to break through the Dopps and establish contact so quickly.

"Well done, Sayla!" Eli cheered, urging his Gundam forward to create an opening for White Base.

If they could break through the line and regroup with the Federation, the Federation forces could capitalize on the path they cleared, securing victory!

"Whistling!"

Another round of shells screamed through the air, but this time, the impacts came from the mountainside—clearly enemy fire.

"I see it, Mr. Eli—it's Zeon's Dabude-class!"

"What? That close… Sayla, don't act recklessly. Leave it to me…"

Eli's heart sank as he prepared to charge the Dabude in his Ground Type Gundam, fearing Sayla might impulsively attack it with the Core Fighter.

"No need. Just now, a Steel Tank? It rushed at incredible speed and self-destructed on the Dabude…"

Sayla's tone was tinged with sorrow as she recounted the sight. To her, it was a heroic sacrifice by allied forces to protect White Base.

"What?"

Eli froze at the oddly familiar description.

Honestly, I love the Assault Steel Tank concept. It had impressive achievements, mowing through countless mobile suits on its charge to the Dabude. It's a pity the Federation abandoned the model. If adopted, it could've become the mainstay for ground forces, given the 61 Tank crew's adaptability to its design.

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