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

Chapter 86: New Armament Arrives

Sayla's thoughts were somewhat understandable to Eli. However, Eli was more concerned about another matter.

This colony satellite was also a Zeon research institute for Newtypes, serving as a small test base for the Flanagan Institute.

"Truly awe-inspiring," Eli muttered.

Though he had entered the colony satellite before, it was his first time piloting an MS inside. What was once perceived as a massive MS now seemed small and insignificant within the vast interior of the colony satellite.

"I sense it—a fascinating woman's presence," a chilling sensation suddenly ran down Eli's spine.

"If possible, refrain from touching me when you appear next time," he said as he felt the icy cold gradually fade away from behind him, even through the spacesuit. Only then did he lift his head to look outside again.

This colony satellite, once famous for its tourism, was now in ruins. All that was visible was sand and dust.

"Can you pinpoint her exact location?" Eli asked.

If his guess was correct, the "woman" Death referred to should be Lalah. And where Lalah was, Char would undoubtedly be nearby.

No matter the goal, finding their location came first.

"Yes, she's in the opposite harbor area," Death confirmed.

With this, Eli immediately contacted Amuro, who was beside him.

"Amuro, there seems to be an enemy in the opposite harbor. Get ready to charge!"

Amuro nodded, and the two of them piloted their machines into the air, intending to storm through the colony satellite in one go.

However, as soon as they landed, multiple explosions erupted around their machines!

"…Landmines?" Eli muttered.

He recalled this situation. After this, the so-called "Pot of the Northern Song" would appear, claiming vengeance!

Then came the iconic duel between Char's Zeong and the Gundam.

"Amuro, use the Vulcan Cannon to clear the mines and prepare for engagement," Eli immediately instructed.

With Eli's presence this time, there was a chance that both Char and M'quve might engage together.

Yet, after clearing the mines and waiting at their positions for a long time, no enemy activity occurred.

"Only brainless fools would still think about fighting in such a situation," Char sneered.

Indeed, Char was in Texas Colony. Initially, upon hearing about MS activity inside the satellite, Char considered piloting his Zeong into battle to give Lalah a firsthand experience of true MS combat.

However, Lalah suddenly mentioned sensing the presence of two individuals.

One was gentle like a colonel, while the other was deep and terrifying like the cosmos itself.

There was no doubt—Lalah had made contact with two Newtypes.

Realizing this, Char immediately thought of the Federation's widely-publicized Newtype unit.

The White Base!

That meant the identities of the two MS pilots were clear.

"It's the Gundam," Char murmured, his masked face shadowed.

Originally, Char considered the Gundam his archrival. That's what he had always believed.

But ever since catching a glimpse of the four Gundams in Jaburo's underground base, Char felt a shiver every time he recalled the scene.

"Damn it, if only I had a machine with sufficient performance!"

Looking at his Zeong, which he had been somewhat satisfied with before, Char's grievances grew.

The Zabi family—they truly didn't understand warfare.

"Lalah, let's go. That's not an opponent we can face head-on."

Lalah's MS was indeed ready, but its true capabilities could not be fully utilized within this colony.

After transferring all the machines to Sambaguir, Char immediately ordered the warship to leave the colony satellite.

Even when encountering a Federation fleet ahead, Char ordered an immediate retreat, avoiding engagement.

For a moment, he realized he was no longer the bold and dashing man he had been during the Battle of Loum.

…

"Char… actually retreated," Eli remarked upon returning to the White Base, removing his helmet.

After waiting in vain for half a day, Death finally responded, "They've already left, you know~."

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Eli asked, his expression pained as he thought of how he had hidden the Gundam in the shadows of a mountain for so long in vain.

"Because I didn't sense them... I don't have Eli-san's abilities," Death replied.

Amuro, blinking, thought Eli was addressing him. Although Amuro had Newtype traits, he was still a novice.

"No, I wasn't talking to you…" Eli muttered, feeling a bit drained and uninterested.

Even Char avoided clashing head-on with them.

If Eli were to claim now that the White Base was unbeatable in single-ship combat, probably no one would oppose him.

"Overconfidence is not a good thing," Sayla said, helping Eli remove his pilot helmet while tapping his head lightly.

"I know… But what's that?" Eli pointed at a container in the hangar.

However, he already had a good idea of what it was.

"Commander Harken said it's equipment delivered for you, brought by Yashima Heavy Industries," Sayla explained.

As expected, it was the weapon Eli had commissioned from Yashima Heavy Industries.

This weapon was specially designed for the Battle of Solomon and to counter the Big Zam!

"Just in time. I was about to resort to using rocket launchers otherwise," Eli said, looking at the container. A sense of stability replaced his lingering unease.

The electromagnetic knuckles installed on the EZ-SR were merely a byproduct of this weapon.

"Amuro, remember the backpack you originally envisioned? I'll need your help next," Eli shouted to Amuro with his hand cupped around his mouth.

Amuro, who had been talking to Christina, looked up at Eli's call. As he floated over, the container was already open.

Inside were not only missiles and grenades but also a weapon with a slightly elongated barrel.

"This is… a railgun?" Amuro asked after examining it.

"Exactly. This is a specially-developed weapon commissioned from Yashima Heavy Industries," Eli said, running his hand along the railgun's barrel, feeling its cold surface.

It was a reassuring sensation.

"Can Newtypes foresee the future? Eli-san actually commissioned such a weapon," Amuro said.

A railgun sounded impressive, but it seemed excessive for use against MS. On the other hand, it felt redundant and overlapping in function when used against warships.

So, Eli must have had something specific in mind. After all, he had just mentioned using rocket launchers as a backup.

"Don't misunderstand, Amuro. Humans are creatures that live in the present," Eli replied, withdrawing his hand and turning to his machine.

"Come on, time is tight. We need to quickly adjust and prepare this armament."