DE: Chapter 1 Part 14 – Partner

Nero was deep in thought. Why had the one called Master spoken so harshly to the ones he called comrades? Going into the battlefield after speaking such harsh words is extremely risky. There is a high possibility that he would no longer be able to receive support from his allies.

However, the one called Master seemed to not care about it at all. On the contrary, he was still charging through the battlefield. Even in a state where he had no one to support him.

“Yeesssss! Another aircraft shot down! I’m getting pretty used to it. Let’s make a comeback from here.”

The one he called Master was performing most of the operations manually. He passed by the enemy fighter Machhead and shot it down from behind with a 45mm, destroying it on the spot.

It was impressive, but operating it manually is quite wasteful. As a result, they were consuming more propellant than Nero had anticipated.

“They’re coming quite a long way over here. When is my real time to be popular going to come? There’s not even a sign of being popular with beautiful women or cute girls!”

【Who cares about that!?】

【The Mark-3 was used as a stepping stone and fell.】

【It’s still alive, so it’s not a problem. More importantly, this guy’s movements keep improving. At first I thought his balancer was messed up.】

However, Master’s movements were gradually becoming more efficient. Of course, it’s unquestionable that it would be hundreds of times better if he assisted.

“Damn it! It’s all your fault that I’m not popular! Prepare yourself!”

【Don’t mess with me! It’s probably because you have an ugly face! 】

【You must have an even shittier personality, don’t you? Good luck with that, mercenary bro.】

“Who’s that! The one who called me ugly! I’ll make you go down with your aircraft!”

With such piloting skills up to this point, why was he communicating openly with the enemy? Nero concluded that he was probably unnecessarily trying to oppose the enemy. Even so, there’s something he couldn’t understand. And the thing he couldn’t understand is……

『Trigger-5! Hey you brat! Get back here! You are not here to cover us!』

『There’s a limit to individual play.』

『I’m a sniper, so I can barely provide support, but if you get too close to the enemy like that, I can’t shoot properly without aiming at you.』

『What are you doing? We’re not idle here either.』

“Sorry, sorry. I’ll provide support when I can! Hey, another enemy!”

Why was he fighting in a place where he couldn’t receive support from his allies? That was the most incomprehensible part.

***

Doing most of the operations manually and engaging in combat is exhausting. Honestly, it’s hard to fight properly. Wouldn’t it be better to return to the ship, restore the Zargan system, and then sortie again?

(I’ve fought enough already. I can’t do any more. I think it’s okay to retreat now.)

While performing a barrel roll, I positioned my aircraft next to the enemy Madoc and fired the 250mm cannon at point-blank range. The enemy Madoc quickly raised its shield, but was unable to block the shot and was sent flying.

“Only one round of the 250mm left. Not many missiles either. I wasted too many bullets.”

Furthermore, a squadron of enemy Machhead charged at us, but I performed an ANBAC, fully opening the boost and making a sudden stop. The enemy Machhead couldn’t keep up and passed by me, boosting away to escape. Of course, there was no reason to let it go, so I fired the 45mm at it without hesitation from behind.

“A lot of them have escaped. Trigger-1, how is the situation over there?”

『We’ve dealt with quite a few. The ones who escaped can’t attack properly, thanks to the Elves’ escort aircraft and anti-aircraft guns.』

“You must have had a hard time.”

『However, there are still a few Sectorial ships left. We need to shoot down a few more, or we will become shooting targets for the frontline fighters.』

『But the number of enemy units has decreased a lot. The frontline fighters should be arriving soon.』

『No, not yet. There’s a warp response on our radar.』

I had anticipated that it would be about time for the frontline fighters to charge in, but it seemed the enemy still had a strong will to fight.

“Where is it coming from? There’s no way they’re coming this way. If they do, I should go back to the ship to resupply.”

『Don’t play chicken with me, you little brat. Trigger-4, where are they coming from?』

『Response is from the three o’clock direction from our fleet. There are too many of them.』

“Then I’ll defend this place as much as possible. Leave it to me.”

『I can’t leave it to just you alone. Besides, we haven’t received any orders from the main force yet.』

『I see. But it won’t be strange if they arrive at any time.』

At that moment, a communication came in. It seems that we’re about to move on to the next stage.

“Speak of the devil.”

『Notifying all units. We will be deploying the ground forces to the enemy space base. Provide escort for the ground forces. Additionally, half of the interceptor aircraft will be assigned to provide escort as well.』

“Hey, hey. If we do that, how are we going to deal with the enemy carrier-based aircraft that’s coming now?”

I felt dizzy from their stubborn plan. However, even reckless measures have their reasons.

『Fang Squad will immediately return to fleet’s defense instead. That’s all.』

『Speaking of Fang Squadron, that’s the unit led by that strong-willed captain, right? If I remember correctly, they have some pretty high-performance mecha.』

『That’s right. Then let’s carry out the mission we’ve been assigned.』

『No objections.』

『I have no problem with that either. At least, as long as we can handle the enemy fleet a little more on our route, we’ll be fine.』

『Then it’s settled. Trigger-4, request support fire from any of our cruisers. Your aircraft has a better communication function.』

『Understood. Wait a moment.』

In the meantime, I performed a quick check of the aircraft. As usual, the combat and control systems were in an error state. Due to the manual operation, errors were gradually increasing in other parts as well.

“They say life doesn’t go as planned, and it seems that’s true.”

“…Master, would you like my help?”

“Ah, later… huh? Nero is back in action. Don’t push yourself. I can fight pretty well even on my own.”

Almost at the same time Nero awakened, fifteen transport ships carrying the ground forces appeared. Seven of them were heading toward our route. And just as the transport ships entered the route, the enemy fleet warped in.

However, the composition of the enemy fleet was not as shabby as that of the space pirates or Sectorial. The flagship, which appeared to be a cruiser, was somewhat outdated, but the destroyers and frigates were actively working ships. And all of the ships had the emblem of the planet Damraka on them.

【We have taken the left of the enemy fleet. Artillery fire is commencing!】

【Jamming system activated. Launch the onboard fighters immediately.】

【At the same time as the launch of the onboard fighters, fire the anti-beam disruption missiles and chaff missiles. Provide cover for our allies’ infiltration route.】

【Fleet, advance. Close in to artillery range and commence firing. Prioritize providing cover for our ally’s AWs.】

【Hey mercenaries. We’re paying you a lot of money. You better earn it.】

A large number of AWs were launched from the enemy fleet. At the same time, numerous missiles were fired providing support for their AWs.

【Ahahaha! I’ve been stuck fighting boring, weak opponents lately. It’s been a while since I’ve had some real fun!】

【Yeah. But I personally prefer jobs that are easy and pay well.】

【What am I supposed to do against guerrillas and puny rebel forces? Dealing with low-level enemies is for the weak. Let’s go. You guys better give it your all! Don’t get hit by this weak barrage!】

【Yesss!】

A military aircraft, the YZD-23 Spider, shone in silver with what appeared to be additional boosters mounted on both shoulders, and holding a beam machine gun in its right hand. Alongside it, another identical model in a white and purple two-tone color scheme was equipped with a beam gun in its right hand and shotgun guns on both shoulders.

Following those two mechas, the mercenary unit of the enemy, including Zargan and Madoc, each with various color schemes and armaments, charged forward toward the Elf fleet without hesitation.

Of course, Colonel Cecilia immediately responded to the enemy reinforcements. However, she prioritized the ground forces’ infiltration to the enemy base and then began taking action.

“Enemy AW units approaching. Intercepting fighters, escorting the aircraft.”

“Commence attack on enemy AWs at each gun emplacement.”

“Delta Saber and Fang Squad are currently on the way. Three minutes left until contact with the enemy AW.”

“Heavy cruisers Leonid, Dagger, and Elman, along with the intercepting fighters, begin advancing.”

“This… Captain, I’ve confirmed the presence of the battleship【Gaudy】belonging to the Mercenary Guild within the enemy fleet. We have also confirmed the deployment of enemy AWs.”

“Investigate to which company the mercenaries AWs and Gaudy belong to immediately.”

“We will be engaging our AW forces shortly.”

The AW squad, which served as the close escort unit, launched a preemptive strike with beam cannons. Several enemy AW units were destroyed by the beams.

【Whoa! Not bad at all. A beam cannon that can shoot from that distance is really wild. I’d like to capture at least one. Don’t you think so too, Jane?】

【Either way is fine by me. More importantly, Jean, I’m going crazy wanting to operate Spider-chan right now. You understand, right?】

【Then shall we do it?】

The two Spiders rapidly accelerated, closing the distance between them and the allied AW squad.

【Now, now, it’s our turn. Take this! Bits!】

【Come on, Spider-chan’s movements are no joke. I wonder if your mechas can catch up with it at all.】

The equipment on both shoulders of the silvery Spider detached itself and was shot forward. At the same time, a number of small bits appeared from inside. At the same time, the two Spiders began their engagement.

『Take distance, it’s a bad situation. Each machine, back to back, prepare to intercept.』

【It’s useless‼︎】

『Shit! I’ve been hit, I’ve been hit?!』

『That guy definitely has a Gift! It’s not humanly possible to handle that many bits at once!』

【Oh, how rude to only focus at the bits.】

『Fire, from the inside!?』

Jean’s Spider overwhelmed several AWs together with the bits. Jane’s Spider took advantage of this opportunity to close the distance quickly and fired their shotguns, finishing them off with their beam guns.

『Guard-1 to all units. Buy time for us at all costs. The ladies will be here soon. Hold out until then.』

『I know. Tomahawk-4 has been hit. Fall back. I’ll fill the gap here.』

『Thanks, Tomahawk 6. But they’re not the only ones. The others are skilled too.』

The enemy mercenary forces entered engagement range as if to follow the momentum of the two Spiders. Furthermore, the AW forces belonging to Damraka also charged in with great force.

【We’ll leave the enemy AWs to the mercenaries. We’re going to strike the enemy fleet now.】

【Today, we can finally avenge our comrades and families. Don’t hold back your lives!】

【Charge! Charge! Charge! If you fear death here, all the humiliation and hardships we’ve endured will be better for nothing!】

The former Damraka AW unit, equipped with large anti-ship missiles and anti-ship beam cannons, launched an attack against the allied fleet.

『There are too many of them! Send reinforcements immediately!』

『Ignore the ones that have broken through. Focus on destroying as many enemy units as possible.』

『But at this rate, the fleet alone won’t be able to handle it!』

The allies’ fleet fell into a critical situation. And the situation about it reached our ears through Trigger-4.

『What are you planning to do, Trigger-1? Should we continue to escort the ground forces as we are?』

『The order we’ve received is to protect the ground forces. In that case, we have no choice but to trust the main unit.』

『No objections. We will carry out the mission we were assigned.』

『That’s true. Besides, we still have the destroyers and frigates on our side causing obstacles.』

The Trigger Squad’s answer was already decided. We will continue to carry out the mission that was given to us in the beginning. That’s what we mercenaries do.

Led by Trigger-1, we advanced to protect the ground forces. However, I stayed behind and established a communication link with Trigger-1.

“From Trigger 5 to Trigger 1: Currently, my fuel is rapidly depleting, and I’m unable to continue fighting.”

『What? Then get it over with. I don’t care if you accidentally get shot down.』

Captain Aaron spoke without hiding his murderous intent. Meanwhile, the muzzle of the gun was aimed at me. Ignoring such an extreme response, I continued speaking.

“Moreover, most of the combat support systems have been down due to Nero’s freezing frenzy. I have been fighting manually up until now.”

『What? Operating manually? You’re lying, aren’t you?』

“I’m not lying. Look, here’s the vital signs of my machine.”

『…Since when?』

“I forgot.”

Captain Aaron looked at me as if he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Receiving such a gaze, I twisted my mouth into a grimace.

“Anyway, I’m heading back. I’ll leave the rest of the mopping-up to you. At this rate, my battle results are going to end up last.”

『Hey, wait! You can’t just act on your own!』

“Connection cancelled due to communication issues. Farewell.”

Saying that, I cut off communication with the Trigger Squad and returned to the main force. I then disabled the limiter on my machine, pressed the pedal, and cranked up the boost to full power.

“Ugh… I can never stand the G-force ever.”

Speed increased. The plasma generator entered the red zone, and a warning sound blared.

“Master, if this continues, the plasma generator will be overloaded to a dangerous limit. Please restore the limiter immediately.”

“Don’t worry about it. This mecha was just recently upgraded. A little bit of extra strain adds to the thrill.”

“…I see. Master, please let me ask you something before we engage.”

I ignored Nero’s warning and remembered he wanted to ask me a question. There were no enemies nearby now. In that case, it would be a good idea to answer the question.

“What’s up? Now that I think about it, you were saying something about questions during the battle. So, what is it?”

“Yes. Master, why do you deliberately speak in a way that creates enemies among your allies? That makes it harder for them to support you.”

“….I don’t know. I’ve never really thought about it so I don’t know.”

“That’s a lie. Master is usually a very fun person. So why would someone like you create enemies on purpose?”

Nero immediately denied my answer. Then he asked the same question again.

“Hey, do you know the fear of having someone close to you die? You get a little closer, become comrades in arms. But then the next day, that person dies. What do you think the ones left behind do?”

“Would they mourn?”

“Yeah, they would. But what’s even worse than that is the thought of wanting to take revenge.”

The distance between my fleet and the enemy gradually closed. Right in front of me, the Fang Squad, led by the Delta Saber, was dominating the enemy forces.

“I don’t want to deal with that kind of hassle. If you have time to do something like that, you’d better come visit my grave.”

“I see. Master is a good-natured person.”

“Bwah! You idiot. What are you talking about? Is it still broken?”

“The result of the self-diagnostic program is All Green.”

“You’re speaking so fluently.”

“Master, you may not believe me anymore, but please reconnect me to the combat assistance system once more.”

“…I can’t do that. I’d hate it if you freeze again during battle.”

We would be engaging with the enemy soon. When I looked at the monitor, it surprisingly seemed like both sides were locked in a back-and-forth struggle.

“Please. Master… Please believe in Nero again, just as I believed in you.”

“……”

“We will be in close contact soon. Please.”

My eyes meet Nero’s red three-point sensor. If it froze during the battle again, I’ll die this time for sure. There was no doubt that I would be left in a situation without any support from my allies.

“From today, we’re in this together. I’m counting on you, partner.”

“Yes. Leave it to me. I will protect the Master who has placed his trust in me.”

I physically reconnected the cord I had removed back into Nero. At the same time, we entered into close contact with the enemy forces.

 

Footnotes:

YZD-23 Spider

This aircraft was developed as a stealth AW military aircraft.

One of the Spider’s features is the standard stealth capabilities. This allows the pilot to catch the enemy off guard and always take the initiative to attack first.

The generator used is military-grade. While the armor is slightly thinner, special armor plates are employed to enhance stealth performance. Additionally, there are many areas with sharp angles, making the aircraft highly resistant to ballistic attacks.

The overall design of the aircraft is extremely well-executed, with performance that ranks among the top in the AW class.

While it boasts top-tier performance in every aspect, it comes with very high production and maintenance costs. Additionally, its handling is considered ‘peaky’, requiring above-average skill to operate effectively.

As a result, those who pilot the Spider are mostly Ace pilots, often admired with envy by others.

Although not its intended combat style, there have been reports of Ace pilots using the aircraft’s stealth capabilities to gain an advantage in close-quarters combat by employing a simple blinding tactic.

Height: 14m

Weight: 57t

Armor Material: Special multi-ceramic composite alloy, absorption-type armor.

Power Source: Military-grade plasma generator

Armament: Retractable leg-mounted 12.5mm machine guns x2, 45mm assault rifle, 55mm rifle, beam rifle, beam machine gun, twelve-tube missile pod, and more.