DE: Chapter 1 Part 15 – The Reward is Side Dish

【Hahaha! It’s definitely a pretty good mecha, but it seems the thing inside is only above average?】

“Got carried away. Take this!”

The beam fired from the Delta Saber failed to hit the silver Spider. Instead, numerous bits assaulted the Delta Saber. However, a shield was deployed urgently, nullifying all of the attacks.

【Then how about this?】

“Kyaa! These people….. are strong.”

【Hehe, my experience on the battlefield is on a different level than yours, young lady.】

The Delta Saber was blasted away after being hit directly by a shotgun blast at close range. Captain Christina continued to be toyed with by the two Spiders, unable to properly fight back.

『This is Fang-3, the enemy AWs are all equipped with anti-ship equipment. They’re clearly targeting the fleet.』

『The enemy is approaching Leonid. Don’t let the barrage of bullets stop!』

『We’ve been hit on the port side, Block 8. The 16th and 17th anti-aircraft guns are heavily damaged.』

『We can’t intercept in time. Where are the escort fighters?』

『Our allied AW units are struggling against the enemy mercenary forces. At this rate….』

The three cruisers were unable to provide adequate support to the ally AW units and were desperately focused on defending themselves. However, they were gradually being cornered by the anti-ship-equipped AW units belonging to Damraka.

【Beam cannon volley! Fireee!!】

【Take this, take this, and this!! Die feeling the pain of your family!!】

【The barrage over there is light. I’m going in to launch anti-ship missiles. Follow me.】

Despite taking hits from anti-ship beam cannons, Leonid desperately continued to provide supporting fire for the ally AW units in the front. However, enemy AW units swarmed around the areas where the anti-air defense had been breached by the enemy’s attacks.

『Interceptor missiles launched! How is the anti-aircraft defense holding up!』

『Not good. The anti-aircraft guns on the lower port are all silent. We’re currently intercepting with the secondary guns, but they’re getting through.』

『To think we haven’t even gathered sufficient information on the Princess yet…』

『Enemy aircraft are closing in!』

Tension ran through the bridge of Leonid’s ship.

【This is the proof of our justice.】

【This is the world your arrogance created. Experience it to your heart’s content!】

【This is for Sally’s vengeance! Dieee!! 】

The AW unit belonging to Damraka placed their fingers on the trigger. And then…

“Nero firing correction.”

“Correction complete. Ready to fire anytime.”

The closest enemy aircraft to Leonid suddenly exploded. Wondering what had happened, they checked the radar, and saw a silhouette rapidly approaching from their direction.

“250mm purge. Missile multi-lock.”

“Multi-lock complete. Ready anytime.”

The multi-purpose missiles tore into the enemy AW units. Inside their cockpits, the lock-on alarms blared loudly.

【What! It’s reinforcements!】

【They are mercenaries. Those who side with the Elves deserve to die!】

Several Madocs and Zargan fired anti-ship beam cannons while dodging the missiles. In the meantime, I purged the missile pods to further reduce weight.

“I can see it! And I can also see your next moves!”

I fired the 45mm assault rifle towards Madoc, who was in the center. The Madoc attempted to dodge, but all the bullets hit directly.

【What are you, insane!?】

【You’re going to get caught up in it! Get out of the way!】

【Here of all places!?】

The Madoc’s plasma generator and the additional generator for the anti-ship beam cannon exploded at the same time. As a result, several nearby units were caught in the explosion, either causing a chain reaction or rendering them immobile.

【What’s going on with the enemy mercenaries? If this keeps up, we’ll be in trouble!】

“They’re picking a fight as they want. I can’t believe they have all come with anti-ship equipment. This is because… I’m a good guy.”

“I don’t know. But this is a chance.”

【Damn it! I can’t die in vain after coming all this way! All units attack- aah!?】

The 45mm bullet hit the anti-ship missile and exploded. And my Zargan disappeared without a trace.

“Tamaya. How many combos do you think that was?”

“Tamaya, you say. I’m sure it’s the word used when setting off fireworks.”

“It looks beautiful, like a blooming firework, right?”

“I don’t understand.”

Furthermore, other aircrafts with anti-ship missiles also took the damage, creating quite a big chain reaction. It was not a scene you could usually see.

“We’ll take care of the remaining enemies like this. Close combat is a bit risky. Let’s handle it from a distance with small attacks.”

“We have only a few rounds of 45mm bullets left.”

“Tell Leonid to send the ammunition. They can refuse, but I don’t think they will. After all, it seems like there’s no one else who can move.”

Everyone seems to be struggling with the enemy AW unit. Thanks to that, the anti-ship attack really hit them hard.

“Well then, let’s take care of things while we still can move.”

“An enemy AW is approaching near the underside of the cruiser Dagger.”

“Then let’s intercept it. But I must say, with Nero around, combat really is so much easier.”

With manual operation, I have to handle even the fine movements of the aircraft myself. As expected, some level of automation is necessary.

Gripping the control lever, I aimed my aircraft towards the cruiser Dagger.

『From cruiser Leonid, Trigger-5, we have sent the ammunition your way.』

“Trigger-5, roger. Oh, it’s here already. Can’t do anything on an empty stomach, after all.”

After refilling my 45mm ammunition, I immediately headed towards the cruiser Dagger.

『Also, your support earlier was very helpful. All of us on the Leonid’s crew are grateful to you.』

“Please save that line for after the battle. Each and every one of you should say ‘Thank you, Sergeant Kisaragi!’ with all your heart, okay? Hahahaha!”

『….. Please provide support to Cruiser Dagger.』

“Yes sir.”

As we headed towards the cruiser Dagger, three interceptors were preventing enemy aircraft from getting close by firing their beam cannons. However, the enemy AW showed no concern for their allies’ losses and charged forward without hesitation.

“Oh, oh, kamikaze. That’s not in style these days, you know? You’ve got to do it more coolly, like this.”

[T/N: ‘Kamikaze’ refers to a Japanese term meaning ‘divine wind’. Historically, it is most famously associated with the suicide attacks carried out by Japanese pilots during World War II.]

Without slowing down, I aimed at the enemy aircraft with our 45mm assault rifles. The enemy aircraft that noticed it and dodged it with evasive maneuvers.

【You! You’re the enemy of our comrades!】

The enemy Zargan fired its anti-ship beam cannon. However, the interceptors did not miss this opening. The enemy aircraft, with its gaze turned toward us, was pierced by the interceptor’s beam from behind and exploded into bits.

“If you have time to look away, you might as well just hurry up and launch the anti-ship attack.”

“Maybe they prioritized revenge.”

“Even more so, prioritize anti-ship attacks! They have more numbers!”

Well, I couldn’t let them have it that easily. I closed the distance with the enemy AW and hit them with a 45mm shot. They fired anti-ship missiles and anti-ship beam cannons, but each shot had a large opening, making them easy to dodge. On top of that, the interceptors’ beams continued to shoot down the incoming anti-ship missiles and destroy enemy aircraft. The Elf technology is truly revolutionary.

『Guard-1 is here. Mercenary, you have saved us.』

“Please show your gratitude with credits. I’ll keep attacking the others. If possible, please support me from a distance.”

After confirming that there were no responses from the surrounding enemy aircrafts, I moved in front of the cruiser. That area should still be engaged with that tough young lady and her entourage.

“The fuel is still barely enough. Let’s go for the finale in one go!”

“I’ll accompany you.”

“I’m counting on you, buddy!”

Blending in with the ally aircraft’s gunfire, I headed toward Fang Squad to provide support. Then, I heard the voices of Fang Squad over the intercoms.

『So this is the skill of a seasoned mercenary. I wish that cocky guy could learn from them.』

『Hmph. That’s impossible. Before that, we will take these guys down!』

『More importantly, I have to head toward the young lady for support. Damn it! Don’t get in the way!』

The enemy mercenary unit was fighting with excellent coordination, creating a two-on-one situation. There were many aspects of their skill that should be learned from.

I connected the open communication and spoke.

“Well, in the end, they’re just intermediate-level mercenaries covering each other’s weaknesses. In other words, I’m the higher-level one!”

【What? Is that mercenary hired by the Elves?】

【I feel like I’ve heard that voice somewhere before…】

【Provocative remarks and an unnecessarily overconfident attitude…】

【And that incomprehensible sense of value that I don’t understand….】

T-Tch, these guys are saying whatever they want… I mean, if they remember that much, then they should just recall everything!

“Damn, the universe isn’t on my side.”

“I’m on my master’s side.”

“I see. Thanks.”

Then, while firing the 45mm assault rifle, I made contact with the enemy mercenary unit.

【A mercenary from Smile Dog? Then he must be that infamous Lucky Boy.】

【I think so too. This guy keeps dodging attacks, it’s pissing me off.】

“You’re just bad at targeting. Why don’t you go back to training school?”

【That cheeky phrase. It’s definitely the Lucky Boy. I’ll make this battlefield your grave!】

I ignored Fang Squad and engaged in a maneuvering battle with the enemy mercenary unit.

“Full thrust from the inertia maneuvering SIM in outer space!”

Rotating my aircraft 180 degrees, I activated the boosters. The mecha then comes to a sudden stop. The enemy aircraft had no choice but to pass right by us.

“I’ve got their rear!”

【Damn! Dodge dodge!】

【What?! I got hit! I got hit! Damn, I’m escaping!】

【I can’t win this. I’m going to escape.】

The enemy AW easily gave up and escaped. I just moved onto the next target.

【If you’re the Lucky Boy, try dodging this barrage of bullets! You could never avoid it! ︎】

“Oh, it’s a Gatling gun. That’s cool.”

The two enemy Madocs each held a 35mm Gatling gun in both hands. A relentless barrage of bullets was aimed directly at us.

“I’ve only been able to use that once.”

“Why only once, Master?”

I dodged the 35mm bullet barrage while charging toward the enemy mercenary unit. Meanwhile, the mercenaries started complaining to each other, shouting things like “Watch out!” and “Aim properly!”

“The truth is, I’m someone who likes to press triggers. I end up shooting unnecessarily and burn through a ton of ammo. Because of that, the boss got really mad at me.”

I aimed my guns at the legs of the enemy Zargan in front of me and made it immobile. After ramming into the enemy Zargan and destroying it, I picked up my saber and cut through its backpack. Then I charged towards the two enemy Madocs that were holding 35mm Gatling guns.

【Whaaaaaaaaaaaa?! Don’t shoot! Don’t shoot! Don’t shoot! 】

“You guys, don’t worry about me and keep firing! In exchange, I’ll erase your debts!”

【What the heck are you saying? Isn’t that actually my line? But you also have quite a big debt.】

【Now pay back your debt.】

In the end, the enemy was unable to shoot at us and took evasive maneuvers. However, during that gap, the Fang Squad closed the distance and destroyed the enemy’s weapons with their beam sabers and beam guns.

【Damn, this stupid exchange pisses me off. It’s that bastard Kisaragi after all.】

“Nero, say something back for me.”

“You bullet-throwing bastard.”

【Who is this guy? It’s not Kisaragi. Well, it’s true that I’m shooting bullets.】

“You’re shooting bullets but not scattering seeds, right? Ahhahaha! Don’t worry about it!”

【It’s definitely that Kisaragi!】

The mercenaries retreated with their immobilized ally.

“This should make things a bit easier. I’m going to head for resupply soon. The rest is up to you.”

『Wait. The young lady is fighting two enemy Aces now. She’s having a hard time because they’re slightly stronger than others.』

“She should be fine if they’re just a little stronger. Besides, it’s the Delta Saber, right? That machine’s performance is ridiculously high. It won’t fall so easily.”

Ignoring Fang Squad’s words, I turned around for resupply. My propellant was already almost in the red zone. But those guys in the Fang Squad wouldn’t back down. In fact, one of them even grabbed a hold of my mecha’s arm.

『I know you are strong, seeing the battle just now made me realize it. So please. Save the young lady… Save Captain Christina.』

“Tch, what a bother. You should go and save her yourself. Your unit has better performance.”

『I know it’s frustrating, but if I go, I would just be a burden. Besides, the opponent has a Gift. They were using numerous mind-controlling weapon bits. So please, I’m asking you. If you help, I’ll personally pay the credit.』

“You want me to deal with a Gift holder? And I don’t need a little money from you. Oh, I’ve got a good idea.”

I smiled mischievously at the Fang Squad’s members. The opponent looked a little nervous. Ignoring that expression, I stated my demand.

“Give me one side dish for each member of the Fang Squad for the next week. If you do that, I’ll at least follow up.”

『I, Is that really what you want?』

“Of course. If you don’t like it, just forget it.”

『I have no problem. Does anyone have any problems?』

Then the other members nodded in agreement. Thus, the deal was sealed.

“Well, then I’ll support her until the very end. Really, until the very end.”

I accelerated the mecha again. In the meantime, I searched for Captain Christina’s current location.

“Found her. She’s fighting two-on-one. Well, at least I’d like to get a glimpse of the opponent’s face.”

While doing that, I got within visual range of the monitor.

“Nero, search for the enemy unit.”

“Understood. Search data has been returned.【YZD-23】Spider. Here are the basic performance details.”

“Hey, are you serious? That’s a full-fledged military unit. And it’s far superior than Astrea.”

The YZD-23 Spider is a machine that lost to the ZX-07 Astraia in the competition for the next mainstay fighter of the United Earth Federation of Unified Forces.

Although the YZD-23 Spider overwhelmingly outperformed in most performance aspects, its high performance became its downfall. Due to its high performance, it was, of course, costly, but the biggest issue was that it was a machine difficult for regular soldiers to handle.

Because of this, the YZD-23 Spider was sold only to large corporations, well-known mercenaries, and bounty hunters.

In fact, this strategy proved successful, creating the ‘Ace Pilot = Spider’ brand. Of course, since the performance is officially endorsed by the United Earth Federation of Unified Forces, other Ace pilots can ride it with confidence.

“I can’t believe they pushed me to face a mecha like that. And on top of that, they even have a Gift.”

“It will soon be within range of the 45mm assault rifle. Warning, bits weapon are approaching.”

“I can see it.”

A large number of bits were captured on the monitor. Even so, it was incredible that it was fighting against the enemy Delta Saber.

“When the bits get around, purge the additional armor. Accelerate all at once.”

“Understood.”

The moment the bits gathered around me, I looked three seconds into the future. To put it simply, it was a scene where the cockpit was covered in blood.

“Deploy additional armor.”

At the same time, the additional armor was deployed, and I accelerated the mecha to avoid that bloody future.

“Well, would they mind me joining the party?”

Then I spotted two enemy Spiders. One was a rather bland all-silver Spider, but the other was a purple-colored Spider with a close-combat model. However, despite the intense maneuvering, the bit weapons continued to follow me and attack relentlessly.

“I wonder if a haphazard attack will hit. But I don’t feel like I can catch up either.”

Seeing no choice, I released the limiter again. Honestly, the Zargan’s plasma generator was getting dangerously close to its limit. I had no choice but to speak to the enemy again through an open communication channel to divert their attention.

Well, we were technically in the same line of work, so I guess you could say we’re acquaintances. Though, I didn’t know if they would remember me.

“What a good investment. You’re using branded high-end mecha like Spider. But what’s with that bland color scheme?”

【This voice… Kisaragi? It’s been a while. Five years maybe?】

『Trigger-5, what are you doing? These guys are no ordinary people! Leave the area immediately!』

The movements of the bits and the two Spiders came to a stop. Then, the silver Spider turned its gaze toward me. Meanwhile, Captain Christina told me to run. Honestly, it’s a secret, but I did want to escape.

“That’s about it. I was operating a Muscle Walker MW at that time. But it’s still impressive that you remembered me well. Even though I was just a regular mercenary riding an MW.”

【What the hell are you saying? After turning down my offer, you sure have some nerve saying that.】

“I don’t accept men’s offers…..”

【You’re still the same as always. So why did you bother to connect me to the intercom now?】

“I just want you to stop bullying our young lady. From here on, I’ll be the one to deal with you, got it, Jean?”

『I-I’m not being bullied! How rude!』

Captain Christina, our young lady, argued back, but I simply ignored her. Or rather, I had no time to respond.

【It’s true that bullying the weak isn’t fun. Jane, you were listening. I’ll leave that small fry to you. I’ll take care of this one.】

【I don’t mind. But the opponent is just a Zargan?】

【Even if the machine is a piece of junk, the thing inside is on a whole different level. Now, hold on. Jane, I’ll leave the young lady to you.】

【I have no problem. Now, young lady, shall we dance?】

『Don’t mess with me. I will never lose to you.』

The Delta Saber and the purple-colored Spider drew their beam sabers and began exchanging blows as they moved further away.

Only Jean and I were left behind.

【Sorry, but this is also part of the job. If you manage to survive here, I’ll let you join my mercenary group with a favorable salary.】

He aimed the beam machine gun at me and deployed the bits.

“I don’t need your recruitment, just give me credits. I want a large high-speed transport aircraft.”

I aimed the 45mm assault rifle at the silver Spider.

【Is that so? What a pity!】

The bits moved, and beams from the beam machine gun rained down on me in large numbers.

 

Footnotes:

SIM: Space Inertia Mobility