DE: Chapter 1 Part 16 – The Privileges of Beautiful Girls

Evading the barrage of the beam machine gun, I counterattacked with an assault rifle. Of course, during that time, I couldn’t afford to stop my evasive maneuvers. In fact, getting closer to Jean would actually be better.

“Of course, he’s probably expecting that.”

【Take my bits! Let’s see if you can avoid all of this!】

“I’ll die if I don’t avoid it.”

【Hahaha! That’s true. Then try to avoid it!】

The bits fired bullets at me from above, below, left, and right. I accelerated the machine and charged toward the Spider.

“Attacking from behind? What a nasty move.”

An attack came one beat later after the simultaneous barrage from the bits. It’s a truly underhanded way of fighting.

【Avoid that. I know you’ve got some kind of gift after all.】

“Well, I’m very lucky.”

【Cut the crap!】

The Spider charged toward me, firing a beam machine gun. This worked to my advantage, so I taunted it by counterattacking with my assault rifle.

【Now this is what a fight should be like!】

He drew his plasma saber and charged at me. Drawing my saber to counter, I kept an eye on the situation in my vision and swung my saber to exploit any openings.

“Like this!”

【What!?】

I thrusted my saber through a tiny gap. However, a bit emerged from behind the Spider and blocked my saber before it could cause any damage.

【I never thought I’d have to use my backup plan so easily. This is interesting… really interesting!】

“Uh oh. I might’ve pressed the wrong switch.”

Perhaps his excitement has reached its peak, the bits’ attacks become more intense. I desperately tried to avoid losing distance from the Spider, but the difference in performance was just too vast.

In the blink of an eye, the distance between us widened, and at the same time, the bits attacked relentlessly. I tried to maneuver, but despite my efforts, damage notifications appeared from various parts of my mecha.

“I just got a new one the other day.”

My newly bought Zargan was falling apart, I couldn’t help but complain.

Incidentally, this Zargan was the one I received…. or rather, stole…. when I was defending the Union facility last time. It’s the unit I traded for a Madoc and a transportation aircraft on the black market. Apparently, a new AW unit, which wouldn’t normally end up there, just happened to drift into the market.

It’s more likely a transportation aircraft from some big company drifted off into space. Then, a scavenger picked it up and sold it at the black market.

“This is the kind of machine where I even tore the seat’s plastic for the first time in my life.”

“My condolences, Master. Also, the damage to the machine is severe. Furthermore, the propellant is running low. You need to retreat immediately.”

“I would do that if the other party would let me retreat.”

While I was doing this, many Bits surrounded me. Then, the Spider came charging in and swung its plasma saber again.

【It’s over, lucky boy!】

The plasma saber was thrusted toward the cockpit. I kept my eyes on three seconds in the future, waiting for the right moment.

“Now!”

I kicked the right arm, which was thrusted out toward me, with my left leg. The plasma saber pierced through the armor above the cockpit to the left. Then, I aimed the 45mm assault rifle against the Spider’s cockpit.

At this moment, both of our movements came to a halt. On my side, with the plasma saber lodged in, if it moved even slightly toward the cockpit, I’d die. However, it was doubtful whether the other party could withstand the penetration power of a 45mm assault rifle from point-blank range. No matter how advanced the machine is, it was a question whether it could withstand the impact.

【What gift do you have?】

“I’m lucky.”

【Get it over with already】

We stared at each other for a while. But soon it came to an end.

【Colonel Guile, the Sectorial base has been taken over. There is no point in fighting any more.】

【What? It’s already fallen. We have no choice but to retreat. Hey Jane, did you hear me? We’re retreating.】

【I heard you. I feel sorry for the other side’s machine. It’s such a good unit, but it’s not being used to its full potential.】

【That’s why I left it to you to deal with the small fry.】

【How about you?】

【It’s a draw.】

With that, Jean’s spider pulled back its plasma sabre and bits and retreated. Of course, there was no way I would pursue him now, I could only watch him leave.

【Kisaragi, if you get bored with where you are, come to my place anytime. You’ll be treated well and welcomed. Don’t die until then.】

“I’ll think about it. See ya.”

I aimed at the distant Spider with a gun made from my finger.

“Bang.”

At that moment, the Spider made a slight evasive movement as if to avoid it.

After the battle with Jean, Captain Christina came over and helped pull my machine. However, her usual nagging was subdued, and she was unusually quiet.

“Partner, I was able to confirm your ability. I’m going to put a lot of strain on you from now on, and I’m counting on you.”

“Rest assured. I am a combat assistance AI created by Type-From. I will definitely live up to your expectations.”

“I see. I feel relieved to hear such reliable words.”

“Then please, stop spinning.”

“Eh? But I’m bored.”

I spun Nero as fast as I could, practically forcing it into high-speed rotation. If I were in Nero’s position, I’d probably declare a breakup over on the spot.

“Even so, I can’t see any damage to Delta Saber.”

“The cause is unknown. However, it has been confirmed that the shield will be deployed instantly whenever the unit is hit.”

“They’re probably using some mysterious device that reacts to the pilot’s emotions. Also, their synchronization rate with the pilot is probably unnecessarily high.”

Compared to Delta Saber, my Zargan’s damage was pretty severe.

The left arm and right leg were completely destroyed. Additionally, the torso and back have also been hit severely. Some of the thrusters have also stopped working. On top of that, the plasma generator was in a terrible state.

To give you an idea of how bad it is, it’s like the mother of a household was in a terrible mood and assaulted it thoroughly.

“It’s basically on the verge of being scrapped.”

“Most likely, it’s the result of the plasma generator being subjected to more stress than originally intended.”

“I know that. Otherwise it wouldn’t have survived.”

In the end, it’s true that a cheap AW can’t beat a branded AW. Of course, it was not the Zargan’s fault. It’s a masterpiece that has received various upgrades from its release to the present and is still in active use. In fact, Zargan or Madoc are enough to take over a remote planet.

“It’s just that I happened to face the wrong opponent.”

“Still, Master, you fought well beyond expectations against the Spider.”

“What? Are you trying to comfort me?”

“It’s true, you’re a Super Ace.”

“Stop that.”

I stopped spinning Nero and we looked at the view from the monitor together. There was no battle now, just the quiet vastness of space. No, the universe has always been quiet. It’s just that people like us have incorporated 3D sound systems into our cockpits and helmets.

“Still, I’m glad I didn’t die. Honestly, there were so many times I could already see myself dying in my visions.”

“Master, Nero is also relieved that you’re safe.”

“Because I’d get a lot of side dishes. I had to make sure I survived and came back no matter what.”

『Sergeant Kisaragi, may I ask you something?』

Captain Christina, who had been quiet up until now, finally spoke up. She had been very depressed for a while, but I ignored her. I thought there was no point in worrying about it.

“What is it, Captain?”

『Aren’t you scared?』

At the question, I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of answer this Elf was looking for. There’s no way someone isn’t scared when on the battlefield. Is she really asking such an obvious question? Honestly, there’s no need to give a serious answer to this.

Generally, my impression of Captain Christina is that she’s just annoying.

“You mean going to the battlefield?”

『Yes, that’s right. But what I’m most curious about is how you can fight against such a strong opponent.』

“Because that’s my job. I’m a mercenary after all.’

『That’s not it. That’s not what I’m asking! I’m asking how you can fight with your life on the line! It’s not just the machine, how can you face an opponent who’s so far superior in skill….』

Captain Christina lowered her voice after asking the question. Seeing that, I decided to speak to her in a gentler way.

“Still, there are times when you have to fight. That was just one of those moments in the battle earlier.”

『…Was it for the credits?』

“No, that’s not it.”

When I denied it, Captain Christina raised her head and looked at me. Her beautiful blue eyes wavered with a hint of uncertainty, but I spoke while holding her gaze.

“I fought because your subordinates from Fang Squad asked me to help you. It’s a good thing you have loyal subordinates who care about you.”

『You risked your life for something like that?』

“That’s rude to say about your subordinates. Besides, when a beautiful woman is in danger, a handsome hero always shows up. It’s good that you’re beautiful, Captain. Thanks to that, a handsome hero was able to swoop in and help you survive.”

『…..』

Captain Christina fell silent again. But I was a little sad that she didn’t react to my joke at all.

“If you learned your lesson from this, I recommend that you work together with your subordinates. That will increase your chances of survival.”

With that, I sank into my seat and closed my eyes. I could faintly smell the fresh scent of the new seat.