After executing several teleport jumps from the sector where I annihilated the Chinese Federation fleet, I finally succeeded in returning to the airspace above the Tokyo Settlement.
Deploying the ASRS while scanning from this altitude, it certainly appears that the Britannian forces hold the advantage over the Black Knights, just as Suzaku had reported. At this rate, it won't be long before the Black Rebellion ends in a Britannian victory.
"…There it is."
Observing the war situation below, I shifted my trajectory toward the sky above the Viceroy's Palace.
"Disengage ASRS."
I cut the sensors, exited the cockpit, and placed my hand against the armor.
"Store."
The moment I muttered the command, the Growsaber vanished into dimensional storage, and naturally, I was left free-falling through the air.
Twisting my body in mid-fall, I bent my knees the instant my feet touched the rooftop, absorbing the impact of the landing.
"Now then…"
I looked around. The garden, which should have been beautiful, was utterly devastated—likely the result of the battle between Cornelia's Gloucester and Zero's Gawain. And there, lying near the wreckage of the Gloucester, was Cornelia. She was bleeding, her eyes closed.
"…!?"
I rushed over to check her condition. Fortunately, she was only unconscious, likely her body's way of trying to recover whatever stamina it could. However, perhaps because I touched her to check her vitals, her eyes snapped open abruptly.
"Axel?"
"I'm back. Looks like you've been through hell."
"What happened to the Tokyo Settlement!?"
Ignoring my comment, Cornelia grabbed me by the collar. Her expression was desperate, cornered.
"Calm down. The battle is still ongoing. However, likely due to Zero's absence, the tide is turning in your favor. It won't be long before this ends in our victory."
"Still ongoing? …Then, Axel. Did you abandon the Chinese Federation fleet to come here?"
I see. I wondered why she was so frantic, but that explains it.
"Relax. I sent their entire fleet to the bottom of the ocean before coming here."
"Impossible… You barely launched from the Palace a short while ago! And yet…"
"My power is, in a way, inherently unreasonable. After I finished there, I made contact with the Lancelot, heard about your situation, and rushed back."
"Is that so… The Lancelot… In the end, I couldn't even clear Euphemia's name myself. I had to leave it to Kururugi. And Darlton, he…"
Cornelia's expression was dyed with sorrow and regret. Judging by her state, Darlton must have blindsided her under the influence of Geass, just as in the original story.
Seeing Cornelia like this, I felt a sense of affinity stronger than anything I had felt before.
My thoughts drifted to the Shadow Mirror detachment remaining on the White Star. The personnel there were primarily technical staff and Mass-Produced W-Series units, who lacked the ability to adapt to fluid situations. Regardless of our next move, a leader skilled in command is indispensable. My specialty lies in individual combat, and while Lemon has high combat ability, she is fundamentally an engineer. That left only Echidna as someone capable of commanding a unit.
I glanced at Cornelia.
Her ability to excel in both politics and warfare was something I wanted, no matter the cost. I considered what benefits I could offer if she were to join me. First and foremost would be the scientific technology of the Super Robot Wars OG universe, which is decades—perhaps a century—ahead of this world.
And then, there is my knowledge of the original story. Information regarding Geass and the Geass Order would be something Cornelia would desperately want to get her hands on.
I took a deep breath before addressing her.
"Cornelia. Care to make a deal?"
"A deal?"
"Yeah. I possess a certain amount of information that you desire most."
"Information, you say!? What is it!"
"Regarding the sudden change in Euphemia and Darlton. It's related to that."
"Axel… do not tell me you…"
despite bleeding and being barely able to move, the glare she shot at me held a terrifying amount of power. Realizing my wording had been careless, I shook my head.
"No, I didn't cause Euphemia to change. I simply know the cause behind it."
"The cause?"
"Exactly. If you accept my deal, I will reveal that information, and I will tell you my secret as well."
If things proceeded according to the original timeline, Cornelia would eventually reach the Geass Order on her own. But that path leads to her capture by V.V., and ultimately, by the Black Knights.
But what if she had my knowledge, along with Shadow Mirror's technology and combat power?
At the very least, knowing the dangers of the Order, the details of Geass, and V.V.'s immortality beforehand would undoubtedly give her a tactical advantage.
"You speak of a deal, but is information the only thing you can offer?"
"No. I can provide units like the Landlion and Garlion—machines with a completely different concept from your Knightmare Frames. I have a large quantity of similar units available. Furthermore, while they may not equal Guilford, I can provide personnel with combat skills on the level of the Glaston Knights as if they were water. And if my schedule permits, I can lend you my direct assistance as well."
The "personnel on the level of the Glaston Knights" referred, of course, to the Mass-Produced W-Series. With their current specs, they should be about that level. However, if Lemon absorbs the technology stored on the White Star and upgrades them, creating Mass-Produced Ws that surpass even Guilford wouldn't be a pipe dream.
"That is… incredible."
She looked genuinely astonished. The terms I offered were likely far better than she anticipated. But if I could acquire a talent like Cornelia for such a price, I considered it a bargain.
"I understand what you are offering, Axel. But what must I provide in return?"
"…You yourself. Cornelia, become mine."
"M-Me!?"
"Yes. Naturally, becoming mine means you will no longer be able to act as a member of the Britannian Imperial Family. However, I will cooperate with all my power to help you clear Euphemia's name. …Will you accept?"
I extended my hand silently. Whether she took it or refused was up to her.
"Axel, do you require me?"
"Yeah. I need you. I want you."
"…Very well. In the name of Cornelia li Britannia, I accept this deal… no, this contract. From this day forth, this body, this heart, everything belongs to you. If it means clearing Euphy's name, I shall gladly become yours."
Cornelia grasped my outstretched hand. The deal… no, the contract was sealed.
SRW OG technology and Mass-Produced Ws. In exchange, I had acquired a brilliant commander skilled in both politics and war. Lemon would surely be pleased.
"So, what do we do now?"
"Right. First, I'll take you to my base."
I slid my arms under her neck and knees, lifting Cornelia, who couldn't move due to her injuries, into a lateral hold. …The so-called "princess carry."
…Since Cornelia is a princess, should I call it an "Imperial Princess carry"?
"A-Axel, what in the world are you doing!?"
Cornelia, face flushing bright red, protested, but she couldn't walk, so there was no helping it.
"Just wait. I'll show you a glimpse of my abilities."
I pulled up the dimensional storage list in my mind and selected the Growsaber. In the next instant, it materialized on the Palace roof.
"I-Impossible! What just happened!?"
Cornelia could only stare in shock at the sudden appearance of the machine. Ignoring her bewilderment, I climbed into the cockpit with her.
"It's a single-seater, so it's a bit cramped, but bear with it."
"H-Hey, Axel. This position is a little…"
Currently, Cornelia was sitting on my lap. She protested, likely out of embarrassment, but a cockpit this size didn't have a spare seat. And I certainly couldn't toss an injured woman behind the seat.
"Just endure it for a while."
Feeling the softness and weight of Cornelia—a woman—I felt a subtle twinge of embarrassment myself as I opened a comms line to the Garlion.
"Echidna, what's the situation over there?"
"Captain, I am glad to see you safe. The Black Knights have been mostly destroyed or forced to retreat. We have also captured numerous individuals believed to be enemy cadres."
Hmm, so the Black Rebellion ended in failure, just as history dictated.
I glanced at Cornelia; she seemed somewhat relieved hearing Echidna's report.
"I need to decide on our next moves. You remember the forest we arrived in when we came from the White Star? We'll rendezvous there."
"Understood."
The connection with Echidna cut off. I was about to head for the forest when I remembered the Landlion left in the hangar. I couldn't just leave that machine behind. I needed to retrieve it.
"Axel?"
"Hm? Ah, no, it's nothing. More importantly, once we reach the rendezvous point, I'll have you contact Guilford and leave the cleanup to him. You don't mind?"
"No. I swore on my name to dedicate my body and soul to you, Axel. I have no objections."
…I really wish she'd stop saying "body and soul." Of course, I love Lemon, but Cornelia is just as attractive. When she phrases it like that, it makes me conscious of her as a woman more than necessary.
I stopped by the hangar briefly, storing the Landlion into the dimensional storage right in front of Cornelia. Taking the still-stunned Cornelia with me, I headed for the meeting place.
The forest remained as quiet as it had been when we first transferred to this world. The night of the Black Rebellion had passed, and as the sunlight filtered through the trees, the area exuded a serene atmosphere. It seemed Echidna hadn't arrived yet.
Touching down in a clearing, I spoke to Cornelia, who had been quietly watching me from inside the Growsaber.
"Cornelia, contact Guilford."
"Understood. …Guilford, do you read me?"
Cornelia opened a channel from the Growsaber to Guilford. As if responding to her voice, Guilford's face appeared on the monitor without even a few seconds' delay.
"Your Highness, where on earth are… Axel!?"
"Sorry for the late contact. Both Axel and I are safe. What is the extent of your casualties?"
"The damage is significant, but as it is a victorious battle, morale is high."
"I see. That is good to hear. regarding what comes next… I will be disappearing with Axel."
"…Your Highness?"
"This is also to clear Euphy's name and expose the truth. I am sorry, but do you mind if I leave the aftermath to you?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
Guilford nodded without asking a single question in return. This must be what it means to be a knight. To believe in the one you've pledged your sword to, right to the very end. To an outsider, it might look like blind obedience, but between these two, it was not.
"Axel."
As I watched them, Guilford's gaze shifted to me.
"What is it?"
"Take care… of Her Highness."
How much emotion was packed into those few words? I nodded to Guilford, who was staring intently at me.
"Leave it to me. I can't promise 'without a single scratch'… but I will protect her within the reach of my hands."
"I see. …Then, Your Highness. I pray for your safe return."
"Umu. My knight, Guilford. I leave the rest to you."
Name: Axel Almer
LV: 35
PP: 485
Stats:
Melee: 246
Shooting: 264
Skill: 256
Defense: 253
Evasion: 281
Accuracy: 303
SP: 422
Ace Bonus: SP Boost (Consumes SP to upgrade slime performance) [Translator's Note: "Slime" likely refers to a specific fanfic mechanic or is a typo for "Self/Unit", kept literal based on source text]
Growth Type: Versatile/Special
Terrain Adaptation:
Air: S
Land: S
Sea: B
Space: S
Spirit Commands:
Accel (SP 4)
Gain (SP 8)
Focus (SP 16)
Direct Attack (SP 30)
Awake (SP 32)
Love (SP 48)
Skills:
EXP Up
SP Boost (SP Up Lv.9 & SP Regen & Concentration)
Telekinesis Lv.10
Attacker
Gunfight Lv.9
In-fight Lv.9
Break Will Limit
Geass (Gray)
???
???
???
???
???
Kill Count: 254
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