Ch.211211. What is a War Hero?

Gilbert nodded as he watched Ian’s giant mech sweeping across the battlefield. Fresia was fighting admirably, keeping a tight rein on Ian just as she had boasted the day before.

Despite what must have been blinding ambition, Ian’s combat style was textbook-perfect and stable, making excellent use of his backup units. Perhaps Ian had grown, but Gilbert judged that it was all thanks to Fresia.

Once confident that Ian wouldn’t act rashly, Gilbert faced the enemies with a more relaxed expression. Unlike the first rotation, he avoided sweeping through enemy lines and instead steadfastly held his position.

Of course, there were critical moments. When new model giant mechs appeared from the rebel side, unable to tolerate Ian’s performance any longer, Gilbert immediately prepared to provide support. But in that brief time, Ian showed explosive growth and achieved the remarkable feat of cutting down the new model mech.

Gilbert estimated that Ian’s Integration skill proficiency had reached its maximum, achieving a 100% synchronization rate with his mech. In that state, with proper support, he wouldn’t be completely overwhelmed even against new model mechs, so Gilbert decided to observe the situation.

Although Fresia had reasoned that there wouldn’t be many new model mechs, one always had to prepare for the worst. Hadn’t he forgotten that very principle in yesterday’s battle, resulting in the loss of CT-777?

Gilbert clenched his fist, focusing on monitoring the battlefield situation.

– BOOM!

At that moment, when a high-energy bombardment targeted Ian, Gilbert abandoned his previously cautious attitude. He had spotted what appeared to be General Dantes in a new model mech at the source of the bombardment.

Though all the new model mechs in battle looked identical, judging by its movements, it was definitely General Dantes who had defeated him before.

It was Gilbert’s intuition, but even if it wasn’t General Dantes, with the number of new model mechs increasing to nine, it would be impossible for Ian to hold out alone.

“This is Gilbert. I’m moving to support Lieutenant Ian.”

[Confirmed. Join forces as quickly as possible.]

Gilbert’s superior, seeing the newly appeared mechs, authorized Gilbert—one of their top combat assets—to provide support. Though Ian was performing beyond expectations, Gilbert’s assistance was inevitable given the additional deployment of new model mechs.

As soon as he received authorization, Gilbert accelerated using his mana booster. This was a completely different movement from his previous coordinated combat with nearby unit members.

He evaded deflected mana bullets and magical armaments with minimal movement and three-dimensional maneuvering. Those he absolutely couldn’t avoid, he cut down with his iron sword, and when even that was difficult, he deflected them with his mana barrier.

The rendezvous with Ian, who had been quite far away, happened in the blink of an eye. Throughout this process, he suffered almost no damage—a feat that shouldn’t have been possible on a battlefield where blind mana bullets were raining from all directions.

“Ian, I’m joining you.”

[Not particularly welcome, but I’ll accept it gratefully.]

Gilbert’s eyebrow twitched slightly at Ian’s calm response. The young man who had been like an angry colt until recently now seemed remarkably composed.

Fresia really is impressive.

Gilbert offered silent praise to the partner who had drawn out Ian’s growth, then turned his attention to General Dantes’ newly joined mech.

– Beep

Just then, a communication request came through the common magic channel, which he immediately accepted. Unsurprisingly, it was General Dantes.

[So you’ve managed to survive and return to the battlefield.]

“Is that a problem?”

[Not at all. Rather, I’m pleased. Knights of your caliber are rare. So I’ll ask once more: Are you truly unwilling to serve His Highness Richard?]

“Never.”

[Heh heh. Very well. Negotiations have failed again!]

General Dantes laughed heartily, saying that was fine too, and terminated the communication. It seemed he hadn’t really expected Gilbert to switch sides.

That was the end of the communication, and the battlefield situation, which had been momentarily calm, began to intensify again.

The widely deployed new model mechs left the Seraphina mechs blocking their path to their allied units and charged toward Gilbert and Ian.

The charge of all nine new model mechs resembled the cavalry charges of old.

No, unlike those days, instead of horses and charge lances, they had giant mechs, iron swords, and magical armaments—making it closer to modern anti-tank warfare than cavalry.

– BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The ground was torn up, and everything that collided was shattered.

Even other giant mechs were no exception.

The Seraphina formation mechs that had been desperately blocking Gilbert and Ian’s path all fell to Prince Richard’s new model mechs, whose output far exceeded their own.

It was fortunate they had heavily reinforced their mana barriers; had they blindly stood in the way, they might have been crushed while still inside their mechs—such was the devastating power of the enemy’s advance.

Neither Gilbert nor Ian were crazy enough to directly block this absurd charge. Even though their piloting skills were among the best on the current front, the reality was that they were overwhelmingly outmatched in terms of pure machine specifications.

They were only bridging that gap through the pure skill of the mech knights; they couldn’t fundamentally overturn the difference in performance.

[Mana battery at 40% remaining!]

“Damn it.”

Despite reaching maximum proficiency with his Integration skill and achieving 100% synchronization, Ian was experiencing severe mana battery consumption as he performed three-dimensional maneuvers to compensate for his inferior machine performance.

He tried to reduce consumption with flawless piloting, but he couldn’t slow his tempo when facing the latest model mechs, forcing him to pilot with growing anxiety.

The same was true for Gilbert. The increased number of new model mechs compared to the previous battle and the absence of CT-777’s superior combat briefing were pushing him to the extreme.

A situation where machine performance was holding him back while his synchronization rate was reduced due to inability to use his special skill.

Nevertheless, Gilbert fought on without giving up. He was already accustomed to not having maximum synchronization. Piloting according to the situation without anything special wasn’t a problem.

If the magical armaments’ firepower was different, he just had to avoid getting hit. With so many enemy mechs, taking some hits was unavoidable, but he faced them by minimizing damage while maximizing the harm he inflicted.

Gilbert checked his mech’s remaining battery. Thanks to avoiding excessive movements unlike before, he had plenty left, but his mana barrier was too damaged to use anymore.

Still, through their desperate struggle, they had managed to take down several of the latest mechs. The cost was expending all their remaining mana bullets and magical armaments.

Now the only weapons Gilbert had left were a mana gun that could fire mana bullets and an iron sword. Ian was in the same situation.

– Beep

Just as Gilbert was frantically searching for a breakthrough, a communication request came through the common magic channel.

“General Dantes. I never thought you were such a chatterbox.”

[What can I say? I’m simply doing my utmost to recruit talent. Here is my final offer to you.]

The previously smiling face of General Dantes turned completely serious.

[Surrender. This is the last mercy offered by His Highness Richard.]

“My answer remains the same.”

[Yes. I expected as much from you.]

As soon as the communication ended, General Dantes and several mechs rushed violently toward Gilbert.

Opening mechanisms on shoulder armor and back plates revealed magical Fire Spear armaments that rained down like a downpour.

Gilbert, staring at the rain of fire pillars filling the sky with unwavering eyes, began evasive maneuvers once again.

He deflected a Fire Spear coming from the left with his iron sword, using the rebound to spin half a turn and avoid two or three more incoming Fire Spears.

– CRASH!

Fire pillars erupted where Gilbert had been standing moments before. This was caused by the Fire Spears he had avoided striking the ground.

But there was no time to leisurely observe. The Fire Spear bombardment was just beginning.

Fire Spears filling the sky crashed down in all directions.

Gilbert dodged or deflected the barrage of Fire Spears without a moment’s respite, and when that proved difficult, he somehow managed to deflect them with his mana barrier.

Each time he was forced to block a Fire Spear with his mana barrier, large chunks of it were shaved away, but it was fortunate that his mech wasn’t destroyed.

The seemingly endless magical armament bombardment finally ended. They couldn’t mindlessly pour out magical armaments without considering damage to their own forces. Such an identical bombardment would be difficult to repeat.

Attacks that disregarded allies would significantly impact the morale of the entire army, so this bombardment was a one-time event.

However, the situation hadn’t improved. The difference in mech capabilities remained vast, and their numbers hadn’t decreased.

Gilbert, along with Ian, fought desperately to reduce the number of new model mechs. They could no longer fight while conserving mana battery.

They showed successive movements mixing rapid acceleration and deceleration, doing everything possible to defeat enemy mechs when opportunities arose.

Fortunately, Ian’s maxed-out Integration skill proficiency was a great help. With Fresia’s support added, Ian literally swept across the battlefield.

Through their collaboration, they managed to destroy three new model mechs, allowing them to breathe a little easier. Although their mana battery levels had dropped to dangerous levels, if they could reduce a few more, victory seemed possible.

Gilbert saw hope there.

– BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Until new model mechs appeared.

Just as Gilbert had cornered another mech and shattered its limbs, backing away to let Ian finish it off, he was forced to hastily deploy a mana barrier against precision fire targeting him.

Hit directly without time to dodge or deflect, he still maintained his focus despite the chaotic situation and located the source of the fire.

This damn prince.

Gilbert gritted his teeth at the sight of reinforcement new model mechs in the distance.

Prince Richard had apparently concealed the true number of new model mechs to corner them completely and secure victory on the battlefield.

The number of newly appeared mechs was similar to when Gilbert and Ian first faced the new models.

They had deployed hidden new model mechs to create an inescapable situation and seize the advantage on the battlefield.

Given his remaining mana battery level, Gilbert couldn’t see a way to face them.

The only option left was emergency escape, but even that was impossible for Gilbert. The artificial spirit informed him that the emergency teleportation magic circle had been damaged during combat.

Finally realizing he had been played by Prince Richard, Gilbert understood that this place would be his grave.

Until now, he had somehow broken through with personal skill, but it seemed his luck had run out.

As the encirclement tightened, Gilbert let out a hollow laugh.

Having always prepared for death on the battlefield, he felt no fear. He only thought of the comrades who had gone before him.

Though his expression was detached, he hadn’t given up. Like his comrades before him, he gripped his mech’s controls, determined to face death with dignity.

I’m coming to join you, you bastards.

Gilbert focused his eyes and charged toward the enemy.

[Gil. Stop. I’m coming to support you.]

“What…?”

His eyes widened at the sudden communication channel connection.

Was he hearing things just before death?

[I’m joining you now. When I give the signal, activate autonomous mode and transfer to my unit.]

No, it wasn’t an auditory hallucination.

Gilbert shouted at that all-too-familiar voice:

“CT!”

His partner, whom he thought had perished.

CT-777 had survived.