Not long after their return, the Celestial Being unit received orders to immediately head to Nodraam.
Not just the Celestial Being unit, but also the third, fourth, and fifth fleets, including the Diva, were urgently dispatched to Nodraam to join the first fleet and the stationed troops in defending against the impending large-scale attack.
"It hasn't been long since the last one, and now another massive attack? VEGAN really doesn't rest," Graham complained.
"It seems that Ezelcant isn't a good person either. The Big Ring base suffered heavy losses, and we were ambushed near the second moon, both of which were devastating. And now, just a few days later, they're launching a major offensive on Nodraam," Yurin said.
"He's not a simple figure. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to establish VEGAN and continue to oppose the Federation until now," Yang Hui shrugged.
"Speaking of Yang Hui, Nodraam..."
"Yes, that's right."
"Great, I've finally waited for this day!"
"Stay calm," Yang Hui advised, seeing Graham's excitement.
"How can I stay calm? I've waited 25 years for this day!"
"Yes, 25 years," Yang Hui sighed. It had been 42 years since he arrived in the Gundam AGE world. Although every day was fulfilling, and he wasn't lonely with Graham and Yurin by his side, he still missed Sumeragi and Wang Liu Mei at the Prometheus Fortress, as well as Kati, who stayed in the Gundam 00 world.
But... the 25-year wait was about to end, and after that... there was still another 24 years waiting for them! o(╥﹏╥)o
"But don't forget, there's still the third phase waiting for us."
Sure enough, Yang Hui's cold water doused Graham's excitement, returning him to a tired state.
"Yang Hui... if there's another mission world like this, please! Please! Don't bring me along!" Graham was frantic. Rather than bullying kids in one world, he preferred to challenge different opponents across various worlds.
"Do you think I want to? And it was Mephis who randomly chose it! It's not like I brought you here on purpose!" Yang Hui retorted.
Graham: o(╥﹏╥)o
Yurin covered her mouth and chuckled beside them. Unlike Graham, she wasn't filled with curiosity and excitement about unknown worlds. As long as she could stay by Yang Hui's side, it was enough. This was her world, after all. Growing old by Yang Hui's side was a kind of plain romance and happiness. She focused more on the present than the unpredictable future.
As for what Yang Hui's other lovers thought of her, Yurin didn't care much. As long as Yang Hui left a place for her by his side, she was content.
"Let's get through the defense of Nodraam first. After that, VEGAN will enter a period of weakness. We need to quickly cooperate with Flit to clean out the parasites within the Federation, complete the second phase of the mission, and see what the third phase entails," Yang Hui said.
"Yeah, that's all we can do."
...
The Colony Nodraam was also near Earth, so it only took two days to reach Nodraam from the Big Ring base.
This time, Flit made the Diva the flagship, positioned at the rear of the formation. The deployment of the MS and ships was also peculiar, spread out on both sides like welcoming guests, leaving the central passage completely open. Except for the Diva at the rear, only the Dawn Gundam, Flag Gundam, and Luna Gundam were left to guard the area.
"The Photon Ring Array, it's completed already?" Yang Hui asked, looking at the ring-shaped device not far in front of the Diva.
"No wonder Flit made the Diva the flagship. So that's his plan."
After arriving at Nodraam, Graham and Yurin were initially puzzled by Flit's unusual formation. But upon seeing the ring-shaped device in front of the Diva, they understood.
"Flit proposed the latest weapon developed with the Yang Corporation—the Photon Ring Array. Electromagnetic terminals are arranged in a circular formation in space, causing electrons to rotate inside, generating powerful kinetic energy. The Diva's Photon Destroyer Cannon is used to direct the attack on the enemy. Although it's crude, it's a decent emergency equipment," Yang Hui explained to the two.
"But it's hard not to be detected by the enemy. And with the central passage wide open, if the enemy charges straight through, we won't be able to hold them off with this number," Graham said.
"If you could wipe that smile off your face, I might believe you a bit," Yang Hui rolled his eyes, exasperated. Graham's excited grin was almost twisted; how could anyone believe he was worried?
"Looks like I'm really not cut out for acting."
"Obviously... here they come, get ready."
During their chat, the detection system sounded an alarm. Within visible range, VEGAN deactivated the Parasol system, and the massive fleet, including the Doms fortress, appeared before everyone.
"Beep beep beep..."
"This is the Dawn Gundam, Yang Hui speaking."
"Yang Hui, Major General, we're counting on you to hold the central defense area. Please hold out until the Photon Ring Array is fully charged."
"Understood."
"Good luck."
After cutting off the communication, Yang Hui turned to Graham and Yurin, "You heard it. The outcome of this battle rests on us again."
"Heh, looks like we're heroes again."
"Hahaha."
Facing the incoming enemy and the immense pressure, the three of them seemed as calm as if they were taking a stroll in their own garden. Well, Graham was almost burning with excitement.
Although only the three of them were guarding the central passage, if VEGAN really charged straight through, the allied forces on both flanks would immediately turn around, forming a pincer movement to trap VEGAN, making it impossible for them to escape.
...
"VEGAN is here."
"Commander, shall we begin?"
"Begin, all ships deploy!"
"Yes!"
"Photon Ring Array, prepare to activate. Input coordinates into the electromagnetic terminals."
"Understood... Electromagnetic terminals deployed."
"Good, begin electron acceleration!"
"Understood, electron acceleration program starting."
...
As the Federal Army's front line deployed, Jehart led his personal guard, charging ahead with the MS units towards the Federal defense line. He intended to break through the enemy's defenses in one go, but upon seeing the Federal Army's formation, he gradually slowed down.
"What's wrong, Jehart?" Doll Frost asked, noticing Jehart's unusual behavior.
"It's strange," Jehart frowned slightly.
"Strange?"
"Yes, the enemy's formation is too bizarre. It's like they're welcoming us in..."
"Could it be a trap to lure us in?" Doll Frost asked.
"I don't think Flit Asuno's strategy would be that simple, but we can't rule it out. We need to be careful."
With that, Jehart immediately contacted Vice Commander Medel Sant.
"Commander Jehart."
"Vice Commander Sant, the enemy's formation is too strange. Be wary of the F21 direction."
"F21..." Medel Sant carefully examined the battle map and also noticed the peculiarity. "...Understood, Commander Jehart. Please watch your own safety as well."
"Understood."
...
With both sides' tactical deployments complete, VEGAN's ship cannons served as the opening signal for the "ceremony." Dozens of thick yellow beams of light tore through space, arriving before the Federal Army's defense line.
As the established rules of engagement dictated, the Federal Army was well-prepared. They immediately released anti-beam diffusion particles in front of the defense line, easily neutralizing the enemy's first wave of artillery barrage.
At the same time, the MS units of both sides clashed in close combat.
"Graham, let's go."
"Really, defensive battles aren't my thing."
Although he complained, Graham's hands moved quickly, pushing the control stick to the limit. The Flag Gundam operated at full power, transforming into a red meteor as it charged towards the oncoming enemy.
"That guy," Yang Hui shook his head with a wry smile, quickly following suit. All the Funnels were deployed, setting up the first line of defense to intercept the enemy while keeping an eye on Graham's rear.
Yurin didn't need Yang Hui's instructions, retreating a bit to maintain the best shooting position. Her Funnels spread out to the sides, filling in the gaps left by Yang Hui.
Meanwhile, the Flag Gundam, which had already charged into the enemy formation and wreaked havoc, made a few turns before returning to the front of the defense line. After a slight adjustment, it once again transformed into a predator, charging into the flock.
The Celestial Being unit was a key target for VEGAN. Before the battle began, Jehart had ordered all units to report the location of the Celestial Being unit immediately upon discovery. He would then lead his personal guard to engage them, buying time for the main force to advance.
But now, Jehart had received reports from his subordinates but couldn't immediately rush to intercept the Celestial Being unit because...
"Jehart!"
"Again! Asemu! Get out of my way!"
Perhaps it was fate, or perhaps the red Jedra was too conspicuous in space. Shortly after the Jedra charged into the enemy formation, it was confronted by the Gundam AGE-2.
"I won't let you pass!" After some time in the military, Asemu had grown, not just in piloting skills but also in mentality, vision, and understanding of his goals.
Jehart had appeared on the battlefield with his personal guard, but instead of breaking through in one direction, he was searching for something. Asemu guessed that Jehart was looking for Yang Hui and the others.
According to the deployment, Yang Hui and the others were undoubtedly under the greatest pressure on the entire defense line. He wouldn't let Jehart go and add to their burden.
And also...
"Jehart, this time, I won't lose to you!"
"I don't have time to duel with you. If you don't move, I'll shoot you down!"
"Try it if you can!"
(End of Chapter)