"Second Lieutenant Axel Almer, reporting to Shadow-Mirror's special operations squad."
I salute Vindel in the room.
"Well done. Major Vindel Mauser, Shadow-Mirror commander," he returns the salute.
Another promotion? Probably because Shadow-Mirror's operational now. I sit on the sofa, dropping formalities.
"That's enough formal stuff. The research and development lead will arrive soon. Wait a bit," Vindel says.
"Got it. How'd you squeeze a new unit into Langley Base? It's North America's biggest, a defense cornerstone."
"Hmph. Political maneuvering. We're not in their chain of command, just temporary guests."
Makes sense. Special ops outside the base's structure won't feel like family to locals. Leaking secrets to base personnel would be a disaster.
"So, we'll need our own base eventually?"
"Yeah, it's under construction. We ran out of time before Shadow-Mirror's launch, so we're here for now."
"And the T-LINK system?"
"That'll wait until we move. Use standard machines for now. Build results, and we'll get more leeway."
"Results, huh?"
Performance is everything. Results earn trust and strengthen the unit.
"Speaking of, next week's your chance," Vindel says.
"Next week? We haven't even trained as a unit."
"Don't worry. It's a small terrorist group. One battle outweighs multiple drills. If we struggle against them, Shadow-Mirror's done for."
Real combat trumps training for experience, but some prep would be nice.
"Got it. One week."
"You'll manage. They've got a few F-28 Messers and Type-71 Baldongs—outdated gear."
"Surplus junk?"
I relax slightly. F-28 Messers and Type-71 Baldongs are antique fighters and tanks in this era of rapid tech advances. Still, weapons are weapons—no room for carelessness.
"Your debut as squad leader. Don't let your team look down on you. They're quirky, as expected of special ops recruits."
"Got it. I'll make an impression."
A knock interrupts us.
"Enter," Vindel calls.
A woman enters, about our age, with shoulder-length pink hair. Where Vindel radiates authority, she exudes decadence, her sharp eyes hinting at high intelligence. Lemon Browning, obviously. I knew it was her, but her presence captivates me instantly. Maybe I'm drawn to her because I'm Axel—or is it historical correction?
"Axel, this is the research and development lead I mentioned. You might recall her name: Lemon Browning," Vindel says.
I snap back. "Right. I'm Axel Almer. Nice to meet you, Lemon."
"Leave it to me," she replies, shaking my hand.
"Introductions done," Vindel says. "Axel, I mentioned next week's first mission—a small terrorist group, more like training. Lemon, handle machine maintenance. Axel, pick your unit. Most of the machines we discussed are ready."
"Got it. You joining, Vindel?"
"It's our first mission. As commander, I should."
"And me?" Lemon asks.
Not a combatant, but in the original, she had ace-pilot skills. As an enhanced Excellen, she's got potential.
"Your call, Axel. You're squad leader," Vindel says.
"Any PT experience, Lemon?"
"Some, but don't expect too much. I didn't graduate pilot course like you."
"How about supporting from the rear with a Landgriz?"
Landgriz suits long-range fire and high defense for Shadow-Mirror's current lineup.
"Landgriz works, but I'd prefer a Laz Angriff," she counters.
"Laz Angriff? Landgriz's upgrade?"
I'm fuzzy on Laz Angriff—used by Yuki and Carla's Neue DC in the original, not my Ashsaver.
"Not quite. It's a custom enhanced Landgriz with better firepower and armor," Lemon explains, smiling.
"Sounds good. Use it."
"Wait," Vindel interjects, exasperated. "I wasn't told about Laz Angriffs. We've got three Landgrizes for support."
"I brought two Laz Angriffs from the Special Armaments Institute," Lemon says casually.
Vindel and I exchange stunned looks. She's bold.
"Fine, we'll handle it. Anything else?" Vindel asks.
"Just the Laz Angriffs," Lemon replies coolly.
"Just" machines? I'm dying to know what else she's got. Vindel's expression says he is too.
"Shadow-Mirror will mostly run with us three. I know you both well enough. Get to know each other," Vindel says, shooing us out.
"A drink at the bar for bonding sounds nice, but with a mission in a week, I'd rather check my machine. Cool?" I ask Lemon.
"Sure. The hangar's this way."
Following her, she remarks, "For a three-year valedictorian, you don't seem very elite."
"Elite? I'm pilot course. Staff or four-branch courses are the real elite."
"Like Vindel?"
Maybe. Vindel's a major at our age—elite for sure. But "elite" feels like prideful types, not Vindel. Yuria's case proves my image is just that.
"Maybe. But you, from the Special Armaments Institute? That's elite."
"Hardly. They didn't see me as a colleague."
"Genius misunderstood?"
In the original, she built most of Shadow-Mirror's unique machines, W-Series, and Zweizergain with absorbed tech. She's as brilliant as Mizuho.
"Weird guy. Rating me so highly after just meeting?" she teases.
"Vindel scouted you. You can't be incompetent."
"Same goes for you. I'm a field scientist, but you're just a student, and Vindel scouted you personally."
Fair point.
"Talk's fun, but work calls. Hangar's through that door."
Character Profile: Axel Almer
Level: 9
PP: 35
Melee: 142
Shooting: 160
Skill: 152
Defense: 149
Evasion: 177
Accuracy: 199
SP: 214
Ace Bonus: Unknown
Growth Type: All-Rounder/Special
Air: A
Land: S
Sea: B
Space: A
Spirit Commands:
Accelerate (SP 4)
Effort (SP 8)
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Skills:
EXP Up
SP Boost (SP Up Lv.9, SP Recovery, Focus)
Telekinesis Lv.7
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Kills: 5