Chapter Summaries

Sheryl used her song to reveal the ELS’s wish to coexist, but the two sides continued fighting until Setsuna awakened and took responsibility for reaching the ELS progenitor. Xiao Ran and Setsuna fought toward the giant ELS, and Xiao Ran abandoned his failing Tactical Armor to keep advancing.

• Sheryl sensed the ELS’s simple desire to merge with humanity and pleaded with both sides to stop fighting, while Xiao Ran called out to Setsuna through their connection.
• Setsuna awakened, and Mwu and the Frontier halted their attacks after El-Elf relayed the warning about Sheryl’s condition.
• Setsuna deployed the 00Q Gundam and asked Xiao Ran to clear a route to the giant ELS so he could reach its progenitor and establish dialogue.
• Xiao Ran and Setsuna advanced together, with Xiao Ran’s Justice Gundam Tactical Armor clearing the ELS defenses while Setsuna protected it from behind.
• Xiao Ran’s Tactical Armor suffered severe damage as he fought through the ELS, and he ejected from it just before it was engulfed and detonated.

Xiao Ran led Justice Gundam through the ELS swarm so Setsuna could reach the giant ELS and establish contact. The ELS stopped attacking after reaching an understanding with humanity, and Xiao Ran awoke twenty hours later to learn the battle had ended at a terrible cost.

• Xiao Ran detonated the Tactical Armor, then drove damaged Justice Gundam through the ELS swarm to clear a path for Setsuna and 00Q Gundam.
• Cruze, Skull Squadron, Graham, Naluo, Zechs, and Saki Maski joined the fight and helped protect the advance toward the giant ELS.
• Setsuna used 00Q Gundam to blast open the giant ELS and enter it, leaving Xiao Ran and the others outside.
• The giant ELS transformed into a flower, and the ELS ceased attacking as Xiao Ran announced that they had reached an understanding with humanity.
• Xiao Ran fell asleep after the battle, then awoke twenty hours later and learned that the final defensive line had suffered losses exceeding fifty percent.

After returning to Prometheus, Xiao Ran distributed the Legion’s rewards, arranged upgrades and repairs, and prepared the Burning Legion for its next mission. In the Gundam 0079 world, Luo concluded that Justice Gundam was too damaged and outdated to keep up with Xiao Ran, so it needed to be replaced.

• Xiao Ran returned to Prometheus with the Burning Legion after the mission, having secured new GN technologies and helping many members grow stronger.
• Xiao Ran gave El-Elf an Innovator Bloodline Serum, and El-Elf accepted it so he could use GN Particle technology to strengthen the Galaxy Diva.
• Xiao Ran granted the Legion leave in its territory, while Nalu and Luo advanced to B-class Pilots and El-Elf enhanced his Innovator Bloodline.
• Xiao Ran sent damaged machines and both warships to Old Luo for maintenance before entering the Faction Territory with his companions.
• At Anaheim Company's research institute, Luo inspected Justice Gundam and determined that its damage and outdated frame made replacement necessary.

Luo planned a new A-class mecha for Xiao Ran, identifying heat dissipation, frame strength, and backup machines as key concerns. He recruited L.A.I’s support and learned that its VF-30 test machine and miniaturized MACROSS Cannon were ready, while Angelo offered materials and leads on advanced cooling technology.

• Luo outlined the new mecha’s requirements to Little Eight, selecting Third Generation Gundanium Alloy, a Mental Power Frame, new Solar Furnaces, and a Full-Cycle Cockpit for testing.
• Luo told Little Eight to analyze Justice Gundam’s stress points and asked it to notify Cardias about establishing a new Technology Department.
• Luo went to L.A.I headquarters and asked Angelo to assign Technicians to the new mecha and investigate high-level heat dissipation, material, and energy technologies.
• Angelo warned that the team needed backup mecha and told Luo that the VF-30 test machine and its miniaturized MACROSS Cannon had been completed.
• Angelo described the VF-30’s capabilities and suggested using the abundant insect carapaces and FOLD Crystals as materials, while promising to investigate two fleets with advanced cooling technology.
• Luo agreed to begin the work at Anaheim and said he would notify the people in the other world.

Xiao Ran approved Luo’s plan to recruit technicians from the SEED World, provided they volunteered and understood they would be unable to return for a long time. The technicians and their families arrived in the Fleet World, where Xiao Ran welcomed them to a new world.

• Xiao Ran agreed to Luo’s request to recruit skilled technicians from Orb, PLANT, the former Alliance, and D.S.S.D, with families allowed to come along.
• Xiao Ran asked Mina to coordinate with Lacus, Durandal, and D.S.S.D, then later confirmed Mina as Orb’s leader and left the SEED World.
• Angelo stayed with Luo to tour Akatsuki Works, D.S.S.D, and the Scrap Merchant Guild, and was impressed by their technologies.
• Half a month later, fewer than a hundred volunteer technicians and their families boarded the Frontier and traveled through the Space Gate to the Fleet World.
• The newcomers saw the Fleet World’s enormous city, star ring, and flying insects, and Xiao Ran welcomed them with a loudspeaker.

Luo led technicians from several worlds in developing a powerful new Gundam-like mecha for Xiao Ran, combining Gundanium Alloy, a Mental Power Frame, Minovsky technology, and Solar Furnaces. After six months, Xiao Ran saw the completed main unit and its enormous backpack, which together formed the mecha’s true combat configuration.

• The SEED World technicians accepted their arrival in the Fleet World, while engineers completed and divided the VF-30 into full and standard variants.
• Luo led technicians from three worlds in designing a new skeleton that combined technologies from multiple worlds, then covered it with a Mental Power Frame.
• The team completed the skeleton core and chose a Minovsky reactor as the mecha’s primary power supply, with Solar Furnaces remaining Xiao Ran’s main source of strength.
• After six months, Xiao Ran saw the 23.5-meter Gundam-like mecha, whose integrated armor exposed portions of its Mental Power Frame and incorporated new heat vents and weapons.
• Luo explained that the enormous backpack carried the Solar Furnaces and two Thermonuclear Energy Engines and served as the mecha’s main energy unit, thruster, and weapons platform.

Xiao Ran examined the new mecha’s backpack as Luo explained its weapons, power systems, and twenty-four GN Dragoons. Luo revealed that the Mental Power Frame was installed chiefly to counter Newtypes’ ability to perceive and control Floating Weapons, though he had not yet explained the backpack’s central core.

• Xiao Ran inspected the backpack’s three sections and identified its shields, Dragoons, and likely power systems.
• Luo explained that the backpack’s shoulder shields were detachable large GN Dragoons armed with Beam Emitters, positron cannons, and Beam Shields.
• Luo revealed that the backpack housed two Solar Furnaces, two Thermonuclear Energy Engines, and sixteen small GN Dragoons in addition to its eight standard ones.
• Xiao Ran wondered why Luo had installed a Mental Power Frame, since its benefits seemed less useful to an Innovator paired with Solar Furnaces.
• Luo explained that Newtypes could control or disrupt Floating Weapons, and that the Mental Power Frame could let Xiao Ran resist their perception and control.

Luo revealed that Xiao Ran’s new machine, BL-000, consisted of a main body and a transforming backpack that could operate as two independent machines, then Xiao Ran named the pair Darkness Sky. The combined machine reached A-Class, and Luo began considering technical restrictions because Xiao Ran had not yet advanced to A-Class Pilot.

• Luo explained that the main body’s Mental Power Frame could amplify Xiao Ran’s power and function independently from the backpack.
• Luo demonstrated the backpack transforming into an MA and then into a small, combat-capable MS, explaining its cockpit and independent power systems.
• Luo described how Xiao Ran could separate the machines to fight and escape, then replace a destroyed main body with another launched from Galaxy Diva.
• Xiao Ran agreed to test the machine and named the main body Darkness, the backpack Sky, and their combined form Darkness Sky.
• Luo said Sky had a B+ rating, the separated main body had an A- rating, and the combined machine reached A-Class; Xiao Ran said his pilot proficiency was 88 and he expected to qualify after one more mission.
• Luo noted that a B-Class pilot could not fully control the machine and began thinking about adding technical restrictions.

Xiao Ran explained his plan to use an Area Card for the next mission and selected Luo and Sheryl to accompany him. He then began the first tests of the Darkness Sky, flying it into space as Luo outlined the three stages of testing.

• Xiao Ran decided to use an Area Card and bring Luo along, giving him the mission's sole D-class mecha to build and pilot.
• Xiao Ran chose Sheryl as the third mission member because her Mental Power, Singing Power, FOLD Wave abilities, and summoned insects could support them in a new world.
• Xiao Ran told Luo to finish building the mecha and began testing the Darkness Sky after entering its cockpit.
• The technicians confirmed the Darkness Sky's systems were operating normally, and Xiao Ran reviewed and adjusted its OS.
• Xiao Ran flew the Darkness Sky out into space, where Luo explained that testing would include target practice, drone combat, and a fight against Cruze in the Destiny Gundam.

Xiao Ran’s tests showed he could not yet control the A-class Darkness, while the Burning Legion rested and trained during the intermission. The Kingdom of Windermere’s bid for independence then threatened to draw Xiao Ran’s fleet into a conflict with the Unified Government, and Cruze proposed hearing both sides while staying officially neutral.

• Xiao Ran and Luo ended the Darkness Sky tests after finding that Xiao Ran could not properly control the A-class mecha, though the Sky Pack performed as expected.
• El-Elf trained the Burning Legion during their rest period, while Xiao Ran worked to preserve peace in the Gundam SEED world.
• Catherine told Xiao Ran that the Kingdom of Windermere had declared independence, the Unified Government had sent troops, and a Windermere envoy had sought the fleet’s help through the Epsilon Conglomerate.
• Xiao Ran returned to Fleet World and summoned Cruze, who advised that the fleet remain neutral, meet the envoy, and learn what had prompted the conflict.
• Xiao Ran agreed to Cruze’s plan and told Catherine to arrange a meeting with the envoy.

Xiao Ran met Wendamirian royal envoy Ross Ayero Wendamil and Epsilon Conglomerate director Belga Stone, who sought support for the Wendamirian Kingdom against the Unity. He agreed to consider providing supplies and promised to shelter Wendamirian civilians if their kingdom was left with nowhere to retreat.

• Catherine introduced Ross Ayero Wendamil and Belga Stone to Xiao Ran as envoys from the Wendamirian Kingdom and the Epsilon Conglomerate.
• Xiao Ran rejected their unspoken appeal for direct political involvement and said the 25th Fleet would remain neutral while allowing trade.
• Ross explained that the Unity had exploited the Wendamirian Kingdom and that its people were resisting the loss of their independence.
• Stone asked Xiao Ran to sell the kingdom weapons, medicine, food, and other supplies, noting that the Epsilon Conglomerate faced restrictions.
• Xiao Ran agreed to consider the extent of his assistance and promised an answer the next day.
• Ross asked Xiao Ran to shelter Wendamirian civilians if war left them with nowhere to flee, and Xiao Ran agreed.

Xiao Ran agreed to provide the Wendamirian Kingdom with discounted supplies and weapons while staying out of its conflict with the Unity Army. After the kingdom used a dimensional weapon and the Unity Army withdrew, Xiao Ran prepared countermeasures and led his team toward their next mission.

• Xiao Ran agreed to shelter innocent Wendamirian civilians and, after learning more about the conflict, offered the kingdom discounted arms and supplies without directly joining the war.
• Xiao Ran asked Catherine to manage trade with the Wendamirian Kingdom and monitor its situation as he continued buying Retention Time.
• Months later, the Wendamirian Kingdom used a dimensional weapon in the Carlyle region, and the Unity Army withdrew, publicly ending the independence war for the time being.
• Xiao Ran learned the Unity Army possessed dimensional weapon technology, then had Luo and technicians analyze the weapon data and assess its destructive range and effects.
• Cruze, Basak, Zechs, Graham, Nalu, and El-Elf secretly carried Dimension Devourers to key planets across Unity Army territory as a deterrent.
• Xiao Ran and the Burning Legion gathered in Prometheus for their next mission, with most members having reached C-class and two W Team members nearing B-class.

Xiao Ran selected Luo and El-Elf to accompany him on an Area Mission Card assignment, while Sheryl joined Mwu’s team in the Real Zone. After the teams entered their missions, Xiao Ran awoke in Full Metal Panic as a freelance mercenary and received a mission to find and protect or control a Whispered within three months.

• Sheryl asked to join Mwu’s team, and Xiao Ran agreed, replacing her with El-Elf in his squad.
• Xiao Ran used the D-class Area Mission Card and selected a Gundam Astray, El-Elf, and Luo to travel to another area.
• Xiao Ran’s other team selected the Galaxy Diva and entered Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans after Xiao Ran warned Cruze that the world involved Mars and a boy soldier corps.
• Xiao Ran awoke in Full Metal Panic with a temporary identity as a freelance mercenary and learned that he had to find and protect or control a Whispered within three months.
• Prometheus warned Xiao Ran not to tell anyone about Prometheus Fortress, threatening a 500 Merit Point deduction for every sentence.

Xiao Ran, El-Elf, and Luo began their Super Zone mission in the world of Full Metal Panic and examined the supplies and clues left for them. Xiao Ran chose to travel to Japan before using their one-time Whispered detection system, while other participants immediately activated theirs and found nearby targets.

• Xiao Ran woke in a cabin with El-Elf and Luo and considered how Super Zone missions differed from Real Zone missions.
• Luo found passports for several countries, cash, food, and a laptop, and Xiao Ran realized the passports could point them toward a Whispered.
• El-Elf explored the forest and reported that no other signs of human habitation appeared within three kilometers.
• El-Elf discovered that the laptop could detect a Whispered within five kilometers, but Xiao Ran stored it without using its one-time function.
• Xiao Ran, Luo, and El-Elf left the cabin intending to reach Japan, while many other participants activated their detection systems and found targets nearby.

After reaching Tokyo, Xiao Ran, Luo, and El-Elf assessed the world and planned how to survive the mission while locating Whispered Chidori Kaname. They decided to hide from other participants, consider Mithril as a potential ally, and have El-Elf attend Chidori’s school to protect her, while Xiao Ran and Luo investigated a nearby military base.

• Xiao Ran, Luo, and El-Elf traveled to Tokyo and rested before discussing their next steps.
• El-Elf reported that the world relied on low-level AS weapons and described Mithril as an independent armed organization that might become an ally or an enemy.
• Xiao Ran identified Amalgam as the likely evil faction and told El-Elf to investigate it while keeping their team hidden from other participants.
• El-Elf found Chidori Kaname’s school records, and Xiao Ran confirmed that she was their Whispered target and chose not to use their one-time locator yet.
• Xiao Ran assigned El-Elf to attend school and protect Chidori, while he and Luo planned to investigate a nearby military base.

Xiao Ran and Luo surveyed a Japanese military base and decided to infiltrate it that night to gather information about AS units. Meanwhile, El-Elf stole money and weapons from several Yakuza groups, then scouted Jindai High School and Chidori Kaname’s residence before the chapter ended with Xiao Ran and Luo returning from the base.

• Xiao Ran and Luo examined M6, TYPE-96, and Savage units outside a military base, and Xiao Ran’s Investigation skill rated them all D-.
• Luo analyzed the AS units and wanted to obtain one for study, while Xiao Ran proposed seeking detailed information and making contact with Mithril.
• El-Elf disguised himself and robbed several Yakuza headquarters, taking cash, weapons, valuables, and liquor.
• El-Elf drove to Chofu City, surveyed Jindai High School and Chidori Kaname’s residence, then waited near an apartment building in a van.
• Xiao Ran and Luo infiltrated the military base at night and returned about an hour later.

El-Elf set up a base across from Chidori Kaname’s home and filled it with weapons and surveillance equipment for the group’s plans. He explained how he had obtained the supplies and made the involved underground forces unlikely to expose them, leaving Xiao Ran and Luo reassured.

• El-Elf rented an apartment opposite Chidori Kaname’s home and arranged to report to Jindai High School the next day.
• Xiao Ran and Luo unpacked a vast arsenal while El-Elf cleared the apartment of the previous tenant’s belongings.
• Xiao Ran questioned how El-Elf had acquired so much equipment in one day.
• El-Elf explained that he had stolen money and weapons from underground organizations, then completed five arms deals, killing three people and injuring eleven others.
• El-Elf laid out how his careful planning would make the organizations keep quiet, and Xiao Ran and Luo approved of his approach.

Xiao Ran, Luo, and El-Elf prepared their base and surveillance equipment while confirming that Sousuke Sagara had not yet appeared at Jindai High School. El-Elf secretly broke into Chidori Kaname’s home to install hidden cameras and listening devices, then planned to expand surveillance across the school.

• El-Elf cleaned and organized the apartment, assigned Xiao Ran and Luo to gather supplies, and arranged the weapons and equipment.
• Xiao Ran asked El-Elf to check whether Sousuke Sagara was at Jindai High School, and El-Elf found no one by that name.
• El-Elf and Luo modified surveillance devices for concealed installation, remote operation, and external power.
• El-Elf entered Chidori Kaname’s home at night, rendered her unconscious, and installed cameras and sound collectors throughout the apartment, including private rooms.
• El-Elf checked the surveillance feeds with Xiao Ran and Luo, then said he would install more devices across the school after enrolling.

El-Elf prepared breakfast, then set out to protect Chidori as she went to school. With El-Elf assigned to guard her and Luo needed to remain available as a technician and combatant, Xiao Ran considered how to use the next three months and concluded that he needed to acquire a mech.

• El-Elf cooked breakfast for Xiao Ran and Luo, explaining that his recipes followed precisely standardized procedures.
• El-Elf watched Chidori wake and prepare for school, then packed his equipment and left to follow her.
• Xiao Ran decided El-Elf could begin making contact with Chidori and considered how his team should divide its duties.
• Xiao Ran weighed joining the military against seeking contact with Mithril and decided he needed to obtain a mech he could pilot.
• El-Elf followed Chidori toward school while keeping a careful distance and avoiding suspicion.

El-Elf followed Chidori to Jindai High School, secretly disarmed two armed delinquents on the train, and used forged records to enroll as a transfer student in her class. The chapter left him newly introduced to his classmates, who learned that his interests included computers and shooting.

• El-Elf followed Chidori on the train and knocked out two delinquents who carried daggers and leered at her, then removed their weapons and left them on the carriage.
• El-Elf followed Chidori to Jindai High School, where Tokiwa Kyoko photographed him and Chidori wondered whether he was a transfer student.
• El-Elf showed Chidori's homeroom teacher a transfer certificate and relied on altered school records to confirm his enrollment in Class 4, Year 2.
• El-Elf collected a uniform and textbooks, changed, and entered Chidori's classroom with the teacher.
• El-Elf introduced himself as a transfer student from Switzerland and told Tokiwa Kyoko that his interests were computers and shooting.