The first phase was the most crucial stage of the entire operation. During this phase, neither the regular army nor Cornelia's Guard Force would be deployed. Only Xiao Ran and the Crimson Knights would launch simultaneous attacks on the EU and the Rebel Army. On one side was Xiao Ran alone; on the other was the entire Crimson Knights.
There was no need to say much about the Crimson Knights. With the full strength of the Crimson Knights launching a surprise assault on the defensive lines and strongholds established by the EU, there would naturally not be much pressure. The only thing they needed to watch out for was the hostile Participants stationed throughout the defenses.
Xiao Ran's side was a true solo operation. In many people's eyes, however, his decision to act alone was a little too arrogant. So, without Xiao Ran's knowledge, Cornelia had secretly arranged a rescue squad made up of five B-class Pilots to trail far behind him.
The five of them were there to provide support should Xiao Ran encounter danger. Either they would hold out until more reinforcements arrived, or they would find a way to pull Xiao Ran out of danger. The purpose was not only to preserve a suspected A-Class Pilot, but also to add an extra layer of insurance to the mission. If Xiao Ran truly faced a threat, it would also earn them an excellent favor.
After issuing the order to move, Xiao Ran charged from the frontline base toward the Rebel Army's defensive line under cover of night. Piloting Mazinger Kaiser felt completely different from piloting Soul Reaver. Though it was nearly half the size of Soul Reaver, it handled even better. More importantly, it possessed the solid, weighty feel characteristic of the Mazinger series. Combined with the difference