As for the B-class Mecha of Xiao Ran, Cruze, Graham, Basak, and the others, virtually no modifications had been made. By now, those four machines were already perfect for them. They had trained with those same machines for two years, so further modifications were unnecessary and would instead increase their operational burden. Basak's and Luo's machines especially could not be altered at all—at least not with UC World technology—and Saki Maski was naturally in the same situation. Zechs's machine could have been modified somewhat, but he refused. In his words, the Black Astray was already sufficient for his needs and suited him perfectly. Further changes would only make it more complicated to operate and less favorable in battle.
However, aside from Nalo and nearly the entire Skull Squadron receiving upgraded equipment, another brand-new machine was added to the Galaxy Diva's combat roster. It was a Variable Fighter prepared specifically for Sheryl. It was the same model as the Skull Squadron's fighters, but its armaments included the Vocal Weapon previously used by Black Hawk. Other than the standard satellite missile launcher, ultra-compact GN-BITs, a Solar Furnace in the nose, and a linked solid-ammunition-and-beam hybrid Gatling gun, no additional weapons had been installed.
Xiao Ran had originally wanted to install a Mental Power Frame in the machine, but that would have immediately raised it to the level of a B-class Mecha. In the end, he gave up on the Mental Power Frame. Unfortunately, apart from Moses and Billy, who had to handle battleship operations during combat as well, they had not found a pilot suitable enough to work with Sheryl. At least, El-Elf believed he could not guarantee Sheryl's safety completely. Unless absolutely necessary, the machine could only remain parked in the Galaxy Diva's hangar as a precaution.
After paying for the