Yet that pride had already been shattered.
Earth Alliance soldiers truly were inferior to ZAFT.
But... what about drones?
The enemy they had fought desperately to defeat had turned out to be nothing more than a pile of machinery.
ZAFT could not even inflict many casualties on the Earth Alliance.
Fear was spreading.
The existence of drones was completely changing this battlefield.
Should they retreat?
If they retreated, Gibraltar would fall, and ZAFT would lose an extremely important foothold in the city.
Whether ZAFT would be able to return to Earth in the future would be uncertain then.
"Retreat! Head for... North Africa!"
They could not take the Atlantic route; the Atlantic Federation was on the other side.
They could not go to the Mediterranean either. The Mediterranean bathtub would be utterly useless.
So, North Africa was their only option.
"Captain?!" Arthur was stunned.
"I will bear all responsibility. Do not continue this battle!"
There was no possibility of victory left.
Then they could only retreat.
"Damn it—"
Arthur clenched his fists.
There was no other choice now.
"According to plan C, all fleets begin assembling."
There were retreat contingency plans, even many of them.
So now, they should retreat!
"Asuka!"
Athrun looked toward Asuka.
While drones were one thing, ZAFT could still gain an advantage against manned units.
Impulse Gundam was currently locked in a fierce battle with Stella.
With every clash, Asuka could feel an impulse like an electric shock.
Not only that, but at this moment, Asuka could also sense flashes resembling memories.
Why? Why was this happening?
"Asuka!"
"Let go of me!"
Athrun had already flown to Asuka's side.
"I can still fight! Stella!!!" Asuka roared.
"You're out of power!" Athrun shouted again.
"Huh?"
Only then did Asuka realize that Impulse's power supply had been depleted,