Odessa Operation Ends

In the distance, an explosion rang out.

Eli, having just withdrawn his Beam Saber from the chest cavity of a Dom, looked toward that direction.

That was the sound of a hydrogen bomb detonating.

Of course, it was merely the missile body itself.

The warhead had already been sliced off by Amuro using the Gundam's Beam Saber.

The desperate, final counterattack launched by the Zeon Forces had come to an end.

However, the war was far from over.

At the distant mining base, multiple HLVs launched, carrying supplies and personnel toward space.

Accompanying them was a Zanzibar-class warship, fleeing with M'Quve and a group of high-ranking Zeon officers.

A portion of the remaining Zeon troops would flee to the Southeast Asia base, hoping to use the Zanzibar stationed there to transfer to space.

Others would flee toward Africa.

Eli stood beside the Dom, sheathing his Ground Type's Beam Saber, his gaze flickering.

"Oh my, wanting to wipe them all out? What a cruel fellow. And yet, despite your heart holding so little hatred, you feel such sympathy for every victim."

"Because I am human."

Eli ignored the Grim Reaper, who had become somewhat erratic due to his recent statement, and operated his mobile suit to turn back toward the White Base.

The White Base was hovering above the forest, like an absolute wall declaring the Federation's victory.

From this day forward, the Federation's counter-offensive would begin.

"Grim Reaper, tell me, where exactly do you come from?"

"Finally interested in me?"

The Grim Reaper, who had previously vanished after being ignored by Eli, reappeared before him at his words.

"I don't know either. I just woke up and saw you all fighting. Every person who sought revenge caught my eye, and in the end, every one of them died."

Eli speculated that the Grim Reaper was, in fact, a Newtype who had simply lost her past memories for some reason.

After death, she had become an existence like Lalah Sune.

Those who could see her also possessed a certain aptitude for being a Newtype.

"You know many things, don't you? About that Assault Guntank pilot from before, and her lover... knowing so much, how do you view this war?"

As the Gundam Ground Type entered cruise mode to return, Eli asked the Grim Reaper this.

"Heh, and where did you get that information? This war is truly wretched. Seeing beautiful things destroyed—even one called the Grim Reaper feels heartache at that."

Receiving such an answer from the Grim Reaper, Eli felt nothing, only a desire to laugh.

Even the Grim Reaper claimed to feel heartache at the dissipation of beautiful things...

"Coming to my side, could it be that you want to take my soul as well?"

"I don't know. Your presence simply attracted me. I am only interested in souls twisted by hatred."

The Grim Reaper said this, yet Eli remembered that she had once tried to change the mind of that Assault Guntank pilot, hoping to prevent a tragedy.

But in the end, that pilot was still consumed by hatred.

"Then you will be disappointed staying by my side. I will not be controlled by hatred. Absolutely not."

Having retrieved all its MS, the White Base turned and headed toward the Federation defensive line.

Just moments ago, they had received a communication from the Big Tray-class land battleship, the Big Tray.

That was the flagship of General Revil.

The intention behind General Revil summoning them at this time went without saying; he clearly wanted to meet the crew of the White Base, who could be said to be vital to the entire war situation.

Before the White Base, even the Big Tray-class appeared small, which greatly satisfied General Revil, who was still on the bridge.

As the Federation's newest cutting-edge warship, the Pegasus-class's performance was truly a delightful matter.

"Have them come directly to the conference room to see me in a moment."

General Revil said to his subordinate, ordering him to relay this command to the White Base.

He then left the bridge and headed toward the conference room.

Just a moment ago, he had received another piece of happy news.

The Black Tri-Stars had fallen.

Ha, the shadow that had haunted Revil's life had been resolved by warriors of the Revil faction; this news was enough to warrant an urgent printing of tomorrow's newspapers.

General Revil smoked, completely ignoring the "No Smoking" sign on the wall.

This was one of his rare moments of relaxation.

By the time he finished his cigarette, all the commissioned officers from the White Base had arrived.

In fact, it was just Bright, Eli, and Amuro.

As soon as the three entered the conference room, they immediately saluted General Revil.

Amuro had even specifically sought out Eli on the way there to ask about the proper technique for a salute.

Amuro was indeed reluctant to identify as a soldier, but when faced with the de facto supreme leader of the Federation Forces, anyone would feel nervous.

Seeing this "Santa Claus" in the flesh, Eli felt an indescribable excitement deep within.

This was the man who truly held up the Federation building as it teetered on the brink of collapse.

"Please, sit. There is no need for such formality; as heroes, you have earned the right to be a bit more relaxed."

Watching the pipe in Revil's hand, Bright and Eli exchanged a glance before sitting upright on the sofa opposite the General.

"First, let me express gratitude on behalf of all the soldiers of the Federation. Without your struggle, our losses would undoubtedly have been far greater."

"This humble one is unworthy of such praise."

Lin Youde, who the Federation would eventually view as a destabilizing element, was currently acting like the most modest of students.

"Hahahaha, there is no need to be so stiff in front of me. I have reviewed your command records; if not for your lack of seniority, which makes it difficult to command full respect, I would have wanted to grant you the rank of Major."

Revil meant those words with complete sincerity.

Although White Base was indeed a cutting-edge warship, it would have been difficult to bring it this far—let alone achieve such great merits—without sufficiently strong command capabilities.

It is no exaggeration to say that one of the most important reasons White Base had reached this point was the presence of Bright.

And the other reason was...

"Amuro, I also thank you for all your efforts in safeguarding Federation secrets. Although it was a matter of necessity at the time, I must still apologize for you being dragged into this war."

Amuro blinked, feeling that the old man before him lacked the oppressive aura one would expect from a general; instead, he felt more like a kind grandfather.

It was only when Eli nudged him that Amuro snapped out of it and thanked General Revil.

"Finally, Lieutenant Eli Li, your combat record is truly astonishing; you are a well-deserved ace of our forces. If I could have a pilot like you on my ship, I imagine I would be able to sleep much more soundly. Tell me, are you willing to continue fighting in space alongside White Base?"