Suzaku Kururugi and Kallen piloted their respective mechas past the Chinese Federation's Longdan and headed straight for the Black Knights' position.
To avoid tipping anyone off, the Guren remained with Earl Lloyd for research, while Kallen piloted a mass-produced Lancelot.
Its performance was seventh-generation standard. It had a pink exterior and a gliding system on its back that allowed it to remain airborne for short periods.
Simply put, it was a stripped-down version of the current Lancelot, much like the Vincent.
The two reached the front lines.
Suzaku Kururugi fired a grappling hook toward Li Xingke and Tōdō, who were locked in combat.
Seeing it coming, both immediately broke away, dodging backward.
Kallen seized the opening and moved in, positioning herself between them like a wall.
Tōdō looked up, recognized the familiar Knightmare, and opened the public channel.
"Suzaku Kururugi... aren't you afraid Britannia's intervention in this conflict will cause an international incident?"
"We already have the Chinese Federation's permission."
"...Hmph. So the Chinese Federation and Britannia have joined forces after all."
Tōdō snorted, drew his sword, and took an offensive stance.
"Even so, don't expect us to surrender!"
Responding to his resolve, Asahina and Chiba, two of the Four Holy Swords, appeared on either side of Tōdō in their mechas.
Below them, the Black Knights' ground forces also raised their guns, aiming at the two overhead.
They would open fire at a single command.
Suzaku Kururugi spoke without a flicker of concern.
"Before we start fighting, I'd like to discuss something with you."
As soon as he finished speaking, an incoming communication appeared on the screen inside Tōdō's cockpit.
"This is... a private channel?"
He remembered this frequency. It should have been the one Diethard had yet to finish setting up, with an exceptionally high level of security.
How