Bismarck finally spoke.
"General Kallen Kouzuki, this is your final warning. If you continue to approach, we will act in accordance with our duties as imperial soldiers."
Kallen tightened her grip on the control sticks.
"Then come on."
Area 11 had not gained its freedom because of her explanations, nor had her brother died in a war whose outcome could be changed through debate.
Now that she finally had a machine capable of facing the Empire's highest military might, she had no intention of wasting this opportunity.
"Guren, combat mode."
The IS Core's notification lit up in the center of the cockpit, and control of all weapons and shields switched to single-pilot operation.
At the same time, Bismarck noticed that the Guren Shen Hu had assumed a full attack posture.
"Lord Weinberg, protect the transport aircraft's flight path first. Lady Alstreim, prioritize defense. There is no need to suffer pointless casualties over a regent's provocation."
"Understood."
By the time Gino answered, the Tristan had already begun accelerating. He did not intend to let this battle drag on too long.
The Knights of the Round were no ordinary KMF pilots. Gino in particular had defeated a great many outstanding imperial officers in the past.
Even with an advanced machine, Kallen should not have had much chance of winning against three Royal Family Special Knightmares at once.
At least, that was what he had thought before their first exchange.
The Tristan was the first to complete its midair transformation. Its propulsion units sent it behind the Guren Shen Hu's flank, and two melee weapons deployed simultaneously, ready to use its speed advantage to force Kallen to turn into the Galahad's frontal attack zone.
It was a highly refined aerial pincer tactic. The problem was that the Guren's flight wings suddenly adjusted their