Gundam UC Hunting Time

"Understood."

Lin Xingyuan nodded, then turned and notified Jung and Sandas. Soon, the group went to Huaken's office together. On the way, they heard that Lin Xingyuan and his team had made another success, including several brand-new Zaku. Everyone was both envious and jealous, and they hooked their arms around Tachibana and Sandas's necks, making threats.

As the group joked and played around, they bumped into another group of people as they passed through the training center.

"I'm so sorry! Captain! Lieutenant!"

Upon seeing Lin Xingyuan and his group clearly, the young people immediately stopped joking and stood at attention to salute. They were all from the third batch of MS pilot trainees (the second batch consisted of members from the Undead, Groundhog, and other squads). They were selected from Swordfish pilots, space engineering mechanics operators, and volunteer refugees. They were currently learning theoretical knowledge and basic operations from the captured Zeon pilot. Lin Xingyuan stared at these young faces and suddenly spotted two or three familiar faces.

One was William Kemp, a tall and handsome man who was the test pilot of the RX-78-2, but unfortunately, he died in Char's attack.

The other was Bianca Carlisle, who had a ponytail, a slender figure, and a neat appearance—she was easily recognizable mainly because of her distinctive features.

Another one is Éo Fleming, who loves listening to jazz. After all, he is the male lead in the new film and is easy to recognize. However, his military rank is very low at this time, so he should have just enlisted.

Of course, the experts in the live chat are much more skilled and know far more people.

[Gao Long is an ACE!]

[Oh, it's Reed Wolff! Third on the ACE list!]

[Halloween Lamp Jack Bayard]

【Diris Hanova!】

Ruth Kossel, yet another Gundam pilot!

In addition, there are actors such as Jun Violetta, Dennis Buzek, and Gary Rogers. After watching Lin Xingyuan, I only had one feeling.

As expected of early MS pilots, they were full of talented people.

Of course, it could also be the other way around; only those who are lucky enough to survive will be remembered.

"It's alright. You can continue."

He spoke casually, giving a special look to the few future ACE-ranked fighters. Meeting his gaze, they puffed out their chests even higher, their faces beaming with excitement—the military was a place that respected the strong. Lin Xingyuan was not only the first person to capture a Zeon mobile suit, but also the current number one fighter. Even if his assassination attempt on Dozru Zabi failed, it wouldn't diminish his reputation as an ace pilot. Moreover, after the first phase of the course, Lin Xingyuan would be their combat instructor; being guided by such a master would undoubtedly be immensely beneficial.

As Lin Xingyuan left under the admiring gazes of the young people, he suddenly felt a sense of vicissitude, like an old veteran. It had only been a little over two months, but it felt like two years had passed, so much so that he felt a strange distance from these young people.

No wonder the art style looks so old in 79; war really does ravage people.

"It's so good to be young."

He couldn't help but sigh, and was immediately met with strange looks from everyone.

Baninger: "What are you saying, you nineteen-year-old captain?"

Yu Kashima: "Many of those trainees are older than you."

Lin Xingyuan looked embarrassed, as if asking, "Huh? Is that so?" He gave an awkward, dry laugh and said, "It's nothing, I just suddenly had a thought. Let's go."

The group quickly arrived at Huaken's office. After knocking, the adjutant opened the door and invited them in.

Behind the desk piled high with various documents and files awaiting processing, Hua Ken looked up at the group, his gaze finally settling on Lin Xingyuan's face, where he smiled.

"Yes, thank you for your hard work. Captain, I've read the report. This time, we actually captured a complete Zaku. With that, the size of Luna 2's MS team can be expanded again. You did a good job. It seems the new tactic is very effective."

“Not at all, this is my job.” Lin Xingyuan was habitually modest. Hua Ken smiled and shook his head: “Being too modest isn’t a good thing, Captain. Anyway, take a look at this first.”

He picked up a document from the table and handed it to Lin Xingyuan. Lin Xingyuan took it, opened it, and glanced at it. As expected, it contained information related to Project V. He passed the document to Barninger, and after everyone had read it, Hua Ken explained the reason for summoning them.

"Operation V has been launched. We need to send people to Earth to learn about and familiarize themselves with the new mobile suits and receive pilot training. As the first batch of mobile suit pilots of the Space Force, you are all on the selection list. However, considering the current condition of Luna 2 and the risks of navigation, I will allow you to make your own choices."

The drivers exchanged surprised glances and began to discuss it in hushed tones.

"I will stay and fight."

No one exchanged opinions with Jung. This reclusive and taciturn man was the first to stand up and express his opinion. Then the other pilots also gave their answers. Unlike Jung, they were all eager to go to Earth to see the new machine.

There are too few Zani on Luna 2. Since we're just waiting anyway, we might as well go to Earth for modification and training first.

On Antares' side, even Sandas was tempted, but seeing that Jung wasn't leaving and Lin Xingyuan wasn't expressing his opinion, he was a little embarrassed to say anything.

"Sandas, you and Tachibana go together."

Sensing his thoughts, Lin Xingyuan smiled.

"Huh? And what about you, Captain?"

"I'll stay here for now."

"Captain!?"

The pilots all looked over in surprise—from any perspective, it was dangerous for Lin Xingyuan to stay on Luna 2, as he would be easily targeted by the Zeon forces. He should go to Earth first.

Even Wakeman frowned in surprise.

Lin Xingyuan shrugged and explained the reason.

“I still have work to finish, and it would be more dangerous for them if we went together.”

Chapter Forty-Six: Retribution and Interception

Zeon, Side 3, Zabi Family Private Care Ward —

The blood-soaked driver's suit and gauze were left on the medical vehicle. After finishing the final touches and tidying up her tools, the young female doctor glanced timidly at Dozru, who was still glaring angrily, and stepped aside. She then whispered to Kycilia Zabi, who had been monitoring the surgery.

"it's over……"

"There shouldn't be any problems now, right?"

Kycilia cast a distrustful look at her and asked in a cold tone.

"This requires some rest... Also, avoid participating in public events for extended periods like yesterday, and... due to the use of numerous artificial organs, you will need to take anti-rejection medication long-term..."

The young female doctor answered weakly, her voice trembling, like a frightened bird, completely overwhelmed by Kycilia's imposing presence.

“Yes, well done, Dr. Kara. I will have someone look after your father. The PRD plan should not be delayed.”

"...I am extremely grateful."

The young doctor named Kara stared wide-eyed, her body stiffening, and in the end, she could only offer a reluctant thank you.

"Okay, let's go down."

Kycilia saw right through her thoughts, a mocking smile playing on her lips beneath her mask, before turning to look at the other doctors and nurses.

"Please fix it, it looks terrible."

The doctor and nurses quickly did as instructed, wiping away the blood from Dozru's body and packing their things to leave.

Once only the brother and sister were left in the room, Kycilia stepped forward and looked down at Dozru on the hospital bed.

"How are you feeling, Dozru?"

Dozru shuddered, his eyes wide open, yet it was as if he had suddenly woken up from a nightmare.

"Big sister, I heard it again..."

"what?"

"That voice said: Dozru, death has come for you."

Dozru stared at the ceiling, his voice hollow. This giant, over two meters tall, appeared weaker and more timid than ever before.

"...Is this what you call weakness? Can you even be considered a man of the Zabi family?!"

Kycilia's voice was devoid of warmth, only coldness.

"..."

Dozru turned to look at her. He now only had one eye left; the other was a newly installed mechanical prosthetic eye, which was not yet coordinated enough, making the movement look particularly strange. Then, he suddenly sat up in bed, ripped off the electrode patches on his body, and asked loudly.

"Zena? Where are you? What about Minerva?"

He called out urgently to his wife and daughters, but his voice sounded short and weak due to lung collapse.

Upon hearing his voice, Zena, who had been waiting outside, hurriedly pushed open the door and came in, followed by Marlene Kahn, who was holding Minerva in her arms.

"Dozru..."

When Zena saw Dozru's appearance, tears welled up in her eyes. Dozru ignored his weeping wife and looked longingly at Minerva in Marlene Kahn's arms, stretching out his arms.

"Minerva..."

He called his daughter's name, and Marlene Kahn rushed forward and handed Minerva over, but Minerva was so frightened by Dozru's current appearance that she burst into tears.

Dozru's outstretched arms froze instantly. His gaze fell on his own hands, and he realized that they were mechanical creations, cold and devoid of warmth. His expression froze.

How can you hug Minerva with hands like that?!

Is this karma?

That voice echoed in his mind again.

"Dozru, death has come for you..."

Then, Dozru suddenly broke down, howling like a wounded beast.

……

……

UC0079, April 12——

Under the complex gazes of countless people, a mixture of envy and sympathy, the shuttle carrying pilot candidates and engineering technicians bound for Earth flew out of the spaceport. At the same time, four Republic-class ships carrying mobile suits also set sail. This arrangement was made partly for escort purposes and partly to confuse potential adversaries at crucial moments.

"Lin! What will you do without me..."

The communication screen popped up with Tachibana Kamina's face, saying some cheesy things. Lin Xingyuan glanced at the shuttle displayed on the screen and saw that Sandas and Tachibana had actually run to the shuttle's cockpit, looking like they wanted to talk to him. He switched the communication with a disgusted look on his face—he had already said what he needed to say, and at this time, he didn't want to hear any ominous words from the two of them.

“Antares01, calling all, we will soon cross the Zeon blockade and may encounter Zeon patrols. Be on high alert. OVER.”

"receive."

A reply came through the communication; only Jung was familiar with the crew. The other two were new recruits: Gary Rogers and Dunn Buzek, who had excelled in training and earned priority piloting rights. However, according to the comments, the latter was from the intelligence unit and might have used his privileges in this matter.

"This is such a hassle... Should we just give him to Jung?"

After this mission, Jung will lead the team independently. Lin Xingyuan was making plans for this when suddenly, the alarm blared sharply.

Meanwhile, let's rewind ten minutes—

"All ships, Level 1 combat readiness! All combat personnel, take your positions immediately! Repeat! All ships, Level 1 combat readiness—"

When the alarm sounded, Johnny Leiden sprang up, forgetting that he was still in his sleeping bag. He immediately twisted into a contorted cocoon (Muse has no gravity zone). After struggling to crawl out of the sleeping bag, he ran and put on his pilot suit. When he arrived at the hangar, his teammates were already ready to launch.

"They say it's a Federation shuttle that departed from Luna 2?"

"Honestly, the shuttle is so small and can't transport much, why waste fuel intercepting it? It doesn't even count as a kill."

"Who says otherwise? Captain, maybe we should just forget about it."

Neither of the newcomers were enthusiastic about the mission, but Johnny wasn't angry. He kept encouraging them while fastening their helmets.

"This is our duty. So-called experience is accumulated through repeated operations. Moreover, there are five targets this time, and there might be unexpected prey. Be alert."

The hatch slowly opened, revealing the outside scene. The guide waved a light stick and stepped aside. The red Zaku then started its thrusters and was the first to leave the ship. After the two newcomers also came out, Johnny shook his head helplessly as he watched their clumsy and rough operation.

With the war raging, skilled personnel were prioritized for deployment to the Earth Attack Force, leaving behind a worrying number of rookies.

"Stay close to me, don't fall behind."

He gave the two instructions before stepping on the propulsion pedal and rushing towards the shuttle's location, still worried that they might not be able to keep up. However, as the distance between them rapidly closed, and the main camera clearly captured the black Zani suspended below the Republic-class aircraft, Johnny's blood instantly surged to his head.

"Got it!? It was that guy—!?"

The next second, the four Republic-class ships hurriedly lowered the mobile suits they were hoisting and scattered in all directions. The black Zani turned its head to look in this direction, its single eye behind its sunglasses radiating a pink light.

[A red Zaku!?]

[Char!?]

[It could also be Johnny Redding, the Red Lightning!]

The exciting part is about to begin!

Haha, what an unfortunate and ill-fated relationship!

"really……"

In the cockpit, Lin Xingyuan was in no mood for jokes at all. His whole body was tense, and he involuntarily squinted his eyes.

"What bad luck today!"

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