Chapter 331: Annihilation in an Instant

Unlike Luo, who was encased in layers of armor, He Kui's Strike Plus descended standing atop a significantly larger aircraft platform.

There was no need to transform it into flight mode; even in mobile suit form, it could execute a solo atmospheric entry. Naturally, he still had to use the same heat-resistant gel coating as the Archangel class ships.

This aircraft had been modified into a massive weapons platform.

Aside from its built-in twin autocannons, additional armaments had been installed—four beam rifles and two more autocannons. To make space for these, six missiles had been removed.

Though the beam rifles weren't exceptionally powerful, they were more than sufficient for standard combat.

The mobile suit itself had also been upgraded. A pair of small anti-beam shields had been mounted on both sides, while two additional antennas extended from the head-mounted radar, enhancing its battlefield signal reception and scanning range.

From every perspective, this was a complete overhaul.

This was Strike Plus Grande.

Once the identification codes were updated, the descent sequence commenced.

Like three blazing meteorites, they shot straight toward Panama.

Since most of the heat and turbulence were absorbed by the aircraft, and thanks to the combination of PS armor and the heat-resistant gel, Strike Plus's cockpit was only slightly warmer than usual—well within tolerable limits.

"Detecting combat heat signatures!"

As soon as they entered Panamanian airspace, an alarm blared inside the cockpit.

The enhanced radar clearly displayed the scene unfolding on the familiar coastline below—two opposing armies locked in battle.

"Why are they attacking us again!?" Elena complained as she watched the skirmish below.

"Yeah…"

But something was off about the Earth Alliance forces.

Their mobile suits weren't top-tier, and their attacks lacked real aggression.

They were merely harassing the enemy at the shoreline.

Rather than an actual assault, it seemed more like they were half-heartedly going through the motions.

Still, an attack was an attack.

"We can't interfere in this battle."

Luo, controlling his mobile suit, ensured the safety of the shuttle carrying Shuli and the others.

"No problem, we'll handle it."

"Alright."

He Kui wasn't surprised by Luo's stance. Without hesitation, he continued descending, while the aircraft beneath his feet adjusted for a controlled dive.

Its eight gun barrels all locked onto the enemy mobile suits below.

Using a multi-target networked attack system, a fusion of Freedom Gundam's multi-lock mechanism and He Kui's own integrated defense system, it achieved a higher level of precision than the standard Freedom system.

On the radar screen, target locks flashed rapidly.

"Elena, leave the suits to me."

"Got it!"

Although she was slightly disappointed at not being able to fire herself, the thought of protecting He Kui excited her.

With the combined power of the multi-lock system, the AI support in the base, and He Kui's long-range sniping expertise, his coordinated volley eerily mirrored Kira Yamato's signature attacks.

The only difference—He Kui targeted cockpits directly.

One dive.

Seven enemy suits eliminated instantly.

The eighth barely managed to raise its shield in time, blocking He Kui's shot.

A skilled pilot.

Judging by the response time, this was likely a Red Coat-level squad leader.

Without missing a beat, He Kui smoothly dodged incoming beams and ignored projectile weapon fire. Reorienting for another dive, he swooped down again like a predator.

Each descent was like a wave crashing upon the enemy, and each time he took down six or seven mobile suits.

"What the hell is that thing?!"

Onboard the command vessel, the Earth Alliance commander watched in horror.

In mere moments, they had lost over a dozen suits.

The kill rate was absurdly fast.

"I'm not sure, sir! Structurally, it resembles a Strike variant—possibly a modified Strike Dagger or Strike Noir."

"Impossible!"

The commander glared at the incoming data from the battlefield.

The image on-screen showed a massive mobile suit—nearly 30% larger than a standard Strike.

Heavily armored, and equipped with a menacing aircraft unit.

And that aerial platform—it looked far deadlier than a conventional flight pack.

"Pull back! We've achieved our harassment objective—order a retreat!"

If they continued, it wouldn't be harassment anymore—it would be a massacre.

This machine had already evolved beyond the elite raider classification of the original Strike Gundam.

It was now a cutting-edge prototype.

"Understood."

The radar officer swiftly relayed the order. Soon, three colored flares illuminated the dark sky.

Not fireworks—a retreat signal.

Thus, after a battle that began without warning and ended just as abruptly, He Kui landed in front of the familiar hangar bay.

The moment He Kui and Elena disembarked, the hangar's maintenance crew was already waiting.

Upon seeing He Kui, they greeted him with bright, enthusiastic smiles.

Just like always.

"We're so glad you made it back safely. When Elena insisted on going after you, we tried to stop her."

"You weren't stopping me—you were helping!" Elena huffed in protest.

"Well, you said something happened to Master Kui, so we—"

"Just say whether I was right or not!"

"…Fair enough."

Watching the lighthearted exchange, He Kui couldn't help but smile.

"This mobile suit is ridiculous…"

Now that the mechanics had returned to their senses, they turned their attention to Strike Plus. Their eyes gleamed with fascination.

"Master Kui, did you design this?"

"Only half of it."

He Kui glanced behind him as Luo and the others approached.

After brief introductions, he and Elena bid farewell to the maintenance crew and left with Luo toward the command center.

"This place is in complete disrepair," Luo sighed as they walked.

"That's why we called you here." 

As they moved, He Kui's mind wandered to his estate.

Meeting with the President would be the perfect opportunity to officially claim the estate and begin renovations.

Once the Brazilian situation was

resolved, he'd leave an Aegis unit stationed here, then escort Elena to space as soon as possible.

With a firm decision in mind, He Kui quickened his pace.

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