Chapter 50: The End of the Odessa Operation

Chapter 50: The End of the Odessa Operation

In the distance, an explosion resounded.

Eli, who had just withdrawn the beam saber from the chest of a Dom, turned his gaze toward the source of the sound.

It was the detonation of a hydrogen bomb—or, more precisely, just the bomb casing.

The warhead itself had already been severed by Amuro using Gundam's beam saber.

Thus ended Zeon's desperate and frenzied final counterattack.

However, the war itself was far from over.

From a mining base in the distance, multiple HLVs launched, carrying supplies and personnel into space.

Additionally, a Zanzibar-class battleship was fleeing, carrying M'Quve and several high-ranking Zeon officers.

Some remnants of the Zeon forces would attempt to flee to the Southeast Asia base, hoping to transfer into space via another Zanzibar stationed there.

Others would escape to Africa.

Standing beside the Dom, Eli put away the beam saber of his Ground Gundam, his eyes flickering with thought.

"Hmm, do you intend to hunt them down to the last? Such a cruel man. Yet, your heart harbors little hatred, and you show sympathy for every fallen soul."

"Because I'm human."

Ignoring the strange mood of the grim reaper lady who had started acting oddly after his statement, Eli operated his mobile suit, turning to head toward the White Base.

The White Base hovered over the forest, like an unshakable wall declaring the Federation's victory.

From this day forward, the Federation's counteroffensive would begin.

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

"Finally curious about me, are you?"

Previously ignored to the point of vanishing on her own, the grim reaper reappeared in front of Eli at his words.

"I don't know. When I awoke, you humans were already at war. Every soul consumed by vengeance draws my attention, but they all perish in the end."

Eli speculated that the grim reaper might actually be a Newtype, who had lost her memories for some reason.

After her death, she had become an existence similar to Lalah Sune.

Only those with a certain level of Newtype aptitude could see her.

"You seem to know many things, don't you? About the pilot of the Assault Guntank and her lover… Given your knowledge, what's your perspective on this war?"

While the Ground Gundam cruised back to base, Eli posed this question to the grim reaper.

"Heh, and how did you learn such things? This war is truly dreadful. Seeing beauty destroyed— even a so-called Grim Reaper like me feels heartache."

Eli's response to the grim reaper's answer wasn't emotional; he simply found it laughable.

Even the Grim Reaper claimed to grieve over the destruction of beauty…

"Did you come to me intending to claim my soul as well?"

"I don't know. It's simply your presence that draws me. I'm only interested in souls twisted by hatred."

This was the grim reaper's explanation, but Eli recalled that she had once attempted to dissuade the Assault Guntank pilot from succumbing to tragedy.

In the end, however, that pilot had been consumed by hatred.

"Then you'll be disappointed staying by my side. I won't be controlled by hatred. Absolutely not."

...

After recovering all the mobile suits, the White Base turned toward the Federation's defensive line.

Moments earlier, they had received communication from the land battleship Badan, a Big Tray-class vessel.

It was the flagship of General Revil.

The reason for General Revil summoning them was obvious. He intended to meet with the White Base crew, who had become a pivotal force in the war.

Compared to the White Base, the Big Tray-class Badan appeared diminutive, a sight that left General Revil rather pleased.

As the Federation's newest and most advanced warship, the Pegasus-class White Base was living up to expectations, which delighted him.

"Have them come directly to the conference room," Revil ordered his subordinate, instructing them to relay the message to the White Base.

He then left the bridge, heading for the conference room.

Not long ago, Revil had received news that brought him great joy—

The Black Tri-Stars had fallen.

Revil laughed to himself. The personal shadow that had loomed over him for so long had been dispelled by soldiers under his command.

This news alone warranted a special edition of tomorrow's newspapers.

Puffing on his cigarette, Revil paid no attention to the no-smoking sign on the wall.

This was one of his rare moments of relaxation.

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

In truth, this meant Bright, Eli, and Amuro.

The three entered the conference room and immediately saluted General Revil.

On the way there, Amuro had even asked Eli for pointers on the proper saluting posture.

Though reluctant to see himself as a soldier, Amuro couldn't help but feel nervous in the presence of the de facto leader of the Federation military.

Seeing the man in person, even Eli felt an indescribable sense of excitement.

This was the man who had saved the Federation from collapse.

"Take a seat. There's no need to be so formal. As heroes, you've earned the right to be a little more relaxed."

Bright and Eli exchanged glances as Revil casually puffed on his pipe. They then sat down neatly on the sofa opposite him.

"First, let me thank you on behalf of all Federation soldiers. Without your efforts, our casualties would have been far greater."

"Your praise humbles me."

Bright Noa, the man who would one day be seen as an unstable element by the Federation, now appeared as humble as a well-behaved student.

"Hahaha, no need to be so restrained with me. I've reviewed your command records. If not for your lack of seniority, I'd have considered promoting you to Major already."

Revil's words were sincere.

Though the White Base was indeed a cutting-edge warship, it was only through Bright's exceptional leadership that it had achieved its current success.

One could argue that Bright's command was one of the primary reasons for their achievements.

The other reason was—

"Amuro Ray, I must also thank you for your efforts to safeguard Federation secrets. Though the circumstances forced you into war, I still want to apologize for dragging you into this conflict."

Amuro blinked, surprised that the old man before him radiated none of the oppressive aura he had expected from a general. Instead, Revil felt more like a kindly grandfather.

It was only when Eli nudged him that Amuro snapped out of it and remembered to thank Revil.

"Lastly, Lieutenant Eli Lee, your accomplishments are truly remarkable. You are, without a doubt, one of our military's top aces. If only my ship had someone like you, I could sleep more soundly at night. So, what do you say? Would you be willing to join the White Base and continue the fight in space?"