Emerging from the transport aircraft, He Kui quickly stabilized the Zaku with its high maneuverability.
From above the clouds, he could faintly see the Eurasian Federation's armored units on the move.
In the distance, the Gibraltar base was also faintly visible.
Fortunately, they weren't too far from it.
The transport aircraft would have to slow down and change course, so even at top speed, they wouldn't directly reach the heart of the Eurasian Federation.
"We're right in the middle of both sides. It seems the Eurasian Federation is planning to attack Gibraltar," Shi He reported.
"Probably to cover for their plan," He Kui said, adjusting the Zaku's flight posture.
The massive thrusters on its back, resembling wings, engaged in reverse thrust as they headed towards Gibraltar.
However, this armor couldn't sustain prolonged flight in the atmosphere.
Rather than flying, they were essentially gliding towards Gibraltar.
But eventually, they would have to land, and soon, the system alerted them that they were being targeted.
Several linear cannon vehicles below launched projectiles at He Kui, streaking across the sky like meteors with destructive force.
Linear cannon vehicles were the Earth Alliance's primary strategy against MS airborne units.
Though not technologically advanced, they were highly effective.
A typical Kin was just a falling target in the air, but this Zaku was different. Its powerful propulsion and the six attitude-adjusting nozzles on its legs elevated its aerial agility to a new level.
He Kui canceled the glide, engaging the adjustment nozzles fully. In the air, he maneuvered like an agile and graceful dancer.
However, the barrage was denser than in L4, and despite his evasive maneuvers, a stray shot struck the Zaku's shoulder shield, sparking brightly.
The automatic balance system kicked in, and the Zaku quickly regained its posture.
Under Shi He's control, the Zaku retaliated, the high-energy pulse cannon leaving a scorching trail in the air as it struck the ground.
Massive explosions followed, raising dust clouds that complicated enemy targeting.
Just as one threat was mitigated, another arose as a squadron of fighter jets rapidly approached.
With six units launching missiles, He Kui intercepted with his dual vulcan cannons while dodging.
At this moment, a squad of three Dinns from behind spread their wings and rushed to assist He Kui.
Armed with anti-air scatterguns, they helped clear many airborne threats.
Meanwhile, below, three Baku units had already advanced into He Kui's current zone, disrupting the ground forces and reducing the linear cannon's firing frequency.
With allied support, Shi He's high-energy pulse cannon and various ranged weapons finally had room to operate.
Without hesitation, she fired the dual shoulder beam cannons, and with Haro's assistance, two nearby fighter jets exploded in succession.
Her high-energy pulse cannon then sliced through the enemy line, tanks' thick armor crumbling like paper.
Sweeping through, it caused numerous explosions.
Many Alliance soldiers lost their lives in the blink of an eye, unable to react.
"Monster! Die!"
Though knowing the Blue Devil wouldn't hear them, the pilots of several fighter jets, fueled by fear turned to rage, charged at the Zaku.
Yet, their remaining vulcan cannons posed no threat to the Zaku.
The Zaku's mono-eye swept over them, and the shoulder beam weapons fired again, turning the advancing jets into fireworks in the sky.
Against such overwhelming firepower, the Eurasian Federation's offensive was abruptly halted.
Meanwhile, ZAFT soldiers, their morale soaring, looked at the descending Zaku, continuously shooting and dismantling enemy forces, with admiration and awe.
To them, this machine was akin to a hero landing in enemy territory, securing victory for them.
"Director He, I'm Samir Kapoor, Deputy Chief of Staff at Gibraltar Base."
As He Kui disembarked from the Zaku, a high-ranking officer in a white uniform approached, though his furrowed brow showed confusion.
"I'll get straight to the point. Why are you on our front line?"
Unlike regular soldiers, the Deputy Chief was aware that He Kui wasn't supposed to be reinforcements.
Had it not been for He Kui's excellent piloting skills, he might not have survived the Eurasian Federation's concentrated fire.
Contemplating the repercussions if a future star like He Kui died in his battle zone caused cold sweat to bead on Samir Kapoor's forehead.
"Deputy Chief Kapoor, here's the pilot's conversation, and his flight path proves his plan," He Kui said, playing the recording intercepted by his owl.
"And where is he now?"
"No idea, probably dead. We blew open the hatch with the Zaku to escape."
"We will address this matter seriously and provide you with an explanation," the Deputy Chief said gravely.
"I understand, but I will also report this to the Defense Council."
Though polite, He Kui's tone carried a hint of frustration. No one would be happy about being put in such a situation.
Despite the Deputy Chief's rank being equivalent to a Deputy Director, He Kui wasn't his subordinate. Constant concessions would only lead to exploitation.
"The Defense Council…"
Hearing He Kui's words, the Deputy Chief forced a smile.
Using He Kui's presence to boost morale had certainly bypassed the Defense Council's decision.
Though not explicitly approved, it wasn't denied either.
Privately, it was one thing, but if He Kui complained to the Defense Council, it would be troublesome.
"Director He, your recent achievements would be quite impressive if reported accurately. In my view, you're a hero who stepped up to help soldiers in need. Of course, privately, we can…"
The Deputy Chief's voice trailed off as he spoke quietly to He Kui.
Considering his words, He Kui realized that while he could disregard the reputation under normal circumstances, a good reputation would aid his ascent to Deputy Director.
It would leave the current Deputy Director with no reason to suppress him.
As for the potential assassination threats in the future, he was already a target for the Alliance. Being a weapon developer was reason enough for them to want him dead.
The benefits of this reputation outweighed the risks for him.
And it seemed they would even compensate him monetarily.
"In that case…"
He Kui hesitated, not agreeing immediately.
Agreeing too quickly might make it seem like he was losing out, whereas appearing hesitant could elicit gratitude from the other party.
Of course, there was a balance to maintain; overdoing it would be counterproductive.
"Haha, Director He, Director Hanifus, let's discuss this further inside. You've done us a great service, and the weapon's power has been validated. You both deserve immense credit," the Deputy Chief warmly invited them to the rest area near the logistics department, sensing He Kui's softened stance.
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