Just after launching from the catapult, He Kui spotted the two Nelson-class ships ahead, which were likely their targets for interception.
One of them was carrying the stolen ZAKU prototype.
Facing a situation where he had to defend against the shield he had developed, He Kui felt a bit helpless.
"They're approaching. Storm, maintain rear vigilance to provide support. Director He, please stay a bit behind."
"Red Team, ensure Director He's safety."
Nearby, the chief of staff aboard a Nazca-class ship was issuing commands.
Meanwhile, He Kui and Shi He were fully prepared.
Although the Light Shield on their arms wasn't deployed, it was positioned in front of them.
"This is the first real combat test for our Light Shield, right?"
Shi He said eagerly.
"Yeah."
Seeing Shi He's lively demeanor, He Kui, who was about to suggest not risking herself with the Red Team's protection, paused.
He opened the communication channel.
"Captain, we'd like to test the Light Shield's performance."
"Huh?"
As they spoke, the beam cannons on the two Nelson-class ships ahead began charging and fired.
The bright green beams tore through the space, disrupting the seemingly eternal calm.
They were aimed directly at He Kui's ZAKU.
Facing the combined energy of six beam cannon shots, He Kui activated the Light Shield on his arm.
Instantly, all attacks were neutralized, just like during the Boaz test.
"Power decreased by 20%."
He Kui winced at the power display.
"They're coming."
The Red Team captain reminded them.
"I know."
As they spoke, the Red Team engaged the dozen or so Moebius units launched by the two Nelson-class ships.
Among them was the familiar white ZAKU, the prototype they had encountered before.
"The pilot seems skilled, not like a Natural. Be careful."
As soon as the Red Team captain finished speaking, the white ZAKU raised its non-standard beam rifle and began firing at them.
"Do they already have replicas?"
Easily dodging the beams, He Kui wasn't too surprised.
After all, although their beam rifles hadn't completely replaced machine guns, each team had at least one, so it wasn't surprising that the Alliance had captured some.
"Their power should be slightly weaker than ours."
As Shi He, the sharpshooter, spoke, her beam cannon returned fire without hesitation, only to be blocked by the shield.
However, He Kui noticed something concerning.
In the intense melee combat, the enemy ZAKU's shield deployment was noticeably slower than his own Light Shield.
This indicated a lack of agility.
If their beam rifle's charging time were faster, He Kui believed he could take it down before the shield activated.
"Miniaturization still has its issues."
These momentary differences aren't easily observed in tests.
Data might show it, but without extensive combat experience, finding flaws in data alone is challenging.
Perhaps this is why they eventually opted for smaller shields.
Moreover, on the ground, the shield can't be used.
Still pondering, He Kui's ZAKU was surrounded by several Moebius units.
In the Alliance, those participating in this operation were undoubtedly elite.
Yet He Kui's suit was far superior, and while they were elite, he was on par with the Red Team, so they posed no threat to him.
It was much less dangerous than the Gibraltar incident.
With the Red Team nearby, although not as strong as Iron Wall, they successfully diverted a lot of firepower for He Kui. Victory was gradually tilting in their favor.
"Director He, need any help?"
After taking down another Moebius with his beam rifle, a voice from the communicator sent shivers down He Kui's spine.
"Mr. Gray, thanks, but no need."
Declining the offer, He Kui kept an eye on the approaching ZAKU from the rear.
Due to friendly fire restrictions, the enemy shouldn't be able to attack him, but physical weapons couldn't be ruled out.
Thus, He Kui intentionally distanced himself from Gray.
Just as He Kui finished speaking, the prototype ZAKU, seemingly realizing the situation was dire, recklessly used its remaining power to activate its shield and charged towards He Kui.
No doubt, the "Blue Demon" moniker had truly taken root.
He was the primary target, the one most aimed at.
Activating his reverse thrusters, Shi He also controlled the dual guns on her shoulders, continuously firing at the ZAKU.
Although all shots were blocked, the shield around the ZAKU visibly weakened, as if ready to vanish at any moment.
"Enough, surrender and you won't be harmed."
Seeing the enemy on the brink of collapse, He Kui opened the wide-band communication channel and pleaded.
"..."
There was no response; the enemy continued charging, like an emotionless puppet.
Seeing no means of communication, He Kui accelerated his retreat.
Soon, as the prototype's beam rifle continued firing, its power source quickly depleted. Meanwhile, the two Nelson-class ships ahead were also taken down by Azrael Gray, leaving no survivors.
"Send a team to disarm the self-destruct and other weapons, then tow it back."
He Kui calmly instructed, knowing the enemy couldn't have cracked the self-destruct code so quickly.
"Understood."
After all, in this area, He Kui was the expert, and the chief of staff acknowledged his command.
Such matters didn't require He Kui risking himself.
With the battle concluded, He Kui didn't pay attention to Gray's maniacal laughter up front and returned to the fleet.
"The miniaturized shield's combat performance isn't ideal, and it's likely similar on warships. If it must be installed forcefully, it should be limited to the front. Otherwise, the power consumption is high, and the shield deployment isn't quick enough. The energy cost increases significantly under frequent attacks."
He Kui shook his head.
There was no choice; the prototype was meant for extreme testing.
Now it had been inadvertently tested.
The defense was solid, but it was cumbersome. Without needing Kira, even Mu piloting the Zero could likely break it with preparation.
The shield can't be kept up indefinitely; once down, it's vulnerable to flanking attacks.
"Perhaps it's a power issue; they don't have a power station as large as Boaz."
"Besides, our Light Shield is excellent!"
Just now, six beam cannons were blocked with only 20% power consumption.
"That's true."
Seeing Shi He's satisfied smile, He Kui smiled along.
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