After retreating to the rear and replacing his machine's arms, He Kui swiftly returned to the battlefield, where he spotted his own squad. However, they didn't seem to recognize him, as they continued to defend the base, skillfully using the high mobility provided by their hover units to counter the falling attack units.
While their mobility was commendable, their shooting accuracy was only at an elite Green rank, barely making a dent in the incoming units.
"Who are you? Get out of here!" came an irritated voice over the comms, directed at him.
Though they were allies, his squad members, like most Coordinators, weren't particularly warm toward Naturals. After all, the alliance was fragile, and he couldn't expect everyone to embrace Naturals with open arms—that would be unusual.
He Kui leveled his sights on a descending attack unit and fired a single precise shot, piercing its hidden cockpit. The vehicle spiraled down, crashing into the ground with a thud.
Based on the actions of these attack units, it was clear their pilots were at most low-level Red rank, significantly less skilled than the enhanced pilots he'd encountered earlier. Given his current setup, He Kui's precision made him nearly unbeatable against weaker opponents.
The leader of his squad, watching this display, stood dumbfounded. Anyone who had witnessed He Kui's earlier fight against White Whale would have been equally shocked—he'd fought with such raw determination that the scene would be etched in their memories forever.
"I'll assist you," He Kui said over the comms.
A moment of silence passed as the leader processed the fact that this remarkable pilot was… a girl?
Perhaps his squad wasn't the sharpest, He Kui thought. Maybe he should consider replacing them. However, Junir would hardly approve such a change, and it would be a hassle anyway. Training them seemed like the better course of action—they were still his responsibility.
But his main objective here wasn't just to look after his squad; he had another reason, too.
He Kui grinned at the thought of capturing some of these assault units. If he could shoot out the cockpits cleanly, the rest of the unit would remain intact, ready for him to modify to his liking.
With He Kui picking off enemies precisely, the Atlantic Federation finally began to retreat at dawn, allowing He Kui to return to the hangar.
As soon as he arrived, he was met with a chorus of admiration.
"You were amazing out there!"
"You're just as strong as our hero!"
Elena pushed her way through the crowd, rushing over to him with excitement. Before He Kui could react, she wrapped him in a warm embrace.
"Thank you," he managed to say. Just then, Elena planted a kiss on his mask, an affectionate gesture that caught him by surprise.
"Alright, I've decided—I'll just marry you!"
This bold declaration from the vivacious girl burned through He Kui's composed exterior.
"Um… let's talk about that later," he replied, forcing a smile.
"Oh," Elena said, visibly deflated, though her resolve hadn't wavered. Perhaps she thought he was hiding something behind the mask, maybe even a scarred face. "I don't mind, no matter what you look like," she said seriously.
He Kui nodded. "Thank you."
After all, beneath the mask, he was still himself. There was no need to elaborate further.
"You took down two specialized units and an elite! A, you're incredible!" The battalion leader approached, his face full of respect.
Strength held the highest regard in South America, and He Kui had proven himself as a top-tier pilot.
"I let the elite escape," He Kui admitted with a smile. He suspected that White Whale had intentionally left herself vulnerable. She'd blocked her cockpit with her trident but exposed her camera, almost as if giving him a chance.
"I'll report your achievements," the leader promised. "It's a pity we only have standard Daggers."
He Kui chuckled internally at the thought. "Not necessarily," he replied, his mind already crafting modifications for the units he had captured.
"Where are the specialized units?"
"They're stored in Warehouse D23," the leader said warmly. "I'll take you there."
"No need, I'll escort him!" Elena volunteered, a bit too eagerly.
The leader chuckled and stepped back, giving Elena a playful look of encouragement, which He Kui observed but said nothing about.
The two walked along the coastline, now tinged with the faint light of dawn. The quiet sea and sky created an illusion of peace, broken only by the smoking wreckage and soldiers rushing about. They were soon pulled back into reality by the signs of the fierce battle that had just occurred.
Arriving at D23, He Kui was met with familiar faces.
"A! You're alive!"
Several gruff veterans, seeing his cloak and mask, abandoned their work with spare parts to crowd around him excitedly.
"You've got more guts than all of us combined!" one laughed.
"Tonight, let's drink until we drop!" another added, only for Elena to cut in protectively.
"Not a chance! A isn't going anywhere with you!"
"Oh, acting possessive already? Has he even accepted your proposal yet?" teased one of the men.
"Mind your business!" Elena snapped.
With the playful banter still ringing in his ears, He Kui reached the two vibrant blue Daggers he'd captured. They were worse for wear, the cockpits damaged to prevent self-destruction, leaving the machines battered and in need
of major repairs.
But for someone like He Kui, they were the perfect starting point.
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