Code Geass: Salvatia Intervention War

Chapter 7 *remake*

Night Time, New Area 18 (formerly Middle East)

Night had fallen over the newly designated Area 18, once known as the Middle East. Following Cornelia's departure to Area 11, a move confirmed by the OSI, the Salvatians initiated a full-scale liberation operation. The Grand Army of Salvatia mobilized both ground forces and mecha fighters, positioning themselves around the region to ensure that no Britannian forces could escape as the battle unfolded. Once the blockade was firmly in place, the combined forces of Salvatia and the Vindictarium Order began their assault.

Above the battlefield, a skycruiser dropship pierced the smoke-laden skies, descending toward the new settlement below. Inside, Ishiwari and her sister, along with the rest of their squad, sat in anticipation of their deployment. Dressed in pilot jumpsuits that matched their unique hair colors, they observed as their mecha frames knelt in preparation. Maintenance crews hurriedly conducted final checks, ensuring there were no issues that might hinder their performance once the battle began. The tension in the air was palpable as Furuse Kohei broke the silence.

"I still can't believe we're being sent all the way from Japan to fight here," Furuse grumbled, scratching his hair in frustration.

"Why are we even fighting in the Middle East?" he continued, clearly upset. "We should be taking the fight to the Britannians in Japan."

Yukawa Keiki, sitting nearby, sighed before responding. "There's a reason we're here, Furuse. We're not in Japan for a reason, especially not at night."

"Exactly!" Furuse shot back, eager for validation. "That's exactly what I'm saying."

Ishiwari Mayu, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke up. "You want to know why we're here?" she asked, her tone cool but firm.

All eyes turned to her, waiting for an answer.

"Because this will be our first battle with mecha frames provided by the Salvatians," she explained. "These mecha are far more advanced than the knightmare frames the Britannians use. It's a whole different level of technology."

Her younger sister, Shiro Mayu, raised an eyebrow. "But the Europeans and the Chinese are using knightmare frames too, right?" she pointed out, a reminder that they weren't the only ones with advanced technology.

"Yes," Ishiwari nodded, "but the point is that Xavier Salvador is testing us."

Hitarashi Ogai, who had been quiet until now, frowned in confusion. "Testing us? What do you mean by that?"

Ishiwari met his gaze, her expression serious. "He wants to see if our training is enough to handle real combat with these mecha frames. General Hopperfield told me so himself."

"General Hopperfield?" Shiro Mayu blurted out, her confusion clear. "You mean that cute rabbit in general's clothing?"

Furuse snickered as Shiro's innocent comment filled the dropship with a brief moment of levity. Just moments ago, they had met General Hopperfield, a rabbit from the wildfolk who oversaw the south pole base. The encounter had been jarring for the Japanese soldiers, as they had never before met a non-human—let alone an alien rabbit in a military uniform. Shiro, not knowing any better, had gone straight up to him and started cuddling him, much to the general's visible discomfort. Despite his high rank, Hopperfield was treated more like a pet than a military officer, which irked him to no end. Only after Ishiwari had pulled her sister away did the general regain his composure. He explained to them that they would participate in their first battle as part of a liberation mission in the Middle East.

Though initially resistant to the idea, Ishiwari surprised everyone by accepting the mission. Her decision left the others in stunned silence as they boarded the skycruiser dropship and made their way to the heart of the conflict.