- Escape to the Dark Continent
- Retreat Operation at Valecia Bay (ZAC 2039)
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However, every television, radio, and newspaper on the central continent of Planet Zoid continued to broadcast news far more important than the Republic's victory.
"Emperor Zenebas successfully escapes the capital," "The emperor's red Zoid disappeared to the north," "A Storch landed at Valecia Base on the northern coast."
When it became clear that the Emperor had escaped to Valecia Base on the northern coast of the Empire, the name of one soldier rose to mind.
General Danny "Tiger" Duncan.
He led the invincible Sabretiger army and was known as the "Tiger." Amid the Imperial Army's defeat, this brave warrior continued to defend the only remaining Imperial base. "Tiger of the Northern Sea" "The Invincible General."
For the first time, the Republic Command realized why General "Tiger" Duncan remained entrenched at Valecia Base, refusing to budge, even during the Empire's greatest crisis, when the capital city had been besieged by the Republican Army. Valecia Base was a special, secretly hidden base used for Zenebas' escape.
While the name Tiger Duncan felt like a curse to the people of the Republic, it was a ray of hope to Imperial soldiers. Defeated in battle, scattered and fleeing, hiding deep in the mountains and forests, or in the corners of city attics and warehouses, Imperial soldiers from across the Central Continent began to make their way to the northern coast. To Valecia Base, guarded by General Tiger.
Meanwhile, in Valecia Base's command center, a young soldier — perhaps the first of tens of thousands of Imperial soldiers rushing to General "Tiger" Duncan's side — was given a warm welcome, embraced in General Tiger's log-like arms. It was Second Lieutenant Toby Duncan, General Tiger's beloved younger brother and pilot of the Emperor's personal aircraft, the Storch.
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"That's it!"
The long, sandy beach facing Valecia Bay on the Empire's northern coast was covered with countless mechs making emergency landings. From all over the Empire, the remains of the flagship fighter, the Sinker, had escaped the fierce pursuit of the Republic's Air Force. General Tiger Duncan ran across the drenched beaches, warmly welcoming the injured pilots back to base.
"The battle isn't over. We must once again unite our forces and face the Republican Army."
Retreat Operation at Valecia Bay
Upon learning that surviving Imperial forces were gathering at Valecia Base, Republic Command immediately ordered the Salamander Squadron to attack. However, they were caught in a storm typical of the northern coastal region, preventing them from even flying properly. Flying low to avoid the wind, they fell prey to the Sabretiger Squadron, commanded by General Tiger himself.
Cries of surprise arose from the soldiers watching the battle at Valecia Base.
"Did you see General Tiger's attack just now? He leapt from behind a rock and took down the enemy aerial commander's machine with a single slash."
"Yes, I've never seen an attack like that before. He's no ordinary tiger. He's a flying tiger!"
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Upon hearing the news of the Salamander Squadron's annihilation, President Helic issued an order to the main Republican Army forces, who'd just concluded the siege of the Imperial Capital.
"The battle is over. I've failed to keep my promise to you all. Take up your guns once more and advance to the northern coast and capture Zenebas."
The Republic soldiers, exhausted, forced themselves to head for Valecia Base, where they'd rest for the night.
Believing in the Victory of the Empire
"Capture Emperor Zenebas Alive."
That was every soldier's understanding of their mission while heading to Valecia base.
Colonel Ericsson, leading the unit in the Ultrasaurus, was the only one who'd received separate orders.
The night before the mission, Colonel Ericsson was ordered to report to the president. The president was waiting for him alone in his room.
"Colonel Ericsson, you were raised with Zenebas, weren't you?"
"Yes. I was raised in the royal palace as a playmate for the young emperor."
"That's why I wanted you to capture Zenebas. If it's you, even Zenebas would give up."
Ericsson bit his lip and bowed his head.
"Ericsson, Zenebas intends to flee across the sea. If that happens, we will never be able to capture him. The battle will drag on for years to come."
Helic sighed deeply.
"If Zenebas tries to escape to the sea, then it'll be up to you to..."
With that, Helic turned away. Ericsson was just about to say "Could you please repeat that—" but swallowed his words. President Helic's shoulders were trembling.
— I could never ask the president to give me an order of killing his own brother... I understand, Your Excellency.
Ericsson gave a long, drawn-out salute towards the back of his respected president.
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South of Valecia base, the first battle between the two armies began. Should they fight with all of their forces, or abandon the base and escape? Zenebas' decision was conveyed to the Imperial soldiers awaiting orders.
"Launch all Sinkers at Valecia Base. Our destination is the Dark Continent!"
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"Protect the Emperor, Toby. Leave the enemies to me."
With these words, General Tiger leapt into his Sabretiger and charged headlong into the enemies. The Sinker, carrying Zenebas and Lieutenant Duncan headed out to sea. At that moment, the Ultrasaurus piloted by Ericsson appeared on the beach. The next moment, the Ultra's giant cannons erupted, and a huge column of water surrounded the Sinker.
Believing in the Victory of the Empire
The Sabretiger's Last Moments
"Full speed ahead! If we don't escape into the fog ahead, we'll really be hurting!"
Lieutenant Duncan shouted, urging his soldiers on at the top of his lungs. But before they could do so, a second round was fired from the Ultra's main cannons, and Colonel Ericsson accurately locked on to the Sinker carrying Zenebas.
"Goodbye, Emperor Zenebas."
Ericsson closed his eyes and put his finger on the trigger.
At that moment, a battered and wounded Sabretiger suddenly leapt in front of the Ultra's giant cannons. It was the Sabretiger piloted by General "Tiger" Duncan, who'd risked his life to stay behind, allowing Emperor Zenebas to escape.
"Brother, be careful!"
The moment Second Lieutenant Toby Duncan stood up from the deck of the Sinker, a roar erupted as Ericsson's cannons fired. Hit by a shell at close range, the Sabretiger was torn apart and sent plummeting into the sea.
By the time Ericsson frantically re-aimed his cannons, the Sinker carrying Zenebas was already disappearing into the fog.
Second Lieutenant Toby Duncan, standing frozen on the Sinker's deck, was already enveloped in the morning fog. The death of his brother, which he'd witnessed only seconds earlier, already seemed like an event from so long ago. Second Lieutenant Duncan muttered to himself like a drunkard.
"Ultrasaurus with the E mark. I'll definitely be back. Ultrasaurus with the E mark... I'll find you. Ultrasaurus with the E mark..."
Of course, Second Lieutenant Duncan didn't know that the E mark stood for "Ericsson."
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