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Gameplay-wise, this chapter is 99% the same as Josh's side. The existence of this update is purely for story reasons, as Rim’s scenes play out differently and I want to cover both sides for anybody who’s playing along on a different route I chose.
Last time, Rim (plural) and Ventus made it out of yet another self-destructing Ruina facility.
Combined Route Chapter 26: Proud Rebel | Rim/Super Version
Chapter 25 if you went Space/Jupiter. Chapter 27 if you went Earth/Keilias
[Tower, Operations Room]
So, how did it go?
(Treize working from home again)
Well, I spoke with him… There’s no doubt about the connection between Ruina and the ruins in Antarctica.
And we have some new information. Ruina’s military force is built on materials found on the surface. It seems that it’s all produced by a specific Melior Esse, a creature we encountered the other day named Contagio.
I see. That was a factory after all.
It was. We don’t know how to get rid of that energy field though.
What about this “King of Ruin”?
Apparently its name is Perfectio. However, it seems that even the Melior Esse don’t know much about it.
Is it possible that they’re an Earthling?
We don’t know. But there’s no doubt that this being is behind everything.
Hmm. So that’s the one who desires ruin, negative emotions, and the feelings of death and destruction. But I don’t understand. For what purpose?
…There are still too many unanswered questions.
[Tower, Rec Room]
What the hell!?
Yeah. No matter how you look at it, that’s a bit…
Rim, are you serious?
But the higher ups say it’s okay, right?
You’ve got to be kidding me. His friend killed the director.
(Well… I kinda expected this reaction…)
Tetsuya… Koji, please listen to me. He’s not our enemy. I mean he is a Melior Esse, but…
Yes… He’s the sixth one, meaning he’s not included in the five that Aquila mentioned.
It’s just like they said, he wasn’t valuable.
To Perfectio, I’m a failure.
The problem we’re having is that you’re a Ruina. Nothing else matters.
Tetsuya, I know how you feel, but…
Please, wait. Those feelings you’re having will become part of Perfectio’s strength.
But…
…I no longer have a reason to exist and have no place to belong in this world. Even if I were to be killed here and now, I wouldn’t complain. But this life is something she gave me, so I want to be with you guys too. If you’ll allow it, I’ll sacrifice my life for you.
Ventus…
…He’s serious.
What, this makes it seem like we’re the bad guys. Fine. If Commander Jin and the Colonel are willing to accept you, there’s no point in opposing it. But in return, you better pull your weight.
…Whatever. Do what you like.
Thank you. I’ll do everything I can.
[Tower, Storage]
How’s it going, Cliff?
It’s just as he said. We managed to retrieve his mech, but the core system is damaged.
Yes… I think it just couldn’t withstand the strain.
I guess. But it seems very familiar.
Can you fix it?
Unlikely. It’s the same as your machine. Those systems are black boxes. We can use them, but we can’t replicate them.
Man…
(I thought so, but…)
But we’re not out of options. The mech might be broken, but we have another unit whose core system is still intact.
Eh!? You can’t be referring to… But it’s…
(Bro’s mech…?)
It’s what Josh wants. He asked me to try it.
Brother…
…
Of course, that system is tuned to Josh. If it won’t accept him, then that’s that. I have it running now. Give it a try.
I guess there’s no harm in giving it a go. …Like this?
Y-yes…
[Tower, Medical Room]
Ugh… How was it, Rim? Did my mech work?
Yeah… It looks like it accepted him.
…I see.
No, it’s surprising. To be honest, I thought it would be impossible. The thought that you two have the same wavelength never occurred to me. That’s probably one of the reasons why he and Rim empathized with each other through the system.
Empathy…
Josh, are you sure?
Yes. He can use the system…. Now I can go to the moon with more peace of mind.
Brother…
…Are you sure you’re sure?
Not at all. But… I can’t fight anymore.
(Bro… I knew something was up…)
(Mmm. No way…)
I hate to ask you, the enemy, to do this, but I have no choice. I’ll give you my partner’s heart. In return…protect Rim. She’s my precious little sister. I beg you.
Of course… As long as I live.
Hey Cliff, why is he going to the moon…
To be honest, his condition isn’t good. After hearing the story, Eve said she would let us use Bahamut’s medical facilities.
The same thing Yui said she used…
Yes. Tomorrow, Treize will send out a shuttle. Don’t worry.
Oh, so that’s the Helios spaceship Adalus.
So this is your first time seeing it.
Yes.
Oh, I’m honored by this big turnout.
Welcome, Dr. Earl. We’ve been waiting for you.
This is the first time we’ve met in person. Looking forward to working with you.
Yes. It’s time to take action against the Gishin Empire and exact revenge for Emperor Palmion. Thank you so much for your help. By the way, Lord Kento…
Not here. Didn’t want to get lectured.
What? Lord Kento doesn’t understand the seriousness of the situation. He should have met the people that Lord Gascon brought with him with the pomp and circumstances as a member of the imperial family…
Uuuu… Uuuuooo. Dada~
Karl, what’s wrong? …This is…
(What the…)
(Hoh…)
(That’s…)
(The hell is that…)
What’s wrong, everyone?
Did I say something strange?
No…
What was that all about?
Colonel!
What happened to you guys? It’s rare for all of you to react like that.
This isn’t the time for jokes.
Colonel! What’s this disgusting feeling!? That ringing bell…
I don’t know.
A ringing bell? I can’t hear anything.
Me neither.
We haven’t heard anything either.
Apparently it was something we can’t hear.
…I knew it. It’s the Psycommu.
I guess. But what could it…
I knew it… You all can hear it too.
Yeah. I have a bad feeling.
Uso too…?
Yeah… For a while now too.
Karl keeps looking up. I wonder if it’s something in the sky…
[Motorad Ship, Hangar]
Renda, is the maintenance going smoothly?
Yea, Major. But right now with the truce…
THE BOYS are an enemy that must be defeated. If we can just destroy them, then whatever happens, happens. Since the main force of this fleet went back into space due to the truce, their guard is down. Hmm? What’s that picture?
Ah, no, this is…
Oh, a log cabin? Do you want to live in a house like that on the surface after the war?
Y-yes. My apologies.
Don’t apologize. By the way… Is there a room for me in that house?
Eh…? That’s…
I want you to get one ready. I’m completely serious. Please think about it.
Major…
[Tower, Operations Room]
What? Kloppen is sending a message to the Helios planets?
Yes, Doctor. Just now, Adalus got a call from Gascon. I’ll relay it there too.
To those who fight under the Helios flag, I am pleased. But you have all been deceived by the fake royal family on Earth. I will now tell you the truth, my beloved citizens. My true self.
His true form? Dammit Kloppen, have you lost your mind?
Now, take a good look at my face.
That’s… Impossible…
What is it, Dr. Earl?
H-he looks just like His Majesty Palmion. Impossible…
The hell? Then…
Harlin, who fled to Earth with Senator Earl, is nothing more than my clone. I am the true heir, the Prince of Helios. Everyone, calm down. From now on, we will maintain a friendly relationship with Emperor Zuul of the Gishin Empire. I will restore Helios. Earl, if you claim loyalty and see this truth, come to me with Adalus and Daltanious. All of you, follow me. I will do my utmost to revive Helios.
…He’s become a problem.
Yeah… It doesn’t matter to us whether Kento is of royal Helios blood or not, but we can no longer rely on their rebellion or General Gascon’s fleet.
I’m ashamed. The generals that I’ve gathered from all over the galaxy are mostly nobles from Helios. After they saw that broadcast, they all surrendered. But I like you Earthlings, so I’ll fight with you. The others act only for their cause. Sorry, but I no longer lead a large fleet.
(He’s speaking remotely)
I understand. Circumstances being what they are, it can’t be helped. I’m sure it’s difficult for you as well.
I’m glad to hear that.
Well, don’t worry about it too much.
Impossible. It’s utterly impossible! He must be the clone!
It doesn’t change anything. They’re attacking us, so we fight back. That’s all there is to it. The Octopus man said he’d help out too.
B-but Lord Kento…
Dr. Earl, I understand how you feel. But whatever the truth is, we have no choice but to fight on our own.
Or maybe, as he said, you’ll go and join them. Well, Professor?
…
[Tower, Command Center]
How is Dr. Earl doing?
It seems he’s holed himself up in Adalus. Manabu, Sanae, and the others have home to check on him now.
I see… We can’t rely on him.
Commander, Your Excellency, I just received a message from Bulge. It seems there was a battle between BESPA and the Gishin.
BESPA? What’s the status of the Gishin?
It looks like they’re descending to Earth.
Hmm… I guess they’re going after us.
Probably. With the fear of an uprising from Helios gone, they’ve turned their attention towards us again. Prepare for interception. We’re going to intercept them.
Yamazaki, please contact Dr. Earl on Adalus.
The Vega fleet…
To Earl and the people of Earth, I will now relay Kloppen’s message. Listen well.
(Dammit, why is my fleet doing this? Kloppen, you annoy me to no end!)
A message from Kloppen?
People of Earth, hand over Mars and Kento Tate immediately. Then, by the mercy of Emperor Zuul, you will be given the opportunity to survive. I, the prince of Helios, can guarantee this.
Quit joking. You’re a fake, only using a similar face!
You’re so arrogant, Earl! I won’t tolerate any rude remarks from you! If you don’t believe me, let me show you proof. Look at this crest engraved on my arm. You can’t hide the truth. The prince is not Harlin, but me.
How could you know of a crest that only the highest ranking members of the senate know about…
Do you understand now? Earl, will you fulfill your obligations, or will your vile clones rebel against me?
R-rebel… I am the blood of Helios…
Shut up! I don’t know who's a clone or whatever, but I’m Kento, a human! I can’t forgive people like you who do nothing but cause suffering to everyone!
Hmm. Besides, Kloppen, you’re not going to keep your promise anyway.
Exactly! I know exactly what punks like you do!
Yes… Zuul doesn’t know anything about mercy!
If you look at your actions so far, it’s obvious there’s not a shred of sincerity in your words. Such a deal is out of the question.
Fools. You intend to defy me no matter what. Earl, are you with them? Would you rebel against me, the true heir?
Old man, we have no choice but to fight! Danji, let’s go out in Daltanious!
Yes!
That’s right, there’s no other choice!
Okay, we’ll attack the Vega fleet. All units, launch!
B-but I… I…
Doctor, what are you doing!? Stop it! Doctor!
…I’m going to shut down all functions for Adalus and Daltanious. Lord Kento, please forgive me…
What!? What’s wrong with fighting those who are trying to kill us and the Earth!? Dammit, I’m disappointed in you, old man! Everyone, please defeat them!
15 units to choose from. Since the Geant Chevalier/Dea Blanche Neige won’t be saving us at the very end, we get an extra deployment slot. Daltanious cannot be selected due to Earl’s actions. Just as a warning, this stage is very, very long. You might need a second support unit or be prepared to put units in your battleship.
Looks like Earl made the right decision. I’ll leave the rest to you, Commander Gandal.
[He hangs up]
Screw you, Kloppen. I don’t know if he’s really the prince of Helios or not, but he thinks he’s better than me? Just wait and see. Blacky, have all units begin the attack! If we don’t at least kill Mars and everyone here, our fleet will be in trouble.
Yes, Commander Gandal! Commence the attack!
Before we get into the map (which is the literal same as Josh’s or rather the Real Robot version), let’s go over the two new units!
[Forte Gigas]
It’s alright. Definitely one of the better Super Robots in this game, but it’s still a Super in a game that favors Reals. It does have increased survivability thanks to a built-in beam coat and bunshin. Just watch its EN usage as its big attacks take up more than it probably should. And it also has a MAP attack that’s similar to the ZZ Gundam.
If you fail the Glacies/Ventus secret, you’ll have the other sibling as a co-pilot and can decombine into the Strega and Ganador much like Daltanious. This version is a single seater and cannot separate.
[Studium]
Latin for “Study”. It’s fast, has a beam coat, and is focused on close range. It’s alright with some investment. It also has a MAP attack and its normal weapons are pretty cheap. Most importantly, it looks cool as fuck. It also was planned to have a playable plane mode, and it does show up in some of its attacks, but it was cut for some reason.
In lieu of a lack of Ventus coming in to save the day, here’s his theme from 2nd OG. In this game, he just uses Rim’s theme.
2nd Super Robot War OG - Deliverer
Side note, it was pointed out that all of the SRW D character themes start with D. Desire, Drumfire, Duologue, Duet, Deliverer, Destine, Devastator, Despair. Also another fun fact, Glacies’ theme “Destine” is a remix of Josh’s theme, while Ventus’ theme is a remix of Rim’s.
This is a long stage and the first wave is against the Vegans. You can probably guess what I’m thinking, looking at that forest right there. You could also retreat a bit and camp on the grounded Adalus, but that will make the end stages of this chapter a bit harder.
Just some hindsight thinking, Gandal and Blacky’s battleships are worth the most money at 10k each. If you want to use a double money skill, use it on them. Thankfully, no one retreats on this stage until the very end.
Also, don’t forget that if you care about the Judau/Roux kill count secret, the end of this stage is the cutoff point.
When there’s five enemies left…
Marg… Marg!?
I never imagined that Kloppen was the prince of Helios. But thanks to him, everything is going according to plan. Roze, destroy Adalus.
Yes, Captain.
Uuuu… Ugh…
Professor! Run away!
Come at me, Mars! I don’t care about the others. My enemy is Godmars!
Kuh… Marg!!
With Marg’s Gishin on the field, not much has changed. Turtle up in the forest and yadda yadda yadda. You can convince Marg with Takeru if you want, but I don’t believe that impacts the secret.
And now that they’re all here, let’s do some boss dialogs.
Gandal! I won’t let you do as you please!
Duke Fleed… You’re going to die here. This time will be your end!
Blacky, let’s go!
Yeah, I’m fighting back!
Mars… If we can just kill him…
Gandal, I can’t lose!
Mars, let’s fight! Those who oppose Emperor Zuul can not be allowed to live!
Marg, wake up, Marg!
And now if you convince Marg with Takeru…
Dammit Mars! What are you doing?
Marg! Marg, remember! We’re twin brothers! We swore to fight together for peace in the universe!
Uh… Ugh…
[A flash of light]
Huh!? That was… Could it be that Marg was brainwashed by Zul!? Dammit, what a terrible thing to do…
Gandal and Blacky goes down easy enough if you get close enough to avoid their powerful medium-long range attacks.
We were so close… Retreat for now!
Dammit, if this keeps up, I’ll lose my position as Captain… Dammit!!
Marg’s defeat line changes if Takeru does the final blow or not.
If Takeru does it…
What’s wrong, Takeru? Finish him off!
Dammit, I can’t… I can’t do it…
Mars, your mercy will come back to haunt you. Remember that. I will definitely…
And if anyone else does it…
Dammit, remember this. I will come back to kill Mars and destroy the Earth…
The next phase starts as soon as everyone else is defeated.
…It appears the Gishin Army has retreated.
Everyone, good job out there. Is Adalus alright? Where is Dr. Earl?
We’re safe, but the Adalus…
Hm. Them fighting aliens was unexpected, but thanks to that, we were able to lure them in without having to use a decoy. Plus, they’re exhausted now. We have a chance to win. Our target is their battleship. Hit it all at once!
Sir!
(Major… Please let me in on your dream of making the Earth a paradise for bikers…)
What!?
Captain, it’s a BESPA Motorad ship!
What!? BESPA, this is a clear violation of the treaty!
Tch, they still have some Garlands.
Hmph... In that case, we’ll destroy them all here and now.
BESPA is going to attack us? Then I’ll…!
Dammit, they always play dirty…
Guys… Everyone, this is a battle in memory of Captain Oliver! I’m counting on you!
If we don’t stop the ones who go to the trouble of violating the agreement, they’ll just keep coming. Sink that ship.
We have no choice… All units, listen up. Destroy the enemy mobile weapons first. Then we’ll ask for surrender. If they don’t accept, we will then sink their battleship and evacuate. That is all.
Of course Duker can’t just leave us alone. As Bright said, defeat all enemy units except for the battleship. And exhausted we ain’t, since by now everyone should be at max will while they’re all at the normal starting 100. Just watch out for their Garlands, as they’re still a pain in the ass to actually hit.
A quick cutscene when there’s 10 enemies left…
Ugh… The sound of bells again…
Yeah, it’s getting louder.
Tch, it is from BESPA?
Where are they… Where is it coming from…
Uso… I researched that bell sound. Apparently the families who managed the Guillotines were forced to wear bells when walking through the city…
Yeah… I knew that.
I heard about it when I was in Zanscare. They were referring to the woman who used the Guillotine, Fuala Griffon. Everyone, be careful.
When you kill Renda…
Ah… Majoooooorrrrrr!!
[She explodes]
Renda!? Impossible… Damn you THE BOYS, how dare you ruin my dream!
[He then gets +30 will, Focus, and Valor]
The final map event comes after there are 5 enemies remaining…
Goo goo~
Karl, are you hearing something? From above…?
[A flash of light as a giant beam hits the Ra Cailum, dropping it to 10 HP]
What the hell!? What just happened!? Hurry up and put out that fire!
Ugh… A direct hit!? Operator, what are you doing!? Where did it come from!?
It’s… from extremely high up!
What…?
It’s here!
I hear ringing bells… Wait, that came all the way down from space!?
Kuh… Four? Oh… There’s no mistaking this. That’s a Cyber Newtype. Damn you Zanscare!
Here it comes…
Hehehe. They’re coming, they’re coming. Like bees to honey. The bells that the Guillotine family had to wear became the bells of this Zanneck. The bells are linked to the movement of the machine and help me feel the enemy’s presence.
Haro, can you identify that unit?
NOT REGISTERED. DO NOT KNOW. CANNOT DETERMINE.
You’re a nasty woman… Disgusting! Get out of here!
Ha… Hahaha. Aren’t you a young girl? These guys are the League Militaria… No, THE BOYS. This is where we cut ties!
It’s coming! It’s not just a normal mobile suit. Everyone, be careful!
Uwa… Uwaaaaaaaaaaa!
There there. The scary bells won’t hurt you. It’ll be quiet soon…
No Glacies saving us this time. You know the drill by now.
The ZMT-S29 Zanneck is extremely annoying. It’s surprisingly dodgy (in no small part to Fuala’s new Cyber Newtype skill), has a MAP attack that you need to play around, and its ultimate attack has a range of 10. You can disable it by lowering her will with Daunt, but it won’t stay low for very long. She also retreats at 20% HP (4600), and will shield defend most attacks, so watch out if you care about that.
One final thing. That cutscene damage was real. The battleship is at 10 HP. It will die to a stiff breeze, so either heal it or run away as far as you can.
Defeat or repel Fuala and she says…
Hmph… Well, for a field test, this went well. It’s about time I retreated back to space.
[She explodes or retreats]
Back to space…? That bell is clearly inviting us…
And now that everyone except Duker is defeated…
Alright. Can you hear me, BESPA Commander? I am Bright Noa of THE BOYS. You no longer have any fighting strength left. I demand your surrender.
Enough with the jokes!
…Very well. You will be sunk.
All units, attack the Motorad ship. But be prepared to retreat immediately.
Time to end this biker once and for all. Sink that battleship. Remember, if you’re flying, it can’t run you over.
Why did this… Dammit. Renda…
Everyone, evacuate! Don’t get caught up in that ship’s explosion!
(The Motorad ship is sinking… Even though it’s natural for people to die in battle… Can I really let go of my hatred towards people and my desire for revenge…)
[Everyone retreats as the ship explodes]
[Gishin Empire, Mobile Fortress]
To the glory of the Gishin Empire and His Majesty, Emperor Zuul.
Cheers!
Cheers!
Cheers! I’m really surprised that Commander Kloppen is actually the Helios prince.
Once the truth was revealed, the rebellion in Helios subsided like the tide. I don’t care about Kento Tate anymore. All that’s left is to kill Mars.
Their end will be met by the unshakeable power of the Gishin Empire. There’s no way they’ll make it out unscathed.
Mmhmm. Wahahahahahaha!!
Your Excellency! We’ve just got reports that the Vega fleet failed in eliminating Mars.
What!? Those damn Earthlings.
General Kabuto, don’t get so worked up. Eventually, both the Earthlings and Mars will fall at our feet. They no longer have any allies. They cannot even threaten the Empire, let alone our own territory here in Helios.
[Adalus, Earl’s Room]
Adalus can’t fly anymore. Everyone… Everything has been in vain… Prince Harlin was just a clone… The revival of the Helios Empire was just a pipe dream… On the contrary, I’m a rebel… I turned against the Helios Empire and became a rebel… Why…
Dr. Earl, staying cooped up all the time is not good for your health. I’ve spoken to everyone. If you don’t mind, would you like to come to the Tower? There’s something I’d like to show you…
What do you want to show me?
[Tower, Rec Room]
Oh, this is…
You’re here. How do you like it?
Is this a cake in the shape of Adalus? It’s beautiful. Did you make it?
No, no. I just gave some technical guidance. It was Shakti, Hikaru, and Sanae who did the baking.
You kids… But why…
They just wouldn’t listen.
We all wanted you to feel better, so this is what we came up with. Here.
I’ll cut some slices now, so please sit down.
Oh… Got it. Shall we eat? Huh…? Are those children outside?
Ah, it’s Jiro and the others. Jiro, Ochame, and Tanosuke are with us in the Tower. Thanks to Kento and Danji fighting on Daltanious, we were able to join them. Thanks to them, we were able to have food to eat, clothes to wear, and can work with everyone. And we have you to thank too.
…
But… There are so many children like us on Earth who have lost their families. It’s not just us, but Warren, Suzy, and Shiro too. Everyone is trying their best.
Sanae… I understand what you’re trying to say. But my dream, my dream of restoring the Helios Empire, is now crumbling. I’m a rebel. A rebel who draws his bow on His Majesty Palmion, who was so kind to me. I… I don’t know what to do.
Dr. Earl.
Prince Duke? What’s wrong?
I no longer have my home planet and people to protect. But I consider Earth to be my second home. I’m fighting to protect this place from the clutches of those demons. Of course, I hope to return to Planet Fleed one day and rebuild it. But before that…
He’s right. Ever since I met you, I’ve never forgotten that I’m King Fleed’s daughter. But I’ll fight with Koji and the rest to protect Earth. Because I love this planet and its people.
…
You can’t think of Planet Fleed as the same as the Helios Empire, but… What difference is there between wanting to protect the planet and its people, and the act of fighting to protect it?
Doctor, do you hate Earth? Do you hate those children?
No… I can’t…
So, would you turn a blind eye to Earth and its people being sacrificed by people like Zuul, Kloppen, and Gandal for the sake of the Helios Empire? Of course not.
Yea, that’s right. Old man, I’m asking you to fight with us.
You’re right, Lord Kento. You of all people to ask me… I almost forgot something very important. That’s right… I can’t forgive the evil Zuul. I’ll fix Daltanious. I’ll fight too.
Dr. Earl…
Yes! Old man, that’s what being a man is! I’m relieved that you finally got it.
Thank you, Doctor.
I’ll convey my resolve to Kloppen. I’m sure Manabu has repaired the communication device by now.
[Adalus, Bridge]
What? Dammit Earl, you’re a traitor to Helios!
You’re right. I, Earl, will gladly accept that title. You might be the true heir, but you wag your tail at Zuul, so I have no respect for you. Wash your head and wait!
Damn you Earl… You’ll regret this.
This is fine… This is fine. My dream of restoring Helios may have been shattered, but I have a mission to not let this planet be sacrificed to Gishin. For that reason, I will proudly become a rebel.
Next update, we return to Josh’s story until the next route split.