Buddy Complex

Is the news report about the Coupling system being used in Chitose accurate?

Its development was supposedly prohibited.

Where did they get their funding from?

Wasn't it unveiled at a good time?

To change the tide of war, the tiger must eventually make its way out of its cage.

Regardless of what the assembly decides, there are plenty of others who will support us.

Are you sure the citizens will side with us?

I've got everything under control.

I'm supposed to wear a swimsuit?!

I'm saying that it's a possibility.

The main shots will be of Luxon and Bradyon.

But they also want shots of the crew and the inside of the ship.

Please hold on.

The top brass not only made us fly to the Hawaii Base independently through unsecured airspace,

but they're also asking us to act?

If they'll forgive us that easily, then why not?

That may be so, but…

We're on the final approach.

About the promotion video...

Is it really the time to take one in the middle of a war, Jarl-san?

They're making one precisely because we're in the middle of a war.

Its purpose is to recruit more soldiers or increase the budget.

Well, it's really complicated.

Unlike what's in your head.

What's that supposed to mean?

Anyway do you understand?

Since it's the Coupling System's promotional video, the lead roles are Dio and you.

Huh? Me?

Whether the alliance would win or lose might depend on how photogenic you are.

Wait...

Hold on. It's all too sudden.

Oh! These are Luxon and Bradyon? It's great!

Whoa! Second Lieutenant Weinberg!

The rumor about him being one of the most handsome pilots in the Alliance is not just for the show.

So, you're Watase Aoba-kun?

I-I'm new, but I'll do my best.

Sorry. This time you're not gonna be on camera.

Eh?

We've brought another Coupler for Dio-kun, you see.

Isn't that a Beryl Explorer?

It's been a long time, Dio?

You are... Fromm?

Hey there. How have you been doing?

Second Lieutenant Fromm Vantarhei, I've come as the Coupler for the promotional video.

Ah. I'm Jarl Duran.

Sorry for that, Aoba-kun

I'll have to borrow your Luxon for awhile.

Because my Beryl isn't capable of Coupling.

O-Okay...

I heard that even without preliminary adjustments, you made a "Nice Coupling" reaction with Dio.

Amazing.

Is that so?

Tell me more about your story later.

My story?

Yep. You have a unique profile, right?

Ah, sort of.

The red doors indicate dangerous areas and purple doors indicate classified information, so they're both off limits.

To add, the ship is…

What is it?

Cygnus's crew members are really fortunate people.

To be able to go through life and death experiences with such a beautiful officer as yourself.

What?

So, the ship is currently undergoing an operation, so there's no telling when we'll have to engage in the battle...

That's more than I could ask for!

Only in a battle between life and death can I get the best shots.

I'm counting on you Fromm, and Dio-kun too.

I'm happy to fly together once again.

Yeah, you're right.

You heard? The other pilot for the Coupling System promotional video is a handsome guy.

I've heard.

Oh, that's a surprise.

I thought you weren't interested in those kinds of things.

Of course not.

I'm interested in what kinds of brain waves he has or how his Sympathy Spectrum changes course.

I see.

Well, you already have your Watase Aoba.

What?

Okay. Let's go.

Where to?

To feast our eyes.

We want to do location scouting before the shoot.

Can we get your permission?

A handsome guy!

Well then, I'll have a soldier to show you around.

Me! Please let me do it!

Corporal?

My name's Anessa Rossetti. Aside from being a guide, if you have any trouble, you can ask me anything!

I'm delighted to have a cute girl look after me.

Come on.

Oh yeah, is it alright to let her be the facilitator for the promotion video?

That's great, Fromm. I'll take that.

Is that okay with you?

Of course.

Dio?

It's decided then.

Dio, see you later.

So, where do you wanna go first?

How about the bridge?

He's your acquaintance, right?

That guy named Fromm.

Yeah.

What's he like?

Lake Louis?

It's a Coupler training facility.

We were from the same class

I see.

Both academics and practical skills, whether simulators or real machines, his grades were high.

Is that so?

And he seems like a good guy to me.

He's good at socializing.

I always remember seeing him surrounded by people.

The total opposite of you.

It's a trait that's unnecessary for a soldier.

But he was an excellent student, wasn't he?

I can't bring myself to like shallow-minded people.

And nosy people as well.

You mean me?

As of now, there seems to be no pursuit unit dispatched from Chitose.

It's not that easy to neutralize the enemy territory.

Their hands are probably full with organizing a framework.

About joining up at the Hawaii base,

Wh-What are you doing?

Nothing. Please don't mind me.

Basil?

The disguise and deployment tests were completed yesterday.

It will be arriving shortly.

My unit will receive such a new machine?

Commanders of the National Armed Forces are quite impressed by your efforts in the capture of Chitose base.

"As expected of Alfried Gallant."

It's my pleasure.

You performed this much distinguished services.

The Administrative Bureau can't be making any complaints.

However, I doubt that they're just going to sit back and watch.

At the very least, I hope that they will not get in our way.

I couldn't clear off their suspicion of me.

Why didn't that new-type fight back?

It's me! Watase Aoba!

That pilot…

What on earth?

Hina, are you there?

Lasha?

Come here quickly.

Geez.

Thank goodness, it's still around.

It's cute, isn't it?

Yes.

Yeah, deers are good.

Especially the fawn, it'd be delicious with tomato sauce.

What?!

Alright. Well then. I'll go borrow a rifle.

No, Tarjim! It's not meant for that.

Good to see you in high spirits again.

Let's start the reel. Ready!

These are the Coupling Valiancers, Luxon and Bradyon.

Well then, let's talk to the maintenance chief Don Naher.

Do they have any problems that normal Valiancers don't have?

Well, I'd say "To be interrupted of important duties by some easy-going idiots."

I see.

I knew it.

You must pay special attention to the balance and nutrition of the meals of Coupling Valiancer pilots, right?

I pay attention to the meals of every soldier, you know?

O-Of course!

After a hard day's work, there's always a need for a short break.

This is the best spot to refresh both your mind and body.

This is good. So sexy. I'll take it!

You're the best!

Thank you!

Fools.

The Imperial Guard?

This plan is to display the Administrative Bureau's power to all the citizens of Zogilia,

and at the same time, take down the increased military power.

Almost like killing two birds with one stone.

As expected of you, Vice-Minister Gille.

Your report on Alfried Gallant's unit and all the battle information with those men was sent to Gavarock.

In the event where we get successful results, you'll be rewarded accordingly.

Servant of Zogilia.

Now is the time to show the power of the Imperial Guards, under the direct control of the Administrative Bureau.

The foolish Alliance's new-type is not enough to scare us.

Ready for battle, Sir Dolzief!

All right.

Well then, let's go!

Yes, sir!

Both of their Emphater levels are unstable.

Does that mean Fromm and Dio-kun can't do Coupling?

I can't give a permission at this level.

What?

Wait.

The test at Lake Louis, Fromm and I showed a "Nice Coupling" reaction.

We had the best compatibility among the freshmen.

Dio. Your Emphater wave has changed since then.

My wave has changed?

Yes. It starts off with a baseline wave.

That can't be.

The cause?

I can't say for sure now.

Is it because of real-life battle experiences?

We can't rule-out that possibility.

Whatever. What about the filming?

Excuse me. I have an idea.

What is it?