Buddy Complex

You're on your way to the future.

The future?

But what about you?

Dio is waiting, Aoba.

Hina...

Hina!

6 enemy Valiancer units from the Zogilian army.

Floating battleship Zuiho and Defense unit are engaging them but are suffering heavy damage.

Supplies on C-level are to be prioritized for later!

Prioritize fuel, ammunition, and food!

Oh my.

To be attacked during lading work...

How long until we can take off?

Just three more gauges to load.

Battleship Valiancer unit, please prepare for battle.

This is Captain Conrad.

Requesting permission for Dio's Bradyon to take off .

Captain.

Luxon is not in a position to request permission.

Dio, are you okay?

Yeah.

This is for Marcus's sake.

With the three of us together, we'll manage.

The enemy is probably targeting Dio's Mecha.

Would the brass approve?

Captain, the Bradyon is clear for takeoff.

But the captain says to exercise caution and to avoid capture at all costs.

They're giving you one more thing to worry about, Dio Weinberg.

That's enough, Jarl.

Carelessness will cost you.

If you value your life, then follow my lead.

Let's go!

Yes, sir!

Yes, sir.

Is that all they've got?

It's almost funny, Bizon.

Tarjim, our objective is not to defeat the enemy.

Keep your eye out for any suspicious units.

Bizon, they sent out reinforcements.

You three, follow me.

Yes, sir.

We'll strike the enemy first once we're clear of the smoke.

Withdraw before they have a chance to react.

Understood.

It's the enemy.

What?

Just as Bizon expected.

There is no data. It's probably a new type of Mecha.

So that's the one.

Benesh and Assop, take care of the Beryls.

Lasha and Mihailov, deal with the new type.

Tarjim and I will handle the flagship.

All Mechas stay alert.

Yes, sir!

How is it, Lasha?

It's stronger than a Beryl, but I should be able to take it down.

If possible, capture it.

Yes, sir.

I can't lose it.

What's that?

Nice Coupling.

Luxon reports a "Nice Coupling" response with Dio's Bradyon.

What?

Eh?

What the...?

That's impossible.

Is Marcus piloting it?

Marcus's vital signs stopped functioning 20 minutes ago.

In the first place, the hatch was buried shut by all the rubble.

Can you check inside?

No, the camera's malfunctioning.

This is Lieutenant Lene Kleinbeck.

State your name and unit.

Who's that? Hina?

This voice is...

Hina?

Is that you, Hina? Where am I?

Your name and unit?

This isn't Hina...

I'm a freshman at Seiou Highschool,

Watase Aoba.

Watase Aoba?

Is he a member of the research laboratory?

Anyway, it's dangerous there.

Get to the front of the cargo elevator.

How am I supposed to move?

Don't tell me you don't even have a Category A?

It is against army regulation to pilot without a license.

Get out of the unit at once.

Get out? How?

You'll face your punishment after this battle.

Until then, stay put.

Three of our Nectar cannons have been damaged.

We've only three units left capable of deploying a smokescreen.

What about Valiancer?

Bradyon is engaging with two units.

Beryl A & C are each engaging one unit.

All units are currently engaged in battle.

Mayu-chan, repeat what you just said.

Luxon reported a "Nice Coupling" response with Bradyon.

Right.

Have both mechas pair together.

Captain?

The situation looks grim.

Luxon is defenseless. At this rate, it'll be captured in no time.

If he can share Dio's ability,

even a beginner should be able to reach the elevator.

You want Dio to couple with some stranger?

It's indicating a perfect match, is it not?

Yes, but...

Not to mention that we'd be compromising classified information.

I'll take full responsibility.

Abandoning Luxon would be a danger to us all.

And I'm not very fond of losing.

You know me, Lieutenant Commander.

Initiate the coupling process for Luxon and Bradyon.

Roger!

But Lieutenant Commander Lene!

This is a direct order from the commander.

Roger.

Can you hear me?

I'm going to be Coupling with you.

"Coupling"?

Just do as I say.

What's with him?

Seriously?

Just one more push.

Hey, there's another mecha.

I'll take care of it.

Hold on.

Mihailov, you take care of it.

Tarjim, get back into position.

Yes, sir.

I'm dying of boredom, Bizon.

They've found him.

Damn it, I'll stop them!

Can you hear me? Say, "Connect with Dio."

Bradyon, you have entered the Seventh Codes coverage range.

Roger.

Should I back him up?

Co-Connect?

Connect! Connect with Dio!

Dio?

Dio is waiting.

Yes, connect with Dio!

Are you Dio?

What?

Dio, I'm Watase Aoba.

Hina said you were waiting for me.

Dio, what's wrong? You're almost out of range.

Hurry up and start the Proposing.

Just do as I say, Watase Aoba!

Understood.

He's going there as well?

Mihailov, open fire from there.

Yes, sir.

You hear me?

Say, "Connect with Dio."

Connect with Dio!

Accept!

Linkage has started.

First Proposing!

Did that do it?

What?

What's going on?

They've transformed?

Coupling...

Is a success.

They're at maximum compatibility.

Get ready.

What?

It's fast!

Our Coupling was a success.

Seriously?

It's amazing.

How can his compatibility with me be this high?

Did I activate it?

That's correct. You are currently sharing Dio's knowledge of how to operate the robot through Coupling.

Sharing?

You're now capable of piloting a Valiancer.

The enemy is closing in.

Enemy?

This...

What is this?

No time to daydream!

It moved!

Shit!

You!

Such power!

Bradyon's performance has nearly doubled.

Is Coupling really this effective?

More importantly, the one that couldn't even walk is putting up a good fight now.

Did the Coupling do this too?

No. He's not normal.

These numbers are off the charts.

You're a mere Valiancer.

Dammit!

I'm flying.

You wish!

I see it!