Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Fists for Algernon [COMPLETED]

[KitsuneRagnell]

Welcome to Super Robot Wars Compact 3.

What is this game?
Super Robot Wars Compact 3 (SRW C3) is a turn-based strategy RPG for the WonderSwan Color that came out only in Japan on July 17, 2003.

What series are in this game?
There are quite a few series that are in this game and some of them even feature their own plots that intertwine together in interesting ways. Other series’ plots have already happened and they’re just sticking around to help.

• Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam
• Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ
• Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack
• New Mobile Report Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz
• Aura Battler Dunbine
• Aura Battler Dunbine: Tales of Neo Byston Well
• Betterman
• The Vision of Escaflowne
• Mazinger Z
• Great Mazinger
• Getter Robo G
• Shin Getter Robo (Manga)
• Super Electromagnetic Robo Combattler V
• Combination Squadron Mechander Robo
• Haunting Legend Acrobunch

Of these, Betterman, Escaflowne, Mechander Robo, and Acrobunch make their SRW debuts in this game. Tales of Neo Byston Well isn’t in the cast list, but it’s still present. Despite making its plot debut here, it technically debuted in SRW 4.

This will be my fifth screenshot LP, having already done SRWs D, R, BX, and K. Posts will be accompanied by the raw, unedited video footage of my gameplay, for better or for worse, and a link to a version of the same chapter in the test poster, which is for archival purposes. Do not expect perfect gameplay or playing animations for every attack. Even though this game lacks any sort of voice acting, I will point out the voice actors for the characters who appear, should they have one.

Barring any direct questions in the LP thread, I’m not going to go too in-depth into the game mechanics. The primary focus for this LP is to deliver the story to an English reading audience.

This game has a system where you can do certain stages in any order you want, as well as a single route split decision. I’ll only be covering a specific order in regards to the stage choices, but I will cover both sides of the route split.

As always, any thoughts, feedback, or pointing out spelling errors I’ve missed is appreciated.
Special thanks to all the talented people I interact with on Discord for their support.

Additional special thanks to Mattman324 for helping me write the unit descriptions.

CHAPTER SELECT

SCENE 1: EARTH

Chapter 1 (1-1): Falling Sparks | 舞い堕ちる火種

Photon Power Lab Route Chapter 2 (1-2): Castle of Back Iron | 黒鉄の城
Photon Power Lab Route Chapter 3 (1-3): Tragedy of General Garuda | 大将軍ガルーダの悲劇

Science Fortress Lab Route Chapter 2 (1-2): Power of Justice, Fire On | 正義の力、ファイヤーオン
Science Fortress Lab Route Chapter 3 (1-3): Ballad of the Red Butterfly | 赤い蝶のバラード

Chapter 4 (1-4): A New War | 新たなる戦乱

SCENE 2: ANOTHER WORLD

Van Route Chapter 5 (2-1): The Guardian Awakens | 守護神目覚める
Van Route Chapter 6 (2-2): The Brilliant Swordsman | 華麗なる剣士
Van Route Chapter 7 (2-3): City of Schemes | 策謀の都
Van Route Chapter 8 (2-4): Tod’s Fierce Attack | トッド激進

Nie Route Chapter 5 (2-1): Aura Battlers | 聖戦士たち
Nie Route Chapter 6 (2-2): The House of Given | ギブンの館
Nie Route Chapter 7 (2-3): Battle at Chiron Castle | キロン城攻防
Nie Route Chapter 8 (2-4): Tod’s Fierce Attack | トッド激進

Chapter 9 (2-5): The Raiders of Elf Castle | エルフ城攻略戦

SCENE 3: A NEW POWER

Chapter 10 (3-1): Strike! Omega Missile | 叩け！オメガミサイル

Chapter 13 (3-2): Power of Justice, Fire On | 正義の力、ファイヤーオン (Photon Power Lab Route)
Chapter 11 (3-2): Castle of Black Iron | 黒鉄の城 (Science Fortress Lab Route)

Chapter 11 (3-3): Deathmatch! A Storm is Brewing in a Man’s Path | 死闘！嵐吹く男の道 (Photon Power Lab Route)
Chapter 12 (3-3): Tragedy of General Garuda | 大将軍ガルーダの悲劇 (Science Fortress Lab Route)

Chapter 12 (3-4): Preventer | プリベンター

Chapter 14 (3-5): Encounter | 遭遇

Post-Choice Cutscene

Chapter 15 (3-6): Call of the Behemoth | ベヘモットの呼び声

SCENE 4: 700 YEARS OF AMBITION

Chapter 16 (4-1): Revival | 復活

Chapter 17 (4-2): Close to Upper Earth | 地上に近き者

SCENE 5: GATHERING WILLS

Chapter 18 (5-1): The Queen of the Red Storm | 赤い嵐の女王

Chapter 19 (5-2): Goraon’s Take-Off | ゴラオンの発進

Chapter 20 (5-3): The Secret Door | 秘密の扉

Chapter 21 (5-4): Lost Paradise | 失われた楽園

Chapter 22 (5-5): Absolute Fortune Zone | 絶対幸運圏

SCENE 6: MADNESS OF POWER

Chapter 23 (6-1): Satellite Destruction Strategy | 静止衛星破壊作戦

Chapter 24 (6-2): The Doctor's Ambition | 博士の野望

Chapter 26 (6-3): Hyper Jeril | ハイパー・ジェリル

Chapter 25 (6-4): Paris in Flames | パリ炎上

Post-Choice Cutscene

Chapter 27 (6-5): Birth of Brahman | ブラフマン誕生

SCENE 7: THE FINAL BATTLE

Chapter 28 (7-1): The Manipulated | 操られし者

Chapter 29 (7-2): Algernon | アルジャーノン

Chapter 30 (7-3): The Final General | 大将軍の最後

Chapter 31 (7-4): Cross Fight | クロス・ファイト

Final Chapter (7-5): The End to Eternal Ambition… | 悠久な野望の果てに･･･

Epilogue

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Some starting notes. I’ll be introducing all characters like this: (Character name. Source. CV: Voice Actor’s name). Being on WonderSwan Color, this game doesn’t have any voice acting, but I’m still including it anyway to help you “hear” how they speak and to help make any voice actor jokes more obvious. The OG characters’ voice actors will be from SRW OG Gaiden. Things in brackets [] are stage directions. Things in parentheses () are either what I listed above, notes from me, your TL, or anything else. I had to lift all of the mugshots from my recordings, so they might not be perfect. Also, there aren’t any locations listed for the cutscenes like the other games.

Each chapter is given a number, like (2-4). The first number is the Scene (think “Act”), and the second is where it is on the list when you select a stage. This is relevant for some Scenes.


Welcome to Super Robot Wars Compact 3.

Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Commencement of a Distant Battle


Begin by choosing your protagonist’s name and the name of his mech. The defaults are Folka Alberk and Ialdabaoth respectively.


Universal Century 00XX.

It seemed that Earth had overcome its greatest crisis in history…

The hard fought battles on the ground…

Koji Kabuto of the Photon Power Lab, piloting his beloved Mazinger Z, settled his battle with Dr. Hell. Tetsuya Tsurugi of the Science Fortress Lab and his Great Mazinger put an end to his fight with the Mycenae…

Thanks to the nonstop efforts of Getter Robo, the Saotome Lab is about to defeat the Hyakki Empire once and for all. The war between the Nanbara Connection and the aliens from Planet Campbell is also nearing its conclusion…

And in space…

The Titans emerged from Zeon remnants and the Federation’s corruption. Glemy’s faction split off from Haman's Neo Zeon. Treize’s OZ became sick of all the fighting in space…

These organizations are now largely dormant, and their remaining soldiers flocked to the largest group, the Titans…

It seemed that Earth had overcome its greatest crisis in history…

…But the problems were just beginning…

The Earth Federation took the situation lightly and designated the Argama, a veteran of many battles, as a special guerrilla force, leaving the remaining fighting to Captain Bright and his team…

On the surface, all backup for the formerly cooperative Super Robots was suddenly cut off…

Six months have passed since this new status quo was established. The elimination of remnants from each organization was progressing extremely slowly. In the face of growing public criticism, the different factions within the Federation have simply continued to shift blame onto each other without coming up with any solutions…

And yet, a new war is about to unfold upon the Earth…

We begin with Scene 1, “Earth”.


[Intense shaking]
I figured. The wisdom of our ancestors only extended this far… I don’t believe their nonsense, but this day has come at a convenient time…
[More intense shaking]
However! This can’t be the end! My ideals won’t be shattered by something like this!!
[Even more intense shaking as the screen fades to white]


Captain Bright, the ZZ has landed.
(Kamille Bidan. Z Gundam. CV: Nobuo Tobita)
Good. Tell them to come up to the bridge.
(Bright Noa. Gundam CCA. CV: Hirotaka Suzuoki)
If we were going to end up relying on them, we shouldn’t have given them their freedom at the end of the war…
(Quattro Bajeena. Z Gundam. CV: Shuichi Ikeda)
Captain, they’re joining us of their own volition, right?
(Fa Yuiry. Z Gundam. CV: Miyuki Matsuoka)
It’s a failure on our part as soldiers to be unable to clear out the remaining hostile groups in six months. All I can do is apologize…
[Door opens]
It can’t be helped, Bright. It’s better that we do what we can for the time being.
(Judau Ashta. Gundam ZZ. CV: Kazuki Yao)
That’s true… Compared to a certain period of time, the Earth Sphere is more peaceful.
(Roux Louka. Gundam ZZ. CV: Naoko Matsui)
But that’s only temporary. The Titan remnants are still active… And that’s not to mention the enemies lurking on the planet.
Even though Dr. Hell is gone, there are still Mechanical Beasts, right?
(TL Note: Mechanical Beast = Kikaiju.)
That’s what Koji said.
It looks like he’s running around, taking them out one by one. Not very efficient if you ask me.
(Emma Sheen. Z Gundam. CV: Maya Okamoto)
What about the Getter and Battle Teams?
The Getter Team is dealing with the remaining Hyakki forces. The Battle Team is focused on searching for the Campbellian forward base.
Unlike before, everyone’s acting on their own.
Indeed. Now that the enemies have lost their chain of commands, their movements are more difficult to predict. We have no choice but to split up and hunt them down individually.
(I hope this doesn’t backfire…)
I hope everyone’s safe…
(Leina Ashta. Gundam ZZ. CV: Maya Okamoto)
Same here…
You look upset. Is something wrong? Are you that worried about them?
That’s part of it, but I just have a bad feeling about something…
A premonition?
Kinda. Haman and Glemy’s grudges still linger. It’s like they’re being drawn to something…
Judau…
Bro…
[Beeping]
Captain! We’re receiving an SOS from Jaburo!
What!?
Is it under attack?
Jaburo’s pretty large, right? Is there really any force left in the Earth Sphere that can attack it?
You’re right. I don’t think Neo Zeon or Hyakki remnants could do that.
Or perhaps it’s some sort of accident?
Open a line with Jaburo immediately and confirm the situation!
It’s no use! I can’t get through to Jaburo! Huh!? The SOS stopped.
!
Oh no!
Is it really an enemy attack!?
Captain, we need to head to Jaburo immediately.
Yeah! All hands, level one battle stations! This ship is now rushing to Jaburo!


Where am I… Is this his doing too? Dammit!
(Folka Alberk. OG. CV: Yasunori Matsumoto)
[Beeping]
This response… Are they being sent here too!? Why are they coming here of all places? I should check it out…


Chapter 1 (1-1): Falling Sparks


Hmph. All bark and no bite…
(Alion Lucada. OG. CV: Shigeru Shibuya)
Lord Alion, are these the strongest warriors they’ve got?
(Shura Soldier)
Maybe. I thought they’d be a good warm-up, but I’m only disappointed.
What should we do with this facility?
We’ll set it ablaze. Let’s burn it down as spectacularly as possible. That way, prey will gather… Prey to sate our hunger.
Sir!


Situation report!
There are multiple heat sources within the facility! They’re not Mobile Suits!
What!? What are they?
Unknown!


!!
Hahaha. You guys are lucky. You have seen Lord Alion of the Shura Army in person.
Shura Army!?
That’s what I said. Whether our relationship lasts or not is up to you, but it wouldn’t hurt to remember that name.
(Shura Army… I’ve never heard of them before.)
More importantly, are you warriors? Have you come to save the people of this facility?
Why do you ask?
We’re trying to see if you’re going to fight us. I mean…


…Even if you don’t intend to, it doesn’t matter. I’ll crush you just like I did with this place.
So you’re the ones who attacked Jaburo.
Of course it was them!
Dammit! All units, deploy! Don’t let them get away with this!


Hehehe… Very good. It’s more fun to defeat those who fight back than those who run away.

First off, let’s go over our starting units. Shoutouts to Mattman324 for writing these unit descriptions, since he has far more insight into the gameplay mechanics of this game than me.


[MSV-006 Zeta Gundam (and Waverider)]
Whether you're peeking into this thread and it's your first time experiencing SRW or you're here from the modern games, getting Zeta Gundam in the first batch of units must seem rather strange. Most games slow their roll to have this major MC unit show up a fair bit later! Well, sadly, this game is balanced like an old SRW, by which I mean Zeta stinks. Oh, don't get it twisted, this is one of the first games with the Waverider Crash as a move and it only requires a Level 4 Newtype - but the rest of its moves are not particularly impressive for their cost and range, and getting a Newtype that strong takes a lot of effort. Sadly, certain balance choices in this game make this unit far worse than you may expect, too... Kamille's nothing overly special either.

Unfortunately, while in a lot of older SRWs you could occasionally get away with using Zeta purely as a Waverider in the early game - the Hyper Mega Launcher being usable in both forms - the problem is that the HML in this game is bizarrely underpowered given attacks we'll see later. Also -15 accuracy hurts badly. For reference, in this game, by the endgame you probably aren't going to see an NT level above 7, and that's endgame stuff, don't expect to get to even 4 for a while. Because of this, UC mechs having bad accuracy is a lot heavier of an issue than usual.


[MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki]
The Hyaku Shiki has only ever really been good twice in SRW, those two times being GC and Z, and it's bounced between mediocre and bad in the rest of its appearances, but C3's version is particularly pathetic. It might even be worse than OE's, which says a lot, because OE's is the worst unit in that game! Don't let the stats looking eerily similar to Zeta's fool you into thinking it's MC fodder, the -10 accuracy on its best three attacks hurts, the 4 ammo on the Clay Bazooka hurts, the 40 EN for the Mega Bazooka Launcher hurts, and the 100 EN out of a base 120 for the MAP version of that is indescribable pain. And the worst part is they're all range, which... ok, so, to summarize for all future units - the most common faction in the game will fill its entire ranks out with units that take a giant chunk of damage away from all incoming range moves, and one of the other common ones will have every single enemy from mook to major boss have an ability that lets them dodge half of all range moves. If you are a range unit in C3 and you are not so hideously broken that you can afford to get away with it, you are at a massive disadvantage. And this hurts the Hyaku Shiki badly.

Lt. Quattro is a stand up gentleman, but much like Kamille, I can't really say he's much worth using because of this, sadly.


[MSZ-010 ZZ Gundam (and G-Fortress)]
Having a 5 P range is nice, and the Hyper Beam Saber is actually a decent move, but it is eternally held back by being otherwise entirely too similar to the Hyaku Shiki. At least the Hi Mega Cannon isn't purely MAP in this game, but 100 EN out of 160 is super rough on the MAP (and 40 for the non-MAP version, which is 1-3 and isn't post-move, because why have nice things). But the thing that eternally screws this unit over is that the Hyper Beam Saber is the only reason you'd really want to use ZZ that much, and it's a 1 range attack on a 5 movement unit that can't fly. You're not going to get a good chance to use the thing too often. And while you might think the ability to transform might redeem it… The problem is that G-Fortress mode has absolutely no offensive abilities whatsoever, which means that any turn you use it to rush into battle, you run the heavy risk of it actually getting involved in that fight. And that simply is no good.

By the way, if you did want to use this, do keep in mind that that Hyper Beam Saber is going to suck no matter what because every single UC pilot has bad Melee! Judau is actually worse than Leina in that regard. He DOES get a relatively early Luck, so that's nice, but...


[RX-178+FXA-05D Super Gundam]
Trash. Utter trash. The B land is the cherry on top. Don't let this thing having more mobility than Zeta fool you into thinking it's good, you will spend so many turns either unable to attack the enemy with its dogwater ranges or unable to meaningfully damage them. The Long Rifle is a decent attack and if you're using this at all, use it to poke things so other, better units and their pilots can kill them for their PP. If this thing had two pilots or could transform it might be semi-useful, but alas.

Emma stinks in this game and might be the worst* pilot in the game in spite of starting with a level in Basically Gunfight. Replace her with Roux or Leina if you really must use this unit. (brief rundown - Roux is the worst of the UC people you get this time for combat outside of Emma, Fa, and Leina, but she's at least sort of passable, and Leina is a joke character in all the Compacts but at least theoretically eventually can be good, use her for memes if you must). (*: certain very specific morons aside.)
(TL Note: I’m going to use Leina because this is the only game you can.)


[MSA-005 Methuss]
I'm going to lump this and the MA mode together, so here - Methuss is the best UC mech you start with purely because, as a repair unit, it has an actual use for now. It can get UC pilots levels, it can heal the actually useful units, it can use the levels you get in those pilots to cast spirits that help those units survive longer. Fa is great for this, because she's almost entirely support, to the point where she doesn't even start with Newtype! As for its ability in combat, well, the Methuss has literally never had that. It's the same as in every SRW - it has a pair of beam guns that deal no damage, a beam saber that deals no damage, and then the designers go home and forget the grenade launcher and the giant pillar it smashed the Zssa into a garbage pile with.


[Argama]
It stinks badly. C3 is one of the last few games where every battleship was useless garbage you had to lug around, or at least garbage that took too many resources to make good to be worth it. Bright, however, comes with Accel and early Strike (and gets Gain pretty early), which is nice as you'll be stuck with this thing as a millstone for a while and with high Commander levels it can at least occasionally chip in in fights.

BGMs in this game are decided by the pilots. Zeta Gundam pilots use Mobile Suit Battle. ZZ pilots use Judau in Space. CCA pilots (Bright in this case) use Segment III - SALLY. There’s no way to change pilot BGMs in this game.

One thing about this game that’s interesting is that there are no space maps. In fact, none of the units in this game have space terrain ranks.


Our first objective of the game is, as you’d expect, to defeat all enemies. Transform the Gundams and start moving westward, keeping to the river. We’ll want to rendezvous with a new ally there soon.


I forgot to take a proper screenshot of him, but our first boss is Alion in the Agares. It’s a close-ranged fighter, so use the Mobile Suits’ superior range and blast him from a distance.

The plot continues at the start of turn 3.


These guys are stronger than the guys in the base! Should we retreat?
Oh? If you want to retreat, you must first make a choice. Will you be killed by me, or die fighting the enemy? It’s your decision.
Ugh… I’ll die fighting the enemy!
Captain! An unidentified mech is rapidly approaching from 10 o’clock!!
What? Enemy reinforcements?


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Crimson Shura God
I should have realized it was you guys based on how my mech is reacting.
What’s that!?
It looks kinda like Alion’s machine…
So it’s their friend?
No… Wait. Something’s wrong.
Are you still planning to keep fighting like this? Consider the situation. Don’t you think there’s something strange about this world?
Folka, eh? Fighting is everything to us. No matter where we are, we fight! Well, you might not understand since you’ve lost your spine.
I’m just not interested in it anymore.
If you take fighting away from us, what’s left? You’re no exception, stupid as you are.
I’ve already realized that there’s something I must do. Where is he? Where is the Shura King?
Hahaha. What a strange thing to ask. You’re lucky you found me first. I’ll never let you meet the Shura King alive! I’ll defeat you and gain your power!
Heh… Go ahead and try.
Hmph. A spineless coward is no match for me!!
Hey, I don’t know who you are or where you’re from, but could you please not ignore us?
If you don’t want to die, get out of here.
Hey!
That’s our line! You should be the one running away!
I have business with these guys. If you’re not going to get in the way, then leave.
You’re the ones who attacked us out of nowhere first!
If you’re going to attack Jaburo too, we’ll take you on!
…Do as you please.

Now we have the main character.


[Ialdabaoth]
Yes, this Super Robot you get on stage 1 has about twice the HP and more Armor than all the Reals, of course. And yes, it has more mobility than all of them. And better attacks, too! Kishinken is a nice spam move, Kishin Soujuugeki is a perfectly cromulent counter move for opponents at range (and while 1-5 may not be perfect as your longest range option, it's still usable), Kishin Mougekiken is your main offensive spam move - it easily two shots every mook on this stage and 3 shots every boss, for instance - and Goha Kishinken is what you use to slap bosses around if you absolutely need to - and that +50 Accuracy is absolutely juicy. And it has three part slots for some reason! Literally the only real weakness of Ialdabaoth is that it can't fly and Kishin Mougekiken is B Air (and it's basically all Bs underwater but water is the sort of thing you have to force yourself to need to use in C3), but with three parts you can make up for this.

...Also yes, it can't fly, but Valefor, its brother unit which is supposed to be identical in all but coloration, can. No one knows why.

Anyway, it is really funny that on top of Ialdabaoth being an amazing unit, Folka is also a top tier pilot. Fighting Spirit gets him morale quickly, which is great, because for some ridiculous reason they gave FOLKA an ability that casts Luck every turn when he hits 130 Will. He also comes with a level of Counter and Basically Infight, and while those are nice, be aware again that level up abilities in Compact 3 were not really designed around the levels you actually reach in a playthrough of Compact 3.

Yes, there is a reason that most people say that Ialdabaoth is the best unit in C3. It's not, but it's entirely feasible to solo the entire game after about two or three stages of buildup by just putting all of your resources into this unit and letting it have a go, and at that point power isn't really relevant. No matter what endgame team you are using, whether it be a full team of 14 units or a reduced one to try to salvage what EXP you can get, one of those units should always be Ialdabaoth.

Another scene happens at the start of the enemy’s third turn.


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - One Who Walks the Path of Strong-Fisted Supremacy
I found you, Folka! How dare you!!
(Fernando Alberk. OG. CV: Wataru Takagi)
More of them? Who is it now!?
They just don’t stop coming!
Fernando? Stop fighting already!
You’re still saying that!? And after you humiliated me…
You’re wrong! Listen to me! I…
And now you’re trying to make excuses!? You’re rotten to the core! Repent in the afterlife!


Enter Fernando in his Valefor. Think of him like a hostile Ialdabaoth that can fly. Deal with the guys south of the river first before shifting your attention to the north.

This is where I’d put the first battle and boss dialogues… If there were any! This game has very few battle dialogues between characters. However, Alion and Fernando do have things to say when they’re shot down.


I can’t believe they defeated me! Did I underestimate them? At least I’ll no longer be bored.
Are you still going to keep fighting?
I told you, fighting is everything to me! I look forward to our next brawl! HAHAHAHA!
[Alion retreats]
Are we just going to let him get away!?
Right now, our goal is to retake Jaburo. Don’t chase him.
He’s right, Judau! Don’t get ahead of yourself.
I know that!


Damn you!!
Wait! Listen to me, Fernando!
Shut up! I told you I’ll get you back for all the humiliation you caused me!
Just listen to me!
I’m retreating for now… But don’t die until I kill you myself!
[Fernando retreats]
Fernando… I…

The map ends when all enemies are defeated.


We finally repelled them…
But why were they here?
I think we should ask that guy.
Indeed… This is Captain Bright Noa, Captain of the Argama, part of the EFF. Who are you?
…It’s best if you don’t get involved with me.
We have to. Jaburo has been destroyed and we’ve suffered great losses. Someone needs to explain what happened.
I don’t care.
You’re related to those Shura guys, right?
…
We’ll use force to arrest you and find out what happened.
You want to fight me?
I’d like to avoid that if possible, but…
(You’re not looking to fight for no reason… You’re not like them.)
Very well. I’ll tell you what I know.
First, can you tell me your name and affiliation?
I’m Folka. I don’t belong to anyone.
Are you fighting the Shura Army all by yourself?
Yes.
What does the Shura Army want?
To fight. They love fighting. They believe winning is everything.
What? So they didn’t attack Jaburo for a tactical purpose? Just to fight?
Exactly. That’s what they live for. Are we done here?
Wait. There’s still something I don’t know. Where are you guys from?
…This is our problem. I won’t drag anyone else into it.
“Our problem”? Are you a Shura too?
Yes, I’m a Shura. But I’m different from them.
Come on, you can tell us more.
I cannot.
We’re getting nowhere.
Hmm… Folka, could you please board the Argama?
…
We can’t let you off the hook right now, since we know nothing about the Shura Army. Besides, you need information too, right?
…Fine.


When the stage is over, you can give your pilots bonus Pilot Points, or PP. I’ll go over PP in a future update. You should always dump as many PP as possible into the pilots you’re planning on using for the long term, like Folka. I think you get one bonus PP per enemy shot down.


We can talk at our leisure here.
I have nothing to do with what they did. I feel sorry for the dead, but that doesn’t mean I have anything to tell you.
Why don’t you want to talk?
I can take care of the Shura Army by myself, so you don’t need to know about them.
Do you really intend to fight an entire army by yourself?
And where does the Shura Army come from, anyway?
If you don’t know about them, I guess this isn’t the Shura Realm after all.
Shura Realm? What are you talking about? This is South America.
South America? What’s that?
What do you mean? It’s the southern American continent.
America? You have multiple continents?
Huh?
Let’s back up a sec. What’s the Shura Realm? Where is it?
I don’t know.
You don’t know? Then how did you get here?
During a battle with the Shura Army, everything went white and I was hit by something. The next thing I knew, I was here.
You expect us to believe that?
It doesn’t matter if you believe it or not. I still don’t know myself.
So you were transported here from the Shura Realm?
That seems to be the case.
How many Shuras are out there?
I don’t know how many, but if they’re Shura, they’ll be fighting.
Oh no… So you’re saying they’re attacking other places?
Lieutenant Emma, please check that immediately.
Roger.
I think it’s time I left.
Wait. I have one more question.
I don’t care. As long as the Shura are here, I’ll fight them. I’ve already told you all that I can. We’re good, right? I have nothing more to say.
You don’t know anything about this world, do you? How are you going to find the Shura Army?
…
We’re working to quell conflicts throughout this world. We need a way to contact you if we run into the Shura.
So you want me to join you in exchange for information?
Yes. We’d like as much detail about the Shura Army as possible.
Yeah, we have the same goal, so we should get along.
…
We need to know more about the Shura and you need to know more about this world. Will you accept?
…Fine.


Wait! Fernando!
I’m not in a good mood right now. If you don’t want to die, leave me alone.
Just listen. You’re chasing that coward, right?
Are you trying to piss me off?
You’ll only fight worse if you keep getting worked up like that.
…What do you want?
It seems Folka got captured by that Argama unit from earlier.
Hmph. That’s impossible. Even though he’s a coward, I can’t imagine he’d back down against a group like that.
He wasn’t taken prisoner. He boarded the ship of his own accord.
What? I see what’s happening now. He probably thought he couldn’t defeat the Shura by himself, so he’s trying to take control of this Argama.
Hmm… Maybe that’s the case.
(Damn him! Has he really gone soft!?)
Hey, Fernando. Even though we have different jobs, we’ve known each other for a while, yes?
…
It’d be one thing if Folka were by himself, but it’s going to be pretty tough to deal with all those guys by your lonesome.
Get to the point.
You can have Folka. I just want to fight the Argama.
Fine. I’ll go along with your plans.
Great. Just leave the planning to me. I’ve already found out where some of our comrades are. This is going to be fun.
Damned Folka…


Well, it does look pretty cool.
It really is a robot from another world.
I don’t see many weapons on it.
Don’t get close to the Ialdabaoth!
Don’t scare me like that. We’re just looking.
The last thing I need is for it to be harder to control after absorbing your powers.
It can do what!?
Are you really piloting such a dangerous robot?
Dangerous? Why call it that? Isn’t it natural to give oneself to a Shura God in order to control it?
The Shura God Ialdabaoth… That’s cool as hell.
So in your world, you have to give your own power to your robots?
Isn’t that the case here?
It depends on the machine. For example, Mobile Suits are powered by thermonuclear reactors.
Thermowhatnow? I don’t really get it… So you’re using some other power source instead of your own bodies?
I don’t really understand what you’re talking about. Is it like ki?
Ki? I don’t really know what ki is, but the Shura Gods convert the pilot’s life force into power in order to move.
Life force… So the longer you pilot it, the shorter your lifespan becomes?
Is that a problem?
Having your life taken away by a machine…
Riding a Shura God means you’ll die in battle at any time. Conversely, it’s not a big deal if you have a shorter lifespan as long as you survive.
Not a big deal?
I disagree with the concept, but I guess it makes sense.
Judau…
Woman, can I ask you something?
Me? I might be able to answer…
Why are you on this ship? This ship is meant for combat, right? Why are there non-combatants on board?
Leina is my sister. It may sound dangerous, but this is the safest place for her.
Is this world so dangerous that the safest place is aboard a battleship?
Well, not everywhere is like that…
I know I’m not useful in battle, but I’m doing my best for my brother and everyone.
Folka, I want the world to be a place where she can live happily. Not just her, but everyone else too. I’m fighting because I think I can help bring about that kind of world.
…
Judau cares about his sister. If she’s on board, he’ll fight harder.
Hearing you say that bothers me.
Oh, really?
For your sister’s sake, huh… Okay. I’ll fight alongside you as long as I’m on this ship.
Are you serious, Folka?
Tell your Captain that.
I wonder… It seems like he’s not really paying attention to us.
He must have something on his mind.
Folka…


The Federation is too unorganized right now to get any solid intel.
It makes sense that they’re scrambling like this since Jaburo was destroyed.
I’m concerned about the Titans.
Even if they’re active now, we can only fight them one group at a time.
Even if Jaburo were functioning, they only care about protecting themselves. They’re not thinking about others.
Captain, for now, I’ll keep in regular contact with any research labs that’ll still cooperate with us.
Please do. We really should go back to searching for the Titans…
I’m worried about the Shura Army.
Them too… Maybe instead of searching for ghosts, we should focus on the Shura, however many of them there are.
Lieutenant Emma, have there been any Shura sightings?
None at the moment.
Then let’s bolster our forces.
Captain, I believe the Photon Power and Science Fortress Labs will be willing to help us.
I agree.
Wouldn’t it be better for them to split up to gather information on the Shura?
The Shura are looking for people to fight. Don’t you think they’d gravitate towards Super Robots?
I see. Even if they split up to gather information, that would only mean the damage would become more widespread.
I’ll start contacting the labs.
Please do. We’ll head out to rendezvous with one of them.
By the way, about Folka…
You mean his change of heart? It is a bit concerning…
I doubt he’s a spy, but it’s best to be careful.
You’re right.

[BolticThunder]

I'll be honest, I was not expecting this game to be the next one you'd play until I saw it at the end of K. The whole Compact series is an odd duck, Compact 1 didn't have OG's, Compact 2 was split into 3 games, later re-released as Impact, and this one has a lineup of obscure series, with only Escaflowne and Betterman showing up later in X-Omega and DD, respectively. Can't wait to see more. Also, Ialdabaoth in the OG games is awesome.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, Jaburo was destroyed, and the Argama encountered the Shura Army and the man chasing them, Folka.


This is the intermission screen. Going from top to bottom and left to right, the options are “Unit Ability”, “Modification”, “Save”, “Pilot Ability”, “Pilot Training”, “Load”, “Transfer”, “Power Parts”, and “Next Map”.

You can spend a pilot’s PP under “Pilot Training”, but I’ll go over that once we get enough PP to actually use. You can spend money under “Modification” to upgrade a mech’s stats. You can equip parts to your mechs in “Power Parts”. “Transfer” lets you swap pilots around to mechs from the same series, such as all Universal Century Gundam pilots to other UC mechs. The same can be said for all Mazinger and Great Mazinger characters, Dunbine characters, Betterman characters, and Gundam Wing characters once we get them.

We do have two UC Gundam pilots, Roux and Leina, who were unused in the previous stage that can be put in Mobile Suits if you want to use them. I put Leina in the Super Gundam and Roux in the Methuss, if nothing else because I want to and because this is the only game where you can use Leina for more than half a stage.


This is the stage select screen. Some Scenes let you choose the order that you do some of the stages in. Here, we’re given a choice between going to the Photon Power Lab or the Science Fortress Lab. These choices are mutually exclusive and change the flow of the early game. For the purpose of this LP’s main story, I’m going with the Photon Power Lab, but I’ll cover the Science Fortress Lab route as well.

SECRET ALERT
Getter Decision
If you want Getter G now, go to the Science Fortress Lab.
If you want Shin Getter later, go to the Photon Power Lab.

You can only have one Getter and one potential other character in the game, and which one you get depends on your initial choice here.

When you choose a stage, you get a small preview of the map as well as a basic description of what you’re running into.


The battle with Dr. Hell may be over, but Mazinger Z continues to battle Mechanical Beasts. Will you head to the Photon Power Lab?


Photon Power Route Chapter 2 (1-2): Castle of Black Iron


Haa… Haa… Did we manage to escape?
(Sayaka Yumi. Mazinger Z. CV: Tomoko Matsushima)
We made it this far, so we must be in the clear!
(Boss. Mazinger Z. CV: Hiroshi Otake)
Geez, how are there so many Mechanical Beasts left?
Don’t ask me! Koji’s not here, so we have to do this ourselves.
For the love of… Why is Koji taking school so seriously now!?


Ahh! They caught up with us!
W-what are we going to do?
I don’t know…
If we retreat into the Photon Power Lab, Dad will be in danger.
We’ll just have to tough it out!
Sorry to keep you waiting! MAZIN GO!! PILDER ON!
(Koji Kabuto. Mazinger Z. CV: Hiroya Ishimaru)


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Theme of Z
Good. Made it just in time.
Koji! You’re late!!
Sorry, sorry. Traffic was killer between school and the lab. I’ll make up for my lateness! Come at me, Mechanical Beasts!

We’ve got the Mazin crew now.


[Mazinger Z]
Mazinger Z in old SRW was, generally, a powerful early-game unit that fell off badly late game due to lack of upgrades besides the Jet Scrander and the fact that it had B Space. But Compact 3 doesn't have Space, and so few units are good that Z can hang with the best of the best. The Rocket Punch being 1-5 P and fully free and +15 Accuracy (Compare to ZZ's Beam Rifle which was 50 power weaker, +0 Accuracy, had an ammo cost, and was Range) helps a lot here. You will be spamming a lot of Scrander Cutter, Iron Cutter, and Breast Fire for most of a stage, but when Koji finally hits 120 Will, take note that while Daisharin Rocket Punch's Accuracy stinks badly, 2-5 P and only 50 EN is actually a really good finisher as a workhorse move. And hey, 3 parts!

Koji's not bad either, but the biggest, most important thing he brings to the table is Guts. If Koji is going to die, instead he will be put at 10 HP. Obviously this doesn't work over and over again, but it gives Koji a lot more life than you'd expect. And since Great Mazinger is a slightly worse unit (we'll get to that), Mazinger Z can hang pretty much forever with your group.


[Aphrodite A]
No, not Diana A, screw you lmao. If Sayaka levels up one time, she surpasses her unit's Limit in Evasion, which really says as much as needs to be said. You use this because you want to repair people and the Methuss doesn't do it enough. Sayaka doesn't even have her usual massive SP pool!


[Boss Borot]
Has more Limit than Aphrodite A. Boss Borot keeps his old-school stylings where he stunk, but his finisher could theoretically hit really, really hard. You'd hope having 4 part slots might help, because V-Ups still exist, but... sadly, V-Ups are rather scarce in Compact 3. Boss himself gives Borot more use than you might hope, though. He can't hit for shit, but he has Essentially Infight, Guts, the very rare and valuable Counterattack (automatically crits on counterattacks at 120 Will, which means 1.5x damage!), and an interesting ability called Pride that can theoretically help you get Will, except that Boss's ability to hit things and dodge things stinks. Really, on its face, it looks like Borot only can help you with Resupply.

However, ignore all of that. One day in the future, Boss Borot is going to very briefly be the most important unit in Compact 3.


Have Boss and Sayaka move south onto the Photon Power Lab. Its excellent terrain not only grants increased defense and evasion, but also provides HP and EN regeneration at the start of every turn. Flying units do get the regeneration, but not the defense bonuses. Make sure you land Mazinger.

The Mechanical Beasts are so easy to defeat that even Boss Borot can do some serious damage.

An event happens at the start of the third enemy phase.


…
(AI)
Oh come on! There’s still more of them!?
There’s no point in complaining. Just do your best!
Even so, don’t you think there are too many of them?
We beat Dr. Hell, so how are there so many left?
Who cares?

And another scene at the start of the fourth player phase.


Koji, if this keeps up, we’ll be defeated!
Someone do something!
You idiots! We’ve gotten through worse than this!
Even so…


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Wild Dance of the Machine God
(TL Note: Banger alert. This is my favorite song in the game, and I love it far more than the OGG version. It usually plays whenever the Argama joins the fray.)
Are you okay, Mazinger Team!?
Finally!!
Thanks! Now that the Argama is here, we have the strength of a hundred men!
Come on, you’re doing great, Koji!
You’re the same as ever. All units, deploy!


Deploy the troops.

It’s been a while, Koji.
Kamille!
Now that we’re here, you can rest easy!
Are people always fighting, no, killing each other in this world?
(This place is no different from the Shura Realm.)
Killing each other? Oh, no. Those Mechanical Beasts aren’t manned.
Not manned? How are they moving?
They’re controlled by an artificial intelligence.
Basically, those robots think and move by themselves.
They move…on their own?
Well, at least according to what was programmed into them.
What’s with this world? What do you gain by letting machines fight for you?
You don’t know about Mechanical Beasts? Are you the rumored rookie?
We’ll talk about that later.
Koji, focus on the battle in front of us!
Leave it to me. Let’s mop them up!


With the Argama Team here, it’s easy enough to rush straight into the enemy and shoot them down. With the Methuss and Aphrodite’s healing, you shouldn’t be in any danger. There is the Ghoul to the west, which is technically a battleship, but it’s controlled by an AI so it’s extremely weak.

The map ends when all enemies have been shot down.


Phew! It’s finally over!
That was a close one.
Seriously. If the Argama didn’t show up, we’d be toast.
By the way, who’s the new guy?
That’s Folka. He’s fighting the Shura Army, so he’s been assigned to us in order to help us defeat them.
…
What’s the Shura Army?
Oh, you mean that new enemy we were told about earlier?
The same.
They’re from another world, but that’s all we know about them.
Another world? It looks like another annoying enemy has appeared.
Indeed. I’d like to ask for your help in defeating the Shura Army.
All right. I’d love to help.
I’m curious. Is this a military base?
Technically. Why do you ask?
Well… I’m surprised these warriors agreed to help so easily. And, more importantly, I sense no murderous intent. There’s no tension coming from them at all.
This ship is special.
Captain, we got a transmission from the Battle Team.
Hyoma’s squad? What does it say?
It has coordinates of Combattler V’s current location.
Last I heard, they were chasing the Campbellians.
Are they reporting that they found their base? Captain, we should head there too.
Okay. Let’s head to the Battle Team’s coordinates!

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, Jaburo was destroyed, and the Argama encountered the Shura Army and the man chasing them, Folka.


This is the intermission screen. Going from top to bottom and left to right, the options are “Unit Ability”, “Modification”, “Save”, “Pilot Ability”, “Pilot Training”, “Load”, “Transfer”, “Power Parts”, and “Next Map”.

You can spend a pilot’s PP under “Pilot Training”, but I’ll go over that once we get enough PP to actually use. You can spend money under “Modification” to upgrade a mech’s stats. You can equip parts to your mechs in “Power Parts”. “Transfer” lets you swap pilots around to mechs from the same series, such as all Universal Century Gundam pilots to other UC mechs. The same can be said for all Mazinger and Great Mazinger characters, Dunbine characters, Betterman characters, and Gundam Wing characters once we get them.

We do have two UC Gundam pilots, Roux and Leina, who were unused in the previous stage that can be put in Mobile Suits if you want to use them.I put Leina in the Super Gundam and Roux in the Methuss, if nothing else because I can.


This is the stage select screen. This game is divided into “Scenes” which are basically Acts. I will be using these terms interchangeably. Some Scenes let you choose the order that you do some of the stages in. Here, we’re given a choice between going to the Photon Power Lab or the Science Fortress Lab. These choices are mutually exclusive and change the flow of the game. For the purpose of this LP, I’m going with the Photon Power Lab, but I’ll cover the Science Fortress route in another update.

SECRET ALERT
Getter Decision
If you want Getter G now, go to the Science Fortress Lab.
If you want Shin Getter later, go to the Photon Power Lab.

You can only have one Getter in the game, and which one you get depends on your initial choice here.

On this “non-canon route”, the Argama is heading towards the Science Fortress Lab.


Great Mazinger fights against the Combat Beasts after defeating their commanders, including the Great General of Darkness. Will you head to the Science Fortress Lab?


Science Fortress Route Chapter 2 (1-2): Power of Justice, Fire On


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - The Hero is Mazinger
Tetsuya, why did you suddenly deploy?
(Jun Honoo. Great Mazinger. CV: Yumi Nakatani)
I got a call from the Lab. After I defeated the Great General of Darkness, dormant Combat Beasts have begun to move. It seems they’re on their way here.
(Tetsuya Tsurugi. Great Mazinger. CV: Keiichi Noda)
You’re kidding! What are you going to do?
I’m going to fight back with Great!
Don’t be ridiculous! The Combat Beasts are going to attack all at once, right?
No matter what they’re doing, this is my job!
Let’s get the EFF and the other labs to come help.
Reinforcements are already on their way.
Then we just have to hold out until help arrives.
I’ll defeat them before they get here!


They’re here!
How are they here already!? Venus A, go! Queen Star In!


I’ll send them all to Hell!
Hey! There are too many of them!
I’ll be fine with this many. Besides, this number of Combat Beasts prove that they’re attacking with everything they’ve got. Once we win, they won’t have any left.
Yeah. Let’s do our best!
Let’s go!

First up, the two new units.


[Great Mazinger]
Great Mazinger is balanced to be essentially a slightly better Mazinger Z - slightly more stats in every way, and slightly more power on its weapons. This would generally make it better, which is bad when getting one over the other early is meant to be a choice, so it's balanced out in the weapons, and this is unfortunately the single thing that buries the utility of this unit. While all of its moves are 50 stronger than their Z equivalent, 100 in the case of Breast Burn, this always accompanies two out of three of a noticeable loss of accuracy, a noticeable loss of range, or an upcharge in attack price. Great does not have Z's utilitarian Scrander Cutter and cannot hit Range 5 with its normal moves, and I am honestly unsure why Atomic Punch even exists on it compared to Z's great Rocket Punch. Breast Burn being 40 EN instead of 30 also really sucks. But the thing that truly differentiates the two are the finishers. While low accuracy, Daisharin Rocket Punch backed by Strike is a workhorse move, and on some enemies you don't even need the Strike, Great's Thunder Break is weaker, more expensive, and 1-2 non-P. It's basically useless. And the main thing Great Booster will do for you is expend itself on a counterattack or Support Attack before the thing you want to hit it with, although at least unlike Compact Color, you can stop it from doing the latter.

It doesn't help that Tetsuya is worse than Koji. He does have Fighting Spirit, which is nice enough, but not as good as Guts, and while Support Attack and Potential are alright, Potential is a lot better if you have Guts if you understand my meaning. Also, for reasons that I cannot fathom because they do not make sense to me, Koji has the ability to use Great Mazinger's Sword to parry attacks, but Tetsuya DOES NOT. What the absolute hell, devs.

(I should mention, Double Burning Fire is in this game as one of the three combo attacks - yes, SRWs having nearly no combo attacks is not a new experience! - but it costs 70 EN and is actually weaker than Great Booster. It's the only reason you'd ever consider using Great even with the low amount of units in this game, and it's purely to make Z better. And if you're wondering "but what if I do this route instead of the other one," uh, well, we'll get to that soon, but don't!)


[Venus A]
Very much just strictly better than Aphrodite A in basically every regard, although I guess its version of Photon Power Beam being 2-4 P (Mazinger's is only 1-2!) over Breast Missile's 1-5 occasionally hurts? Counterpoint, though, you shouldn't be doing much attacking with Venus A. It's a repair unit through and through, and Photon Power Beam being melee is important not just in that it's melee, but in that every single Mazinger pilot including the girls are Melee focused. Sayaka's slightly worse than Jun, I guess, but neither of them is particularly good to begin with. Use her and Sayaka in Mazinger and Great if you're doing a Girls Only run I guess.

Quick note, though, this unit can Fly but it has B Air. Do not keep it in the sky. It won't hurt the movement in this game, but the minute you get into combat you will absolutely feel that, as even its shockingly good base armor for this game won't help you that much.


Land both Great and Venus and camp on top of the Science Fortress Lab. Much like the Photon Power Lab in the previous stage, it gives some excellent defensive bonuses and HP/EN regeneration every turn. Blast the Combat Beasts as they get close. Focus on thinning their numbers.

Enemy reinforcements spawn at the start of the enemy’s second turn.


…
There’s still more of them!?
Don’t be discouraged! If you lose your fighting spirit, you’ll snatch defeat from the jaws of victory!
Got it, Tetsuya.
Besides, if I were to lose here, I wouldn’t be able to face Koji.
Yeah. We can’t let that happen here!
Exactly! No matter how many of them there are, they can’t beat Great!!

At the start of turn 3…


How are you holding up, Jun?
I’m fine, but this is getting pretty tough.
Venus is reaching its limit. Jun, retreat into the lab for now.
There’s no way I can do that! Are you really planning on fighting them all alone!?
Great and I will be fine!
Like hell you will!


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Wild Dance of the Machine God
(TL Note: Banger alert. This is my favorite song in the game, and I love it far more than the OGG version. It usually plays whenever the Argama joins the fray.)
Tsurugi, are you okay!?
Captain Bright! That was fast.
This isn’t the time to be stubborn! Captain Bright, please help us out.
Roger! All units, deploy!


Deploy the troops!

There are so many Combat Beasts left…
We didn’t expect there to be this many either.
It’s amazing that you’re still standing.
Fighting is all I can do.
You’re the same as always, Tetsuya.
Well, we have a newbie who’s very similar.
…
So you’re Folka, huh? I hear you’re from another world.
That’s correct.
Why did you come to this world?
Do I need to answer?
Excuse me?
I didn’t come to this world of my own free will.
Hmm… Is that really the case?
What do you mean?
Hey, Tetsuya! This isn’t the time for that!
Tch… You’re right.
I’m sorry. We’re exhausted from fighting these Combat Beasts.
Are people always fighting, no, killing each other in this world?
Killing each other? Oh, no. Those Combat Beasts aren’t manned.
Not manned? How are they moving?
They’re controlled by an artificial intelligence.
Basically, those robots think and move by themselves.
They move…on their own?
Well, at least according to what was programmed into them. We’ll talk more about this later. Let’s focus on the battle.
Yep. Let’s just get this over with quickly!
What’s with this world? Do people have machines that fight for them?


Now that the Argama is here, have them move south, wiping out all the Combat Beasts along the way. This guy here, the Demonica, is the closest thing this stage has to a boss, but it’s still quite easy.

The map ends when all enemies have been destroyed.


Done and done!
Somehow, we managed to defeat them.
We should be fine for a while. More importantly, that guy…
You mean Folka? We’ll introduce you to him, but just so you know, we don’t know anything about him except that he’s fighting the Shura Army.
He won’t say anything else? That sounds extremely suspicious.
The Shura Army is my problem. It has nothing to do with you.
How do we know you’re not a Shura spy!?
What would you do if you were in my position?
Huh?
Tetsuya, calm down! He was sent here from another world. It’s fine if he doesn’t want to talk.
Enough talk. You’re just like me, and I don’t say that lightly.
…Fine. But if you make a single wrong move…
Hmph. Do whatever you like.
So, what’s the Shura Army up to?
They don’t seem to be doing anything at the moment.
That’s why we’re here. In order to defeat the Shura Army, we need your help.
You mean Great’s help? That’s fine. We’ve already mopped up most of the Combat Beasts, and taking a vacation doesn’t suit my personality.
Welcome aboard.
This will increase our firepower.
Yep. It’s reassuring to have Tetsuya and Jun with us.
I wonder if the Battle and Getter Teams are okay…
Same here. Captain, where are we heading to next?
I’m thinking of going to the Saotome Lab next.
We’re going to recruit the Getter Team?
Exactly. We don’t know the enemy’s strength, so their adaptability will be necessary.
Are they really that strong?
Getter Robo has different forms that are best suited to the air, land, and sea.
It can transform and respond to the situation, huh…
That’s the easiest way to think of it.
Okay. Argama Team, we’re heading to the Saotome Lab right away!

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, the Argama came to Mazinger Z’s rescue and recruited the entire Mazinger Team.


We’re heading to the New Volcanic Cave.


The Combattler Team has finally located the enemy base. Will you provide reinforcements?


Chapter 3: The Tragedy of General Garuda


Forgive me, Miia. I didn’t know that I was a robot just like you… If I had known that sooner, I might have been able to accept your feelings… But it was too late. Everything was too late. Miia, you were the only one who loved and accepted me. And yet, I was foolishly led to believe that I was a genuine Campbellian. They exploited my pride, forcing me to fight for their conquest of Earth. Mother! I hate you! No, I curse all Campbellians! I curse you all!!
(Garuda. Combattler. CV: Osamu Ichikawa)


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Theme of Combattler V
This is where we believe the enemy’s base is.
(Kosuke Kita. Combattler. CV: Sachiko Chijimatsu)
All right! I’ve been waiting for this day. We’ll definitely defeat the Campbellians!
(Hyoma Aoi. Combattler. CV: Yuji Mitsuya)
Hyoma!!
(Juzo Naniwa. Combattler. CV: Keaton Yamada)
Hmm?
I want to defeat them too. Let me pilot for a bit!
No way. This is our final battle. We need to work together.
That’s right. Win or lose, this is it. We need to do our best.
(Daisaku Nishikawa. Combattler. CV: Kazuya Tatekabe)
Yeah. I’m sure Grandpa is watching over us from beyond the grave. We have to make sure we win.
(Chizuru Nanbara. Combattler. CV: Miyuki Ueda)


W-what’s that statue?
Combattler V, you’ve come a long way. However, this is the end for you.
(Oleana. Combattler. CV: Masako Nozawa)
Like hell it is!
We’ll show you what we’re made of!
Enough talk! I’ll tear you apart and kill you one by one! Come out, demons!!


It’s time for the final battle!
I can’t believe they had this many left!
Quit talking and let’s get this over with.
My thoughts exactly! That’s why we came all the way here. Let’s destroy the Campbellians!
Yeah!

How good can you count?


[Combattler V]
Standing at a height of 57 meters, and weighing in at 550 tons, Combattler V provides essentially the same utility it used to always provide in older games - it has more spirit uses than everyone else in the game, and this is big. Get ready for Hyoma to cast Yell on Turn 1 for a very long time because it automatically activates Super EM Yoyo, your main workhorse move (although V-Laser not requiring Will actually is nice on the enemy turn). Be warned that your three strongest moves all have large costs associated with them, so V is going to have to be something you use strategically to get the most use out of - but even if it is not even close to the best "big, one morbillion pilots" robot in this game, Combattler's sheer volume of SP will keep it going, and to its credit its armor isn't awful either in this one so it's less of a glass cannon than in some games.

Hyoma and the rest of the pilots are not bad, either, which is nice. Hyoma has both Supports, Potential, and Defense, because in spite of the Twin Lancer not being an attack in this one it still comes up to matter. Daisaku might also potentially get the incredibly rare Intimidation spirit that lowers enemy Supports to 0, which is cool.


This map can be easy or hard depending on your first turn. The best thing to do is land Combattler and move it slightly north-east, onto some defensive terrain. On that, you can easily tank and counterattack anything that comes at you. Don’t forget your Spirits, as Daisaku has Guard and several team members have HP-restoring spirits.

An event happens at the start of turn 3.


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Wild Dance of the Machine God
Huh? Is that the Argama?
They got my message!
Battle Team, is this the enemy’s base?
Yes, it is. That stone goddess statue seems to be their boss.
Understood. Deploy all units!


Deploy the squad.

Their boss is a statue?
She looks like a goddess at least…
Mazinger could topple that statue by itself!
Koji, don’t underestimate someone based on their appearance!
She’s right. Be careful of its lasers.
But I don’t think it can move quickly like that.
Are sentient stone statues common in this world?
This one’s special.
Is it okay for us to destroy it?
You’re Folka? Your robot looks strange.
Well, it’s a lot cooler than that big thing.
Dammit! I can hear you, you know? If you’re so eager to die, then come! I’ll burn you to ashes with my Narmagne Ray!


The boss of this part of the stage is Oleana. Combattler and Mazinger can tank her hits, but make sure you have your Mobile Suit pilots use their defensive spirits like Focus and Alert when they get close.

Anyway, the plot continues once you topple that statue. No one has anything to say to her. Make sure you use Luck so you can get double money from her.


Ugh! What nasty pests! I can’t afford to be defeated! Garuda! Where are you, Garuda!?


Mother… I, Garuda, am here…
Tch. There you are!
Stay frosty, Hyoma!
Hey, doesn’t something seem off?
Oh?
Where were you? Well, whatever. Save your mother.
Save you? Heh… HAHAHAHA.
What’s wrong, Garuda?
Mother, prepare to die!


GAAH! Garuda, have you lost your mind!?
I haven’t lost my mind! I’ve just had enough of you Campbellians!
Damn you, Garuda! Is this how you treat your mother!?
HAHAHA! I no longer consider you my mother! I will no longer fight for the Campbellians!
WHAT!?
For my robotic self and for the late Miia, I challenge you to a duel to the death, Combattler!
What did he just say? Garuda is a robot!?
Hyoma!
Garuda…
What are you saying? Without me--
SILENCE!


Damn you, Garuda! If you didn’t betray me… AHHHHHHHH!
[Oleana explodes]
Combattler V, the stone monster is gone! Now, duel me to the death!
Wait, Garuda! What’s going on!?
Enough talk! Have at you!
Garuda!!


The last boss on this stage is Garuda in the Big Garuda. Get rid of the mooks around him and bring him down. You can outrange him with the Gundams, then go in for the kill with Combattler and Mazinger.


Garuda! Eject!
I won’t accept any humiliation!
What are you talking about!? Hurry, before it explodes!
This battle is over. There’s no need for you to die.
I’m satisfied. I was tricked into believing that I was a genuine Campbellian and that I should fight for them. But in the end, I was able to fight for myself.
What’s this about being tricked?
Now that you mention it, you said you were a robot…
That’s right. I’m not a Campbellian. I’m a robot.
Garuda…
Combattler, this is the only thing I have no regrets about. Miia, I’m coming to see you now…
[Garuda explodes]
I knew it. Pride alone can’t change anything… Something is needed to prevent tragedies from repeating themselves… Something more…
Garuda… I wish we’d met under different circumstances…
He was a proud and powerful warrior. He just believed in the wrong things.
Because Garuda destroyed Oleana, we were able to stop the Campbellians…
Yep. Maybe he was a good person who was tricked into doing evil.

The map ends when all enemies have been defeated.


Now that that’s done, tell me about the Shura Army. Have there been any movements?
No. We haven’t heard anything yet.
Come to think of it, no one’s seen them since Jaburo.
What are they up to?
…They’re probably gathering in one place.
What? Why are they doing that?
They don’t just fight blindly. They think of ways to win.
I see. Since we’re an army, they’re trying to form one too.
In that case, we need to step up our recruitment.
All right. I’m sorry, but will you join us once more?
Is that why you’re here?
What do you think?
We have no reason to refuse. Combattler V is a robot created by Dr. Nanbara to fight for peace, after all.
Hyoma…
Yeah. There are still enemies out there, so we can’t just do nothing.
Where are we heading next?
Hmm. I think we’ll head to the Science Fortress Lab to pick up Great Mazinger.
Tetsuya, huh… That would be a big boost to our firepower.
Then let’s get going, Bright!
All units, return to the ship. We’re leaving!


It feels like forever since I last saw Tetsuya.
It hasn’t been that long, but after all those battles…
Of course it would feel like it’s been forever.
At least we were able to finish off the Campbellians.
I feel like we’ve been fighting forever too…
[Beeping]
Captain Bright of the Argama, this is Lucrezia Noin of the Preventers.
(Lucrezia Noin. Endless Waltz. CV: Chisa Yokoyama)
The Preventers… An organization that works directly under the federal government.
There’s been a unique incident that you should know about. That’s why I’m calling you.
What happened?
We’re still not entirely sure, but it seems some of our troops are killing each other.
Friendly fire?
Yes.
Why would they do something like that?
What’s the cause?
We’re still looking into it.
Is it the Shura Army?
Or maybe some other force is developing new models.
We thought so too, so we’re rushing to confirm, but unfortunately, we can’t get close to the scene.
You can’t get close?
There are no survivors, so we can’t confirm it, but we believe that it could be either mass hypnosis or a virus, so entry is prohibited.
A virus? You mean an infectious disease?
Yes. There were too many people to control by any known mass hypnosis, so it seems some sort of pathogen could be the cause.
Why isn’t the EFF doing anything about this?
They’re apparently contracting a company that specializes in these sorts of things.
I guess that could be considered an action.
Thanks for the heads up. Could you contact me again once you know more?
Roger that.
That’s one hell of a disease.
It hasn’t been determined yet if that’s the cause.
She also mentioned it could be hypnosis.
We’ll be fine.
I think it must be something else…
All we can do is wait for the pros to investigate it, right?
[Beeping]
What is it now?
Incoming SOS from the EFF!
What does it say?
Tokyo is under attack by an unknown army!
That must be them!
Just because it’s an unknown army doesn’t mean it’s the Shura.
Captain, your orders?
No matter who’s attacking, we can’t abandon Tokyo.
Then let’s get going already!
But what if it really is the Shura?
What do you mean?
Well, from what I’ve heard, didn’t they want to fight us?
That’s right. If they were targeting us, don’t you think they’d attack us directly?
Yeah. It’s probable that they’d go after us directly, but for tactical reasons, we can’t rule out the possibility of them attacking somewhere else first.
I see. So they’re using Tokyo to lure us out?
Makes sense to me. Though it would be terrible if this is a completely new enemy.
Either way, we’ll kick their asses!
Okay. The Argama Team will now head to Tokyo!

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, the Argama saved the Science Fortress Lab from a Combat Beast assault. Tetsuya and Jun join the crew.


Our next destination is the Saotome Lab.


Getter Robo can fight on any terrain, including land, sea, and air. Will you head to the Saotome Lab?


Science Fortress Lab Route Chapter 3: Ballad of the Red Butterfly


Damn you, Marshal Hidler! How dare you keep me locked up!
(Kochioki. Getter. CV: Hiroko Kikuchi)


…
You know the plan, right?
…
I’m going to lure out Getter Robo. You guys stay hidden.
…
[The AI robots hide]


Come on out, Getter Robo!
(I’m an Oni! Even if the Hyakki Empire has fallen, I can’t afford to lose!)
What’s wrong, Getter Robo!? Are you scared!?
CHAAAAAAANGE DRAGON!! SWITCH ON!!
(Ryoma Nagare. Getter. CV: Akira Kamiya)


There you are, Getter Robo!
That voice belongs to Kochou!
She’s still alive!?
(Benkei Kurama. Getter. CV: Joji Yanami)
Somehow.
Oh, thank goodness. I thought you were dead.
If you were still alive, why didn’t you contact us?
Hmph. Why would I do that?
What are you talking about?
Wait, Ryo. It looks like she wants to fight us.
(Hayato Jin. Getter. CV: Keaton Yamada)
There’s no way she would do that.
Is that true, Kochou?
Indeed. I came here to kill you.
That’s a lie! You turned back into a human!
What are you talking about? I’m Kochoki. I’ve never lost to anyone!!
Tch. It seems she’s lost her memories.
What’s the plan, Ryo?
What’s the plan? I don’t want to fight her.


…
What the!?
What’re you doing, Kochou!?
I won’t let my guard down around you guys anymore!
Kochou, do you really not remember!?
Silence! I’ll shut you up for good!
Dammit… I guess I’ll have to make her remember while we fight!
Is that even possible?
Doesn’t matter. We have to do it.
Exactly. We have to save Kochou no matter what!

Do you believe in the Getter?


[Getter Robo G (Dragon, Liger, Poseidon)]
YYYYikes those stats. The armor of a Gundam and the mobility of a Mazinger, and only 5 movement? Tomahawk is a decent spam move and Tomahawk Boomerang... functions, but Getter Beam is a rough attack. It's basically just Breast Burn. Then, you get to the finishers. Change Attack is on all three of the Getter Gs and it's a 2700 1-2 non-P move, which means you will rarely use it given it costs 60 full EN, and Shine Spark is 1-5 non-P, costs 70 EN, and requires a whopping 135 Morale. I'd like you to consider Combattler's moves from last time, and specifically its two finishers, which were big and clunky - these are smaller and just as clunky. So the form that's usually your main combat form and which is the only form good at anti-air in any form has no good attacks that chew through armor, that's bad.

Ryoma is nice though. Starts even at this point with Strike and Gain and has enough SP to use Gain twice, good for a starting stage where he doesn't need Strike.

About Liger, 9 movement is nice, but it's still statistically just worse than a Gundam. Your only attacks that can hit fliers are the only long range move (yes, that 1-5 move has 4 ammo, after which you can't hit above 2 range - Brad Skywind laughs at you) and the 60 EN move all forms get. Against grounded foes, though, you'll be closing in to 1 range and using The Drill Arm to hit things, and to its credit, the move is free and quite strong. And with the power of Mach Special, you can dodge 50% of all attacks at 130 Morale in addition to Open Get!

Hayato starts with a pretty cheap Flash and Accel, which are nice, and automatically has Basically Instinct (Abandon, an extremely expensive skill in this game...) and Support Attack (which, good luck using that often lmao). However, if you know your glitches, you know your glitches, and C3 Hayato hides an extremely funny secret known to the JP community as God Hayato... but we'll discuss that on a unit that's actually WORTH getting. Suffice to say, the beginning of the end of this game is when Hayato Jin starts showing off his more questionable skills.

Man, when Mazinger is more tanky than your Getter 3 without question... Getter Cyclone is one of the worst moves in the game, because to gain access to a move that hits fliers and doesn't have shit-all for ammo, you have to spend 20 EN on it. Daisetsuzan Oroshi is at least kind of nice? 2300 for 10 EN on a 1P is nice. Really, the issue here is just Liger's but magnified - the minute you run out of those 4 Strong Missiles, you're stuck at 1 range besides the Change Attack at 2 for 60 EN.

Benkei is ok. He starts with Yell, and that's good at least. We'll see more use out of him on a good unit, though sadly, Shin Getter 3 is about as shit as Getter Poseidon is.

Overall, Getter Robo G is not a great unit, and the thing that makes it laughably bad is the fact that if you get it, you aren't getting Shin Getter Robo, which is much, MUCH better. And your reward for getting it early is that you also pass up on Combattler, which is a better unit... it's just, there's no reason to really go for this. When Great is worse than Z, and Getter is worse than Combattler as well as the units you get later, why take this split?


I did forget to take a screenshot of the terrain and of the boss, so here’s Kochoki. Basically, Hyakki Robots are surrounding the Saotome lab. Transform Getter into Liger or Poseidon and park on top of the lab to take advantage of its superior terrain. If you charge at Kochoki, you’re likely to get overwhelmed and shot down.

This stage also has one of the few secrets in this game.

SECRET ALERT
Kochoki
Reduce Kochoki’s HP to below 30% and then convince her with Ryoma.

There also seems to be a bug where if you immediately transform into Liger, you can recruit her without lowering her HP, but I haven’t been able to reproduce it myself.

The plot continues at the start of the second enemy phase with, you guessed it, enemy reinforcements.


…
Great. More of them.
No matter how many there are, we won’t be defeated by mere AI!
Hear, hear! Bring it on!

Help arrives at the start of the third player phase.


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Wild Dance of the Machine God
Captain Bright! You came!
See? They’re doing just fine.
Not really.
There’s just no end to them!
Okay. We’ll provide support!


Deploy the troops!

So this is what’s left of the Hyakki Empire, eh?
No wonder they’re having a hard time dealing with them.
Seriously, where were they hiding all these guys?
It’s really annoying. Haven’t they fought enough already?
I think that’s the idea.
(This is exactly what the Shura Army wants…)
Are you the newbie Folka?
I am.
Sorry for getting you involved in our fight.
There’s nothing to apologize for. My fight with the Shura has already involved the people of this world.
Let’s destroy the Hyakki already!
It’s fine if we destroy the Hyakki mechas?
Hmm? What do you mean?
Of course it’s fine. There’s no one piloting those things.
I see…
Let’s focus on clearing out the Hyakki mechas.


Now that the gang’s all here, start picking off the Hyakki mechs one by one. Make sure to not destroy Kochou’s mech if you want to recruit her. If you’re on this route, you might as well.

Here’s the recruitment conversation with Ryoma after you reduce her health.


Kochou! Why do we have to fight?
I told you! I am Kochoki of the Hyakki Empire!!
You’re wrong! You were turned back into a human!
Wrong, wrong, wrong!!
Haven’t you fought enough? The Hyakki Empire is gone.
What’s going on? What are they trying to do?
I think they’re trying to help her.
Help? She came here to fight. Isn’t fighting back the right thing to do?
Not fighting is ideal.
Not fighting? An outcome without any death, huh…
But I have to be the best…
Then why don’t you be the kindest person in the world?
That’s right. As long as you’re a cold-hearted demon, you can never truly be the best at anything!
Stop it!
You’re not Kochoki of the Hyakki Empire.
Kuh!
Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - The Indestructible Machine, Getter Robo
You’re the beautiful Kochou!
…Ryo? What was I…
Kochou, pull yourself together!
Thank you, Ryo. I’m fine now.
[Kochoki turns blue]
Huzzah! She’s back to normal!
Yeah. I knew this was how this would end from the start.
Thank you, Hayato and Benkei.
Kochou, why did you return to the Hyakki Empire?
After our fight, I was captured by Hidler, who hypnotized me.
Damn that Hidler! How dare he do that!
Well, at least you’re still alive.
These are the last vestiges of the Hyakki Empire.
You should retreat, Kochou.
Ryo, I’m going to fight.
But…
It’s fine. You know how strong I am, right?
All right. But please, don’t do anything reckless.

We now have our first secret character of the game.


[Mecha Kochoki]
Has 20 more Mobility than Great Mazinger and barely any less defense, making it somehow the tankiest unit on this side of the split. The mech’s not amazing, but it is a fine unit for this bit of gameplay, even though the finisher is bad. 50 EN will eat through your stocks way too quickly. The spam moves are fine, though.

The real prize is Kochou herself, as she's the bearer of two very interesting abilities - Encouragement, which means she starts with 10 extra Morale, and Magnificence, which gives her 2 extra Morale whenever she dodges. Level 3 Potential at base and Support Defend aren't bad either! She does suffer from a rather common issue in C3 which is that she lacks Hot Blood, but the real issue is, sadly, that she's mutually exclusive with Shin Getter and the Hyakki who joins along with it, and they're just... a better pilot in a better unit. Same old story, same old song and dance.

Make sure to heal Kochoki up as you continue to mop up the rest of the enemies. They shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

The map ends when all enemies have been defeated.


Okay, I think we’ve stopped their assault.
Kochou, is that the last of the Hyakki Empire’s military?
Yeah… But they have secret bases all over the place. They might have more.
They should know by now not to mess with us.
You must be Captain Bright. I’m Kochou. It’s nice to meet you.
Likewise.
It looks like the Hyakki Empire is now pacified.
Yeah, though I don’t know if they’re truly gone. But we have bigger problems now…
What happened to the Shura Army that you told us about?
We haven’t seen them since our initial encounter.
Have they gone into hiding?
I doubt it. They’ve been scattered all over the planet. They’re probably trying to gather in one place.
Why do you think that?
Perhaps seeing how strong you are, they realized that they can’t win by themselves. They’re trying to gather their own army.
I see. Then we’ll be able to predict what they’ll do.
But a small number of them were able to destroy Jaburo. If they’re going to build an army, then we need to bolster our forces.
And that’s the gist of it. I’m sorry Getter Team, but will you join us?
Of course! If it’s for the sake of world peace, we’ll be happy to help.
Yeah. The Hyakki aren’t our only enemies.
Then it’s settled! So, where are we going next?
The closest location is the Photon Power Lab.
So we’ll be recruiting the Mazinger Team?
That’s the idea. All units, return to the ship so we can depart.


The Photon Power Lab, huh… How’s Koji doing?
This is Koji we’re talking about. He’s doing fine.
I hope he’s not causing any problems for Sayaka.
Seriously.
[Beeping]
Captain Bright of the Argama, this is Lucrezia Noin of the Preventers.
(Lucrezia Noin. Endless Waltz. CV: Chisa Yokoyama)
The Preventers… An organization that works directly under the federal government.
There’s been a unique incident that you should know about. That’s why I’m calling you.
What happened?
We’re still not entirely sure, but it seems some of our troops are killing each other.
Friendly fire?
Yes.
Why would they do something like that?
What’s the cause?
We’re still looking into it.
Is it the Shura Army?
Or maybe some other force is developing new models.
We thought so too, so we’re rushing to confirm, but unfortunately, we can’t get close to the scene.
You can’t get close?
There are no survivors, so we can’t confirm it, but we believe that it could be either mass hypnosis or a virus, so entry is prohibited.
A virus? You mean an infectious disease?
Yes. There were too many people to control by any known mass hypnosis, so it seems some sort of pathogen could be the cause.
Why isn’t the EFF doing anything about this?
They’re apparently contracting a company that specializes in these sorts of things.
I guess that could be considered an action.
Thanks for the heads up. Could you contact me again once you know more?
Roger that.
Mass hypnosis? Who could be doing that?
No one knows yet, Tetsuya.
And I’ve never heard of a disease like that before. We should consider this an enemy attack.
There have been diseases that have been discovered recently.
Could this be one of those?
Both explanations seem possible.
Well, all we can do is wait for their investigation to finish.
[Beeping]
What is it now?
Incoming SOS from the EFF!
What does it say?
Tokyo is under attack by an unknown army!
That must be them!
Just because it’s an unknown army doesn’t mean it’s the Shura.
Captain, your orders?
No matter who’s attacking, we can’t abandon Tokyo.
The Shura Army, huh…
Doesn’t the Shura Army just want to fight?
What do you mean?
If they wanted to fight us, wouldn’t they just go after us directly?
Yeah. It’s probable that they’d go after us directly, but for tactical reasons, we can’t rule out the possibility of them attacking somewhere else first.
I see. Could Tokyo be a decoy?
We’ll know once we get there.
Okay. The Argama Team will now head to Tokyo!

[BolticThunder]

Man, so many usually good units are bad. A Great Mazinger worse than Mazinger Z, almost all UC units are terrible, and the only "good" unit being Combattler. Hope the new series units are better.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Depending on the route you chose earlier, you’ll either have the Mazinger and Battle teams, or the Great Mazinger and Getter teams. They’re mutually exclusive. This LP will go under the assumption you chose the Mazinger/Battle route, but I’ll mention any dialogue featuring the other characters in quotes.

Last time, the Argama got an SOS from Tokyo. They seem to be under attack by an unknown force.


For the finale of the first Scene, we’re going to Tokyo.


Tokyo is under attack! It seems to be an enemy no one has ever seen before… Are you ready for combat?


Chapter 4: A New War




Oh come on! What is it now?
(Hitomi Kanzaki. Escaflowne. CV: Maaya Sakamoto)
[A flash of light]
What? A hot gust of wind?
[The screen turns white]
Lord Van, are you ready?
(Balgus. Escaflowne. CV: Tessho Genda)
Yeah, I am.
(Van Slanzar de Fanel. Escaflowne. CV: Tomokazu Seki)
You must slay the dragon for your brother’s honor.
That’s enough. I’ll never turn my back on the enemy!
[The screen returns to normal]
Huh? Was that a dream?


What are those!?
I’ve never seen those before. That can’t be the Shura Army.
If it’s not the Shura, then who are they?
Has another new enemy appeared?
I don’t know who they are, but we can’t ignore any attack on Tokyo. Sortie immediately!


Deploy the troops.

This whole situation looks awful.
It looks like the enemy’s goal is to destroy Tokyo.
What do you mean, Kosuke?
This enemy isn’t targeting military buildings. They’re attacking indiscriminately. That can only mean…
…Their goal isn’t domination, but destruction.
Precisely.

These guys aren't targeting military buildings. They’re attacking indiscriminately!
How awful…
Why do such a thing?
I don’t think they’re thinking that hard.

Dammit! Why attack in such a pointless manner!?
You’ve got to be kidding me!
I won’t forgive you even if you apologize!
…
(Cyborg Soldier)
The army is here? I need to evacuate!


Enemy troops are on our southern to eastern flanks. In hindsight, the best thing to do would be to start moving everyone eastward in preparation for allied and enemy reinforcements, but that’s not necessary to be successful on this map.

The plot continues at the start of the second enemy phase with enemy reinforcements.


Kamille! I found you!!
(Jerid Mesa. Z Gundam. CV: Kazuhiko Inoue)
Jerid Mesa? You’re still alive?
I won’t die until I kill you!
Even though this unknown enemy is attacking?
The only thing that matters is you, Kamille! As long as I kill you, I don’t care about anything else!
Jerid, you asshole!!
Don’t ignore me. I’m here too.
(Yazan Gable. Z Gundam. CV: Hochu Otsuka)
Yazan Gable?
You know him, Judau?
(Said by Tetsuya if you have him)
We’re not close, but back when I was running a junk shop, I tried to steal the Zeta and…
I was unlucky back then. If you didn’t betray me, I would be piloting the Zeta instead!
So why is that thief here?
Thief!? I’m only here because of the Argama!
So you’re here for revenge?
Exactly.
So there are people in this world who think like this? What a bunch of idiots, fighting to satisfy their own grudges…
Enough talk! Let’s go, Kamille!!


Now we’ve got Jerid in a Baund Doc and Yazan in a Hambrabi as bosses. The Baund Doc is surprisingly tanky for being a Mobile Suit, which the Hambrabis are as agile as you’d expect.

The plot advances at the start of the third player phase with a flash of light.


Super Robot Wars K - No Need for Promises
Where am I?
(That’s the robot that appeared in my dream…)
Is that another new enemy?
(The way it appeared is similar to how I came to this world…)
It seems there’s only one this time.
I’ve never seen a machine like that before.
Are you residents of the Demon Realm?
What are you talking about?
No! This isn’t the Demon Realm!
What!? There’s still a civilian here!?
Who are you?
I’m Van Fanel of Fanelia. Where am… Oh!
Is something the matter?
Stay back! It’s coming!
Something’s coming? What are you talking about?
Maybe he’s talking about another robot like his?

Something’s coming? What’s coming?
From the way he’s talking, it sounds like an enemy.

You need to run! The Earth Dragon is coming!
A dragon?
Run! Do you want to be eaten alive!?
[The screen flashes]
What?
What’s happening?
I knew it! That light is the same one I saw when I arrived in this world!
Ugh… I feel sick. I might throw up…
Incoming!


What’s that?
This way! I’m your opponent! What’s wrong? You’re hungry, aren’t you? Come and eat me!
…!
(Earth Dragon)

We got a temporary new ally.


[Fanelia Guymelef]
Is not a Guymelef, it's just a Melef! Fake news, Compact 3! It's also notably a commander model, as Fanelia has at least three Melef types (a less ornate version of this and a less ornate version of this in red - it might have more but it's been a bit). I shouldn't need to explain that this thing is a temp unit, and will be swiftly replaced. I will point out that that Dragon can kill you in two hits, and even on defensive terrain it's not exactly uncommon that it hits Van, so keep a Trust backed up just in case. You may wonder why it is that Van is so damn bad at dodging that this would be an issue, but we'll get to that.


And here’s the Earth Dragon. It’s strong enough that it’ll destroy Van if it hits twice (or once with a crit). Move Van onto the school for the terrain bonuses and use Focus when engaging the dragon. If Van ever gets hit, make sure to use Trust on him. There’s a good chance that a stray Hamarabi or Yazan might see how weak Van’s Guymelef is, so they’ll change course and start attacking him. If you haven’t already, send some units to the east to back Van up.

There’s a bit of dialogue that takes place after Kamille fights Jerid for the first time.

Jerid! Why are you doing this?
Until I kill you, I can’t take a step forward! That’s the kind of man I’ve become! You’re the wall standing in my way!
You’re being selfish! You only judge things as winning or losing.
That’s right! That’s why I’ve thrown away everything to come here!

Eventually, you’ll shoot down the three bosses.


Dammit! Why!? Why can’t I win!? What am I missing!?
As long as you’re consumed by your emotions, you’ll never beat us.
Dammit all! Kamille! I’ll get you next time!
[Jerid retreats]
Jerid…


Tch! I’ve been shot down!
Brace yourself, Yazan Gable!
Hmph! I don’t want to die yet.
[Yazan retreats]
Dammit! He got away.
Revenge, huh…
Focus on clearing out the rest of them.
Roger.

No lines are said when the Earth Dragon is shot down, but the stage ends when all enemies are defeated.


What the hell was that thing!?
Was that a mythological dragon?
That was the first time I’ve seen one in person!

I never thought I’d have to fight a real dragon.
Killing a living being doesn’t feel very good.

Hey, brat! Van Fanel, right? How did you get here?
Brat!? Rude!
What’s gotten into you?
That flash of light when he appeared is the same as the one that I saw when I was sent to this world.
So that kid also comes from another world?
It’s possible.
What are you talking about!?
Do you know anything about the flash of light when you came to this world?
A flash of light? Ah. I was fighting the Earth Dragon and was blinded by something…
So you saw it!
I don’t know anything about the light. All I know is that I was fighting for my life when it happened.
Just like me…
So if you fight in another world, you’ll get transported to Earth?
I don’t think that’s it…
There must be some sort of trigger.
A trigger? Folka was fighting the Shura and Van was fighting the Earth Dragon, right?
Van, what is this Earth Dragon creature anyway?
Don’t you have them too? In Fanelia, one needs an Earth Dragon’s Energist to become King.
By Energist, do you mean that red stone you’re holding?
That’s right. You don’t know about Energists? How are you controlling your Guymelefs?
[The screen turns white]
What!? My Energist is…
Eh?
[Fade to white]


Have more Upper Earthers been summoned?
(Nie Given. Dunbine. CV: Makoto Ataka)
It looks like it. But to be summoned in a place like this…
(Marvel Frozen. Dunbine. CV: Mika Doi)
Hey! Isn’t that an Aura Ship? And a big one at that!
(Keen Kiss. Dunbine. CV: Yumi Takada)
It’s massive. Did Silky really summon that?
Silky Mau shouldn’t have that kind of power.
Isn’t that an EFF ship? There are a lot of robots I’ve never seen before around it.
So those are Upper Earth machines? At least we found them before Drake did. I want them to fight with us.
Same here. I’ll go say hello. I wonder if Drake is aware of them.
What’s going on!? How did they get here without an E Ferario’s power!? Upper Earthers should go back to Upper Earth!
(Cham Fau. Dunbine. CV: Maria Kawamura)
Cham!
But… I’m sorry, Marvel.
I feel the same, and I’m an Upper Earther too.
I just hope they’ll cooperate with us…


You still haven’t been able to contact the Generals?
Sir! While we’ve located Lord Fernando, we still haven’t found Lords Altis, Maysis, or Magnaz yet.
I see…
By the way, we’re still also looking for Lord Mizar.
Hmm… I don’t think you’ll find Mizar.
Why’s that?
Hehehe… Do you want to know?
Yes.
Ambition…
Ambition?
Ambition. He’s strong because he has ambition. Strong ambition can grant strength. Why don’t you try having ambition yourself?
…I’ll think about it.
Hehehe… If you keep hesitating, you’ll never get stronger.
…
Continue searching for the Generals.
Sir!
(I must heal my wounds and regain my strength as soon as possible!!)


Is everyone safe?
Yes. All are accounted for.
Good… Where are we anyway?
It looks like we’re in a mountainous region.
Confirm our location and contact the Federation.
Roger.
In the first place, what was that light?
I can’t see the Mystic Moon, so I guess we’re not on Gaia.
Oh, you’re safe too.
People of the Mystic Moon, what have you done? What are you going to do to me!?
What are you talking about? Wasn’t that light from the stone you took from the dragon?
What? You’re not the ones behind it? Energists don’t have that kind of power.
That’s odd… I can’t get through…
It seems you’ve finally noticed.
Who are you? Are you with the EFF?
I’m Marvel Frozen. Believe it or not, you’re no longer on Earth.
This isn’t Earth?
Correct. This is Byston Well, the world between the land and sea.
The world between the land and sea? What’s that supposed to mean?
(Said by Jun if you have her)
I’ve been sent to yet another world, huh…
A few days ago, there was a massive earthquake.
Since then, we’ve gotten more visitors from other worlds.
And you are?
I’m Nie Given, currently fighting Drake from the Country of Ah. Can you help us?
Asking us to help you right off the bat…
Nie, didn’t you say you were going to leave it to Marvel?
W-what’s that talking little thing!?
Fairies? They’re real?
In Byston Well, they’re called Ferario.
Ferario? I don’t really know what’s going on, but it seems we’re really not on Earth anymore…
What are we going to do now?
We have to find a way back to Earth.
This isn’t the Mystic Moon? Now that I have the Energist, I want to return to Fanelia as soon as possible.
Fanelia? I’ve never heard that name before.
It’s where I’m from.
Um…
Hmm? You’re here too, girl?
What’s going on?
Don’t ask me. I don’t know either.
W-what are you planning to do?
Oh! You’re that civilian from Tokyo. You must have gotten caught up in that light.
Seems so…
What’s your name?
Hitomi Kanzaki.
Kanzaki, we’ll protect you. Of course, there’s no guarantee that we’ll be able to return to Earth safely.
…Right.
Even civilians were dragged into this.
I still can’t believe this is another world.
I mean, just look outside.
Can we really go back home?
If we came here with the power of Van’s stone, it stands to reason that we can use it to go back.
Hey, can’t you use that stone to take us home?

Is this really not Earth?
Considering that we’re looking at a fairy and we can’t contact the EFF, it’s the only thing that makes sense.
Is there any way we can get back home?
We came here through the power of that stone. If we use that power again, we should be able to return to where we were.

Look, I don’t even know how we got here.
So we can’t go back?
Maybe we’ll find something out if we go to Fanelia…
There is a way to go back to Earth in this world.
There is?
I don’t know how you came here, but I was summoned by an E Ferario.
So that fairy with you can send us back?
No. Cham can’t.
But she’s a Ferario, right?
Cham’s a Mi Ferario, not an E Ferario.
Mi, not E!
So where can we find an E Ferario?
I know of Silky Mau, who’s being held captive by Drake.
Is that why you’re fighting, Marvel?
That’s part of it, but after meeting Nie and Keen, I’m fighting to stop Drake’s ambitions. He’s breaking the rules of this world and using us Earthlings to pursue his own selfish desires.
I have to get back to Fanelia quickly. I don’t have time to fight this Drake guy.
Do you know how to get back?
This Energist was extracted from a Fanelian Earth Dragon. If I can draw out its power, I think it’ll take me there.
You can do that?
The Energist is proof of my right to rule. I will master it!
Right to rule? Are you a King?
I haven’t been anointed yet… I feel bad for dragging you all into this. Once we return to Fanelia, I’ll find a way to return you to the Mystic Moon.
So we have two choices. What’s your call, Captain?


>Go to Fanelia with Van
>Cooperate with Nie

Welcome to the only real route split in the game (unless you count choosing between the Photon Power Lab or Science Fortress Lab earlier). There is a single secret involved in this decision.

SECRET ALERT
Billbine Night Camo
Choose to go with Nie.

For the purpose of this LP, the “canon” route is choosing to help Nie out after recruiting the Mazinger and Battle teams.


Can we really rescue this Ferario from Drake?
Drake’s forces currently consist of a few robots called Aura Battlers and fighters called Doros. I think it’s possible if we work together.
It’s worth a try.
[A flash of light]
My Energist again!
It’s just like what happened in Tokyo…
Huh? Why is my pendant glowing?
[Van and Hitomi disappear]
He’s gone… I hope he got home safely.
Captain! Hitomi is missing too!
Was she caught up in that light?
Who is that Hitomi girl anyway…


The third one came with some sort of machine.
(Drake Soldier)
Huh?
(Shou Zama. Dunbine. CV: Shigeru Nakahara)
I’m going to rest now.
(Louser Luft. Dunbine. CV: Tetsuko Hino)
Are you afraid, Louser?
(Drake Luft. Dunbine. CV: Shoji Oki)
Watching the rules be broken is not pleasant.
Should we not have done it?
(Burn Burnings. Dunbine. CV: Show Hayami)
Well…
Ah crap.
What’s wrong?
Oh? I see…
Silky looks like she’s in pain.
(Garalia Nyamhee. Dunbine. CV: Miki Saijou)
We need at least one more!
(Shot Weapon. Dunbine. CV: Masahiko Tanaka)
Shot! Let her rest! You’ve already used her too much!
Sir!
I’ll leave it to you!
If she’s done, let’s put her back in the water prison!
If we must.
Do it!
Sir!
Lord Shot, you should rest.
Take care of those three.
Yes, Lord Shot!
What’s that?
It’s a Ferario!
Isn’t that one from Given’s place?
Get me a bow and arrow!
Upper Earthers, go home!
[Cham leaves]
Tch! It’s Cham Fau.
It is the Ferario who’s allied with Nie Given!
Double layer the barrier!
It’ll be done, my lord! Open the bottom!
You three from Upper Earth. it’ll take some time to explain the situation. Would you mind accompanying me?
What if I refuse?
Silky Mau doesn’t have much power. Even if you refuse, you can’t return to Upper Earth by yourself. Hehehe…
What if I still refuse?
I will force you to obey.
Like hell you will!
[Burn punches Shou]
Burn!
You’re lucky, Upper Earther. You have the power to ride the Aura Road.


I can’t see the light of the Aura Road anymore.
Dammit! Another Upper Earther was summoned by Drake!
It’ll be fine, Nie. At least one of them must understand our cause, like Marvel!
So this leader, Drake, is trying to conquer this world?
Yes. Before this whole thing started, machine technology didn’t exist in Byston Well.
So we’re dealing with robots in a medieval Europe situation?
Yes. A man named Shot brought machines into a world where people fought with bows, spears, and horses.
Shot Weapon? I heard he recently won several awards for his drivetrain and energy efficiency systems.
Come to think of it, there were rumors that he suddenly disappeared. I guess he was making combat robots in another world.
So even here there’s the contradiction of using fighting to stop fighting, huh…
We don’t fight because we want to! Rimul’s father shouldn’t have taken things this far.
Who’s Rimul?
Drake’s daughter.
I don’t want to fight, not just because he’s Rimul’s father.
It’s not as easy as you think. It’s difficult to change the mind of someone who holds ambition.
Huh!? What do you, an Upper Earther, know about anything!?
Nie!
Sorry, but I’m not like the others.
Nie! Niiiiiie!! Three of them! There are three Upper Earthers!
Really?
In other words, those are three people who are now missing from Earth.
Seems that way… No one ever expects to be summoned to another world.
I’m sorry, but we’re going to go ahead with the plan tomorrow.
You’re going to rescue those people?
Yeah. I hope it goes well, but if they try to resist…
Yeah, yeah. Let’s do our best tomorrow to make sure that doesn’t happen. I’m exhausted, so I’m gonna get some sleep.
Thank you.
Don’t worry about it. We want to go home soon, too.


Let me show you the Aura Battlers. This one is a Drumlo.
You want us to pilot a robot right away?
(Tokamak Lobski. Dunbine. CV: Fumihiko Tachiki)
Can I see the cockpit?
(Tod Guinness. Dunbine. CV: Hozumi Osaka)
Only if you agree to help us.
Take off these shackles and we’ll be best friends.
Very well.
So there’s the monitor. The panel is on the front… It’s surprisingly simple.
There’s no way it can move.
Maybe for the people native to this world, but the people from Earth have the power of Aura. With that power, these machines will move.
But, you know, it looks like there’s an engine.
That acts as a backup.
I can’t believe in the existence of a bioenergy like Aura.
You responded to our summoning, remember?
Oh, a two-way mirror. You can see through it from the inside.
It’s practically invisible from the outside.
Wow.
We use polished kimai lagus shells.
That Shot guy is very impressive, eh?
If we’re successful, will you send us home? Or maybe you’ll make us Kings of some land here?
If we can get Silky’s help. Or you could stay here and rule over a plot of land the size of California.
You know about California?
Isn’t that where Shot’s from?

In an alternate universe, after having recruited Tetsuya and the Getter Team, Bright decides to go to Fanelia with Van.


For now, we have no choice but to rely on someone who teleported to Earth.
But what’s the point if he can’t control the stone’s power?
I can control it. Balgus and everyone are waiting for me in Fanelia!
[The screen flashes]
The Energist again!
This is just like in Tokyo…
What? Why is my pendant glowing?
[They disappear]
Huh!? Where did everyone go!?
They were probably sent somewhere else by that light.
I was hoping they’d help us out…


Ugh! Where are we now?
Finally…
Finally?
Huh? Is that the Earth?
How are we seeing the Earth in the sky?
Earth? Oh, you mean the Mystic Moon. I wish I could send you back directly.
Impossible… There’s no way a place like this could exist this close to Earth…
(TL Note: The game shows Hitomi’s mugshot instead of Bright’s here for some reason, but it still has his name.)
Welcome to Gaia! Now, let’s go to Fanelia!
So we’ve come to Van’s world, eh? If that Earth is real, perhaps we can just fly there in the Argama.
So that’s what Earth looks like…
Unfortunately, I’m not picking up anything. That Earth doesn’t exist.
I figured, but this place is mysterious.
This is Van’s world, after all.
I know that the power of the stone can take us to another world, but…
Don’t worry. I’ll find a way to get you back home.
(Why was my pendant glowing too?)
Let’s pick up the pace. We don’t have time to fool around.
Don’t be in such a hurry, Folka. You’re not the only one who wants to get back.
But…
There’s no point in staying here. Let’s head to Fanelia.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

This is the start of Scene 2, “Another World”. As a heads up, this route is on the Great Mazinger save file, so the Mazinger and Battle teams aren’t recruited. Any time Tetsuya, Jun, Ryoma, Hayato, or Benkei talk, assume that a Mazinger or Combattler character is saying something extremely similar.

Last time, the Argama was sent to Byston Well after a battle against an unknown enemy group. Captain Bright decided to take Van’s offer to go to Fanelia in hopes of finding a way to return home.


For the first stage in Scene 2, we’re off to Fanelia!


After the Argama Team arrives in Gaea, another world, Van invites them to his homeland, Fanelia. Will they be able to return safely?


Van Route Chapter 5 (2-1): The Guardian Awakens


ACROBUNCH, GO!
(Tatsuya Randou. Acrobunch. CV: Hidekatsu Shibata)


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Dream Hunters
Hey Papa, where are we?
(Jun Randou. Acrobunch. CV: Shigeru Nakahara)
Hmm… I don’t know, but I can feel the romance.
Come on, Father…
(Miki Randou. Acrobunch. CV: Katsue Miwa)
I guess with Dad’s romance, you don’t need food.
(Ryo Randou. Acrobunch. CV: Akio Nojima and Hideyuki Tanaka) (They changed voice actors partway through the show)
We stopped in Tokyo to stock up on supplies, but then there was a blinding light and now we’re in the middle of nowhere!
(Reika Randou. Acrobunch. CV: Kazuko Sugiyama)
Earlier, I saw an animal I’ve never seen before.
(Hiro Randou. Acrobunch. CV: Norio Wakamoto)
Hmm. I’m not recognizing any of the local flora.
Are you for real, Hiro!? I wanna see it. Tell me next time!
Anyway, let’s find a place to have a nice meal. Reika, did you get everything you wanted?
Eh!? Well, the fighting started, so I was trying to get out of there quickly…
Give me a break. Do we really have to start foraging for food?
Can we even eat the food around here? Shall we start with the fish in the river?
Whaaaat? You know I’m not a fan of fish.
You won’t survive if you’re picky. Right, Papa?
I thought I asked you to call me Dad instead of Papa.


We finally found you!
(Cera. Acrobunch. CV: Kazuko Yasunaga)
I don’t know what trick you used, but you can’t outwit us!
(Groizy. Acrobunch. CV: Tamio Oki)
(TL Note: Groizy’s name (グロイジ) in Compact 3 is typo’d as “Kroizy” (クロイジ).)
You’re still following us?
It’s bad enough you’re sneaking around!
We weren’t following you! We came to Japan because we detected a response from the Quaschika. What are you doing here?
The Quaschika is in Japan? Why would it be in Tokyo of all places?
They have to be mistaken.
Probably, but there might be some connection between the Quaschika, us arriving in Tokyo, and suddenly being transported to wherever this place is.
I see. I didn’t think there’d be any ruins in a developed city, but perhaps there is.
If that’s the case, let’s skedaddle and go check it out.
What an interesting idea. If the Quaschika is there, I’ll kill you so I can take my time looking for it!
I knew you’d say that.
Sounds good to me. All units, attack!

Be silent so you can hear the earth.


[Acrobunch]
Only a temp on this stage, sadly. 6 pilots automatically makes this one of the best units in the game, and you might notice by looking at them now, they're not running around with substandard SP amounts either - and they'll gain it really quickly. The Buncher Drill/Drill Charge is kind of useless (it is really accurate but you have so many Strikes...), but Finger Missile is an amazing spam move, Wing Saber is Mazinger's Scrander Cutter on uppers, the Buncher Cannon/Launcher Cannon is a great counter weapon (although 20 EN is a bit steep), and the Holy Sword is only 40 EN for that level of power - Great Mazinger could never!

Also, among these six pilots, they have access to nearly every single spirit, up to and including MIRACLE. Their spirit layout is pretty good, too. For SOME reason, the really cool skill Kouchou has that's meant to make her great (the one that gives her 10 morale at the start of the stage) is also on Tatsuya, which makes Acrobunch even deadlier and ensures you always have the Cannon online. Free Support Attack and Potential isn't bad either.

By the way, the sheer volume of wrongly written names on Acrobunch and its pilots is massive. It's incredibly likely that the devs didn't have good materials for the show, which explains how it shows up in this one.


These are Groizy and Cera’s machines, though chances are you won’t be seeing them here unless you rush at them. Feel free to fight with Acrobunch while you can, because it won’t last long. You can choose to charge into combat or stay on the mountains for the defensive terrain.

The plot continues at the start of turn 3.


What are you doing!? Destroy Acrobunch!
Cera, I just found a Quaschika signal!
What!? We need to go after it immediately!
[All enemies retreat]
Just what you’d expect from Goblin. They prioritize their objectives.
Well, let’s eat while we still can.
Now’s not the time for that!
He’s right. We can’t let them have the Quaschika.
Let’s hurry and go after them.
[Acrobunch retreats]


Oh? The signal’s gone.
What’s wrong?
I was briefly picking up combat signals.
I don’t see anything.
Maybe the radar is malfunctioning?
Hmm… Is Fanelia fighting any wars?
That’s impossible. Fanelia is a peaceful kingdom.
So, what’s the plan?
This place is safe. Let’s go to the castle.
This is your country. We’ll trust you.
Lord Van!
(Merle. Escaflowne. CV: Ikue Otani)
Merle!
Lord Van, I’m so glad you’re safe. I was worried about you.
Lord Van!
I, Van Fanel, have completed the dragon-slaying ritual and have brought back the dragon’s Energist.
Oh!
(Fanelia Soldier)
I’d recognize that stone anywhere!
It’s a real dragon Energist!
We, the Fanelian Knights, recognize you.
Thank you, everyone.


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Epistle
(TL Note: Another banger alert.)
W-what was that!? Is something coming?
Is it a monster?
Where did it come from!?


What’s going on? I see smoke.
Is there a fire?
We’re under attack! All women and children, flee to the mountains! All men, prepare for battle!
An enemy attack!?
Guests, please leave this to us.
But…
We’ll hold them off with our Guymelefs. I’m counting on you all.
Sir!
What should I do?
Lord Van, please retreat to the cathedral with the guests.
The cathedral?
Yes. If something goes wrong, escape with Escaflowne!
Escaflowne…
Cowards! Show yourself!!


Is that a Guymelef?


You messed up. How utterly useless.
(Dilandau Albatou. Escaflowne. CV: Minami Takayama)
My apologies!
(Zeibach Soldier)
We have no need for the useless. Ah well. Prove your worth by burning everything to the ground!
Sir!


Dammit! I won’t let you burn our home!


So for this first turn, you literally cannot do anything, for there are no units to control. Just a bunch of NPC Fanelian Guymelefs. The next turn is when things actually happen.


I, Van Fanel, the new King of Fanelia, enter into a blood pact with you, Escaflowne. O dragon, awaken!
Hey, what are you doing?
I’ll fight with Escaflowne.
Huh?
Good, it’s just as the ancient text says. I can move it!


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - No Need for Promises
So that’s Escaflowne… I feel like I’ve seen it somewhere before…
What are you guys doing!? Hurry up and hide!
We can’t do that. Even though this is another world, we can’t just stand by and watch a town get destroyed.
Exactly. We can fight too. Deploy immediately.


Deploy the troops.

Who the hell are they?
If they’re piloting Guymelefs, it seems some country is attacking us.
All the more reason we have to save the civilians!
By the way, their capes are amazing. Even with modern science, it’s impossible to visually disappear like that.
Is that how you fight in this world?
There hasn’t been a war in a long time, and I’ve never seen a cloak like that before.
It’s really unfair!
Why would they attack like this?
Most likely, they’re taking advantage of the King’s absence.
It seems that even in this world, there are people who love fighting and causing conflict.
Anyway, we must make sure the citizens evacuate safely. The enemy’s strength is unknown, but I believe in you!

First up is the headliner.


[Escaflowne (Humanoid and Dragon forms)]
Escaflowne, on its face, is not a bad unit. Yes, it has no bulk, its HP and Armor both suck (though it has more armor than some of the gundams...), and its S size ensures it will take a ton of damage and probably die in one or two hits if it is hit. But its mobility is good and the S Size helps there, too. Of course, a mecha only armed with a sword is disadvantaged, but it can use that sword to Parry and its weapons are honestly not bad - the 1-4 is your longest range move but isn't the worst range to be stuck at in C3 and it is very accurate, the 1-3 is a great spam move, and the finisher is honestly not that bad overall, although man, 50 EN is a tall ask. Plus, all of them have an amazing crit rate, with the +45 crit on the finisher in particular being very enticing. And 6 movement might be bad, but after transforming, it gets 8 movement and even more mobility shaves off the issues. This form even is A Land and Sky and has Land movement, something I doubt you'd expect looking at it but it can use terrain to its advantage well enough. The attacks aren't great. The 1 range sword is inaccurate and not as useful as the Guymelef Form's basic moves, and the 1-2 range attack is nice at only 10 EN but -20 accuracy suuuuucks.

However, all of that leaves aside the actual issue that makes Escaflowne from a neat unit into a very, very underpowered one - the man sitting in the cockpit. Van sucks. His SP is shit, he gets Training super late past the point it would be useful and his fifth spirit is Charge - yes, Charge, with all ZERO FUCKING MOVES IT WORKS ON, because all his moves are post-movement, and while he actually does have the Melee and Skill to suit this mech offensively, his Evasion is absolute dogwater trash which means he's going to take a ton of damage and die way before you can get good use out of him. Oh, and his skills are all shit too, mind you. He has Fighting Spirit, which gives him morale when he takes damage, which... fucking why? He has Infight but that levels up way too slowly, he has support attack and barely any range to use with it, and of course, like Tetsuya, he does not have Defense meaning that Escaflowne's sword for defending can't even be used.

I do not know who on the design team hated Van, but whoever it was, they basically changed this unit from a solid MC in this game to unusable dreck. The worst part of this is that you DO have to use Van, because there's a force deploy later in a situation that a low level Van will instantly die to.

Even if he’s not the best, I will be using Van for the rest of the game. I mean, when else can I?


The objective is to wipe out all enemies. The NPC Guymelefs will slow them down, but they’ll most likely die before accomplishing much. Even so, make sure they don’t kill any enemies to prevent any loss of money or dropped parts.

Mattman has a gameplay note for this section.

Ah, here we are, finally time to start talking about why Range is shit in C3 - one of the reasons, at least. Every single important Escaflowne enemy from mook to miniboss to major boss possesses an ability called Stealth Cloak. Stealth Cloaks in canon were basically a cloak of invisibility - they had a high energy upkeep and the mooks had some issues with them, but even those got ironed out by the end of the series. Obviously, this would be pretty hard to implement in a SRW in a sane and rational manner.

So, they didn't!

The Stealth Cloak in C3 makes it so that all range attacks have a 50% chance of missing, flat out. It does not matter what kind of attacks those are, it does not matter what unit used them, it does not matter if the pilot casted Strike - flatly, they all have a 50% chance to miss, and if the cloak is activated the unit loses 20 EN. That sounds like a lot, but understand that this gives even the weakest mook at base upgrades SIX activations of their Cloak before they run dry, a point long past when you should have killed them.

This also means that every unit whose main spam move is Range is sitting in the corner watching as Mazinger Z kills everything from 1-5 P range with a Melee move that generally two shots the mooks.

Now, the good news is, this isn't the be-all-end-all. Escaflowne is not the most common enemy force in the game, so while the Stealth Cloak is highly annoying it's actually not something that would kill any of these units. The problem is that it's only half the problem, and the other half is arguably worse. But we'll get to that...

The map ends when all enemies are defeated.


[Epistle plays again]
How are you taking this long?
These guys weren’t in any of our spy’s reports.
No excuses!
Sir!
TAAAAAAH!


Balgus!
Balgus?
He’s fighting a mech on foot?
Lord Van! Take the guests and escape!
I won’t turn my back on the enemy and flee!
But if this keeps up, our losses will only rise.
We should retreat and regroup.
Lord Van!
Dammit! Let’s go!
Go where?
The mountains behind the town.
All units, retreat to the nearby mountain while making sure everyone else is all right! Don’t get hit by any stray rounds!
I won’t let you get away!


You shall not pass!!
That’s enough, Balgus. Retreat!
Watch out, Balgus!


BALGUUUUUS!!
Balgus!
Ugh! Lord Van, please escape with Escaflowne. One day, you will restore Fanelia… For its people…
Balgus!
NOOOOOOO!!


Lord Van… Please stay safe…


Where are we? Judging by the stars, I’m pretty sure we’re still on Gaea.
Is everyone here?
Seems so.
Captain! Hitomi’s missing!
What!? Split into groups and look for her!
Was she sent somewhere else?


What should I do? I’m all alone in a place like this… Please tell me which way I should go… Ah!
Ehehehe.
KYAAAAA!!


Hitomi?
Van, what’s wrong?
I thought I heard Hitomi’s voice.
Which way?
I barely heard it, but I think it’s this way!


Momma! NOOOO!
Hehehehehehehe.
You again? Not satisfied with being a petty thief, you’re attacking an innocent woman!? Unforgivable!
A-Allen!?
Take this!
(Allen Schezar. Escaflowne. CV: Shinichiro Miki)
Guh!
Are you hurt, madam?
Ahh!
Why are you here? Did something happen to you?
Ah…
You passed out? Great. What do I do now?
Hitomi!!
What happened!?
Calm down on the murderous intent.
What did you do to her!?
Don’t draw your sword. If you do, I’ll be forced to kill you.
What!?
It’s a knight’s duty to meet a sword with my own. I don’t draw my sword for fun.
[They clash swords]
Foolishness.
HAAAAAA!
[They clash again]
Nice swing. However!
[They clash one more time]
Ugh!
You didn’t step in far enough. You’re too good to kill, so I’ll just knock you out.
Van!
Will anyone else step up?
Kamille, what happened?
Captain Bright! Everyone!
That guy just knocked Van out!
Really?
It’s true. I’m the one who did it. But you should know that he drew his sword first.
Just what’s going on here?
I was helping this young lady when she was being attacked.
Hitomi!?
Eeek! Help me!
So that guy who just ran away was the culprit. It seems there was a misunderstanding.
I’m sorry for the trouble.
It seems something happened to you. I’d like to invite you to my castle.


Another world? Such a thing exists?
Yes. That’s exactly what happened.
I see. If the King of Fanelia says so, then it must be true.
It seems being a King makes you trustworthy.
I’m glad we cleared that up, but what should we do now?
I need to find a way to get back home…
What’s your name?
Oh. It’s Hitomi. Hitomi Kanzaki.
Hitomi… What a nice name.
Allen, I apologize for entering your country without permission. We’ll be leaving as soon as possible.
What are you planning to do?
I’m going back to Fanelia.
We were attacked by an unknown enemy and were sent here during the fighting.
If possible, we will be returning to Fanelia as soon as we can.
That won’t be possible.
Why’s that?
What do you mean?
Fanelia was destroyed. Everything was burned to the ground.
What!? Y-you’re lying!
How do you know that? It’s only been two days since the attack.
Apparently, our merchants witnessed it. You have my condolences.
Are you serious?
What exactly happened? If you tell me, maybe I can help you.
Fanelia…was destroyed…
Lord Van!
Merle!? You’re alive?
Our merchants found her and brought her here. Do you know her?
Yes.
Lord Van, I’m so glad you’re safe.
Merle, what happened to Fanelia?
It’s gone. Everything is in ashes. All of our knights were killed, and any survivors were scattered. Everyone’s gone. I was looking for you, but thought I’d only find a corpse…
Dammit. What have they done!? I’ll never forgive them!!
If only we were victorious, then this wouldn’t have happened…
Ryo, don’t blame yourself. There are some things that are outside of our capabilities.
Merle, you’re lucky to be alive.
Van… Oh! Everyone, we need to run!
What’s wrong, Hitomi?
We need to get out of here! The enemy is coming to attack us!
What? They’re chasing us?
But how do you know that?
I can see it!
You can see it? You’re seeing this castle being attacked?
Yes! We need to leave now!
Hitomi, you’re tired. You need to rest.
No! Please believe me! It’s true! I saw the same thing in Fanelia!
You knew Fanelia was going to be destroyed!?
Not exactly, but…
But?
I saw giants appear and burn down the city.
If you saw it, why didn’t you say anything?
I wasn’t sure.
What changed?
I’ve had precognitive abilities since I was a child, but they’ve only gotten stronger since coming to this world.
I find it hard to believe in precognition, but there’s a chance that the people who attacked Fanelia will attack this place too.
Let’s prepare to leave just in case. Is that okay?
Yes…


Whoa! Hey, where did you come from?
Don’t get too friendly with us, got it?
Huh?
I’m saying don’t get close to Lord Van! The last thing he needs is a stranger like you!
That’s not my intention.
…
Ah, hey! Stop!
I’ll be taking that stone of yours!
Hey! Come back here, you cat burglar!


TAAAH!
You’re still not stepping forward enough, Van!
Dammit!
…
It looks like we have guests.
Ah. I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to peek or anything.
Oh, it’s you.
Yeah…
This is why outsiders are such a pain. They have no manners.
Ah! My pendant.
I don’t need this.
Why you little!
Lord Van!
Huh? It’s you guys.
Van… You’re sparring?
Yeah. Folka, right? Is there something you need?
Just satisfy my curiosity.
Go on.
Are you suppressing your feelings about fighting? You’re taking on an opponent you can’t beat.
I’m not fighting because I like it.
Hey, slow down! Folka! Van!
Are you confident in your skills? There’s no way you can beat Lord Van.
Only if he agrees.
You want to fight?
Sir Folka, setting aside his skills with the sword, it seems Van is unable to contain his anger at himself, let alone his anger towards his enemies.
You’re angry at yourself?
Folka, what would you have done? What should I have done when that light appeared? Balgus and everyone are dead, and I’m the only one left alive. What should I do?
Van…
You fight. You’re a King, aren’t you?
Is that why you’re suffering?
Tch!
Ah! Lord Van, wait for me!
A King is supposed to lead.
At least Van doesn’t seem like a dictator…
(Perhaps “his” methods were wrong after all…)

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

This is the start of Scene 2, “Another World”. As a heads up, this route is on the Mazinger save file, so the Great Mazinger and Getter teams aren’t recruited. Any time Koji, Sayaka, Boss, or a Combattler character talks, assume that a Great Mazinger or Getter character is saying something extremely similar.

Just as an aside, “Aura Battler” refers to both the humanoid machines that run off of Aura and their pilots, usually from Earth. This is differentiated in Japanese as “聖戦士” (seisenshi) or “Holy Warrior” for pilots and “オーラバトラー” for the machines. In English, they’re called the same thing, so that’s what I’m using.

Last time, the Argama was sent to Byston Well after a battle against an unknown enemy group. Captain Bright decided to help Nie out with fighting Drake in hopes of finding a way back to Earth.


Our first location is the Drake’s Army Training Grounds.


Having decided to cooperate with Nie and his group, the Argama team launches an attack on Drake’s Army’s training grounds. Are you ready for combat?


Nie Route Chapter 5 (2-1): Aura Battlers


Acrobunch, GO!
(Tatsuya Randou. Acrobunch. CV: Hidekatsu Shibata)


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Dream Hunters
Hey, Papa, where are we?
(Jun Randou. Acrobunch. CV: Shigeru Nakahara)
Hmm… I don’t know, but I can feel the romance.
Come on, Father…
(Miki Randou. Acrobunch. CV: Katsue Miwa)
I guess with Dad’s romance, you don’t need food.
(Ryo Randou. Acrobunch. CV: Akio Nojima and Hideyuki Tanaka) (They changed voice actors partway through the show)
We stopped in Tokyo to stock up on supplies, but then there was a blinding light and now we’re in the middle of nowhere!
(Reika Randou. Acrobunch. CV: Kazuko Sugiyama)
Earlier, I saw an animal I’ve never seen before.
(Hiro Randou. Acrobunch. CV: Norio Wakamoto)
Hmm. I’m not recognizing any of the local flora.
Are you for real, Hiro!? I wanna see it. Tell me next time!
Anyway, let’s find a place to have a nice meal. Reika, did you get everything you wanted?
Eh!? Well, the fighting started, so I was trying to get out of there quickly…
Give me a break. Do we really have to start foraging for food?
Can we even eat the food around here? Shall we start with the fish in the river?
Whaaaat? You know I’m not a fan of fish.
You won’t survive if you’re picky. Right, Papa?
I thought I asked you to call me Dad instead of Papa.


We finally found you!
(Cera. Acrobunch. CV: Kazuko Yasunaga)
I don’t know what trick you used, but you can’t outwit us!
(Groizy. Acrobunch. CV: Tamio Oki)
(TL Note: Groizy’s name (グロイジ) in Compact 3 is typo’d as “Kroizy” (クロイジ).)
You’re still following us?
It’s bad enough you’re sneaking around!
We weren’t following you! We came to Japan because we detected a response from the Quaschika. What are you doing here?
The Quaschika is in Japan? Why would it be in Tokyo of all places?
They have to be mistaken.
Probably, but there might be some connection between the Quaschika, us arriving in Tokyo, and suddenly being transported to wherever this place is.
I see. I didn’t think there’d be any ruins in a developed city, but perhaps there is.
If that’s the case, let’s skedaddle and go check it out.
What an interesting idea. If the Quaschika is there, I’ll kill you so I can take my time looking for it!
I knew you’d say that.
Sounds good to me. All units, attack!

Be silent so you can hear the earth.


[Acrobunch]
Only a temp on this stage, sadly. 6 pilots automatically makes this one of the best units in the game, and you might notice by looking at them now, they're not running around with substandard SP amounts either - and they'll gain it really quickly. The Buncher Drill/Drill Charge is kind of useless (it is really accurate but you have so many Strikes...), but Finger Missile is an amazing spam move, Wing Saber is Mazinger's Scrander Cutter on uppers, the Buncher Cannon/Launcher Cannon is a great counter weapon (although 20 EN is a bit steep), and the Holy Sword is only 40 EN for that level of power - Great Mazinger could never!

Also, among these six pilots, they have access to nearly every single spirit, up to and including MIRACLE. Their spirit layout is pretty good, too. For SOME reason, the really cool skill Kouchou has that's meant to make her great (the one that gives her 10 morale at the start of the stage) is also on Tatsuya, which makes Acrobunch even deadlier and ensures you always have the Cannon online. Free Support Attack and Potential isn't bad either.

By the way, the sheer volume of wrongly written names on Acrobunch and its pilots is massive. It's incredibly likely that the devs didn't have good materials for the show, which explains how it shows up in this one.


Feel free to fight with Acrobunch while you can, because it won’t last long. You can choose to charge into combat or stay on the mountains for the defensive terrain.


These are the bosses for this short segment. I don’t really have much to say about them, since they won’t stay on the map for long.

The plot continues at the start of turn 3.


What are you doing!? Destroy Acrobunch!
Cera, I just found a Quaschika signal!
What!? We need to go after it immediately!
[All enemies retreat]
Just what you’d expect from Goblin. They prioritize their objectives.
Well, let’s eat while we still can.
Now’s not the time for that!
He’s right. We can’t let them have the Quaschika.
Let’s hurry and go after them.
[Acrobunch retreats]


I thought I just saw something…
Is something wrong?
No, it’s nothing. You know, it’d help us out if Given launched a surprise attack on us.
Whew. Piloting these things for the first time is pretty tiring. Shot, you created an amazing machine.
Heh! Tokamak can’t even stand properly. You’re all bark and no bite.
I think I understand what you meant when you said bioenergy is the key to this machine.
So you’re saying once we get used to these things, we’ll keep getting stronger?
It all depends on how much bioenergy, by which I mean Aura, you have.
I never imagined that a rising star in the robotics world would be in a place like this.
You should watch what you say. I hold a noble position in this world.


It should be around here…
What’s that?
It’s the enemy! Upper Earthers, are you ready?
Tokamak, Shou, you good?
Good enough to do this!
Let’s go! Let’s go!


[More enemies spawn]
Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - The Scars of War
It’s Drake’s Army!
Aye. It seems they’re testing out a new model.
Indeed. I don’t see many Aura Battlers.
All right. Let’s strike before they can bring in reinforcements! Deploy!


Deploy the troops! If you took the Mazinger route at the start of the game, you’ll have to leave someone on the bench. Sorry, Boss.

Don’t let your guard down. Aura Battlers are powered by the pilot’s Aura Power.
In other words, its strength depends on who’s piloting it.
I see. It’s just like my Ialdabaoth.
Right, you said your machine functions by absorbing your energy.
So there are robots like that on Earth too?
He’s not from Earth. He came to Earth from another world.
It seems your circumstances are complicated.
Anyway, let’s stick with the plan of destroying the Aura Battlers, but saving the pilots.
I know it’s a long shot, but please try.
All units, try not to kill any pilots. Let’s go.

We got some new units!


[Zelana]
The Zelana is a mini battleship. It can't dock units, and its only attacking moves are a pair of frankly awful Range moves (we'll get to the full reason as to why that sucks but even at this point this thing isn't good. It’s better than the Super Gundam, though). However, it does carry exactly one key quality that makes it automatically worth considering using for the long haul - it has Repair and Resupply, on a relatively tanky flying unit, which can change pilots and equip different subpilots. Purely for this, it is one of the best support units in the game. Just never expect it to do DAMAGE.

The Knight Who's Named Nie is also kind of a weird guy. His stats are melee focused, but he's running around with Gunfight, which I guess makes sense for his base unit, but then his spirit set is wildly unsuited to a support unit and his Defense is godawful - and he gets Holy Warrior way too late. Commander is nice, but the central issue with Nie is that there's never a moment in this game where there's a good unit to put him in - there's only three Dunbine units obtained after this point (two of which are the Dunbine and Billbine), and the best unit he's available for that really lets him go at things is not a very impressive one. It's just kind of sad. If this game gave you even one random enemy Aura Battler at any point he'd be way better, and C1 where he was way worse gave you like ten of the damn things, but oh well.


[Fou]
What a strange machine. You'd expect this thing to have the ability to Repair or Resupply, which it does not, or to have the weapons it start with, which it does have the missiles and the machineguns but not the claws or the undercannons - but it has the Aura Shot installed halfway into the show, and not even as the finisher! It's wholly Range and if Ragnell hasn't gotten to my explanations as to why that sucks, don't worry, time is short. All in all, this thing is not very good... or at least, it wouldn't be good, if not for that mysterious "Combine" ability it has. We'll get to that later.

Shame we can't say that about the pilot. Keen kinda sucks. She does EVENTUALLY get Aura Battler, but don't expect it any time soon. Her Support Attack and Defense are neat but not that helpful. She gets ok support spirits but Marvel does it better. I guess her sole claim to fame is being the only Range-focused Dunbine character, but like... there's a reason none of the others are like that...


[Dana O’Shee]
Somehow this is the only SRW to have this thing, although Real Robot Battle Line had it. It's not as bad as it looks! Though it is pretty bad. Only 1 range P, 6 movement, for some reason only 3 part slots... But it has a bunch of dodgy pilots and Aura-based attacks can HURT later on. Obviously you're using this machine to train pilots for later, though. The thing you have to remember is that all Dunbine machines can, potentially, be 2 pilots, which makes them a lot more interesting. It is sad that while we got this, we didn't get its fully completed form in the Bozune though - only EX has had that one. Good news, though - thanks to the Aura Barrier, this thing is the absolute best unit at the game at dealing with Doros, which automatically makes it a good unit for the next few stages. What's so important about the Aura Barrier? Well, you'll see.

Marvel is a bit weird in this one. Usually she's only a few steps behind Shou at worst, but here she's noticeably worse in most aspects, only having Holy Warrior and Support Attack, and having a spirit set which (besides Focus) is totally support focused and does not include Hot Blood. However... that includes Cheer and Confuse, making her a good supporter. Which matters for reasons which will not be apparent until way, WAY later.

Of course, she has a subpilot! Cham Fau, like in most SRWs, is able to be the subpilot for just about any Dunbine unit. She comes with Cheer and Luck, and will get Rouse later (and probably some other good spirits but I actually don't know her full list - honestly Cheer and Luck are really enough for me lmao), but unlike most SRWs she comes with a very special ability in this one! Aura Power Amplification allows her to, if she is in a Dunbine unit as the subpilot for someone with Holy Warrior, raise the Holy Warrior level of her main pilot by one. This skill probably does not sound important, but trust me, it is.

Fun fact, this is the only SRW game that doesn’t have “Dunbine, Tobu” as the main Dunbine BGM. Instead, it’s ”Aura Battlers, Segment 2”.


The objective is to wipe out all enemies. You don’t have to worry about reinforcements. Aura Machines tend to have very low bulk, but high firepower and evasion.


The only enemies you have to worry about are the bosses, that being Shou, Tod, and Tokamak in Dunbines, and Garalia in a Doro. Even then, Garalia is in an Aura Fighter, making her only slightly harder to shoot down than the grunts.

Aura Battlers on both sides have Aura Barriers, which reduces all incoming ranged damage. That, plus their flying, makes them very difficult to shoot down with Mobile Suits. At least the Super Gundam can use its beam saber to whack them. Aura Fighters do not have this property, but Aura Battleships later in the game do. Be very careful as you fight.

Mattman has another gameplay note regarding Aura Battler enemies.

Ah, here's the other half of the "why does Range suck" equation. See, Stealth Cloaks are bad. You instantly know when they activate after you casted Strike that they feel bad, they're the kind of mechanic that shows why Compact 3 was a highly rushed game in a big, bombastic manner. This is what shows it was an untested game in a more fundamental one, though.

The Aura Barrier in Compact 3 is, as it is in many SRWs, a reduction barrier. Barriers in SRW come in generally two types - Reduction and Negation. Negation makes all damage below a certain threshold 0 automatically, Reduction reduces all damage by a set amount (generally a way smaller one than Negation can go up to). Aura Barriers in this game reduce the damage of all Range attacks, which is much more true to the source than in past games where it generally reduced only Beams for... some reason (in the show it can block nukes!), and it reduces them by 1000.

That doesn't sound bad at all, I'm sure! In fact, that exact statline - or WAY STRONGER, see also UX, BX, X, T, and Y where that's the baseline ability and they can get stronger - are used in a bunch of more modern SRWs. But the problem is, this isn't a modern SRW - and reducing damage from all attacks of a specific type by 1000 hurts a fucking lot when it's on a unit meant to be 2hkod by spam moves, and has 3000 hp or less... because that means your 1500 damage Beam Rifle is now a 500 damage beam rifle.

The good news is, unlike the Stealth Cloak, this is a problem that can be gotten around, and there are a small number of Range units that are simply so ridiculously overwhelming that they can spit in the face of the Aura Barrier and still deal a few thousand damage no issues. Hell, to a degree we even saw one earlier - Acrobunch's Buncher Cannon is partly as strong as it is BECAUSE it'll be hitting hard enough that Dunbine mooks can't just ignore that you shot them in the face with it. Plus, YOUR Aura Battlers also get the Aura Barrier, which means weak Range-based mooks are useless against them. The bad news is that the vast bulk of Range units can't hit strong enough to breach the barrier strongly, and Dunbine mooks just so happen to be by far the most common enemy you face in this game... and after the early game they're almost wholly melee focused. What this means in practice is that against, oh, a third to half the stages in this game, units that primarily use Range moves are just generally useless... and they're not exactly acquitting themselves against the rest of the game, it's sad to say, so why bother using them at all?

The sad thing is, much like the useless PP system, all of this could probably have been made totally irrelevant if they'd just implemented a New Game Plus mode, as you'd have a lot of incentive to fool around more on NG+. Alas and alack.

There’s a post-battle dialogue when Marvel fights Shou.

Do you think I’ll let you drop me that easily!?
My fellow Earthling, please stop helping Drake.
What!? Who are you!?
I’m Marvel Frozen, the pilot of this Dana O’Shee. You’re a foolish man who helps Drake without distinguishing what’s right and wrong. Why are you helping Drake without knowing anything about this world or the Kingdom of Ah?
Tch!

Besides that, just take out the bosses one by one.


I’m not going to die while training Upper Earthers.
[Garalia retreats]
They’re weaker than I thought!
As long as they’re Doros, Mobile Suits are good enough.
It’s a good thing they didn’t bring many Aura Battlers.


Even if we were attacked first, it wasn’t entirely one-sided, was it… I don’t want to die in a place like this.
[Shou retreats]
I have a feeling he’ll join our cause.
Why do you say that, Marvel?
Just a hunch…


You’ve got to be kidding me. I wasn’t planning to have a sword fight in the sky. I’m out of here.
[Tod retreats]
What? He retreated so easily.
They were Earthlings who were summoned very recently. They’re probably not used to fighting yet.
Earthlings? How do you know that?
Only Upper Earthers possess enough Aura Power to operate Aura Battlers.
I see…


Uwaaah! What should I do?
[Tokamak explodes]
Dammit! Why didn’t he eject!?
If he was never summoned, he wouldn’t have died like that…

The map ends when all enemies are defeated.


Good, we repelled Drake’s Army! Let’s go straight to Lars Wah and attack him!
Nie, what are you talking about? Burn’s Drumlo or their main army wasn’t here.
Who is this Burn fellow?
He’s Drake’s confidant and the Commander of his army.
So the reason why they retreated so easily was because their Commander wasn’t present, huh…
Those guys are no match for me!
They might not be our enemies.
The issue is, the next time we fight, we’ll probably have to deal with a seasoned Commander and more Aura Battlers.
We managed to shoot down one today, but I don’t think the other two were taking this seriously.
Is this Burn a competent Commander?
Yes. We can’t underestimate him.
In that case, we should regroup.
Okay. Let’s pull back for now and come up with countermeasures.


I received a letter from Romn Given saying he wants to talk.
And he wants us to go to him? How presumptuous.
It’s fine. Go to the House of Given and scout out the enemy.
Sir.
He probably won’t join us. When that becomes clear…
So I should also prepare the Aura Battlers?
Have the Upper Earthers prepare to depart immediately.


Romn Given will be here shortly.
Mmm.
(Is that the same woman from before?)
…
Thank you for coming, Sir Burn Burnings.
(Romn Given. Dunbine. CV: Masato Tachizawa)
Anything for a neighbor.
Then do you have a response to my letter?
Yesterday, during a training exercise, an Aura Battler belonging to the Given family launched an attack on Drake Luft’s troops. We require an explanation for that incident.
I didn’t write a letter to explain myself.
I’ve heard rumors that you’re planning to move your army towards the Kingdom of Mi.
So you’re killing soldiers while they train because of mere rumors?
Speaking of which, what about your intrusion into my territory?
This is a photo of that event. You can clearly see a Doro! This is an unprecedented military action never seen before in this world.
Where are you going with this?
Sir Burn, if you and your Aura Battler side with us, we’ll overlook this. We’ll even pay you.
(Does this guy think he can buy people with money?)
I’m rather expensive.
That doesn’t matter! I’ll pay five times as much if it’ll stop Drake’s ambitions! Any price is cheap to stop the fighting.
I don’t think Lord Drake’s mind will change just because he loses one man.
You’re one of his most influential knights.
You’re overestimating me. Are you going to buy out the Upper Earthers too?
Ehehehehe. He talks a lot without even knowing Tsuo is here.
(TL Note: It’s hard to parse here, but Cham and Tsuo are hiding in an adjacent room.)
Shot has just developed an Aura Battler that anyone can pilot.
Ehehe.
Hmm? Ah! It’s Tsuo! That traitorous Romn!
So your plan is--
Excuse me for interrupting your conversation.
[The soldier whispers something to Burn]
So you want me to join you? I understand. Can you give me one night to think about it, Sir Romn Given? I’d like to stay at a nearby inn and discuss it with my subordinates.
Very well. I’d like an answer by tomorrow morning at the latest.
I might drop by again tonight.


Accursed Romn. You play dirty by having Tsuo present! But that’s exactly something he would do. Send a message to the Bull Beggar! Prepare for battle at the rendezvous point.
Sir!


What exactly are they thinking by bringing Upper Earthers here?
It looks like they’re serious about using Earthlings as a fighting force.
I see. So they want them to gain experience in areas other than fighting.
Even if Burn doesn’t join us, we can still have a card to play with the King of Ah.
How so?
Over there is Tsuo the spy. He’ll remember our conversation with Burn verbatim. As we expected, Burn appeared to go along with our offer, even if it was just to test the waters.
Burn didn’t seem like he’s that stupid.
It’s gonna be fine. Nie’s plan is perfect!
Nie, we can’t let our guard down. Even though you have Upper Earthers with you, Drake’s Army has the advantage when it comes to the terrain.
It’s going to be fine, Father. This isn’t a strategy for fighting. For now, let’s wait for Burn’s reply tomorrow. We’ll proceed with our preparations to meet with the King.
I don’t think things will go that smoothly…
I agree. It might be a good idea to be a little more vigilant.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.


If you’ve been funneling all of the bonus PP and kills into a single character, like Folka, you might have enough points by now to purchase a single skill. Skills in this game are extremely expensive for how little PP you get. My recommendations are Defense (防御) (enables sword cut and shield defense) if a pilot doesn’t have it at 25 PP, Concentration (集中力) (SP costs become 80%) at 80 PP, and Revenge (復讐) (increases counter damage by 1.2x) at 115 PP. You can see the full list of skills and what they do here.

Last time, Van’s home was destroyed and the lads found themselves in another kingdom.


Our destination is the Asturia Frontier Castle.


Hitomi predicts that the enemy will attack the Asturian castle that Allen is guarding… Are you ready for battle?


Van Route Chapter 6: The Brilliant Swordsman


They really did appear!
Could it just be a coincidence?
What’s with that Guymelef? I’ve never seen it before. Are they the ones who attacked Fanelia?
No, not them.
(What exactly is this power I’m sensing?)
Hehehe. We should just attack this place.
Who are you lot? Why are you attacking this castle?
We are Drake’s Army. If you surrender quietly, you may live. If not, we’ll kill you all!
What!? Who are they?
Drake’s Army!? They’re a military force from Byston Well!
How are they here and attacking this castle?
Were they sent here like us?
I doubt it.
Why’s that?
If they were sent here like us, they wouldn’t know where they were. And yet, the fact that they’re attacking this specific castle means they might have a way to travel here at will.
So they’re targeting this castle on purpose, huh?
We don’t have time to think about that!
We’d like to deploy. Is that all right?
No. I can’t let my guests fight.
Well, we’re going to anyway. Anyone who can sortie, please do so!


Deploy the troops!

They’re here and they look motivated.


(Kukuku… Very good… Fighting is what makes you human… Now the war will spread even further… Kukukuku…)
It doesn’t matter how many of you there are. We’ll crush you all!


I swear on the name Allen Schezar that I won’t let that happen!!

First, our new unit.


[Scheherazade]
When the devs designed this unit, I imagine they were thinking of this as being the more economical option compared to Escaflowne's raw glass cannon energy. The problem is that Escaflowne is too glass and not enough cannon, so it stinks and the massively dodgier Scheherazade comes out on top. Thrust and Continuous Thrust are fine enough moves as attacks go, nothing too crazy, and Feint Attack is a mediocre finisher, but it doesn't cost too much, just 30 EN (even compared to Breast Fire, it's a steal!), and it also has probably the funniest animation in the game from the perspective that if you aggressively reset, it will fuck you over at least once.

Of course, while Van is the thing that kills Escaflowne, Allen is the thing that makes Scheherazade work. He isn't perfect - no Valor sucks, although... by now, Ragnell probably has that command on Folka, right? Yeah, Valor being 1.5x kinda saps the general utility of that spirit away - but his massive Melee and Evasion stats mean he can survive with minimal investment and still deal notable damage, and his abilities are good for his unit - Counter, Defense (SCREW YOU, VAN), and Magnificence, which gives him 2 morale whenever he dodges - which he's going to do a lot. The actual worst aspect of this unit is that he lacks Focus, the best spirit you'd want for a thing like this - he gets Strike and Essentially Intuition and surely one of those wasn't needed. I get that you have to hammer in that he's a guy who entirely ignores Stealth Cloaks just by being chad enough (which is, honestly, a good reason to field him right there) but surely Focus does that enough - but if you're using Allen on the last stage he won't disappoint you.

(Oh, do note - Van didn't want a Minovsky Craft but Allen kind of does, his anti-air is all B rank. Just so you know.)


Fighting for Drake is a bunch of Aura Fighters led by a single Drumlo. The best place to intercept Drake’s Army is either using the castle and walls’ surprisingly excellent terrain, or using the cliffs for the same reason. Since all of the current enemies are flying, the Scheherazade will have a hard time dealing with them. Escaflowne’s dragon form will do just fine, however. Despite being land-based and melee-focused, the Ialdabaoth hits flying units well enough. Just watch out for those Aura Barriers reducing your ranged damage. Please see Nie Route Chapter 5 for a write-up on fighting Aura Battlers.

The plot advances at the start of the second enemy phase.


Ah! The invisible giants are here!
Really?
She predicted an enemy attack once before. Everyone, be careful! The enemy that attacked Fanelia is here!
What!?


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Epistle
The heck is that? It’s more like a fort than a castle.
Those are Zaibachian Guymelefs!
What’s Zaibach?
It’s the largest nation in all of Gaea.
But why did they attack Fanelia?
Van, do you have any idea?
No.
Oh, what’s this? The dragon we’re pursuing and our allies are fighting together.
Just what are you scheming? I heard you attacked Fanelia in the west.
Us? Attack Fanelia? Why would we ever do something like that?
Then how was Fanelia destroyed?
It must have been a wild dragon or something. A fitting fate for a backwater nation.
You bastard!
What a bold-faced lie!
People like you are why war never ends!
So there’s scum like this in this world too…
Are you sure about this? Our allies found out.
We’ll just kill everyone who has seen us. I see an army we don’t know about who’s perfect for taking the blame.
(Kukuku… What idiots… They’re fighting on their own without me doing anything… It’s only a matter of time before they rule the world…)


We’ve got Guymelefs to our south and west being led by Dilandau. The grunts are easy enough to deal with, and Dilandau is just a slightly stronger version of them. Outranging him is easy for our Mobile Suits if you’re good at coin flips. Otherwise, use your chosen Mazin’s rocket punches for long distance melee damage.

A small scene plays after Allen fights Dilandau for the first time.

Nice moves, Dilandau!
Hahaha. You’re strong, Allen! I’m so happy!!
It’d be a shame to kill you.
I agree. Try to entertain me before you die.


Uwaaaaah! My face! My face!
Did I get him?
How dare you take my beautiful face from me! I’ll make you pay for this!!
[Dilandau retreats]
Wait, Dilandau!
He got away.
I wanted to take him down.
Why?
It’s probably because that Dilandau man had a bloodthirsty, insane light in his eyes.
Exactly. We’re bound to fight him again.

There’s also some dialogue when you shoot down the Drumlo.


Is this the end?
(Retreat.)
(My apologies.)
(It’s fine. We’ve created enough sparks.)
(Understood.)
I’ll remember this! We will meet again!!
[The Drumlo retreats]
(Well, I guess I’ll retreat too…)
Do you think they’ll come back?
Drake’s Army, huh…
(This sense of unease is fading… What was that about?)

The map ends when all enemies are defeated.


We managed to survive.
But the castle’s in ruins.
I’m sorry, Allen. If I wasn’t here, this wouldn’t have happened.
Don’t apologize. This all started when Zaibach attacked Fanelia.
But…
At the very least, Drake’s Army is the one that invaded my nation. You’re not at fault.
How did they get here anyway?
Were they teleported here just like us?
But since they targeted this castle, doesn’t that mean they can freely travel between worlds?
If that’s the case, then they’ll return.
It seems this castle has lost its purpose.
What will you do, Allen Schezar?
Let’s head for Falas, the capital of Asturia.
Are you running away?
We can’t afford to suffer any more casualties.
Is that how a knight acts? I will not flee! I will never turn my back on the enemy again! To avenge the people of Fanelia, I will fight to the very death!
To recklessly choose death is not courage! Van, you are the King of Fanelia. As long as the King lives, as long as someone lives, tomorrow will surely come. To endure this humiliation is true courage. A knight’s life exists to save the lives of others. Never forget that.
To recklessly choose death is not courage, huh… Perhaps I’ve been too impatient…
It seems the decision has been made. Everyone, return to the ship. We depart immediately!
(What was that power I sensed earlier? It feels as though I’ve felt it before… Something that makes me feel uneasy…)


I’m surprised to see you return so soon, Allen.
(Princess Millerna Sara Aston. Escaflowne. CV: Mayumi Iizuka)
Princess Millerna? If anyone is surprised, it’s me.
But why didn’t you tell us you were returning? I would have prepared a proper welcome for you.
My apologies. This decision was made quite suddenly.
…
Oh? And who’s this young man?
This is Lord Van Fanel, King of Fanelia.
Now that you mention it, I thought I recognized you. You see, I visited Fanelia once long ago. It’s truly a beautiful country, blessed with lush forests.
Allen Schezar, who is this lady?
She is Princess Millerna of Asturia.
You know, I’ve never seen Guymelefs like yours before.
They are guests who have traveled from a distant land.
Hmm… Well, if you say so. Your long journey must have been exhausting. This city is safe, so please make yourself at home.
Thank you very much.
It’s a relief that they’re taking us in.
But what are we going to do now?
For now, let’s just get some rest.
Huh? Hey, Lord Van.
What’s up?
I don’t see that girl anywhere.
Who are you talking about?
Wait, where’s Hitomi!?

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.


If you’ve been funneling all of the bonus PP into a single character, like Folka, you might have enough points by now to purchase a single skill. Skills in this game are extremely expensive for how little PP you get. My recommendations are Defense (防御) (enables sword cut and shield defense) if a pilot doesn’t have it, at 25 PP, Concentration (集中力) (SP costs become 80%) at 80 PP, and Revenge (復讐) (increases counter damage by 1.2x) at 115 PP. You can see the full list of skills and what they do here.

Last time, the Argama teamed up with Nie and his father to fight against Drake Luft and his army.


Our next location is Romn’s manor.


It’s unlikely that the plan to thwart Drake’s ambitions worked on Burn… Are you ready for combat?


Nie Route Chapter 6: The House of Given


We’re attacking Romn’s manor! Kill anyone who tries to escape.
Sir!
Advance! We have to finish this before Nie shows up!
Isn’t this a bit one-sided? Is this really okay?
Burn, you’re more of a wild card than I thought.


There’s more of them than I expected!
Why is Burn doing this… Wait, did he see Tsuo!?
He must have suspected something.
Damn it all!
Nie! We need to hurry up and get ready for battle!
Tch! They’re faster than I anticipated.
What’s the play, Burn?
We stick to the plan! Kill every last one of them!
(I can’t stay with Drake’s Army after all.)
Shou Zama, Tod Guinness, I’m counting on you!
I got this.
I quit.
Excuse me?
I’ve been thinking a lot since coming to this world. I don’t think Drake is in the right.
What!? If that’s how it is… Shou Zama has defected to the enemy. Kill him!
I won’t let you!


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - The Scars of War
Something’s wrong with the enemy!
This is Shou Zama. Please accept my surrender.
Are you serious!?
Can we trust him?
I think we can, but…
There’s no point in debating this. Everyone, deploy!


Deploy the troops! Once again, if you went the Mazinger route, you’ll have to bench someone. Sorry, Boss.

Captain, what do we do about him?
Hmm… Shou Zama, right?
Yeah.
We can’t trust you at the drop of a hat.
This isn’t the time for that! Burn intends to destroy the Given family!
Will you join us in stopping them?
That’s the plan!
Nie, we have to hurry!
Upper Earther! Protect my father with your Aura Battler!
Roger!

We’ve got a new unit!


[Dunbine]
Finally, some real food. Dunbine is one of the best mecha in the game for reasons that aren't totally apparent at the moment, and we'll get to those later. For now, note that amazing Mobility backed by a pilot who can actually dodge, Bunshin giving it a 50% free dodge at 130 Morale, and the ability to have 2 pilots thanks to the Fairy system explained with the Dana O'Shee. Its damage is honestly pretty good too, Aura Giri being only 10 EN and Hyper Aura Giri (which isn't a thing in the show. Aura Giri isn't either really. It's all made up SRW stuff because devs in the 90s didn't actually remember that much about Dunbine. Could be worse, Daimos, until X-O and DD, was running around in SRW without a home release!) being 30 when they're moves that gain power based on the pilot Holy Warrior level and are already ok at base is nice. It's even better than Breast Fire at this point, much less Breast Burn! You do wish it had more than 2 range P though...

Shou, of course, is a monster of a pilot. He already has Level 2 Holy Warrior, which means with Cham he can already fire Hyper Aura Giris, his stats are great, he has Support Attack - which might not seem great given Dunbine's low range but we will GET TO THAT soon - and unlike certain other pilots, he actually has Defense so he can use the Parry function of all the Aura Battlers! And his relevant stats are quite good, especially his Evasion.

Of course, the Dunbine also has Combine. Which means, it's finally time...


[Dunbine + Fou]
Ah, finally. We can talk business.

This unit probably, on its face, looks like a joke. It's just the Fou's weapons, plus Aura Shot from Dunbine, plus a random Ram attack that isn't very strong. How good could it possibly be? Well, yes, it is all those things...on a potentially 4 pilot unit, two of the subpilots of which can have abilities that buff the main pilot that stack with each other...with 8 movement...120 base Mobility...the armor of a lesser Super, and an Aura Barrier...which still has Bunshin for some goddamn reason...

See, it turns out the best way to make a unit with its only melee move being a shitty 1 range ram move good is to make it literally invulnerable because it can't be hit! This thing is nuts and the fact that the Zelana is a Repair/Resupply unit that you could use to make any of its pilots arbitrarily high leveled is the icing on the cake, though honestly, it doesn't need it. It basically singlehandedly justifies Marvel being support focused because now you can have someone like Shou handling offensive duties while two-to-three subpilots fling support spirits everywhere. Do keep in mind that the only upgrades that matter to this thing are Dunbine's, as far as I remember, and it's Dunbine's pilot who is the main one - this will remain important as the game goes on, for reasons we will get into eventually.


Despite what the plot said, nothing happens if an enemy gets onto the Given Manor. The only objective is to defeat all enemies. Have Shou pull back to the main group as they advance. Or, you can turtle up on the manor’s excellent terrain, but that shouldn’t be necessary for fighting primarily Doros.


Bosses are Tod in a Dunbine, Garalia in a Doro, and Burn in a Drumlo. Garalia is easy pickings, but Tod and Burn will be difficult to hit without help from Spirits. Keep their Aura Barriers in mind as well.


Garalia, it’s time to pay your dues.
Shut up! I haven’t been defeated yet!!
You’re just bluffing.
Is this how far a Doro can go? If only I had an Aura Battler…
[Garalia retreats]


Stop helping Drake. Join us!
Not a chance! I absolutely hate the power of friendship.
Tod!
Dammit! My machine won’t listen to me! Sorry, but I’ll be leaving now!
[Tod retreats]


I’ve heard the reports, but I never imagined they were this strong…
You’re rushing things too much. You can’t win a war like this!
I know more about war in Byston Well than anyone else. I will never forget this humiliation!
[Burn retreats]

The plot advances when there are a few enemies left.


(The Scars of War plays again)
(So that’s where they are… What a pain…)
What are you doing here!?
We’re reinforcements sent by Lord Drake!
What? They were hiding more Aura Battlers?
It’s only natural to prepare reinforcements. This shouldn’t surprise you.
(But I’m starting to feel uneasy… What is this power I sense?)
We can’t back down now! Repel them no matter what!


(So you can’t fight without support… I’ll have to do their job for them…)


Enemy reinforcements in the rear, but they’re nothing to worry about. Just more Doros and a single Drumlo.

There’s a scene when you shoot down the grunt in the Drumlo.


Is this the end?
(Retreat.)
(My apologies.)
(It’s fine. We’ve created enough sparks.)
(Understood.)
I’ll remember this! I’ll get you next time!!
(Well, I guess I should retreat too…)
[The grunt retreats]
Who were those guys who came as reinforcements…
(My uneasiness is gone… So that mech was the source of that power, huh…)

The map ends when all enemies are shot down.


All right, we fought them off!
But what about the manor?
Nie…
Father! Are you hurt!?
Nie, Drake intends to attack this country.
He’ll attack the Kingdom of Mi?
The rest is up to you.
[Romn dies]
Yeah…
I feel bad for Nie…
I’m sorry. We weren’t strong enough.
There’s no need to apologize. It was Drake’s Army that killed him!
Curse you, Drake! I’ll pay you back double for this!
Yeah. We can’t let this slide.
According to my father’s last words, he’s going to attack the Kingdom of Mi. Cham, go spy on Laas Wau!
Okay! I’ll go check it out!
Nie…


Good work out there. Come closer.
Sir!
Go to Furaon Elf, the King of Ah, as quickly as possible.
Right away, my lord!
When you killed Romn Given, he was in the middle of sending a letter to the Kingdom of Mi, correct?
A letter? He was?
Didn’t you find such a letter?
Sir?
It was inside of his desk. This letter here, in which Romn was telling the King of Mi to attack our Country of Ah. Have you already forgotten?
O-oh, that letter.
And being the great soldier that you are, you will deliver this letter to King Furaon. You may be asked about the circumstances surrounding Romn’s death. You are to explain everything thoroughly.
Sir.
Therefore, I wish to act on behalf of King Furaon and punish the Kingdom of Mi.
Sir.
In order to mobilize my army, I need King Furaon’s permission.
Sir.
Leave now! I’ll lend you the Bull Beggar.
Sir!


So this time we’re going on the offensive?
I don’t think we should…
Why not?
Drake has already taken the next step.
Meaning what?
Meaning that he’s obtained King Furaon’s permission to attack the Kingdom of Mi.
Drake is quite the strategist. I’ve never talked to him, though.
That’s why I wanted you to join us as soon as possible.
I’m sorry.
Is the Kingdom of Mi fighting Drake like you guys?
No. They weren’t fighting, but they were at odds.
Then why don’t we just capture Drake’s castle while his army is attacking elsewhere?
That’s certainly possible, but it’ll be pointless if Chiron Castle in the Kingdom of Mi falls.
How many troops are stationed in Chiron Castle?
They have cavalry, but no Aura Battlers.
They’re not able to defend against Drake’s Army…
I see. It seems we have no choice. We’ll go to Chiron Castle and confront Drake’s Army.
Shou!
What? This is what I signed up for, right?
I know! Just tell us something.
Tell you what?
Have you met Rimul? Is she okay?
Rimul? You mean Drake’s daughter?
I met her once. She’s a strong-willed girl. She even claims her own parents are in the wrong. How do you know about her?
Nie wants to know.
Then why didn’t he ask me himself?
Nie’s too busy! Poor guy. Beh!
The heck’s that about?
Hehe… Anyway, I look forward to fighting with you in the future.
Same… First, can you teach me how to maintain an Aura Battler?
Sure.
He doesn’t look like he’s ready for combat.
I think it’s better than always being on edge.
…You have a point.


Great job, Lord Burn. You use that weapon excellently.
The trigger feels loose and the movement of the left arm is a bit heavy.
Roger that. I’ll make the adjustments.
Please do.
I’m glad you’re having fun.
I am. I’m glad it’s ready just in time for the war. All that’s left is to get King Furaon’s permission.
Is war really that easily justifiable?
It’s because of Lord Drake’s foresight that he submitted a petition to the King. Speaking of which…
I’m back.
Well done. Now we have our justification. Hehehe… But conflicts beyond minor skirmishes aren’t permitted, huh… With this slip of paper, we have the King’s authority.
So it’s finally time?
The Kingdom of Mi, which threatened us along with Romn Given, will now be punished!

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, the Argama and Allen decided to take refuge in the city of Falas. However, it seems Hitomi has gone missing.


Our next location is Castle Asturia.


Having escaped from the Zaibach Army, the Argama reached the capital, Castle Asturia, but… Are you ready for combat?


Van Route Chapter 7 (2-3): City of Schemes


Help! Anyone!!
Good luck with that! Guymelefs are useless underwater!


Hitomi is over there! Did she get kidnapped!?
Captain, the enemy’s objective remains unclear, but we must rescue her.
Indeed. However, we’re in a densely populated area. Exercise extreme caution and ensure no civilians get caught in the crossfire.


Deploy the troops!

If they’re underwater, just leave it to me!
No, we can’t let them get away! Leave it to Liger!
We’ve been had! Dive! Dive!!
Princess Millerna, this place is dangerous. Please return to the castle.
Very well, Allen. I shall report the situation to Father.
I leave it in your hands.


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Epistle
Found you, Van!
What!?
Hehehehe. You can’t escape me!
You’ve come back without learning your lesson. Your madness will lead to destruction.
Who the hell do you think you are? If you get in my way, I’ll kill you too.
Do you really think you can?
To think you’d appear at the same time as that submarine.
You’re trying to kidnap her, aren’t you?
Oh, you mean the girl we captured? I’m just following orders, though I do have a lot of things I want to ask her.
Dilandau! If you harm even a single hair on her head, you’ll answer to me!
Oh, it’s you again, Allen Schezar!
Protect the city and save Kanzaki!


The objective is to defeat all enemies without letting the submarine exit the southern part of the map. The sub can only travel through the canals, so block off its route with a fast unit. If you have it, this is a rare chance to take advantage of Getter Poseidon’s water terrain ranking. I ended up giving the Ialdabaoth a Minovsky Craft, allowing it to fly.


Dilandau is back as the first boss of this stage. He’s exactly the same as he was in the previous stage. Also, even though Hitomi is being held captive in the submarine, you still need to destroy it. Thankfully, it lacks any sort of attack and you don’t have to lower its HP without destroying it. The sub is always underwater, so your best bet at dealing major damage to it is Getter Poseidon, the Ialdabaoth, and Escaflowne’s dragon form.

There’s a quick scene after Van fights Dilandau for the first time.

Stop! Don’t fight here!
It’s all your fault. This city is burning because you’re here. My wound is aching because you’re here.
I…
That’s right! You should just die!!

I shoot him down quite quickly, though.


You unknown soldiers really have done it now!


Dilandau, retreat. If this commotion gets any bigger, other countries will find out.
(Folken Lacour de Fanel. Escaflowne. CV: Masato Yamanouchi)
Dammit! Just when things were starting to get good!
[Dilandau retreats]
He got away again.
We have to take him down quickly next time. He’s a sly one.
Protecting the city is more important right now.
You’re right.

The plot continues at the start of the fourth enemy phase with some unexpected reinforcements.


So this is where you were, Kamille!
Jerid!? How did you get to this world!?
Heh… We were brought here by some strange people.
You too, Yazan!?
This is a good opportunity. Let’s turn this other world into your grave!
Wait! This isn’t the time for us to fight! We need to find a way back to our world!
I don’t give a shit where I am. As long as I can defeat you, that’s all that matters.
Exactly. Settling my score with you is more important than returning to my original world, Kamille.
Jerid, how could you say something like that!?


That’s right, the Titans are here too. Jerid and Yazan are more powerful than the generic MS pilots. Just make sure you use your defensive spirits to avoid being shot down.


Dammit! I still can’t win!?
Jerid! Haven’t you had enough? Help us so we can return to Earth!
I only care about killing you!
What’s the point of us fighting each other in another world like this!?
I can think about that after I’ve killed you. Next time, I will win! Get ready for that!
[Jerid retreats]
It’s foolish to risk your life for revenge.


Dammit! Is this the end!?
Yazan Gable, surrender quietly!
Don’t make me laugh. I won’t give up until I defeat you all!
[Yazan retreats]
Dammit! Why do we have to fight each other, especially in a different world!?

There’s also dialogue when you take out the submarine.


I’ve had enough!
W-wait a minute!
Silence! I’m taking you down with me!
It’s going to explode! Rescue her immediately!
[The sub explodes]
Are you all right?
Y-yes. Thank you!
(She’s magically aboard the Argama)
Are you hurt?
I’m fine.
You’re an idiot for getting kidnapped.
Well, excuse me for being an idiot!

The map ends when all enemies are shot down.


We managed to repel them.
I’m sorry. If we weren’t here, this wouldn’t have happened.
That’s not true. Dilandau’s forces attacked us even though we’re allies. You don’t need to feel guilty.
But Dilandau’s target is me. If I never came here…
Lord Van, it’s not your fault! They’re the ones who attacked Fanelia!
Why are they attacking in the first place?
They must have a reason to go so far as to invade an allied nation just to capture him.
Why are they so fixated on Van?
…
Is there any legends or stories associated with Escaflowne?
The ancient texts I have only contain instructions on how to operate it.
Ancient texts? It’s old?
I don’t know when it was made, but it’s been passed down through the generations in the royal family.
So it might contain some sort of secret.
And then Zaibach attacked when they learned of that secret, right?
We won’t learn anything by talking about it here. I’m going to report this to the King. You all should get some rest.


From the looks of it, it doesn’t seem like you have good news.
My apologies. I tried my hardest to plead your case, but…
So the King couldn’t provide us any assistance?
Correct. He got angry and yelled about how I was a fool for putting our people in danger.
It is what it is. Your King seems to have his own issues.
But we only protected the people when we were attacked…
That’s enough, Allen. I’ll just leave.
Lord Van…
Don’t be hasty. Surely the King said more than that.
Yes… An envoy from Zaibach arrived and demanded we hand over Van and Escaflowne.
Whoa, that’s bad!
They’re making demands despite this attack being their fault?
What a bunch of fools. They must be confident in their strength.
Regardless, we can’t stay in this country any longer.
What should we do?
Don’t ask me. I don’t know anything about this world.
Let me tell your fortune!
Fortune telling?
Yes. Besides my precognition, I can also tell fortunes.
Can we trust you?
Do you hate me or something?
Not really.
We don’t have any plans right now. What’s the harm?
Just leave it to me!
How do you plan to do this?
I’ll use a method called dowsing. Do you have a map of this world?
Will this work?
Yes. Now I’ll shake my pendant…
Is this a reliable method?
She predicted the enemy’s attack, so it’s worth a try at least.
We should go in the direction the pendant is pointing.
That’s the Principality of Freyd.
Okay. Let’s get going.


Kukuku. I’ve really acquired a useful power… With this, war will surely break out in that world called Gaea.
My apologies. Our plan called for the destruction of that castle.
It doesn’t matter. I’ve found something even better.
Something better?
That’s right. Folka was among the enemy, wasn’t he?
He was.
How fortunate. If we use him, we can escalate the war even further.
Then let’s capture him.
No. I’ll use this power to bring his army into this world. Kukukuku. HAHAHAHA…


Allen, are you sure you should be coming with us?
I am. The King didn’t seem to mind, and I want to know what’s really going on.
Even if you say that, it’s not like we know anything either.
Since being sent to this world, there’s a lot we don’t know.
I wonder what’s happening back home right now.
My apologies. If only I didn’t bring you to Gaea…
Don’t apologize. Didn’t that guy in Byston Well say that dimensional gates were opening more frequently? Something is starting to go wrong in various worlds.
!!
Captain Bright, change course immediately!
What’s wrong?
At this rate, we’ll be swallowed up!
By what?
Here it comes! We’re too late!!
[A flash of light]
Whoa! Everyone, hold onto something!
Good grief… Where are we being sent to now?


[A flash of light]
Dammit! What the hell was that!?
I don’t know.
We were following Van as he was heading towards Freyd, but where are we now?
We’ve lost sight of them.
After all the trouble to find him… Damn you, Van!!
What should we do now?
Are you so incompetent you need my orders? Find him immediately!
Sir!

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, Nie’s father died and Shou Zama joined our cause.


Our next location is Chiron Castle.


Following the successful surprise attack on the Given family, Drake’s Army begins its advance into the Kingdom of Mi. Are you ready to defend Chiron Castle?


Nie Route Chapter 7 (2-3): Battle at Chiron Castle


Can we really defend this castle by ourselves?
Like it or not, we’re the only ones who can put up a fight.
If this castle falls, Drake’s Army will only get bolder.
They’re here! And in huge numbers! I also see a new Aura Battler.
So they were still hiding most of their strength, huh… All units, prepare to intercept!


Deploy the troops! Boss and Sayaka are the bench warmers. It’s worth noting that if you didn’t move Cham to Shou’s machine, she’ll still be with Marvel.

Cham, define “in huge numbers.”
Um… There’s one new model and…a lot of Drumlos!
Drumlos!? They’ve sped up their production.
Damn you, Shot Weapon.


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - The Scars of War
They’re here! There are so many of them.
I’ve never seen so many enemies in one place before.
We’re at a disadvantage by defending the castle.
It would be one thing if we could fight without restraints, but it’s unreasonable to have to worry about the castle at the same time!
Regardless, this is what we’re doing!
Hyoma, are you okay?
We just need to defeat the enemy before they reach the castle, right?
Yup! If we shoot them down early, then they won’t be a problem!
All right. Let’s meet them head-on!


Despite what the dialogue says, nothing happens if an enemy gets to the castle. Just focus on thinning their numbers. You can either advance or take advantage of the castle’s excellent terrain.


For bosses, we’ve got Burn, Tod, and Garalia. Burn is in a new Virunvee, and Tod and Garalia are both in Drumlos. Use normal anti-Aura Battler tactics.

The plot advances at the start of the second enemy phase with reinforcements.


So this is where you were, Kamille!
Jerid! How did you get to this world!?
Hmph. We were brought here by some sketchy guys.
You too, Yazan!?
This is a good opportunity. I’ll turn this world into your graveyard.
Wait! This isn’t the time for us to fight! We need to find a way back to our world.
It doesn’t matter where we are. All I care about is killing you.
That’s right. I’ll worry about returning to my world after I kill you!
Jerid, you’re still on about that!?
Who the hell are you guys?
You’re fighting against the Argama, right?
The Argama? You mean those guys fighting with the Zelana?
We’re here to kill them. Shall we form a united front?
Right now, our priority is to capture the castle... Very well!
Hehehe. We’ve only gotten stronger! Today we’ll settle things once and for all!


Jerid and Yazan are here. They’ll take full advantage of the forest’s terrain, so they’re a bit harder to hit than before. Save your Spirits for the bosses, and they’ll start dropping like flies.


This siege is practically over anyway.
Burn Burnings!
Shou Zama, this operation is over.
It’s because people like you are working for Drake!
I’ll settle our score another day! Look forward to it!
[Burn retreats]
Damn you, Burn! You say whatever you want!


Dammit! I’ll remember this!!
[Tod retreats]
Tod, why don’t you understand? You’re being used by Drake.


I’m not used to Aura Battlers yet, huh…
Garalia, have you made up your mind?
I’ve finally been given an Aura Battler. I won’t let myself be killed in a place like this!
[Garalia retreats]
Her Aura Power is rising.


Dammit! Is this the end!?
Yazan Gable, surrender!
Surrender? Don’t make me laugh! I can’t let it end here… I’m retreating!
[Yazan retreats]
Dammit! Why did he come all the way to another world? Why do humans have to keep fighting each other!?


Dammit! I still can’t win!?
Jerid, that’s enough! Right now, instead of fighting, we need to find a way back home!
I only care about killing you!
What’s the point of fighting in another world like this!?
The point is to surpass you! If I can’t do that, then I can’t move forward!
[Jerid retreats]
It’s foolish to risk your life for revenge.

The map ends when all enemies have been defeated.


Enemy reinforcements!?
We’re withdrawing immediately!
Why? I can still fight.
We need to respect King Vinegan’s wishes.
His wishes?
In case of an emergency evacuation, we’re to escort Ladies Pat Hood and Elle to the Country of Rau.
Are we going to turn our backs to the enemy? I can still fight!
Calm down, Koji! You can’t fight all of them alone.
This is our fault. If only we could have properly defended the castle…
We did our best. It’s frustrating, but this is all we can do. We’re heading to the Country of Rau!


It’s great that we were able to safely bring Lady Elle and her retinue to the Country of Rau, but what should we do now?
We wait. Cham is currently gathering intel on Drake’s Army.
Even so, how many Aura Battlers does Drake’s Army have?
Shot is churning them out at Laas Wau’s factory.
So they were being made even before they attacked the Kingdom of Mi?
If that’s the case, then we need to destroy that factory as soon as possible to limit the number of enemies.
But we can’t just let Drake’s Army attack whoever they want.
What should we do?
Not much. All we can do right now is wait for Cham’s intel, right?
That’s right. Without her information, we can’t properly decide what to do next.
Oh! Cham’s back!
We’ve got big trouble! Drake is about to attack Elf Castle!
What!?
What does this mean? Isn’t Drake one of King Furaon Elf’s subordinates?
King Elf is someone who doesn’t try to do anything himself.
So Drake is trying to usurp him?
Well… If the King was competent, this never would have happened.
There’s no point bringing that up now. In any case, we need to go and defend Elf Castle.
That’s right. The factory is important, but we can’t allow the King to fall! We’re departing immediately!


I’m about to take over the Kingdom of Mi.
Congratulations!
Now the stage is set.
Yes. Let’s get rid of the incompetent King Furaon.
I’m still developing new Aura Battlers, but what should we do about pilots?
The moon should be full tonight. We can use Silky to summon more Upper Earthers.
They might turn on us like Shou Zama.
Let’s carefully educate our new recruits when they get here.
I’ll leave that to you.


We made it in time.
Cham, where is Drake’s Army?
They’ve set up camp in the nearby forest.
Do you know exactly where?
Yeah. Why?
I want to launch a surprise attack.
A surprise attack?
Yes. In order to counter their army, the best strategy is to launch an attack while their guard is down.
But will we be fine on our own?
We can ask King Elf to send us reinforcements.
With our forces and King Elf’s reinforcements, we can take down Drake’s Army, huh… At least, it’ll be worth a try.
But will King Elf really help us?
He’s someone who prefers not to do anything, right?
I’ll meet with him directly and plead for his aid. Everyone, please head to Drake’s Army ahead of me.
Wouldn’t it be better to wait here?
If we do, there’s a possibility that Drake will make his move.
I’ll do everything I can to convince him to help us.
All right. Let’s head towards Drake’s Army.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, the Argama left Astoria, but was caught up in another teleportation on their way to Freyd.


Our next destination is Drake’s HQ.


The Argama has been transported to another world yet again. In front of them is Drake’s Army… Are you ready for battle?


Van Route Chapter 8 (2-4): Tod’s Fierce Attack


W-where are we now? A battlefield?
Who’s fighting who?
One side seems to be Drake’s Army.
Did we end up back in Byston Well?
That’s the Aura Ship that was summoned the other day!
It was summoned back?
Great timing! We’re having trouble because our own reinforcements haven’t arrived yet. Sorry, but could you please help us?
Understood. All units, deploy immediately!


Deploy the troops.

You seem outnumbered.
How could you launch an attack with such few men?
Well, reinforcements were supposed to come from Elf Castle.
Who are you?
He’s a summoned Upper Earther, just like me.
They should have seen the flames of war by now…
So you’re just expendable pawns, huh…
Shush! With this many people, a surprise attack was our only option!
I’m just saying what I see.
We can talk later! I really need your help to defeat Drake’s Army!
Understood. Let’s go, everyone!


We’ve got all the units from the other route split, that being Marvel in the Dana O’Shee, Nie in the Zelana, Keen in the Fou, and Shou in the Dunbine. Please see that split for descriptions of the units.


The only objective is to defeat all enemies. As mentioned previously, Aura Machines’ barriers reduce all ranged damage, so watch out for that if you’re relying on Mobile Suits. Try to have the scattered Aura Machines rendezvous with the main force. They may be extremely agile, but one bad roll and you’re down a powerful unit.


For bosses, we’ve got Burn in a Virunvee and Tod in a Dunbine. Only Tod has lines with Shou.

Shou Zama! We’ll settle things here!
I know Tod’s piloting that thing, but it’s faster than normal! Has his Aura Power increased!?
Shou Zama, the only thing you have going for you is a good machine. I’ll make you realize that!

The plot advances at the start of the second enemy phase.


Hmm? They don’t seem to be the same guys we fought before.
What do you mean, Folka?
I don’t feel the same power from these guys as I did from the guys we fought at Allen’s castle.
What power? I don’t feel anything…
You fought Drake’s Army before?
Yes. They attacked my world.
That’s impossible. We’ve been keeping an eye on their movements. They never had the chance to invade another world.
(What’s going on? So the guys who attacked Allen’s castle weren’t from Drake’s Army?)
!!
Everyone, be careful! The enemy is coming!
What!?
Enemy units detected. The signal pattern is… Guymelef!?


I found you, Van! So this is where you fled to!
Dilandau! You came to this world too!?
What the hell are you talking about?
You came here without knowing anything?
Again, what are you talking about!? My patience is wearing thin!
This isn’t Gaea, your world.
This is Byston Well. Can’t you see that?
Byston Well? It doesn’t matter. I only care about the Dragon! I’m going to get you today, Van Fanel!


Dilandau and his squad are here in flying Guymelefs. Technically, they’re the same ones they’re always in, but in their flight form. Now you have to worry about hitting flying units with physical attacks. He doesn’t have any lines with Van or Allen.


Dammit! I was arrogant. I let my guard down.
Are you running away?
I can’t die here!
[Burn retreats]
If we could have defeated Burn here, things would get easier.
It can’t be helped. We should be grateful that we managed to shoo him off.
That’s right. We might have died here if those guys never showed up.
You’re right.


Dammit! I can’t move anymore!?
Tod! Why are you panicking!?
I can’t afford to keep losing, especially after having come all the way to this world!
This isn’t the time for that! Just leave!
Shut up! I’m trying!
[Tod retreats]
Tod Guinness, to think we came to Byston Well together…


To think you could damage me like this…
Why are you targeting Escaflowne!?
Everything is for Lord Donkirk’s sake. I shall withdraw for now, but I will return.
[Dilandau retreats]
Dilandau…

The map ends when all enemies are defeated.


We’ve driven off the garrison!
All right! Let’s keep this momentum up and strike at Drake’s main camp!
Nie, overextending is dangerous. Isn’t it enough that our surprise attack was successful?
We can’t lose a chance like this!
Everyone is completely exhausted.
But…
It looks like we don’t have time to argue.


We can’t afford any more casualties! Nie!
Fine, fine. Let’s retreat for now.


We weren’t able to defeat Drake, but we did manage to pull off a successful ambush. Thank you.
Don’t mention it. We just happened to be passing by.
It seems you have some new units and pilots since we last visited.
Ah, you’re referring to the Escaflowne and Scheherazade.
You remember Van, right? He’s piloting the Escaflowne.
The Scheherazade is my personal Guymelef.
What’s a Guymelef?
It’s what they call robots in Van and Allen’s world.
Is that right…
What brings you to Byston Well?
More importantly, how did you get to Byston Well?
Well… We were traveling when we were suddenly teleported.
If you have nowhere to go, would you lend us your strength?
Before we agree to anything, can you tell us about Drake’s Army?
What about them?
I think I mentioned it during the battle, but Drake’s Army appeared in Van’s world, Gaea.
Oh, that. Like I said, we’ve been keeping a close eye on them. They haven’t made any movements to indicate that they’re attacking another world.
Besides, even if dimensional gates have been easier to open, it’s not like we can freely choose our destination. Invading other worlds just isn’t feasible.
I see… Then who was that army?
The people who attacked my castle certainly called themselves Drake’s Army, and they were piloting the same Guymelefs as the ones we just fought.
Even if you say that…
(Attacking while disguised as another army to cause conflict… It couldn’t be…)
It seems we have no choice but to ask Drake directly.
Then…
Yes, I’ll help. After all, I left my country to find out the connection between Zaibach and Drake.
We’ll help too. We’re also concerned about the force that attacked Allen’s castle. Plus, Drake might have a way to get us back to Earth.
Thank you so much!


Are you Lord Drake?
Who are you?
I am Mizar, a Commander of a mercenary company. Would you be willing to hire us?
(Mizar Touval. OG. CV: Toru Okawa)
Hire you? Why come to us instead of King Elf?
If I help the losing side, I wouldn’t get paid.
I see… But if we’re winning, then we don’t need your help, do we?
Certainly, your army is sufficient against the soldiers of Elf Castle. However, you won’t beat the guys who launched a surprise attack against you. If you underestimate them…
I’ve read the report. Do you know anything about them?
We’re a mercenary company. We’re always gathering information.
So this Upper Earther army is a nuisance to you too, is that it?
As expected, you’re quite perceptive.
What are your terms?
A little bit of military funds and one of your latest Aura Battlers.
Our latest model, huh? Hmph. I don’t like how you know about that, but I’ll admit you’re quite organized.
Thank you.
However, I don’t trust you. If you want my trust, you’ll have to show me some results first.
As you wish.
(Kukuku. Now that the forces are even, there won’t be a clear winner. Plus, I can get the latest model in this world… I can hardly stop myself from laughing!)


It’s strange… Looking at this scenery, it’s hard to believe this is another world.
I know how you feel. How did we even get to this world in the first place?
I mean, Folka came from another world.
Then we were sent here…
It seems that in this world, dimensional gates have become easier to open ever since the earthquake.
The question is, is the earthquake the cause or part of the effect?
Oh crap! Oh crap! Drake’s Army is on the move!
Are they heading here?
No. They’re heading to Elf Castle!
What? Then it’s fine.
What do you mean by that, Shou!?
There’s no reason to help a King who doesn’t keep his promises.
I agree with Shou.
Nie, not you too! We can’t just--
If we lost this battle, we’d be dead!
But that doesn’t mean we can let Drake do whatever he wants.
I don’t intend to, but…
We’re here to show the world that we’re on the side of justice.
So we’re not going to defend the castle from Drake’s Army?
But…
What are you fighting for? For a King who broke a promise? Or was it to stop Drake’s ambitions!?
You’re right… I’m sorry. Let’s head to Elf Castle right away! Shou, Keen, go ahead and start scouting!
Roger!
Got it. I’m sorry, Marvel.
Apology accepted.
Come on, Shou! We have to go now!
Are you going to join me in the Dunbine?
Why not? Look, Keen has already left!
Right!

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Despite having the same name as a chapter on the other route, the events are slightly different.

Last time, the Argama failed to defend Chiron Castle.


Our next location is Drake’s HQ.


Drake’s Army is targeting King Elf next. Intercept their attack to protect the country. Are you ready for battle?


Nie Route Chapter 8 (2-4): Tod’s Fierce Attack


How’d it go, Nie?
I wasn’t able to meet with King Elf, but his subordinate promised to send reinforcements.
Good job, though I am concerned that you weren’t able to see him in person…
There’s no point in worrying about it now.
Well, we’ve come this far…
Right now, all we can do is trust them and launch a surprise attack!
All right. Once the Argama launches, everyone is to sortie!


Deploy the troops! Boss and Sayaka are still the only ones on the bench.

What the hell!?
Ambush!
Is that the Zelana!?
Well done, King Furaon.
This is my chance to show the Upper Earthers my power! If I succeed here, Drake and Shot will think more highly of me!


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Scars of War
There’s more of them than I expected.
That proves that they were making them with Laas Wau.
Let’s go ham until reinforcements arrive!
Yeah. Let’s do as much damage as we can!


Between us and victory are a lot of Aura Machines. You should be used to fighting them at this point.


Bosses are Burn in a Virunvee and Tod in a Dunbine. Only Tod has lines with Shou.

Shou Zama! We’ll settle things here!
I know Tod’s piloting that thing, but it’s faster than normal! Has his Aura Power increased!?
Shou Zama, the only thing you have going for you is a good machine. I’ll make you realize that!

Anyway, the plot continues at the start of the third player phase.


When are the reinforcements going to arrive?
I’m sick of waiting!
It seems King Elf is using us as sacrificial pawns.
Dammit! This was his chance!
What do we do? Should we retreat?


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - No Need for Promises
Those are Aura Battlers I’ve never seen before. Are they enemy reinforcements?
W-where are we? A battlefield?
Which armies are fighting?
Isn’t that Van’s voice?
You’re the guys I met in Hitomi’s world…
What are you doing here? Didn’t you go back to your world?
Yeah, I managed to return to Gaea, but it’s a long story…
You can tell us all about it later! Is that other mech your friend?
Yes. Allen Schezar, at your service.
We’re in trouble because promised reinforcements aren’t coming. I’m sorry, but could you lend us your sword?
All we have to do is defeat Drake’s Army, right?
You know about Drake’s Army?
That saves us the trouble of explaining! Let’s go!


Van and Allen are here. Please see the other route for their unit descriptions. They spawn far to the south, so make good use of Escaflowne’s dragon form and Allen’s Accel to have them join the fray as soon as possible.

The plot continues at the start of the next enemy turn.


!!
Everyone, be careful! The enemy is coming!
What!?
Enemy units detected. The signal pattern is… unknown!?


I found you, Van! This is where you fled to!
Dilandau! You came to this world too!?
What the hell are you talking about?
You came here without knowing anything?
Again, what are you talking about!? My patience is wearing thin!
This isn’t Gaea.
This world is called Byston Well! Can’t you see that?
Byston Well? It doesn’t matter. I only care about the Dragon! I’m going to get you today, Van Fanel!


Dilandau and his squad are here in flying Guymelefs. Technically, they’re the same ones they’re always in, but in their flight form. Now you have to worry about hitting flying units with physical attacks. He doesn’t have any lines with Van or Allen.


Dammit! I was arrogant. I let my guard down.
Are you running away?
I can’t die here!
[Burn retreats]
If we could have defeated Burn here, things would get easier.
It can’t be helped. We should be grateful that we managed to shoo him off.
That’s right. We might have died here if those guys never showed up.
You’re right.


Dammit! I can’t move anymore!?
Tod! Why are you panicking!?
I can’t afford to keep losing, especially after having come all the way to this world!
This isn’t the time for that! Just leave!
Shut up! I’m trying!
[Tod retreats]
Tod Guinness, to think we came to Byston Well together…


To think you could damage me like this…
Why are you targeting Escaflowne!?
Everything is for Lord Donkirk’s sake. I shall withdraw for now, but I will return.
[Dilandau retreats]
Dilandau…

The map ends when all enemies are defeated.


We’ve driven off the garrison!
All right! Let’s keep this momentum up and strike at Drake’s main camp!
Nie, overextending is dangerous. Isn’t it enough that our surprise attack was successful?
We can’t lose a chance like this!
Everyone is completely exhausted.
But…
It looks like we don’t have time to argue.
(TL Note: He says this despite enemy reinforcements not spawning.)
We can’t afford any more casualties! Nie!
Fine, fine. Let’s retreat for now.


We weren’t able to defeat Drake, but we did manage to pull off a successful ambush. Thank you.
Don’t mention it. I’m relieved to see familiar faces.
How did you get here?
I don’t know. We were suddenly sent here while traveling.
If you don’t have anywhere to go, would you mind helping us out?
But before you answer, how do you know about Drake’s Army?
They attacked Allen’s castle on Gaea.
That’s impossible! We’ve been keeping a close eye on them. There’s no way they could have invaded another world.
Besides, even if dimensional gates have been easier to open, it’s not like we can freely choose our destination. Invading other worlds just isn’t feasible.
I see… Then who was that army?
The people who attacked my castle certainly called themselves Drake’s Army, and they were piloting the same Guymelefs as the ones we just fought.
Even if you say that…
They might be imposters posing as Drake’s Army.
What do you mean?
When Drake’s Army came as reinforcements during the fight near the Given manor, I felt something strange.
Couldn’t that just be your imagination?
So something about them felt off to you, Folka? Something that makes you think they’re fakes?
And you think they’re the same “Drake’s Army” that attacked them on Gaea…
I don’t know… Something just feels wrong…
(Attacking while disguised as another army to instigate conflict… It couldn’t be…)
It seems we have no choice but to ask Drake directly.
Then…
Yes, I’ll help. After all, I left my country to find out the connection between Zaibach and Drake.
Thank you so much!


Are you Lord Drake?
Who are you?
I am Mizar, a Commander of a mercenary company. Would you be willing to hire us?
(Mizar Touval. OG. CV: Toru Okawa)
Hire you? Why come to us instead of King Elf?
If I help the losing side, I wouldn’t get paid.
I see… But if we’re winning, then we don’t need your help, do we?
Certainly, your army is sufficient against the soldiers of Elf Castle. However, you won’t beat the guys who launched a surprise attack against you. If you underestimate them…
I’ve read the report. Do you know anything about them?
We’re a mercenary company. We’re always gathering information.
So this Upper Earther army is a nuisance to you too, is that it?
As expected, you’re quite perceptive.
What are your terms?
A little bit of military funds and one of your latest Aura Battlers.
Our latest model, huh? Hmph. I don’t like how you know about that, but I’ll admit you’re quite organized.
Thank you.
However, I don’t trust you. If you want my trust, you’ll have to show me some results first.
As you wish.
(Kukuku. Now that the forces are even, there won’t be a clear winner. Plus, I can get the latest model in this world… I can hardly stop myself from laughing!)


It’s strange… Looking at this scenery, it’s hard to believe this is another world.
You got that right. We couldn’t believe it when we first came here either.
Even now, this feels like a dream.
First of all, how did we even get here?
Is this really another world?
Folka first came to our world, then we were sent to another.
It seems that in this world, dimensional gates have become easier to open ever since the earthquake.
The question is, is the earthquake the cause or part of the effect?
Oh crap! Oh crap! Drake’s Army is on the move!
Are they heading here?
No. They’re heading to Elf Castle!
What? Then it’s fine.
What do you mean by that, Shoul!?
There’s no reason to help a King who doesn’t keep his promises.
I agree with Shou.
Nie, not you too! We can’t just--
If we lost this battle, we’d be dead!
But that doesn’t mean we can let Drake do whatever he wants.
I don’t intend to, but…
We’re here to show the world that we’re on the side of justice.
So we’re not going to defend the castle from Drake’s Army?
But…
What are you fighting for? For a King who broke a promise? Or was it to stop Drake’s ambitions!?
You’re right… I’m sorry. Let’s head to Elf Castle right away! Shou, Keen, go ahead and start scouting!
Roger!
Got it. I’m sorry, Marvel.
Apology accepted.
Come on, Shou! We have to go now!
Are you going to join me in the Dunbine?
Why not? Look, Keen has already left!
Right!

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

This is where the routes combine. This LP will be following the route that went to the Photon Power Lab and Nie’s route as the “main” route and anything in quotes will be dialogue if you went with Van or to the Science Fortress Lab.

Last time, Van, Allen, Nie’s group, and the Argama decided to join forces and protect King Furaon Elf.


The final location for this Scene is Elf Castle.


Drake’s Army, riding on its momentum, approaches Elf Castle. The final battle for the Kingdom of Ah begins. Are you ready for combat?


Chapter 8 (2-5): The Raiders of Elf Castle


I’ll show that cowardly Elf the power of the Bastole!
I won’t let you have all the glory!


Did we make it in time!?
Shou, what do we do now?
We need to draw their attention!
Roger!
It’s the Dunbine!
Garalia, leave Elf Castle to the Mud Squad. Let’s take down that Dunbine!
Roger that!


Combine the Dunbine and Fou and stick near the northeast edge of the village. Reinforcements will arrive shortly. As a note, if you didn’t move Cham to Shou’s machine in the previous stages (as she’s originally defaulted to Marvel’s), she’ll be automatically moved to the Dunbine. Same with Shou if you moved him to another machine.

The plot continues at the start of the next turn.


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Wild Dance of the Machine God
Hmm? Oh, Shou! They’re here!
I need backup! The castle is in danger!
All units, deploy! Defend the castle!!


Deploy the troops. We’re at the point where you have to start benching units, one if you went to the Science Fortress Lab and two if you went to the Photon Power Lab. Boss and Sayaka are on the bench in this case.

Whoa, is that a new model I see?
Just because they have a new model doesn’t mean they’ll win!
You got that right.
Even so, look at all those enemies.
Even after a successful surprise attack, we didn’t impact their numbers much…

There are so many left.
If we overextended after the surprise attack, we would have bit it for sure.

There’s more of them than I thought.
So you came. I’ll be your opponent!
They’re coming! We must defend the castle at all costs!


Burn and Garalia are the first bosses of this stage in the Virumvee and Bastole respectively. Yes, I did forget to properly examine her. Shame this game lacks a Scan spirit… Anyway, despite the objective of the map being “defeat all enemies”, the stage actually ends when you shoot down Garalia. Of course, that would mean giving up on a lot of money and exp, so it’s best to save her for last.

The next scene happens at the start of the next enemy phase.


Enemy reinforcements! They still had more lying in wait!?
I’m feeling that strange power again…
Jerid! Why are you with Drake’s Army!?
We’re mercs that Drake hired.
Don’t tell them anything.
Shut up! All I care about is killing Kamille. I don’t care about your plans.
What!?
Wait! I finally realize what I’ve been feeling.
What is it, Folka?
I’m feeling the same power from these guys as I felt from the guys who attacked the Given Manor.
(“[...] Allen’s Castler” if you went with Van.)
…
So what is it?
It’s someone I know.
If it’s someone you know, then they’re part of the Shura Army!?
It’s time you showed yourself, Alco!
How did you know?
(Alco Katwor. OG. CV: Tomohisa Aso) (Replaced the Drake Soldier from before)
I’ve seen your power enough to get bored of it.
I knew you’d get in our way. I’d be going against Lord Mizar’s orders, but I’m going to kill you!
So Mizar is behind this after all…
So what if he is? It’s none of your business since you’re about to die!


Alco the Transformation is here along with Jerid and Yazan. Alco, despite being a Shura, doesn’t have a Shura God for himself. He usually uses mechs that compliment his current disguise. Here, he’s using a Drumlo. You’ve fought Drumlos and the Titanjob brothers enough to know how to fight them at this point.

There’s another scene at the start of the next enemy phase.


Alco, what’s taking you so long?
(Magnaz Ald. OG. CV: Tadashi Miyazawa)
So you’re here too?
You!? How dare you speak to me, a General!
A General? You? Heh. That’s a funny joke.
What was that? Fine. The Strategist told me not to kill you, but I’m going to do it anyway!


Our next Shura General and the last boss of this stage is Magnaz the Heavy Quake in his Andras. This is by far the bulkiest boss we’ve fought yet, so be careful in how you attack him. Thankfully, he’s really easy to hit, so you just need to make sure you don’t get shot down by his counterattacks.

Once again, there are no combat dialogues. It seems those are very rare in this game. Regardless, the bosses start falling like flies.


Whoa! A direct hit!?
Jerid!!
Kamille! You are my…
[Jerid explodes]
Jerid…
Forget him, Kamille. If you hesitate in battle, you’ll suffer his fate next.
I know, Captain.
Kamille…


Ugh! My Mobile Suit won’t move!
Yazan Gable! Just surrender already!
Don’t make me laugh! I won’t give up until I kill you all!
[Yazan retreats]
He got away again.
Honestly, his only good part is how fast he is at running away.
It can’t be helped. For now, focus on the remaining enemies!


Dammit! Is my Aura Power still not enough?
Burn Burnings!
I won’t be killed yet! Shou Zama, I’ll defeat you next time!
[Burn retreats]
All right! Burn retreated!
Now it’s Garalia’s turn.
Her Aura Power should be lower than Burn’s. We got this, everyone!


What!? My machine is malfunctioning!
What are you doing, Magnaz!? I never gave you the order to sortie!
But…
No excuses! Retreat immediately!
Dammit!
Are you refusing to follow orders?
Ugh… Fine…
You’re as obedient as ever.
You don’t know Mizar’s power.
Tell him that I’m coming for all of you.
Don’t regret this! I’m going to be the one who’ll kill you!
[Magnaz retreats]
Are you sure we should let him go?
If he were to go all out, we wouldn’t make it out unscathed.
He was strong, but I thought he’d be stronger.
He was appointed as a General, but he’s no match for me. However, it’s best if we focus on the remaining enemies.


Dammit! This machine is useless!
Blame your own skill. After all, you’re only capable of transforming your body.
What did you say!?
Am I wrong? You became Mizar’s lackey because that’s all you’re good for.
You bastard!!
Alco! That’s enough. Retreat!
…Sir.
[Alco retreats]

As I said before, the map ends when Garalia is shot down.


I won’t lose like this! I’ll take the Dunbine down with me!
Shou…
W-what the hell? Garalia is different from normal! I can feel more power from her than Burn!
She’s stronger than Burn!?
Are you all right, Shou?
Feel my power!
I won’t lose!
Those two stopped moving!
Shou! Why did you stop!?
Shou, is something wrong? Can you hear me?
I can’t lose!
I know you don’t want to lose, but if you stay still like that, you will die!
Why you!
You can’t beat me!
[The screen flashes]
What’s that light?
Are their Auras interfering with each other?
[The screen flashes again]
W-what’s going on?
Shou! Get away from her Bastole!
No! We’re going to be blown away!
What!?
[Fade to white]


Where were we sent to now?
A familiar sky… Did we really…
Our current location is over the Pacific Ocean. It seems we’ve returned to Earth.
I-I see…
Phew. We’re finally back.
I’m glad we’re back, but I’m not entirely happy…

So we finally made it back, eh?
I wonder if us leaving them like that was a good thing…

…This is Lucrezia Noin of the Preventers. Argama, please respond.
This is Bright of the Argama.
I’m so glad you’re safe. We’ve been searching for your ship ever since we lost contact.
It’s a long story, but we ended up in another world.
Another world?
We’ll debrief you later. What’s the current state of the enemy?
Right. Currently, the Earth is under invasion by the Congistar Army.
Congistar?
That’s the name of the enemy faction that appeared in Tokyo.
Even though we went missing, the EFF should have been able to handle it, right?
I bet they took their sweet time too.
You’d be wrong. Most EFF bases were annihilated.
W-what!? Even if their response was slow, how could such a large force launch a full-scale attack on the ground?
It wasn’t any army. It was caused by a weapon called the Omega Missile.
Omega Missile?
What the hell!? Please tell us in greater detail.
Let me start from the beginning. Within a few days after that first attack, Congistar deployed a powerful missile base in satellite orbit capable of long-ranged attacks.
Then wouldn’t destroying the base solve that problem?
The EFF took immediate action, but it seems the Omega Missiles are attracted to nuclear engines. All Mobile Suits were destroyed within moments.
W-what!?
So the bases were destroyed by Omega Missiles by locking onto the Mobile Suits stationed there…
Correct.
Then aren’t those missiles heading towards the Argama right now!?
You’re fine. I’ll send the full report, but it seems the Argama is currently in the satellite’s blind spot. Plus, if you constantly scatter Minovsky Particles at combat concentrations, you can escape detection to some extent.
But if we can’t use our Mobile Suits…
Large-scale operations are impossible. Right now, the Preventers are focusing on defending and destroying incoming missiles.
Hmm… I see. Are there any plans to destroy the missile base?
We’re currently coordinating with various parties to formulate a plan.
Right when we returned… Seriously now. We’ll gladly cooperate. Let me know how we can help as soon as you can.
Roger.
Are there any sightings of the Shura Army?
There have been several battles where we couldn’t identify the enemy, but they don’t seem to be Shura related.
I see… They must be looking for us.
Also, regarding that mysterious illness I mentioned before, a specialized company has been established to take care of it. The disease is now officially called “Algernon”.
Has it spread since then?
Yes. The number of cases seems to be increasing. Sorry, but I have an incoming call. Please give me a moment.
I wonder if the cause of the illness is still unknown?
It might be a new type of virus or something.
That’s scary.

A mysterious illness, huh… What the heck is going on?
It’s probably a new type of virus.
It’s also possible that it’s an enemy chemical weapon.

Captain Bright, we have an emergency. It seems Tokyo is under attack again by the Congistar forces.
Captain, we’re about 10 minutes away from Tokyo!
All right. Battle stations! This ship will now head to Tokyo!


It’s been a long time, Strategist.
(???)
What do you want, Maysis?
Do you think I’m here because I like you? I’ve come to deliver the Shura King’s orders.
(Maysis Mark. OG. CV: Yuriko Yamaguchi)
Oh, so he’s alive! How’s he doing?
Like you give a crap. Here are his orders: Effective immediately, take command of the Shura army scattered throughout the planet.
So he’s leaving it all to me, eh? Is that everything he said?
It is. Strategist, what’s your answer?
Tell the Shura King that I will spread the laws of Shura in his name.
Heh… Sure you will.
There is no one who wouldn’t be inspired upon hearing his name. Kukuku.
Strategist, just what are you plotting?
Whatever do you mean?
If your mind is consumed by evil, you’ll only plunge into your own death.
Is that a threat? You shouldn’t act on baseless speculations and delusions. You might be the next one to die, you know? Kukukuku…
Tch. I’ll be taking my leave.
Give my regards to General Altis.
Hmph.
[Maysis leaves]
Kukukuku… So the Shura King still isn’t at full strength yet…


Dammit! Is there a way we can get back? While we’re here, Drake is--
Calm down, Nie!
Yeah! I’m sure the Captain will find a way for us to get back!
But when will that happen!? By now, Drake has surely occupied Elf Castle! Next, he’ll march on the rest of Byston Well!
Look, there’s no point in making a fuss.
Hmph. You only think that because you’re back in your home world! I care about my country!
Enough already! You’re not the only one who’s worried about his country or people.
Both of you, stop yelling!
What!?
I may look calm, but I’m extremely worried about Gaea and the Zaibach Army.
What’s your point?
The Argama’s crew won’t abandon us! I mean, you heard it too, right? Earth is in a terrible state right now! Yet they still fought for us with genuine concern!
We have to repay them, even if only a little, or we’ll lose our sense of justice.
Dammit…
Nie, think of this as a test. To have the power to stop Drake, you’ll need to be able to weather anything.
Marvel… You’re right. We have to repay our debt to them. Jacoba Aon might be watching us.
That’s right! If we do things properly, Jacoba might bring us back!
Who’s Jacoba?
She’s the leader of the Ferario. With her power, we might be able to go home.
I’m sorry, everyone. You snapped me out of it, Van.
It’s fine. I was once sent here due to the power of an Energist. I’ll help you however I can.
Thank you.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

This is the start of Scene 3, “A New Power”.


Our first location is Tokyo.


The Argama crew safely returned to Earth, but Congistar is attacking Tokyo! Are you ready for battle?


Chapter 10 (3-1): Strike! Omega Missile


I’ll flatten every single one of them!
(Jimmy Orion. Mechander. CV: Akira Kamiya)
I’m surprised there’s so many of them! Let’s combine!
(Ryusuke Shikishima. Mechander. CV: Akio Nojima)
TRISER! MECHANDER MAX! GO!!


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Tri-Attack! Mechander Robo
(TL Note: Enjoy that bitcrushed Aniki.)


Dad, Mechander MAX’s combination was successful.
(Mika Shirakawa. Mechander. CV: Keiko Yokozawa)
But it’s still in the testing stage…
(Professor Masazo Shikishima. Mechander. CV: Masaya Taki)
(It’s risky, but we have no choice…)
Mechander MAX, this is Shikishima. I’ve just launched a robot I created in secret. Combine with it and fight!
A robot?
(Kojiro Yoshima. Mechander. CV: Kazuyuki Sogabe)
Indeed. Mechander MAX can dock with the hangar on the robot’s back.
But this isn’t the time for that!


Oh! Kojiro, look!
It’s a robot!
Okay, Jimmy! Let’s do this! Combine!
TRISER! MECHANDER CROSS!!


Enemy geostationary satellite No. 5 has launched an Omega Missile! Its target is near Tokyo Bay!
What?
ETA is five minutes!
Dammit. So the enemy’s satellites react to even the smallest of nuclear engines.
This is amazing. With this robot, these guys are no match for us!
Let’s take our time beating the crap out of them.
You can’t afford to waste time. An Omega Missile has been launched, and its target is the Mechander Robo you’re in!
What!?
It’ll hit your robot in about five minutes!
Professor, that’s not fair!
Don’t worry. If you power down within the time limit, the nuclear engine will shut down and the Omega Missile will lose its target.
So we just need to defeat the enemy within five minutes and shut this thing off?
That’s right. I’m starting the countdown. 4:59…4:58…4:57…

First up, this guy and his bitcrunched BGM glory.


[Mechander Robo (and Mechander MAX)]
Mechander Cross! Standing at over 120 meters tall, around the same size as Daitarn 3, but only being L size because, uhhhhhh... Mechander is here to fight. It's actually got pretty great stats (although like Combattler its mobility is maybe a bit low for a robot as acrobatic as it is - and Mechander's unbelievably light too so that could still be allowed, I think!) and is generally powered by a nuclear reactor that is activated upon the combination of the jet, Mechander MAX, with the full robot - in the first half of the story, at least, it gets an upgrade way later that C3 doesn't really show off all that well... The shield and sword it has are nice, and its attacks are pretty great too, especially the incredibly strong free Mechander Fencer and its finisher in this game, Mechander Flame, which is 40 EN for 3000 power (gee Great Mazinger how come they let Mechander have an attack like that?). And obviously, it has a shield and a sword. With that said, you will absolutely, positively curse out the fact that Mechander UFO isn't P. And also that "Shark Rocket" (which is actually named the Aerial Torpedo Jaws...) only has 5 ammo.

Power Out! Mechander MAX, Go! Though Mechander Robo says it has to Decombine to turn into this, don't worry - it's just the same as transforming, MAX can Combine back into Robo at any point. It plays a bit like how the Core Booster used to in old SRWs - a short range Vulcan Cannon (...which is actually named the Gyron Machinegun because it's the Mechander Gyro that uses it...), long range missiles (which should be the Sky Donkey!), and the Bull Thunder, which may as well be the old beam cannon the Core Booster had, and while obviously not having Robo's Sword or Shield hurts, it is very mobile, and its pilot is actually not that bad at dodging so you can get a bit of use out of it. As a form, you could definitely do a lot worse than the Mechander MAX.

The pilots are solid too! Jimmy Olson does admittedly have a major issue, which is that he's the mule that handles ALL of the important combat spirits, but he makes up for it with one significant thing - he starts with Revenge, the second costliest and most useful Skill in this game that can be bought, which increases all damage on the enemy turn by 1.2x. He also has Defense and Potential at his base level which are nice. Kojiro has Accel, which is good, and mostly has support spirits in the rest, and Ryusuke mostly has defensive spirits.

Overall, Mechander is already one of the best robots in the game, but it will get slightly better later as it's one of the few things in this game that gets a proper upgrade. Not the one it got in the show though, sadly.


The objective right now is to defeat all enemies. My advice is to land Mechander and use a nearby building’s defensive terrain to help weather the enemy’s attacks. Also, start moving it towards the northwest for an easier rendezvous with the Argama. Don’t worry about the incoming Omega Missile for now.

The plot continues at the start of the third turn.


What’s going on? The Congistar forces are fighting a mysterious robot!
Attention Argama. That robot is called Mechander Robo, developed by yours truly.
Mechander Robo?
I don’t have time to explain things right now.
Why’s that?
An Omega Missile was launched from orbit!
What?
Omega Missile? What’s that?
Hyoma! That was just explained!
It’s the Congistar’s weapon of mass destruction!
Got it! We just need to be careful of its explosion radius, right?
The first missile will arrive in under three minutes! You have to finish this battle before then!
For the love of… It’s as you just heard! All units, fight while keeping an eye on the time limit!


Deploy the troops! Sayaka, Boss, Keen, and Quattro are sitting this one out.

Oh, it’s the feds!
We’re not exactly part of the regular army, though.
Now that we’re here, we can’t exactly let ourselves get killed.
There’s a lot of mechs that I’ve never seen before.
The feeling’s mutual. You can’t judge a book by its cover.
That’s right! Let’s do our best!


Try to have the main force rendezvous with Mechander as soon as possible. It’s most likely in danger of getting shot down by this point, and you do not want to be responsible for its repair cost. Trust is very helpful in keeping it alive.

Anyway, another event happens at the start of the third enemy phase.


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - One Who Walks the Path of Strong-Fisted Supremacy
The Shura Army!!
Weren’t you fighting in Byston Well, Folka!?
Fernando…
How do you know about Byston Well?
How do we know? Weren’t you just fighting Magnaz?
I knew it. Mizar is pulling the strings.
This isn’t the time for this!
A missile is coming!
A missile?
That’s right! A Congistar missile is heading this way!
Like I give a damn!
What’s with that attitude? Do you want to die together!?
We just need to defeat you before it arrives, right?
Good luck doing that!


Fernando and Alion have arrived to make things a lot more complicated. Watch your back line and deal with a two-front fight.

The Omega Missile arrives at the start of the fifth enemy phase.


Dammit! We didn’t make it in time!
All units! Watch out for that missile’s tracking and its explosion radius!


This is the Omega Missile. On any stage on Earth, this missile will spawn at the edge of the map at the start of the fifth enemy phase. It offers no money and very little experience when destroyed. However, its AI is easily manipulated.

• An Omega Missile will spawn every 5 turns no matter if you deploy Mechander or not.
• The Omega Missile will target the closest available playable character, though if Mechander is on the map, it’ll vaguely head towards him.
• The Omega Missile has only one attack, a 6 ranged post-move self-destruct MAP with 4500 power.
• The Omega Missile will use this attack at the earliest opportunity, even if it only hits a single unit.
• The Omega Missile doesn’t care about friendly fire. It will explode to damage a single unit even if it injures its own allies in the process.

Mattman wrote his own writeup on the Omega Missile:

Ok, so, this thing. I'm assuming Ragnell went over the basics on what it is (it spawns every five turns in every stage in this chapter, and will spawn no matter what units you use - you can bench all your Gundams, Combattler, and Mechander to get all the nuclear powered guys to the bench and it'll still pop in, though IIRC Mechander vaguely makes it move towards it), so let's instead get into the most important thing - how to actually beat the Omega Missile. It can't respond to attacks, so you can theoretically get all your units 7 tiles away from its movement limit to dodge the giant MAP and then gang up on it - but it has a ton of HP and the actual REWARDS for doing so are pretty minimal, it's only like 100 money I think? So it's not rewarding. You're better off having it blow up.

And this is finally where Guts came in, and why I said all that time ago that Boss is one of the most important people at some point in the game. It is incredibly easy to send Boss Borot off to where the missile spawns, something Ragnell has assured me he is going to show off, with more than 10 HP, and the bomb's incredibly simplistic AI will have it blow up the minute it sees a unit in range - so you're left with one weakened but not dead Boss Borot and an entire rest of your squad that took no damage. Very useful.

(Oh, and since I can't read the comments and I know someone's going to say it, to pre-empt - Combattler is nuclear. It runs on a nuclear engine. The power generated then is converted into Super Electromagnetic energy. Enjoy thinking about that the next time you play J!)

In every stage that the Missile spawns, the exact same exchange with Jimmy and Bright is played. I won’t be saying it every time.

As this happens in every stage for the next while, I’ll be sure to point out where it spawns so it doesn’t catch you off guard like enemy-phase Fire Emblem reinforcements.

Fernando and Alion do have words to say with Folka after their first battle.

Fernando! The Shura must change! Don’t you understand that!?
Are you still going on about that!? As a Shura, defeat is the same as death! Normally I wouldn’t mind if it was you… But you showed me mercy!
I… I didn’t want to kill you…
That kind of thinking is unnecessary for a Shura. I… No. I have nothing more to say. Folka! I’ll finish you off with my ultimate technique!!


Gah!! Damn you… It seems like this is the end. Now, do it, Folka! End my fight!
…Just go. You’re not the one I need to kill.
What!? Bastard! How long do you intend to insult me!?
Hate me if you want, as long as you’re alive to do it.
What!? Are you saying you won’t kill me!?
For me, the pain of losing a loved one is far heavier than any physical wounds… That grief would be unbearable…
Grief? You would grieve my death!?
No matter how much you hate me, I can’t bring myself to kill my brother.
What? I don’t understand… But I’ll make you regret not killing me!
[Fernando retreats]
Fernando…

What are you fighting for?
Hmm? Do I need a reason to fight?
Have you ever thought about a world without war?
I don’t understand. How can we live without fighting?
People can live without fighting!
Shut up! I’m a Shura!!
Alion!


I’ve lost… Dammit! Come on, do it already!
Do you want to die that badly?
Shut the hell up! I’ve lost! Just kill me already!
I won’t kill you.
What!? Are you going to insult me the same way you insult Fernando!?
If that’s what you think, then so be it.
Quit screwing with me!
I won. What I do is up to me. You’ll understand someday. For now, just leave.
I’ll remember this!
[Alion retreats]

The map ends when all enemies are defeated (including the Omega Missile if it spawns).


What about the Omega Missiles?
They’re still in space. If we retreat now, we’ll be fine.
Who are you anyway?
I am Shikishima. I built Mechander Robo at the request of the Earth Federation.
Professor, is that robot also nuclear powered?
Yes. If it weren’t for your Minovsky Particles, this city would be engulfed in flames by now.
Hmm… It seems this will be more annoying than I thought.
The Omega Missile is launched in response to nuclear engines, so it would be best if we could avoid fighting with mobile weapons as much as possible.
I don’t think that’ll be possible.
Captain, would you allow the Mechander team to join the Argama?
What do you mean?
I’m no soldier. I can build robots, but I’m not confident that I can command them effectively.
But why us? Wouldn’t it be better if you handed them off to the JDF, since we’re constantly moving from battlefield to battlefield?
No. I want my creation to be used as effectively as possible. I believe it would be best to entrust it to you.
I’m looking forward to working with you.
Understood. We’ll take good care of them.
However, please be careful of the Omega Missiles.
Of course.
Folka, that was the Shura Army.
Yes… The Shura Army, which was acting individually in the past, are now following orders from their Strategist.
You’re referring to a military position, right?
Yes. Strategist Mizar… He’s the most ruthless man amongst the Shura. He’ll stop at nothing to achieve his goals. Things have gotten a lot harder.
Harder? What do you mean?
His skills are not to be underestimated. He will seek victory to further his ambitions, no matter the cost.
If someone like that were in command of an army like the Shura…
Yes. This is the worst case scenario.
We won’t get anywhere by staying here. I’m also concerned about Algernon. We need the Preventers to gather more intel.


Hehehehehehehe…
(Medusa. Mechander. CV: Natsuko Fuji)
What’s so funny, Medusa?
(Osmel. Mechander. CV: Tsukayama Masatane)
A subordinate’s mistake is your mistake. You need to take responsibility.
Zip it, Medusa! You have some nerve to talk to me like that! Do you think you could have done better?
I could take over Tokyo in an instant! Hehehehe…
What!?
I am the princess of Ganymede! I swear in the name of the Ganymede royal family that I will destroy Tokyo!
Medusa…
…
Your Majesty?
…
Of course, Your Majesty! As you command.
I have just gotten an order from Emperor Hedron. Medusa, the Shinkiller, a machine that I designed, will soon be completed. You will command it and crush all who oppose us!
Sir!


Captain Bright, have you learned anything yet?
Yes. First, let’s discuss the Shura Army.
What did you find out?
Well, beyond minor skirmishes, they haven’t been active at all.
They haven’t been active? Does that mean they’ve disappeared?
No. It just means they’ve become more organized.
I agree. I suspected they were plotting something in Byston Well, but I never imagined that they’d extend their reach to multiple worlds.
We’ll have to deal with them as soon as we know more. There’s no point in rushing, Folka.
Yeah…
Actually, we have gotten word about another force besides the Shura. The Preventers told me that the remnants of the Mariemaia Army are in Brussels.
Mariemaia? But isn’t she…
Yes. She’s legally dead. At least, that’s how it’s recorded everywhere in order to crush any remnants from rising up.
So someone leaked the truth, huh…
Noin is in Brussels, right? Is she all right?
The Preventers are going all out to stop them. It wouldn’t hurt for us to go help them out.
Yeah. I have a bad feeling about this.
Come on, Judau. Stop jinxing things.
Sorry, sorry.
Next is in regard to the Congistar Army. It seems they’ve started attacking from a giant flying fortress.
The forces we’ve confirmed so far are the Omega Missiles that Professor Shikishima mentioned, the fighter-like robots we fought in Tokyo, and large humanoid robots.
If we know where their base is, let’s stop them right away!
We can’t do that.
Why not?
The Omega Missiles, right?
Exactly. We can’t attack their fortress until we destroy their missile-firing satellites first.
Then let’s go after them!
They have more than one of those. I’m thinking we need to bolster our forces.
Who do you have in mind?
Tetsuya’s Great Mazinger and Ryoma’s Getter Robo, right?
Yes.
So that’s Congistar. What about Algernon?
Regarding that, I was put into contact with a specialist company called ModeWarp, but it seems they’re having difficulties too.
What? So there’s nothing we can do?
Not quite. We’ve been introduced to a company called Akamatsu Industries that’s currently investigating the site in question.
So we have several places we need to go to.
Yes. Let’s get going right away!


I’m glad to be back on Earth, but with our current forces, we can’t sink the Argama. If Jerid was still alive, we would have a chance, but… What to do…
C-Captain Yazan!
(Titans Soldier)
What is it?
An unidentified mech is approaching from our 6!
What!? Is it the Argama?
No, it doesn’t seem to be.
Then who is it!?
The reaction says… Shura! It’s a Shura Army mech!
The Shura Army!? Dammit. Why are they after us?
[Phone beeping]
Are you the Titans?
Who’s asking? I have no business with the Shura Army.
But we have business with you. You’re after the Argama, correct?
What does our grudge with the Argama have to do with you?
Everything. Do you know a soldier named Rakan Dakaran?
Rakan? He’s a Neo Zeon soldier… Go on.
We’ve made an alliance with Neo Zeon. They’re planning to attack the Argama soon. Rakan says that if you were to join him, victory would be assured.
I see…
Rakan says that in order to bring down the Federation, all remnants need to work together. He hopes you’ll agree.
Tch. He’s got some nerve… But it’s not a bad offer. Fine, I’ll cooperate.
Heh. You’re a reasonable guy.
Having come this far, I have no intention to cling to any grand cause or pride. I’ll do anything to sink the Argama.
You would have made a great Shura.
I’ll take that as a compliment. Now, let’s get on with it.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.


The next 4 stages can be done in any order, with the locations being the Science Fortress Lab, the Saotome Lab, Brussels, and the ruins of an amusement park. If you went to the Science Fortress Lab at the start of the game, replace the first two with the Photon Power Lab and the Nanbara Connection. I’ll cover those two stages later.

I’ll be covering these stages in an order of my choosing, mostly because I record these many weeks in advance. I won’t be covering any differences in the dialogue if you do these in a different order, as that’s 24 different variations and I don’t have time for that. I don’t think there is much variation anyway.

Last time, the Argama Team discovered the threat of the Omega Missiles and recruited the Mechander Team. We need to get the band back together to face all these threats.


First up is the Saotome Lab.


Getter Robo can fight on land, sea, and air. Shall we head to the Saotome Lab?


Chapter 11 (3-3): Deathmatch! A Storm Brewing in a Man’s Path


Come out, Getter Robo! Fight me!!
(Tekkoki. Getter. CV: Koji Yada)


Looks like we’re being summoned.
Who is it now? We’ve been so busy lately.
Let’s get this over with.


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - The Indestructible Machine, Getter Robo
We’re here! Huh? I recognize that Hyakki Mecha!
It’s been a while, Ryoma Nagare! I’ve come back to fight you!
What!? Isn’t Tekkoki supposed to be dead?
Yeah. I can’t believe it.
Only I can pilot this Mecha Tekkoki! The fact that it’s here is proof that I’m still alive!
That’s true… Why do we have to fight?
Exactly! The Hyakki Empire is gone!
That’s precisely the reason! When we fought before, I was forced to fight with an incomplete Mecha Tekkoki on Hidler’s orders. Our duel was interrupted by him as well!
But now that the Hyakki Empire is gone, there’s no reason for us to fight!
No reason? I only care about defeating you! The Hyakki Empire has nothing to do with it!
Tekkoki… How about we settle this with soccer, like in the old days?
I refuse. Ryoma Nagare! Let’s settle this with a duel!
I don’t want to fight you!
I don’t care! Let’s go!


What!?
Tekkoki, I wouldn’t call this a fair duel.
I know nothing of this! I poured my heart and soul into this Mecha Tekkoki solely to fight you in a fair duel!
Tekkoki… Why don’t you fight with us?
Excuse me?
You want to duel us, right?
Indeed.
Then why don’t we team up? Once this world is at peace, we can have our duel with no distractions.
I agree. There are all sorts of enemies around these days. Who knows who’ll keep getting in our way.
…Very well. But you better keep your promise.
[Tekkoki turns blue]
You have my word!
Now, let’s get rid of these weaklings!

Took us long enough to get the best Getter.


[Shin Getter Robo (1, 2, and 3)]
Shin Getter 1 still has way too little HP (although HP Regen S is nice - Shin Getter trades that for Open Get), still has B Ground, and is still M size in spite of being 55 meters tall. But its mobility is not awful and its armor is workable, and its weapons are so, so much better. Tomahawk Boomerang and Getter Tomahawk are great spam moves, Getter Beam at this point is a move that absolutely slaps Breast Burn around and calls it useless, and then there's the finishers. Shin Shine Spark and Stoner Sunshine cost an arm and a leg, but they hit like a truck, and Stoner Sunshine being 1-7 makes it eminently abusable against bosses.

Shin Getter 2 has 10 movement holy shit. It's not quite as dodgy as a (good) Mobile Suit, but it's shockingly close! And while it's lacking the 25% dodge of Open Get, it trades Mach Special for Shin Mach Special, which... is the same thing as Mach Special. Hmm. But the attacks are where Shin Getter 2 really breaks free. Drill Missile and Getter Drill are generally the best spam moves Getter gets - although against flying enemies Tomahawk is better than it, obviously, since it can't anti-air, the only SG2 move that can't - but Mirage Drill is a 1-3 P 2500 move for 20 EN, and yes, basically every unit in the game would kill for that. Drill Tempest is... a move that exists, you'll usually just want to switch to 1 and use Getter Beam or one of the flashy finishers than it, but it does occasionally come up!

Shin Getter 3 sucks, sadly. It's actually less tanky than Sandrock Kai EW (which we’ll get to later). The Getter Missiles are honestly pretty good as a support move, but no matter how far you go, you'll never get away from old SRWs looking at Shin Getter 3 and going "Getter Missile as a 2-7 or 2-6, Hammer Arm as a 1 range non-flying hitter, and Daisetsuzan Oroshi (possibly Nidan Gaeshi) as a 1 range non-flying 50 EN move". If your enemy is underwater it's passable, I guess, but just stick to 1 and 2.


[Mecha Tekkoki]
Has decent stats in everything including being tankier than Shin Getter 3, has passable mobility, and all of its weapons are either free or pretty cheap and hit relatively hard? It's not a Wing unit, but Tekkoki is actually pretty good at base. And that's good, because unlike 80% of the other obtainable units in this game, Mecha Tekkoki has an advantage that's near unique in this game - it actually has 4 part slots. This means that this is the only unit in the game that benefits to its totality from V-Ups that isn't also extremely awful. Very, very important.

Tekkoki as a pilot is solid. He doesn't get Hot Blood, but he's statistically solid in everything and comes free with Potential and Support Attack, so he can continue his role as a workhorse pilot throughout the entire game.


Have Tekkoki and Getter rendezvous, preferably at the Saotome Lab to the north (for its terrain). Reinforcements will come from the north, so staying in the city wouldn’t help.

Speaking of reinforcements, at the start of the second enemy phase…


…
There’s more of them!
But they’re weak like the rest!
No matter how many of you there are, you can’t beat Getter!
Yeah! Bring it on!

And at the start of the third player phase…


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Wild Dance of the Machine God
Captain Bright! You came!
You look like you’re doing fine.
Not really.
Seriously. There’s no end to this!
All right. Let’s provide them some cover!


Deploy the troops! The benchwarmers this time are Keen, Quattro, Roux, Sayaka, and Boss.

The Hyakki Empire had this many mechs in reserve!?
I have no idea where they were hiding.
Who’s that guy? That looks like a Hyakki Mecha.
That’s Tekkoki, a former Hyakki soldier. He’s fighting alongside us now.
An oni? Can we trust him?
Yeah. Tekkoki always keeps his promises, even when he was with the Hyakki.
I’m not fighting for peace or anything. This is purely for myself.
(Fighting for himself… For himself…)
It’s tough when people judge you as friend or foe based on first impressions.
You would know, Shou.
We have robots here who look just as cool as his!
Are you talking about Mechander?
Let’s drop this subject. Tekkoki, we’re counting on you.
Likewise!
Let’s clean up this Hyakki trash!
Okay. Everyone, focus on the Hyakki Mechas!


The Argama spawns way in the northwest of the map, which is why I suggested you have Getter and Tekkoki start heading north to the lab. You may think it’ll take a bit for the Argama crew to see some action…

But at the start of the next enemy phase…


I’ve found you, Argama! Now, prepare to die!
Yazan! You’re still after us!?
Hey! Why are you with Neo Zeon Mobile Suits!?
Because we share the same goal to sink your sorry ship!
Even so, you shouldn’t team up with Zeon!
Until we restore Neo Zeon, we will not be destroyed. We will stop at nothing to achieve our dream!
(Rakan Dahkaran. ZZ Gundam. CV: Ryusuke Obayashi)
As the saying goes, we must throw away our pride and join forces. You’re not the only ones who can do that!
Don’t be ridiculous! Are you planning to fight with hatred and resentment like that!?
Hahaha. Maybe your mind will change after we kick your ass!
I’ll change your mind with my fists!


Yazan and Rakan are here. The Hamrabi is the same as usual, but Rakan’s in a Dreissen. The Dreissen is far stronger than any Mobile Suit we’ve encountered so far. That’s not to mention you’ll probably be fighting him while he’s taking full advantage of the forest. The Doven Wolves that accompany him are also extremely bulky, on par with minibosses.


This is where the Omega Missile spawns on this map.

Yazan and Rakan don’t have anything to say to Kamille or Judau.


Tch. Looks like I’m done.
Yazan! Give up already!
This is for revenge! My fight won’t end until I kill you all!
Yazan…
Next time! I’ll kill you next time! You’d better be ready!
[Yazan retreats]


You’re strong…
Stop this pointless conflict!
As long as we fight, there’s no way we’ll stop!
What utter nonsense. Don’t you have anything better to do?
We’ll just observe for now. I’m retreating!
[Rakan retreats]

The stage ends when all enemies are defeated.


Good. We managed to repel them.
Thank you. You saved us.
It’s fine. More importantly, do you know why we’re here?
Yeah. This is about the Congistar and Shura Armies, right?
Yes. I thought of recruiting you, but to think there were this many Hyakki Mechas still around…
It’s fine. We’ll join you.
Are you sure?
Certainly, there were a lot of them, but this is the first time we’ve had to fight so many at once.
It’ll be faster to take down the enemies we know about rather than chase hidden enemies.
Thank you. I’m looking forward to fighting with you once more.
Likewise! I’m happy to help you out if it means bringing peace to the world!
Our force has grown quite large before we even realized it.
But that doesn’t mean we can relax.
You’re right. Let’s move on to the next location immediately!

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, the Argama picked up Shin Getter and Tekkoki.


Our next destination is Brussels.


The dissatisfied Mariemaia soldiers gather in Brussels once more. Are you ready for battle?


Chapter 12 (3-4): Preventer


There's more of them than I expected.
(Zechs Merquise. Endless Waltz. CV: Takehito Koyasu)
I've contacted the Argama. Shouldn't we wait for them?
No. I want to resolve this matter myself. Noin, you don't have to go along with this.
I told you, I won't ever leave your side.
Roger that.


There you are, Zechs! Where's Lady Mariemaia!
(Mariemaia Soldier)
What are you talking about? She's dead.
We know the truth! You've been spreading false information and imprisoning her!
This is pointless. Who's telling you these lies?
That doesn't matter! Give Lady Mariemaia back to us!!
I don't know where… No. Even if I know where she is, I won't give her back to you.
You don't seem to understand the situation. Do you think you can take on all of us with just the two of you?
It's not just them!


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - LAST IMPRESSION
You're as reckless as ever.
(Quatre Raberba Winner. Endless Waltz. CV: Ai Orikasa)
Quatre! You came!
I mean, we can't let someone else clean up our mess.
(Duo Maxwell. Endless Waltz. CV: Toshihiko Seki)
This concerns us too.
(Heero Yuy. Endless Waltz. CV: Hikaru Midorikawa)
You bastards! Why do you keep getting in our way!?
What's the plan? Are we to fight like we did last time?
(Trowa Barton. Endless Waltz. CV: Shigeru Nakahara)
Justice is on our side. We have no choice but to fight!
(Chang Wufei. Endless Waltz. CV: Ryuzo Ishino)
Don't mess with us! We'll defeat you and take Lady Mariemaia back!!

That's right, Endless Waltz is post-plot in this game!


[XXXG-00W0 Wing Gundam Zero Custom]
So, immediately, you might notice that this thing is WAY dodgier than all of your other units. 140 fucking base Mobility, what the shit? And 1350 armor too, and 8 movement. Its weapons aren't bad either, with the Machine Cannon being a perfectly fine 1-5 P, the Beam Saber giving you a good spam move that's Melee, and the TBR being pretty spammable at only a 25 EN cost. The central issue is that 25 EN still adds up relatively quickly, and having to be at 1 range to engage Aura Battlers still really sucks - the Machine Cannon being your main spam move still hurts a lot. Still, this unit's fine against most of the field.

Oh, also, the Zero System is in this game. It gives the pilot +10 stats in everything at 140 Morale. Nice, but you'll rarely see it, sadly.

Heero is alright, but he lacks Defense. He does have Essentially Gunfight and Counter which is nice, and he actually doesn't really have any BAD stats, which is good as this is a game where Wing pilots can be swapped into any machine. Also, as a note for later, he actually gets Valor, which can be in short supply for these guys. He doesn't get Defense, though, and in fact barely any Wing pilots do, which is weird as most of them have either shields, swords, or both.


[XXXG-01D2 Gundam Deathscythe Hell]
It's even dodgier and tankier than Wing Zero! Also a fucking I-Field which, isn't going to be useful for much after this stage sadly, but it is incredibly funny, but it does fortunately also have the Hyper Jammer which is the usual Double Image clone. If you're using Deathscythe, the reason for it is very obvious - it has a big, strong, ultra-useful Beam Scissors that hits at 1-4 range P and works in all terrains, and of course it's melee. It's one of the most generically useful mechs in the game, although coming alongside the next guy does make it lose its lustre a bit.

Duo is pretty similar to Heero, having the equivalent to Infight and Counter. He actually has a slightly higher base Range than Melee in this game, but he has great both, and most of his other stats are top notch too. His biggest flaw is, well, he doesn't get Valor for some reason. Still, that's not uncommon in this game, so he can serve pretty well.


[XXXG-01H2 Gundam Heavyarms Custom]
Statistically, Heavyarms is one of the least impressive Wing EW mechs, which is to say that it's one of the dodgiest things you have access to and it is tankier than most of your Supers. It has three part slots, but the first two moves it has are very unimpressive and it has no melee moves. That is all there is to say about it that slanders it. It also has far and away the best 7 range move accessible to the player in the entire game, the best 5 range P move in the entire game, both of the last two moves have TWENTY AMMO for some ungodly fucking reason, and while those two things were also true in C1 it's learned in the intervening time and also picked up a really strong, really accurate 3 ammo finisher to top them off with - as in, the single strongest attack all of the Wing EW mechs have. Heavyarms is so singularly powerful that there are several Dunbine enemies it can OHKO through their reduction barriers. It's one of the best units in the game and it singlehandedly redeems the entire Range stat as a whole.

Trowa is pretty great too. Pride is a great unique ability - +2 Morale for hitting things and +1 for dodging, he has Basically Gunfight, and very nicely, Support Attack, which finishes the full build needed to make Heavyarms Kai good. He gets Assault too, which is nice. The central issue around Trowa is that he doesn't have Valor, so long term Heero might be better - but for Heavyarms, he's arguably the best.


[XXXG-01SR2 Gundam Sandrock Custom]
As usual, it's the most armored of the Wing units - and one of the most armored units in the game - but it's generally worse at just about everything else. It's mostly a less-useful Deathscythe in this game, down to its weapons.

Quatre is interesting though. He starts with Bless and Trust and will later get Cheer, Rouse, and the interesting and rare Transmission. And that's all great, but - given his first spirit is Selfdestruct, that means he has absolutely no Spirits that have anything to do with combat! He also has Encouragement (that's the +10 Morale one) and Support Defend, which are nice, and he somehow has more Skill than any other Wing pilots.


[XXXG-01S2 Altron Gundam]
It's, uh, it's a worse Deathscythe Hell. That's really it, like, what do you want me to say? The Vulcans are slightly less shit and the 1-3P finisher has +50 accuracy, that's nice I guess, but it's only 1-3P, it costs EN, and it's weaker. I guess if you need a third Deathscythe Hell after this and the Sandrock Kai it's nice?

Wufei is... weird. And not in his usual way, either, since he's just joining right now! He has the most Melee of all the Wing Pilots and he has Counter and Fighting Spirit (that's the one that requires you be hit to get Morale, so, I guess stuff him in the Sandrock?). His other stats are all pretty solid besides Range too. But most importantly, of the Wing pilots with decent Melee, he's the only one with Valor. If you really want your Deathscythe-like to have good boss-wrecking ability, Gohi is your guy. Otherwise... eh, stick to Duo. Or Quatre, if you want the support abilities.


[OZ-00MS2B Tallgeese III]
Bulky Wing. You have slightly less Mobility for a lot more Armor, and one less Movement. Way more Limit though for some reason? You're also lacking a P move above 1 range, which hurts a lot, but the three moves that aren't P are pretty great - 2000 for a free 1 range move is great if you're not a Wing mech, I guess. The Mega Cannon has an exceptionally awkward range and is almost entirely outclassed by the Heavyarms Twin Gatling Gun, but it is at least somewhat favorable compared to the Twin Buster Rifle? Look, I dunno. It's arguably a bit better than Wing Zero in a few ways but Wing Zero isn't exactly top class.

Zechs, however, is a fucking MONSTER. He's got the best stats of all the Wing pilots in almost every manner (although his melee is below the real melee pilots) and he comes free with Potential, Counter, and COMMANDER of all abilities. His spirits are solid too! While lacking Support Attack makes him a bit unfortunate as a Heavyarms Kai pilot - or, honestly, a Tallgeese 3 pilot - if he's given that ability he has the potential highest upside of all the Wing pilots.


[OZ-12SMS Taurus (Sanc Kingdom) (MS and MA modes)]
It's the Taurus. It does Taurus things. You might hope that this would be the game that remembered that this thing had a beam launcher or laser cannon, but no, it's not. Hilariously, it does have one niche - its Beam Rifle is P and 1-6, and at 2100 base power it's stronger than most of the UC units you start the game with, so with 8 movement in Flight Mode alongside more mobility and armor at base than those units, it basically completely dunks on the entire UC roster up until this point. And it's still not worth fielding. If only it could Repair/Resupply.

Noin suuuuuucks. Poor Preventer Fire. Her stats are bad compared to the other Range based Wing pilots and her spirits are a mix of support and offense, but she lacks good offensive spirits and good support spirits. She does get Support Attack/Defense and is, somehow, the only pilot of all the Wing cast to get Defense, but that's really not as impressive as it sounds... Only use it if you really, really like Noin.

As much as I love the Tallgeese as a Mobile Suit, expect to see mostly Duo and Trowa in action, with some Heero cameos.


Would you be surprised if I told you the presidential bunker doesn't have any special terrain? Move everyone into the city and use the buildings instead. The enemy Tauruses are the same as Noin's, complete with the 1-6 ranged post movement beam rifle. The Serpents aren't that strong, though they are bulkier than the Titans' Mobile Suits.

Anyway, the plot continues at the start of the second enemy phase.


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - One Who Walks the Path of Strong-Fisted Supremacy
It seems the difference in strength is greater than I thought.
(Altis Tarl. OG. CV: Yasunori Masutani)
That seems to be the case. What a disappointment.
Maysis, we won't be staying here long.
You got that right. It doesn't look like they can hold out for much longer.
No, not that.
Lord Altis? You don't think Mizar will make his move while we're distracted like this, do you?
That's unlikely. I just don't think this will be a simple failure.
But isn't that what we're expecting?
I just don't want things to go the way he wants.
Lord Altis…
My loyalty is for the Shura King, not him.
Yes, but…
At first glance, it may look like he's loyal, but knowing him, I can't bring myself to trust him.
…
Maysis, let's not get too involved here and retreat when the time is right.
Sir!

Here's where I'd show off Altis and Maysis' units, but you're not given the chance to interact with them. They'll come back later, don't worry.

The reason for that is what happens at the start of the next player phase.


Dammit! There's no end to them!
I guess this is another war we're destined to lose.
That's enough, Gundam pilots! Retreat and leave us behind!
Retreat? But then what was the point of us coming here?
Any further fighting would be pointless.
If we were gonna run, we would have done so a long time ago. Although, it's getting tough to keep fighting like this…


Are you okay, Preventers!?
The Argama!
What a sight for sore eyes!
Why is the Shura Army here? Are you there, Fernando?
It's been a while, Folka.
Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - The Procession Advancing Towards Chaos
Altis… My brother…
YOUR BROTHER!?
You have a brother in the Shura Army?
Altis, I…
…I know.
You're kidding. That man is--
Altis! I don't want to fight you!
Folka… I have nothing to say to you right now.
Altis…
Maysis, I see now what our mission was. We're retreating.
But…
Folka! You've abandoned the Shura. You, who were once in line to become one of our Generals, should be able to survive this much. I know you can.
We were sent here to have Folka encounter Lord Altis? Damn you, Mizar!
[Altis and Maysis retreat]
…
Folka, your brother…
We're not related by blood, but he, Fernando, and I were raised like true brothers.
So you're also close to that Fernando guy…
Yeah… I consider them both brothers…
Why are they trying to kill you?
…
Hey, answer him!
Merle, leave him alone.
This isn't the time for that. Right now, we need to defeat the enemy in front of us!
Yes. Everyone, deploy!


Deploy the troops. We only have 8 slots this time, so I brought along Ryoma, Hyoma, Shou, Folka, Koji, Nie, Jimmy, and Marvel (in the Dana O'Shee).

Dammit! Did I trust them too much!? Oh well. We should have enough firepower! We'll get Lady Mariemaia back no matter what!


Fight your way south and defeat all enemies. There aren't any bosses, just a buttload of Mobile Suits and Shura Gods. It shouldn't be too hard.


Here's the spawn point for the Omega Missile on this map.

The map ends when all enemies are defeated.


It's finally over…
To think there are still people who can't escape Dekim's ambition…
That's not true.
Not true? What do you mean?
I believe those guys merely fell into Mizar's trap.
Is this Mizar guy the one pulling the strings?
Yes. Strategist Mizar must have been the one giving orders.
If we don't take him down, won't this kind of thing happen again?
But how do we find him?
We can't afford to focus on the Shura Army, especially since we don't know where they're hiding.
As long as we keep thwarting his plans one by one, he'll eventually be forced to show themselves.
…I'm sorry.
It's not your fault, Folka.
What will the Preventers do now?
If possible, could we join the Argama?
Are you sure?
As long as enemies remain, our fight isn't over yet!
Our Mobile Suits can be self-destructed when this is over. Plus, it's great to feel needed.
I understand. Please come aboard.
Roger that.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, the Argama saved the Preventers from the remnants of the Mariemaia Army.

As a reminder, you can only choose this stage if you didn’t pick up Tetsuya and Jun at the start of the game.


Our next location is the Science Fortress Lab.


Great Mazinger fights against the Combat Beasts after defeating their commanders, including the Great General of Darkness. Will you head to the Science Fortress Lab?


Chapter 13 (3-2): Power of Justice, Fire On


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - The Hero is Mazinger
Tetsuya, why did you suddenly deploy?
I got a call from the Lab. After I defeated the Great General of Darkness, dormant Combat Beasts began to move. It seems they’re on their way here.
You’re kidding! What are you going to do?
I’m going to fight back with Great!
Don’t be ridiculous! The Combat Beasts are going to attack all at once, right?
No matter what they’re doing, this is my job!
Let’s get the EFF and the other labs to come help.
Reinforcements are already on their way.
Then we just have to hold out until help arrives.
I’ll defeat them before they get here!


They’re here!
How are they here already!? Venus A, go! Queen Star In!


I’ll send them all to Hell!
Hey! There are too many of them!
I’ll be fine with this many. Besides, this number of Combat Beasts proves that they’re attacking with everything they’ve got. Once we win, they won’t have any left.
Yeah. Let’s do our best!
Let’s go!


We’ve now got Great Mazinger and Venus A! Please see Science Fortress Route Chapter 2 for those unit descriptions.


This stage is almost a carbon copy of that previous chapter. Great Mazinger can easily solo the initial enemies. Proceed with the stage until enemy reinforcements spawn at the start of the second enemy phase.


…
There’s still more of them!?
Don’t be discouraged! If you lose your fighting spirit, you’ll snatch defeat from the jaws of victory!
Got it, Tetsuya.
Besides, if I were to lose here, I wouldn’t be able to face Koji.
Yeah. We can’t let that happen here!
Exactly! No matter how many of them there are, they can’t beat Great!!

Like before, allied reinforcements arrive at the start of turn 3.


How are you holding up, Jun?
I’m fine, but this is getting pretty tough.
Venus is reaching its limit. Jun, retreat into the lab for now.
There’s no way I can do that! Are you really planning on fighting them all alone!?
Great and I will be fine!
Like hell you will!


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Wild Dance of the Machine God
Tsurugi, are you okay!?
Captain Bright! That was fast.
This isn’t the time to be stubborn! Captain Bright, please help us out.
Roger! All units, deploy!


Deploy the troops. There are 12 deployment slots. I’m using Ryoma, Hyoma, Jimmy, Heero, Trowa, Shou, Nie, Koji, Van, Folka, Kamille, and Judau.

There are so many Combat Beasts left…
We didn’t expect there to be this many either.
It’s amazing that you’re still standing.
Fighting is all I can do.
You’re the same as always, Tetsuya.
Well, we have a newbie who’s very similar.
…
So you’re Folka, huh? I hear you’re from another world.
That’s correct.
Why did you come to this world?
Do I need to answer?
Excuse me?
I didn’t come to this world of my own free will.
Hmm… Is that really the case?
What do you mean?
Hey, Tetsuya! This isn’t the time for that!
Tch… You’re right.
I’m sorry. We’re exhausted from fighting these Combat Beasts.
We’ll talk later. Let’s focus on the battle.
Let’s just get this over with quickly!


Start moving the main force south and mop up the rest of the Combat Beasts. This is still very much the same as the version of this stage at the start of the game.

That is, until enemies spawn at the start of the next enemy phase.


Crush those bothersome Earthlings!
…
It’s the Congistar Army!
I’m going to crush every last member of Congistar!
Man, dealing with Combat Beasts is annoying enough!
There’s no point in getting frustrated. Let’s destroy as many enemies as we can.
Yeah! Marvel’s right!
You’re so carefree, Cham.
But can we really survive against this many enemies?
Don’t be fooled by appearances. There may be more of them, but they’re all individually weak. Focus on reducing their numbers.


Here’s Medusa in the Shinkiller. Shin Killer? Is that really what it’s called? Anyway, she’s really not that strong. I wish I could say more, but it is what it is.


This is where the Omega Missile spawns.

Medusa doesn’t have anything to say to Jimmy, so destroy her and move on.


Damn you Earthlings!
Finish her off, Jimmy! The Jaws Torpedo is ready to fire!
Target sight up!
He's hesitating? This is my chance to escape!
Huh? That bracelet…
What’s wrong, Jimmy!? She’s in range!
Fire already!
…Dammit!
What’s wrong, Jimmy!? Why aren’t you firing!?
I'm retreating!
[Medusa retreats]
She had the same bracelet as mine. It had the Ganymede royal crest on it… That’s impossible! There’s no way that monster is actually…
What’s wrong, Jimmy? Why did you hesitate?
Um… My finger slipped.

Anyway, the map ends when all enemies are destroyed.


Done and done!
We managed to drive them off.
We should be safe for now.
By the way, the reason we stopped here was--
Say no more! I’m aware of the new enemies that have appeared.
Good. I’d like you both to join us.
Of course we will. Right, Tetsuya?
Yeah. I can’t let Koji be the only one looking good out there.
Oh come on, Tetsuya!
This will significantly increase our firepower.
Yeah. It’s reassuring to have Tetsuya and Jun with us.
All right. Let’s move on to the next location.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, the Argama picked up Tetsuya and Jun.


Our next location is the ruins of an amusement park.


Akamatsu Industries are currently investigating the ruins of an amusement park as part of their investigation into Algernon. Will you go and meet them?


Chapter 14 (3-5): Encounter


Wow! It’s so spacious! Who knew such a large open space existed underground. Huh? Is that a robot?
(Keita Aono. Betterman. CV: Kappei Yamaguchi)
Kei?
(Hinoki Sai. Betterman. CV: Hyoko Hikami)
Is it manned? Is it a military mech?
Why are you here?


Apparently, it struck just before the opening ceremony…
(Shigeru Akamatsu. Betterman. CV: Chafurin)
Over 200 people were present.
(Asami Miyako. Betterman. CV: Houko Kuwashima)
Some made it out alive, but most were turned into mincemeat…
42 survivors were admitted to the hospital. Would you like to interview them?
I’ll leave that to you.
Then let’s begin the investigation immediately.
All right. Leave it to me!
…I’m seeing a 40% match to ModeWarp’s data.
This seems like a clear case of Algernon.
Hinoki, how’s it going over there? Hmm? Where’s Cactus?
He left while laughing loudly.
What do you mean he left?
According to the data, his dopamine levels were 20 times higher than normal, while his immune system was down by 34%.
He’s infected!
The likelihood of that is almost 100%.
How!? The Manipulate Box is equipped with the same ion shield as Barrier Boy #17!
Not only that, but it should have the same protective function as my amulet suit.
Then…
Perhaps he was infected before he boarded the Neuronoid.
What do we do? Hinoki can’t move the Kakuseijin alone.
Akamatsu.
What is it?
I ran into a classmate.
Hinoki!
Oh! Kei!
It really is you! Thank goodness. Oh, right. When we were little, you used to call me Kei.
Wait! Something’s getting closer!
It’s here!
(Sakura Akamatsu. Betterman. CV: Junko Iwao)


Chika-chan is so happy!
(Chika-chan. Betterman. CV: Katsumi Suzuki)
Chika-chan…
Hahahahaha!
W-what should we do, Hinoki!?
It’s okay. This thing is pretty sturdy.
How do we move this thing!?
It’s impossible for a normal human.
Impossible? At this rate, I’m gonna get an ulcer. Isn’t this some sort of top secret EFF weapon? Ugh. The controls are slimy…
We’re moving? Okay. Wake!
[The robot moves forward a square]
It’s moving…
I can’t believe it.
Hinoki! The gel is reaching its limit. Pull back for now.
Roger.
[The robot moves forward another square]
I can’t move it properly. Kei, can you help me out?
Sure.
You Have Control! Kei, shout “I Have Control”!
O-okay. I Have Control!


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Chin ~Requiem~
(TL Note: Banger alert. Probably the best licensed track in the game.)
Amazing!
"Break Synthesize"! Hurry!
B-B-B-B-Break S-Synthesize!
[The robot moves forward another square]
A highly acidic substance… And this synthesis speed…
It’s faster than Cactus!
This robot may not look great, but it’s pretty amazing!
It’s not a robot. It’s the Neuronoid Kakuseijin #1.
Hey! It can’t move for much longer! Don’t push yourself!
Roger that!
Akamatsu? Kei is…
The Kakuseijin is moving. I don’t know who he is, but we can figure it out after that thing’s been dealt with.
No way!
Can I really fight against that gigantic Chika-chan?
Kei…

Sing of your rising hope!


[Kakuseijin #1 (AV and AP modes)]
Ah, here we go.

Kakuseijin (and all player controlled Neuronoids) has two forms, the A.P. form and the A.V. form. The A.P. form, in this game, is really funny, because it just... has Repair and Resupply. Meaning that when we actually get Kakuseijin (not after this stage, sadly), it's going to basically singlehandedly invalidate all other support units and lead to a situation where one of the best units in the game can also jumpstart its own levels. Very rude. Obviously, it can't do much else (its only attack is tackling people and its stats are mediocre at best), but you're using this to keep your squad topped off while you prepare for the real combat form to strike.

The A.V. form is still kind of slow and has very minimal bulk - you WILL need to up this thing's mobility when you get it, though its S Size helps - and its range is kind of cruddy. It does that Brad Skywind thing where it only has 1 range P and then has a 1-4 that isn't P, and the power on those weapons does not look particularly impressive at first blush. However... If you glance at the weapons page, you will note that after the melee, both of its moves are Synapse Dangeki attacks (literally just called "Range" and "Melee" in this game, they have actual names and SRW DD uses them, but that's another game). This is important not because it means they cost 30 EN, but because it means they interact with the ACTUAL gimmick of the obtainable Neuronoids in this game.

The two pilots of the Kakuseijin Ichigo are not particularly great. Keita's stats are... pretty shit, for an MC, and Hinoki is quite literally statistically worse at everything. But that's not the important thing here, especially since Keita's a Late Bloomer, so he'll actually gain stats rapidly later. The important thing here is their skills. Keita comes free with Good Luck (at 130 Morale, casts Luck automatically at the start of each phase - one of the abilities that makes Ialdabaoth as good as it is) and Pride (quick Morale gain for hitting and dodging things), while Sakura has Hard Worker (which is like Good Luck but for Gain and at 120 Morale, which... do I need to explain why having both is great?), and both have Dual Kind as an ability. They both have good spirit sets too.

Dual Kind kind of deserves its own paragraph, though, because it's a very funny ability. It is a level up ability, which normally works against abilities in C3, and the way it works is that for each level in the skill, you gain some % extra EN, and some amount of power extra on your Synapse Attacks. At level 1, like Keita has, it has +5% EN, which is shown by the 140 base Kakuseijin having 147 EN, and the Synapse Attacks get 100 more power. That doesn't sound like much, but at level 9, that's +45% EN and +900 power, which is absolutely massive. You can also buy Special Skill +1 (although it's expensive at 95 PP) to boost it up one more level to Level 10, in which case you get half-again your EN and 1000 full extra power on your finishers. And that might sound like a pipe dream, but I want you to remember that this mech has Repair and Resupply. A level boosted Kakuseijin can have two pilots that automatically get massive boosts thanks to Dual Kind, with full spirit sets, long before anyone else has anything even close to that, which is why in theory it's the strongest mecha in the game even before it unlocks its final upgrade and would be the third unit we've seen on the top 5 strongest (thus far, it's Ialdabaoth's upgrade, Acrobunch, Kakuseijin Ichigo's upgrade, ???, and ???). There is a reason we're getting this thing held off for a long, long time.

Oh, also - this game got developed in like seven months and they decided to use probably an outsized amount of that time to be really horny with Hinoki's cutin. Which is just kind of comical to me honestly.


I did forget to take a screenshot of the starting positions, but here’s Chika-chan. It’s to the north-east of the Kakuseijin. Start by moving closer to it. You won’t be fighting it alone for long.

At the start of the second turn…


Our hope…is in danger…
(???)
Looks like I have no choice but to use the Nebula Fruit…
(???)
He’s here!
Hahaaaa… Ugh… UOOOOOOOOOOOH…


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Kaze ~Turbo~
What’s that!?
The Betterman!!
First the giant Chika-chan, and now a monster?
No way… That can’t be…


Helping us out is Betterman Nebula. He’s an NPC ally, so you can’t control or attack him. Try not to let him steal the kill, since every bit of money matters.

Mattman wrote a bit about the Betterman.

Whoever designed this unit to have 270 Mobility and only 345 Limit so it would inherently always be way, way over its own limit cap was definitely taking the piss. It has two attacks, Crush Whipper which you will never see it use unless an enemy somehow will 100% dodge both its moves, and Psycho Voice, which it will always use because it's a 1-6 P for free with +35 accuracy. Lamia's stats are of course amazing, although, uh, it has way more Range than Melee but only Melee attacks is just... kinda funny, and his only ability is Limpid Channel which is just an extremely ghetto Instinct.

No, you don't get Betterman Lamia at any point. Obviously. I mean, if you're actually looking at the stat screen, you can see that it has zero Spirits, that's not even true of all enemy units. No, I don't know why its mobility was designed this way given that.

The plot continues when you or the Betterman shoots down Chika-chan.


Yay! Chika-chan is down! Huh?
[The Betterman retreats]
It solidified!?
Lamia!
Sakura?
She must have picked up some kind of signal.
Our hope…is in danger…
What’s her deal?
It’s Sakura’s special ability.
Special ability?
She can extract information from the waves of consciousness through the Limpid Channel.
They’re here… They’re coming…


What? What are those!?
Subterranean creatures?
Akamatsu, Kakuseijin #1 can’t handle that many!
Dammit! What should we do!?


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Wild Dance of the Machine God
Wow! It’s a Federation battleship!
Is this the location designated by ModeWarp?
It should be.
Why do I see a swarm of giant insects?
Hey, are you from Akamatsu Industries?
Yes. Who’s asking?
You’re the Federation’s Argama, right? I recall hearing from HQ that you’d be coming.
That’s right. What’s going on here?
We were investigating Algernon, but…
These ants suddenly appeared! Do something!
On it. All units, sortie!


Deploy the troops! We’ve got 8 deployment slots. I’m using Ryoma, Jimmy, Duo, Trowa, Shou, Nie, Hyoma, and Folka.

There was an Algernon outbreak here, right? Is it safe to sortie!?
The ions in the air have returned to normal levels, so you should be fine.
What do you mean by “should be”?
We don’t know the cause of Algernon yet, so we can’t say for sure.
So we have to trust your word, huh?
We have to save them in order to learn more about Algernon. Just be ready for anything.
That’s right. Let’s trust them and focus on the battle!


Move your main force north and have the Kakuseijin rendezvous with them. Don’t forget you can transform the Kakuseijin to repair itself if necessary. Our foes are giant ants, so they shouldn’t be too much trouble to squash. However, they are tiny and have S ranks on the ground, making them very hard to hit.

Something a bit unexpected happens at the start of the next enemy phase.


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - The Scars of War
Found you, Dunbine!
Garalia! You’ve come to Earth too!?
Earth? I see. So this is Upper Earth.
If we fight here, we’ll only hurt innocent people!
If you, an Upper Earther, are my enemy, then this is enemy territory! I’ll destroy you all!


That’s right, Garalia is here for some reason. Take her out too.


This is where the Omega Missile spawns. Aren’t we supposed to be underground? How’d it get in here?

Garalia doesn’t have anything to say, so shoot her and those giant ants down.


What’s wrong with me? I’m so tired after so little fighting…
Stop this, Garalia! At this rate, you’ll only make an enemy of Earth!
Shut up! Ugh! I can’t keep my strength up! I’m out of here!
[Garalia retreats]
Shou, she sounded like she was in pain.
Garalia… What a fool…

The map ends when all enemies are defeated.


Phew. We managed to make it through in one piece.
You saved us. Thank you.
What happened here?
We were investigating because there seemed to be an Algernon outbreak.
Chika-chan, the mascot of Bottom The World, attacked us!
And then the Betterman appeared.
Betterman?
At the end of the 20th century, a phytoplankton called Phiesteria Piscicida proliferated in the Neuse River in North Carolina. It was an organism that could quickly transform into the best possible form based on its current environment.
The best possible form? You mean it could optimize its own body at will?
When it was living in the mud, it existed in a funnel-like state. When plants grew around it, it transformed into an amoeba to feed on them. When fish appeared, it transformed into a swarm and became carnivorous.
I see. So it changes its body to one that lets it survive comfortably.
In addition, it had the ability to don one of 24 different specialized forms and defend itself with poison.
Such a creature exists in this world?
Even more surprisingly, it possessed the ability to infect humans through airborne transmission, erasing their memories anywhere from several hours to several days. Of course, it’s unclear if this ability exists to prevent humans from discovering its existence.
So that phytoplankton is the true identity of the Betterman?
At this time, it's likely become a primate with the ability to transform. According to Sakura’s Limpid Channels, the name of that combat form was Nebula, and the name of its human form was Lamia.
I have a better idea what the Betterman is, but what’s its connection to Algernon?
That remains to be seen.
Okay… Well, could you let us know as soon as you discover anything?
Sure, but why do you want that information?
We suspect that Algernon is caused by an enemy’s weapon. Any information is crucial in stopping this threat as soon as possible.
Roger! I’ll contact you if I find anything. Thanks for the assist!
No worries.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

This chapter is very similar to the Chapter 2 version… At least at first.

As a reminder, you can only play this if you chose to go to the Science Fortress Lab at the start of the game.

Last time, the Argama Team discovered the threat of the Omega Missiles and recruited the Mechander Team.


We’re off to the Photon Power Lab.


The battle with Dr. Hell may be over, but Mazinger Z continues to battle Mechanical Beasts. Will you head to the Photon Power Lab?


Chapter 11 (3-2): Castle of Black Iron


Boss! Are the Mechanical Beasts still chasing us!?
I don’t see ‘em! The decoy plan worked perfectly!
At least we managed to get the Mechanical Beasts away from the lab… All that’s left is to wait for Koji to get here.


Crap! They caught up!!
Where’s Koji!?


I'm here!!


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Theme of Z
Sorry to keep you both waiting! Leave the rest to me!
No. We’ll fight too!
Yeah! There’s too many of ‘em!
Gotcha. Just don’t push yourselves too hard!


We’ve got Mazinger Z, Aphrodite A, and Boss Borot! Please see the Chapter 2 version of this stage for the mech analysis.


While in the Chapter 2 version the enemies were coming from the north, now they’re coming from the west. Use the terrain that Sayaka and Boss start on for the increased survivability as you wait for reinforcements.

Enemy reinforcements come at the start of the third enemy phase.


Oh come on! There’s still more of them coming!?
I defeated Dr. Hell ages ago. Where are these guys coming from!?

Allied reinforcements arrive at the start of turn 4.


Koji, at this rate we’re gonna lose!
Someone do something!
You idiots! We’ve gotten through worse than this!
Even so…


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Wild Dance of the Machine God
Are you okay, Mazinger Team!?
Finally!!
Woo hoo! Now that the Argama is here, we have the strength of a hundred men!
Come on, you’re doing great, Koji!
You’re the same as ever. All units, deploy!


By all units, Bright means 12. I’m bringing Jimmy, Folka, Tetsuya, Shou, Keen, Nie, Van, Allen, Roux, Leina, Ryoma, and Kouchoki.

It’s been a while, Koji.
Tetsuya! Can you believe how many Mechanical Beasts are left? I’m so glad you’re here!
I’m also surprised by how many are here.
Now that we’re here, you can rest easy!
So that’s Mazinger Z, huh… Since you trust it so much, is it really that strong?
Huh? Who are you?
The one who just spoke is Folka.
So you’re Folka, eh?
Do you have something to say?
Nope. I’m just sorry you were dragged into an Earth war.
Don’t worry about it. We’re both in this together.
Koji! Focus on the battle in front of us!
Just leave it to me. I’ll get this sorted out in no time!


Start moving the main force south. The Mechanical Beasts are extremely easy to deal with, so there’s a chance that the Mazinger Team could have wiped most of them out before you get there.

Enemy reinforcements spawn at the start of the fifth enemy phase.


Crush those bothersome Earthlings!
…
It’s the Congistar Army!
I’m going to crush every last member of Congistar!
Man, dealing with the Mechanical Beasts is annoying enough!
There’s no point in getting frustrated. Let’s destroy as many enemies as we can.
Yeah! Marvel’s right!
You’re so carefree, Cham.
But can we really survive against this many enemies?
Don’t be fooled by appearances. There may be more of them, but they’re all weak individually. Focus on reducing their numbers.


Here’s Medusa in her Shinkiller. She’s really not that strong. I wish I could say more, but it is what it is.


And here’s where the Omega Missile spawns.


For me, the Omega Missile blew up here. It killed not only Van and Boss while damaging Koji, Shou, and Getter, but it also destroyed four Mechanical Beasts. Insane AI.

Medusa doesn’t have anything to say to Jimmy, so destroy her and move on.


Damn you Earthlings!
Finish her off, Jimmy! The Jaws Torpedo is ready to fire!
Target sight up!
W-what the? This is my chance to quickly escape!
Huh? That bracelet…
What’s wrong, Jimmy!? She’s in range!
Fire already!
…Dammit!
What’s wrong, Jimmy!? Why aren’t you firing!?
R-retreat!
[Medusa retreats]
She had the same bracelet as mine. It had the Ganymede royal crest on it… That’s impossible! There’s no way that monster is actually…
What’s wrong, Jimmy? Why did you hesitate?
Um… My finger slipped.

Anyway, the map ends when all enemies are destroyed.


Phew! It’s finally over!
That was a close one!
Seriously. If the Argama didn’t show up, we’d be toast.
By the way, the reason why we’re here is--
We’re joining forces since a bunch of new enemies are popping up, right?
Yes. Will you help us once more?
All right. We’d be happy to help.
…I’ve been wondering about this for a while now. Is this a military base?
Technically. Why do you ask?
Well… I’m surprised these warriors agreed to help so easily. And, more importantly, I sense no murderous intent. There’s no tension coming from them at all.
Hehe. This ship is special.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Unlike the Chapter 3 version of the Combattler stage, this one is in a different location. As a reminder, you can only play this stage if you went to the Science Fortress Lab at the start of the game.

Last time, the Argama picked up the Mazinger Team.


Instead of a volcanic cave, we're going to the Nanbara Connection!


Standing 57 meters tall and weighing 550 tons, Combattler V fights with the combined strength of five people. Will you head to the Nanbara Connection?


Chapter 12 (3-3): Tragedy of General Garuda


So this is the Nanbara Connection.
…
If Garuda were more competent, I wouldn't need to come here myself.
…
Combattler V! Come out!!


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Theme of Combattler V
W-what is that statue?
Combattler V, prepare to die.
How about no?
Yeah! We'll show you what we're made of!
All right! I've been waiting for this day. Time to defeat the Campbellians once and for all!
Hyoma!!
Hmm?
I want to defeat them too. Let me pilot for a bit!
No way. This is our final battle. We need to work together.
That's right. Win or lose, this is it. We need to do our best.
Yeah. I'm sure Grandpa is watching over us from beyond the grave. We have to make sure we win.
Damn you! This is for everything you've done! I'll break your pieces into pieces and obliterate you one by one! Go, Demons!


We now have Combattler V! Check out Chapter 1-3 for its unit bio.


Good thing the Nanbara Connection has such great terrain. Plant Combattler on it and take on the incoming Magma Beasts. The first part of this stage is much easier than the Chapter 3 version.


Here's Oleana. She won't move from the top-left of the screen, so you'll have to come meet her. Despite her bulk, her attacks can be easily healed or avoided.

Reinforcements arrive at the start of turn 3.


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Wild Dance of the Machine God
What? Is that the Argama?
You came!
Battle Team, are you okay?
We're fine!
That strange goddess statue seems to be their boss.
Roger that. All units, deploy!


12 slots this time. I'm bringing Folka, Jimmy, Keen, Nie, Shou, Roux, Kouchouki, Van, Allen, Ryoma, Koji, and Tetsuya.

You're saying that goddess statue is the head honcho?
It looks the part at least.
No matter who they are, they're no match for Great!
Don't judge a book by its cover, Tetsuya.
Exactly. Be careful of its lasers.
But I don't think it can move quickly like that.
Are sentient stone statues common in this world?
That one's special.
So it's all right if I destroy it?
Dammit! I can hear you, you know? If you want to die so badly, come at me! I'll burn you to ashes with my Narmagne Ray!


As I mentioned before, Oleana won't move from her position in the top-left of the map. That's because she's literally a statue. How did she get here again? Combattler is fine dealing with the Magma Beasts from the north by itself, but backup is always appreciated. Try to combine your forces before advancing on Oleana.

Enemy reinforcements spawn at the start of the fourth enemy phase.


Found you, Argama! Prepare to die!
Yazan! You're still after us!?
Hey! Why are you with Neo Zeon Mobile Suits!?
Because we share the same goal to sink your sorry ship!
Even so, you shouldn't team up with Zeon!
Until we restore Neo Zeon, we will not be destroyed. We will stop at nothing to achieve our dream!
As the saying goes, we must throw away our pride and join forces. You’re not the only ones who can do that!
Don't be ridiculous! Are you planning to fight with hatred and resentment like that!?
Hahaha. Maybe your mind will change after we kick your ass!
I'll change your mind with my fists!
Dammit! Why won't they understand!?


While Combattler mops up the rest of the Magma Beasts, have your main force deal with the Mobile Suits that just showed up. Yazan's Hamrabi is the same as usual, but Rakan's Dreissen is far stronger than any Mobile Suit we've encountered so far. That's not to mention you'll probably be fighting him while he's taking full advantage of the forest. The Doven Wolves that accompany him are also extremely bulky, on par with minibosses.


This is where the Omega Missile spawns.

There aren't any lines with Oleana, Yazan, or Rakhan.


You're strong…
Stop this pointless conflict!
As long as we fight, there's no way we'll stop!
What nonsense. Don't you have anything better to do?
We'll just observe for now. I'm retreating!
[Rakan retreats]


Tch. Looks like I'm done.
Yazan! Give up already!
This is for revenge! My fight won't end until I kill you all!
Yazan…
Next time! I'll kill you next time! You better be ready!
[Yazan retreats]

The plot continues when Oleana is shot down.


Grrr! You insolent fools! You cannot kill me! Garuda! Where are you, Garuda!?


[Garuda spawns with enemy reinforcements]
Mother… I, Garuda, am here…
Tch. There you are!
Stay frosty, Hyoma!
Hey, doesn't something seem off?
Oh?
Where were you? Well, whatever. Save your mother.
Save you? Heh… HAHAHAHA.
What's wrong, Garuda?
Mother, prepare to die!


GAAH! Garuda, have you lost your mind!?
I haven't lost my mind! I've just had enough of you Campbellians!
Damn you, Garuda! Is this how you treat your mother!?
HAHAHA! I no longer consider you my mother! I will no longer fight for the Campbellians!
WHAT!?
For my robotic self and for the late Miia, I challenge you to a duel to the death, Combattler!
What did he just say? Garuda is a robot!?
Hyoma!
Garuda…
What are you saying? Without me--
SILENCE!


Damn you, Garuda! If you didn't betray me… AHHHHHHHH!
[Oleana explodes]
Combattler V, the stone monster is gone! Now, duel me to the death!
Wait, Garuda! What's going on!?
Enough talk! Have at you!
Garuda!!


Garuda and his allies spawn east of Oleana. If you're like me and you sent a few units to deal with her, then you need to get the hell out of Dodge before they get overwhelmed, especially if the Omega Missile is still on your tail. Garuda's Big Garuda hits hard, but it doesn't have anything special going for it.

Garuda lacks any battle dialogue. Shoot him down.


Garuda! Eject!
I won't accept any humiliation!
What are you talking about!? Hurry, before it explodes!
This battle is over. There's no need for you to die.
I'm satisfied. I was tricked into believing that I was a genuine Campbellian and that I should fight for them. But in the end, I was able to fight for myself.
What's this about being tricked?
Now that you mention it, you said you were a robot…
That's right. I'm not a Campbellian. I'm a robot.
Garuda…
Combattler, this is the only thing I have no regrets about. Miia, I'm coming to see you now…
[Garuda explodes]
I knew it. Pride alone can't change anything… Something is needed to prevent tragedies from repeating themselves… Something more…

The map ends when all enemies are shot down, including that damned missile.


Garuda… I wish we'd met under different circumstances…
He was a proud and powerful warrior. He just believed in the wrong things.
Because Garuda destroyed Oleana, we were able to stop the Campbellians…
Yep. Maybe he was a good person who was tricked into doing evil.
Captain Bright, you knew we were in trouble, right?
I didn't. The reason we came here was to ask you to lend us your strength.
Oh, so that's how it is.
It's about everything that's going on, right?
We have no reason to refuse. Combattler V is a robot created by Dr. Nanbara to fight for peace, after all.
Hyoma…
Yeah. There are still enemies out there, so we can't just do nothing.
All right. All units, return to the ship. We're heading to our next location!

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

The following few scenes play when you finish all choice stages. I have it as its own post to avoid confusion if you did the stages in another order.


What's wrong with me? How am I so tired after such a small battle?
Looks like you lost to that damned Argama.
Who goes there!?
Have you forgotten already? We fought together in Byston Well.
…What do you want from me?
You can't get proper supplies in this world, can you? Why don't you join forces with us?
…
We need more firepower. You need serious repairs and a resupply. It's a win-win, yeah?
Fine. But I have no intention of taking orders from you. I'll fight my own way.
Good enough for me.


You all seem to be doing well.
Koji, you haven't changed.
Not really. After kicking Dr. Hell's ass, I've been doing nothing but cleaning up his never-ending supply of Mechanical Beasts. I'm getting sick of it.
Koji, everyone feels the same way.
Definitely. We didn't expect the EFF to abandon us so quickly.
Hayato!
I'm sorry. Captain Bright kept making your case, but…
Stop, stop. We don't blame you guys for anything.
I thought we'd finally put a stop to the Campbellians, but after hearing everyone's stories, I'm beginning to get worried.
Seriously! I hope that's the end of it.
We hope so too. Speaking of which, I notice some new faces.
…Can we really trust that Folka guy?
Come on, Tetsuya. We've fought together like this so far. He's not gonna betray us.
But based on that incident with the Shura Army the other day, he seems to have his own reasons for fighting. I don't want to constantly worry about him.
Hayato, you don't need to say that.
But he still won't tell us anything, right? It makes sense why we're a bit suspicious.
I think Folka is a good person.
Leina…
I admit I'm upset that he won't open up to us, but I don't think he's lying to us. After all, he's fighting alongside us.
Leina…
Well, it doesn't really matter what his deal is. Right now, he's our comrade!


Hey Chief, what's that robot?
Kakuseijin #1. And it's not a robot, it's a Neuronoid. Originally, it was a vehicle used to investigate and analyze environments harmful to humans and other dangerous places.
So it's basically a research robot?
That's right. It has a material called Linker Gel flowing through its entire body, like a human's circulatory system. It transmits the brain impulses of its pilots throughout its body.
That's amazing.
The TM System, which synthesizes necessary substances from the air, also runs on that!
TM System?
It releases the synthesized chemical substances all at once. Also known as the Synapse Attack.
I see.
Impurities accumulate in the gel whenever it gets used. If we don't cycle the gel occasionally, the Kakuseijin will stop working.
So you recycle it.
Well, the central unit is on loan from ModeWarp, though.
ModeWarp?
And it can't be operated without Dual-Kinds.
Hmm.
Head Divers 02 and 03, Shou Yanagi and Kaede Kurenai, are reporting for duty from ModeWarp's France branch.
(Shou Yanagi. Betterman. CV: Shinichiro Miki)
Welcome back, Yanagi. It's been a while since you returned to Japan, Kaede.
I'm looking forward to working with you once more.
(Kaede Kurenai. Betterman. CV: Yuko Minaguchi)
Sorry to put you to work so soon.
That's why we're here.
Um. I still have one more question…
You're Aoba, right? What is it?
What exactly are ModeWarp and Dual-Kinds?
When humans are together, they exchange various signals such as pheromones and infrared rays which influence each other. For example, conversations flow easily with friends who share the same hobbies, yes?
That's true. When I'm with my classmate Ushii, we get so excited talking about military stuff that the teacher always yells at us.
It's the same concept. Dual-Kinds are two people who increase each other's brain impulses and possess the ability to generate a special energy.
And the Neuronoid amplifies Dual-Kind's abilities by a magnitude of 10,000 while using that special energy to function.
I don't really get it, but they're something like psychics?
Well, they're no different from normal humans unless they're in a Neuronoid.
To add onto that, Neuronoids have two modes, Accept Mode, which excels at investigation, and Active Mode, which enhances movement and horsepower. In order to reliably bring out its potential, two Dual-Kinds need to be on board as Head Divers.
That's why we want you to help us with our work, Aoba.
Work… Like defeating that giant Chika-chan?
Algernon…
Huh?
The source of this incident… And the greatest crisis humanity has ever faced.
What is it?
All we know is that a lot of people will die.
Eh?
ModeWarp was formed to uncover the true identity of Algernon.
I see… But how can someone like me help with that?
I've seen your aptitude as a Dual-Kind. We always need more of them, so you're a valuable asset.
Really?
I'm gonna start investigating the ruins right away.
Well, about that… I've asked for some help, so can you hold off on that for a bit longer?
Help?


You're Folka, right?
What do you want?
Your Mobile Suit has such a unique appearance. What's its name?
…Ialdabaoth.
What a nice name.
Unlike my Deathscythe, it looks organic.
…If you don't need anything, you're getting in the way of my maintenance. Please leave.
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get in your way.
What's your relationship with those two mobile weapons from Brussels?
Heero!?
There's no need to beat around the bush, Quatre.
He'll just change the subject.
I know, but…
…The female-looking Shura God was the Peirines, piloted by General Maysis the Ice Spear.
Huh…
And the other one was the Shura God Mardikt. The pilot is General Altis the Flash.
Is that right…
But that doesn't matter to you. This is my problem. I'll settle it myself.
That's fine. But we don't mind helping you out with your problem.
Yeah, sure…


Are we near the location that ModeWarp told us to go?
We should arrive in about half a day.
I wish we could find out a little more about Algernon…
[Phone beeping]
Hey Bright, where are you going?
(Amuro Ray. Gundam CCA. CV: Tohru Furuya)
Amuro! Is your Gundam finished?
We're doing the final checks.
I see. We're heading to the Ajanta Caves in India.
The Ajanta Caves? Why?
Do you know about Algernon?
Not much. Just that it's a mysterious phenomenon happening on Earth.
We've been assigned to provide security for its investigation.
Do they really need that much security?
There's a high possibility of being attacked by giant insects.
Giant insects?
We encountered them once before. They're much larger than humans and appear in large numbers.
Got it. I'll meet you there. If I go now, I should make it around the same time as you.
Sounds good.
See you soon.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, we encountered the Betterman.


Our final location for Scene 3 is the Ajanta Caves in India. It's a real place, so look it up.


At the request of Akamatsu Industries, we will support the Algernon investigation at an archaeological site in India. Are you ready?


Chapter 15 (3-6): Call of the Behemoth


Is there a possibility that giant insects will appear here too?
I briefed you on the Betterman that appeared before you arrived at Bottom The World, right?
Yes. The being that can transform to suit the current environment.
Dr. Aya's party discovered these unknown ruins while looking into the Betterman.


…
Unknown ruins?
It's in the deepest part of these caves, correct?
Yes. The university research team that ventured into these caves went missing down here. Local police conducted a search, but…
I assume they were found dead.
Yes. Written in a notebook were their last words, "I heard that sound".
What sound?
I heard from a local that they've been hearing the "call of the Behemoth".
What's the Behemoth?
The Behemoth… It's a mythical monster described in the Book of Job, said to eat grass like cattle and possess limbs like iron rods.
(TL Note:  Job 40:15-24.)
Does such a creature really exist?
I don't know.
So you want to investigate the Betterman and its relation to Algernon, but you don't know what's down here?
That's right.
Hmm?


…
(???)
Uwaaa!
Why did you yell?
A-a huge lizard… A lizard as big as a human…
Huh? Where?
I don't see anything. Are you hallucinating?
Sakura, do you feel anything?
No.
I didn't sense anything either.
Puleto.
Puleto?
Puleto. It's a small and weak monster that lives in the forest. Anger it, and it'll turn into a terrifying Pretta… Or so the story goes.
Hehehe. There's no way…
Keita, you're thinking too hard.
Around here, they're also known as Chandi.
Chandi?


They're here!!
I don't see this Behemoth monster, but I do see the same giant insects we fought before!
These insects have to be connected to the Betterman.
If they're connected, does that mean these insects are the cause of Algernon?
This isn't the time for speculation! Sortie and take care of those insects!


Deploy the troops. We've got only 8 deployment slots. I deployed Folka, Koji, Van, Shou, Nie, Ryoma, Hyoma, and Jimmy.

First, the new unit.


[Tyran (AP and AV Modes)]
Tyran's got a pretty simple design - it's Kakuseijin Ichigo, but its weapons are slightly less powerful, but it has actual P range. This makes it a bit better than Kakuseijin, but remember, most of the time you're using this unit it's in AP mode as support - P range only occasionally comes up. But like, "a bit better than one of the best units in the game" is obviously really good!

It should be noted that the pilots of Kakuseijin and Tyran are fully hot-swappable and we will be getting more pilots, which isn't apparent now but will change how you use them. Sho and Kaede are actually worse as main (AV form) Betterman pilots than Keita as their Dual Kind levels cap earlier, Sho at 7 and Kaede at 6, but that is higher than Hinoki at 5. Sho's actually just kind of screwed up in general though - he has low levels of Basically Infight, but he also has the ability Pseudo Expression Ability, which automatically inflicts Coercion/Intimidate on himself at 110 Morale (removing Supports of whatever he attacks). That's a good-sounding ability... but in this game, REPAIR AND RESUPPLY ARE CODED AS ATTACKS AND IT WORKS ON ALLIES TOO. Whoops. You'd theoretically want him in the AP mode of Kakuseijin because he gets Charge/Assault, but that hurts a lot.

Kaede's just a good support pilot. Magnificence gives her will for dodging and her special ability, Dowsing, gives her free Focuses at 130 Morale. She stinks as a main pilot though, sadly. She does have some decent support spirits, so she'll happily fit in an AP pilot. You will be happy to know, if you've watched the series, that you will never have to have her use a Synapse Dangeki on anything.


There's a huge horde of giant ants to the south. The Kakuseijin and Tyran are isolated from the main group. If you're not careful, they'll be overrun by the ants. Take up a defensive stance on the nearby rocks and try to weather their assault while the main group rushes south-east to reinforce them. Losing one of them isn't a defeat condition, but you still have to pay their repair costs. You can't see it in this screenshot, but there are more giant ants to the far south.

The plot continues at the start of the second enemy phase.


Whoa baby! The big guy finally came out!
Is that the Behemoth!?
What's this ringing in my ears?
Is that the call of the Behemoth?
Judging from the circumstances, it has to be.
It really is alive… I can feel immense power coming from it.
Even so, I can't handle this ringing!


I have no choice. UWOOOOOOOOO…
(Lamia. Betterman. CV: Takehito Koyasu)


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Kaze ~Turbo~
The Betterman!!
Huh!?
So that's the Betterman!
It is connected to these ruins after all!
What should we do?
Shouldn't we leave the monster to the monster?


UOOOOOOH!
Take 'em down!


GAOOOOO!!
(Behemoth) (TL Note: This is the "mugshot" that's shown for all UMA enemies, like the giant ants.)
That didn't seem to have much effect.
Is it going to be all right? The Betterman looks like it's being pushed back.


T-the Betterman lost!?
Oh come on! How are we supposed to fight something like that!?
It seems to be specialized for close combat fighting. We'll have to snipe it from a distance!
Triser! Hit it with the Bull Thunder!


Here is the Behemoth. It's a real monster that, like Ryusuke said, cannot fight at range. Thankfully, it spawns towards the bottom of the map, so you don't have to worry about it if you don't want to.

The reason for that is at the start of turn 3.


Lamia…
(Seeme. Betterman. CV: Tomoko Kawakami)
Seeme… I've been defeated…
You should have known that Nebula wouldn't work.
I had no choice but to fight in order to protect…
If that will remains, then rise. That flame must keep burning.
I cannot…
Reach out your hand, Lamia. What you seek is right there.
Yes.
It was waiting for us… Guided by fate… Created by our hope…
Forte…


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Kaze ~Turbo~
The Betterman!
It wasn't dead after all! But it looks different from before…
Forte…
Forte? Is that the name of that form?
Did it change its form to match the enemy it's facing?
Exactly! That's what makes it the Betterman!


And here's Betterman Forte, an uncontrollable NPC ally. Forte will quite literally solo the Behemoth. If you want its money or drops, rush someone to the south to steal the kill.

Mattman has this to say about Forte:

"Ok, the 270 mobility was a bit too much. Let's tone it down... to 185. And also give it 3800 armor to go with its over 18000 HP."

Forte is fucking ridiculous just like Nebula was. It only has 1 range on its moves so it's slow, but that's meaningless when it one shots everything below a boss and can't die. It still automatically surpasses its limit stat by existing too. And, yes, you're not getting this one either, its pilot still lacks Spirits.

Anyway, the next plot event is at the start of turn 4.


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Segment III - SALLY
Did I make it in time!?
Amuro! You came!
Amuro, can you join the battle?
That's why I'm here.


Captain, I'll help too!
(Chan Agi. Gundam CCA. CV: Mitsuki Yayoi)
Chan, no. Stay in the rear. Your mission was to help me transport my Mobile Suit. There's no need for you to fight.
The more firepower we have, the better. I know I can be useful!
Fine… But don't overdo it.

Two new units!


[RX-93 Nu Gundam]
Holy fuck 140 base Mobility on a UC unit, it's a Christmas miracle! Nu Gundam sets a bar for power level that no other UC unit really does. I cannot stress enough how much BEING ABLE TO FUCKING DODGE CONSISTENTLY helps this thing out, but the 2100 power basic-ass free Beam Saber making it a better melee weapon than ZZ's Hyper Beam Saber definitely adds to the power. The ridiculous Funnels help too, though I would advise you be ready for the Nu to run out of them if you don't take precautions, as you'll be spamming the fuck out of that move.

Oh, and Amuro's great too, of course, obviously, as he always is. His Melee still sucks shit, because I guess the staff didn't watch Mobile Suit Gundam, and his Defense is awful, but his Evasion is top-notch. He's the best Newtype in the game, generally, and also has Commander and Defend. Though he really does want Support with his range, you're not going to be too poorly off with Amuro. Oh, and like in most old games - he gets MIRACLE, albeit stupidly late.


[RGZ-91 Re-GZ (BWS and MS Forms)]
The Re-GZ is not getting a segment for both of its forms. The Re-GZ is not as bad of a unit as, say, the Super Gundam, but it's certainly not a good one, and for most players, it will be useful exactly one time - because if you move it directly due south, it can tank exactly one Omega Missile, still have life left, and then sit there and if another one spawns in because YOU'RE TAKING TOO LONG, it will lose the outer armor but not die. (Or you could just ignore it because stage geometry means half the time it just gets stuck on walls in this one, either way.)

Chan also stinks but that's pretty normal for her, sadly. Oh well.


Move Amuro north to help the Neuronoids, and keep Chan near her starting position.


By the way, here's this map's Omega Missile spawn location. I thought we were underground! Have Chan intercept the missile. Even if it destroys the BWS, you won't have to pay the repair costs.

Anyway, the plot continues once the Behemoth is shot down. Lamia will probably have solo'd the damn thing for you.


What a creature! I've never seen a monster like that before.
At least the ringing is gone… I felt like I was going to pass out if I wasn't careful.
The call of the Behemoth, eh? It reminds me of a story I heard about a special frequency that can induce hallucinations and drunkenness.
Bees perform a dance-like motion in the air to communicate with each other. Along with that dance, they emit a sound at about 250 Hz, which can tell their companions the direction and distance of flowers based on intervals and volume.
What does that have to do with anything?
When other worker bees hear this sound in the bee equivalent to eardrums, they react instinctively to fly towards the flowers, not of their own free will, but as if the sound controls them. In other words, worker bees that find nectar can control their companions through sound.
So the Behemoth was trying to control us with that low-frequency sound?
That's my hypothesis.
Hey, Hinoki. Is all this really related to Algernon?
I don't know. I'm an idiot.
Right. We still don't know anything.
[Lamia retreats]
Ah! The Betterman!
Don't worry. It just underwent fibrosis. The main body must have moved elsewhere.


Hehehehe. It's finally dead!
Yazan!
And Garalia too! Why are you here!?
She's chasing you with us.
Dammit! You're so persistent!
Shou Zama! Today we'll settle this!
Garalia! What good will fighting do? Let's work together and find a way to get back to Byston Well!
Shut up! This is what I have to do! If I'm to die in a foreign land, I'd rather take you with me!
You're so annoying!!


We've got Yazan and some Hambrais to the north-east, Rakan and some Doven Wolves to the south-west, and Garalia and some Baund Docs to the north-west. You know how to fight them by now. I sent Folka to solo Rakan and his goons, while everyone else dealt with Yazan and Garalia.

Of course, none of them have anything to say to anyone. This game just doesn't like doing that sort of thing.


How? How could I lose!?
[Rakan explodes]
Do we deserve that much hatred?
Like hell we do! He was just holding a grudge.
…I don't like fighting other humans.


What's going on!? Did I really lose!?
Yazan! Surrender and accept your fate!
Don't be ridiculous! I'd rather die than surrender to you!
[Yazan explodes]
Yazan… Jerid… Why did you have to go like that…
Kamille…


I never thought I'd die in a place like this…
Garalia! Eject!
Why should I? You want me to live as a POW?
What are you saying!? You'll die if you don't!
It's better than being a prisoner!
[Garalia explodes]
GARALIAAAA!
Since she died, has her soul gone home?
I don't know…

The map ends when all enemies are defeated.


It's finally over…
However, we can't conduct an investigation like this.
Then what should we do?
Even if we can't investigate Algernon, when I briefly examined one of the corpses, I found that several types of cells were mixed together.
What do you mean by that?
It's possible that they're a new organism that was created by combining the cells of several different organisms.
Like a chimera?
We won't know any more details until a proper examination can be conducted.
I see. I'm glad it wasn't all for nothing. Let us know if you find anything else.
Just leave it to us.
Okay. Let's head to our next destination.


Garalia…
Shou…
It's not your fault, Shou. She lived her life too fast.
I'm trying to understand, but I just can't accept it.
Do you mourn every enemy you defeat?
Argh! I hate it when you make sense.
Regrets won't bring the dead back to life. That said, I don't think that woman came to terms with her situation. That's just life.
I disagree. I think Shou's suffering because he's putting himself in her shoes.
I am. I don't want to die in Byston Well. I thought Garalia felt the same way about Earth.
That's right! I don't want to die here either!
That makes sense. When you put it like that, it makes me consider things differently.
But Hyoma…
That doesn't mean we can just let them do whatever they want.
It's complicated. Oh, Folka. It's unusual for you to be interested in our conversations.
…Something is off about the Ialdaboath.
It looks normal from the outside.
I'm not talking about its movement or output. It just feels like the Ialdaboath is suffering.
What's that supposed to mean?
It's not like we fully understand it to begin with.
Lemme take a look.
Same here.
You two junk dealers are useless.
You're so mean…
Shall I help you out?
Sorry, but it's too dangerous. I'm sure it's just my imagination.
If anything happens, don't hesitate to tell us. Kamille and I might be able to help in a different way.
Just leave it to Amuro. Everything will be fine.
Thank you…
(Just what is happening to the Ialdaboath…)


I must have taken a wrong turn. Where is everyone?
It's dangerous here!
(???)
Huh?
I said it's dangerous!
I'm lost… Um, are you a local?
The Behemoth will come!
What? Didn't we kill that thing?
You'd better leave now.
Who was that?
…
Whoa! T-the Puleto!?
Puleto? Rakshasa!
…
Whoa. That's so cool!
Cool?
How does that armor work?
You'll be killed if you don't leave now.
I didn't know Puleto was armor… Hmm? Does that make you Chandi?
Chandi?
Wait! Your mouth isn't moving!
You'll be killed. Hurry up and leave!
(Chandi. Betterman. CV: Houko Kuwashima)
[Chandi leaves]
Hey, wait! Who was she?
Keita! Where are you!?
Oh, Akamatsu! Over here!
Thank goodness you're safe!
Yeah, somehow…
Great! Let's blow this joint!


I'm surprised you look this well, Shura King.
Enough of your pointless insolence, Altis. Why are you here?
(The Shura King. OG. CV: Chafurin) (I don't think his real name is ever stated in Compact 3, but it's Alkaid Naash.)
Heh. To think that after finally meeting again, your words remain as caustic as ever. It's reassuring, in a way.
My body isn't so weak.
However, your soldiers are not like you.
And yet, they rejoice, do they not?
Shura King, why did you go so far as to risk your own well-being to transport millions of Shura, our entire army, to this land?
Don't you get it? Surely the one who commands those millions must have some idea as to how the Shura heart works.
I just want to know why here?
HAHAHAHAHA!
My King?
Altis, I was puzzled by that at first, too. But you saw it, didn't you? The fighting in this world?
I have.
I didn't send us here. We were summoned to this tumultuous world!
Indeed. It seems some of us have found greater purpose.
Altis, again, why have you appeared before me?
You mean you don't… I see. It seems I have been outmaneuvered.
And what will you do about that?
I can handle the Ice Spear on my own. I'm just more concerned about the one pulling the strings.
Hmph. Do as you please.
Sir.


Captain Bright, where are we going next?
We're going to stop the Omega Missiles.
The Omega Missiles?
Is that even possible!?
Right now, most of our enemies are laying low. Our biggest threat right now is Congistar's Omega Missiles.
Do you know where they come from?
Our investigation has pinpointed the source, but if we get too close to the satellite, we won't have time to intercept any incoming missiles.
But as long as we're afraid, they'll keep coming after us.
I know.
I know it's a long shot, but we don't have any other option. Right now, we're the only ones who have a chance of destroying those satellites.
I say bring it on! I'm fed up with those constant missiles!
Yeah. We can't just ignore it.
Then it's settled.
Okay. Here's the pla--
[Alarm]
Captain! It's the Shura Army!
What!? How many?
The Shura? If they're attacking us first…
ID confirmed. It appears to be the troops of General Maysis and her Shura God Peirines!
Hey, Folka! Guess who!?
Alion, you cur, what makes you think you can speak!?
Maysis… It's unusual to see you with Alion. Where's Altis?
That's none of your business.
I'm serious, Folka! Come out here and face me!
That centaur-like mech from the other day isn't here.
That was General Altis' Shura God… I think it's called the Mardikt.
Oh, you remember the briefing.
I have a better memory than you.
What did you say!?
Hey, stop that! Quit ignoring me!
Don't you work for that Fernando guy?
No! I don't work for anyone! I'm the Freedom Knight! No one can order me around!
You just refuse to listen to orders.
What a troublesome guy.
He's like a child.
Oh? You're one to talk.
Did you say something?
Nothin'.
So, why are you here? We don't have time to deal with you.
We? Folka Albark, you bastard! Have you forgotten the pride of the Shura!?
He's given up the Shura way of life. He tarnished General Altis' good name.
Damn you!
What is this Shura way of life anyway?
All right, I'll tell you. We fight, fight some more, keep fighting, and never lose to anyone. It's all to acquire the forbidden power in order to rule the world. That's the only way the Shura can live and die.
You're wrong!
Then how do you explain the existence of the Shura Gods? Why can some pilot them while others cannot? Why do Shura Gods grow stronger the more battles they engage in? Isn't that proof that for the Shura, fighting is everything!?
You just don't get it.
No one's forcing you to fight and pilot a Shura God!
You're the one who doesn't get it! If we Shura don't fight, we'll be destroyed! That's why we can't ever forgive Folka!
(TL Note: Even though it uses Alion's mugshot and he's the one speaking, it has Folka's name instead.)
Hold up. What do you mean by that?
…
Enough talk, Folka Albark. You won't be able to escape our encirclement. Die here and now. This is for Altis' sake.
I can't die here.
Then prepare to-- Huh? What's this reaction?
[The screen flashes]
W-what the hell? The air itself is vibrating?
Ugh. I feel sick. What is this overwhelming malice?
[The screen turns white]
I don't know what's happening! It feels different from last time we were sent somewhere!
This feeling… This energy… Could it be…
MIZAR!

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

This is the first chapter of Scene 4, “Ambition of 700 Years”.

Last time, the gang fought for their lives in a cave in India. Then they were sent somewhere else.


Our first location is Baran-Baran.


The Argama is once again transported to another world, but it’s different from before… Are you ready?


Chapter 16 (4-1): Revival


This is a place where only members of my family are allowed to enter. If you’re here, then…
(Remul Gilpheed. Dunbine OVA. CV: Shuno Takamori)
Ah! That’s an Aura Battler!
(Shion Zaba. Dunbine OVA. CV: Shigeru Nakahara)
This is our treasured Sirbine?
Shion, why don’t you try piloting it?
(Silky Mau. Dunbine OVA. CV: Keiko Yokozawa)
Why not?


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Guardian Diety
Can this thing move?
Shion, be careful.
Yes? No?


Where are we? Remul! You can’t escape me!
(“The Black Knight” Rabaan Zaramand. Dunbine OVA. CV: Show Hayami)
They’re here! They’re here! Hurry up, Shion!
Tch. They sure are persistent!
Is that them? That’s an Aura Battler I’ve never seen before!
He found us! Shion!
Crap! Move, dammit!!
Surround them!
(Beraana Gariaha. Dunbine OVA. CV: Shinobu Adachi)
[Shion moves a few squares south]
It moved… It’s moving!
It moved! That must be the treasure of Baran-Baran!
I feel it… I can feel it. My Aura Battler!
Destroy the treasure!
Yes sir!
(Garu. Dunbine OVA. CV: Daisuke Gori)
Shion!
I won’t let them!!

700 years and all I can think about is the number one.


[Sirbine]
Ah, old SRW Sirbine. Great stats, very dodgy, has HP Regen and Double Image and the Aura Barrier, repair cost is high but how did you get it killed, and it has two pilots? And, hilariously, I have on good reporting that this unit is actually the single tankiest unit in the game due to how enemy targeting works and its combination of stats and abilities if you raise its Armor and HP enough. So what's not to love?

...Ah, right, all of its weapons have only 1 range. Alas.

Shion is quite literally Diet Shou, he's just worse than Shou in every reasonable way, I don't know why you'd use him over Shou outside of the novelty. Used ALONGSIDE Shou, he's a decent secondary, and there is a reason you might want to use him, but we'll get to that. Silky is mostly a second Cham, but, uh... like, having an extra pilot on Dunbine + Fou is good for now, and it'll get better later when we get more units later.


Charging into enemy lines is the easiest way to get a Game Over on the first turn. Despite these enemies being humans riding dragons, they have a range greater than one, allowing them to attack Shion without any chance of counterattack. Hang back or start trying to move to the south-west. The tree-looking thing Shion starts on has some surprisingly great terrain if you’d rather camp on that.


The bosses for this part of the stage are The Black Knight in the Zwauth, and Beraana and Garu on top of dragons. It looks different than in BX for sure. The Zwauth has the same issue that the Sirbine has, in that all of its attacks have a range of one. Blast him from a distance and he won’t be a problem.

Help arrives at the start of turn 2.


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Wild Dance of the Machine God
Mizar!? …Where is he?
That one took longer than the others.
Where did we end up?
This is Byston Well!
Are you sure, Cham?
I can feel it! There’s no way I’m wrong!
We finally made it back.
But I don’t recognize this place. Where are we?
(Is this really Mizar’s doing?)
Captain Bright! I’ve spotted a mobile weapon nearby! It looks like an Aura Battler!
So this really is Byston Well.
Marvel, look at that Aura Battler.
[The cursor focuses on Sirbine]
It kinda looks like the Dunbine.
Shion! Some weirdos showed up!
Damn you, Rabaan! Does he want this thing that badly!?
Hey, Aura Battler! From the looks of it, you’re not a part of Drake’s Army. What’s your affiliation?
Huh? I’m hearing voices.
The name’s Shion! I don’t know any Drake. Who are you!?
I’m Nie Given. If you’re not with Drake, then you’re not our enemy. We want to go to the Kingdom of Ah. Where are we right now?
The Kingdom of Ah? I’ve never heard of such a place before.
Wait, really?
This isn’t Byston Well?
But you’re a Ferario, right?
Are you gonna help us or not?
Who’s army is that? Is it Drake’s?
That’s Rabaan's army. They’re after the treasure!
A treasure? Is it a pretty jewel?
What should we do, Captain Bright?
Should we really help him out without knowing the full situation?
He doesn’t seem like a bad guy. Besides, we can’t do anything without knowing where we are.
Black Knight! What is that!?
I get it now! Curse you, Shion! I thought he was up to something, but we fell right into his trap!
Okay then. We’ll attack them too!
Why are they looking at us like that?
Ugh! What did we do to piss them off?
Looks like they’re the type to discard their sheaths once they draw their swords.
Captain, we can’t let them do whatever they want with us.
You’re right. All units, sortie!


Deploy the troops! There are 12 slots. I’m using Amuro, Shou, Ryoma, Folka, Nie, Hyoma, Jimmy, Trowa, Duo, Koji, Van, and Allen.

What the hell!? How many kinds of Aura Battlers are out there!? I only know of two!
Black Aura Battler, can you hear me? We request that you stand down.
Silence! How can I turn my back when the treasure is right in front of me!?
Foolishness. Are you willing to die for your desires?
I’ll take your Aura Battlers too!
It seems negotiations have broken down. Let’s go!


The dragon riders fall extremely easily, but they deal more damage than you’d think. Methodically take them down as you move towards the bosses to the east. Try to have Shion make his way south to rendezvous with the main force.

Also, since we’re in another world, we won’t have to worry about the Omega Missiles. It seems they haven’t figured out how to bomb other worlds yet. In fact, you won't need to worry about Omega Missiles for the rest of the game!

There is a line of post-battle dialogue between Shion and the Black Knight.

You seem to have some amount of skill!
Don’t underestimate me!
Do you think we’re equals? You may not ever have this chance again.
HAAAAAH!


Dammit! I was defeated by someone like you!
Just give up already!
Hell no! I can’t die in a place like this, especially for Lord Black Knight’s sake!
[Beraana retreats]
She seems like a vengeful woman.
She was fighting us with her bare hands, after all…
I hate dealing with women like her.


Why me!?
[Garu explodes]
That’s what happens when you challenge robots with spears and bows.
Don’t you feel bad for the things they’re riding on?
We can’t afford to feel sentimental. If we do, we’re next.

The plot advances when the Black Knight is shot down.


What? He’s pushing back my Zwauth!?
Rabaan! Prepare to die!!
Ah! Stop! Let go of me!!


Lord Black Knight!!
(Rabaan Soldier)
Hmph! We’ll resume this later, Shion!
SHION!!
[The abductor and the Black Knight retreat]
The Princess got captured!
DAMMIT! Damn you, Rabaan! I won’t let you get away!


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - One Who Walks the Path of Strong-Fisted Supremacy
Who are you!? Don’t get in my way!
Maysis!
Found you, Folka Alberk!
Oh come on! Those Shura guys were sent here too?
Hey, you! Shouldn’t we focus on trying to get back to our own world?
Huh? Are you saying this world is different from the one we were just at?
Exactomundo! What’s the point of fighting if it’s not back home?
From the way you’re talking, it sounds like you’ve been to other worlds before.
It’s not easy to move to other worlds, but there is a way back.
All right… Guess I’ll finish you off here.
Why!? You think you can find a way back by yourself? You’re crazy!
Fools! Our only objective is to kill you. What happens to us doesn’t matter, as long as you’re dead.
Back up! This is the first I’ve heard about that! Well, I’m confident we can get back just fine.
Don’t worry. It seems being sent to this world is part of his plan.
You mean General Mizar is behind this?
I knew it. This was his doing.
What!? Then he’s behind this whole ordeal?
Yes. The strategist has to be Mizar the Earthquake. He’s been pulling the strings behind the scenes.
What? There’s someone among the Shura who’s capable of all that!?
No. He shouldn’t have the power to teleport others like that. He’s probably using the unstable space-time to his advantage. Maysis’ squad was just bait.
Hmph. It’s probably something like that. Well, all I need is your head.
Mizar, eh… Roger that, General Maysis the Ice Spear!
Dammit. If you guys hadn’t gotten in my way, I would have saved Remul by now!
Shion, be careful! This won’t be as easy as those dragon riders!
I suppose it’s useless to tell you to stand down. I can’t die here either! The only thing I can do is respond with my fists!
Become rust on my sword!


A bunch of Shura have spawned to the southwest. Hopefully, you still have some units you can still move in order to readjust your front lines. It would be a shame if they were to ambush the Argama and shoot it down before you could respond.


The last bosses for this stage are Maysis in her Peirines and Alion in his Agares. Yes, I did forget to examine Alion again. Alion is the same as before, but Maysis is extremely strong. You’ll need to use your best attacks to break through her bulk before she can start killing your units. A strategy to use is to bait out her best attacks with a strong defensive unit like the Zelana or Mazinger (with defensive Spirits, of course) until she's out of EN.

As you’d expect from Compact 3, there aren’t any boss dialogues.


GUH! My Shura God! I’ve lost again…
Hey, why don’t you leave that all behind and live here? This world seems pretty comfortable.
Yeah. Just live a peaceful life.
Are you mocking me? Damn you. Well, whatever. I’ll defeat you next time with my fists!!
[Alion retreats]
(A peaceful life, huh… I wonder if that day will ever come…)


Tch. They’re pushing back my Peirines!?
Maysis, you can’t defeat me.
Dammit. Next time, I'll make you eat those words. I won’t die until I offer your head to Altis!!
[Maysis retreats]
Why does that woman hate you so much?
I… I tarnished the name of the man she loves. That’s all.
I don’t really understand, but I can feel her strong emotions.

The map ends when all enemies are defeated.


Finally, we drove them away.
But what about the Princess!?
We have to go after Remul!
Slow down! Where are we?
Is something wrong, Hitomi? You’re trembling.
This is Baran-Baran. Normally, as thanks for saving us, I’d act as your guide. However, I have to go after Remul.
Can you tell us where she is?
Huh?
We’re already involved in this matter.
We’d like to help you out.
How nice of you!
Let’s just get this over with quickly.
But I can’t trouble you like this.
Don’t worry about it. Just give us information in return.
…Do whatever you want! It’s not like I’m worried about you.
(What’s this uneasiness I feel? It’s like I can’t sense anything at all in this world…)


It’s been a while since I’ve seen one of our kind.
Are there no Ferarios around here?
It’s not that there aren’t any. It’s just that whenever I go into the forests, our sisters get mad at me.
Wow. I’ve never been treated that badly before.
Really?
Yeah! Shou, do you remember the Mi Ferarios in the Kingdom of Ah?
Yeah, but I didn’t think they were that bad.
There’s no place called the Kingdom of Ah that I’m aware of. I've also never seen another Aura Battler besides Rabaan’s Zwauth.
What’s going on here?
I don’t know, but I’m disappointed. I thought I could finally end things with Drake.
So this is Byston Well, but not Byston Well… This feels like a fox’s prank.
That said, this Rabaan guy is piloting an Aura Battler. That’s our best lead.
Hmm. First, we need to rescue this Remul girl and try to coax some information out of Rabaan.
Plus, we have to deal with those annoying Shura guys.
Yeah. I can’t believe they followed us here.
Folka, why don’t you just tell us everything already. We still don’t know why they’re targeting you.
That’s true. Something must have happened to have them all hate you like this.
Folka…
…I’m a rebel.
A rebel?
For as long as anyone can remember, the Shura Realm was consumed by constant fighting… Everyone fought and killed each other in an attempt to sit on the Shura King's throne
Alion mentioned something like that.
There are those who can ride a Shura God from birth, and those who cannot. Only those chosen by the Shura Gods are given the power to fight.
I see. So that’s why the Shura people believe that fighting is their destiny.
My god…
Remember when I explained that Shura Gods are powered by their pilot’s life energy? Just like with Aura Battlers, the Shura Gods get stronger along with the pilot. Those born to pilot a Shura God must aim to be better than anyone else.
Makes sense to me.
I get it! If fighting is the same as living, then the Shura need a reason to keep fighting.
The hell? That’s stupid!
Yes, it is. Only recently did I realize the folly of it all. The thought never occurred to me until a Holy War was called to find a new General… And when I had to kill my brother, Fernando.
What!?
You were forced to kill your own brother?
And the story suddenly got a lot darker.
To become a General, one must fight what we call a Holy War. Only those who have trampled over the corpses of countless fellow warriors are acknowledged as a General. My last opponent was Fernando, the man who was like a brother to me and Altis.
But Fernando’s still alive, right?
Last I checked, yes. I won the battle and was about to follow the rules and kill him…but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Why did I have to kill my brother? Why do I have to keep fighting? If I become the Shura King, when I’m all alone at the top, what comes next? We’ve only known about one path for as long as we lived. Is there a way for a Shura to live without fighting? Finding this new path is my dream.
Folka…
The fact that you’re telling us this means that you’re close to finding an answer, right?
Yes. Meeting Leina and you all have made things clearer.
Folka…
I’m sorry, Folka. I made you talk about something painful.
Don’t apologize. It’s my fault for keeping it to myself.


Hehehehe… The moment I’ve been waiting for has finally arrived… Fill this place with hatred!
(???)
Dammit! Who were they!?
They? Did Baran-Baran hire mercenaries?
I’ve never heard of mercenaries possessing so many Aura Battlers!
What? Aura Battlers?
That’s what I said. They came in on a battleship similar to this castle, and deployed a wide variety of Aura Battlers!
A battleship… Are you sure?
Are you calling me a liar!?
I see, I see…
You should be thinking of countermeasures!
I am… Hehehe… It’s coming… The moment I’ve been waiting for so long is coming…


Maysis, why don’t you calm down a bit?
Calm down? You expect me to calm down with the enemy right in front of us, and all you can say is that you want to go home!? You’re beyond pathetic! As a member of my unit, I expect you to fight to the death!
All right, all right.
Honestly, if it weren’t for Mizar’s orders, I would have kicked you out of my unit a long time ago…
I’m sorry for being me. Seriously, you used to be cuter.
Did you say something, Alion?
Tch… The little girl who followed Altis all the time is now a big, important General. Anything for your beloved Altis…
Bastard. If you don’t want to die, then keep your mouth shut.
My bad… I get it, so please put your sword away.
…Good.
By the way, Ice Spear, when will our all-powerful Strategist be joining us?
I don’t know.
What? You don’t know? I thought being sent to another world was a part of his plan.
I said I don’t know! I wasn't briefed on this situation! I knew I shouldn’t have left Altis’ side to volunteer for this mission… Wait…
Hmm? What’s up?
There’s no way Mizar…
What’s wrong? Did you figure something out?
Yes… Though I hope I’m wrong…

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, the gang arrived in a different Byston Well and encountered Shion Zaba.


The second and final location in this Scene is Rabaan’s Castle.


To rescue the kidnapped Remul, Shion and the Argama attack Rabaan’s castle. Are you ready for battle?


Chapter 17 (4-2): Close to Upper Earth


Where are you, Rabaan!? Give Remul back!
It seems your beloved has come to rescue you.
Shion!
Come out, Rabaan! I challenge you to a duel!!
What insolence!
Shion, don’t rush. If you act like that, you won’t be able to save anyone.
That’s right. You need to calm down.
But…
Lord Black Knight! What should we do about them?
We’ll end this here. Intercept them!
Sir!


There’s more of them than I thought.
They’re quite disorganized.
True. They’re no match for us.
Tetsuya, don’t underestimate them.
Yeah. Aura Battlers and those dragons are small targets, making them difficult to hit with our attacks.
There’s no point in getting cold feet, Kosuke.
Yeah!
I was just stating the facts…
At least someone is thinking of a strategy, Hyoma. You just want to get in there and smash them all up, don’t you?
Gahaha! Looks like both Tetsuya and Hyoma are getting lectured.
At least they have someone who cares enough to worry about them, unlike you.
Zip it! I’ll eat your head in one bite!
More importantly, I’m concerned about this terrain. We should be on guard in case Maysis ambushes us again.
You’re right. All units, don’t let your guard down!


Deploy the squad. There are 12 slots. I’m using Folka, Shou, Ryoma, Duo, Trowa, Hyoma, Nie, Jimmy, Koji, Amuro, Van, and Allen. I gave Allen a second Minovsky Craft before this stage. Shion and Silky in the Sirbine is a forced deployment.


(That’s the Argama! How are they here!? I see… So that’s what’s going on… Hehehe…)
(???)
Keep Remul locked up!
Sir!
If we’re up against them, I must take them seriously.


There you are, Rabaan! Let’s fight!
Hehehe… The weakest barks the loudest.
Quit speaking nonsense!
Isn’t Shion overextending a bit?
If that black Aura Battler is on par with us, then he’s in trouble.
Our objective is to support the Sirbine and take them down one by one.
That’s the only thing we can do in this situation.
We’ll defeat you and save Remul! Let’s dance, Rabaan!


It’s time to assault the castle. The rocky terrain leading up to the drawbridge lowers the movement of grounded units, so make use of Accel or board them inside the Argama. When you reach the castle itself, take advantage of the excellent terrain on the castle walls to take down the dragon riders.


The bosses are the Black Knight and Beraana. The Zwauth still has that severe range weakness, so blast him from a distance while keeping in mind that he still has an Aura Barrier. Beraana’s dragon is also here and will probably be taken out in one or two hits.

There’s actually a post-battle exchange between Shion and the Black Knight.

This time, I’ll defeat you!
You’re a fool who doesn’t know his place! Realize that everything before now was pure luck!
Do you want to make that bet?
How insolent!


Lord Black Knight… I’m sorry I couldn’t be more useful…
[Beraana explodes]
She’s finally down…
Van, don’t the creatures they’re riding look kinda like Earth Dragons?
They do, but I don’t think they’d let humans ride them like that.
Were there creatures like that in Byston Well before?

The plot continues when the Black Knight is shot down.


Shion!
Remul! You’re safe!
How did you escape!?
A suspicious old man saved me!
What!?
He’s trying to destroy the world for his own selfish reasons!
Damn you! You betrayed me!
[The Black Knight retreats]
Wait! You’re not getting away!
[Shion retreats]
Hey! That idiot rushed ahead.
Let’s go after him.
Please do! I’ll hide in a safe place.
Okay. The ones following him will be--
[Alarm]
Captain! Incoming Shura!
Dammit. What awful timing.


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - One Who Walks the Path of Strong-Fisted Supremacy
Maysis, I told you I don’t have time to play with you.
And I told you I’d take your head, remember?
Folka, is this battle necessary?
No. I don’t want to fight any more pointless battles. I just need to settle things with the Shura King.
Roger that. Let’s get this over with.
Hey, take this seriously. General Ice Spear is going to kill you, you know?
Sorry, but we’re always serious.
I just have one question. What happened to Fernando?
That’s none of your business.
Listen, Folka. You know Fernando wanted to fight you, but you ignored him. Why do you care?
I just don’t want to kill him. I don’t want to kill anyone anymore. I want to go back to those days when the three of us lived together, without fighting…
How dare you! You continue to defile your proud Shura blood!
Before being a Shura, I’m a human. Maysis, you must have had it too, right? A peaceful life without the threat of dying, without staining your hands with blood!
…I can no longer live that way of life.
I swore to Altis that I would definitely find a new path for the Shura.
!!
Hmm… General, your orders? Are we going to attack?
Folka… I cannot forgive you… You use Altis’ name to justify your own selfishness!
Maysis! Try to understand Folka’s feelings!
He’s being completely genuine.
Silence! That man is talking nonsense! He’s running away because fighting is too hard for him! I won’t let my beloved’s name be tarnished to justify the excuses of such a weak man!
So it’s come to this. I can’t back down from my oath to Altis.
You’re still saying that!?


Shion’s gone and we’ve got 8 Shura to deal with. Maysis’ squad is to the south and Alion’s is to the north. Use the walls and take them down like before.


Hehehe. You guys are strong after all. Plus, you’re still holding back.
Isn’t it time for you to surrender?
If you have your doubts, you shouldn’t fight until you find an answer.
…We will meet again.
Alion… You’re also…
[Alion retreats]


Dammit! I lost because I underestimated your strength.
No. You underestimated our feelings.
What was that, you bastard!? Are you suggesting my heart isn’t in this fight!?
You’re hesitating. You can’t defeat us like this.
What!?
These warriors are fighting for more than themselves. They haven’t forgotten the people of Earth for a single second. It’s unthinkable for a Shura to fight for others. You view it as a burden. That desire for more than victory is the main difference, Maysis! Can you overcome our feelings!?
Dammit. Just answer me one thing! Do you really think you can get those peaceful days back?
That's been my mission ever since I abandoned the Shura. I will get them back.
…
[Maysis retreats]
I wish she’d help us out.
I’m sure she’ll understand one day, Folka.
I sure hope so, Leina.

The map ends when all enemies are defeated.


That’s all the enemies that have appeared!
All right! Let’s go after Shion!
Shion…


The Aura Road has begun to reverse. I can’t say that all the conditions are the same as back then, but it’s already…
You betrayed me! Traitor!
Hahahahaha! Even if you realize that, there’s nothing you can do. You’re too late. From the beginning, things have gone exactly as I wanted.
I won’t let you have your way!
Wait! Rabaan!!
I don’t have time for you right now!
So many people have died because of your ambition!
I was tricked too!
Then I’ll kill you both!
What!?
Farewell, Common World. The time has come to be freed from my eternal suffering.
Shion! Are you okay!?
So you’ve made it all the way here!
The hell? What are all these missiles?
What’s going on? Those are nuclear warheads!!
Why are there nukes in another world!?
Hahahaha! Welcome, crew of the Argama.
You know us?
I don’t recognize you.
Hahaha. I can feel your hatred. Well, it can’t be helped, given my appearance.
What are you rambling about now?
Don’t be so hasty. If these warheads explode, it’ll disrupt space-time a little. At worst, we’ll die. At best, you might be able to return to Earth.
What? Are you saying you’re from Earth!?
Your schemes end here, Shot!!
[The Black Knight stabs the man]
Hahahaha! Have you forgotten already? It’s pointless. I’m immortal.
(Shot Weapon. Dunbine OVA. CV: Masahiko Tanaka)
Shot…?
Are you really Shot Weapon!?
You know him?
I know Shot is behind the Aura Battlers, but…
So you finally realized who I am… I haven’t forgotten. Because of my battle with you, I was given this body!
What? Shouldn’t you be with Drake?
If you’re the real Shot, why do you look like that?
I wasn’t allowed to enter the cycle of reincarnation. I’ve lived ever since that day… Eventually, you will all follow the same fate as me. That’s right… I shouldn’t be the only one punished!
Punished?
Hahaha. Finally, luck is on my side. If only these missiles would explode on the surface… If only a miracle would happen once more… Then not only would I escape this eternal life, but I might even be able to return to the past!
Stop it! Do you intend to destroy the world for your own sake!?
This isn’t your place to interfere!
Excuse me!?
If the world must perish, then so be it. Perhaps the only true peace for me lies in death itself.
What are you saying!?
So you’d destroy the entire world just so you could die!? I won’t let you do that!
[Folka attacks Shot]
Hahaha! You’re too late! With this, my wish will finally…


[A flash of light]
Gaaaah! What the hell was that!? Hey, Maysis, are you all right?
Silence! I’m not as weak as you!
My apologies.
…Alion. Take the remaining soldiers and report to the Strategist.
What should I report?
Are you blind? Look around! We’ve returned to our original world!
What!? You’re right… Does that mean they’re here too?
No. It seems they were sent elsewhere. Well, I’ll leave it to you.
H-hey! Maysis! Where are you going?
There’s something I want to confirm. I just hope my hunch is wrong…


Where were we sent to this time?
The soil is bright red, like rust…
Where are we?
What just happened?
Oh, right. This is your first time.
Though for us, it’s our second.
First time for what?
We’ve been sent to various worlds through dimensional gates… Against our will, as well.
You mean we went through the Aura Road?
Kinda, but not really.
Think of it like a more powerful Aura Road.
Pretty much. The Aura Road connects Upper Earth with Byston Well, but it seems these dimensional gates connect to a wider variety of places.
So where are we?
I don’t know.
Who goes there!?
I’m El Fino! I’m being chased by a weirdo!
(El Fino. Dunbine. CV: Michie Tomizawa)
Since a Ferario is here, does that mean we ended up in Byston Well?
Nie, do you know this place?
I’ve never seen… No, wait. Maybe we’re inside the Storm Ball.
The Storm Ball!? Why are we in a place like that!?
You said your name is El. Where are we?
Look, just follow me!
H-hey! Where are you going?
Looks like we have to follow her.
How annoying…
We don’t know what Drake is up to, let alone what our next steps are. For now, we should try to learn more by following her.
I agree. I’m sure things will work out.
Mmm… Don’t let your guard down. We’re going to chase that Ferario.
Nie, about Shot…
I know… It’s hard to believe that was actually him.
That world was fundamentally different from ours. At least, that’s what my gut says. Even if that was him, I don’t think it matters that much.
Yeah… Drake is spreading the flames of war as we speak.
Right now, we need to focus on him.
Drake and Shot, huh…


Lord Altis! Are you here, Lord Altis!?
Maysis… It seems you’ve been through a lot.
I’m so glad you’re safe, Lord Altis.
It seems Mizar has caused you some extra trouble. My apologies.
It’s fine… I’m just glad you’re still alive.
No one can harm me except for the Shura King. More importantly, something bad has happened.
Something bad? Is it Fernando?
Yes. I thought he could lay low here, but it seems he escaped… Or maybe he was taken. I can’t find any trace of him.
Even though you were protecting him… I’ll find him and bring him back!
Bring him back?
Only Mizar could have spirited him away. I’ll go confront him directly.
Maysis, don’t act so rash.
But…
As long as there’s a possibility that he left of his own accord, we shouldn't point fingers.
Then… I’ll gather information about him first.
My apologies…
Hey, Lord Altis?
What is it, Maysis?
What should we do about Folka? He said he was fighting to fulfill an oath with you.
…
If the worst-case scenario happens and he succeeds, then what would be the meaning of all the pain and suffering you’ve swallowed?
Maysis… I don’t want to force Folka and Fernando to do something they don’t want to do. I want them to live according to their own wills.
Are you telling the truth?
It’s how it should be.
…


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Crimson Shura God
W-what the hell?
Ah! What’s that?
Is something wr-- Hey! Folka, isn’t that…
It looks like the Ialdabaoth …
I see… So that was a premonition of this. But this isn’t just an ordinary transformation. It Apotheosized.
Apotheosized?
When a Shura God accumulates a certain amount of battle experience, it absorbs a large amount of Shura souls. In exchange, its basic abilities are improved.
What’s that supposed to mean? Is it some kind of sacrifice?
Yeah. But its physical appearance is heavily influenced by the heart of its pilot. Typically, it would take on a shape that reflects the bloody Shura way of life, yet this form…
…A white god of war. At least, that’s the feeling I get when I look at it. If this is a reflection of your heart, then…
Oh! This is like a newborn child, reborn after experiencing your will. It’s no longer an evil Shura God!
Yeah… This one was born to change the tragic fate of the Shura Realm…
A savior…
(TL Note: Duo’s mugshot is shown here, though it has Quatre’s name.)
Maybe it is… I’m counting on you, Ialdabaoth.

That’s right. In Compact 3, the Ialdabaoth gets its Apotheosized upgrade in a cutscene. At least it’s given a proper map event in OG Gaiden… I’ll show it in the next update.


Lady Ciela! I found some good people!
Ciela? Queen Ciela Lapana of the Kingdom of Na!?
Whaaaaaat!?
Those machines… Are you the Upper Earthers who appeared in the Kingdom of Ah?
(Ciela Lapana. Dunbine. CV: Miki Takahashi)
Y-yes. That’s right. How do you know about us?
There’s no way Lady Ciela wouldn’t know!
Drake has become a threat to other nations as well. My country can no longer ignore him.
Are you really Queen Ciela Lapana?
Do you require proof? If you’re a member of the Given family, you should have recognized me.
You know who I am?
The attack on the Given manor woke up other nations to Drake’s ambitions. Sir Romn’s death was not in vain, Sir Nie Given.
Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty.
Hey, Shion. It seems we ended up in some kind of different Byston Well.
Yeah. The only thing we can do is adapt and survive.
Don’t worry. Stick with us and we’ll get you back eventually.
Yeah. I feel like we’re together because of some kind of destiny.
Queen Ciela, if you require our help, we’ll be happy to do so.
Knight from another world, thank you for the offer. We’ve been caught in an enemy trap and are unable to escape.
Queen Ciela Lapana, would it be all right if we helped you escape from this Storm Ball place and escorted you to the Kingdom of Na?
Please do! This place isn’t fit for Lady Ciela!
Come on out, Ciela Lapana! You can’t run forever!
Whoa! They found us!
Are those the pursuers?
They’re probably Drake’s men.
Drake!? He’s attacking the Kingdom of Na!?
With your strength, we should be able to break through.
Let’s do it.
I believe in you.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

This is the start of Scene 5, "Gathering Wills".

Last time, our field trip to a different Byston Well ended and now we’re to escort a Queen out of a trap.


Our first location of the Scene is the Storm Ball.


The Argama, swallowed by the Storm Ball, encounters the enemy who kidnapped Queen Ciela. Are you ready for battle?


Chapter 18 (5-1): The Queen of the Red Storm


Come on out! There’s nowhere to run!
…They’re not coming out.
Dammit! I have to succeed in order to clear my name!


T-the Argama has just appeared!
What!? Didn’t they disappear at Elf Castle!?
But seeing is believing…
So it was Drake’s Army that kidnapped Queen Ciela! Everyone, launch!


Deploy the troops. We’ve got 12 slots. I’m using Folka, Shou, Ryoma, Koji, Hyoma, Duo, Trowa, Amuro, Jimmy, Nie, Van, and Allen.

Burn Burnings! So it was you!
Shou Zama… And the Argama! How are you here!?
A lot has happened… But more importantly, why did you kidnap the Queen?
Lord Drake’s offensive is unstoppable! We can’t just stop at ruling the Kingdom of Ah!
What a selfish argument!
Tell Drake that Lady Ciela is under our protection!
You know what, I no longer care about Ciela.
You kidnapped her and now you’re saying you don’t care!?
You’re the ones who have tarnished my name. This is my chance at revenge!

First up, the cutscene boy.


[Apotheosized Ialdabaoth]
Shinka/Deified/Theosized Ialdabaoth is base Ialdabaoth, but way, way more! Evasion rivaling the Wing MSes with their free two bars even at base, and armor rivalling... the same mechas, but better than all your supers, and its weapons are the base Ialdabaoth moves but stronger. Deified Ialdabaoth easily slots into the top 5 mecha in this game, but like... there's not really much I can say about it that I didn't say about Ialdabaoth. It's that, but more.

Oh, but it flies now!


Start by moving everyone south. You don’t see a mushroom forest like this that often. If you want to be cheeky, the new Ialdabaoth can solo entire enemy groups quite easily.


Burn is the only boss at the moment in a Leprechaun. Normal anit-Aura Battler tactics apply.

Enemy reinforcements spawn at the start of the second enemy phase.


There are so many Aura Battlers in this world…
Why are you here, Musiy?
I’m here on Lord Shot’s orders.
(Musiy Poe. Dunbine. CV: Mari Yokoo)
Lord Shot sent you?
Yes. He learned that you entered the Storm Ball and sent me to reinforce you.
I have the Storm Ball under control. However, my objective has just changed. I need your assistance in destroying the Argama.
Roger that.


More Drumlos and Musiy in a Virunvee spawn to the west. Fei Chenka also spawns with her in a Leprechaun. I shouldn’t have to tell you how to deal with them at this point. If you’re not having Folka solo Burn’s group, he can deal with Musiy’s quite easily.

As you’d expect at this point, they have nothing to say when fighting.


I lost again? It’s all gone downhill ever since that Upper Earther appeared… My Aura Power should have gotten stronger by now. What am I missing? I’m supposed to be a knight!!
[Burn explodes]
You finally defeated Burn!?
I felt an incredible tenacity… Perhaps…
I hope I never see him again.


With all that power, why would you help Drake!?
Who do you think you are, asking me that?
(Fei Chenka. Dunbine. CV: Koichi Hashimoto)
Why are you helping someone like him?
Back on Earth, I was a struggling actor. You have no idea how harsh the world really is!
That’s why you’re helping someone ruin the world!?
What would you know, you Japanese prick?
[Fei explodes]
That’s right. I am Japanese. Does that exclude me from wanting world peace!?


The output isn’t increasing!?
Did you get ‘em?
This is all I can do for my first battle… I’m retreating!
[Musiy retreats]
That wasn’t Burn or Tod… Have they summoned more Earthlings?

The plot continues when you shoot down all enemies.


Looks like we defeated all of them. You’re safe now, Queen Ciela Lapana.
Thank you for your hard work. You’re all very strong.
I appreciate your kindness, Your Majesty.
Now, let’s take you to your castle in the Kingdom of Na.
No, it’s fine. We’re already in the Kingdom of Na. Just get me out of the Storm Ball.
But we can’t just leave you like this…
I'll have El fetch me a ride. More importantly, you must head to the Kingdom of Ah posthaste.
Has something happened while we were gone?
After occupying Elf Castle, Drake has set his sights on the Kingdom of Lau. You must hurry to stop not only Drake and Shot, but also King Bishott of the Kingdom of Ku.
The Kingdom of Ku is making their move as well?
That seems to be the case. The Kingdom of Na thanks you profusely. We will come to your aid in the future.
That’s not necessary. Your words are more than enough.
Words alone cannot fight battles.
Ciela Lapana…
In that case, we’ll get you out of here as soon as possible.
Please do.


The Quaschika is here of all places!?
According to our intel, it should be here…
What the hell? Enemy reinforcements?
Go get ‘em, Shou!
Wait. Something feels off.
Hey! What’s with all the robots?
Are they the Randou family’s henchmen?
Randou?
I’ve never heard of them before. Beat it before you get hurt.
You insolent wretch!


W-who goes there!?


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Dream Hunters
You shouldn’t be causing trouble for strangers.
The ones you should be fighting are us!
By the looks of it, those should be EFF soldiers.
Oh? Did we finally return to Earth?
I don’t think Earth has giant mushroom forests.
It doesn’t really matter. Let’s just finish them off while we can.
How many people are crammed inside that thing?
You must be the Randou family, right?
Ding ding ding! Correct! This is Acrobunch, our home that Papa built!
How many times do I have to tell you to call me “Father” instead of “Papa”?
Moving on… Cera, the odds aren’t in your favor. Just leave while you still can.
What!? You think I’d give up on the Quaschika so easily?
Lady Ciela, it seems this woman shares your name.
(TL Note: Both names are spelt シーラ in Japanese.)
So it would seem.
So what’re you going to do? If you want to fight, we’ll be happy to oblige.
That’s exactly what I want!
Looks like everyone is raring to go.
You got this, “Papa” and Jun.
Not you too!


Acrobunch is back! See either of the Chapter 5s for that unit breakdown. It’s not us yet, though.


Groizy and Cera are at the northeast corner of the map. Go kick their asses. Here are their machines. Just treat them like stronger Super Robot enemies. They’re really not that tough, especially with Folka’s new mech.


I’ll remember this!
[Groizy retreats]


I-I’m retreating!
[Cera retreats]

The map ends when all enemies are defeated.


Oh! Pap-- I mean Father, they’re getting away!
So they are. We'd better give chase.
But didn’t we come here to check out this area?
The magnetic field is unstable. They likely mistook their instruments going haywire for a genuine Quaschika reading.
Guess our work here is done.
W-wait a moment! Who are you people?
We’re merely travelers on a quest to uncover the legendary treasure, Quaschika.
And what is this “Quaschika”?
It’s a treasure that has existed on Earth since long before humanity existed. We need to secure the treasure before the evil organization Goblin does.
And that’s the gist of it! We’re in a bit of a rush, so see ya!
[Acrobunch retreats]
Hold up!
…I’ve never heard of the name Randou before.
I have. There was a rumor that a man named Tatsuya Randou had unearthed a clue to this “Quaschika”, a treasure said to be older than human history.
Apparently, the evidence wasn’t deemed to be accurate… But judging from what we just witnessed, it seems to have been real the whole time.
We’re done here. All units, hurry up and return to the ship. We’re leaving this airspace.


Who goes there? Show yourself!
I’m sorry. It’s me, Rimul Luft.
(Rimul Luft. Dunbine. CV: Kyoko Irokawa)
Oh. Princess.
Here, a gold coin.
Huh?
In exchange, let me borrow one of the glywings.
A glywing?
Yes.
But…
You don’t want a gold coin? Shall I ask someone else, then?
You don’t need to do that…
Thank you so much!
Just don’t do anything reckless, and come back right away!
I will!


It’s great that we were able to safely deliver Queen Ciela, but not knowing what’s happening in the Kingdom of Ah makes our next move difficult to plan.
Nie, is there a way for us to gather any intel?
Shall we avoid direct confrontation and instead try to send scouts?
If we do that, we’ll be one step behind them.
What other choice do we have? Drake seems to be moving all over the place, making him difficult to pin down.
Perhaps we can make a joint front with the Kingdom of Na?
No. Judging by the Queen’s demeanor, we don’t seem to have enough time for that.
Captain Bright! We've apprehended an intruder on the upper deck!
An intruder?
Is it from Drake’s Army?
Everyone should go on high alert.
There’s no need for that.
Our intruder is quite the cutie.
Nie!
Rimul! What are you doing here?
I barely managed to escape from Laas Wau.
You came from Laas Wau?
Yes. Now that my father has completed a large Aura Ship and is preparing to invade the Kingdom of Rau, security is thinner than normal.
Your father? Who are you?
Rimul is Drake’s daughter.
What!? That Drake!?
Why is the daughter of the enemy’s leader here?
I can't sit on my hands and do nothing while you Upper Earthers risk your lives!
Rimul…
A child’s wish is for their father to be loved by others! But he doesn’t understand me… That’s why I’m prepared to kill him!
Rimul, that’s…
I understand. So it’s true that Drake’s Army is attacking the Kingdom of Rau?
I’m 100% certain. I overheard Father and Shot planning it.
Going to the Kingdom of Rau is a good plan, but where exactly should we go?
Let’s head to Tartara Castle where Lady Elle is. We can find out more from her.
Understood. Contact Tartara Castle immediately.
Leave it to me!


Did you hear the news? It seems the Princess has run away.
(Jeril Coochibi. Dunbine. CV: Tomoko Otuka)
Please tell me everything will work out. We can’t fight properly without a stable foundation.
(Allen Bledy. Dunbine. CV: Norio Wakamoto)
That was never stable to begin with.
Of course not. To be summoned to another world and more or less forced to fight in a war is insane.
You’re one to talk. You’ve been acting pathetic ever since Fei died. Well, I don’t care either way. We're in a unique situation.
I just don’t want to die on someone else's leash. Though, I'd also rather not suffer like a certain someone.
The heck, man? I’m not dead yet.
No one’s as good at running away as you are. I’m worried I won’t be able to pull it off as well as you.
Tch.
Burn came back alive too, right? Will this army take anyone as long as they don’t bite it? Hahahahaha.
You say that now, but I won’t die in a place like this.


I’ve read all the reports about you. You seem to be quite strong, eh?
(Abe Tamari. Dunbine. CV: Ryuichi Horibe)
Thank you, but let’s get to the point. What’s Drake’s Army up to?
We have our eyes on them.
Will you let us enter your country?
Yes. Lady Elle welcomes you.
Thank you. I have one more request…
What is it?
We’d like ammunition and supplies, namely food.
Understood. In addition to the usual supplies, we’ll also give you the Aura Battle Botune, which was recently developed in our country.
A new Aura Battler just like that? Are you sure?
I am. Lady Elle believes it’ll be more useful for you to have it than us.
Thank you. We’ll head to you immediately.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, the gang returned to Byston Well, where they encountered and saved Queen Ciela.


The next location is Tatara Castle.


Having completed the Will Whipps, Drake begins his invasion of the Kingdom of Rau. Are you ready for battle?


Chapter 19 (5-2): Goraon's Take-Off


Look who showed up! And they all brought friends.
I've never seen so many Aura Battlers in one place before.
What do we do?
There's only one thing we can do. We can't let Drake run rampant any longer.


Deploy the troops! We've got 12 slots. I'm deploying Folka, Shou, Duo, Trowa, Ryoma, Hyoma, Nie, Amuro, Koji, Van, Jimmy, and Allen.

The enemy has deployed. Get ready to attack!
Ma'am!
The enemy seems prepared.
And I see new Earthlings with them.
There's still a powerful force waiting in the wings.
You mean this Will Whipps that Rimul was talking about?
Leave the Will Whipps to us.
(Elle Humm. Dunbine. CV: Run Sasaki)
Lady Elle? Where are you going?
Just hold them off as long as you can.
Do you have a plan?
Yes.
Understood. We'll repel the Aura Battlers!

I'm not using it, but we've got a new Aura Battler.


[Botune]
God, I wish there was anything to say about this unit. But it's literally just a significantly shittier Dunbine, with worse P range, and for some reason it doesn't even have 4 part slots in this game like it did in Impact where you could theoretically roid it up with V-Ups and make it one of the most powerful mecha in the game - although it does at least retain Hyper Aura Giri from that game as it didn't have it in the older Compacts. Disgraceful. Also, as is usual for SRW, this is Marvel's Botune specifically and not an MP one, which is colored differently - shoutouts to BX for remembering all the other random Dunbine color variation but not that one - and it's missing a bunch of theoretically-could-be-longer-range moves from the show.

Rimul also joins during the preceding intermission as an Aura Battler pilot. She doesn't have a default machine, so this spare Botune might work if you don't want to put Marvel or Nie in it. Mattman has this to say about her:

While she's not TECHNICALLY the pilot of the Botune at base, you also get Rimul at this point. She stinks, sadly. Her stats all suck and even with the first four spirits she has none of them are particularly great... However, as one of them is Gain and she comes with Focus and Strike, she CAN serve as a decent Fou pilot. But since she doesn't have Holy Warrior until way too late there's no reason to use her in battle. I actually don't know what her last two spirits are because my resources don't have them...


The objective is to defeat all enemies, but unless you're trying to speedrun the stage, the best course of action in my opinion is to camp on the castle. Its excellent terrain will make the coming onslaught a lot easier.


For bosses, we've got Jeril and Allen in Leprechauns. Normal anti-Aura Battler tactics continue to apply.

However, enemy reinforcements spawn at the start of the next enemy phase after you defeat half of the starting enemies.


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Epistle
To think we'd run into them in a place like this. Isn't that great, Sister?
(Eriya. Escaflowne. CV: Narumi Hidaka)
I guess you could call this good fortune, Sister.
(Naria. Escaflowne. CV: Yuri Amano)
Wouldn't it be nice if we gave Lord Folken a gift when we return?
What a good idea. Hey, foreign battleship!
Captain Bright! We've got an incoming call from one of the enemy's reinforcements.
On screen.
You guys have a Guymelef called Escaflowne, correct?
Hurry up and hand it over! If you don't, then your lives are forfeit!
Do you really think we'll just hand it over without the magic word?
Guess you'll have to die.
Time to kill!


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Scars of War
More reinforcements!?
I never thought I'd get to test out my new Vierres on you so soon, Shou!
Is that you, Tod!? After all that, you continue fighting! Why don't you use your Aura Power for good!?
You're the one making me do this! If you didn't side with the Zelana, things might have been different!
What kind of logic is that!?
It makes sense to me!
How!?
Because of you, I went through Hell!
You're just a sore loser!
Shut up! I'll take you down with this Vierres!!


To the north are Eriya and Naria in their respective Teirings, along with some Guymelefs. To the south is Tod in a brand new Vierres, and some Drumlos. Remember their respective resistances to ranged attacks and act accordingly.

Once the enemy forces are again at half strength, the plot continues regardless of whose phase it is.


I see the front line is deteriorating. Shall we bombard the castle?
We still have Aura Machines airborne. That won't be necessary.
Then shall I have the Will Whipps enter the fray?
An excellent decision! Will Whipps, full speed ahead! We will now engage in anti-air combat!


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Scars of War
What the hell is that?
Is that the Will Whipps!?
We have no chance facing that head-on!
Ahahaha. You'll need a lot more troops to fell the Will Whipps!
Aim every gun we've got! The target is the Will Whipps! Fire! Goaron, advance!!
Ma'am!


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Aura Battlers, Segment 2t
What!?
What the hell!? They completed the Goraon!?
How do you think we'll fare against that battleship?
I don't know. I'll have Musiy's squad check it out.
Don't underestimate the enemy's strength.
But sir…
The situation has changed. We're retreating to the next battle line!
On it, sir!
[Drake retreats]

Might as well talk about this now.


[Goaron]
I'd love to be able to tell you that this ship is going to finally make up for the Argama so far, but... well, for one, it's a yellow unit. You don't get it yet. And for two, sadly, it's mostly just a slightly better Argama. The Aura Nova Cannon being MAP only hurts a lot. Being a battleship with an Aura Barrier is nice.

To make up for that, however, Elle and Abe are both pretty decent as pilot and subpilot. Elle's stats are fucking dogshit but her spirits work out decently for support and she comes with the unique ability, Queen, which is Commander except it also buffs Crit Rate and has better range (in fact, we see it at level 1 in this stage, but following that at level 2 it's already Range 2), in addition to Foresight (which gives her a free Flash at 110 Will and up every turn) and Support Attack.

Plus, as a fun bonus, the Goraon can actually hold 4 fairies, and in case you don't know how Dunbine works in SRW generally, that means it can hold EVERY Fairy in this game. While you won't get the full effect of them (Aura Power Enhancement is a bit less good when you, uh, don't have a main pilot who's a Holy Warrior), Foresight combos well with the other fairies you get later with a different ability. All in all, there's no reason to use Bright over her when you get her later.

We don't get to keep the Goaron now, but as you'd expect, it'll join later. It doesn't move either.

Anyway, with a lack of boss dialogues, it's time to swat them down.


Is this the rumored power of the Argama?
Don't you understand what Drake is doing!?
He wants war, right? I only care about getting to kill other people.
How could you!?
Hahahaha! I'll kill you the next time we meet!
[Jeril retreats]


Don't you realize that Drake is just using you!?
I'm using him to survive in this world, just like you!
What!?
I'll get you next time. Prepare yourself!
[Allen retreats]
Are you running away!?
Coward!!


You lost because you're using an unfamiliar Aura Battler!
Dammit! I didn't come back just to die! We'll settle things next time!
[Tod retreats]


I'm having trouble with chumps like them!? Lord Folken will be upset. I'll let you off the hook today! Next time will be different!
[Naria retreats]
(Did she say Folken? It can't be…)


How disappointing. I'll get you next time!
[Eriya retreats]

The map ends when all enemies are defeated.


We managed to fight them off.
Thank you, everyone.
It's all thanks to that Goraon thing.
That's not true. To be honest, this ship isn't finished yet.
I see. So that's why it's not moving.
Exactly. Even a completed Goraon wouldn't be capable of protecting the castle alone. I'm grateful for everyone's help.


What's that thing?
Captain Bright! Incoming call!
On screen.
Are you the Argama?
(Kawasse Guu. Dunbine. CV: Shin Mori)
Yes.
I'm Kawasse Guu from the Kingdom of Na. I'd like to express my sincere gratitude for rescuing Lady Ciela.
It's not a problem. Drake is our enemy as well. By the way, what's that machine you're in?
It's a token of gratitude for saving her from the Storm Ball.
Tell her not to worry about it.
That will not do. Queen Ciela doesn't do this on a whim. She would like to help you in any way possible.
So that's an Aura Machine?
An Aura Battler, to be precise.
An Aura Battler? But it looks like a bird.
Anyway, if Queen Ciela wants to repay her debt by providing us with a new machine, then we must live up to her expectations.
I wish you good fortune in battle.
My job here is done.


Thank you for your concern, Queen Ciela.
It's not a problem. That Billbine should be used by someone who can bring out its full potential.
We were just passing by. We can't simply take one of your Kingdom's assets.
The people of Upper Earth, including Shou Zama, are the keys to this war. My only wish is for peace to return to Byston Well.
Queen Ciela…
I heard that you've been traveling aimlessly between worlds, correct?
Yes. We've been forced to travel between several of them against our will.
Why do you think this is happening?
I don't know, but there must be some reason why dimensional gates are becoming easier to open. One of our objectives is to find out why.
I see. Very well. I look forward to your continued success.


Bad news, Lord Mizar!
What's all the fuss about?
The Argama has appeared!
What!? I thought I sent them to another dimension!
They appeared at Tatara Castle while Drake was attacking it!
Is this report accurate?
It is, sir.
Dammit all… Right now, I need to focus on unraveling the mystery of Gaea's secret power…
What are your orders?
I recall the Gaea report saying that the dragon currently on board the Argama is essential.
Sir, it's the key to activating the device in question.
All right. Send them back to Gaea!
Sir!


What're we gonna do now, Captain?
Hmmm… We need to find a way to weaken Drake's firepower…
Shall we head to Drake's factory?
Do you know where it is?
I know of a few, but not all of them. I did hear a report that Shot Weapon is developing a new Aura Battler with Laas Wau.
We can't let them finish that new model.
Then let's go destroy this factory!
All right. Our next destination is Laas Wau's factory in the Kingdom of Ah.
[The screen flashes]
What!? Not again!
This power… Damn you, Mizar! Are you sending us somewhere else again!?
[Fade to white]


Lord Magnaz. As planned, the Argama has been sent to Asturia.
I see. I gotta hand it to Lord Mizar. He's getting better at sending things through space.
Should we go after them?
Hmm? Do you want Alco to take all the credit?
N-not at all! It's just that we're itching for a fight.
Don't worry! Your turn will come soon enough. I promise.
They're not going to be sent somewhere else, are they?
You moron! Lord Mizar's strategies are perfect! By now, they've probably been captured by Duke Freid.


I've heard your story. But the fact remains that you're in my domain.
(Duke Mahad dal Freid. Escaflowne. CV: Yutaka Nakano)
I apologize for coming into your territory without prior notice.
King Fanelia! As a fellow leader of men, I offer my deepest condolences for the calamity that has befallen your country.
I am grateful for your words, Duke Freid.
However, you have been missing for a while now. Where have you been?
Another world.
Another world? That's hard to believe. May I investigate this matter in the way my country does things?
Sure.
Then let's begin the interrogation. May one of you step forth?
I volunteer.
Why does it have to be you of all people?
You don't need to do this.
Wouldn't my words as a civilian be more believable than those of a soldier?
Very well. I will cast the spell. It doesn't matter who the target is.
Let the interrogation commence!
(Freid Soldier)
Mmm!
Now, just relax. From now on you will only be able to tell the truth. First, where did you come from?
Earth…
Earth… Is that really the name of your home?
Yes…
Where is this "Earth" located?
Beyond the sky… The Mystic Moon…
The Mystic Moon? Are you saying you come from the Mystic Moon?
Yes…
That cursed power…
How did you learn of Zaibach's attack?
Dowsing… Pendant…
Dowsing?
Seeing with the mind… Things that cannot be seen…
(That mysterious power…)
You saw invisible Guymelefs with that power?
Yes…
Young lady, hand me this pendant.
[The screen flashes]
W-what is this!? You! What have you done!?
Your true form is revealed…
Dammit! The spell's broken. Is this your doing!?
What's going on!?
I don't know this man.
Why is Alco here!?
You're a murderer…
So what if I am?
You're a deceitful man… You have many faces, yet you cannot call one your own… You live in war, and you'll die in war…
So this is your power… Young lady, now that I've figured it out, I cannot let you live!
[The screen flashes]
What the hell!?
The flame of your life will soon be extinguished…
What!?
Sooner than you think…
You're saying I'm going to die!? Dammit! This is because my true form was revealed!
Alco! Why are you here!? What is Mizar plotting!?
Why would I tell you that? We'll meet again someday. Farewell!
[Alco leaves]
Is that man someone you know?
Yes. He's part of the enemy we've been fighting.
Him being connected to Zaibach is concerning.
I've already gotten wind of Zaibach's movements. But before that, there's one thing that needs to be made clear. Allen, no matter the reason, a knight cannot abandon their country! To disobey a monarch's orders is the epitome of disloyalty! Do you think Freid needs such a morally corrupt person?
Please wait!
Hmm? Princess Millerna?
Lady Millerna, why are you here?
Princess, we can speak later.
Please forgive my rudeness, brother. No, I can no longer call you that. I, too, have abandoned my country!
What?
Your Majesty, Zaibach has already descended into madness! Their actions threaten to drag all of Gaea into a maelstrom of war. Tragedy will not be confined to Fanelia alone. Not only that, but their next target is this nation of Freid! Regrettably, Father, or rather King Aston, intends to let it happen, believing it to be in Asturia's best interest. Yet if Gaea falls into Zaibach's clutches, could Asturia truly remain at peace? Allen Schezar has come to Freid alone, determined to prevent this catastrophe. Your Grace, I beg you, please grant Allen your pardon!
Princess Millerna…
Duke Freid…
You have grown into a truly magnificent young woman, filled with both intelligence and generosity. Asturia has a bright future with you in it. Allen, will you use your sword once more and defend your nation against Zaibach?
I entrust my life to you, Your Majesty.
Good answer. I have high hopes for you.
Sir!
Might I also count on your cooperation?
You can.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, the gang is once again sent to Gaea against their will.


The next location is the Duchy of Freid.


Immediately after the Argama arrived in the Duchy of Freid, the Zaibach Empire attacked. Are you ready for combat?


Chapter 20: The Secret Door


Hehehe… What a magnificent sight! It's been a long time since all four of Zaibach's armies have been in one place.
(Zaibach General)
Yes, General! We are delighted to have been given the honor of leading the vanguard into battle.
Good.
All units are in formation!
All right! The time has come! God smiles upon us! All troops, march!!
[A few more enemies spawn]
Bronze Army, march!!
[A few more enemies spawn]
Black Iron Army, march!!
[A few more enemies spawn]
White Iron Army, march!!
[A few more enemies spawn]


That's a lot of Guymelefs…
Can we really defeat an army like that?
I don't know, but we can't run away. All units, deploy!


Deploy the troops! There are 11 deployment slots, and Van is automatically deployed. I'm using Koji, Nie, Jimmy, Folka, Hyoma, Allen, Ryoma, Amuro, Shou, Marvel, and Duo. Marvel is in a new ride, which I'll go over soon. I also put Silky inside of Marvel's new ride as a subpilot. Sorry, Shion, but you won't be getting much screen time in this game.

This is on a completely different scale than when they attacked my castle!
They're serious about this… Why attack Freid of all places?
Are they after Escaflowne?
I wonder…
What do you mean, Kosuke?
It's true that Zaibach is after Van's Escaflowne, but the scale of this attack is too large to be just going after one mech.
So then they're after something else in this country too, huh…
Whatever it is, we can't let them have it!
That's right. Whatever they're doing, it can't be good.
We must stop their invasion at all costs!!

First up, the gift we got at the end of the last stage.


[Billbine (and Wing Calibur) (Night Camo)]
I'm actually not certain if there are any differences between them in this game besides color lmao.

Billbine is a slightly ridiculous mecha. It has a ton of mobility, yes, and its S size ensures it isn't getting hit even without turning into Wing Calibur. It works like any other Dunbine unit. It has a combo attack with Dunbine itself. Its moves rock, its power is great for Dunbine standards, and it has a ton of movement.

But you shouldn't put Shou in Billbine. No, whoever you decide to put in Billbine, let it be your support pilot, the one you have in the Fou now. Because...


[Dunbine + Wing Calibur]
...Yeah, this is also a thing lmao. "Hmm yes a unit that looks at Dunbine + Fou and makes it completely nuts AND which can decombine into a combo attack, that's certainly balanced!" This thing is the strongest mecha in the game without some need to pour a ton of work into it, although if you are, much like with Dunbine + Fou understand that Dunbine's upgrades are the ones that matter here.

Normally, Billbine is in its normal reddish-orange coloring, but by taking the Nie route at the start of the game, it's in its dark green Night Camo coloring. There is no difference in stats. You can put a Ferario, like Silky, with the Billbine's pilot for four SP pools. If for some reason you don't want to use the Dunbine/Wing Calibur combo, then having Shou in the Billbine is the way to go. If you don't want to use Marvel, then Shion would be the next best option in my opinion.


Start moving east and try to fight the Guymelefs while taking advantage of the cliff's terrain. The terrain you start on reduces land movement, so make use of Accel or put your grounded units in the Argama.


The Zaibach Generals are in these floating castles. Make sure you use Luck when shooting down these things for a massive payday.

At the start of the third enemy phase…


Everyone, today marks the end of our dragon hunt!
Sir!
Dilandau! What are you after!?
Like you don't know. From the start, my only objective has been you and your dragon.
Then why are you attacking Freid!?
Don't know, don't care.
You don't know? Does that mean Zaibach has another objective after all?
Enough talk. Charge!!
Involving innocent people… If that's what you want, then you deserve what's coming to you!
Van?
Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Epistle
Don't you understand what the people of Fanelia must have felt when they were murdered!?
Stop! Van!


What's wrong!?
Van… Dammit! Has he lost his mind!?
UOOOOOOOOOH!!
W-what's wrong with you? Your empty threats won't work on me!

This is why you needed to use Van until now. Van, now a yellow uncontrollable ally, cannot be healed and will cause a Game Over if he dies. If he's not upgraded, the enemies will instantly swarm him while there's nothing you can do. I believe if Van is inside the Argama when this event happens, he's forced out to the nearest empty space. You have to babysit Van in this state until you defeat Dilandau, so try to rush him or ambush his spawn if you've been neglecting Escaflowne.

Mattman has this to say:
Ah, right. So, this stage. This is the point where you want to have upgrades on Escaflowne. If you want my advice, move it as far to the right as possible in Dragon mode and then stick it in the middle of the trees to stop it from moving back, and leave a few people at the top of the stage to murder Dilandau. That will minimize the possibility of Escaflowne doing something deeply stupid and getting you a game over.

(Also, use Luck on all four of the castles! They give 30,000 funds when killed with Luck!)


Here's Dilandau's Guymelef. It's the same as normal.

Another event happens when the enemies' forces are reduced to below half. For me, it happened in the same enemy phase that Van went mad.


More enemies? Give me a break!
Those guys are from Goblin. What are they doing here?
Straight into another battlefield? Great…
I wasn't told of any reinforcements!
Who are they?
I've never seen Guymelefs like those before!
It seems Zaibach is confused too.
Do you think that family will show up too?


Standby, OK!
Everything's good on my end!
I'm ready when you are!
Same here!
ACROBUNCH, GO!!


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Dream Hunters
Damn you! You're so persistent!
I'm getting a Quaschika reading!
We won't let Goblin have their way!
Not as long as we have Acrobunch!
We meet again, Mr. Randou.
Sorry for leaving earlier, but we can't let them get their hands on the Quaschika.
How are you guys traveling between worlds?
At first, we got caught up in your fight against that unknown enemy in Tokyo, but it ended up working in our favor.
Space-time isn't stable, so we've figured out how to travel freely between Byston Well and this place!
Between Byston Well and Gaea? How is that possible?
The space-time distortions are constantly shifting, making them difficult to exploit. However, we've been able to use them to search for a certain hidden treasure.
What's Goblin's objective?
They're trying to take over the Earth using the Quaschika's power.
Hmm. I get the gist of the situation. In any case, we need to protect Freid!


That's right, Acrobunch is back once again! Cera is here as the other boss for this stage. Just blast her to kingdom come.


This is the mess I find myself in after two back-to-back enemy reinforcements during the enemy phase. Thankfully, none of the enemies are strong on their own. Focus on keeping Van alive by killing the enemies before they can kill him.


Damn you!!
Just give up already, Cera!
Silence! I will get my hands on it! Just you wait!!
[Cera retreats]


W-what's going on? I was defeated again?
Taste my sword!!
What… What are you!? Uwaaaaaah!
[Dilandau retreats]
What's gotten into him? He wasn't acting like himself at all.
I always thought he was a loose cannon, but did he finally snap?
[Van turns blue]
Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - No Need for Promises
Haa… Haa… Haa… They got away…
Van! Are you okay!?
Hitomi? What was I doing?
Don't let malice consume you. Always remember that we're here to help you.
Right… I'm fine now. I'm sorry, Hitomi.
I'm glad you're all right.
For the record, Hitomi wasn't the only one who was worried.
Seriously. You don't need to push yourself like that.
At least let me make up for the trouble I caused.
That's more like it! Let's clean up the rest of these jerks!

The map ends when all enemies are defeated.


We managed to hold out somehow.


There's still more of them!?
We can't keep fighting like this!
Argama, you are not our soldiers, yet you fought your best for us. You should escape while you can.
What are you saying!? What will happen to the people if you die!?
Princess Millana…
If you truly care about your country, then you need to escape and regroup!
But…
Your Majesty, please forget any sense of shame for the moment.
…
We're retreating for now.
Papa, we need to go too!
I told you to stop calling me Papa! Call me Dad!
Pops, this isn't the time for that!
I know! Let's get out of here!


By conquering the Duchy of Freid, we've secured the power spot. However…
(Emperor Dornkirk. Escaflowne. CV: Masato Yamanouchi)
You mean the dragon?
Indeed. The dragon's fate is shrouded in a thick fog…
Leave it to me. I've already made my next move.
Make sure you capture the dragon.
Of course, sir.


I think you should see this.
It's giving off a bad vibe…
What is it? I feel a strange power coming from it.
This is the secret treasure that my homeland has guarded since antiquity. It's a sword with ancient Atlantean script written on it. It possesses the power of Atlantis itself.
Atlantis…
Is something wrong?
I see it…
Huh?
I can see it…
The ancient Atlanteans ruled the land, seas, and heavens.
Their power was great, but that led to their people becoming arrogant, proclaiming themselves as gods and turning their desires into power.
However, because of that power, Atlantis was destroyed. The survivors settled this land and hid this beneath Fortona Temple so that their power could never be used again. It's the Freid royal family's duty to protect this sword, which is the key to the seal.
So Zaibach's objective is to seize this power!
The power of Atlantis must never be awakened again!
You're amazing, Hitomi.
What do you mean?
I can't make heads or tails of this Atlantean script.
It's not like I can read it. I just felt it.
You felt it?
The power of Atlantis must never be revived, else Gaea will be destroyed just like Atlantis was…
Are you serious?
She's right. That's why we have protected it for generations.
Then we must free Freid from Zaibach!
That's the plan. I'm going to gather any remaining soldiers and take back my home.
While you do that, let's investigate Atlantis.
Investigate where? Under the ocean?
Zaibach seems to have a lead.
So we need to infiltrate their HQ?
No. If we're going to learn anything about Atlantis, we should go to the Mystic Valley.
The Mystic Valley?
It's an inaccessible place where the Draconians lived.
Will we find out something if we go there?
Yes, because that's where the capital of Atlantis used to be.
I don't mind going, but how do you know that?
Because I'm a Draconian.
Van! Don't!
It's fine, Merle.
There are wings sprouting from his back…
A real Draconian…
No way… I thought they were a myth…
It seems there's a long story behind it. All right. We'll head to the Mystic Valley.
I'm counting on you, people of the Mystic Moon.


Were you successful?
Yes. The training was completed without any issues.
I see. Good girls.
What about the soldiers who came back with us?
They came to take Dilandau somewhere. The mages hate me, so they won't tell me anything.
It's because they're jealous of you, Lord Folken.
I hate the mages too!
You shouldn't say that about mages. I used to be one too.
I'm sorry.
Lord Folken… I was so lonely.
I'll cherish every day we're together.
I'm sorry, both of you. Lend me your strength once more.
Of course. My body and soul belong to you, Lord Folken.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, the Principality of Freid was taken over by Zaibach and the gang learned about the ancient civilization of Atlantis.


Our next location is the Atlantean ruins.


The gang had come to the ruins to find the power of Atlantis, however… Are you ready for battle?


Chapter 21 (5-4): Lost Paradise


This stone monument…
Dad, can you read it?
No. I've never seen these characters before.
Then what do we do?
Right when we finally found it.
Is there anything we can do, Daddy?


That's the Acrobunch… Does that mean the Quaschika is here?
We're still looking into it. What business do you have with these ruins?
We came to investigate Atlantis.
Atlantis? You mean the ancient city that drowned?
These are Atlantean runes… There's no doubt about it. These are the ruins of Atlantis, the Mystic Valley!
Can you read it?
The Nova Nebula Era, Month 13…
Young lady, you can read it!?
We are the descendants of Atlantis… The locals call us Draconians… Born in the capital of Atlantis, on the Mystic Moon…
The Mystic Moon… Atlanteans came from the Mystic Moon!?
Atlantis… Its power is immense. In an attempt to surpass the gods, we created abominable machines… Those machines transform human thoughts into power, making omniscience and omnipotence possible…
Transforming thoughts into power…
Is this Atlantean power the Quaschika?
It seems possible.
We grew wings on our backs and changed our appearances… But distant thoughts gave birth to a new star in the heavens… Gaea.
The power of thoughts created Gaea… A machine that transforms thoughts into power… Is that the mystery of Atlantis?
The will of Atlantis… We wish with all our hearts that our foolish mistakes will never be repeated… Gaea… Such a beautiful star, embraced by the heavens, with its beautiful oceans and abundant earth.
Is Zaibach trying to seize that power?


That power will be ours!
Goblin!
It's a good thing we followed you.
We'll take it before Zaibach can get here!
And since you know the secret, you must die here!
Like hell we will! All units, intercept!!


Deploy the troops. We've got 12 deployment slots. Acrobunch is a forced deployment. I'm using Shou, Marvel, Nie, Koji, Hyoma, Ryoma, Folka, Jimmy, Amuro, Van, Allen, and Trowa.


Welcome to the Acrobunch finale! I wish I were joking. Start moving south and use both the forest and ruins to beat back Goblin. Movement over the forests will be difficult for your grounded units, so don't be afraid to ferry them in the Argama.

And before you ask, yes, this is when Acrobunch permanently joins the crew.


Groizy and Cera are here for the last time. There's nothing really to worry about at this point. Their bulk is all they've got going for them.

Enemy reinforcements spawn at the start of the next enemy phase after you reduce the enemy's numbers to below half.


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Epistle
Naria. Eriya. Can you hear me?
Yes, Lord Folken. I'm ready to go!
We'll make sure your little brother isn't killed.
Please do.
Let's go, Eriya!
Right behind you, Sis!


So you really are my brother… Why are you with them!? I was told you were killed in the dragon-slaying ritual!
Van… I'm only alive thanks to Zaibach's scientific knowledge.
Then why didn't you return to Fanelia!?
Because I agree with Dornkirk's plan. Van, join me!
Hell no!
Why won't you understand Lord Folken's feelings!?
He cares about you so much!
Shut up! I refuse to listen to you! You're the enemies of the people of Fanelia!!
Lord Van…
I guess we have no choice.
We'll make you understand by force!


Naria and Eriya are back with some Guymelef reinforcements. However, you shouldn't kill them.

SECRET ALERT
Naria and Eriya
Reduce both of their HPs to below 30% without destroying them.

When one of their HPs is reduced to below 30%, they'll retreat. You need to do this to both of them in order to get them to join you at the end of the stage. This LP will assume that that's what you're doing.

I never imagined we'd be beaten this badly…
Naria, retreat.
But…
If you keep fighting, you'll only die.
But even so…
Naria!
Fine…
[Naria retreats]

You put up a good fight, but I'm not done yet!
Eriya, you're at your limit.
That's not true! I can still fight!
I can't let you die here. Retreat now.
…Roger that.
[Eriya retreats]

With no boss dialogues once again, proceed to do what you do best.


Why won't it move!? Am I finished!?
It's time to pay the piper.
I won't die like this! I must restore Goblin! I must…
[Groizy explodes]


I finally found the key to restoring Goblin…
Cera, eject! You can live with us in peace!
Don't be ridiculous! I'm a member of Goblin! How can I live with humans!?
[Cera explodes]

The map ends when all enemies are defeated.


I never imagined that Zaibach's objective was something like this…
We don't know what Zaibach knows, but can't afford to be complacent.
But what do we do? When we fought at Freid, we were no match for Zaibach's sheer numbers.
We need to strike quickly, but if we go in without a plan, we'll only be overwhelmed.
Let's go back to Asturia for now.
Why Asturia?
Now that Freid has been conquered, Asturia is the only place that can stand against Zaibach.
But will King Aston take action?
King Aston must be feeling pressure because of Freid. I know we're going in without any hard evidence, but I think he'll listen to our plea.
Understood. This seems to be our only option.
May we join you?
Dad! What's all this about!?
The more the merrier, but are you sure?
The power of Atlantis might be the Quaschika that we've been searching for.
Besides, we can't just ignore a global crisis like this, now can we?
In that case, welcome aboard.


Folken! Why didn't you use the Intensified Luck Soldiers more effectively!?
With all due respect, Your Majesty, those two were at their limits.
I see… The side effects…
What are you talking about?
They've had their luck enhanced, but the greater the luck, the greater the misfortune…
Did you know that would happen when you modified them!?
I didn't know at the time… In a sense, they've proved to be the ideal test subjects.
Test subjects? You're mad!!
What are you…


I didn't realize the power Zaibach was searching for was that strong.
It was the right call to let them run free.
(But turning thoughts into power? If it's real, then not only can I conquer this planet, but I'll be able to defeat the Shura King and rule over everything…)
Go to Freid immediately and retrieve that treasure!
Sir! Leave it to me.
Strategist, don't just rely on Alco! Let me do something too! I'm getting out of shape!
All right then. Go to Asturia and bring that dragon from the Argama to me.
Can't I just destroy them?
Just bring it back in one piece! I don't care what you do to the others.
Finally, time to get my revenge.
I've borrowed some useful tools from Drake's Army, so bring them too. I'm counting on you.
I got this. I won't let them defeat me twice.
(If only Magnaz were more competent, then I wouldn't have so much trouble…)


I wish to surrender. Do you accept?
W-what!?
Please believe me. I need your help.
Folken! What's all this about!?
We must change the fate of those who crave blood! We must bring peace back to Gaea!
Are you serious? You killed your own countrymen.
So much death… The people of Fanelia… The people of Asturia…
Dornkirk's goal isn't wrong! I'll comprehend the laws of fate and change the world as I please, just like the Atlanteans did in the past!
Changing fate doesn't work like that, Folken!
The Atlanteans were destroyed because the power that came from their thoughts ran wild. Do you know how to prevent that from happening?
Just as a drop of water creates ripples, anger and fear create conflict. I will change humanity's destiny! I'll create a world without anger or fear!
A world without conflict…
I wanted to save you from the destiny of having to fight as King Fanelia. I wanted to see this new world with you… But Dornkirk's philosophy of trampling over human life is wrong.
So…
Van, crew of the Argama, let's take down Dornkirk together!
All right. Do you know where Zaibach will strike next?
Right here.
What!?
Dornkirk needs Escaflowne in order to complete his fate-altering device.
Why does it have to be Escaflowne? Zaibach is full of Guymelefs, right?
Escaflowne was made by Ispano.
Who's Ispano?
Another Draconian.
So you need to combine the Atlantean device with a Draconian Guymelef… It makes perfect sense when you put it like that.
Do you know when the Zaibach army will arrive?
They'll come as soon as they realize what I'm doing.
All right. Everyone, prepare for battle!
I'm sorry… If only I saw Dornkirk for who he truly is…
I'll fight too!
Same here, for Lord Folken's sake!


Where are we?
Aboard the flying fortress Direito.
(Jajuka. Escaflowne. CV: Koji Tsujitani)
The Direito… Where's Shesta?
Dead.
Gatti?
Dead.
Dallet?
Dead.
What about Miguel?
Also dead.
Dead… All dead!? Who are you!?
I am Jajuka.
Jajuka?
I am a soldier under your command, Lord Dilandau… Your last one.
The last one… ARGH! Jajuka, is my new Guymelef ready?
It is.
Hehehehe… It's been a while since my last battle… This is gonna be fun.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, Goblin was defeated and the mystery of Atlantis was uncovered.


The last location of this Scene is the Asturian outskirts.


The Zaibach Empire has launched an assault to seize Escaflowne. Are you ready for battle?


Chapter 22 (5-5): Absolute Fortune Zone


Dammit! They're here already!
I can see right through your little schemes! You won't be leaving this place alive!
You've lost quite a bit of manpower during the assault on Freid.
Watch your tongue, traitor! Our new Guymelefs are already prepped for combat. No one can stop us now!
There are fewer of you than I expected.
I said shut up!
It looks like they only have a few of these new Guymelefs. It's strange that I don't see Dilandau out there.
So you're suggesting that he'll show up as reinforcements.
Every little bit of knowledge helps.
All right. Begin the interception!


Deploy the troops. There's 15 deployment slots. I'm using Amuro, Tatsuya, Nie, Allen, Jimmy, Shou, Quatre, Hyoma, Marvel, Trowa, Duo, Ryoma, Van, Folka, and Koji.

Even though there aren't that many of them, they are using new models. What's the plan?
They don't look that different to me. I'd bet they more or less act the same.
So we need to hit them with high-accuracy close-combat attacks?
Yes. Those capes of theirs are a pain in the ass.
We'll have to roll the dice with the flying ones. Focus on reducing their numbers.
Good plan. Take out the Guymelefs one by one, and don't forget about the floating fortresses!

First up, the secret characters we got after the last chapter.


[Tiering (Both of them)]
I'm grouping these two together because there is essentially no difference and you should never field only one. Taken on their own, the Teirings are a bit mediocre - they don't have as much armor or mobility as you'd rather hope from a secret at this point (although 5000 HP is depressingly on the higher end in this game, and the flight mode's 135 mobility is nice I guess) and they don't have the Stealth Cloak - they actually didn't have it as enemies, either. Their finisher is the same shitty flamethrower all the mooks have that's 1-2 and not P and while their spam moves are ok, they're not exactly breaking the walls down.

Then you field them in a stage and transform them to their flight mode and oh jeez that combo attack is shockingly fucking powerful. It basically singlehandedly redeems them because their mook-killing ability and lack of need to use EN is just enough that even though they don't get Valor, you can usually get away with the two spamming combo attacks against bosses. They don't get Valor to run that strategy home, but...

Eriya and Naira are nearly identical as pilots (literal 1 point statistical differences). Eriya is slightly more combat focused and Naira is slightly more support focused, but they both get Luck which is the big thing. They also both have both Supports, but their defining trait as pilots is Strengthened Good Luck, which they get to utilize without aging to dust or randomly dying because we've accidentally stumbled ass-backwards into the Folken Can't Stop Winning Timeline. This ability is never explained in C3, and it's one of the most ludicrous, bonkers, nonsensical abilities ever put to SRW - it increases evasion, accuracy, and crit rate by FIFTY ENTIRE PERCENT as long as you are above 100 morale. You will never not be above 100 morale as long as you don't absolutely muff something in this game, so like... go nuts! You'll never be getting hit and those somewhat unimpressive attacks will crit 70% of the time so you have all the time in the world to maul anything in your path.


Welcome to the Escaflowne finale! Funny how neither Van nor Allen is mandatory for this. Our starting location is a bit further south of the enemies shown in the screenshot, so start making your way north. When it's time to engage with the enemy, be sure to take advantage of the cliffs' terrain bonuses. Thankfully, this is the last time we have to fight Guymelefs. Though instead of just fighting Alseides like we have all game, we're also facing the brand new Oreades model. They're just the same as the old Guymelefs, cape and all, but slightly stronger.

Enemies spawn at the start of the second enemy phase.


Yoko Kanno - Epistle
A red Guymelef…
HAHAHAHA! I finally found you! I've been waiting for this, Van!!
Dilandau!
Let's dance one last time!


Dilandau is here in his brand new custom Oreades. Despite not saying anything, Jajuka also spawns in an Oreades too. Take them out like all the rest.

If you defeat Jajuka before Dilandau, you get this scene:


Is this the end… Lord Dilandau!
What are you doing!? Retreat now!
It's okay now…
What!?
You can go back to being the kind Celena you once were.
Cele…na…
I wish you nothing but happiness, Lord Dilandau!
[Jajuka explodes]

And there's a missable scene that plays if Dilandau still lives into the next enemy phase. I didn't get this in my run.

Jajuka… UWAAAAAAH!!
What's wrong with him?
Something's wrong…
Celena… Is that you, Celena!?
Allen, what's wrong?
There's no way… It can't be…
Where am I… What am I doing…
Something's seriously wrong here. Does anyone know what's happening?
Where am I…
(Celena Schezar. Escaflowne. CV: Minami Takayama) (Taking Dilandau's place)
That's impossible… Celena…
Allen? Where am I?
Are you sure that's actually her?
Yes. She went missing 10 years ago, but there's no way I could ever mistake my sister…
Captain Bright, can you take her in?
O-of course.
[Dilandau/Celena retreats]

I think this is a secret in order to save Celena, since she doesn't appear at all in my recordings.

However, there's another scene that plays if you defeat Dilandau first.


W-what? Why am I being attacked? Dallet… Shesta… Gatti… Miguel… Where are you? Answer me!!
[Dilandau explodes]

And in the following enemy phase if Jajuka is still alive…

Lord Dilandau!! You poor thing… You were never able to regain your sanity until the very end. At the very least, I'll raise a gravestone in your home.
[Jajuka retreats]
Finally, I settled our grudge.
However, he's a victim too…
What do you mean?
When Dilandau was a child, Zaibachian wizards kidnapped him and subjected him to human experimentation.
Zaibach was doing things like that!?
Another reason why we must destroy Zaibach. Let's finish this.

And again, I got neither of these scenes in my run since I killed them both in the same turn.

Enemy reinforcements spawn during the next enemy phase when the enemy's numbers are at half.


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - One Who Walks the Path of Strong-Fisted Supremacy
So they were already fighting Zaibach, eh?
…
(Black Knight. Dunbine. CV: Show Hayami)
Magnaz! Why are you here?
And what's with that Aura Battler? I've never seen it before.
Which one of you is the dragon?
The dragon? You mean Escaflowne?
I see. Mizar is also trying to get the power of Atlantis.
That's none of your beeswax! You know, I've always hated you, Folka. If you, Altis' sworn brother, hadn't said you wanted to stop all the fighting in the Shura Realm, we wouldn't be fighting like this!
But wouldn't it be better if you didn't have to fight?
Don't be stupid! I love fighting! It doesn't matter who's ass I kick! Honestly, I'm only with Mizar because he said I can kill anyone I want.
That's wise on his part. If he didn't put a leash on you, you probably would have killed him by now.
Hey! You think you can call me a dog like that? Just wait until you see what happened to Fernando.
What did you just say!?
What do you mean by that?
Hehehe. Who knows? Tell you what, if you're willing to let me kill you, I might tell your little buddies.
What an asshole.
Something tells me he's lying.
I can't believe anything you say. Besides, I have a job to do.
That's more like it!
Here I come! Time to kill!


Now we've got Magnaz in his usual Andras and the Black Knight in a Zwarth. Magnaz is accompanied by some generic Shura Gods, and the BK is with some Drumlos. The Zwarth is dangerous due to its extremely high mobility, Aura Barrier, and bunshin, but when you're up against Folka, nothing is all that strong.


That's a powerful Aura Battler.
Hehehe…
Did they summon a new Earthling?
Hehehe… This Zwarth is incredible! This test run has proved to be worth it.
[The Black Knight explodes]
What malice…
I wonder who that was… Cham, is something wrong?
I'm scared… That Aura Battler was completely different from anything we've faced before. It's pure evil.


How could you… Ow!
You're nothing but Mizar's pawn.
You're lying! There's no way I'm just a pawn to him!
Are you too dumb to realize it? You didn't know we were fighting Zaibach, but Mizar knew.
What are you getting at?
If you get the dragon, then all the better. But if you die in battle, it'll buy him precious time.
W-what? There's no way…
At least die in peace.
Hehehe. I'm a General… I'm strong… AHHHHHHHHHHH!!
[Magnaz explodes]
Folka, what did you mean by buying time?
Another Shura unit is probably attacking Zaibach as we speak in order to steal that device that turns thoughts into power.
Then we have to go to Zaibach immediately!
You're right. We can't let Mizar get his hands on that device!

The map ends when all enemies are defeated. If you save Celena, extra dialogue is added. Those lines will be in quotes.


We managed to win…

Celena, why were you with Dilandau?
Who's Dilandau?
I heard that Dilandau was abducted by Zaibachian mages when he was a child and subjected to human experimentation.
Zaibach was doing things like that?
So that's what happened… Princess Millerna!
Yes, Allen?
Could you please take Celena to Asturia?
Allen, I…
We cannot risk taking Celena to Zaibach. You're the only one I can ask. I beseech you, Princess Millerna.
Very well. However, you must come back alive, Allen.
Even if it kills me!

Let's hurry to Zaibach.
But is the Shura Army really heading to Zaibach?
The fact that Magnaz knew about the dragon implies that Mizar knows about the power of Atlantis. He isn't the kind of guy to sit still once he learns of a way to get more power. The fact that Alco wasn't here is proof.
Alco? Oh, you mean that shapeshifter.
If you've deduced that much, then let's head there immediately.
Roger. We'll head to Zaibach at full speed!


Hitomi and Folken are missing!?
Yes.
Where did they go?
They were with us when we were fighting Zaibach…
Do we have any idea where they are?
No.
Just when we were about to head to Zaibach…
Zaibach… Hitomi is in Zaibach.
How do you know that?
I don't know. It's just a feeling I have.
Lord Van, that girl is making you crazy!
Let's trust Van's instincts.
We need to get to Zaibach already!
I'll go ahead in Escaflowne!


You're here.
Where are we?
Now that all the pieces are in place, I can activate the fate-altering device. Everything is going according to plan.
This was part of your plan?
Yes. I changed fate so that you would bring the girl from the Mystic Moon here.
Dammit! How much will you keep toying with fate!?
What a foolish question. You know what my true intentions are.
Then you should know my resolve too!
You're here to kill me, correct?
Huh?
Go ahead and kill me! I'm all alone!
Folken!
Hahahaha! Do it, Folken!
You monster!!
Folken! Stop!!
Guh! Mutual destruction… But this will end this war… True peace will come to Gaea… Van…
Folken!
Kukuku. I never thought it would turn out like this.
Who are you?
I am Mizar the Earthquake, Strategist of the Shura Army. But you're not the reason I'm here.
Why are you here?
For that device. I will turn Gaea into another Shura Realm for me to rule.
What?
Kukuku. It seems Alco has done his job well. I can feel the power of Atlantis being unleashed through this device!
No…
Even if I can't use it completely, I can still activate and use the device. Worst case, it goes out of control and still creates the world I desire! Now, give me the chaos I crave! Make it happen, fate-altering device!
Stop!!
You can't stop me. The device has already been activated.
Even if I can't stop you alone, I believe in everyone on board the Argama! I believe in Van!
[A flash of light]
Hitomi!
Van! You're here!
UOOOOOOOOH!!
[The screen flashes]
Impossible! The Atlantean device isn't doing what I want!
[The screen flashes as the device explodes]
Did their feelings surpass my ambition!?


What is this uneasy feeling?
Lady Ciela, the Goaron is here!
It's huge!
(Bell Arle. Dunbine. CV: Konami Yosida)
I see… Lady Elle must have sensed something too…
It's a magnificent sight every time I see it. Since it looks to be exclusively for combat, I doubt the Ferario elders will stay silent.
Kawasse… Is the Gran Garan ready?
Hmm? It's almost ready to fly.
Get the soldiers on board immediately. We can finish the remaining work while we're moving. Hurry.
Sure, but does it have anything to do with what Lady Elle is doing?
The Ferario are furious. They won't tolerate these massive battleships.
All hands! Hurry and board the Gran Garan!!


Disappear…
Whose voice is that?
Those who emit evil Auras…must be eliminated from this world. In order to eliminate the chaos in this world and once again provide a resting place for souls…
Cut the crap! Show yourself!!
I will expel all machines that are the source of evil!
[The screen flashes]
Is that a dimensional gate!?
EVIL MACHINES! DISAPPEAR!!
[The screen flashes]


Lord Altis! Look!
Hmm… Something must have happened.
What should we do?
We still haven't pinpointed Fernando's location.
True…
Dammit! What was that!?
Lord Mizar? Where are we?
Welcome, Strategist. It's rare for you to come in person.
General Altis!? Are we on Earth!?
What are you talking about?
We were forced through a dimensional gate!
Forced through? This wasn't your doing?
Someone sent us here.
Was it the Shura King?
It couldn't be. I heard a voice before I was sent here… A woman's voice…
That's impossible! There's no way anyone besides the Shura King could be stronger than Lord Mizar!
I'll find out for… Huh?
What's wrong?
The dimensional gate won't open.
You're kidding!
Well, whatever. Gaea was no longer useful. In any case, we need a new battlefield.
What are you talking about?
Kukuku… General Altis, could you indulge me for a moment?
…
Mizar, what are you plotting?
Kukukukuku…


Where am I…
Hitomi, you're awake!
Van!
Good morning, Princess.
What happened to Gaea? Is it all right?
Don't worry. I destroyed that device.
Thank goodness…
But we don't know what happened after that.
Huh?
We were sent somewhere again.
When I came to, we were scattered all over the bridge.
[Beeping]
This is Shikishima! Argama, do you read me!?
This is the Argama, Dr. Shikishima. Any progress on the Omega Missile problem?
Yes. The Federation just finished a jamming facility.
So we can finally take action.
All right. Let's do this!
Count me in!
Will you go on the attack?
Triser!
…
What's wrong, Ryusuke?
I don't think this plan will succeed.
Ryusuke, no plan is ever 100% certain. Danger will always come when you least expect it.
I know that, Dad! But this plan is too dangerous!
Even if the success rate is .01%, we must do it!
Are you sending us to die!?
I am. You're the Mechander team. This battle is for the fate of Earth. Whenever you fight, you should be prepared to die.
None of us will die today. We'll make sure this plan succeeds no matter what!

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Welcome to Scene 6, "Madness of Power".

Last time, the gang saved Gaea and was forced back to Earth. Time to deal with a little missile problem.


The first location for this Scene is "Over the Pacific Ocean".


Finally, the geostationary satellites that launch Omega Missiles can be targeted. Shall we launch an attack?


Chapter 23 (6-1): Satellite Destruction Strategy


Let's go over the plan one more time. The Argama will approach while the EFF jams the satellites. Then, we destroy them.
As long as they don't launch any Omega Missiles, this'll be a cinch!
There's no way they won't notice a direct attack like this. Plus, if they destroy the jamming facilities, won't we be sitting ducks?
How long will the jamming last?
They estimate about five hours.
Then we're running out of time!
Right. Let's head to space immediately!
Start the countdown!


[Several of these spawn across the map]
What the hell!? Those are the Congistar satellites!
Looks like they came down to meet us.
They made our job easier, since now we don't have to go into space.
But why are they here?
Argama Team! Captain Bright!
Dr. Shikishima? What's going on?
They're aware of our plan, though I didn't think they'd take the initiative.
So they chose offense over defense.
They're just begging to be destroyed. Let's get this done fast!
But since they're here, they must have a plan of their own, right?
What could they possibly be planning?
We just have to crush whatever they're doing along with the satellites.
In any case, they're in range. We can't afford to get hit by a missile while we keep hesitating.
He's right. Let's finish them off before they can fire.
All right! All units, deploy and destroy the satellites!


Deploy the troops! There are 15 slots. I'm using Trowa, Duo, Shou, Amuro, Koji, Tatsuya, Folka, Hyoma, Heero, Ryoma, Jimmy, Allen, Nie, Marvel, and Van.


There are 6 of these satellites scattered throughout the map. The objective says to shoot down all of them in five turns (else you face a Game Over), but you only need to destroy three of them within the time limit. The satellites themselves are very bulky, and their single-target Omega Missiles hurt a lot if they connect, but that's all they've got going for them. Five turns is more than enough to shoot down three of them. The terrain might get in the way for your grounded units, so use the Argama to ferry them around.

When three satellites are shot down…


Okay, we've got half of them!
Ah! The remaining satellites are moving!
What!?
[The remaining satellites retreat]


What the hell is that!?
It looks like a giant jellyfish monster.
But that simplifies things.
Why?
Because now there's only one target.
All we have to do is destroy that thing and we're done.
Not so fast!


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - One Who Walks the Path of Strong-Fisted Supremacy
It's been a while, Folka!
Fernando… Do you still wanna fight?
Do you even have to ask? You're a traitor. You're someone I need to kill!
You're not like yourself, Fernando.
If I kill you, I'll become a General! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!
(Fernando… What's he on about? I was surprised when Mizar sent him here, but there must be something more to this.)
Enough talk. Fight me, Folka! Kill them all!


The satellites apparently combined into a large jellyfish monster, and the Shura are here to fight.


Here's the monster, called Cragela, along with Fernando in his Valefor, and Alion in his Agares. None of them require any special strategies. Just keep doing what you've been doing all game and you'll make it through.

Fernando does have a post-combat dialogue with Folka.

What happened to you, Fernando? You're not supposed to be a Shura who enjoys killing!
Cut the crap! It's the Shura way to kill our enemies and aim to become a General! Am I wrong?
Fernando… What changed you so much?
Fight me already! Die for me! HAHAHAHAHA!!


Would you be surprised if I said there were no lines for destroying Cragela? Thankfully, the two Shura are different. Any lines featuring Fernando or Alion in the other's dialogue are only there if they're still on the map.


Isn't it about time you revealed your true identity? You can't fool me any longer.
Impossible! How did you know I wasn't Fernando!?
Hmph. As if I could ever forget how his fists feel.
I can't believe it… I didn't know you were so powerful…
I'm not the same man as before. My feelings have made me strong.
Feelings, huh… But once the real Fernando awakens, you'll be… It seems that woman was right all along… Guh! I hope when I'm reborn, I'll have my own face…and my own heart…
[Alco explodes]
Hey! What happened to Fernando!? Answer me, Alco!!
Damn you, Mizar… What are you plotting?
Alion, do you know something!?
I don't know anything! Besides, I hate underhanded tactics! But that doesn't matter! Let's settle this, Folka!!
…Mizar…


Gaaaah!! Is this the end? Heh… That was surprisingly fun…
Don't die on me, Alion! Eject!
Haha… Don't tell me what to do… I'm Alion… Whether I live or die is up to me… Gah… You know, you're so unfair, Folka… A gentle Shura, eh… But that's what made you so strong, right? Heh… Farewell. If we meet in the next life, I'll make sure I win…
[Alion explodes]
Tch! So useless!
What did you just say?
I said he's useless!
Fernando… I won't hesitate anymore… I will defeat you!!
Hehehe… Just try it.

(TL Note: If you defeat Alion second, he just says "What the hell!?" before exploding. That's very anticlimactic, so I'm just going to mention it here.)

The map ends when all enemies are shot down.


It's finally over.
Man, I'm tired. I can't believe the Shura Army showed up.
But now our movements are unrestricted.
Just you wait, Congistar Army! It's our turn now!
Indeed it is… All right, let's get a move on!
(I'm still worried about Algernon. Maybe I should reach out…)


I never imagined we'd be able to find this flower in Ajanta…
Is it really that rare?
This flower primarily grows in clusters and has no leaves, so we're still not entirely sure how it survives without photosynthesis. In Europe and America, it goes by the name "Animus", or "the flower that heralds death".
The flower that heralds death, eh… I have a feeling we're in over our heads.
Thank you for all of your help. I'm truly grateful.
Well, we're already in this deep, so it is what it is. Have you uncovered anything?
We're starting to see the true nature of the UMAs.
Oh, those monsters. Do they have anything to do with Algernon?
I'm heading to BPL to find out.
BPL? Isn't that some kind of facility in Kushiro?
It stands for Biotechnology Provision Laboratory.


With such a poor grasp of the situation, I can't make any rash moves…
Lord Drake.
Jacoba outfoxed us. It seems the only thing I can do is to achieve my goals on Upper Earth.
Sir! We've just located Lady Louser and King Bishott's Gyre Garing.
Good. Set course to rendezvous with the Gyre Garing. But why do I feel so uneasy? Where is Louser anyway? Have you sent anyone out to get her?
We haven't. Lady Louser is aboard the Gyre Garing.
W-what!? Why is she there!?
She must have been sent there when the Aura Road opened.
That's impossible! Her personal guard was found with us! I see what she's doing…
What are your orders?
We'll rendezvous with the Gyre Garing. We'll question Louser then.
Sir.


You're saying you don't know anything?
We have our own problems too. We can't get in touch with ModeWarp, and Asami hasn't come back from Kushiro.
Did she say anything before she left?
Only that she's following a lead on the UMAs.
That's reckless. If she were to carelessly expose the truth…
It looks like we need to head to Kushiro immediately.
Great! We'll meet you there!
I'll let you know when we'll arrive.
I'm counting on you.


Are we still not able to contact the Goraon or the Argama?
Correct. The communication equipment is unstable due to the abnormal radio interference we encountered earlier. Please be a little more patient.
Very well… More importantly, about the request from this country called France…
You mean the country where the Gyre Garing is stationed? Do you think their summons are a trap?
No. They clearly sent a distress signal to the Argama Team by name and any related military forces. They also said that Bishott is forcing civilians to perform repairs on his battleship.
Then…
They want us to defeat Bishott even if it means burning down cities and drying up rivers. In any case, we owe a debt of gratitude to the Argama, don't we?
Understood. Gran Garan, set a course to France!
In every world, it's the people who suffer. I hate it.


It's been four years since the investigation report meeting regarding Dr. Aya's disappearance. Isn't that right, Dr. Umezaki?
Has it been that long already? Speaking of which, I heard that Cactus Prickle died. Was it Algernon?
(Dr. Umezaki. Betterman. CV: Osamu Ichikawa)
Yes…
I've looked through the materials you sent me.
I thought that, as director of BPL, the forefront of modern biotechnology regarding food, you might be able to give me some useful information on these UMAs.
Would you like a treat?
I'm not hungry…
You know, insects are a precious source of protein. Even if an insect loses part of its body, it can regenerate it by molting. There are species of spiders that are recorded to live for more than 30 years. Indeed, the existence of super lifeforms is endlessly fascinating for humankind. I want you to tell me about the Betterman.
We've confirmed that the Betterman has a humanoid form called Lamia, and can transform into other forms for combat. It has a flying form called Nebula, and a strength-based form called Forte. The Betterman is a lifeform that transcends our common sense. It seems that it uses something akin to soma as a trigger for its transformations.
I already know about that.
Huh? You do?


The Animus flower… Nebula fruit…
I'm impressed you can tell at a glance. You really should return to the lab.


Is something the matter?
I smell something sweet, like flower nectar… But it's not from the Animus…
I'll ask again. Dr. Miyako, would you like a treat?
…Yes… I'll have some… It's quite good.
Please eat as much as you like, Dr. Miyako.


Captain Bright! Incoming footage from Paris!
On screen.
Sir!
That's a Drumlo!
I knew it. Drake's Army has come to Earth too.
Bright, I've spotted an Aura Ship over the Pacific Ocean. It's confirmed to be the Will Whipps.
I don't recognize that one in Paris… I don't think it's an ally.
I'm concerned about Kushiro and ModeWarp, but it looks like things are getting bad everywhere. Where should we go first?

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, we destroyed the Omega Missile satellites.


Our next location is Kushiro (inside the research institute). It's recommended you save the middle choice for last, as in that chapter, you lose a unit for the rest of the Scene.


The Argama Team, who came to Kushiro to investigate, came under attack by giant insects upon arriving at the research institute. Are you ready for battle?


Chapter 24 (6-2): The Doctor's Ambition


Hehehe. It seems you found the truth, Dr. Miyako.
I figured with all the biotechnology here, it might be possible to create UMAs… But I didn't want to consider… Your research was supposed to be focused on solving the food crisis in the future. Why are you doing this!?
I don't expect you to understand. I just want you to see the fruits of my research.


Asami, are you okay!?
Keita! Hinoki!
Looks like she's still alive.
So you really were kidnapped.
Are those the rumored Neuronoids?
Who's asking?
You're Hinoki, aren't you? You've grown so much.
Huh?
You know Hinoki?
Are you Dr. Umezaki?
Your father, Dr. Aya, was a friend of mine a long time ago. When your parents disappeared, I went to their last known location, Ajanta.
What happened to them!?
I couldn't find them, but I found something else. Something greater.
Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Kaze ~Turbo~
What's that?
The Animus flower!
This flower is miraculous. It has the property of mirror-reversing L-type amino acids into D-type amino acids. Not to mention the enormous amount of enzyme energy produced while it does that. Normally, cells of living organisms die after dividing 50 or 60 times, but with this flower, it's possible to create telomeres that can withstand more than 300 divisions.
All for something like that?
"Something like that"? To save the world from starvation, we need to produce a massive amount of protein.
You're a hypocrite! You're killing people to save people!
That's how the world works. If you consider humanity a single organism made up of 7 billion people, then it's only natural that each of us, its cells, has predetermined roles.
I don't understand what you're saying!
Then all you're good for is to be the seedbed for this flower. Show me how good ModeWarp's prized Neuronoids are. My children, make your daddy proud.


My sweet children. Hercules… Medusa… Icarus…
What the hell!?
I knew it. This is where those monsters come from!
Kill anyone who gets in my way!


The Kakuseijin and Tyran start far to the south. The Neuronoids are unupgraded, so they stand no chance against Umezaki's monsters without some backup. Thankfully, both the Kakuseijin and Tyran join for good after this stage.

Stay where you are and wait for that backup to arrive, which happens at the start of turn 3.


Our hope…
Is in danger…
There's no other choice…
Are you going to use it?
Yes…
The last Nebula fruit…
What we're looking for should be around here. Now, Seeme…
Got it…


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Kaze ~Turbo~
It's here!
The Betterman!
How wonderful! And in its strongest form… Icarus, take it on!
All right! With the Betterman here, victory is practically guaranteed!


Betterman Forte is here to provide some backup, but that's not really what I mean by backup. Keep the Neuronoids alive as actual reinforcements come at the start of the next turn.


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Wild Dance of the Machine God
This place is infested with UMAs.
You've come! Thank goodness!
So that's the Betterman, eh? I read the reports, but I wasn't sure if it actually existed.
Asami has been kidnapped. We must save her ASAP!
Understood. Deploy immediately!


Deploy the troops! 12 slots this time. I deployed Folka, Nie, Ryoma, Hyoma, Amuro, Duo, Trowa, Shou, Koji, Jimmy, Marvel, and Tatsuya.

So that's the wildly successful Argama.
If you know about us, then surrender!
How annoying…
What do you intend to do with all these monsters?
Even if I explain, you wouldn't understand. You leave me no choice. And I just completed it too… Come out! King Behemoth!!


There are even more of them!?
Hey, isn't that the same guy in the Ajanta Cave, but bigger?
That just means it's only stronger.
Cut the chatter!
Right, let's quickly defeat these UMAs and save Asami!


Here's the first boss of the stage, the King Behemoth. You may not have fought the regular Behemoth back in the Cave, since Lamia soloed it, but now's your chance. Avoid its attacks and blast it, while making sure Lamia doesn't steal the kill.

However, more enemies spawn during the next enemy phase after you reduce the current enemy's numbers by half.


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - The Scars of War
Dammit! The Argama got here first!
Shot Weapon!? Why are you here?
I'm not here for you. You must be Dr. Umezaki.
Do you need something from me?
I would like your help.
Are you talking about my UMAs?
Yes. In return, we'll provide the materials you need for your research. Not a bad deal, right?
I don't know… Are you as strong as you claim? Show me by defeating the Argama.
Very well.
Hold up! You can't just do that!
What are you up to, Shot?
Why would I tell you? Musiy, let's do this!
Yes, Lord Shot!


Now we have to deal with Aura Battlers along with the monsters…
They're here!


What's that? A light in the shape of a human?
Who are you, miss?
It can't be!
A second Betterman!
Lume!
So there's more than one Betterman?
What's that light? Shot, your orders?
Just kill all of them.
Roger!


Introducing Betterman Lume. Much like Lamia's Betterman forms, Lume can pretty much solo the map.

Mattman has this to say about Lume:

This one just bothers me as a unit because if you look at its stats, it doesn't seem entirely like it would be NPC only, the limit breaking its evasion aside (and it's just the evasion, not even the accuracy!). But then you realize she has no spirits or abilities. Not even Limpid Channel. Oops. Its moves are a bit weird range-wise too, but at least there's a reason you'd see both of them unlike Lamia's two forms so far.

Oh also shoutouts to Hakaioh for deciding that instead of being a woman, Betterman Lume is actually a giant jellyfish. Thank you, Hakaioh, you were absolutely necessary and not a waste of everyone's time.


Now we've got a bunch of Aura Battlers led by Shot in his Spriggan and Musiy in her Zwarth. Standard anti-Aura Battler tactics apply. At least the UMAs make good targets for your ranged attacks.


No dialogues with any bosses, and no one says a peep when the King Behemoth is shot down.


Why am I so tired? Does being on Upper Earth consume more Aura Power?
Musiy! Open your eyes!
Princess… I can't die yet! I'm retreating!
[Musiy retreats]
Musiy… Can't you go back to being the kind person you once were?


Dammit! This is how far an unfinished Spriggan can go! Retreat at once!
On it, sir!
[Shot retreats]
Even Shot is building a personal battleship!
Could we even win if Drake's Will Whipps were here?
Speaking of which, why aren't they acting together?
I don't know. Shot might have a different objective than Drake.

The map ends when all enemies are shot down.


That should be all of them.
Asami, are you okay?
I'm fine.
Now, Dr. Umezaki, why don't you tell us about these UMAs?
…
Keita!
Chandi? You're alive?
Yes!
Is this through the Limpid Channel?
Why are you here? What's that machine?
It's a glutathione peroxidase replenishment device.
Replenishment device?
D-type hunters like that child have their DNA manipulated to produce excessive reactive oxygen molecules in their bodies. That device is necessary to promote the synthesis of essential minerals like selenium and chromium.
Keita! Get me out of here!
I want to, but… Argh! Can't I just bust that thing open!?
7 billion… 7 billion… 7 billion… 7 billion will be saved!!


Number D18, if you leave that place, you'll die!
You're the only one who's going to die, Father.
What?
Rakshasa!
Buddha?


No… It can't be…
[Umezaki dies]
Seeme, have you found it yet?
I have.
Then there's no need to linger.
[The Bettermen leave]
Well, I'm leaving too!
Chandi! Wait!
She's already gone.
Asami, have you found out anything about Algernon?
No. All I've learned is that Dr. Umezaki was creating the UMAs.
So we're back at square one… Hey, Bright. Can we join you guys?
Sure, but why?
Something always happens when we investigate something. If we're gonna have to call you guys anyway, wouldn't it be easier if we were together from the start?
That's true…
Besides, I want to thank you for always saving us.
Understood. Please board the ship.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Along with the two Neuronoids, Sakura joins as a spare Neuronoid pilot. You can replace Keita, Hinoko, Kaede, or Shou with her. Mattman has this to say about Sakura:

Sakura is an... interesting choice. You'd think she's a purely support unit, and yes, she does get Bless (and Revive if you get her high enough level, funnily enough), and indeed her stats are a lot like Sakura's (outside of Skill - her Skill is the best of all the Betterman pilots and it's not even close) but she's actually combat-specced in terms of abilities. She has the second highest Dual Kind top-out at 8 and her two unique abilities are Limpid Channel and Not-Instinct which means she gets basically a flat +20% evasion at all times. It might actually be worth considering having her as the pilot for whichever Betterman unit you're not sticking Keita in.


Also by now, you may have noticed that Hayato has a skill called "???" in his fourth skill slot. This is a bugged skill that if you sell in the menu, it gives Hayato 9999 PP. This is the "God Hayato" bug. You could have gotten it earlier, but its appearance is not guaranteed from my experience. It never happened in my game, but this screenshot was provided by Mattman.

Last time, we found the source of the UMAs and finally recruited the Neuronoids.


Our next location is Paris. Again, it's recommended you save the middle choice for last, since you lose a unit that rejoins when the Scene is over.


A mysterious Aura Ship is floating above Paris. The SOS sounded very urgent… Will you go and help?


Chapter 25 (6-4): Paris in Flames




The Gran Garan has appeared!
(Bishott Soldier)
Excuse me!? What is she thinking… Connect me with Ciela!
(Bishott Hatta. Dunbine. CV: Kazuyuki Sogabe)
Sir!
Ciela Lapana, do you not care what happens to this city?
The Upper Earthers made up their minds and asked for our help.
But that doesn't change the fact that I have Upper Earther hostages! Are you going to let them die?
There are people in this world who will die for a just cause. Those people, who do not fear death, are begging us to destroy the Gyre Garing. We will oblige with their pleas.
Good luck with that!
(I've just lost my leverage…)
All units, destroy the Gran Garan! Aura Battlers, launch!!


Lady Ciela, there are a lot of them!
El, Bell, I want you two to find a safe place to hide.
No way! I wanna stay with you!
Lady Ciela, we can't beat this many Aura Battlers. We need to retreat!
I can't let those Upper Earthers' resolve go to waste.
But Lady Ciela…
Captain Kawasse!
Ma'am!
Since we lack Aura Battlers, the Gran Garan will have to fight on its own. Focus fire on the Gyre Garing.
Yea ma'am! Advance towards the Gyre Garing!

Kinda strange to get our second permanent battleship when there's 8 stages left in the game.


[Gran Garan]
Finally some good fucking food. While the Goraon is just "Better Argama", the Gran Garan is outright the best battleship in the game. It has a good P move, great pilots, the same ability the Goraon has to become a 6 pilot monster in theory (and at least 4 in practice), and the same really solid stats backed by an Aura Barrier (1650 armor!).

Ciela's decent. She's got pretty poor stats, but she shares Queen (the better Commander) with Elle, she has Support Defend, and in a very funny choice, she actually has Queen AND Commander, meaning she gets to double up. And her support spirits are already good. Kawasse Gu is your main source of combat spirits right now, but don't thumb your nose at her two fairy compatriots! El and Bell are both really good, and since they're on a unit at base that has no Aura Battler for a main pilot, instead of having an ability that enhances the Aura Battler level of their main pilot, they instead have one that gives their unit +10 Will at base. Which is quite nice!

Fun fact about the pilots by the way - Kawasse Gu is apparently named after Toshifumi Kawase, something of an up-and-comer in the anime industry at the time still, but if you look at his portfolio nowadays it's absolutely ridiculous. They actually shouted that out in a minor way in BX by having the Raijin-Oh kids relocate to the Gran Garan - because he was the director of the Eldorans.


The best thing to do right now is to stay put. With its ranged attacks, the Gran Garan cannot hope to face Aura Battlers and Aura Bombers alone. Reinforcements will arrive shortly.

And by shortly, I mean at the start of turn 2.


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Wild Dance of the Machine God
So it was the Gran Garan fighting in Paris.
Lady Ciela, are you all right?
The Argama? I'm so glad you're here.
Lady Ciela, why did you initiate such a disadvantageous battle?
With this many enemies, you'd be easily swarmed.
The residents of Paris asked us to destroy the Gyre Garing.
Really? What happened to the Parisians?
It seems they're being forced to repair the Gyre Garing.
So they were being treated so poorly that they had to ask for help, eh?
That seems to be the case.
Will you help us?
Of course. We're fighting to protect civilians! All units, scramble!


Deploy the troops. There are 15 deployment slots. I'm using Allen, Van, Shou, Marvel, Amuro, Ryoma, Keita, Hyoma, Kaede, Tatsuya, Nie, Folka, Jimmy, Duo, and Koji.

Are you sure we should be fighting here?
If we enter the city, we'll put the Parisians in harm's way!
Don't worry about that.
They refused to perform the repairs and have fled the city.
That's why they're asking us to do this.
Roger that.
All right. The target is the Gyre Garing! Let's go!

One thing you'll quickly find out is that the generic Bishott soldiers are surprisingly good. Like way better than the Drake soldiers we've been fighting so far. Their Tungy Aura Bombers (yes, that's what they're called) are far more agile than even Drumlos, and their Vierres Aura Battlers could have been boss-tier enemies earlier in the game. What I'm saying is that you shouldn't be stingy with Focus/Aim, and that the Confuse spirit will do wonders to keep your units alive.


The big boss here is the Gyre Garing. It's a massive Aura Battleship that's not only extremely bulky, but it also has the normal range attack-reducing Aura Barrier. Use physical attacks that can hit flying enemies, and get in close to avoid being targeted by its main cannons. I honestly had Folka solo the ship, which he did quite easily. Tod and the Black Knight are here too in their Wryneck and Zwarth respectively.


Shou Zama! If it weren't for you, this war wouldn't have spread to Earth!
What!? You're saying this is all my fault!?
If you and your Dunbine didn't betray us, we could have ruled Byston Well by now!
If that happened, Byston Well would be filled with machines!
Drake would have kept spreading the flames of war!
But the war wouldn't have come to Earth!
Tod! Think about the meaning behind the war in Byston Well coming to Earth!
I know it's meaningless. I've only caused my mother pain! It should have stayed in Byston Well!
[Tod retreats]


What's so great about fighting, even in a place like Earth?
It doesn't matter which world I'm in! I'll stay true to my own desires… And it's all your fault!
What?
The humiliation I suffered… The hatred I feel… You will never understand! I've gotten used to fighting on Upper Earth. Next time, I'll have your head!
[The Black Knight retreats]


What are you doing!? Sink the Gran Garan already!
King Bishott, we're at our limit!
How is that possible!?
The Gyre Garing's repairs are incomplete. If they keep this up, we won't be able to stay in the air.
What about the barrier?
The enemy has one too. We need to retreat.
If we shoot each other down, does that make us weak?
Yes.
Dammit. Hahahaha. I was tricked by the Upper Earthers' schemes. Retreat from this airspace! Hurry!
[Bishott retreats]

Take a wild guess who shows up once you get the enemy's unit number to half.


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - One Who Walks the Path of Strong-Fisted Supremacy
Fernando!
…I'll kill you.
What did you say?
Don't go near that robot!
What?
That girl is right. I can feel an incredibly evil Aura emanating from it.
Fernando, what happened to you?
I'll kill you… I'll kill all of you!!
Fernando!


Fernando's Valefor has undergone Apotheosization since we last met (Alco doesn't count). I think it looks like a more evil Vysaga. It's basically the same as before, but much stronger. Be careful that his powerful attacks don't connect, because they will hurt.

Fernando has a post-combat dialogue with Folka!

What's wrong, Fernando!?
…
Is… Is Mizar controlling your mind?
I'll kill you!
Fernando! Come back to your senses! You're not the type to be controlled like that, are you!?
I'll kill you!
I'll return you to normal!


GAAAAAH! W-what the hell!? What was I…
Fernando…


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - One Who Walks the Path of Strong-Fisted Supremacy
Dammit. The spell wasn't perfect after all.
So you were controlling Fernando.
Controlling? Not quite, Folka. I only amplified Fernando's hatred.
What!? What's going on, Altis? Why is he doing this?
…
Altis!!
You've brought this upon yourself. It's your fault that Fernando is like that.
I… I just didn't want to kill him…
Silence, hypocrite! It's the Shura's destiny to fight. Ever since his loss to you, his fighting spirit has started to fade.
I amplified his hatred so that he could fight again.
Why would you…
You wouldn't understand. Not now, anyway.
What do you mean?
It doesn't matter. Either way, we have no use for a Shura who doesn't fight. If you lose the will to fight, all that awaits you is death. But losing his power would be a waste…
How despicable.
Hmm? Did you say something, General Maysis? If you wish to repeat that, I wouldn't mind killing Fernando in front of General Altis. Kukuku.
You goddamn asshole!!
Then I'll say it for her. You're the lowest of the low, less than a man who can't do anything on his own.
AHAHAHAHA! Silence! You Earthlings are acting all high and mighty. Do you really think you can defeat three Shura Generals at once?
…
…
We won't know unless we try.
If you're so confident in your own strength, then you didn't need to do that to Fernando!
Folka, why don't you join us? If you do, I can guarantee you'll live the life you want. Hmm? How about it?
What's your game?
You can spend the rest of your happy life with General Altis and Fernando. You see, I agree that a life of fighting is bad for one's health. Kukuku.
…
When I become the Shura King, the Shura Realm will be as you desire. That is, if you help me attain it. How about it?
What are you scheming!?
General Maysis, a battle consisting solely of brute force is meaningless.
Folka, surely you won't listen to an asshole like that.
…
You bastard!! I can't take it anymore!!
Maysis, stop!
HAAAAAAAAAH!


Maysis!!


Altis… Why…
Strategist, are we done here?
Yes… Folka, please consider my offer.
Folka…
[Mizar, Maysis, Altis, and Fernando retreat]
Fernando… Altis…

The map ends when all enemies are shot down.


It's finally over… Between Bishott and the Shura Army, it looks like the fighting will only get more intense from here on out.
Thank you for the help.
Lady Ciela, why did you come to Earth?
When the Aura Road opened, I felt Jacoba Aon's will. She probably sent us here to get rid of our evil Auras.
That doesn't matter. We've reunited!
Calm down, El.
Okay…
What was that about?
They're having a complicated conversation, so I guess we're in the way.
Altis… Fernando…
Are you okay, Folka?
I'm fine…
You wouldn't betray us, would you?
You don't need to worry about that, Tetsuya.
It could have gone either way before, but Mizar is so cartoonishly evil.
We were constantly sent to other worlds because of Mizar?
That's right… It was all to further his ambition…
Please cheer up. I'm sure your brothers will be fine.
Thank you, Leina. I will fight against my destiny… And I'll take back everything.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, the Argama saved Paris from Bishott and his Gyre Garing.


Our next location is the Thar Desert. It's a desert in India and Pakistan.


Drake Luft and Elle Humm are facing off on Earth. Will you go and help?


Chapter 26 (6-3): Hyper Jeril




Tch… We ran into the Goraon. Is Shot still off doing his own thing?
Sir! We haven't been able to contact either Lord Shot or King Bishott.
Don't give me excuses! Just contact them already! That's your job, isn't it!?
On it, sir!
It seems the enemy's chain of command is also in disarray.
Makes sense, since they were sent to Upper Earth without warning.
We're in the same boat, at least in that regard.
Agreed.
I hope I can get in contact with Ciela soon…


For the first time all game, we can now select which battleship to deploy. For the rest of the game, I'll be deploying the Gran Garan over the Argama and Goraon (who we get in this chapter). Its Aura Barrier, 3 pilots, and higher level just make it more appealing.


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Wild Dance of the Machine God
Queen Elle! Are you all right?
The Argama! We're both so glad you're okay.
If Drake is on Earth, does that mean all of his Aura Battlers are too?
I don't know, but we need to get out of this place quickly.
This place? Is there something wrong with this desert?
I sense something evil.
I hear you, but we can't just leave Drake alone.
Dammit! I didn't expect the Argama to show up! What's taking Shot so long!? Launch the Aura Battlers!
Roger!


There are so many of them!
We can see that.
Prepare to intercept! Lady Elle, let's weaken them before we escape.
…Okay.


Deploy the troops! Jimmy is a mandatory deployment, and we got 14 slots to work with. I'm using Nie, Kaede, Duo, Hyoma, Folka, Tatsuya, Keita, Koji, Van, Ryoma, Trowa, Amuro, Shou, and Marvel.

You seem unusually enthusiastic, Jimmy.
Yeah. I don't know why, but my blood is boiling.
Even though you have no connection to the Byston Well situation?
Are you okay, Jimmy?
Yeah, I'm fine.
Okay. Let's use this chance to stop Drake!


There are more enemies to the southwest of this screenshot. Standard anti-Aura Battle tactics apply, so start advancing towards Drake's ship. The sand and plateau might slow you down, so don't be afraid to use your battleships as ferries. Use the military base's and the plateau's cliffs' terrain to your advantage.


Speaking of battleships, the Goraon finally joins the gang as a controllable unit. See Chapter 5-2 for its unit description.


For bosses, we've got Drake and his Will Whipps battleship, and Jeril and Allen in their Leprechauns. The Will Whipps is pretty much just like Bishott's Gyre Garing, so send Folka to solo it. If you can't tell from the chapter title, something happens when you shoot down Jeril, but I'll cover that in a moment.

Enemy reinforcements show up when you reduce the starting number to below half.


Found you, Argama!
What the hell is that thing!?
It's some sort of dragon monster!
So this is why my blood is boiling!
Jimmy, you need to calm down!
I don't know what your deal is with them, but you'll die if you lose your composure.
I know.
You seem fine for now.
What sort of Aura Battler is that thing?
I don't know, but it seems opposed to the Argama.
Is this our chance? Open a line to whoever they are.
Sir!
Unknown group, what is your relationship to the Argama?
Who the hell are you!? If you get in our way…
Slow down! From what I can see, you're fighting the Argama too.
What's it to you?
Why don't we form a temporary alliance? Right now, I only care about destroying them.
(They're humans, but if I don't get results, I won't be allowed back…)
Very well. Today, we'll grant them eternal rest!


Medusa and her gang are here to cause some trouble to the southeast. At least they give great targets for any ranged units you've deployed.


Medusa is now piloting a Dragon Driller. Yes, that's what it's called. It's really not that interesting besides its high defense and HP. I wish I could say more. Be careful when you shoot it down, because you'll lose something too.


Not yet. I won't be defeated yet!
The enemy robot is charging right at us!
Dammit! I can't dodge in time!
[Mechander Robo explodes]
HAHAHAH! I DID IT! I finally defeated Mechander Robo! Huh? UWAAAAAH! W-what's going on!? Ugh… Gah…
Ryusuke! Kojiro! Get up!
Come on, Medusa! Finish them off!
…
What's wrong, Medusa!? Medusa!!
Ugh! Where am I? What happened to me? Mechakeet, tell me what happened.
(Medusa's true form)
Don't you get it? You became a Congistar cyborg and are about to kill your own son, Jimmy.
(Mechakeet. Mechander. CV: Unknown)
(TL Note: I have no idea…)
I was about to…
That's right, Princess. Jimmy Orion is the one burning alive inside Mechander Robo's wreckage.
Jimmy… Jimmy Orion!
Mom… I hear your voice… Mom…
Jimmy… My Jimmy… Ah! What's happening!
Oh no, Princess! You're turning back into a cyborg. If you go back, you'll actually kill him.
Jimmy… My son…
You may not remember, but you've been fighting against Mechander Robo for a while. Mechander and Jimmy Orion.
What!? I know you wouldn't lie to me, Mechakeet… I know you're telling the truth… Goodbye, Jimmy… My son… We've finally reunited as mother and son, but I can't hold you in my arms… Goodbye… Jimmy…
Mom… MOM!
What's wrong, Medusa!? Why won't you finish off Mechander Robo!? Medusa! Answer me!!
[Medusa explodes]
Are… Are we still alive?
What just happened?
MOOOOOOOOM!

Mechander Robo is now gone until the end of the current Scene. That's why I recommended you do this as your last choice.


Allen! Why do we have to fight even after coming back to Earth!?
It's because we came back! With this much power, world domination isn't just a dream! And yet, to be defeated in a place like this…
[Allen explodes]


DON'T UNDERESTIMATE ME!!
What's that Aura!?
Jeril! What's happening!?
[Jeril Hyperizes]
What the hell!?
That Leprechaun got huge.
What's going on with that giant Aura Battler!?
Red Haired Jeril Coochubi!
HAHAHAHAHAHA!
Stay back! She isn't bluffing!
But how did it get so big?
HAHAHA… You're so small now! I'll squash you like bugs!


Introducing Hyper Jeril in her Hyper Leprechaun! Think of how annoying an Aura Battler is to fight, and multiply it. More firepower, more range, more HP, and more armor while still keeping the bunshin and Aura Barrier.

Anyway, I ran her over with a truck. Get isekai'd again!


Do you really think that'll work on me!? You're no match for my Aura power!
Get out of there!
I won't let you get away! HAHAHAHA--
[Jeril explodes]
Can Aura power enlarge machines?
Did that giant Leprechaun actually happen?
I don't know… But Jeril died because she couldn't control her Aura power… She died all alone…
So that'll happen to us if we lose control?
We'll end up killing ourselves…
Hatred, anger, and pride must cause one's Aura to explode like that…
Shou, you'd better not end up like that.
I'm fine.
No, you're not! You'll end up like her!
I said I'm fine, Cham. I can control it.


We can't fall here! Retreat!
Yes, sir!
[Drake retreats]
They got away.
It's hard taking down something that big.
But we definitely inflicted damage.
Next time, we'll sink it!

The map ends when all enemies are defeated.


Is it over?
Thank you for your help.
Elle Humm, why are you on Earth?
I don't know. I was in Byston Well with Lady Ciela, preparing for the battle against Drake, when the Aura Road suddenly opened.
I see. Between this and the red Aura Battler, it seems something bad is happening.
Jimmy, when you were hit by that Congistar robot earlier, you mentioned your mother.
My mother was piloting that robot.
What!?
Congistar abducted my mother, transformed her into a cyborg, and turned her into one of their Generals.
Oh no…
Do you have any proof that it was her?
This bracelet is the symbol of the Ganymede royal family.
So that bracelet…
Yes. The enemy pilot was wearing it too.
Wait, wait, wait. Jimmy, you're not from Earth!?
Sorry. I wasn't trying to hide it or anything. I'm the Prince of Ganymede, the home planet of the Congistar army.
Excuse me!?
One day, Emperor Hedron appeared out of nowhere and plunged Ganymede into a living hell. My mother saved me by putting me into an escape capsule. My only reason to live is to get revenge on Congistar!
I see… Is everyone on your team aware of this truth?
Yes, we knew. We're just as guilty for keeping quiet. We just didn't want to cause any unnecessary confusion.
Jimmy is our friend! Whether he's human or not doesn't matter!
That was never in question.
Ryoma…
We consider you our friend too.
The one to blame is Congistar!
Thank you, everyone.
But what do we do now? We can't fight if Mechander Robo is broken.
Let's go back to Dr. Shikishima's place. He might be able to repair it.
Sorry, Captain Bright, but we must return to our base for now.
Understood. Rejoin us when the repairs are finished.
Triser!

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

The following scenes play out once you finish the last three stages. I'm putting it in its own post in case you did things in a different order.


I just got a report from ModeWarp, so I'll brief you all on it now.
It's soooo hot today. I swear, this year has been way more extreme than normal weather-wise.
We've just gotten through a period of nothing but fog.
Sakura, if you start feeling sick, please say something, okay?
I'm fine.
If there's nothing else, I'll begin. This is about an event that took place four years before the Kushiro incident, in the Ajanta Caves in India, which you are all familiar with. I'll go over what happened in chronological order.
So Algernon existed four years ago…
Shortly after the research team, which included Hinoki's parents, went missing in the underground cavern, there was a man who joined the search with the local law enforcement. That man was Professor Umezaki, director of BPL, or Biotechnology Provision Lab.
Of course, he was only there for moral support, but the local police found the Animus flower. He then brought that flower back to BPL.
Shortly after that, the police officers killed each other.
Yes. The autopsy revealed abnormal development in their nerve tissues. Could the mass killings all over the world recently also be caused by this sudden change in the brain?
This so-called disease was named by the researcher who compiled a paper about it, and has been called Algernon ever since.
Correct.
So this researcher is currently working for ModeWarp?
No. He's dead.
Was it…
Algernon?
Let's get back on topic. Professor Umezaki, who was conducting research on the Animus flower at BPL, discovered that this flower has the property to convert amino acids from L-type to D-type whenever it bears fruit.
L and D-type?
They're also called optical isomers, an organic compound that has a symmetrical structure. However, all living things on Earth are composed of only L-type amino acids. Even if you introduce the D-type, they wouldn't interact at all.
From the Animus flower, Professor Umezaki succeeded in extracting Telomerase, a special enzyme produced during the amino acid conversion process.
He mentioned something about how cell divisions determine the lifespan of an organism.
Lifespan is determined by the durability of telomeres, the knots within our DNA.
And Telomerase can restore that durability…
Hold on a second. Are you saying the Bettermen eat these fruits to transform? What exactly are they?
We know that the Bettermen eat Animus fruits to trigger their transformation, but we've recently discovered that the amino acids that make up their bodies are optical isomers that are mirror images of our own.
What does that mean?
So they obtain amino acids from the Animus fruits…
And the Animus flowers grow by using humans as a seedbed…
So that means the Bettermen eat people!


It'll take some time before repairs are complete. In the meantime, I'd like all of you to conduct some tests before that happens. Mika!
Sir!
From now on, you'll be a fully fledged member of the Mechander team.
I will?
Jimmy and Kojiro will continue to pilot Mechander Planes 1 and 2, and Ryusuke will pilot Triker 1 as he normally does, but you'll pilot Triker 2. This arrangement is essential to the new Mechander. I'll give you instructions and more details as we proceed with the tests. Get to your positions immediately!
Triser!
Triser!
Good. Let's begin. Mechanders 1 and 2, descend to 100m above the ground.
Triser!
Good, keep it up. Mika, you're a bit too slow. Accelerate until you're parallel to Triker 1.
Triser!
Good job. This will be your new attack formation. Engrave it into your memory.
Triser!
Good. Now all that's left is to wait for the repairs to finish.


Now, about that girl Keita called Chandi. She was a clone that Professor Umezaki was experimenting on in order to create a new generation of enhanced humans.
How can something like that be allowed?
You see, Professor Umezaki was already showing signs of Algernon infection by the time he returned from India.
So Algernon was controlling Umezaki!?
That's the conclusion ModeWarp has reached.
So we still don't know what Algernon really is, do we?
Wait, BPL had nothing to do with the Bettermen?
No. We have found signs of the Bettermen existing for thousands of years. Plus, we've now confirmed that there is more than one of them.
How many Bettermen do you think there are?
The Bettermen came to save Hinoki… I don't know why, but they've been reading my mind to find out where she is.
What does Hinoki have to do with them?
We've gone off topic again. To put it simply, Professor Umezaki, who obtained a large quantity of Animus flowers in pursuit of his goal of an ultimate food source, placed himself at the core of a pheromone generator and foolishly started creating bio-organisms.
That's where the UMAs came from.
He learned that Animus flowers grow in environments like the Ajanta Caves using humans as a seedbed, so he sent the Behemoth there and used its ultrasonic waves to lure civilians inside.
Then, the gathered people were abducted by the giant ants and taken to the farm.
By preserving the gathered people in a special liquid produced by giant salamanders, they were turned into an ideal source of Animus flowers.
What an awful man.
At this rate, we'll all be killed by Algernon.
I won't give up on fixing this, even if I'm the last one left.


…Where am I…
You're finally awake.
Lord Altis… Why did you stop me?
Maysis, you must leave.
Why?
Mizar was about to kill you. You know how strong he is, don't you?
But…
Besides, if you laid a hand on him, I don't know what he would have done to Fernando.
Oh… I'm sorry.
No. It's all my fault that things have turned out like this.
It's not…
Maysis, whatever happens now, you must see it with your own eyes… The fate of the Shura… How we must live…
No. I want to stay with you!
I can't let you… I can't leave Fernando behind…
So we'll find Fernando, and--
Knowing Mizar, even if we do find him, there'll be nothing we can do. Maysis, you focus on finding a way to cure him. I'll keep Mizar's attention focused on me.
Lord Altis… Okay. Just don't die.
Now go, Maysis!
Okay!
(I'm counting on you…)


Oh, I just got a new report from ModeWarp.
What is it this time?
There was a company that was helping Professor Umezaki.
He had help?
Yes. The company's name is Superhuman Federation.
Superhuman Federation?
Superhuman Federation Co., Ltd… For the past few years, it's been a comprehensive information trading company that has made huge strides in areas such as corporate consulting and R&D. Their research is said to be supernaturally flawless. They support not only corporations, but also prominent politicians.
How do we know they're involved?
They actually contacted us.
Contacted? Are they attacking?
No. They demanded we hand over Kaede.
Me?
Why does this monster whatever Federation want Kaede?
They're a group of consultants who are skilled in dowsing, so they probably want her to expand their business.
Why were they helping Professor Umezaki?
They both had the goal of surpassing humanity.
A common goal…
At this point, we should confront them directly.
Yeah. Let's head over there.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, Mechander Robo was destroyed and we're slowly uncovering the truth behind Algernon and the Bettermen.


Our final location for this Scene is the Superhuman Federation HQ.


To ascertain the true nature of the Superhuman Federation, we head directly to their headquarters. Are you ready?


Chapter 27 (6-5): Birth of Brahman


So that's where the Superhuman Federation is based.
You need a legitimate reason to deploy ModeWarp's special forces, correct?
We can't just wait around while they gather physical evidence.
Are you angry?
Of course I am. The Superhuman Federation's executive is Professor, a leading expert in dowsing. To think he would take advantage of psychics and try to headhunt Kaede out from under me!
Can we leave the negotiations to you?
Yes. I'm well acquainted with Professor Mamon.
Then let's get started.
Hi, is this Professor Mamon, the CEO of Superhuman Federation?


Is that really you, Asami Miyako? It's been too long.
(Mugito Mamon. Betterman. CV: Mugihito)
I know what you're planning. You're trying to do that experiment again!
Drive Inspection…
Don't do it!
Brahman!


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Kaze ~Turbo~
What the hell!?
Hahahaha. It's as you can see. I have become Brahman, the final evolution of humanity!
What's he thinking?
It's safe to assume that negotiations have broken down.
Everyone, scramble!


Deploy the troops! We've got 15 slots to work with. I'm using Marvel, Trowa, Keita, Shou, Allen, Folka, Nie, Kaede, Koji, Duo, Hyoma, Amuro, Ryoma, Tatsuya, and Van. Remember that Mechander is still under repair.

Oh my. There sure are a lot of you. Well then, how about this!?


Those are prototype Tyrans!
They've got Premier, Deux, and Trois models!
It looks like Professor Mamon is controlling them with his powers.
We just need to destroy them, right?
Well, yes, but…
All right. Let's defeat them and capture Mamon!


Time for another city fight. Send some guys south, some guys west, and start making your way to Brahman in the western part of the city. The mass-produced Neuronoids you'll be fighting on this stage are extremely weak and easy to take care of, so they're nothing more than small speedbumps.


This is the main boss, Brahman. Despite its HP regen, it can be easily soloed by Folka. I had Folka make a beeline to the boss and, once they started fighting, it was dead in like 2-3 turns.

A scene happens at the start of turn 3.


Guided by the flow of chakra, I have arrived to sever the very source of this malevolent psychic energy.
(Yakusugi. Betterman. CV: Yusagu Yara)
It's you!
Oh? So you're the one who has been getting in the way of my Federation's activities… The one once considered to be the epitome of human potential, Venerable Yakusugi!
I have lost my memories, and fight only under the guidance of my chakra.
You don't even remember the Drive Inspection?
I do not.
What a shame. However, I am now the strongest!


Shall I fight?
No… Kankel is still somewhere around here.
But…
Cease. Even Lord Pakila was destroyed by it. Wait for the right moment, Lamia…
Is he an ally of the Bettermen?
No. Venerable Yakusugi is probably the strongest human alive, having mastered the secret arts and magical powers of esoteric Buddhism.
But he cannot defeat me as I am now.
It seems fighting is inevitable after all…
But Kankel will appear…
I will use Forte.


So you showed up after all, Betterman! I've been waiting for this moment. Only by incorporating your cells can I become the Best Man!
The power that is the root of all evil…
It seems we're in way over our heads. What the hell are they talking about?
Mamon wishes to absorb the Betterman in order to surpass it!
So we just need to defeat Mamon before that happens, right?
Well, yeah…
Let's do it already!


Betterman Forte is here, though it's a bit too far to be of any help at the moment.

Enemy reinforcements spawn when half of the starting enemies are remaining.


Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - One Who Walks the Path of Strong-Fisted Supremacy
It seems war never ceases in this world either…
Altis!
Folka… Doesn't this remind you of the Shura Realm?
Huh?
War is always raging, and when one battle ends, another quickly takes its place. How is this any different from the Shura Realm?
The meaning behind the fighting is different.
The meaning?
Sure, those who attack others may be the epitome of selfishness, but we fight to stop them!
That's hypocrisy. There must be some who can only find their place in life through fighting.
You're not wrong.
Tetsuya?
But we don't fight for ourselves! If anything…
We fight so that people can live in peace.
Another contradiction.
Altis!
Folka… Fight me!
Why!?
If you won't come to me, then I'll come to you!


Altis in his Mardikt and a bunch of weak Shura have taken the field. Altis is stronger than the other Shura Generals, so don't take him lightly. He's probably the first enemy so far that Folka might not be able to solo. Thankfully, we've got the Betterman and the rest of our army here.

Altis has a post-battle dialogue with Folka.

Altis! Why do we have to fight!?
You know why.
Our fighting is meaningless.
There is meaning. You may not understand it now, but you will in due time.
You're lying, Altis!
Let me just say this… This battle is not for Mizar's sake.
Brother!!

Eventually, Brahman and Altis will fall.


Although Brahman isn't perfect yet, I didn't expect you to take me this far. Ah well!
Stop! Don't do it!
Perish!
What incredible energy!
What is this…evil power… It's far more powerful than Hyperization!
Perish… Perish… Huh?
We're out of time! Perish along with me!
Venerable Yakusugi!
Young ones… Stop the source of evil…
[Brahman explodes]
Did we get him!?
It's not over yet… It's coming!


What!?
It seems you're after me after you killed Lord Pakila.
…
(Kankel. Betterman. CV: N/A)
No!


Seeme! Are you acting as my shield!?
Go… With hope…
[Seeme explodes]
Seeme…
[Lamia retreats]
…
[Kankel retreats]

Well, that was weird. Anyway…


This is fine…
Altis! Why… If you fought seriously, you would have won!
Hehe… Believe in your own strength more. You can't win the battles ahead with half-hearted resolve… You'll be the one who will build the next era…


Altis, what are you doing? If you don't fight, your adorable little brother will do it for you!
…
Mizar… Fernando!
I see. So that's what's happening.
I thought something was off…
Fernando is being held hostage!
Folka… I have one last favor…
Altis…
Please save Fernando…
But how?
The answer is in your heart…
But I…
Folka… My brother… I wanted us to live like we used to… Maysis… I'm sorry…
[Altis explodes]
Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - BGM 3
Altis… I swear to you! I will surpass you! I will change the Shura Realm!!
Impossible… Altis was defeated… But this is our chance! They must be exhausted. Go forth, Fernando!
Ugh…
What's wrong?
Fernando… Is this really what you want? Altis… Our brother is dead!
Ugh… Brother…
Utterly useless! I'll just kill you now.


GAAAAAAH!


What!?
I'LL KILL YOU!
The spell should still be active. Why are you attacking me?
It's simple. Your spell only amplifies hatred. His hatred for your sending our brother to die is far greater than his hatred for me.
Dammit. How could I be so stupid!? But what's done is done.
[Mizar retreats]
MIZAR! I'LL KILL YOU!
[Fernando retreats]
Fernando…
(Mizar is panicking, so this is my chance…)

The map ends when all enemies are defeated.


We managed to stop him, but Mugito Mamon got away.
What was that Brahman thing?
Unless we find out more about its physical structure, I can't say for sure.
Yeah… Hey, Sakura, do you know anything?
Brahman can't use its power properly yet… It's staying quiet for now… Very quiet…
And that black thing defeated Lume, the other Betterman, so easily. What was that?
Could that be a third Betterman?
I don't know…
Captain Bright, I need to go.
What's this all of a sudden?
I want to go after Fernando. That was Altis' last request.
Then we'll go together.
You can't face the Shura Army by yourself.
I feel like we've had this conversation before…
Judau! Be serious for once!
Your brother entrusted Fernando to you, correct? If you intend to carry on his will, you need to be smart about this.
You're right. I'm sorry. Please, help me.
Of course we will, Folka!
Thank you…
(Wait for me, Fernando. I will save you.)


I had a bad feeling and came back… The battle is already over… It looks like they fought Folka and his friends… Where's Lord Altis? What the? No… That's the Mardikt… Hey, wake up… Lord Altis… How could Altis the Flash, the right-hand man of the Shura King, die in a place like this… Hey… Altis… Call my name… Please… I finally found a way to save Fernando… Altis… I still have something to tell you… ALTIIIIISSSSSSSS!!
You will pay for this, Mizar.


Sorry for the delay. The new Mechander Robo is ready.
Thank you for your hard work.
This upgraded version is a four-seater. Mika will join the team.
It's nice to meet you.
Likewise.
It looks the same. Is it really new?
It may look the same on the outside, but the engine output and armor have been enhanced.
Are you sure about that?
Anyway, I leave it in your care.
Roger that.

I'll just stick this in here. Mechander Robo is back and the only difference is that it has 4 pilots instead of three. Mattman has this to say:

Ok, so the big thing here is Mika. Mika joins a few levels below your Mechander squad, most likely, but with the bulk of her spirits (in my game at least she joined at 26 with all but her last unlocked - a shame as her last is Cheer). She is great because she has literally every good support spirit, even if her SP amount is kind of subpar and worse than all the Acrobunch pilots.

And I'd love to tell you that literally anything else changes about Mechander but no, that's literally it. No new moves, no stat upgrades, no power upgrades, nothing. It's literally the same as it was before but now it has a fourth pilot. Lame as fuck.


I've heard about Altis… Strategist, you know I trust you, correct?
Of course.
There are other foes to fight. Why are we fighting amongst ourselves?
But Fernan--
No excuses!! I hear our fellow Shura are being killed in great numbers recently. I ordered you to unite the Shura and take action. Surely you're not conspiring to betray me, are you?
Of course not! To atone for these failures, please give me one last chance! I cannot bear to die without using my trump card!
It seems you don't get it.
Huh?
It matters not. I'll give you some men. Fix your own mistakes!
Of course, sir.
I think you know this, but just to be sure, there won't be a next time, Strategist Mizar.
Sir!
(What bad timing! I don't have enough troops to take over… For now, I'll focus on surviving and plan my coup…)


Captain Bright! We've detected a ship!
Whose is it?
It looks like the Shura.
Have you found Fernando?
No. It looks like it's a military vessel.
Military? Only Mizar should be left…
Are they aware of us?
I don't think so.
Your thoughts, Folka?
There's a possibility that Mizar isn't looking for us, but for Fernando…
What should we do?
I'd like to take the initiative. Is that all right?
Understood. Let's go after it.