By Layzner docks inside the tripod carrier as it leaves Earth’s atmosphere, surrounded by craft from multiple countries. Dellinger is informed that Eiji has joined up with the students. Eiji comes up to the cabin and is happily greeted by everyone. Simone states that they’ve decided on their own what to do since Mars, and this time is no different. David adds that they’re all prepared to die, but are holding out some hope for a miracle. Elizabeth notes that Eiji rescuing them on Mars and bringing them to Earth was a miracle, so they hope to create another. Eiji doesn’t think he has a power like that, but he wants to fight alongside them. American space fighter pilot Sam leads the escorts and has a friendly conversation with Russian space fighter pilot Morodojev. Arthur is surprised that the pilots are suddenly being so friendly, but Rohan comments that humans can understand each over by overcoming country or race. Eiji thinks that Gradosians and Earthlings can understand each other, but right now they have to focus on saving Earth. On the flagship, Gresco asks about Eiji and is informed that Layzner was last spotted entering the atmosphere with the Bloodykaisar. Gresco orders his forces to remain on guard and destroy Layzner at any cost. An officer asks why Layzner is so special when it’s just one unit, and Gresco notes that Zuhl’s curiosity was fatal. The flagship launches multiple Bravers, Solomcos, Dtols and Dimarges to prepare for the incoming Earth forces. Giulla’s team begins their attack and destroy multiple space fighters, including Sam. Eiji, David and Rohan decide to take off, but Simone shouts out for them not to leave because three SPTs don’t stand a chance. She tells them to forget people like Dellinger because leaders like him made Earth the mess it is now. David tells Simone to let it go and kisses her. He then apologizes and declares his love for her, saying he doesn’t mind dying if they’re all together. As the fighting continues, Giulla laughs at the pitiful Earthlings and warns his men that Layzner might be inside the tripod carrier. After shaking hands and vowing to return, David and Rohan head to their units. Anna gives Eiji a flower from Earth and asks him to return.
The tripod carrier comes under attack, but Elizabeth doesn’t want to release the SPTs until they’re close to the Guerlain satellites. Giulla focuses his attention on the tripod carrier, which launches Layzner, Baybull and Buldy. Giulla orders his men to focus on Layzner, which comes under attack from a Solomco. David fights a Solomco and is attacked by a Dimarge, but Eiji punches it with a knuckle shot. Rohan is surrounded by Solomcos and loses the Buldy’s left arm, but he manages to blast a Solomco. A Solomco targets David, but Eiji shoots it and forces the pilot to eject. David takes out a Solomco, and Giulla damages one of the tripod carrier’s legs. Rohan spots Giulla hiding and warns Eiji just before Giulla fires in a sneak attack. Eiji’s shot hits first and destroys the Braver, but Giulla manages to eject. With more SPTs incoming, Eiji isn’t confident that he can defend David and Rohan, so he asks them to fall back. Rohan insists that he can fight, but David asks him to leave things to them. Eiji speeds off for the flagship with V-MAX despite everyone’s protests. Eiji blows past a squad of Dimarges and vows to protect Earth. On the surface, Gilbert watches the light from the satellites and wonders if a miracle will happen. Kabus comments that it’s foolish to rely on kids, but Gilbert angrily counters that those kids stood up while the fools in power did nothing. Gilbert then adds he’s in no place to blame others and should’ve focused more on peace efforts. Everyone calls out to Eiji, who says he was happy to meet them. Eiji asks Anna the name of the flower, and she tells him a story of a woman who waited for a man she loved and became a white daisy flower. Layzner approaches the flagship, which deploys large cannons and even more SPTs. The SPTs open fire, but Layzner is able to dodge them thanks to the extra speed from V-MAX. Eiji vows that he won’t die like this, and a massive explosion is set off.
The first part of the series comes to an explosive end as the final battle for Earth is fought and lost. In the last few episodes, various characters have expressed hope that a “miracle” can be created to save Earth. However, given the pessimistic tone of the series, that was never going to happen. Eiji isn’t a Newtype, Innovator or any other kind of special human. Sure, Layzner has a special gimmick in the form of V-MAX, but even that isn’t enough against the overwhelming number of enemies, which includes virtually every type of SPT seen up to now. The Earth space fighter pilots also put up a good fight, but it simply isn’t enough. Emotions run high, and David declares his love for Simone, even though he has feelings for Eiji. It’s a theme in many shows that willpower can be enough to overcome impossible odds, but Layzner is much more sobering with its message that willpower and courage aren’t enough in the face of all adversity. With the first part of the series over, it’s time to head to the future (or rather, the past) as things shift to 1999.
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