Year 4667 of the Unified Imperial Calendar:
Fourth Month, Day 18. (8:57 AM)
◇ Astra's POV ◇
Without any further warning, the approaching Arks fired a volley of explosive mana spears that quickly converged my way. It came from all directions as each of the approaching Arks had several shots to fire.
One might wonder why they aren't shooting any laser or such when it's a staple in mecha animes, but actually, there's no such thing as those in here. At least not in a form that can be carried by the Arks.
My weapons were exceptions.
I dashed as the thrusters behind me pushed me forward, instantly allowing me to break the sound barrier. I readied my claws as I quickly arrived near one of the enemy Arks, [No!!!] he screamed in his comms. Perhaps he knew how his ally died earlier.
I raised my claws and slashed into pieces, ignoring the nauseous feeling welling up in me.
Without much less a cry, it died without any point to his death. The Aether Core exploded scattering countless pale blue Aether Particles.
I noticed ever since earlier, but they were a lot more silent than the first one. Perhaps they were communicating in their own network. I really wanted to know what they were planning, but even at this moment, I still couldn't contact Isabelle.
And so, without much choice, I continued fighting and made more pointless deaths.
◇ ◇ ◇
Isabelle watched as things had completely gone off-track from what she knew about the plans. Her expressionless face was now gone, as worry and uncertainty was now in its place.
She bit her nail in frustration. This wasn't what she expected, and certainly not what she heard of!
The plan she knew was to let him fail in his attempt to kill Ashier, and realize his powerlessness. It was up to Quanta then to proceed, but now it had gone completely awry, all because of one thing.
It was the Grand Ark Masterpiece Unit.
The Grand AM Units were, as their names suggested, masterpieces. They were completely different from the Grand Ark Machine in the lobby, which were only prototypes. And if she would borrow the words her 'Master' said, the perfect description of the difference between the two was:
"The difference between a Heaven and Earth. . ."
She didn't actually know what meaning there was in comparing the two, as they were only a part of a single spherical planet, but she always remembered what her 'Master' said. After all, he was the wisest of all intelligent being in history. Isabelle believed so.
Something suddenly popped into Isabelle's mind.
She then glanced in the visual feed from the bio capsule room as it showed the image of a blue-haired woman inside the breathable liquid from within. She who had been transported here as expected, was being healed by the nanomachines within the capsule. She had been brought here in a terrible state, but she was far from danger now.
'But something about her actions bothers me. . .' Isabelle though as she recalled a certain event from before. But she then shook her head as it was impossible. After all, even her 'Master' didn't awaken until the predicted time. . .
In any case, she still had to monitor her master's condition, as it seems the battle was about to end.
And it was absolutely not in her master's favour. It was good.
◇ Astra's POV ◇
Explosions everywhere. . .
Wreckage as far as I could see. . .
"Huff! . . . Huff! . . . Huff! . . . " I panted from within Fenrir as I continued to destroy more Arks. I was tired already, and the amount of enemies were still far from being wiped out.
No matter how many times I killed, they just keep coming back with even greater number. And this time, they had different reasons in their desire to take me down.
[Revenge for Abel!!!] someone from an incoming Ark shouted from within. The voice sounded feminine, and it was filled with hatred. I could feel her killing intent from her words alone.
However, just like the rest, I flew towards her, my thrusters in full throttle as I then stabbed my claws into her Ark. It was a more painless way to die, and more quicker.
My arm quickly went through her Ark, as sparks flew from the grinding of steel. I pulled out my hand, and then went for another. It too, was a vengeful one.
[Dieee!!—] It shouted, but was cut off as I also stabbed him with my claws.
BOOM!
What am I even doing now. . .?
Am I really doing the right thing. . .?
◇ ◇ ◇
[Aargh!!]
BOOM!
After an anguished scream resounded, the last remaining Ark exploded, scattering pale blue particles around.
I fell in the ground, as Fenrir was in an absolute battered condition.
I don't know if I can still fight, but well, who cares? It was now over. . .
. . . along with the bright and lively city, which was now no different than a garbage dump.
Corpses everywhere, molten steel, smoke, flames, blood. . .
No matter where I look, there was the sight of blood. . .
But no. I don't care anymore. I've already accepted it. I'm never going to be the good guy again, and I was carrying the lives of countless innocent.
All that just because a single greedy fucker schemed. . .
Fuck this. . . I don't care anymore. I just wanna be by her side, and I'm not gonna give a shit on whatever happens now. Yeah, I've decided to.
I sighed. It was over. . .
Or so I thought.
The motion sensors suddenly warned of an incoming object at high speed, and the next instant. . .
BOOOM!!
A powerful explosion impacted directly in my flank as I was blown away from its sheer force.
I rebalanced myself by forcing the near-overheated thrusters, and landed on the ground. I then turned my gaze to where it came from. . .
. . . And floating Warships entered into view.
It was hopeless now.
'Milady. . . I'm sorry. . .' I apologized in advance for all the trouble I was gonna bring them.
And the next moment, my vision turned black.
◇◇ ◇◇◇ ◇◇
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[Mental Adjustment Progress. . . 100%]
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[Unlocking All Memories. . .]
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[Commencing Psyche Replacement. . .]
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It was time.
Behold the Emperor. . .