Chapter 16 - Ch 16

Suddenly, an alarm blared throughout the school, its urgent tones echoing in the hallways. "Warning, this is not a drill. Warning, this is not a drill. An emergency: five mechs are wreaking havoc. You must evacuate to the designated evacuation area. I repeat, this is not a drill."

As the barrier engaged and the students were instructed to head to their dorms, Mia, Lina, and Raika exchanged determined looks. Instead of retreating, they hurried to the hallway where a large screen displayed the outside view of the school grounds.

The big screen flickered to life, showing the chaos unfolding as the five mechs wreaked havoc. The mechs, towering and menacing, moved with calculated precision, causing destruction in their path.

"Look at them," Mia said, her voice a mix of awe and fear. "They're huge."

Lina nodded, her eyes wide. "Who could have created such monsters?"

Raika's face hardened. "It must be that scientist," she muttered, her suspicions confirmed. "Not again."

Fay joined them, her gaze fixed on the screen. "Those mechs are automated, not piloted by people," she said, her tone grim.

Katsuya, standing nearby, asked, "Automated? How is that even possible?"

"It's creepy," Mia added, shivering slightly.

The screen showed the mechs moving closer to the school, their mechanical limbs smashing through anything in their way. The sight was both terrifying and mesmerizing.

Raika clenched her fists, her mind racing. "If those mechs are from the scientist, they won't stop until they've caused as much damage as possible."

The instructor's voice cut through the chaos, calm but authoritative. "Fellow students, please proceed to your dorms immediately. This area will be secured with a barrier to protect the school grounds."

As the barrier began to engage, a shimmering force field enveloped the area, providing a semblance of safety. Mia's eyes widened in awe. "Wow, look at that barrier!"

Raika observed the barrier with a critical eye, comparing it to her own capabilities. "Futuristic," she thought, "but 100 times weaker than mine." She couldn't help but feel a sense of superiority, knowing her own technology surpassed what the school had implemented.

As the barrier shimmered around them, Mia, Lina, and Raika watched intently, their minds focused on the imminent threat. They knew they had to be ready to act, even if it meant going against the instructions to stay in their dorms. The atmosphere, once filled with laughter and banter, was now charged with tension and determination. Raika, Mia, Lina, and their friends knew they had to be prepared for whatever was coming next.

Mia, Lina, and Raika were still mesmerized by the screen, unable to look away from the destruction the mechs were causing. The footage showed people running and screaming, desperately trying to escape the mechanical beasts.

"Look at the chaos they're causing," Mia said, her voice barely a whisper.

Lina's eyes were wide with fear. "I've never seen anything like this."

Raika's face was set in a grim expression. "These mechs are designed for maximum destruction. Whoever created them knew exactly what they were doing."

Fay, standing next to them, nodded. "It's terrifying to think that something like this could be automated."

The instructor's voice came through the speakers again, trying to maintain order. "All students, please proceed to your dorms immediately. The barrier will hold, but we need everyone to remain calm and follow instructions."

Despite the instructor's reassurances, the panic among the students was palpable. Many were rushing to their dorms, their faces filled with fear. But Mia, Lina, and Raika stayed put, their eyes fixed on the screen.

"We can't just sit here and do nothing," Raika said, determination in her voice.

Mia nodded. "You're right. We need to be ready to act."

Lina took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "Whatever happens, we face it together."

As the barrier shimmered protectively around them, the three friends braced themselves for what was to come. The destruction on the screen was a stark reminder of the threat they faced, but it also strengthened their resolve to protect their school and each other.

As the barrier shimmered protectively around them, the students watched the screen in tense silence. The destruction wrought by the enemy mechs was terrifying, but it also strengthened their resolve to protect their school and each other.

Suddenly, the screen flickered to show a new scene: the arrival of the Guardian Rangers. Cheers erupted from the students as the heroes made their entrance, piloting sleek, compact mechs designed for agility and precision.

Leading the team was Mark, his steady and confident demeanor evident even through the footage. His mech, painted in shades of blue and silver, moved with fluid grace. Raika recognized him immediately, having met him once before. Behind him, Amelia followed, her mech a brilliant white, reflecting her strategic mind. Jason's tall and muscular frame was mirrored in his powerful mech, colored a deep red, and Sarah brought up the rear in a green mech, her presence a blend of determination and calm.

As the mechs advanced, they formed a defensive line, facing the towering enemy machines. Mark's voice came through the speakers, clear and commanding, "Guardian Rangers, engage!"

The battle began with a deafening roar as the Guardian Rangers charged forward. Mark's mech unleashed a barrage of energy blasts, each one aimed with precision at the joints of the enemy mechs. The blasts landed true, causing sparks and small explosions, but the enemy machines barely staggered. They were built to withstand such attacks, their armor reinforced and nearly impenetrable.

Amelia took a different approach, her strategic mind analyzing the battlefield. She directed her mech to circle around, looking for weaknesses in the enemy formation. With calculated shots, she aimed for the control centers of the enemy mechs, trying to disrupt their commands. Her movements were graceful and precise, a dance of combat designed to outthink rather than overpower.

Jason, ever the powerhouse, charged headlong into the fray. His mech's fists glowed with energy as he landed blow after blow on the enemy mechs. Each punch reverberated through the air, the ground shaking with the force of his attacks. Despite his strength, the enemy mechs seemed almost unfazed, their advanced technology absorbing the impact.

Sarah, maintaining her calm, provided support from the rear. Her mech was equipped with a powerful energy shield, which she used to protect her teammates from incoming attacks. She also provided covering fire, her shots aimed at diverting the enemy's attention and creating openings for her fellow Rangers.

The students watched in awe as the battle unfolded, the screen filled with flashes of light and bursts of energy. Raika, Mia, Lina, and Fay stood transfixed, their hearts pounding in their chests.

Despite the Rangers' skill and bravery, it soon became clear that the enemy mechs were more advanced than they had anticipated. The enemy machines moved with unnerving coordination, their attacks precise and devastating. One by one, the Guardian Rangers began to falter.

Mark's mech took a hit to the leg, causing him to stumble. He quickly recovered, but the damage was evident. Amelia's strategic positioning was countered by an enemy mech that seemed to predict her every move, matching her tactics with chilling accuracy. Jason's powerful strikes were met with resistance, the enemy mechs absorbing his blows and retaliating with their own. Sarah's shield began to waver under the relentless assault, the energy flickering as she struggled to maintain its integrity.

The enemy mechs pressed their advantage, their advanced technology giving them the upper hand. They coordinated their attacks with precision, exploiting every weakness and overwhelming the Guardian Rangers with sheer force.

Mark's mech was the first to fall, a massive energy blast hitting him square in the chest. His mech crumpled to the ground, smoke and sparks erupting from the damage. "Mark!" Raika cried out, her heart sinking. But Mark's voice crackled through the comms, strained but alive. "I'm okay… focus on the fight!"

Amelia tried to rally, her strategic mind racing to find a solution. She directed her fire at the enemy's control centers again, hoping to disrupt their coordination. But the enemy mechs adapted quickly, countering her every move. A concentrated barrage hit her mech, knocking it to the ground. "I've taken too much damage," she said through gritted teeth, "but I'm still here."

Jason fought valiantly, his powerful strikes creating temporary breaches in the enemy's defenses. But the enemy mechs retaliated with brutal efficiency, their advanced systems countering his strength. His mech was battered and smoking, but he refused to give up. "I'm not done yet!" he roared, even as his mech struggled to stay upright.

Sarah, her shield faltering, tried to protect her teammates. But the relentless assault was too much. Her mech's systems began to fail, and she was forced to retreat. "I'm sorry… I can't hold them off," she said, her voice filled with frustration.

Despite their best efforts, the Guardian Rangers were being systematically taken down. The enemy mechs' advanced technology was too much for them to overcome. One by one, their mechs were disabled, leaving them vulnerable and exposed.

The students watched in horror as their heroes fell. The screen showed the devastated battlefield, the once proud Guardian Rangers now struggling to survive. But despite the overwhelming odds, they refused to give up. They fought with everything they had, their determination and bravery shining through even in the face of defeat.

As the last of the Guardian Rangers fell, the enemy mechs stood victorious. But the Rangers were not defeated. They had fought with honor and courage, and their spirit remained unbroken. The students, watching from the safety of the barrier, felt a renewed sense of determination. They would not let this defeat break them. They would fight on, inspired by the bravery of the Guardian Rangers.

Raika, her eyes blazing with resolve, turned to her friends. "It's time," she said, clenching her fist.

Mia looked at the screen and then back at Raika, confused. "Time for what?"

Suddenly, Raika vanished without a sound. Mia panicked, looking around frantically. "Oh no, where is Raika?" she exclaimed to Fay.

Fay shook her head, bewildered. "I couldn't even detect her moves. Where is she?"

Lina tried to calm them down. "Maybe she's just gone to the toilet. She's been fidgeting for a while."

Meanwhile, the other students continued to watch the big screen, where the Guardian Rangers were still alive but struggling. Some of the students, worried and teary-eyed, cried out, "Fight back, Rangers! Fight back!"

Outside the campus, Raika reappeared, her determination unwavering. "I will retain my second form," she said.

The Assistant responded promptly, "Understood."

Raika tapped the school barrier, opening a small part just big enough for her to fit through. Once she was outside, it closed again. She reached into her pocket and pulled out Phailax, throwing it to the ground where it transformed into a formidable mech. She climbed inside, the system coming to life with a robotic voice, "System activated. User activation: Cyborg Raika 001. Engage."

Raika commanded, "Enable all weapons."

The Assistant responded, "Weapons activated."

Phailax Build-in Abilities:

- Plasma Dual Sword: Razor-sharp blades charged with plasma energy, capable of slicing through any material.

- Plasma Energy Gun and Bullets: Fires concentrated bursts of plasma energy with pinpoint accuracy.

- Fast Agility: Enhanced reflexes and speed, allowing for swift movements and evasion.

- Hacking System: Advanced cyber warfare capabilities, can infiltrate and control electronic systems.

- System Assistant Override: Override function to take control of allied or enemy systems in times of threat.

- System Assistant Voice: Provides real-time tactical analysis and strategic advice.

- Homing Energy Missiles: Precision-guided missiles that track and destroy targets.

- Forcefield Energy: Generates a protective barrier that absorbs and deflects incoming attacks.

- Super Hidden Weapon - Energy Beam: Unleashes a devastating beam of concentrated energy, capable of obliterating large structures or enemies.

Energy Level:

- Status: Normal

- Energy Core Power Source: (90,000/100,000)

- All Green: Operating at normal.

Raika flew towards the area where the Guardian Rangers had fallen. As she approached in Phailax, the Guardian Rangers looked up in astonishment. Mark, still fighting to stay conscious, muttered, "Who is that? Wow, that machine is almost like the enemy design but more formidable. Is it an ally or a foe?"

The students watching the screen gasped in awe as the giant robot flew and landed on the ground in a fighting pose. The words "Phailax ready to deploy" appeared on the screen, and the mech's colors – pink, black, and white – gleamed in the light.

"Whoa, awesome!" one student exclaimed. "Is it a new Guardian Ranger?"

Raika, inside Phailax, prepared herself for the battle ahead, ready to protect her friends and her school from the advanced enemy mechs.