The air in the scrapyard felt heavier than usual. The faint hum of turrets and the shimmering glow of partially installed energy barriers were the only sounds of reassurance against the creeping silence. Ethan stood at the highest point of the workshop, surveying the horizon through his Interface. Neo Arcadia-2's distant neon haze was a stark contrast to the looming darkness on the outskirts of their fortified position.
The team had spent the last few hours reinforcing defenses. Garret worked tirelessly hauling crates, Shade slipped in and out of shadows on reconnaissance, and Rhea's fingers danced across her console, intercepting Syndicate chatter. The scrapyard was becoming a fortress, but the tension in the air was unmistakable: they knew the Syndicate wouldn't let the warehouse raid go unanswered.
Briggs leaned against a newly reinforced barricade, his rifle slung casually over his shoulder. "You think they'll come tonight?"
"They're already here," Ethan replied, pointing to the Interface's tactical map. Red markers blinked faintly, indicating Syndicate recon units on the move. "Light recon for now, but they're testing us."
Garret sauntered over, his plasma cannon resting on his shoulder. "Testing, huh? Let's hope they like what we've got."
Shade's voice cut in over the comms. "Two recon drones northwest. Infantry squad flanking east, keeping low."
Ethan adjusted the Interface, tracking the drones' erratic flight paths. Their glowing optics cut faint lines through the dark sky, scanning the scrapyard for weak points. The infantry markers were closing in slower, methodical in their movements. They weren't rushing in—they wanted information.
"Let the drones get closer," Ethan said, his voice calm. "Garret, you're on suppression. Briggs, cover the eastern barricades. Shade, keep your eyes on the infantry."
The faint whir of the drones grew louder, their engines emitting a rhythmic hum that vibrated through the air. Ethan crouched, raising the Plasma Disruptor Cannon Mk. II to his shoulder. The weapon hummed softly, its core glowing faintly as it synced with the Interface.
The first drone zipped closer, hovering just above the barricades. Its red optics glowed as it scanned the area. Ethan exhaled slowly, letting the Interface lock onto the drone's heat signature. He pulled the trigger, and a concentrated plasma bolt tore through the air. The drone exploded in a brilliant flash, scattering debris across the dirt.
[Enemy Neutralized: Recon Drone.]
+50 EXP.
The second drone swerved erratically, attempting to retreat. Ethan adjusted his aim and fired again, but this time the shot grazed its wing. The drone spiraled momentarily before stabilizing. Its optics flickered as it began transmitting data.
"Shade, it's broadcasting!" Ethan barked.
"I've got it," Shade replied, his voice calm. Moments later, the drone's engine sputtered and died, a small explosive charge silencing it mid-flight.
[Enemy Neutralized: Recon Drone.]
+50 EXP.
"Drones are down," Ethan said. "Shade, status on the infantry?"
"They're close," Shade replied. "About fifty meters from the eastern barricades. Quiet, but moving with purpose."
Ethan climbed down from his vantage point, motioning for Briggs and Garret to fall in. The eastern barricade was dimly lit, the energy barrier incomplete. The faint sound of boots crunching on dirt reached his ears as the Syndicate infantry squad approached.
The first soldier appeared through the haze, his rifle sweeping the area. Garret fired a warning shot, the plasma bolt streaking past the soldier's head and striking a nearby rock. The man dove for cover, signaling to his squadmates.
"They're splitting," Shade whispered through the comms. "Two heading north, two holding position."
Briggs moved quickly, taking a flanking position along the barricade. His rifle was steady as he fired, the sharp crack of plasma shots cutting through the air. One of the soldiers fell, clutching his side as smoke rose from his armor. The second returned fire, his plasma bolts striking the barricade and sending a spray of sparks into the air.
Garret unleashed a volley from his cannon, the heavy plasma blasts forcing the remaining soldiers to scatter. One of them ducked behind a cluster of rocks, firing blindly. The other attempted to circle around, his movements fast but predictable.
Ethan activated the turrets, their targeting systems locking onto the exposed soldier. A plasma bolt from one of the automated guns struck him square in the chest, dropping him instantly.
The last soldier hesitated, his position compromised. Shade's blade glinted briefly in the faint light before slicing through the man's rifle. The soldier barely had time to react before Shade disabled him with a swift strike to the back of his head.
[Infantry Neutralized: Light Patrol.]
+200 EXP.
"Area's clear," Shade said, stepping back into the shadows. "No alarms."
Rhea's voice crackled through the comms. "Intercepted more chatter. They're pulling back for now, but this was just the beginning."
Ethan exhaled, tension easing slightly. "They wanted to see what we've built. Now they know."
Garret slung his cannon over his shoulder, grinning. "And I'd say they didn't like what they saw."
Ethan's Interface chimed, updating the tactical map. The recon units had been neutralized, but new heat signatures appeared on the outskirts of the scrapyard—larger and more numerous.
[Enemy Forces Detected:]
• Heavy Infantry Units (x8).
• Assault Drones (x6).
• Heat Signatures Suggest Heavy Mech Units (x2).
Risk Level: Moderate to High.
"They're regrouping," Rhea said. "And they're bringing reinforcements."
Ethan's jaw tightened. "Then we finish the defenses."
Back in the workshop, the team regrouped, their movements efficient and coordinated. Ethan worked alongside Rhea to complete the eastern energy barrier, welding rare alloy plating into place and syncing the power conduits through his Interface. Sparks flew as the barrier hummed to life, its shimmering glow enclosing the scrapyard's most vulnerable point.
[Barrier Upgrade: Eastern Perimeter.]
Completion: 100%.
Garret and Briggs prepared the heavy weapons, loading fresh energy cells into the turrets and calibrating their targeting systems. Shade moved silently along the perimeter, planting EMP mines in key locations to disrupt any advancing drones or mechs.
As the final preparations fell into place, Ethan stepped outside, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The Syndicate's next wave would be bigger, stronger, and more organized. But the team was ready. This wasn't just about survival anymore—it was about proving that they weren't prey to be hunted.
Briggs joined him, leaning against the barricade. "Think we can hold?"
Ethan's grip tightened on the Plasma Disruptor Cannon, its faint hum vibrating through his hands. "We're not just going to hold. We're going to make them regret coming here."
Garret's voice called out from the workshop. "Turrets are ready. Mines are armed. Let's see what these bastards are made of."
Ethan glanced at the tactical map one last time, watching as the Syndicate's reinforcements approached. He smirked faintly. "Let's welcome them properly."