The night air was heavy with anticipation, a silence hanging over the scrapyard like a held breath. The Syndicate's forces were closing in, their approach methodical and deliberate. Ethan stood at the center of the fortified yard, his Interface alive with tactical data. Red markers filled the map, clustered to the west and northwest, advancing like a tide. This wasn't reconnaissance anymore—this was the first real assault.
[Enemy Forces Approaching:]
• Heavy Infantry Units (x8).
• Assault Drones (x6).
• Heavy Mechs (x2).
Risk Level: Moderate to High.
Rhea's voice came through the comms, calm but focused. "They're splitting into two groups. Infantry and drones on the northwest side, heavy mechs moving in from the west. Timing's coordinated—they want to hit us from two angles at once."
Ethan adjusted his Interface, dividing his attention between the two fronts. "Garret, focus on the drones. Turrets will handle the bulk of the infantry, but don't let them get too close. Briggs, you're with me on the mechs. Shade, keep mobile—disable any stragglers that slip through."
"Got it," Shade replied, already vanishing into the shadows.
Garret cracked his knuckles, his grin wide. "Time to make some noise."
The first wave struck moments later. From the northwest, the drones came in fast, their engines whining as they skimmed low over the ground. Behind them, the infantry advanced cautiously, using the terrain for cover. The turrets roared to life, plasma bolts streaking through the night. The first drone exploded mid-flight, scattering debris into the path of the advancing soldiers.
Ethan's Interface chimed.
[Enemy Neutralized: Assault Drone.]
+50 EXP.
Garret took position behind a barricade, his cannon already glowing as it charged. The second drone darted toward him, its red optics locking on. Garret fired, the heavy plasma blast tearing through the drone's engine. It spiraled out of control before slamming into the dirt.
"Two down," Garret muttered, shifting his aim to the infantry. The soldiers were closing in, their plasma rifles lighting up the darkness as they fired at the barricades. One shot struck near Garret's position, sending sparks flying.
Briggs's voice cut through the comms. "West side—mechs are moving in."
Ethan turned, his grip tightening on the Plasma Disruptor Cannon Mk. II. The heavy mechs loomed in the distance, their massive frames silhouetted against the faint glow of Neo Arcadia-2's skyline. Their movements were slow but deliberate, each step shaking the ground.
[Scanned Enemy: Syndicate Heavy Mech.]
• Armor: High.
• Weapons: Dual Plasma Cannons, Missile Pod.
• Weak Points: Power Core (Rear), Optics Array (Front).
"Briggs, take the high ground," Ethan ordered. "Focus on the optics. I'll go for the core."
Briggs nodded, scaling a nearby scrap tower with practiced ease. His plasma rifle gleamed faintly in the moonlight as he took aim. "Ready when you are."
The first mech raised its arm, the plasma cannon glowing ominously. Ethan fired first, the Disruptor Cannon releasing a concentrated burst of energy. The shot struck the mech's arm, the explosion sending sparks flying, but the armor held. The mech retaliated, its plasma cannon firing a volley that streaked past Ethan, narrowly missing him.
"Shields are holding," Rhea called out. "But they won't last long."
Briggs fired, his shot striking the mech's optics array. The mech faltered, its vision obscured by the impact. Ethan moved swiftly, circling around to the rear. His Interface highlighted the power core, glowing faintly through the mech's armored plating. He fired again, the plasma bolt piercing the armor and hitting the core.
The mech shuddered violently before collapsing, its systems powering down in a cascade of sparks.
[Enemy Neutralized: Syndicate Heavy Mech.]
+750 EXP.
"One down," Ethan said, turning his attention to the second mech. It had advanced closer, its missile pod swiveling as it targeted the energy barriers. Ethan's Interface flared with a warning as the missiles launched, streaking toward the eastern perimeter.
The missiles struck the barriers, the resulting explosion shaking the ground. The shimmering energy wavered but held, the reinforced plating absorbing most of the impact. Ethan didn't hesitate, charging toward the mech as it reloaded.
"Briggs, cover me!" Ethan barked.
Briggs fired again, his shot striking the mech's missile pod and disabling it. The mech turned toward him, its plasma cannon glowing as it prepared to fire. Before it could, Ethan fired a concentrated burst at the mech's chest, aiming for the power core. The bolt struck true, and the mech staggered, smoke pouring from its damaged systems.
Garret's voice boomed through the comms. "Drones are down. Infantry's retreating."
Ethan didn't reply, his focus locked on the mech. He fired again, the plasma bolt piercing deeper into the core. The mech froze, its systems whirring frantically before it collapsed in a heap of metal and sparks.
[Enemy Neutralized: Syndicate Heavy Mech.]
+750 EXP.
"West side clear," Ethan said, breathing heavily. "Shade, status?"
"Northwest is quiet," Shade replied. "No stragglers."
Rhea's voice was steady. "Interception confirms the Syndicate's pulling back. For now."
Ethan lowered the Disruptor Cannon, his gaze sweeping over the battlefield. The ground was littered with debris, the air heavy with the acrid smell of plasma burns. They had won the first round, but this was only the beginning.
Garret leaned against a barricade, wiping sweat from his brow. "That all they've got?"
Ethan's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Not even close."
Briggs climbed down from the tower, his rifle slung over his shoulder. "What's next, boss?"
Ethan's gaze hardened as he turned toward the workshop. "We finish the defenses. If this was their first move, the next one will be bigger."
He gripped the Disruptor Cannon tighter, its faint hum resonating through his hand. The Syndicate wasn't done—and neither was he.