Even if this did not get to point I wanted, but nothing is better than update! lol
enjoy and let's begin~
-Ac378s8142c1 [Mickey: Operation Base: [status] 0% damage. Elysian Shield functions perfectly. Aus-
-Ac379s637s2 [Sara: attack successfully evaded. Force shifting [confirmed]. Cluster damage at 21%. Aus-
-Ac419a7006b3: status verified. [Command] cluster recovery. [initiate signal to Terra Cluster]. Aus-
-Tc8432a91j4: situation verified. [Command] all units move toward the source. [signal detected] Prepare for LK101-D4. [Tc2191d23k1] request for coordinate. Aus-
-Tc2191d23k1: [error] unable to analyze expected coordinate. [Irregular] target is still moving towards Operation Base. Aus-
-Tc0107d42m3: analysis confirmed. [suggestion] use quick move: T-21 [Stupere Trap] on target. Execution require 0.012 milliseconds. Enough time to activate LK101-D4 on the spot. Aus-
-Tc2191d23k1: analysis confirmed [Theory supported]. Aus-
-Tc8432a91j4: suggestion verified. [Command] Squadron-1, Squadron-2, Squadron-3, utilize T-21 [theta units confirmation required]. Squadron-4, Squadron-5, Squadron-6 execute LK101-D4. Aus-
-Tc7120t015g4: alert! [Sighting] target D01#1 within radar. Aus-
-Tc2011t637h8: sighting [confirmed] T-21 execution available. Aus-
-Tc8432a91j4: sighting verified. T-21 [activate]. Synchronized Armament Ac-Tc: LK101-D4 [activate]. Aus-
Finally the ultimate nemesis appeared at the speed rivaled to the machina. Half of the troop instantly locked the target using the move Stupere Trap, emitting hundreds of glowering cyan rays that held the target for a mere second before the other half of units utilized the synchronized armament Meta Shift to rip open the fourth dimensions again just below the target, firing a full Nebula Strike back on the enemy.
Then, the area became dark as far as the eyes can see except the thing coming out from the void. The powerful strike even made the closest units to receive quite an inevitable damage, for both Audra and Terra Cluster. However, the situation turned to dire state as expected result was proven wrong.
-Tc2271s508i5: attack failed [abnormality detected]. D01#1 status: 18% damage [survive]. Method of survival: concentrated Elysian Shield. Aus-
-Tc1892s413o31: result confirmed. Alert! D01#1 recovery at 11% per seconds [update] target fully recovered. Aus-
-No...-
Humanity is doomed.
And machina as well.
As the attack cleared and the area returned to its condition before. They was revealed by a solid figure quite resembled to themselves but with notable difference, especially the mismatched eyes. Both bright yellow pulsating light paired with a three distinct irises aligned diagonally on the other eye glowed menacingly.
A stray machina, they registered. Massive Panic Mode [activate]
The breakthrough set all of them into alarming mode as they all detected the irregular, abnormality and mass of errors regarding Tier 1, finding it very hard to acknowledge as it was not like anything they ever fought before. They had never fought their own kind before!
Plus, they did not understand a thing from this new discovered fellow machine. Why he is not linked? Why is his potential is a whole new level of normal machina? Why is he doing this?
The rising in errors and alarming made them all engaged to full limit, of four hundred eighty-seven units versus one stray unpredictable machina. If only the battle was decided by the numbers, they would surely win. Inspite that, they already proven wrong by the recent attack result.
Oh this was going to be the nefarious clash ever. At the very least, until only four of them miraculously walked out unscathed.
The main facility AC115 was buzzing with reports, analysis and update on machina again, mostly about the recent attack, as it surged a quick panic throughout the base due to powerplant temporary shut down. The staff were going back and forth reporting the data and barking updates from their seats in front of the monitors and also absorbed in heavy discussion as they were facing the expected yet irregular crisis.
"Sir, attack diverted successfully. Operation Base status return to normal." Takeshi announced from his department, eyes never leave the screen as he read the data.
"Information verified. Sir," Yuuko, one of the monitoring team stood up facing the Lieutenant General and request firmly, "permission to reactivate Plasma Shield."
"Permission deferred. Plasma Shield wouldn't hold another attack of that level." Yakov declined, thinking it was the best to maintain Elysian Shield instead, even if it meant to hold back half of the Audra Cluster.
It was their duty to defend the Operation Base after all.
"Noted, sir." Yuuko gave a salute before resumed to her work immediately.
"Sir, there is an important message from the head of research facility." Another staff stated, waiting for the order.
"Alright, play the message." Yakov ordered crossing his arm, his face serious and focused as he listened to the message.
'Yakov, I've read the recent data. I suspect that 74 units from Audra Cluster are highly suffered from permanent damage. Sent them immediately to the restoration centre.'
That marked the end of the message sent by none other than the chief scientist herself. Yakov noted the message and ordered as required. He had to handle these himself until the General Machina returned from his discussion with Lumen Arc.
"Pardon me, sir, what about Terra Cluster? They also might suffer the same damage." One of the younger staff inquired to the lieutenant.
Yakov paused for a moment before answering, "we can't pull back almost a squadron for recovery while facing the main threat. The formation might break." He actually was not against the idea but it will create tiny loophole to the enemy and risking disaster.
Suddenly, the door slid opened revealing a breathless figure in white lab coat holding for support from the door frame before lifting his gaze to fix his glasses and marched foward to face the second in-command. His breath calmed down as he tried to speak, "sir, that attack... is Nebula Strike... coming from Tier 1 itself..." Viktor was slightly panting in between his speech due to sprinting his way here.
Yakov, slightly widened his pale blue eyes as Viktor confirmed the gut he had been feeling. Yet, he did not want to admit it until the analysis result came, hoping it was a false intuition. "How... do you kno- I mean, are you sure... it is from Tier 1?" Yakov was asking the scientist in a haste.
"Yes, as I mentioned before, I'm connected to Yu- First Delta of Terra Cluster." Viktor answered unfalteringly while his hand grazing the gold device tenderly, reminding himself that he and Yuri were always together, even if one was on the other side of the planet.
There was a moment of pause until Takeshi interrupted, "Viktor, that is insane." He turned to Viktor from his screen, frown clearly showing on his face. "I mean, Nebula Strike? Really? How could any other being replicate such a special attack?" He added, voice laced with worried and unwanted surprise.
Viktor looked at him for a moment and gulped. He paled and his stomach felt dreadful as at the same time as he learned the new info that Yuri shared with him. "That is..." He paused as he hand closed his mouth for a second, not trusting it as the feeling to throw up surged as the bitter truth came from his mouth, "... because Tier 1 is machina... a stray machina." The muffled voice was cleared enough for both Takeshi and Yakov to respond with a slight gaped.
Yuuko also took a sharp breath and widened her eyes as she confirmed the situation, "sir, it's true." Then she began reading the data, "the information is confirmed by both Delta, attack verified as EX001 executed by target labeled D01#1. Deflection failed to inflict most damage. Target recovery instantly, target clarified as stray deformed machina."
"Sir, satellite image confirmed that all units fully engaged with the target. Damage state increase gradually." Takeshi announced from his place.
That update made Viktor lost his strength to stand and leaned to the nearest table for support, hand massaging his temple as his thought full of rapid fired command received and analysis made from Yuri. But what made him lost himself was the result.
Attack result: failure
Attack result: failure
Attack result: failure
Cluster received n% damage
The General Machina finally emerged from the vault which he communicated with the Lumen Arc, marching forward and responded to the salute that everyone gave.
"Sir, order, sir." Yuuko requested as the situation slowly became devastated.
-Observe and record the data. Aus-
The slightly tanned looking machina ordered flatly, bright light eyes stared at the wide screen showing the satellite view. There was nothing showing on his face as to interpret the situation. They can only agree without further questions.
Yuuko could only nodded and responded, "noted, sir." even if she expecting something different.
"Is this the right thing, sir?" Takeshi asked in a hush to the Lieutenant General beside him. He knew and everyone realized it too that we should do something.
Yakov let out an exasperated sigh, "he's not wrong. From the analysis of Terra Cluster's action, we could come out with a follow up strategy. For the time being, we will just wait and see." He explained audibly to the few of them.
Viktor was the first to snap, "What?! That's the same as doing nothing!" He stood up, azure eyes went wide with anger and disappointment. "We won't win like this! Deploy back up immediately!" He demanded to the both higher ups, ignoring the fact that he was overstepping the boundary.
However, the dark green haired captain only responded calmly without even making the eye contact.
-Negative. The order stands until further decision is made. Aus-
"Are you serious? We have to do something to reduce the casualty!" Viktor tried to persuade him desperately as he was well informed of the battle situation thanks to his fiance. He had to do something to ensure his love one survived or hopefully everyone did.
"Viktor, other divisions are still required for various mission." Yakov stated as why they did not act as he suggested. He cannot let anyone depart towards destruction without knowing how to overcome it.
Viktor retorted instantly, mind clouded with worries of Yuri's state, "just abort all of them! This is an emergency."
"That is an absurd idea, Viktor." Yakov retorted back with disapproving look at him.
Viktor let out a loud heavy sigh as he running his hand through his locks of silver hair and he replied, "did everyone forgot our main enemy is Tier 1? Our main target! If we didn't go full force, believe me, his next attack won't miss." Viktor sounded as distressing as the situation.
"Then it would leave us bare and defenseless against the attack. That's why I said it's a bad idea." Yakov countered back with his own stand, shaking his head at viktor.
There was a short silence. No one dared to voice out anything and chose to focus on their work instead. Only the sound of keyboard typing and alerts on the screen echoed in the room. Viktor's expression also changed to pure dejected and hopeless.
"...What is it to lose then?" His sad eyes left the ground to meet with Yakov's, "we are all a coward if we let Terra Cluster be the scapegoat..." He added somberly.
What is it to lose? Yakov eyes knitted as he answered slightly raised his voice, "are you intent to sacrifice the final generation left survived?! Think again, Viktor. Don't let your feelings clouded your judgment and decision." He warned Viktor sternly that even made everyone in the room shuddered.
-A reminder: 5 billion humans died in the last catastrophe fighting with the same enemy. A repeat of event must be avoided at all cause. Aus-
The General Machina finally turned to face Viktor, dark green light pulse met with sad azure. His hands clasped behind and his low ponytail hair hanging on his left shoulder. Then he continued with voice that Viktor could finally interpret as understanding.
-That is what he wish, and it is his priority no matter what. Aus-
Viktor bit his lips unsure if he heard it right. He tapped his chin and thought for a few moment before voiced out his concern, "if it is the same enemy then, how is that we are not informed with the presence of another stray deformed machina or even ways to overcome this abnormalities?" This was not good, doubt began bubbling inside him.
But, the general simply answered;
-Incomplete data. Method of solution: uncertain. Aus-
"Uncertain?" Viktor repeated, face crestfallen. "What has Lumen Arc been doing all this time?"
That question left hanging and unanswered.
-This is bad! This is bad! This is bad!...-
Yuri began to panic in his system. Even if he managed to come out with 56 268 results of possible actions, his enemy always found out just one result, that let him survive although the possibility also remained low.
-Tc8432a91j4: [command] Squadron-3 and Squadron-4 activate defense Form DV6.81.2 [Deflective Armor]. Aus-
-it's no use if both sides are on par to each other-
-Tc2011t637h8: Alert! [Sighting] D01#1 is creating AC Form SC5.7 [Atmospheric Condition: Supercell]. Aus-
-Tc0107d42m3: sighting verified. [AC analysis: result] 73% until completion. Expected time: 180-300 seconds. Intensity: [calculating...] Aus-
-If we stop attacking, would he stop too?-
-Tc2191d23k1: analysis verified. [Suggestion] ceasefire: emit [d-Waves Resonance]. Aus-
A normal human would say he is insane. Including the machina, they would surely labelled him as broken, as to have the nerve or not-so-rational reasoning to suggest that amidst this chaos. He was close to excommunicated from the cluster due to that unbelievable and clearly out of suggestions idea if it was not for the [AI-HPC] approval.
-Tc2191d23k1: [Speculation] target remains in standby mode if machina did not engage. Aus-
By that, the machina can conclude that Lumen Arc must be as insane as First Delta is.
Soon, the resonance of Delta Waves was reverberating to each other including the enemy as this type of waves was proven effective towards humans and even machina picked it up as calming pacify mode and de-stressing the situation. If Tier 1 was originally a machina, he should picked it up too and resonated the same waves.
Surprising everyone, the Unknown indeed halted all his movement, focusing on the waves instead. All attacks stopped and every units stayed still in the air. Soft blinking light in the center of their cybernetic body indicated the tranquil resonance that was emitted.
-It works..?-
Yuri found it was hard to believe it himself. They just stare at each other without actually doing anything for once, that was until the moment unintended lightning strikes rained down on them due to the uncontrolled or failure to manipulate the atmospheric condition. Even Unknown himself did not predict this as he looked surprised.
Thus, in response to Theta units' finding report, all machina immediately escaped the raining bolt by a hair's breadth, leading by the Alpha and flight somewhere far away from the affected area utilizing full maximum of Avian Gear. Some of their state were noticed beyond repaired by the Sigma units. As a result, the cluster's damage hiked up significantly.
-this calls for drastic measure-
-Viktor, I don't know what to do anymore. Everything he did is unpredictable...-
Don't give up yet, Yuri. Let's try thinking of something else, other methods...
-Ok... I'm listening.-
Now, as we know Tier 1 is a machina, did machina has any weakness, Yuri?
There is a slight pause as Yuri was busy calculating various possibilities added with trying to comprehend what would be a weakness to machina. Plus, he was moving at supersonic speed as they were discussing.
-I don't know if this help, Viktor, but machina is quick to learn and improve, so you could say weakness is nonexistent.-
The enemy was of course, tailed them at a certain distance. It was unsure what his intention is, he could just bypass them within seconds, yet he did not.
Then, try to think of other things. It could be anything! Not necessarily a move or attack... Any differences...
-...The only differences I notice is he is deformed, I sense he is not a pure machina, a mix of many living elements.-
It was true. Yuri detected all other tiers' elements within him. It made no sense of how and why he did that. He failed to understand it, to understand him.
Okay, I noticed that.
-He's not linked to the arsenal, because he's an enemy.-
Alright, that's obvious. Anything else, Yuri?
-And that's it. Other that that we are basically machina unless...-
-It couldn't possibly be- but then, it's not a difference...-
Unless?
Viktor insisted in his head. Yuri kind of sense that Viktor knew he was hiding something but brushed it aside and voiced his curiosity instead.
-Viktor... is 'heart' a strength or weakness in this situation? That's another difference but that's- can I... use it against him?-
The machina could literally heard his human sighed in his head before answering carefully.
...Yuri, whether it's strength or weakness depends on the person, it's the most fragile yet it could be the strongest of all...
-Then how could I manipulate it so that I ca-
No, Yuri! Heart is not a weapon. It is to understand and to feel... don't try to manipulate it, you'll break yourself and others...
Viktor cut him with his voice layered with clear warning, concerns, and fear of losing him. Yuri did expected it a little that Viktor would react like that, so he still felt glad that he was cared.
But that just proved everything he had thought, that he is in denial.
-Then, what should I do? I want to save everyone.-
There is only one thing left then, trust your heart, Yuri. When things don't feel right or wrong, let your intuition decide.
-Viktor Nikiforov, just how much did you know?-
-what's intuition, Viktor?-
-How much are you willing to accept?-
To put it in your word, it's involuntary reasoning that ignore logic.
-Sounds like what heart would do after all.-
-and you have faith in this only?-
Yes...
.
.
.
Yuri, just who are you actually?
You are not just any Delta, right?
TBC
i thought this story would end at chapter 3 or 4, but didn't expect that the last part was going to break into 2 or 3 chapters...
"involuntary reasoning that ignore logic" I wonder if anyone familiar with this, (p.s: it's quote from an inspired LN *wink*) so... any theory? :3
Aus-