Chapter 93

Seated on Nisia’s lap, I gradually teach her how to handle the Colossus.

“Is, is this how it’s done?”

“Yes, you’re doing well.”

“R-really? Hehehe….”

The voice of Nisia from behind me – judging by her giggling, it seems the compliments are working.

She was hesitant at first, but as they say, even a whale can dance with enough encouragement. With some vigorous praising, she’s now gaining confidence.

“Good, why don’t you try moving freely?”

“Okay!”

Klunk. Whirr—

The heavy noise from the propulsion system.

The 6-meter tall Colossus moves according to Nisia’s commands.

Although equipped with cannons, which somewhat limit its mobility, Nisia handles the Colossus with ease as if it were her own body.

I genuinely marvel at her quick adaptation and skill.

“Indeed, the protagonist.”

After skillfully learning to control Albatross last time, her ability to quickly handle the Colossus is certainly impressive.

In fact, perhaps Nisia possesses some specialized talent for controlling robots or weaponry?

“Alright, moving around seems sufficient. Now let’s check the armaments.”

“Okay.”

When she stretches out and presses the button, the Colossus’s weapons are displayed.

Two 30mm machine guns for appropriate firepower and high reliability, a single molecular blade for close quarters, and on each shoulder—a 95mm sniper cannon and a 105mm grenade launcher.

Lastly, stored within the shields on both shoulders, there are two Hydra rocket pods each, making a total of four.

Impressed by the solid armament, I nod involuntarily.

“Then, Nisia, focus on moving. I’ll give the commands for weapons usage.”

“Okay!”

With a bright voice, Nisia responds.

Even with her remarkable talent, this is her first time controlling a Colossus and there’s always a chance of mistakes in a high-pressure situation like combat.

While it feels somewhat off to operate in a passenger-like manner, this is the best option currently available.

Taking a deep breath, I steady my nerves.

“Great, let’s get moving then. Let’s move inside the city after crossing the wall.”

“Got it.”

The Colossus body wobbles slightly, then leaps into the air before landing heavily on the ground.

Koooom.

The shock absorption system in the cockpit activates, and a mild impact is felt despite the heavy sound.

The slightly bent body straightens, and the forward camera captures a new landscape.

“Ah….”

Nisia sighs softly at the sight.

Even merely crossing a wall, the atmosphere around has changed drastically.

Molten asphalt, black soot and embers clearly mark the avenues, collapsed and perforated buildings.

A devastated city.

But what truly grabs our attention among all this are the numerous dark shapes, still recognizable despite turning black and now lying flat on the ground.

Estimating dozens—some large, presumably adults, and others less than half their size.

“Ahhh.”

At the very sight, the harsh reality of war and the world we’ve only ever read or seen via monitors imprints deeply into our minds.

“Hooee….”

“Uh, Edu, are you alright?”

While her complexion is pale as well, Nisia worries about me first.

Coarse breathing and a rising nauseous feeling seizes me.

Clenching my mouth, I move my gaze, only to be met with the tragic remnants lining the roadside.

An indescribable scene of horror.

Simultaneously, deep within me, something slowly simmers.

With the sinking feeling gradually suppressed,

I deeply inhale and fix my gaze forward.

“Uh, Edu?”

“…I’m fine now, Nisia, let’s move.”

“Uhh, okay.”

We progress from the city outskirts into the downtown area.

No matter where we go, the traces of massacre are scattered. In this city now turned into a graveyard, we are the only ones alive.

Ka-dak.

My tightly clenched teeth meet.

After advancing for quite a while, a familiar sound reaches us from the Colossus’s external audio equipment.

Clunk-clunk. Creak-creak.

The unpleasant dissonance as metal meets metal.

It’s them.

“Nisia! There’s one ahead! Increase speed!!”

“Uuhh!!”

Woooom—

Energy converges in the Colossus’s rear propulsion system.

With a thump, the 6-meter giant dashes across the ground at a fast speed.

“Colossus! Open all armaments! Prepare for firing!”

Weapons aim forward in unison.

In each hand, the 30mm machine guns, two cannons mounted on the shoulders, and the previously stored rocket pods are deployed.

Then, from between the buildings in a precarious state, a massive black hunk of iron emerges.

The red sensor on its right endless track faces us and blinks briefly.

[Interference element detected, eliminating. ]

“Fire!”

The simultaneous voice.

The armor on the front of Dainsleif suddenly rises, and the volley cannon unfolds.

Simultaneous fire from both sides.

The volley cannon shots come hissing through the air.

The scattering 30mm bullets and two cannon shells.

Missiles following in succession along their trajectories form a cluster.

The crossed attacks in the air.

The volley cannon shot narrowly missing the Colossus and colliding with the ground, emitting smoke.

Conversely, our precise shots squarely strike Dainsleif.

Puh-bang, Kwa-gwa-gwaang!

Successive explosions echo.

But our attacks are blocked by the barrier, incapable of delivering meaningful damage.

“Chit…!”

“E-Edu, what do we do?”

Clunk-clunk. Creak-creak.

Whether to intercept our advance or expose its side, Dainsleif continues moving forward.

“Keep accelerating, Nisia! Penetrate the barrier and jump over it!”

“Uhh, okay!”

An even more accelerated Colossus.

Volley cannon shots come flying once again.

Bam-bam-bam—

The aiming gradually closes in.

But just before the attack hits the Colossus, I raise my voice.

“Now!”

“!!”

Kaaang—

The Colossus soars into the air.

The abrupt movement disrupts the volley cannon’s tracking.

[!!!]

The 6-meter giant plunges right into the barrier.

“Aim for the volley cannon! Attack!”

We empty the ample 30mm clips entirely onto it.

Consecutive bursts of flames and flashes.

Instantly, the clips are emptied. Sparks fly from its deployed volley cannon and it explodes.

Puh-bang, Kaang!

Dainsleif slightly sways and tilts from the impact.

We move through to the other side during that moment.

Kooom!

With one step, it slides and Nisia spins the Colossus around toward it.

Then, Dainsleif stops.

The red sensors aimed at us start to move.

The gaze of the thing that seemed to be scanning the Colossus suddenly retracts.

[Enemy weapon, judged to significantly hinder the operation.]

The indifferent voice and shift in atmosphere.

Dainsleif, which has so far dismissed us as minor interference, now recognizes us as adversaries.

Clunk-clunk as it rotates its body.

All its stored armaments are drawn out, and sensors across its frame flash red.

[Elimination with full power commencing.]

…

In front of the Number 6 Fangju Academy.

Freya, hiding in the bushes, surveys the ground, then looks back as the middle-aged man manipulating a drone gives a nod.

The ones dangling from the armored suit enter swiftly into the academy.

Contrary to the majority of the Fangju, which is burnt and destroyed, the academy’s exterior remains intact.

“The location of the survivors?”

“They appear to be in the underground shelter.”

“Good, let’s move immediately. Armored suit squad, search the surrounding areas for vehicles we can use—preferably large ones that can carry many.”

[Understood, Commander.]

After delivering them in front of the academy, the armored suit squad immediately moves toward the parking lot.

Freya and the remaining group enter the academy building and swiftly descend the basement steps.

Freya and her soldiers arrive in front of a large partition.

Freya operates the terminal in the corner and raises her voice.

“Are there any survivors inside? We’ve come to rescue you!”

[That voice… Freya? Is that really you, Freya?]

“Yeah, it’s me.”

A brief silence ensues, the terminal flickers, then with a thump, the door opens.

In front is a hesitating adult woman.

She carries a soft, beautiful appearance. Her long braided golden hair sways lightly, shimmering.

Her neat attire feels like something a high-ranking priestess or saint might wear from a religious sect.

But even this attire couldn’t cover up her sensational figure.

“Freya? Is it really you, Freya?”

“Yeah, it’s been a while, Anima.”

“Freya!!”

The woman runs and embraces Freya.

Hot tears stream down Anima’s cheek.

“You still cry easily.”

Saying such words while patting the back of Anima, who is called this.

After the two exchange a short reunion, people start to emerge one by one from within the shelter.

“Wow, that person….”

“It’s the Commander!”

The students of the Number 6 Fangju Academy, recognizing Freya, begin to buzz with hopeful voices.

As the surrounding becomes noisy, Anima separates from Freya.

“Anima, are these everyone here?”

“Uhh. We escaped with the students and others, accommodating everyone nearby as well, but there was no time to go out and rescue more people, I’m sorry….”

Freya shakes her head while looking at Anima, whose spirit has deflated.

“No, it’s better that way. We might have drawn unnecessary attention from that thing and caused more trouble. You’ve done well.”

“Uhh… Thank you, even if it’s just words.”

Anima responds, thinking Freya is merely trying to comfort her.

However, contrary to Anima’s thoughts, the words Freya had just spoken were straightforwardly her honest feelings.

‘Strange…’

The enemies’ actions feel not just suspicious but alien.

Until now, every Invader she had encountered attacked people, but their basic behavior was reminiscent of soldiers following sound strategies and tactics.

But today, at least the ones who raided this Fangju, were different.

The transformation of familiar enemies.

From their actions, Freya felt as if the Invaders were targeting humans themselves.

‘First priority is to escape here.’

After finishing her thoughts, she speaks to Anima.

“It’s also dangerous here. Let’s talk while we move. Tell everyone to come out.”

“Ah, okay!”

People follow Freya’s lead and exit the academy building.

The middle-aged man and soldiers following her guard the survivors from the back.

In due time, an armored suit arrives.

[Commander, the vehicles are ready.]

After reporting, behind the armored suit, a large truck and bus become visible.

“Good job.”

With the number of people compared to the vehicles, it’s far from enough.

But now is not the time for complaints.

“Load the people who have difficulty moving and the children into the vehicles first. The rest will move on foot.”

[Understood.]

The group evacuating the academy.

In the distance, the convoy led by Ryuje and his troops lines up.

“Director! What about over there?”

“All is set, let’s just get out of here—”

Ryuje’s words are cut off.

A piercing flash in the distance.

Both Ryuje and Freya react to it and rush forward as the thunder echoes soon after.

Plasma fire aimed at them.

“HAAAA!!”

Freya, sprinting ahead of Ryuje, grits her teeth and smashes the ground with all her might.

Kuuu-bang!

Chunks of concrete and asphalt crack and fly upwards amidst the dust.

Behind her, Ryuje raises his hand toward the sky with a loud voice.

“Blood Magic – Bloody Bats.”

The red orbs rising and dispersing around Ryuje.

They explode with a ‘Pung,’ giving birth to hundreds, thousands of blood-red bats.

The bats attach themselves to the surging asphalt.

And— the plasma strikes directly.

“Uuuhh…!”

The explosion of intense heat and overwhelming shockwave.

But neither Ryuje nor Freya step back.

A storm of heat so intense it makes it hard to even keep their eyes open.

“HYYYYAA!!”

Freya confirms the asphalt melting and strikes the ground again.

“Blood Magic – Bloody Bats!”

Ryuje also reuses his ability to replenish the bats.

For the sake of those they need to protect, the two do not retreat.

After the same actions are repeated several times, the power of the plasma weakens and disperses, vanishing.

“Huff….”

Freya regulates her breathing briefly.

“…Just as Edu predicted.”

At that moment, Ryuje lifts his large scythe.

Inside the large crater, in the pitch-black darkness, a red glow rises.

One, then to two, three to five, swiftly expanding numbers of the red sensors.

And, the sound echoes.

Clunk-clunk.

Creak-creak.

The discordant sound of iron grinding spreads as the steel monster advances confidently.

Its side marked with a blue stripe.

[The mission is proceeding smoothly. We will eliminate any interfering elements.]

The assault train Arondight.

Finally, the twin monsters appear in the Fangju.