The whirring of machinery filled the air as construction vehicles churned the turf, transforming the grassy area into a vast square surrounding a domed platform. Above, a high-tech device simulated a sky of blue with fluffy clouds, intricate hexagonal patterns visible upon closer inspection. Steel plates formed simple structures around the perimeter, suggesting an artificial environment.
Within this setting, Mo Zhi felt as though she were in a gladiatorial arena, surrounded by unseen monitors scrutinizing her every move.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): "Loading scenario 217 in dynamic simulation dome 314."
With a clang, the broadcast ended, and the entire square plunged into darkness. Ash's voice echoed from the void, "Let's see what you're capable of."
The simulated sky and clouds were instantly replaced by a landscape of yellow sand and mountains, a swift ecological transformation.
AI: "Transferring rebel test subject..."
In the next moment, several Rebel infantry soldiers appeared on the platform in the square.
"Another test, get ready!"
"Grab your weapons!"
"We barely made it last time!"
"Shut up and pick up your guns!"
Clearly, these Rebel infantry soldiers were no strangers to this situation. Ash seemed to relish this cat-and-mouse game, a torment she inflicted upon her fellow Rebels. Thinking this, Mo Zhi's gaze turned cold. She vowed that if she ever got the chance, Ash would learn that a cornered mouse would bite back.
"Look! A Pilot! The odds are in our favor now!"
To the average Rebel infantry soldier, a Pilot was akin to a deity. However, some seasoned Rebels sensed something amiss. "This won't benefit us. Keep your aim steady." The presence of an additional Pilot meant their common enemy would be even more formidable.
As expected, the first wave consisted only of Spectres. With Mo Zhi's arrival, they managed to hold off this initial assault. But the next wave, heralded by the descent of a Titan named Scorch, plunged all the Rebels into despair!
"What the hell is that?!"
"It's Scorch! Blast it!"
"Watch out!"
Screams erupted across the square, "Ah!!!" Even Mo Zhi felt a flicker of unease facing the sudden appearance of the Scorch Titan. Witnessing her comrades die while being powerless to save them ignited a burning hatred within her.
BT: "Pilot, your heart rate has increased. Is something troubling you?"
Responding to BT's calm inquiry, Mo Zhi, who was being chased and dodging frantically, managed to reply, "I'm very busy right now, BT!" The thought of BT leisurely dangling somewhere, swinging its short legs, while she was in such a dire situation instantly ignited her temper! She spun around and unleashed a rapid barrage of fire!
*Da-da-da-da!*
The flamethrower spewed scarlet flames, and dense bullets rained down on Scorch, a manifestation of Mo Zhi's overwhelming fury. "You killed my comrades! I'll make you pay!"
BT: "Pilot and Titan link re-established. Cooper, there's a lot of ordnance in this building. I see it on the production line."
BT's reminder this time was incredibly timely. During a reload break, Mo Zhi turned and ducked into the structure beneath the platform.
Ash: "Amusing. We can make things more interesting!"
*BOOM!*
A deafening roar echoed from the sky. As the dust settled, another Scorch Titan lay on the ground. Numerous explosive spiders accompanied it.
"Another one?" Mo Zhi's scalp tingled at the sight of the dense explosive spiders and two menacing Scorches. However, equipped with new gear, Mo Zhi was far from helpless!
*Boom boom!!*
She first detonated the explosive spiders closest to her, then, with her hands free, detonated the spiders next to Scorch. The dense explosive spiders acted like barrels of gunpowder; the moment the first one exploded, a chain reaction occurred. One Scorch Titan, unable to evade in time, was blown to pieces.
Ash: "IMC really owes me for improving their Scorch. It seems I need to renegotiate a contract."
Ash spoke slowly, as if the destroyed unit were mere insignificant trash. *In that case,* Mo Zhi thought, *let me help you scrap another one.* Without hesitation, Mo Zhi unleashed her full firepower, wall-running, jumping, and executing a mid-air double attack. The second Scorch Titan exploded in response.
Ash: "That's strange... This took longer than expected. You should have been dead by now!"
Hearing Ash's exasperated voice, Mo Zhi let out a sigh of relief!
"Kappa-1, proceed immediately to Dome 314. Target: eliminate the Rebel Pilot. Received, over." Through the radio, Ash began deploying troops.
IMC Infantry: "Received!"
They were unaware that their radio communications were being monitored by Cooper. Upon receiving the message, Ash broadcasted again: "I admire your tenacity, but this is where it all ends." As Ash finished speaking, the dome cracked open, revealing the true scene behind the structure. IMC infantry poured out from the interior.
Seeing this, Mo Zhi's eyes lit up. An excellent opportunity! She opened the assault with Arc Grenades, closed the distance, and unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks, leaving the IMC infantry annihilated! Who would have thought that a Pilot was not only proficient with all weapons but also terrifyingly skilled in hand-to-hand combat! After dispatching the enemies, Mo Zhi slipped into the interior, escaping the domed arena.
Ash: "Indeed, IMC infantry lacks your resolve."
Ash: "Perhaps I should intervene personally."
Mo Zhi: "I was hoping you would."
Mo Zhi snorted and plunged into a small tunnel, escaping. A moment later, Brisker's voice came through the radio: "Ash, tell me you killed that Pilot."
Ash: "I'm handling him."
Brisker: "Stop... playing..." Brisker's exasperated voice could be felt even through the radio.
Ash: "I've been working all my life... Can't I enjoy my job?"
Brisker: "No. You need to deal with it quickly."
Ash: "Understood."
Brisker: "Don't worry. With the bonus for taking him down, you can buy all the toys you want." Brisker's management skills were impeccable, masterfully manipulating Ash with a carrot and stick approach.
'Toys (lame joke)'
'I want to know if it's electric?'
'Toys♂ I want'
'So vivid I just ordered it online.'
'Vibrating player, Hahaha!'
'Arrest them all! All of them!'
The chat was on fire, but Mo Zhi, oblivious to the outside world, was solely focused on finding the control room. Finally, on a platform high on the cliff's edge, she located the control switch.
"Re-replenish Beastrestraint array," the AI announced immediately after she pressed the switch.
Simultaneously, Ash issued her own command: "I have some bad news for you. Due to a security breach..."
"I have recommended the demolition of the entire building."
"..."
This madwoman! Mo Zhi's eyebrows knitted together in displeasure. To blow up such a massive super production facility with all its functional equipment! What a wasteful woman! Fortunately, her long efforts were finally rewarded with some good news. BT's voice, long absent, finally came through:
"Pilot, I don't know what you did, but a series of explosions have loosened the mechanical arm. I've escaped. This place is collapsing, and I recommend we leave as soon as possible. We're not far; the marker is visible overhead."
Mo Zhi glanced at the coordinates on the upper left corner. Less than two hundred meters. Accelerating her pace, she dashed forward, eager to reunite with BT!