Volume 6 Chapter 35: Giant Shadow
Volume 6 Chapter 35: Giant Shadow
(Walson)
The size of that thing is like a mountain; that's the only way to describe it.
It’s like a small mountain, at least twenty meters high by visual estimation, with a spherical body as the main structure, a sharp bird-like beak for a head, two massive claws, and countless steel tentacles supporting its bulky frame.
It resembles a gigantic steel octopus, with wear and tear marks and moss all over it, telling a story of its long history.
Two chimneys on its back emit wisps of steam, with a faint red glow visible.
Even from a distance, you can hear the hair-raising sound of gears turning.
At the same time, the lines covering its entire body emit a strange glow, giving it a somewhat magical appearance.
I’m not very sensitive to magical energy, but I could tell that this thing possesses an enormous amount of it, far surpassing any Steam Motion Armor I've ever seen.
The "Azure Queen" is not even in the same league.
I know clearly that this is a product of the highest technology and the finest magical craftsmanship in this world.
"That is 'Obelisk'... the Protector," Chuck said with a very complicated expression.
"The Protector?" I asked.
"It was the ultimate weapon used to repel the allied forces during past invasions," he explained.
"Wait, ultimate weapon!?" I couldn't ignore that.
So, that's the rumored Gundam that single-handedly defeated the invading allied forces!? Wow!
"It hasn't been activated for many years, and usually, we don't even keep the Thermodynamic Core inside to prevent misuse, but..."
But it had been activated now, and worse, it was equipped with a contaminated Thermodynamic Core.
I’m not entirely sure of the principle, but the contaminated Thermodynamic Core can affect the operator’s mind, turning this Steam Motion Armor into an uncontrollable beast!
This symptom is exactly like the frenzied beasts from past withering incidents.
Is it related to Herobrine or Lori Aivett?
Although it's puzzling, now is not the time to focus on that.
The disaster wasn't over; several beams of light converged and swirled in front of the Obelisk's head.
The next moment, white light illuminated the entire cavern, and several mountains were engulfed in flames.
Strategic-level magic! High-destructive magic meant for fighting legion-level opponents, now used to slaughter civilians after the purple sun of Tuvok was brought down.
In the vast underground space, I could faintly hear the panicked shouts, cries, and fleeing of the crowd.
The capital's functions had completely collapsed.
That was the culprit behind the attack on Tuvok, the ultimate card meant to protect the nation, now turned into a monstrous being.
If this continues, this prosperous city, Dying Steel Citadel, will become a hellish inferno like the Labyrinth of Flame.
After experiencing so much, I realized that even if no one asked for my help, I couldn't stand idly by in the face of such suffering.
With power comes responsibility. I've always avoided Uncle Peter Parker's old saying, but eventually, I’ve come back to it.
"I say, if I dismantle the Titan... um, your Protector, is that okay?"
"Dis-dismantle!?
"Sir Walson, can you really do that!?"
"Help me out here. Can you handle the other berserk Steam Motion Armor? I can only deal with the Obelisk, but the evacuation and eliminating other threats still depend on you. I can’t fight this battle alone," I said.
Besides the giant mech wreaking havoc in the city, there were quite a few other berserk Steam Motion Armors.
"But, Walson, we have no means to transport soldiers anymore—!"
"You are the future king," I interrupted Chuck. "If even you give up, this country is really done for. Don’t let an outsider teach you this lesson."
Upon hearing this, Chuck was stunned and remained silent for a long time. Suddenly, as if he had thought of something, he looked up.
It seemed he had found his answer.
"Leica, let's go. We still have important matters to attend to." Chuck turned around and quickly left on the iron sphere they had come in.
"Prince Chuck!?" Leica hurriedly followed.
On the hilltop of this earthen fortress, I was left alone.
I took a deep breath. Now that everyone had left, it was time for me to take action.
A shadow streaked across the sky, diving down and landing beside me.
"Ready?"
"The injuries have stabilized. Belle is staying there to look after things; it should be fine," said Barrella, retracting the black wings of the "Fallen Angel."
She couldn't help but add, "I still can't believe the dwarves' Elemental Guardian is a giant cat."
"My Elemental Guardian is a tree," I replied. "Grace will take you out to join Alice and the others. This city is very dangerous right now—Ah, ouch, ouch, ouch!"
"No," Barrella said coldly, twisting my ear. "If it's dangerous, I should stay."
"But—ow, ow, ow!" I tried to protest, but another sharp pain stopped me.
"...Walson, I told you, one more time and I won't forgive you." Grace appeared beside me at some point, pinching my cheek.
Though she remained expressionless, I could sense she was on the verge of anger.
"I don’t like this kind of behavior. Such an exciting event and you didn’t include me." Derisha swayed her legs, sitting on the front desk with her back to me, a blade of grass in her mouth.
She smiled, but her eyes were filled with fighting spirit as she looked at the Titan.
"Master, I am always at your service," Melon said seriously as she approached me.
Then, as if remembering something, she added, "But if you order me to leave you and run away, Master, I can't hear that."
As she spoke, Melon covered her ears, making Barrella and Grace laugh.
Oh wow, all of my wives are here!
"Wait, don't misunderstand, this battle really isn’t suitable for you all, so..." I tried to explain, but under the piercing gaze of four sharp pairs of eyes, I swallowed my words about sending them to safety.
Since when did I become so afraid of my wives?
"...So you all should stay by my side and watch for now. This battle will be fought by something else. Hehe, these are front-row seats."
With that, I took out a device resembling an earphone and put it on.
"Go, it's your turn! Liberty Babie!"