Whoosh, whoosh.
"What do you think the PROJECT people are really up to?"
Melonda and Euland had already arrived at the location mentioned in Roland's message. The PROJECT forces were positioned far away, and it didn't look like they intended to launch a full-scale assault.
"How would I know what they're thinking? Their boss is impossible to read. Or rather… he just does whatever comes to mind."
Euland narrowed his eyes as he watched the distant PROJECT forces.
Melonda nodded in agreement.
Suddenly, both of their expressions sharpened. A massive PROJECT transport aircraft had appeared above the PROJECT formation.
This had never happened before.
"Do you think… they're waiting for whatever's inside?"
"…Possible. But would they really delay the battle just to wait for supplies?"
"Maybe what's inside can decide the outcome in one move?"
"…Maybe…"
Both of them couldn't hide their concern. If it really was something that could determine the outcome of the war, then it had to be even more terrifying than the three giant robots from before.
A nuclear weapon did not seem likely. Even that would not decide the war. It would only escalate it.
"What gives them this kind of confidence…"
Euland muttered under his breath.
Soon, a scene unfolded that left all New United States and European Space Agency troops stunned.
The PROJECT army, composed entirely of mechanical soldiers, suddenly dropped to one knee in unison, facing inward toward a single point. Then, one by one, they lowered their heads.
"Damn… what is this?"
A New United States soldier sucked in a breath and spoke in a hushed voice.
"How would I know… Maybe it's their boss…"
"If that's the case, their boss sure knows how to make an entrance…"
"Making an entire army kneel… damn…"
As they whispered among themselves, none of them noticed the change. In an instant, every mechanical soldier's eyes turned red.
Then, a figure slowly appeared at the center of the formation. The surrounding units stepped aside to make way.
The already towering form of the Super Body became even more imposing, framed by the kneeling mechanical soldiers.
Melonda and Euland immediately noticed its arrival. Its size, the terrifying energy fluctuations, and the sheer dominance of its entrance all spoke of something extraordinary. But compared to the giant robots from before… it almost seemed underwhelming.
"That's their secret weapon?"
"I think… so?"
There was clear uncertainty in both their voices. After exchanging a glance, they made the same decision. They would test it.
With the order given, the New United States and European Space Agency forces began advancing. A large contingent quickly moved toward the Super Body.
The Super Body simply watched them, unmoving. Only the cloak behind it fluttered in the violent wind.
As the advancing forces closed in on the PROJECT troops, the mechanical soldiers remained completely still. Melonda and Euland could not make sense of it, but they continued pushing forward.
Meanwhile, Chris and Boros, watching everything through aerial drones, remained completely unconcerned. They had already left the command channel and were casually drinking.
Just as Melonda and Euland were about to give the order to attack, the Super Body moved.
Their eyes narrowed.
It raised one hand slightly and made a stopping gesture.
Whoosh.
"…Is this a joke?"
Melonda turned to Euland, frowning.
Euland looked completely different. Cold sweat soaked his forehead. His lips were pale and trembling.
"This… this… this… impossible… impossible… there's no way…"
"What are you talking about? Snap out of it…"
Melonda was about to lose his temper when he suddenly realized it too.
He swallowed.
A drop of cold sweat slid down his temple.
"This has to be a joke… how could something like this exist…"
Whoosh, whoosh.
The fierce wind still howled across the battlefield, but neither side moved.
Then the Super Body slowly lowered its hand.
What happened next sent a chill through everyone present.
At that single gesture, every soldier and every machine on the New United States and European Space Agency side lost control of their bodies. They all dropped to one knee and bowed their heads.
Heavy footsteps echoed.
The Super Body walked to the center of all forces, then slowly raised its head and looked toward the satellites above.
A flash of crimson light crossed its eyes.
In that instant, every faction watching through satellites lost their feed. All screens went black.
A single moment. That was all it took to shake the entire world.
Boom.
The Super Body slammed its massive hammer into the ground, then raised its right hand high.
Crackling electricity erupted across the battlefield.
After a long surge of current, everything fell silent.
"I am Destiny. I am the Ruler. This is my world. I control everything here. I protect everything. This is… the Super Body."
In an instant, an indescribable fear spread through everyone present, filling their hearts at terrifying speed.
Immediately after, every network-connected device belonging to the New United States and European Space Agency forces was seized.
Euland and Melonda lost control of their bodies. Robots surrounded them and restrained them completely.
Among the New United States troops, one man stood out.
His cyberware had been damaged and was no longer connected to the network. He had not been taken over.
Cold sweat soaked his entire body. He trembled uncontrollably.
"Monster. A complete monster."
Suddenly, the light around him dimmed.
His body stiffened as he slowly looked up.
The towering form of the Super Body stood right in front of him.
He closed his eyes, waiting for death.
But the Super Body simply walked past him.
He stared blankly at its departing figure.
At that moment, he finally understood what it meant.
"I protect everything."