The chamber stayed quiet.
No one moved first.
Nico and Metal Nico stood across from each other, both completely still. The air felt heavier than before, even without the gravity on.
Rex stepped up beside Nico. "So… you're the copy."
Metal Nico didn't react.
Chica crossed her arms. "He looks worse than the original."
"…Agreed," Rex said.
Viper stayed near the controls, watching carefully. "Don't underestimate him."
Metal Nico's eyes flickered.
"…Scanning."
A faint hum filled the room.
Then
"Power levels detected."
Everyone tensed slightly.
Metal Nico spoke in a flat tone.
"Nico. Power level: 1,500."
No reaction.
"Rex. Power level: 1,300."
Rex smirked. "Not bad."
"Viper. Power level: 600."
Viper sighed. "Yeah, yeah."
"Chica. Power level: 400."
Chica clicked her tongue. "Whatever."
A short pause.
Then
"Metal Nico. Power level: 950."
Silence.
Then Rex burst out laughing.
"950? That's it?"
Nico let out a small laugh too. "…You came all this way for that?"
Chica shook her head. "That's embarrassing."
Metal Nico didn't move.
"…Incorrect."
His body shifted.
The red metal began to change.
Color drained.
Replaced.
Blue.
The glow in his eyes sharpened instantly.
The air changed.
"Drone Killer Mode activated."
A shockwave burst out.
Viper's eyes widened. "…No way."
"Power level: 9,500."
Silence.
The smiles disappeared.
Nico's expression hardened.
"…Oh."
Rex straightened. "…That's more like it."
Then
Metal Nico moved.
Gone.
No sound.
No build up.
Just gone.
And then
He was in front of Rex.
Like he teleported.
Rex's eyes widened
Too late.
CRACK.
The punch slammed straight into his gut.
The entire chamber shook.