The battlefield crackled with tension as the enemy pilot launched a missile point-blank at Takumi's Gespenst Mk-II. The missile streaked through the air with deadly speed, leaving Takumi with little room to maneuver or dodge.
With a surge of adrenaline, Takumi's instincts took over. He knew that evading the missile was nearly impossible at such close range, so he made a split-second decision. Reacting with lightning speed, he swung his plasma blade through the air, slicing the missile cleanly in half before it could impact his mech.
The explosion that followed was fierce and blinding. Fire and debris engulfed both mechs in a blinding maelstrom of chaos. The shockwave reverberated through the air, and Takumi felt the impact rattle his cockpit as the force of the explosion surged around him.
For a moment, time seemed to stand still as smoke and flames obscured his vision. The deafening roar of the explosion echoed in his ears, drowning out all other sounds. His heart pounded in his chest, and his grip on the controls tightened as he fought to regain his bearings.
As the smoke and flames gradually cleared, Takumi's eyes widened at the sight before him. Both mechs had taken a heavy hit from the explosion, their armor scorched and battered. His Gespenst Mk-II stood amidst the aftermath, its systems blinking and flickering as they struggled to recover from the shockwave.
Takumi's breaths came in ragged bursts as he surveyed the damage. The enemy mech, once formidable and menacing, now appeared crippled and unresponsive. The battlefield was a chaotic tableau of destruction, a testament to the intensity of their clash.
Dr. Koch's voice crackled over the transmission, breaking the tension in the aftermath of the explosion. "Alpha, stand down. The battle is over."
Takumi's grip on the controls eased, his plasma blade retracting as he followed Dr. Koch's command. His Gespenst Mk-II powered down, its systems humming as he caught his breath. The relief of the battle's end washed over him, mingling with the lingering rush of adrenaline.
A squad of four mechs arrived on the scene, their presence a stark reminder of the facility's control over him and the situation. They surrounded both the damaged Gespenst Mk-II units, securing them for transport. Takumi watched as his and the enemy pilot's mechs were loaded onto transport platforms.
When they returned to the base, Takumi disembarked from his mech, his body stiff from the intensity of the battle. As he stood there, he couldn't help but notice the commotion around him. People were gathered around the unconscious soldier, and he felt a twinge of curiosity as he saw them removing her mask.
To his surprise, the face revealed was that of a woman with striking heterochromia eyes—one red and the other green. Recognition struck him like a bolt of lightning. She was Katina Tarask, a character from the game, a military test pilot who played a crucial role in saving the world. The realization was surreal, as if a fictional character had been brought to life before his eyes.
Katina awoke not long after, her determined eyes scanning her surroundings as she assessed her condition. Ignoring the presence of the doctors who arrived to check on both her and Takumi, she began to conduct her own assessment. Takumi watched in fascination as she moved with a commanding presence, her actions reflecting a deep sense of self-assuredness.
Takumi observed Katina's features, noting her long wavy blonde hair and her sharp eyes that mirrored her strong-willed nature. Her presence was striking, and he couldn't help but be captivated by her demeanor.
However, the air grew tense as Dr. Koch and Dr. Setme arrived on the scene, their expressions visibly angered by the turn of events. Dr. Setme spoke first as she said, “What have you done? Because of you we almost lost valuable data.”
“Yes, your actions cannot be overlooked. You shall be punished for disobeying our orders.” said Dr. Koch
"You must be the esteemed doctors in charge," Katina said with a touch of sarcasm, her voice dripping with annoyance. "I would think that the first thing you’d normally be worried about would be the safety of the pilots not some worthless data. I was also merely following your orders to be a test pilot for this facility. My conduct was within the parameters you set for me. If you have concerns about my actions, feel free to take it up with my superiors."
As Katina stood there, her presence defiant and unyielding, Dr. Koch's and Dr. Setme's expressions turned to one of sheer displeasure. They exchanged a quick glance, their eyes narrowing as they assessed the situation.
Dr. Setme's voice cut through the tension, her tone laced with a cold edge. "And who do you think you are, young lady? This is our facility, and you will adhere to our rules and protocols."
Dr. Koch's lips curled into a disdainful sneer as he added, "You damaged two valuable mechs and compromised our data collection. Your reckless behavior will not go unnoticed or unpunished."
Katina's gaze remained steady, her lips curling into a wry smile. "Oh, forgive me if I'm not too concerned about your precious mechs or your data. I'm here to do a job, and I intend to do it my way."
Dr. Setme's eyes flashed with anger as she retorted, "Your way? This is not a playground, Ms. Tarask. Your superiors may have approved your participation, but that does not grant you carte blanche to act without consequences."
Katina's smile remained intact as she met Dr. Setme's gaze head-on. "Consequences? I'll gladly face any consequences for my actions, but I won't be reprimanded for doing exactly what I was told. If you have an issue with my conduct, take it up with those who authorized it."
Dr. Koch's frustration was palpable as he clenched his fists, his voice strained. "You're treading on thin ice, young lady. The School does not tolerate insubordination or disrespect."
Katina's expression hardened as she spoke, her voice steady and unwavering. "I don't owe you or this facility any respect. I'm here because I choose to be, and I'll fulfill my duties as I see fit."
With those final words, Katina turned on her heel and walked away, her steps confident and purposeful. Dr. Koch and Dr. Setme were left standing there, their anger evident in their clenched jaws and rigid postures.
