Reunion

Half an hour later, the Zerg swarm had been completely wiped out. The entire warehouse reeked of charred remains, as though a raging fire had burned for seven days and seven nights. Blackened corpses littered the ground.

The two mechas that had arrived as reinforcements were new-model FK-2000s, medium-sized combat mechas. Though only half the height of the first-generation model, they were agile and nimble, and excelled in narrow, cramped terrain such as warehouses. The flamethrowers they had just used burned a special energy substance, a weapon developed specifically to counter the xenomorphs’ hard outer scales. It was less damaging to other materials than ordinary fire.

The hatch of the scarlet mecha opened, and its pilot, Harriman, jumped to the ground. He frowned, immediately covering his nose and mouth as he began reporting to the Svieman City base.

“Command, this is Ochre. All mission targets have been cleared. I repeat, all mission targets have been cleared. Over...”

The hatch of the other mecha opened, revealing a beautiful blonde pilot. She was Harriman’s adjutant.

Harriman turned to look at the charred xenomorph remains scattered across the ground and asked her, “How about I treat you to some roasted grasshoppers? I hear they’re packed with protein.”

His adjutant frowned and spat out a single word. “Get lost.”

Harriman chuckled, seemingly accustomed to her reaction.

“Click!”

In the corner, the hatch of “Old Booker” opened...