The purpose of the high-threat target remained a mystery. Given that the target was associating with members of 'Wildfire,' it was tentatively assumed that its goals aligned with theirs.
Svarog analyzed the unfolding situation with cold precision. His thoughts raced, trying to anticipate Felicity's next move.
"According to my calculations, the surface civilization is on the brink of collapse. To survive, we must retreat underground. The power of the lower regions is insufficient to stave off the impending disaster."
His gaze locked on Felicity, the red lights of his camera flickering relentlessly.
"In light of Clara's persuasion, I will ask a question and, based on your answer, I will decide on my stance. Question: High-threat target, what is your purpose?"
"Purpose?"
Felicity's brow arched ever so slightly, the faintest smirk playing on her lips.
"Meaning... we have a chance to extract information without resorting to conflict?"
March 7th quickly leaned in, whispering urgently,
"Sister Feli, use your unmatched charisma to talk your way out of this..."
Dan Heng also nodded, adding in a low voice, "I recall Wildfire claiming that Svarog is the only one who might know about the Stellaron's existence. If his goal is to protect the lower districts, we could present our case, warn him about the Stellaron's dangers, and prove we can handle the problem. We might just get a lead on it."
"Just tell him there's a Stellaron inside me!"
Stelle, ever the impulsive one, shot her hand up.
"Not now."
Seele's swift intervention was almost too late as she clamped her hands over Stelle's face, forcing her to stay silent. If Svarog knew about the Stellaron, then Stelle's presence would be seen as nothing more than a ticking time bomb in his eyes.
"But I don't know how to make it explode!" Stelle huffed in frustration.
"Enough with the distractions, let's just dive into it already."
Seele sighed, exasperated by the situation. She couldn't follow the flow of thoughts shared by Felicity and the others—here they were, facing a dangerous enemy, yet they were still chatting as if it were some casual conversation.
None of it made sense.
After taking in the thoughts of her team, Felicity turned back to Svarog, a gleam of determination in her eyes.
"We're here for the [Stellaron]."
She emphasized the word "Stellaron" as if daring him to ignore its significance.
"..."
Svarog's mechanical gaze seemed to sharpen, a subtle shift in his posture that indicated a deeper focus. He did not respond immediately.
"Access denied... calling the database. Discussion of the [Stellaron] with unauthorized entities: prohibited. You are trespassing on secrets sealed deep within the fabric of the world—secrets no human should possess."
Svarog's voice echoed with an unsettling warning.
"Reassessing target... Threat level: elevated. I demand you reveal your true intentions!"
So he did have a reaction after all.
Felicity merely nodded, a hint of satisfaction in her expression.
"We've come from beyond the stars to put an end to the catastrophe at its core."
Her voice rang clear and unyielding.
"...The end."
Svarog's mechanical pause stretched on, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.
"Throughout history, humans have sought to control the Stellaron, driven by greed and selfishness. Not once has it ended well for them."
"Architects' Directive: Any attempt to interact with the Stellaron shall lead to catastrophic consequences. Re-evaluating target... Threat level: maximum."
Bronya's eyes widened, a rush of realization sweeping over her: "...You mean, the Architects?"
"The peacekeeping accord is suspended... extermination protocol initiated."
Svarog's face was a blur of seething red, steam billowing from his form as if the very air around him was charged with lethal energy. He was ready for battle.
"He just mentioned the Architects... It seems your mother has kept more secrets than you know."
Felicity's words were sharp as she turned to Bronya, her gaze a mixture of amusement and something darker.
"...There is no proof of my mother's existence... But the people of Cocolia are aware of the truth. The Supreme Guardian has been passed down through eighteen generations. One of the Architects must have hidden the Stellaron's secret."
Bronya shook her head, the weight of her thoughts pressing heavily on her.
"Oh my, is now really the time for this? Isn't that giant robot about to attack us?"
March 7th instinctively took a step back, her eyes wide with unease. The laser blast Svarog had just unleashed on Felicity's position was not something any of them could easily withstand.
"Mr. Svarog, please don't—"
Clara's voice was a desperate plea as she grabbed the collar of her ally, her face filled with genuine concern.
She had never heard Svarog speak of "annihilation," but she was well aware of his unmatched power. Even with Wildfire's reinforcements, she doubted they could stand against him. And with those who claimed to be from space, she wasn't sure they could win either.
She couldn't bear to see anyone harmed, especially not in such a senseless manner.
But Svarog's programming lacked any hint of empathy.
"Prototype No. 3—'Monitoring Automaton' Svarog, extermination protocol status: authorized."
With a single, cold motion, Svarog raised his hand, a searing light flickering ominously from his palm.
"Well..."
Felicity exhaled in a soft sigh, as if the impending conflict was simply a minor inconvenience.
She flicked her wrist, and the air around her twisted. Vines erupted from the ground, coiling around Svarog's massive frame, binding him with an almost effortless grace.
Another vine snaked toward Clara, pulling her safely away from the danger. Bronya moved to support her, worry etched on her face.
"Perhaps the robots I've known are simply too intelligent for their own good... Perhaps I should have expected more from you."
Felicity's lips curled into a wry smile as she summoned a wooden spear, its form coalescing in the air above Svarog's head.
Since her battle on the space station, she had gained a much firmer grasp on her abilities. Svarog was no longer a threat she had to fear.
"High-threat target, neutralizing!"
A thick plume of smoke exploded from Svarog's body as the vines constricted. Yet, from behind him, more than ten missiles launched, streaking toward Felicity.
"You've only considered the lower district in your calculations, haven't you? But we come from the stars."
Felicity waved a hand, and a towering flower bloomed before her, its petals glowing with an emerald radiance. The missiles, harmlessly entrapped within the light, exploded harmlessly against its vibrant petals.
"In other words, we are the 'variables' you failed to account for. Your calculations should have been recalibrated long ago."
Her finger hovered dangerously over Svarog as her voice turned icy, her patience fraying at the edges.
"But to be honest, my patience is running thin."
Her words dripped with venom, and yet, her smile remained. Felicity reveled in the chaos—her fun was only just beginning.
A brilliant emerald light erupted behind her, casting eerie shadows over the room. Seele, ever the one to sense danger, looked as if her very soul had been shattered by the sight. Natasha, what did you mean by Felicity not being useful?!
"Please don't hurt Mr. Svarog—"
Clara fought against the vines, her voice breaking with emotion, her eyes filled with tears.
But Felicity paid her no mind. She simply raised her hands, adopting a confident stance.
"So... enemy or ally, choose."
--+--