THUD.
THUD.
THUD.
Heavy footsteps echoed through the metallic halls like distant thunder.
The bunker shuddered with each step.
Colo pressed her back against the cold wall, scrap-built rifle clutched tightly in her hands. Her eyes flicked upward.
Dust trickled from the ceiling.
They were already inside.
Her mind raced.
"Okay. Breathe. Don't panic. You built that electric rockstar guitar for a reason. You've trained for this. Probably."
The footsteps grew louder. Closer. Measured.
Then—
Nothing.
Silence.
Colo risked a glance around the corner…
Nothing.
Then—
CRASH!
The wall beside her exploded into shards of scrap metal and dust.
Something had ripped through it like paper.
She fell backward, scrambling, raising her electric guitar-weapon in defense.
And then—she saw them.
Glowing Orange eyes.
A wide, jagged smile.
White plating stained with oil… and blood.
An Eradicator Robot.
"Whoa! Whoa whoa—easy, girl!" the drone said, stepping back and raising its hands.
His voice was… casual. Way too casual.
Colo blinked.
"That's not normal.
Eradicator Robots didn't talk like that.
Or hesitate."
She didn't lower her weapon.
Her voice was cold. Suspicious.
"...You're one of them."
The robot tilted his head.
His smile widened—mischievous, almost playful.
"Technically, yeah! Name's Rt1. Nice to meet you. Please don't swing at me."
He waved like he was greeting a neighbor.
Not someone he was programmed to kill.
Colo stared at him.
What the hell is this guy's deal?
Then—
BOOM.
A second drone slammed into the hallway behind Rt1.
This one was different. Taller. Sleeker. Built for speed and precision.
Orange eyes burned like fire beneath a sleek black frame.
His name was Maki.
His voice cut through the cold like a blade.
"Rt1, stop talking to the enemy and kill her already!"
Colo didn't wait.
She ran.
Sprinting down the corridor, boots slamming against the metal floor.
Great. There's two of them now! she thought.
Behind her, the sharp shriek of metal echoed with every footstep of Maki's pursuit.
Bullets screamed past her, sparking off walls.
She dove into a side hall, slid into her hideout, and slammed the reinforced blast door shut behind her.
She leaned against the wall, panting.
Heart pounding.
Or whatever she had instead of one.
She muttered to herself.
"This was a terrible idea."
Then—
Knock. Knock.
A soft tap on the other side of the door.
And a voice.
"…So. What are you building in there, anyway?"
Rt1.
Still curious.
Still not trying to kill her.
Colo narrowed her eyes, jaw tightening.
"…A way to fight back."