Chapter 65: Forging Weapons for Humans
"Who exactly are you? Are you from the Chi You clan or the Yellow Emperor's camp? Why do you have that mark on your chest…? Why…?"
General Rylen, who had already faced Starscream once, was stunned by the scene before him. While Starscream had acted strangely before, his sudden transformation from supposed villain to hero was completely unexpected and took everyone by surprise.
However, this Starscream seemed more intrigued by these humans ... they could clearly distinguish between Autobots and Decepticons. And judging by their words, such things had started hundreds or even thousands of years ago ... perhaps in an age long forgotten. What exactly had happened back then?
"Humans, although we've interacted before, we've never truly talked. Tell me, what happened on your planet? Why were those Huns so obsessed with the Decepticon mark, while you seem to worship those mediocre Autobots? It's truly baffling! What could those weak Autobots possibly offer you? And clearly, your current civilization cannot even accept transformable machines, can it?"
After weakening the Predacon in front of him, Starscream turned his attention away from the black robotic panther that watched him menacingly. Instead, he descended from the air and stood before General Rylen.
Though the young man hadn't changed much since Starscream first saw him, he still looked rather striking in his steel armor. Yet to Starscream, that armor seemed as fragile as paper.
"You… you're not really the brother of the Great Demon God Chi You, are you? Then why were you with those people before? And… I saw those Huns worshiping you, but now you've become…"
To these tiny beings, Starscream's changes were utterly incomprehensible.
From the little information available, this planet had originally been ruled by two Transformer factions. Unlike those on Cybertron, these groups were neither united nor friendly ... they had waged a long war over certain matters.
These humble humans, who had never seen any extraterrestrial civilization, couldn't form their own judgments; they could only choose sides based on preference.
The Huns and their ancestors clearly thrived on the thrill of battle, so it made sense that they would resonate more with the Decepticons' style. Meanwhile, the peaceful Autobots might have given General Rylen or his ancestors some kind of guidance or legacy.
Thus, through continuous contact with both Transformer factions, humans who followed their respective beliefs also split apart, fighting among themselves for thousands of years ... eventually forming entirely different nations and civilizations.
However, for lower-level civilizations, the destructive ideology of the Decepticons was difficult to accept. In a broader sense, they were the universe's largest band of marauders ... always seeking to take without giving, plundering others' resources. The ancestors of General Rylen likely suffered greatly under them ... hence the deep-seated hatred.
"You're quite amusing. I ask you a question, and you turn it into a philosophical one? Do you really think someone like me owes you an explanation?"
In truth, Starscream didn't care which side he was on. He would help whichever offered the greatest benefits and freedom. After all, his life as the Decepticon Air Commander had been rather comfortable.
However, the Transformer System seemed displeased with Starscream's direct manner of communication. If he kept questioning like this, it would be difficult to gather valuable information.
"Host, if you wish to extract more accurate and useful information, you should be kind to these ordinary humans. I personally recommend giving them small gifts to win their trust!"
Admittedly, the system behaved quite humanly ... treating both Autobots and these so-called humans without prejudice.
Still, its words reminded Starscream of something similar he'd learned in his combat logic training ... something that might come in handy now.
"Fine! You're General Rylen, right? As a token of my sincerity, I've decided to give you, kid, a gift. You should be grateful!"
But wait ... Starscream didn't really have anything that ordinary humans could use.
Data analysis indicated that these humans preferred carbohydrates and other organic life forms. Starscream's energy was definitely not usable to them. And giving them modern weapons would completely disrupt the balance of this era ... putting him in quite the dilemma.
Just then, before Red Spider's gaze could shift to the immobilized robotic panther beside him, the creature's central circuit suddenly began to pulse ... a revolutionary idea flashed through his mind.
Could this be the perfect material?
Since the robotic panther was already crippled, and given its design, it was unlikely to ever transform again. So why not dismantle it and forge a fine sword as a gift for that human named General Rylen?
A beam of red light shot from Red Spider's laser weapon, piercing through the fallen panther's left eye and exiting through the right, blowing apart its mechanical skull. From it spilled numerous yellow and green cables, along with graphite-like particles. Even with its strong regenerative abilities, this prehistoric beast couldn't withstand a close-range blast from Red Spider.
Boom!
Clang! Clang! Clang!
"This… what is this…? Isn't that your companion?"
General Rylen grew even more bewildered as Red Spider ran toward the fallen black mech-panther and tore a steel plate from its chest.
"I'll forge you a new weapon, kid! This guy's armor is far superior to that scrap you're wearing!"
(End of Chapter)