"The high-threat target's purpose remains unknown. Given their association with members of 'Wildfire,' it is temporarily speculated that their objectives align with Wildfire's."
Svarog analyzed the current situation, attempting to predict Felicity's next moves.
"According to calculation results, surface civilization is approaching its end. For preservation, remaining underground is the only option. The lower zone's strength is insufficient to prevent the coming disaster."
His camera lens glowing with intermittent red light, he stared at Felicity.
"In consideration of Clara's appeal, I will pose a question. After evaluating your response, I will express my stance. Query: High-threat target, what is your purpose?"
"Purpose?"
Felicity slightly raised an eyebrow.
"That means we might get information without fighting!"
March 7th quickly whispered.
"Felicity, quick, use your legendary silver tongue to think of something..."
Dan Heng also nodded in reminder: "I recall Wildfire claimed Svarog is the only robot who might know about the Stellaron's existence. If his goal is to protect the people of the lower zone, then clearly stating the Stellaron's dangers and proving our capability to handle it might give us clues about the Stellaron."
"Tell him I have a Stellaron inside me!"
Stelle immediately raised her hand.
"Keep it down."
March 7th immediately pinched Stelle's cheek and pushed her down. If Svarog truly knew about Stellaron, wouldn't Stelle appear as a time bomb in his perspective?
"But I won't explode!"
Stelle complained discontentedly.
"Since we've come this far, let's charge ahead,"
Seele sighed helplessly, struggling to follow Felicity and the others' train of thought—how could they chat leisurely while facing a troublesome enemy?
It didn't make sense.
After gathering her teammates' opinions, Felicity cheerfully turned her head to face Svarog directly.
"We came for the [Stellaron]."
She deliberately emphasized the word "Stellaron."
"..."
Perhaps triggered by the keyword, Svarog slightly lowered his head, unexpectedly not responding immediately.
"Accessing database... Access blocked. Discussing [Stellaron] with unauthorized targets: prohibited. You are touching secrets sealed in the depths of this world. Secrets no human should know."
Svarog's mechanical voice carried a hint of alertness:
"Reevaluating target status—threat level increased. I demand you state your true purpose!"
So it does have emotional fluctuations.
Felicity nodded in understanding.
"We come from beyond the sky, here to end the catastrophe of the 'Stellaron'," Felicity stated frankly.
"...End."
Svarog paused for a moment before slowly responding,
"In recorded history, humans have attempted to make contact with the 'Stellaron' countless times. Without exception, they acted out of selfish desires, attempting to claim the substance for themselves."
"Architects' directive: Any attempt to contact the 'Stellaron' will lead to severe consequences. Reevaluating—target threat level maximum."
Bronya's eyes widened in astonishment: "...You said, Architects?"
"Peace maintenance protocol temporarily suspended... Requesting activation of eradication protocol."
The red light on Svarog face finally reached its peak intensity, with steam continuously venting from his back, clearly preparing for combat.
"He just mentioned Architects, right? It seems your mother has been hiding quite a few truths?"
Felicity glanced at Bronya beside her, her words carrying implied meaning.
"...There's no evidence yet that Mother... or Cocolia's people knew the truth. The Supreme Guardian has gone through eighteen generations—perhaps it was one of the previous Architects who buried the secret of the Stellaron."
Bronya shook her head.
"Hey, is this really the time to discuss this!? That big robot is about to attack, right!?"
March 7th took a fearful step back. The laser Svarog had just used to clear Felicity's bushes didn't look easy to block.
"Mr. Svarog, please don't—"
Clara immediately grabbed Svarog's coat lapel, her tone almost pleading.
She had never heard Svarog use the word "eradicate" before, but she knew very well about his capabilities. The members of Wildfire wouldn't be a match for Svarog, and even with those self-proclaimed outsiders, Clara didn't think they could defeat him.
She didn't want to see anyone get hurt, and she hated seeing death even more—
But Svarog's programming contained no clause for empathy.
"Prototype No. 3—'Supervisory Machine' Svarog, eradication protocol status: Approved."
Svarog raised his hand, a blazing light gathering in his palm.
"Sigh..."
Felicity shook her head and let out a regretful sigh.
She pointed into the air, and immediately countless vines burst forth around Svarog, rapidly entangling his body and rendering him immobile.
Another vine quickly pulled Clara aside, delivering her directly to a safe location. Seeing this, Bronya immediately moved to intercept and receive Clara.
"Perhaps it's because the robots I know are smarter than you, which made me hold expectations I shouldn't have."
The corners of Felicity's mouth lifted as she flicked her finger, a wooden spear materializing in the air above Svarog's head.
After the battle at the space station, she had gained even greater mastery over her own power. Enemies of Svarog's level posed no threat to her whatsoever.
"High-threat target! Eliminate!"
Thick white smoke billowed from Svarog's chassis. Maintaining his restrained posture, over a dozen missiles launched from his back, shooting toward Felicity.
"Your previous calculations only accounted for everyone in the Underworld, right? But we come from beyond the sky."
Felicity paid no mind to the missiles Svarog fired. A large flower materialized before her, blooming with emerald light that enveloped all the incoming missiles.
"In other words, we are the 'variables.' Your calculations should have been reset long ago."
The wooden spear seemed to press down further. Felicity pointed distantly at Svarog, her tone gradually turning cold.
"To be honest, though, my patience is nearly worn out."
That sounded like a villain's line.
But Felicity didn't care. Her signature smile remained on her face.
She had played enough.
Brilliant emerald light shimmered behind Felicity. Seele once again wore that expression of utter despair, now beginning to wonder if Natasha was also hiding some incredibly powerful means.
"Please don't hurt Mr. Svarog—"
Clara struggled desperately against the vines binding her, her eyes turning red as tears welled up in their corners.
But Felicity paid no heed. She merely raised her hand, striking a pose she had carefully chosen:
"So, enemy or friend? Choose."