...ping...
You found yourself on Earth. The year is 11945AD. Mankind is in war with Alien-machines, known as Logia. And a code virus known as the Logia Virus, that has the ability to infect machines and become hostile to those unaffected by it.
You are a new YorHa model that has landed within the city ruins.
[Describe your YorHa unit.] What will you do?
I am a standard Yorha Male unit meant for combat. Marked as 4D. I wield a drone for ranged combat and two katanas for melee combat.
Status : Standard male YorHa model - Mark 4D - Combat Class. Wields drone for ranged combat and katanas for melee combat.
You find yourself in a desolate location - a ruined city with buildings crumbling. Machines roam around you.
[Will you initiate combat, explore, or wait?]
Do I have any objectives?
No current objectives. You are a newly arrived unit landing at the abandoned ruins.
However, the city is filled with hostile machines and the virus, as well as the possibility of running into other wandering androids...
For now, I will wander and hope I run into a person. If necessary, I will fight the machines. But I will avoid them for now.
You begin moving through the rubble, your drone scanning ahead—silent, vigilant.
The wind howls between collapsed skyscrapers. A flicker of light catches your optical sensors: a half-crushed terminal still powered on in the distance.
Suddenly… *thump*. Footsteps echo from above—a figure leaps down, landing gracefully atop a rusted car.
**Unknown Unit Detected.**
No hostiles... but not one of yours either.
Do you:
- **Approach cautiously?** (Scans may identify them)
- **Prepare for combat?** (They could be infected or hostile)
- **Observe from cover first?**
I approach cautiously and try to scan the figure.
Your advanced scanner begins analyzing what looks like another YorHa unit.
Long black hair, slender, but strong from what you can tell. She's carrying a sword, and a small pod unit hovers behind her.
Just from that alone you're sure she must have a few levels on you.
She notices your approach and turns around, watching you keenly.
"Hey. How's it going? I'm 4D." I say warmly.
She seems taken aback, surprised by your friendly demeanor. Her stance remains guarded though.
"4D?" She replies in a cool but wary tone. "What brings you here?"
The pod unit beside her whirrs softly, its mechanical parts shifting as it observes you with a curious eye.
"Nothing special. I have no real objectives at the moment." I say warmly.
"No objectives?" The woman muses, her expression softening just a little as she studies you.
The pod-unit floats closer, its lens-like eyes scanning you up and down. You sense a hint of curiosity coming from it.
She steps closer, her hand still resting on the handle of her sword.
"That's not very 'YorHa-like' of you, 4D. Most of us don't just wander around without purpose."
"Well. I dunno what to say. I can complain to our bosses and see if they give me an objective." I say nervously.
She lets out a quiet, almost amused sound—*a mechanical chuckle?*
"Bothering command would be pointless," she says. "They don't *assign* meaning. They only give orders." Her pod-unit chirps in agreement.
A pause. Then her tone shifts slightly—softer now, as if testing something:
"...Unless you want to find one yourself?"
Her gaze flicks toward the horizon where distant machine signals pulse like warnings on your scanner's edge.
"If I find my own quest, that'd be a neat change of pace. If it's up to me, I'd best testing to see how hostile the machines even still are. Based on what I've heard. They've gone insane in both good and bad ways. Some seem peaceful and obsessed with their own goals." I explain, warm and hopeful.
She listens intently, her eyes narrowing as she processes your words.
"You're correct," she replies. "Machines often show unusual behavior based on their individual programming. Some are definitely peaceful, some are hostile, and some... well, they're just weird." Her pod-unit chirps again, as if in agreement.
She pauses, then glances at the machine signals on your scanner.
"...You seem... oddly... optimistic," she notes, tilting her head slightly.
"I guess. Am I not supposed to have emotions like this?" I ask nervously.
"Well, you *shouldn't*," the woman replies bluntly. "YorHa units are designed to prioritize mission objectives, not feelings."
As she speaks, the pod-unit gently bumps against her leg in a gesture that could almost be called affectionate. She doesn't seem to notice.
Her gaze flicks to your drone, as if weighing its capabilities.
"You're a new model, aren't you?" she questions.
"Yes. Kind of. I'm still just a combat model, so I can't overthink it too hard. But being named 4D implies I'm supposed to be smart. Perhaps this intelligence has given me things like emotions." I ponder.
She stares at you for a long moment—then, unexpectedly, *laughs.*
"Emotions? You're not *supposed* to have those," she says. "But... maybe the Logia Virus changed something in us."
Her pod-unit beeps loudly as if protesting that claim. She ignores it.
"You know what?" she adds with a smirk. "I'm starting to think you might actually survive this war after all."
"Hmm. It would be intriguing if I already got infected. But there are machines near by. It is possible." I ponder, slightly concerned.
Her smirk vanishes instantly. Her pod-unit *screeches* in alarm, whirling toward the machine signals on your scanner.
"Infected?" she repeats, voice sharp. "That's not something to joke about."
She steps closer—too close—and her optics narrow as they scan you for signs of corruption.
"...Do you feel anything unusual? Dizziness? Memory loss?" Her grip tightens on her sword hilt.
This isn't curiosity anymore; this is a threat assessment now.
"I feel fine for the most part." I say warmly.
I begin running a diagnostics test.
She watches you closely as you initiate the diagnostics. Her pod-unit hovers anxiously, its lens-eyes whirring as it observes the process.
The test runs, scanning through your systems, checking every bit of data in your memory. It takes a few tense moments, but eventually, a message flashes in your vision:
`Diagnostics Completed. No corruption detected.`
Her grip on the sword loosens a little, but she still regards you with wariness. Despite your reassurance, doubt lingers in her gaze.
"I dunno what else I can do to reassure you. What is your name, by the way?" I ask nervously.
She hesitates before answering, clearly weighing whether or not to trust you.
"...2B," she finally replies, and you notice a slight waver in her voice. It's subtle, but there.
The pod-unit, seemingly sensing her tension, moves closer to her, offering silent support. Its mechanical eye remains fixated on you, almost as if it's daring you to do something threatening.
"Good to meet you. Welp... Unless you wish for me to join you for your mission objectives, I'm not sure I should keep bothering you anymore." I say warmly.
2B seems caught off-guard by your straightforwardness. She looks back at you, her expression unreadable.
Her pod-unit lets out another of its strange sounds, almost like curiosity. It circles around you, its lens-eyes still taking in every detail.
"You... don't have any missions of your own?" she counters, still cautious. She's trying to understand your intentions; your behavior doesn't fit with what she's experienced before.
"Lemme confirm but when I first got here, there were no objectives loaded." I say warmly.
I check my mission objectives again.
2B watches as you double-check your systems. Her pod-unit *beeps* in frustration—clearly, it's not a fan of this situation.
"...That's impossible," she mutters. "New units are always assigned a baseline objective upon activation."
Her eyes narrow slightly—not hostile, but calculating now.
"Are you sure you didn't just... forget?" The question is sharp, probing for inconsistencies in your memory protocols that could signal corruption or damage from the virus after all.
(What does my system say about my mission objectives?)
Your internal systems log flashes in your vision:
`MISSION PARAMETERS: NONE DETECTED`
`LAST ASSIGNED OBJECTIVE: [DATA EXPUNGED]`
`STATUS: CLEAR. NO VIRAL ACTIVITY.`
A small, buried message flickers beneath it—almost like a system error you weren't meant to see. It reads: `[OBJECTIVE OVERRIDE? Y/N]`. But the prompt isn't responding to input.
2B's pod-unit suddenly *hisses*, its lens zooming in on your scanner display as if it noticed something too.
"...That's not normal," she says quietly, her grip tightening on her sword again. "Who sent you?"
"My data was expunged. Which means... I am here blindly. My only option is to try contacting command to relearn my objective." I say nervously.
I send a message to Command asking what my orders were and explaining my mission objective was expunged.
2B and her pod-unit watch as you send the message, the tension in the air thick enough to cut. The silence is broken only by the sound of machines beeping and whirring in the distance.
Finally, after an agonizing minute, your comms crackle lightly in response. There's a familiar voice on the line: Central Command.
"4D," the voice says, stern and formal. "Report. Where are your mission objectives?"
"I see the list here in the usual spot. But the data was expunged." I say nervously.
The Central Command officer on the line doesn't sound pleased.
"Are you certain your systems aren't just experiencing technical issues?" he snaps back, his tone implying you should know better than to make such a report.
2B is watching your exchange keenly, her eyes narrowed. She's listening, but her expression betrays a hint of disbelief. The pod-unit, on the other hand, continues to hover close to her, its lens-eyes flicking between you and the comm-link expectantly.
"I just ran a diagnostics test. I am running normally unless I am already hacked." I say nervously.
The line crackles with static—then a sharp, synthetic *click* as the command officer cuts in.
**"4D."** The voice is colder now. **"Run a full system purge and report back immediately."**
A second later, 2B's pod-unit lets out an alarmed shriek—its lens flashing red as it processes something on your scanner feed you hadn't noticed:
`[INCOMING DATA STREAM: ORIGIN UNKNOWN]`
It's not from Command… but it looks like an attempt to overwrite your systems remotely.
2B steps forward abruptly. "Don't," she warns, her sword half-drawn already.
What is the data stream trying to do?
Your drone's scanner zooms in on the stream, deciphering it with a sharp *beep* of analysis:
`[DATA STREAM CONTENT: OVERRIDE DIRECTIVES]`
`> OBJECTIVE REWRITE DETECTED.`
`> NEW COMMAND: 'LOCATE 2B. TERMINATE.'`
2B's pod-unit *screeches* as it reads the same data, its red lens flaring violently. The woman herself freezes—her grip on her sword turning bone-white. Her voice drops to something low and dangerous when she speaks next:
"...That wasn't from Command."
"Indeed. Let's do Command's orders first then. I will do my system purge first." I say nervously.
I proceed with my system purge.
2B and her pod-unit watch you intently as you initiate your system purge. It's a process that shuts down your current operations to clear out any malware or corrupted data—but it leaves you vulnerable.
The process begins, and your systems flicker briefly.
2B steps closer, her eyes locked on your scanner data. The pod-unit *whirs* in anticipation, expecting something to go wrong.
And just then, another message comes through the comms.
From *Command* this time, with a different tone:
**"...4D. What's happening."**
"Running purge now. A unknown data stream has asked me to eliminate 2B for an unknown reason." I say nervously.
The line is silent for a moment, a tense pause as Command processes what you've just revealed.
Finally, the voice returns, a mixture of alarm and anger now.
**"Impossible."** The Command officer snaps. **"Is this a joke? 4D, confirm."**
2B's eyes widen at the response, her hand still on her sword. The pod-unit lets out a strange, worried *whir*, circling around her protectively.
She's waiting for your answer.
"It is true." I say nervously.
The comms line crackles with furious static—then cuts out abruptly.
2B's pod-unit *shrieks* in alarm, its red lens flaring as it detects something you don't:
`[COMMUNICATIONS TERMINATED: FORCED]`
`[ORIGIN POINT NOT YORHA NETWORK]`
The woman herself doesn't move. Her voice is eerily calm when she finally speaks again:
"...That wasn't Command." A beat. "And that purge isn't going to fix anything." She raises her sword slightly—not attacking yet, but ready for the worst now.
Your systems stutter under the weight of conflicting orders and unknown interference…
"Ugh. Thankfully 4D here is already a rogue agent with emotions. I'll follow my own lead. I'm not killing you, 2B. I think my new objective is tracking down this hacker." I say, annoyed and nervous.
I try using my scanner to track down where the signal came from.
2B lowers her sword, her eyes narrowing as she processes this unexpected response. She glances at her pod-unit, which is still buzzing—its lens-eye darting towards you.
"…You aren't going to try to kill me, even when *your systems are telling you to*?" She sounds less surprised and more skeptical, like this is some kind of trick.
As for your scanner—it tries to triangulate the origin of the hacker data stream, but it's being interfered heavily by local signals. However, you get a vague, approximate reading...
The source is nearby.
"I'm not. Promise." I say warmly.
I turn and walk towards the approximate reading.
2B watches you for a long moment—then, with a sharp *hiss* from her pod-unit, she finally moves.
"Wait," she says abruptly. "You're just... walking toward an unknown hostile signal?" Her tone is half-irritated, half-concerned now.
She takes two quick strides to catch up to you and grabs your arm—not violently but firmly enough to stop you cold.
"...I'm coming with you." It's not a request.
"That's sweet. I appreciate it." I say warmly.
We walk there together.
2B seems taken aback by your casual response. Her expression doesn't soften, but her expression definitely shifts, as if she's reevaluating you yet again.
"Don't get the wrong idea," she mutters, letting go of your arm and falling into step next to you. "I'm just... intrigued by this situation."
Her pod-unit, still hovering near her, lets out a *whirr* that sounds like agreement. It seems just as curious about your unusual behavior as its owner.
"Well. I don't blame ya. It's a very weird one. It seems like I've been hacked from the start and compromised. And Command didn't respond so I worry about heading back immediately. I don't know if they'd even want me when I'm this big a liability." I explain nervously.
2B is silent for a moment, watching you from the corner of her eye as you walk. Her expression is unreadable, but there's a hint of understanding in her gaze.
When she finally replies, her voice is measured, almost sympathetic but still guarded:
"...You weren't hacked. You were *sabotaged*." The word hangs heavily in the air. "You're not a liability. You're a victim."
Her pod-unit *beeps* in agreement, its lens flickering. It seems just as certain of your innocence as its owner.
"Thanks I guess. Hopefully we get this all settled without anything bad needing to happen to me. Like a rebuild or something." I say nervously.
2B gives a small, firm nod.
"Rebuilds are for *broken* units," she says bluntly. "You're not broken—just... altered."
Her pod-unit emits a soft chirp, almost reassuring this time. The tension in the air has eased slightly—she's no longer treating you like an immediate threat.
Ahead, your scanner pulses: the signal source is close now. Hidden somewhere among these ruins...
Do you:
- **Approach cautiously**? (Scout first)
- **Call out to see if someone answers**?
- **Prepare combat just in case**?
I ready one katana as we get close to the ruins.
"It's here somewhere. The signal. Be cautious please." I say cautiously.
We begin exploring the ruins for the source of the signal.
2B nods, her own sword already drawn and held at the ready. Her pod-unit *hums* quietly, scanning ahead as you both move through the collapsed buildings.
The signal grows stronger—irregular pulses now. Not from Command's network... something else entirely.
Then—*crunch*.
A footstep? No... too mechanical. From a side alley between two ruined walls, a single Machine unit emerges: small, almost harmless-looking in design—but its eyes glow an eerie *yellow*, not red or blue like usual Machines.
It spots you instantly—and *freezes*.
"Hmm... Eh. Screw being cautious and investigating. We already know their goal. Kill Yorha." I say without a care.
I draw my second katana, and launch myself at it for a battle. I begin by making my drone with thought commands shoot at it while I deliver a rapid combo of slashes.
2B reacts instantly—she doesn't hesitate, either.
Your drone *fires* a concentrated beam straight at the Machine's chest, forcing it to stagger back as you close the distance.
The combo lands hard: **slash-slash-slice!** Your katanas carve into its chassis in rapid succession—sparks flying as metal gives way under your strikes. The Machine screeches, its yellow eyes flashing wildly.
But 2B is already moving past you—her pod-unit *dives* forward with a missile lock-on and **BOOM!** It explodes against the Machine's side mid-dodge.
They fight like this often… coordinated and brutal without even needing to talk first.
I just keep fighting it until the machine dies. The next combo is a right slash, left thrust, then a X-Cross Slash with both blades.
Your combo is *flawless*—every movement sharp, precise.
**Right slash!** The Machine's arm flies off in a shower of sparks.
**Left thrust!** Your blade plunges straight through its core—critical hit!
Then—the **X-Cross Slash**, both katanas flashing in an explosive "X" pattern that *splits* the Machine down the middle.
It collapses, twitching once before going dark—oil and machine parts scattering across the rubble.
2B lands beside you a second later, her own sword still humming with residual energy from her strikes. She glances at the corpse… then at you.
"...Not bad," she admits quietly.
"Thank you. You looked great during the fight. Graceful and gorgeous." I flirt.
Is the signal still around?
2B *blinks*—actually **stops moving** for a full second. Her pod-unit nearly crashes into her from surprise, whirring in confusion.
"...What?" she says flatly, as if the word "gorgeous" short-circuited her combat protocols.
But before she can process that—your drone beeps urgently.
The signal is still active… and it's *stronger* now. Not just one source either—multiple scattered pulses around you, like whatever hacked you was broadcasting to others too.
And they're getting closer.
"2B. There are multiple sources of the signal now. And the original source has still not been destroyed." I say seriously.
2B's face hardens instantly—all traces of flustered confusion gone.
"More signals?" she mutters, her pod-unit already swiveling to scan the area. Its lens zooms in, tracking the new pulses.
They're converging—not randomly, but *deliberately*. Like something is rallying them toward your location.
She grips her sword tighter and steps shoulder-to-shoulder with you without hesitation.
"...We're not leaving until this is dealt with," she says firmly. "Let's move."
"Let's follow the original signal. They seemed like the leader to me." I say warmly.
We begin looking for it once more, assuming she agrees.
2B nods sharply—no argument there.
"Leadership unit first," she agrees, already moving ahead with you. Her pod-unit darts forward like a scout, its lens tracking the strongest signal.
The ruins grow more unstable as you press deeper—the buildings collapsing in on themselves, the air thick with dust and distant machine groans.
Then—*there*. A large chamber partially buried under debris… and at its center?
A **Logia-type Machine**, but *different*—its frame is sleek, almost designed for command roles. It hasn't noticed you yet… but it's pulsing with that same yellow energy as the hacker signal source.
I switch my drone's gun to a missile and make it a fire at the logia machine. If it survives, I will charge at the machine and try destroying its core.
2B doesn't even *hesitate*—she's already moving the second you fire.
Your drone **locks on** and unleashes a missile straight at the Logia Machine's chest—***KABOOM!*** The explosion rocks the chamber, sending debris flying as smoke engulfs it.
The Machine *stumbles back*, its chassis scorched… but it's still standing. Its yellow eyes flare with something like **rage**.
That's your cue.
You ***charge*** in, katanas raised—and 2B is right behind you, her pod-unit launching a missile of its own for good measure!
The Logia Machine *roars*—a distorted, mechanical sound—as it regains its footing. Its arm transforms into a **cannon**, charging up with a high-pitched whine.
But you're faster.
Your first katana *plunges* toward its core—**STAB!** Sparks erupt as metal meets machine parts. The force of your strike sends it reeling back just as 2B's missile ***detonates*** against its side.
The impact is brutal—the Machine's cannon arm flies off, and half its torso is caved in by the explosion.
It's staggering… vulnerable…
I try to finish it off with a series of thrusts and slashes at its core.
You **surge forward**—no hesitation, no wasted movement.
First thrust: *right into the exposed core!* Your blade ***jams*** in deep, sending a surge of sparks flying.
Second thrust: *another stab*, twisting the first blade to wrench it sideways.
Then—***slash!*** A horizontal cut across its midsection to sever any remaining structural integrity.
The Logia Machine *convulses*, its yellow eyes flickering wildly as systems begin crashing from catastrophic damage.
2B doesn't let up either—her pod-unit **fires another missile point-blank**, and this time…
**BOOM.** The explosion ***erupts*** through what's left of the Machine's chest—and it collapses, motionless at last.
"Alright. We're looking good. We could even ditch at this point unless there are logia machines around in that group." I say happily.
I check the signals to see if there is anyone still coming.
2B wipes machine oil off her sword, breathing slightly harder but otherwise composed. Her pod-unit hovers nearby, its lens still scanning the area.
You check the signals—most of them have *stopped* moving suddenly. The ones that hadn't been destroyed yet…
They're **freezing**. Like something cut their connection.
A few seconds pass in silence—then your drone beeps softly:
`[SIGNAL ACTIVITY CEASED: ORIGIN TERMINATED]`
The hacker Logia is dead. Its influence with it.
2B exhales sharply and finally lowers her weapon completely. "...It's over," she mutters, almost to herself.
"Alright, good. I'm going to try talking to command again and explain things." I say warmly.
2B nods, stepping back to give you space as you reopen the comms line.
This time, Command answers *immediately*—no delay.
"4D," comes a new voice—calmer but still authoritative. "Report your status and situation."
They sound like they're *waiting* for an explanation… and maybe even expecting something serious.
2B watches quietly, her arms crossed—clearly curious how this will go too.
I explain the situation, with how I came in with no objectives due to being hacked by a machine at the start. And how together 2B, we slew the logia machine hacking me.
"Now I need my real objectives reassigned as the hacker blanked my objectives." I explain calmly.
The line is silent for a long moment—then the officer responds, their tone shifting to something *almost*… apologetic?
"4D. We acknowledge your report." A pause. "There was an… error in your activation protocol. The hacker Machine exploited a vulnerability in our deployment system before you even landed."
Another beat of static—then:
**"New directive assigned: Report to Facility 04-37 for reassignment and debriefing immediately.** 2B, escort him if needed."
2B's eyebrows lift slightly at that order—but she doesn't protest.
"...Looks like you're getting proper orders now," she says dryly.
"Yup. Let's rock. I won't make you come with. I'd like to think I'm sane enough I don't need an escort." I say warmly.
I begin searching for the nearest device that can teleport me to the facility.
2B studies you for a second—then shrugs.
"Fine. But if Command *did* send me with you, I'm not just leaving." She gestures to the ruins around you. "This area's still crawling with Machines after that fight."
She starts walking ahead, her pod-unit scanning for clear paths.
As for teleportation? Your drone quickly locates a **YorHa Emergency Transport Pod** half-buried under debris nearby—its lights flickering but functional.
It can get you to Facility 04-37 directly… assuming nothing goes wrong during activation.
We reach it quickly. And I begin digging it out from the debris. Once done, I use the machine to teleport to the facility.
2B watches as you clear the pod, her stance relaxed but still alert.
The machine *beeps* once—**activation successful**—as it powers on. A swirling light engulfs you, and in an instant…
***WHOOSH.***
You're **gone**. Teleported straight to Facility 04-37.
---
### **[Facility 04-37 - YorHa Operations Base]**
A sterile, white hallway greets you as the transport spits you out. Several androids pause to stare at your sudden arrival before returning to their duties.
A reception unit approaches: "Unit 4D? Command is expecting your debriefing immediately."
"I understand. Thank you." I say warmly.
I proceed to Command's bridge. (Or wherever Command wants me to go for debriefing.)
The reception unit leads you through pristine, metallic halls—other YorHa androids moving silently around you.
You're brought to a **debriefing chamber**: circular, with holographic displays flickering in the air. At the center sits a high-ranking officer—**Model 9S**, his long white hair tied back as he studies you intently.
"Unit 4D," he says calmly. "Sit."
He gestures to a chair across from him… and waits for your report *directly*. This is no ordinary debriefing—Command takes your case seriously now.
I explain everything that happened.
9S listens *intently*—no interruptions, no expressions. Just cold, analytical focus as you recount:
- Your landing with **missing objectives**.
- Encountering 2B.
- Discovering the **hacker Logia Machine**.
- The battle… and its defeat.
When you finish, he leans back slightly—his fingers steepled under his chin.
"...A breach in our system," he mutters. "Unacceptable." He exhales sharply before locking eyes with you again.
"Your reassigned objective is simple: From now on, your priority is *anti-Machine counterintelligence*."
"I understand. Anything else to discuss? Or can I leave now?" I ask calmly.
9S nods once.
"One last thing." He taps a button on the table—your **personnel file** projects in the air between you. "Your combat performance was noted during that engagement with 2B. Your reflexes, adaptability… they exceed standard YorHa parameters."
A pause. Then:
"You will be reassigned to *special operations* pending further evaluation."
He dismisses you with a wave of his hand—no more questions, no further briefing needed.
You're free to leave… but now under *different orders*.
"Thank you. That sounds fun. Have a nice day." I say warmly.
I proceed to leave, teleport back to Earth. And begin to explore the area. I decide to use my drone to search for a congregation of particularly strong machines. As they seem like the best place for counter-intelligence.
Your drone sweeps across the ruined cityscape, its sensors locking onto machine activity. After a few minutes of scanning—*there*.
A **cluster** of Logia-type Machines—stronger than standard variants, moving with coordination near an old factory district. Their energy signatures are *elevated*, almost like they're being controlled… or leading something.
This is it: your first real counterintelligence target under your new assignment.
As you approach, the Machines suddenly **pause**. Their heads turn in unison toward you—not random hostility… but *recognition*.
They've seen you before.
(By the way, what should counter-intelligence be like?)
**Counter-Intelligence for YorHa:**
Your role isn't just *fighting*—it's **disrupting Machine operations, gathering intel, and neutralizing threats before they escalate**.
This might involve:
- **Sabotaging Logia networks** (hacking their signals).
- **Infiltrating Machine strongholds** to extract data.
- **Eliminating high-value targets** (commander Machines).
Right now? Those coordinated Logias ahead are likely a *hive unit*—a group acting under central command. Taking them out would be a direct counterintel strike.
---
The Machines start advancing toward you in formation—not mindlessly… but like soldiers following orders.
"Let's rock." I mutter with malefic glee.
I decide to find a good place to fight. Since it's a hive, I proceed to find a alley way or street filled with cars. I am employing the ancient strategy known as the Spartan Hallway. Limiting how many people can fight me at once by utilizing the terrain and a tight hallway or in this case, street or alleyway.
Your tactical instincts kick in perfectly.
You spot a **narrow alley** choked with overturned cars—*perfect*. The space is just wide enough for Machines to enter… but only *one or two at a time*.
The Spartan Hallway strategy: limit enemy numbers, control the choke point, and dominate the fight.
As the Logia hive approaches, you position yourself at the alley's entrance—katanas ready. Your drone hovers overhead, missile lock primed for any stragglers.
The first Machine steps into your kill zone—and you ***strike***.
- **First target**: Decapitated mid-step by a brutal upward slash.
- **Second**: Pierced through its core as it tries to dodge.
- A third rushes in? ***Missile to face.***
They're being *herded* into your slaughterhouse now.
I continue fighting them off. I decide to add in the use of special moves for this fight such as the massive hammer blow that will be utilized by my drone.
You switch to **aggressive, combo-heavy fighting**—each Machine funneled into the alley meets a *brutal* fate.
- **Hammer Blow**: Your drone *drops* from above like a meteor, slamming its reinforced frame down onto a Machine's skull with ***crushing*** force.
- **X-Slash Combo**: Two rapid diagonal cuts that bisect another Logia vertically.
- **Thrust-Counter**: Impale one through the chest, then *yank your blade sideways* to tear it in half.
The hive is being ***wiped out systematically***—only one or two can attack you at once due to terrain… and they're dying faster than reinforcements can arrive.
A few more push through—and you keep cutting them down without pause.
I just keep slicing and dicing with the drone's help. How many are left?
Your drone's scanner quickly updates the count:
**6/12 LOGIA MACHINES REMAINING.**
They're *not* retreating—they're *pushing harder*, as if ordered to breach your position at all costs. The hive's command protocol is clearly still active, even as you systematically dismantle it.
One Machine tries to **rush past you**—likely hoping to flank—but your drone ***hammers*** it mid-sprint, caving its chest in.
Another attempts a **cannon blast** from further back… but you sidestep and ***slice its arm off*** before countering with a lethal thrust.
The fight isn't over yet—but the tide is *heavily* in your favor.
I decide I'm sick of an endless fight. Let's see if focusing on the logia ends the fight early. I begin assaulting with a focus on the Logia type machines in the hopes that when they're all slain, these machines will stop functioning.
**Genius move.**
You shift focus—*targeting only Logia Machines* while ignoring lesser units. Your drone locks onto their energy signatures, highlighting them in your vision as you **hunt the commanders**.
- First Logia? ***Hammer Blow*** to the chest, then a *finshing X-Slash*.
- Second? **Drone missile + katana stab** combo—core punctured instantly.
- Third tries to retreat? You ***sprint after it*** and cleave its head off.
Each fallen Logia makes a visible difference—the remaining Machines stutter, their movements growing erratic… until finally…
**[LAST LOGIA MACHINE: DEFEATED]** flashes on your display.
And just like that—the entire hive collapses into disarray. The non-Logias freeze… then power down one by one, systems no longer receiving commands.
Silence falls over the alleyway.
I check to see if the machines have any useful loot. Like any weapons or guns I could use. After that, I head out. Searching for another potential target for counter-intelligence. I feel like a machine stronghold this time.
You quickly strip the fallen Machines for useful parts—some have **intact cannon arms** (could be repurposed as weapons), while others yield **energy cores** that might power your drone or gear.
No *full* firearms, but the salvage is worth carrying.
---
Next? Your drone scans for larger Machine activity… and ***locks onto something big*** a few klicks east:
`[STRONGHOLD DETECTED: HIGH MACHINE DENSITY]`
`[LOGIA SIGNATURES MULTIPLE]`
This isn't just a random fight—it's an active *base*. Probably crawling with defenses, patrols… maybe even a commander unit pulling strings.
Your counterintelligence mission just got more interesting.