Chapter 267 - 272

Chapter 267: Don’t Come Any Closer!!!

“Something’s not right…”

Maitoh narrowed his eyes at the motionless PROJECT forces in the distance, unease creeping into his chest.

Their commander definitely knew their movements. Based on their recent clashes, the enemy commander was an exceptionally seasoned veteran. Just that small-scale battle alone—the micro-control, the seamless execution of various tactics…

The precision with which he controlled distance and details had left Maitoh’s squad completely disoriented.

And now the enemy was doing nothing…

That was what made it so unsettling. He had already prepared for them to strike at his facilities and had dispatched a considerable number of troops to reinforce the defenses. Yet the other side hadn’t made a single move.

It left him thoroughly perplexed.

It was like throwing a punch into cotton—like playing a mind game against thin air. But sending troops to actively provoke PROJECT wasn’t an option either. What he needed now was time. If he angered them and they simply launched an all-out offensive regardless of cost, that would not serve his interests.

The losses would be enormous, and that would look terrible on his record.

“But we can’t just sit here either… Send the Blade Squad to scout and investigate.”

“Roger.”

The adjutant nodded quickly and relayed the order. A squad clad entirely in black exchanged glances upon receiving the command, then gave silent nods.

The Blade Squad was an elite special operations unit within the New United States forces. Its members were handpicked individual combat specialists from various units, as well as former renowned Soloes and gang members from different nations who had undergone rigorous training.

There were four Blade Squads in total; this was one of them. Each squad consisted of seven members.

After confirming their gear, the Blade Squad moved out immediately to carry out their mission.

Maitoh switched his display to the Blade Squad’s camera feed to monitor the situation in real time.

But just as the squad reached the center of the electromagnetic silence zone, the ground suddenly began to shake violently. As Maitoh froze for a split second, the tremor spread beneath his own feet.

“An earthquake? How is that possible?”

The sudden development caught him off guard. In his view, natural disasters like this offered no real countermeasures—only the hope that luck would be on your side.

But the next moment, near the edge of the electromagnetic silence zone, a vast section of ground suddenly bulged upward. The bizarre sight drew every pair of eyes on the battlefield.

Boom!

A deafening explosion erupted as countless chunks of earth, sand, and rock rained down from above. It was like a miniature sandstorm, swallowing everything in sight.

Boom—

Another thunderous blast followed. A powerful shockwave tore through the air, scattering the sand and dust and revealing what had emerged.

An enormous hand had burst through the ground.

Maitoh’s pupils contracted. He slammed the communications button.

“Quick! All formations, concentrate fire on that thing!!”

His roar echoed across the channel. The New United States forces snapped into action, scattering back to their designated positions as units reorganized at high speed.

Missile carriers completed their launch preparations almost instantly.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Countless missiles streaked forward, dragging blazing tails and scorching heat as they hurtled toward the massive hand.

Boom!

A small mushroom cloud rose over the battlefield. The searing blast wave swept across the faces of the New United States soldiers—and then an immense figure emerged from the flames.

Whoosh—

A body forged from special alloy tore through the towering fire and black smoke, crimson eyes gazing down from a height of over a hundred meters, like a pillar reaching the heavens.

Silver-gray alloy armor covered its chest, abdomen, back, and limbs. The gaps were filled with black alloy “musculature.” A faint blue glow shimmered before it—clear evidence of an Energy Shield.

At its chest was a massive reactor, glowing orange-red, its deep mechanical hum reverberating across the battlefield.

The New United States troops were completely stunned.

“This… this is a Braindance shoot, right? Hey, this is a Braindance shoot, right?!”

Whoosh—

As one soldier, his face twisted with disbelief, turned to his comrade, a colossal alloy hand swept down through the smoke. It looked slow—but only by comparison. To those below, it arrived in the blink of an eye.

Boom!

Terrifying force slammed into the ground. Cracks exploded outward from the impact point.

“Attack!!!”

Shaken by the spectacle, Maitoh roared into the comms. In the next instant, every New United States unit on the field unleashed a barrage against the towering monster.

The one piloting the mecha, however, was someone unexpected. At its core sat a tiny figure, crouched in a spider-like posture that revealed his identity.

After that strike, Unit-01 let loose completely, rampaging across the battlefield like a savage giant venting its strength. As it had only recently been developed, its dedicated weapons had yet to be completed. For now, it could only rely on fists and kicks.

But on this battlefield, nothing could withstand that overwhelming power.

Every punch. Every kick.

Each one struck with the force of a missile impact.

Soon, however, Unit-01’s Energy Shield began to flicker erratically. Burrowing up from underground had been stealthy and swift—but it came at a cost. The energy consumption was immense.

“Quick! His Energy Shield is about to break—keep attacking!!”

Maitoh’s excitement surged at the sight.

But the smile barely formed before it froze in place.

Because Chris had already led his forces in an assault straight at them.

...

Chapter 268: Finally, You're Here!

Whoosh—Boom—

A missile from the New United States slammed into Unit-01’s chest. Maitoh’s face lit up with unconcealed delight—the enemy’s Energy Shield had finally been breached.

The massive impact forced Unit-01’s enormous body to tilt back slightly. One foot slid half a step across the ground before it steadied itself. When the flames and smoke dispersed, the missile had done little more than leave a dent in its chest. There was no real damage.

Inside the cockpit, a red glint flashed across Jhin’s eyes. The energy reactor within Unit-01 began to hum violently, its glow shifting from orange-red to blue.

In the next instant, blue energy flooded the entire machine. Beneath the black alloy plating, vein-like energy conduits blazed with brilliant blue light.

Whoosh—

Unit-01 planted one hand on the ground. Its right side drew back slightly, the entire frame tightening like a bow pulled to a full draw.

Thud!

While the surrounding forces were still concentrating their fire, Unit-01’s fist struck the ground like a rocket.

Wrapped in blue energy, the fist drove deep into the earth. A crater-like opening burst outward, only to be completely sealed by that colossal hand.

Crack! Crack! Crack!

An eerie sound rippled up from beneath everyone’s feet. One New United States soldier, heart pounding, crouched instinctively. The rumbling below grew louder—clearer—rapidly approaching.

As he shot back to his feet in terror, the ground split apart in an instant. Jagged fissures spread across the battlefield, each one filled to the brim with searing blue energy.

Boom!

With a thunderous explosion, violent energy waves erupted. Blue light surged from underground like a fountain, swallowing everything in its path.

Crash!

As the blue glow gradually faded, the battlefield came back into view.

Unit-01 knelt on the ground, molten metal streaming down its body. It was riddled with damage; one arm had melted away enough to expose internal energy conduits and sections of its alloy skeleton.

Its eyes were dim and lifeless—a clear sign of total energy depletion. Only the reactor in its chest continued to run slowly, supplying the bare minimum power to the towering machine.

Maitoh stood frozen before the screen, mouth hanging open, staring at the giant figure in stunned silence.

But the battlefield offered no time to recover.

Under Chris’s command, PROJECT forces advanced with Energy Shields deployed, pushing forward while dismantling every electromagnetic suppression device along the way.

The Sovereign-class Fighters finally pierced through the restricted zone and headed straight for the rear of the New United States forces. After being suppressed for so long, it was finally their turn to strike back.

Chris had no intention of wasting the opportunity. He ordered the Sovereign-class Fighter to destroy as many missile silos within Idaho as possible—while exercising restraint.

After all, those facilities would eventually fall into their hands. If the damage wasn’t too severe, reconstruction would be far easier. A bit of rebuilding and modification would be enough to bring them back online.

As the Sovereign-class Fighter roared overhead, Maitoh finally snapped out of his daze. Without hesitation, he issued the order to retreat, determined to preserve what remained of his forces and prevent further losses.

That single attack had wiped out nearly half his troops. Though the monstrosity didn’t look to be in great shape either, the fact remained—

One unit had taken out half their army.

They had lost far more than they had gained. And judging by its condition, that thing could probably be repaired and deployed again.

While ordering the withdrawal, Maitoh was already thinking about his own escape route. The outcome of this battle was decided. If he wanted to stay alive, he needed a way out.

He had no desire to relive the terror of a Sovereign-class Fighter skimming just overhead.

...

“Gentlemen, any thoughts?”

Encryptus swept his gaze across the room before muting the video and speaking calmly.

“Incredible technology… Compared to the robot they revealed in Night City before, this one is far more powerful. The energy applications are also far more refined.”

Bill looked at Unit-01, now being cooled by PROJECT personnel, and spoke with open admiration.

“And that space-based energy strike technology they demonstrated… or rather, a satellite orbital cannon? If we could get our hands on that, it would give us another bargaining chip in negotiations with the European Space Agency.”

Opus brought up another image as he spoke.

Encryptus nodded at their remarks and glanced sideways at Hollit. Hollit didn’t notice. Ever since the PROJECT technical footage began playing, his brows had remained tightly furrowed.

“Encryptus, arrange immediate contact. Increase the offer if necessary. Make it clear—we want the technology they demonstrated this time. Even if the attempt fails, that’s fine. The priority is to build a solid relationship.”

“I’ve already sent someone to make contact with PROJECT’s CEO. They should be in communication by now.”

“Always a step ahead.”

Opus smiled and nodded, then turned toward Hollit, who looked visibly displeased.

“Hollit, do you have something to add?”

Hollit rose slowly.

“They’re just a corporation that rose to prominence not long ago. Even if they’ve grown quickly, I don’t think we need to lower ourselves like this. Wouldn’t it be more effective to leverage our military resources and apply pressure to force the technology out of them?”

The room fell quiet.

Opus and the others narrowed their eyes.

“It seems a comfortable life has made you forget certain things.”

Encryptus spoke coldly, tapping his temple with a finger.

“You—!”

Hollit glared at him.

“Let’s not be so harsh. I think Hollit has a point.”

A smiling voice cut in. Another influential figure within the Highriders, Logan Doyle, had spoken.

The others exchanged glances before settling back into their seats.

“What’s your take?” Opus asked. Their ranks were roughly equal, making him the most appropriate to respond.

“Pure military coercion won’t work,” Logan Doyle said evenly. “But we can apply measured pressure while simultaneously raising the stakes. That should improve efficiency without costing us face.”

He had no intention of pushing the other side into desperation—that would only backfire. What they wanted was technology, not annihilation. There was no fundamental conflict of interest between them at present. The key was extracting value.

He wasn’t particularly fond of Hollit’s blunt approach either.

“Very well. Proceed accordingly.”

Opus nodded, signaling the direction had been decided. The detailed planning would be left to their subordinates.

...

Chapter 269: Cooperation with the Highriders

“Mr. Roland, this represents our sincerity.”

Burke looked at Roland and transmitted the chips the Highriders had prepared.

Receiving the data through Lissandra, Roland narrowed his eyes. After a quick scan, he clicked his tongue softly.

As expected of deep-pocketed elites. The offer was extremely generous. At the forefront was funding on the scale of tens of billions of euros, followed by policy incentives and resource support. They would also assist PROJECT in establishing strongholds and bases around the world.

There were even internal Highriders channels included in the proposal. If PROJECT agreed, the two sides would become tightly bound, forming a unified community of interests.

So they’re looking for a powerful ally to strengthen their voice on the ground…

Roland kept the thought to himself. His expression barely changed. When his eyes returned to normal, he spoke calmly.

“Mr. Burke, your terms are indeed generous. But I’m afraid I don’t have the fortune to accept them.”

“Mr. Roland, there’s no need to reject us so quickly. If you agree, we can grant satellite orbital usage rights, access to our lunar orbital launchers, multiple colonial bases, even considerable land on the Moon…”

As Burke continued, Roland sensed a faint but unmistakable undertone of threat. Subtle—but deliberate.

They were outlining their assets while flexing their strength.

“But I don’t necessarily need to work with you,” Roland replied with a mild smile. “The European Space Agency might be an even better option for me. After all, your Twelve Angels above the Crystal Palace aren’t just for show.”

Burke fell silent for a moment before looking at him again.

“Since you chose to launch satellites, Mr. Roland, that suggests much of your technology depends on space-based resources, doesn’t it? Compared to the European Space Agency, the Highriders are the true rulers of space.”

“…You make a fair point. But I refuse.”

Roland nodded as he spoke.

Burke’s expression darkened at the second rejection.

“However,” Roland continued, a smile returning to his face, “I have another proposal. Are you interested?”

Burke hesitated briefly, then nodded.

“I’m willing to provide you with the orbital energy cannon technology and the Energy Shield technology. In return, you will support PROJECT with global base construction and financial backing. Nothing beyond that.”

Burke fell silent again. Then a smile slowly spread across his face.

“Agreed.”

Roland smiled warmly.

“Then here’s to a pleasant cooperation?”

“To a pleasant cooperation.”

After further discussion of the details, the communication ended.

The moment the call disconnected, a perfectly innocent smile appeared on Roland’s face.

The reason was simple.

The two technologies he had offered might look powerful—but they were both bottomless pits.

Both the Energy Shield and the orbital energy cannon shared a fatal requirement: efficient, high-density energy supply.

And unfortunately, the Highriders did not possess that technology.

To truly make those systems operational, they would need to break through the bottleneck in energy technology—a breakthrough that was anything but easy.

If they relied on existing technology, they would have to construct a massive energy cannon in space—several times, perhaps even over ten times larger than the satellite cannon PROJECT had built—just to match its output.

The Energy Shield faced the same issue.

And unlike PROJECT, the Highriders lacked powerful ground strongholds. Surrounding bases with clusters of nuclear power plants wasn’t a viable solution for them.

In short… they were locked in.

Space construction required enormous resources and inevitably had to pass through the European Space Agency’s channels. By the time such a structure was completed, who knew how long it would take? And the European Space Agency would never ignore shipments of materials on that scale.

If these technologies had fallen into the hands of the European Space Agency, they could have been used effectively. Large-scale ground energy cannons were entirely feasible—even if compact energy weapons weren’t. Massive Energy Shield generators could also be constructed.

But the Highriders had approached PROJECT precisely to break free from the European Space Agency’s control. Cooperating with them again defeated the purpose.

There was no better partner for Roland than this one.

Meanwhile, Opus and the others, unaware of the trap they had stepped into, were already celebrating. Only Encryptus felt that something was off, though he couldn’t quite pinpoint it.

Earlier, Burke’s brief silence had been the result of their remote guidance behind the scenes.

…

“Kelly, how’s the situation at the Blackwall?”

After wrapping up matters with the Highriders, Roland contacted Kelly through Lissandra’s data link.

“Very smooth. I’ve already penetrated deep into Bartmoss’s territory. I’ve converted quite a few intelligent AI units… Honestly, bringing them back would make for excellent resources.”

“Good. The AI can wait. We’ll have plenty of time to capture them later. Focus on locating Bartmoss.”

“Understood!”

...

Chapter 270: Hey, Hey, Hey—Here We Come!
Whoosh—
Countless purple figures darted through cyberspace, devouring and assimilating wandering AI wherever they passed. It didn’t take long before the control-level AI of this region took notice.

“Something’s off…”

“An intelligent virus leak? Or has someone else intervened?”

“Both are possible. Send a daemon squad to investigate. We’ll report this to Bartmoss first.”

“Understood.”

After a rapid exchange of data between the two humanoid AI, a decision was made. They would report the situation directly to Bartmoss while dispatching a batch of daemons to clean up the AI that had already turned into wandering spirits.

Wandering spirits was the collective term for intelligent data entities transformed by Spirit of Seduction’s ability. Most of them ended up with ghostlike lower bodies and shriveled, corpse-like upper forms—visually unsettling, to say the least.

Though some variants were different—those wore full suits of purple crystalline armor.

“Suspected intelligent virus… or third-party infiltration?”

Bartmoss narrowed his eyes upon receiving the report.

If it were a third-party incursion, he doubted his subordinates would have let the information through so easily. He knew their capabilities well.

If it had been deliberately allowed through… what would the purpose be? To alert him?

Moreover, he had never seen any powerful AI inside the Blackwall with that form. The likelihood of it being an intelligent virus was higher. Judging by its appearance, the infectivity was probably extreme.

“Hm… This could serve as material for developing the next generation of intelligent viruses. Seems my luck isn’t bad.”

A faint smile curled at Bartmoss’s lips. He dissolved into a mass of black-and-red data and streaked toward the source. The surrounding AI followed suit, transforming into data streams and racing after him.

...

Kelly was already waiting at the designated location.

To avoid drawing suspicion, she had deliberately created a supermassive wandering spirit to act as the visible source.

Zzt! Zzt! Zzt!

Amid crackling currents, Bartmoss arrived with his AI legion, instantly sealing off the entire area.

His gaze swept once across the battlefield before locking onto the enormous wandering spirit at the center. Its upper body was covered in purple crystalline armor, while its lower half was a serpent-like mass formed from writhing data.

The moment it noticed Bartmoss, it let out a roar.

Instantly, countless infected wandering spirits shot into the sky. The ground transformed into a sea of purple data that surged inward from all sides like a massive hand, attempting to trap Bartmoss and his forces.

Whoosh—

Bartmoss’s eyes lit up.

He spread his arms, ordering his AI legion to deal with the smaller wandering spirits. At the same time, his body trembled, releasing torrents of black-and-red data that formed dark storm clouds overhead. Bolts of black-and-red lightning split from them and struck the purple data sea below.

The moment the lightning landed, the entire purple sea froze in place.

With the situation stabilized, Bartmoss wasted no time. He dove toward the giant wandering spirit, black-and-red data in his hands sharpening into blade-like edges that sliced through the purple crystalline armor.

The giant wandering spirit’s purple data writhed like serpents, biting and surging outward in an attempt to break through the blockade.

Bartmoss wouldn’t allow it.

With a wave of his hand, endless black-and-red data cascaded downward, forming a massive net that enveloped the giant wandering spirit. Violent lightning surged through it.

With a furious roar, the giant wandering spirit was slammed to the ground, unable to move. The black-and-red data beneath it turned swamp-like, dragging it downward.

Bartmoss surveyed the scene in satisfaction. His AI forces had nearly finished capturing the remaining wandering spirits.

Just as he relaxed—

A violent surge of data erupted from below.

Bartmoss reacted instantly, stepping upward as black-and-red data lifted him into the air.

In the next moment, countless purple data spikes shot skyward, piercing through most of his subordinates. Purple data flooded into their wounds, and in an instant, they were transformed into wandering spirits.

Only about a third of the AI managed to retreat to his side—and those were the strongest among them.

Bartmoss’s expression darkened.

Below him stood a figure.

The instant the attack was launched, Kelly had appeared.

“Who are you? I don’t recall seeing anyone like you within the Blackwall.”

“Because I’m not from the Blackwall side,” Kelly replied calmly. “Bartmoss, once known as the God of Netrunners. Honestly, you used to be my idol. But now… you don’t seem all that impressive.”

Bartmoss’s face turned cold—but only for a moment.

He activated his enhanced modules, forcing himself into peak analytical calm.

“We can talk. You’re likely an intelligent AI converted from a human consciousness. Join us. Our foundation within the Blackwall can offer you immense support. Your processing power isn’t much higher than mine. If we fight, we’ll both suffer. There’s no need to let others benefit.”

“Unfortunately,” Kelly said with a shrug, “if it were just me, I might accept. But capturing you is my boss’s order.”

The moment Bartmoss heard the words boss and capture, alarm bells rang.

That meant she belonged to a corporation. She knew who he was—and had the confidence to capture him.

Without hesitation, Bartmoss ordered all remaining AI under his command to stall her. Then he shot upward, fleeing without the slightest intention of risking a desperate battle.

Kelly watched him with unnervingly calm eyes.

She simply accepted all the “gifts” he left behind.

Free labor was free labor.

Bartmoss noticed her gaze. Though puzzled, he didn’t slow down. In the blink of an eye, he left the region.

He immediately sent a distress signal to Alt, requesting support.

Not long after, Alt appeared before him.

“What happened?”

“I was attacked. A powerful corporation netrunner who converted herself into an intelligent AI. To be safe, I withdrew immediately.”

“I see. Let’s leave.”

Alt nodded.

Bartmoss nodded as well—then suddenly froze.

“…Who are you?”

Alt stopped. Slowly, expressionless, she turned around.

“Lissandra.”

The moment the name was spoken, everything before Bartmoss shattered like glass.

The illusion collapsed.

Green data filled the sky. A colossal figure loomed ahead, gazing down at him. A cage woven from data surrounded him completely.

Everything that had just happened—Alt, the escape—had been nothing more than a projection formed from Lissandra’s data.

From the very beginning—

He had never left.

....

Chapter 271: Oblivion in Preparation

“…What will I become? Lose all autonomous consciousness and turn into one of your subordinates?”

Even as a data entity, Bartmoss felt as though his mouth had gone dry. He spoke with a defeated expression. He had never imagined ending up like this—reduced to a prisoner, without even the right to self-destruct.

Lissandra paid no attention to his question. After glancing around, she casually waved her hand, restoring the entire scene to its original state.

Bartmoss froze.

Not even the most advanced corporate superintelligences possessed that kind of capability… What exactly was she?

“Looks like Lissandra isn’t planning to answer you. Since I’m in a good mood, I’ll tell you.”

Kelly walked over slowly and stopped beside Bartmoss.

“Your consciousness will be erased. You’ll become an empty shell with nothing but computational power, then serve as the core control consciousness of a machine. Don’t worry—you won’t feel anything when you die.”

“Is that so…”

Bartmoss let out a soft laugh and lowered his head.

“A fitting end for me… Then again, I’m just a ghost who should’ve died long ago. Completely disappearing isn’t such a bad outcome.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Lissandra extended her hand and grasped him.

“Can I at least know where you’re from?”

“I am Lissandra, the primary AI of PROJECT Corporation.”

This time, she answered.

Then her hand slowly closed, compressing the data cage that imprisoned Bartmoss. In that instant, his consciousness sank into complete darkness.

The AI that had been under his control fell into brief confusion—then regained clarity. After exchanging silent signals, they left the area without hesitation.

In the real world, the desolate city once controlled by Bartmoss fell utterly silent. Everything stopped running.

...

“Oh? You’ve already captured Bartmoss?!”

Roland looked at Kelly and Lissandra with clear surprise.

Lissandra stepped forward and displayed Bartmoss’s data body in front of him. The former netrunner god was now nothing more than an unconscious data shell.

A smile spread across Roland’s face.

With this, all the materials needed for Oblivion were finally complete. All that remained was to modify Bartmoss and install him into Oblivion’s body.

“Boss, since everything’s done… can I take my vacation now?”

Kelly asked carefully.

Roland glanced at her and nodded.

“No problem. I promised you. Your bonus will also be transferred to your account.”

“Yes!”

Kelly cheered. Sure, with her current abilities she could easily steal money—but it didn’t feel the same.

Roland ignored her celebration. With a wave of his hand, he had Lissandra bring Bartmoss’s data body along as they went to find Mudor.

...

“Boss, long time no see.”

Mudor bowed slightly.

“You already know why I’m here.”

“Yes! I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time. Everything is prepared. We were only missing the final consciousness.”

Excitement flashed across Mudor’s face. He stepped aside, revealing a massive array of machinery and equipment behind him.

“Good. No need for further discussion. Lissandra, place Bartmoss into the device.”

“Yes.”

Lissandra placed Bartmoss into one of the instruments.

Mudor immediately moved forward and began operating the system. As commands streamed into the supercomputer, changes gradually began taking place within the apparatus.

Foundational logic and structural data were continuously injected into Bartmoss. At the same time, a failsafe mechanism was embedded—if Oblivion’s rage exceeded a certain threshold, the energy supply would be cut off to prevent loss of control.

Roland stood quietly to the side as Mudor and his assistants adjusted Oblivion’s body.

Soon, Bartmoss’s heavily modified physical shell was raised into position. Though extensively reconstructed, it still showed no signs of life. True activation would only occur once the final Oblivion components were fully integrated.

If Bartmoss still had awareness… who knew what he would think?

After all, this was essentially digging up his grave.

“Oh, right. Install this into Oblivion’s body as well.”

Roland suddenly remembered the item he had purchased earlier from the system marketplace and handed a chip to Mudor.

“What is this?”

Mudor asked, puzzled.

“A very useful piece of technology. You’ll understand once Oblivion is born.”

Roland smiled but offered no further explanation.

As he had said before, Oblivion’s instability meant he would not install an intelligent AI, nor preserve the original consciousness, nor allow Bartmoss to control it.

The chip he had handed over was the key to controlling Oblivion himself. Once installed, it would convert into data and merge seamlessly into Oblivion’s body—a piece of system-grade black technology.

However, when controlling Oblivion, Roland’s own body would be immobilized. He would need a secure control chamber for operation.

“Oblivion…”

Roland’s eyes gleamed as he stared at the fully assembled body.

“I’ve wanted you for a long time…”

...

Chapter 272: PROJECT · Oblivion!

Hiss—

With a sharp release of steam, the loading apparatus surrounding Oblivion completed its cooling cycle. Behind the curtain of white vapor stood a grotesque metallic face, its massive body motionless and silent.

Thick conduits were still embedded in its back, continuously feeding energy into its frame, faint orange light pulsing through them.

Two rows of razor-edged spikes crowned Oblivion’s head, while rows of serrated metal fangs hinted at the beastly factor built into its core. Its colossal body was covered in condensation, though the droplets quickly evaporated under the heat radiating from within.

Oblivion had not yet awakened. It exuded nothing but cold stillness. Yet even dormant, the sheer pressure emanating from its massive frame was overwhelming—especially for those who knew what kind of monster stood before them.

From its head and torso, one could clearly see similarities to Apocalypse.

“Phew… Mission accomplished, boss. Bartmoss’s consciousness has been stripped down and fused into a shell within Oblivion’s body. It allows the user to achieve perfect compatibility with the frame. There are still side effects, though. I’m afraid only you can fully control this monster.”

Mudor jogged over, eyes glazed with excitement as he ran his hand across Oblivion’s metallic surface. He had never imagined he would one day be able to touch Oblivion like this.

In the original PROJECT universe, ever since this thing was created, it had existed in a state of instability. It obeyed PROJECT not because it had to—but simply because it chose to.

And the moment it stopped choosing…

That would be the day PROJECT fell.

Roland’s eyes burned with anticipation.

The apex combat power on land was finally his.

After learning Oblivion’s full performance specs, Roland had been genuinely shocked. Unlike the crocodile’s depiction in the game, Oblivion possessed long-range attack capabilities. Its frame speed was astonishing—especially once it entered Dominus State.

“Mudor, get ready. I’m taking it out for the first time.”

Roland waved his hand impatiently.

“I understand. I’ll prepare everything immediately.”

Mudor hurried off. After all… he wanted to witness Oblivion’s true form as well.

...

Soon, a sealed chamber forged entirely from alloy unfolded. At its center stood a device resembling a nutrient pod, with a dedicated conduit designed to connect to the interface at the back of Roland’s head.

“Boss, just remove your clothes, lie inside, and connect that tube to your interface.”

Roland nodded and climbed in without hesitation. After connecting the tube, he took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

“Alright… ready. Begin.”

“Understood!”

Mudor immediately began entering commands.

Images of Oblivion’s body and Roland’s body appeared side by side on the display. A percentage indicator rose steadily next to Oblivion’s image.

As the number climbed, Mudor’s breathing grew tense.

100%.

The word “Complete” flashed across the screen.

“Hahahahaha! Success!!!”

Hiss—

The conduits embedded in Oblivion’s back detached and retracted into the wall. Orange energy began flowing through the seams of its body, pulsing rhythmically like breathing.

Hum—

A deep engine resonance echoed through the chamber.

In an instant, orange energy flooded Oblivion’s entire body. The spikes on its head ignited with blazing orange light.

“ROAR!!!”

The moment Oblivion opened its jaws, a thunderous roar erupted.

The pressure of a top-tier predator spread across the entire base. Personnel still working inside froze in terror, their legs trembling uncontrollably.

After that roar, Roland fully seized control of Oblivion’s body.

He inhaled deeply.

A thread of rage began to rise from within—but it remained suppressed. Still under control.

Erasing it completely was impossible. The rage mechanism was one of Oblivion’s greatest strengths.

A double-edged sword.

Boom!

Roland slammed a claw into the alloy floor. The impact cratered the surface instantly, energy claws embedding deep within it. The missile-resistant alloy floor crumpled like soft metal beneath his strike.

“This is pure art!!!”

Mudor’s ecstatic howl echoed nearby.

Roland glanced at him, inwardly resigned. Mudor, Samuel, Moket—they were all the same breed.

“Mudor. Stay further back. I’ve just taken control of this body. I can’t regulate it perfectly yet. I might accidentally kill you.”

Roland’s voice, transmitted through Oblivion’s system, had become a distorted, raspy electronic growl.

Mudor wisely retreated. He had no desire to test his fragile human body against Oblivion’s steel frame.

“Prepare the testing field. I need to measure my current strength.”

Mudor pressed a control switch.

The ultra-thick alloy walls surrounding Oblivion separated and unfolded, transforming into a massive open platform. Mechanical units shifted the remaining alloy barriers into position.

Within seconds, the chamber became a vast training arena.

Mudor quickly withdrew to a safe distance.

Once no living personnel remained nearby, Roland loosened his restraint slightly.

Boom!

A deafening blast echoed as claw marks gouged violently into the alloy floor, the metal exploding outward. Oblivion’s massive frame blurred into an orange streak, slamming against the wall.

Its claws tore straight through a Tepper alloy block as if ripping paper.

Then Roland remembered something.

“Mudor. Deploy my Moon Blade.”

“Yes!”

A massive metal Moon Blade rose from below.

Roland stepped forward and gripped the handle.

Hum—

Orange energy surged through the entire weapon in an instant.

Without hesitation, he launched forward.

Oblivion’s massive body transformed into a blazing orange drill, punching straight through the alloy block ahead.

Boom—Sizzle—

Extending his claws to stabilize himself, Roland looked back.

A massive hole had been bored clean through the Kairo Alloy block behind him.

At that moment, Roland gained a much clearer understanding of Oblivion’s combat power.

Kairo Alloy was the same protective armor alloy used on Unit-01.