Theodore, 2B, and the relentless hum of the Pod units finally emerged from the maintenance tunnels, stepping out into the desolate, heavily industrialized perimeter of the Abandoned Factory district.
The air was thick with ash and the metallic scent of decay.
Almost immediately, a small, lithe figure clad in white and black descended gracefully from the ruins of a broken walkway.
This was YoRHa Unit 9S—the scanner model—who approached with rapid, uncertain steps.
9S's blue eyes, exposed beneath his shorter visor, were instantly fixed on Theodore.
He was visibly unsettled by the presence of a human—especially one radiating such immense, latent power.
"2B, report. Is this the... 'Irregular Combat Support Unit'?"
9S asked, his voice tinged with the analytical curiosity of a scanner. He quickly performed a deep-scan on Theodore.
"His energy signature is non-standard. Human biomass reading is normal, but his kinetic output potential is wildly anomalous. It doesn't match any known YoRHa data."
"Designation: Theodore,"
2B stated flatly.
"His methods are unorthodox, but effective. He facilitated the rapid elimination of two Goliath-class machines."
Theodore stepped forward, offering a friendly, non-threatening wave.
"Hey, 9S! Theodore Mayer. I know this is weird, but I'm here to make sure you guys don't end up having a bad time. You're the hacker, right? I'm the tank. We're going to be best friends."
9S bristled slightly at the casual familiarity, but the undeniable truth of Theodore's power overrode his protocol.
"My role is data collection and analysis. Not 'friendship.' But if your goal is the destruction of the Machine Network Server, then we are aligned. I have critical new data, 2B."
9S pulled up a holographic map of the immediate area.
"The Machine Network activity is escalating,"
9S reported, his tone serious.
"They aren't just sending patrols; they're attempting a localized data transfer into the central core of the Factory. They are trying to merge all local data into a single, heavily shielded server before we can breach it."
"Data transfer equals a massive, shielded target,"
Theodore translated.
"Got it. We need to hit it before the progress bar fills up."
9S nodded.
"Precisely. However, the path to the main core is now guarded by a new defense protocol. The machines are using a localized electromagnetic field to repel complex programming—and likely, any non-metallic objects moving at high velocity."
"Magnetic fields, huh? I'm getting déjà vu,"
Theodore muttered, recalling his fight with Heisenberg.
Suddenly, 2B's Pod unit chimed an alarm.
"Warning: Multiple, rapidly approaching machine signatures. Defense protocol initiated."
The ground ahead of them began to crackle with blue energy, forming an invisible, shimmering barrier.
The air pressure dropped, and the distinct hum of a powerful Electromagnetic Field (E-Field) filled the air.
Out of the industrial haze, a new wave of heavily armored Machine Lifeforms appeared—these were equipped with massive, spinning magnetic arms and thick plating. They were designed to operate within the E-Field.
"The field will significantly reduce your mobility, Theodore! It affects everything from our internal systems to magnetic movement!"
9S warned.
Theodore grinned, recognizing the perfect counter. He was used to elemental and magnetic weaknesses!
"Nah, I've got this,"
Theodore countered, pulling out a handful of Lightning Pots (from his Elden Ring inventory).
"You guys deal with the heavy metal. I'm going to overload their firewall!"
The androids engaged the armored machines, using precise, rapid slashes and ranged Pod attacks.
They needed to keep the heavy armor occupied and prevent them from reinforcing the E-Field generators.
Theodore sprinted toward the glowing E-Field barrier, ignoring the tingling static building up on his skin.
He hurled the Lightning Pots not at the machines, but at the visible energy pylons generating the field at the Factory entrance.
CRACKLE! BOOM!
The high-powered lightning instantly short-circuited the pylons. The massive E-Field surrounding the factory collapsed with a violent flash of blue light.
"Field neutralized,"
9S confirmed, scanning the area with wide eyes.
"Unbelievable. He weaponized elemental weakness against their electromagnetic defense."
"Told you,"
Theodore said, adjusting his collar.
"Always look for the exploit. Now, let's smash this server."
2B simply nodded, her hand already moving towards the now-unprotected entrance.
"Proceed."
[email protected]/phelio 40+ more chapters
(Next worlds were FFXV, Stellar Blade)