【Enter Battle】
Although Summoner tried to get rid of the villager, his strength was far bigger than Summoner had imagined. So, he was dragged to the square in the city centre.
The square, surrounded by towering stone sculptures, covered a wide area. There was an irregular pillar in the centre with a brightly-coloured flag on top. The flag was printed with interesting patterns.
The square was crowded. In the centre surrounded by the people, there was an arena circled by ropes. Two cyborgs, half-naked, were facing each other while people outside the arena were shouting and jumping for joy.
Mechanical Sapper: I won't lose!
Mechanical Logistician: Victory is mine!
【Meet BOSS】
Steam Sniper: This power... It's way stronger than I thought.
Steam Infantry: As long as I can have this body, I'll be invincible!
【Defeated BOSS】
Villager: Here comes the final.
: What's going on?
Villager: Testing the mechanical abilities. We organise this arena once every three months. The winner will become the research target of our mechanical professionals and will be eligible for body upgrades.
Player A: Take this!
Player B: Bring it on!
The two players started the engines; their bodies began to glitter. Raising their mechanical arms, both of them charged at each other - bang!
The impact raised a strong shockwave. Player A's arm was crushed, but he did not stop and kept punching Player B who was already down.
: Hey, stop him now! Otherwise, Player B will die!
Villager: Haha, relax! As long as he doesn't attack the head, the player will be fine. Look-!
The villager pointed at those players whose bodies were broken, lying down on the ground and receiving treatment from medical staff.
They were reconnecting their limbs to the bodies, but the players just remained calm, as if they had got used to it.
: This...
: 'I still can't get used to this thing... It goes against my common sense... No way will I accept it! I have to leave!'
Villager: Hey! Where are you going!
Summoner turned around and escaped while the villager was concentrating on the match. He tried to catch up, but it was too crowded. So, he could simply watch Summoner run away...
Summoner left the square and ran around in this unfamiliar city like a headless chicken. The only purpose was to stay away from the crowd.
Finally, he came to a riverside and sat cross-legged. The surface was calm like a mirror, reflecting his inorganic, mechanical body. Summoner touched the surface, rippling the water.
: 'I've been mechanised... What should I do next?'
As Summoner was puzzled, a few shadows were appreaching from the corner...