A band of warriors stand, gazing in astonishment towards the sky where the remnants of their foe dissipate into fading yellow lights.

Azan "What the fuck?... Dave. You took those words out of my mouth. Right when things were about to become more organized. This shit happens."

Diana "Boss? Do you have any idea what's happening? Why was that fucker leaving?"

Kanji " Give me a moment... Let me think."

His consciousness dives into the labyrinth of experiences and insights about this foreign world.

Kanji "It seems as though the world. The landscape, its inhabitants, and their society were designed to be as antagonistic as possible to foreign invaders. Or in John Calsion's vernacular, he wants to demonstrate the peril and complexity of countering his philosophy. Everyone here thought that obliterating all the crystals would shatter this world, right?"

With joyful abandon, they flung their hands into the air.

Kanji "Yeah... I thought so too The most peculiar part is, well, that crystal on its palm was likely a diversion or a trigger of some kind. I also suspect those shrieks were from the stogans and shattering the crystal cost them their lives. Consequently, triggering the massive statue's prototyping phase. Briefly, I also detected a distinctive frequency radiating from its chest, where a heart would be. Perhaps the real crystal."

Gwen "Are you implying that it retreated to lure us into another city?"

Sarah "Wait! Wait! Wait! Hold the fucking phone! Is that fucker trying to bait us into powering it up?!"

Kanji "Precisely, and it's attempting to weaken us indirectly. We'll have to navigate through the environment and its inhabitants, anticipating it could finish us off by the end."

Claire "Then what should we do?"

Mina "Claire, what about we try to stop it from escaping?"

Claire "Are you sure? That monster was very fast."

Kanji "That's not all, we must also take into account its weight, hence grappling with it is off the table."

Diana "Darn it! That was my plan!"

Noah "How about we finish it off with one super move?!"

Dave "Bro. Are you talking about Kanji's ultra mega giga dickass beam?"

Amelia "Darling, I believe he meant everyone."

Dave "For real? But I ain't got anything good to chuck at that mofo, Amby."

Adrian "Hey, may I suggest a plan of attack?"

Noah "Really? From a pacifist? Sure, why not."

They settle down on the marble tiles encircling the destroyed fountain. As Adrian unveils his grand design, a spectral fog blankets the deserted cityscape devoid of any other living beings. The wind picks up as Adrian completes his narration.

Kanji "That sounds... perfect! Alright, say aye if you agree!"

All "Aye!"

Their conference wraps up and they look around, surprised by the sudden mist. The group huddles together as they vacate the city walls through the colossal holes they created. Stepping beyond the inner walls, they sense a faint but definite presence observing them with loathing and malice. Unsettled, they press on and step through the outer walls.

A massive presence behind them prompts them to turn around—

Kanji "What in the... what are those?"

Sarah "Fucking hell! What now?! Are they still going to bother us as ghosts or some shit?"

Claire "Calm down, Sarah. They're not even moving."

A multitude of shadowy humanoids stands watch within the fog. Their faces brim with joy, tears, and happiness. With a sharper focus, the group discerns a much smaller, hostile horde, more insect-like than human with two pairs of arms, disrupting the sea of smiles. This group hollers and lunges forward—

But... they stop, casting fearful glances backward. The larger crowd raises their hands and begins to fight and rebel.

Kanji "I guess this is their way of thanking us for liberating them. Let's honor their wish and free the other cities as well."

Claire "Kaney, where to next? Flora or Wata?"

Kanji "I know that look, Claire. We're going to Flora."

Claire "Yes, Leana here we come!"

Gwen "Getting too attached to a wild animal isn't healthy for either party, you know."

Claire "Pft! As if! We're inside an imaginary world!"

Gwen "Touche."

Azan "So, what's the game plan this time, Kanji?"

Kanji "We're ditching the stealthy approach since there aren't any glaring distractions to exploit. I propose we split up and launch an attack, using Leana and her pride's speed to our advantage. We can cross out the west, east, and north as they are not as dangerous as the south. Plus, there's a possibility that the Floras have allied with pill bugs anyway, so I'd rather not gamble our chances."

Gwen "You're suggesting we should draw them out through the swamp in the south, gradually depleting their ranks due to hazards. Can I presume we will be split into teams rather than working individually?"

Kanji "Indeed, going solo is also not an option. I recommend we divide into three teams that complement each other. Diana, Gwen, and Claire. You guys are team 1. Diana is the shield, and Claire and Gwen offer both support and ranged abilities. Effective for picking off enemies."

Diana "Boss thinking like it's a video game. Sounds mad but I'm game if it's for the team!"

Gwen "This is utterly absurd but I can see the appeal in this team."

Claire "Ultimate girl squad assemble!"

Kanji "The next team would be Amelia, Dave, Azan, and Mina. You guys have proven track records with your partners, particularly Azan and Mina during that one time in Gwen's dimension."

Azan "What? Oh... right. Hopefully, we can duplicate that success."

Mina "Buck up, Azzy! Have a bit of spirit! We're gonna rock this!"

Dave "Me and my time changing home bros about the mess the game up you feel me."

Azan "Your lingo confuses me at times, Dave."

Dave "Ah, shit. Gotta dial it back a lil, huh? Sorry, man."

Amelia "You'll get the hang of it. Consider this mission as a splendid chance to talk with each other. Our group has a habit of pairing off for some strange reason."

Azan "Yes, it's probably just all comes down to chemistry but we're all friends here, so let's give it our all!"

They perform a four-way fist bump.

Kanji "That leaves the four of us. Sarah and Noah. I'll be honest here, you both are excellent at working independently, but this will be an ideal opportunity to foster a bit of teamwork. And Adrian, you're included because you have a brilliant mind. I'd even consider you my right hand."

Adrian "Oh jeez. That's a bit awkward, but shouldn't that title go to Gwen? She's far more intelligent."

Kanji "That's a valid point but, despite my respect for Gwen, she's lacking a little in the... er... socializing department."

Sarah "You're saying she's like me and Noah but with a bigger brain? That's fucked up, dude."

Kanji "No, you guys mix and talk well in our group but prefer solo tasks. Gwen... well, she's got the reverse issue."

Noah "You're fucking right... now that you mention it. She hardly interacts with us and only speaks up to correct us. It's been like that since the start."

Sarah "I kinda dig it though. Having a mad psycho genius for a friend is fucking awesome."

Noah "Y-Yeah... I was thinking that too l-lol."

Adrian "Perhaps, she's just a bit guarded, not wanting to reveal her true colors yet. Give her a chance. Anyway, shall we get started, Kanji?"

Kanji "Yes, but first we need Leana."

Claire "No worries, I'm on it. Follow my lead."

Gwen "Hold up, how do you know where she is? I don't remember anyone placing a tracker."

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Claire "Gwen, my nose isn't just for show, I can smell her. Look there! It is a bit of yesterday's footprints!"

Gwen "That's just muddy smudges. Are you certain?"

Claire "Do you want to make a bet?"

Gwen "... on second thought. I'll trust your instinct for once." "Oh no. I won't let you pull the wool over my eyes again. Not with Kanji watching."

Kanji "Let's go moving." "These two... are becoming more and more conflicted. Good thing I decided to distance myself."

They follow her as she scents the air, picking up the distinct urine aroma of a large feline. Memories of her girl scout days flood back as she recalls tracking bobcats. The trail leads them to the edge of the swamp toward the west side of Flora. They spot Leana and her pride concealed in the nearby foliage, attentively watching something in the distance.

Claire's eyes catch it too.

Claire "Those sons of a-

Kanji ["Calm down, Claire. We can save that cub later. Stick with the plan" ]

Claire frowns as she watches the Floras cart a lone leopard cub into the city. Her anger is briefly suspended when a low purr sounds to the right of the group. Leana bounds over and licks Claire, who responds with an affectionate hug. The whole pride looks to the wielders with pleading eyes.

Kanji "Don't fret. We'll help you free that cub. Do you trust us?"

The leopards manage a nod, as best they can.

Kanji "Good. Everyone, mount up. Remember your partners."

As they climb onto the leopards, Claire flashes a series of hand signals, prompting the pride to split into three groups of 50 leopards.

Claire "Shit! Almost forgot the healing supplies. We have six syringes and five bandages."

Sarah "I've got a spare syringe so I'll be happy with just a bandage."

Kanji "I suggest we give the syringes to those with little to no healing powers."

Claire "That'll be Dave, Amelia, Diana, Noah, Azan, and Gwen."

Gwen "What? You know full well that I'm incredibly in-depth in regeneration. It's better to give it to Adrian."

Gwen "Seriously? You know full well that my capabilities in regenerative procedures are strong. Adrian should have it."

Claire "Jeez... Just looking out for my BFF, Gwen. Alright, Adrian, here you go."

Adrian "Much obliged, Claire! I'll put it to good use!"

Claire "Okay gang! Let's get this show on the road!"

Under Claire's direction, the pride heads towards Flora's front gates. A handful of guards spot them and scramble for the safety of the outer walls as the gate begins to close. Gwen nudges Izzy on her back and the small quantum computer springs to life. A mass of roots and branches envelop Gwen before sprouting out a cluster of torpedo-like projectiles. She hurls them forward—

The front gate is obliterated in a cascade of explosions.

?? "INTRUDERS! FRONTLINE SOLDIERS, MOVE OUT!"

The shout comes from within the smoke as countless figures emerge from the fog, rushing toward the party. The wielders scatter, causing the soldiers to hesitate before ultimately splitting up and pursuing them into the swamps. The green-armored soldiers' grunts echo loudly in anger and anxiety as the chase begins.

Diana, Gwen, and Claire glance behind them.

Diana "Holy shit! What's up with their numbers?! There like hundreds of 'em! And they're fucking tree-hopping."

Gwen "According to Izzy's bio-readings analysis. We're facing around 500 of them. That makes this a 1-10 battle. Not ideal!"

Claire "Guys, look out!"

A swarm of giant leeches burst from the swampy surface, their jaws gaping open like nets as they engulf soldier after soldier. The crowd behind them slowly thins out. Gwen watches the water, her suspicions growing.

Gwen "This is unusual. They're not attacking us. Perhaps they view us as harder prey-

A javelin zips past her neck, causing all three girls to spin around.

A group of unfamiliar soldiers approaches, their green armor smeared with blood and adorned with decaying body parts. The leeches ignore this particular group. They carry a supply of javelins on their back which they wield in their right hands and round bronze shields in their left.

Diana "Ladies! We've got more company!"

Ahead, Gwen and Claire spot a pack of peculiar frogs. They brace themselves as a volley of tongues launches toward them. The tongues narrowly miss their arms. Suddenly— A muffled scream comes from behind as the tongues hit several of the new soldiers. Despite the loss of their comrades, the remaining soldiers remain calm, readying their javelins for another throw.

Diana "Fuck! Claire! Gwen! Get in front of me! And... erm Lia I guess. Just keep moving forward, girl. I've got the rest under control!"

Claire and Gwen nod with respect and urge Leana and her sisters to quicken their pace. Lia growls uneasily, but Diana meets her eyes with a reassuring gaze, a burst of confidence.

Diana "Just trust me, alright?"

Lia gives a firm nod, focusing on moving forward and maintaining her speed, allowing Diana to pivot herself to face their pursuers. Hundreds of hands draw back, ready to launch their javelins. They fire—

Diana's fists whirl into action, punching and deflecting the incoming storm of javelins.

Diana "YOU SHALL NOT PASS! THROW ALL YOU LIKE! TAKE THIS! THIS! THIS! THIS! THIS! THIS! THIS! THIS! THIS! THIS! THIS! THIS!"

Diana tirelessly fends off the relentless barrage of javelins for what feels like an eternity. Despite her incredible strength, she can feel her energy slowly dwindling, her fists gradually slowing down, and her body growing weary. As javelins begin to pierce her body, she collapses, unconscious from the overwhelming pain. Gwen, Claire, and Lia let out cries of desperation and anger as they watch Diana succumb to her injuries.

Meanwhile, the soldiers grow visibly frustrated as they realize their supply of javelins has run out.

Determined, they quicken their pace, trying to close the distance.

Claire "Those bastards are desperate! I can totally tell they are running out of steam."

Gwen "Indeed, as are Leana and her pride. We need a proper plan and quickly."

Claire "Yes, but we need to attend to Diana first."

Gwen "... Understood. However, her injuries are rather severe. I will need all of the healing supplies we possess."

Claire "Right! Take them! Just... please!"

Gwen "While I work on the procedure, hold them off as long as possible."

Giving Gwen a solemn salute, Claire starts to unload bolts onto their pursuers. The swamp echoes with the sound of bolt fire and clashing metal, yet Gwen's mind remains razor-sharp and focused. Pushing the last of her strength, Lia rushes to Gwen. She takes Diana from her back, transferring the unconscious warrior onto another leopard. Two of the pride drop back and aid Lia, leading her away from the chase in another direction. Luckily, the soldiers don't divert their pursuit.

Gwen "Right, I'm unfamiliar with this medical technology, but it's time to improvise. Izzy! Remove the javelins!"

Branch-like extensions from Izzy swiftly attach to the projectiles, pulling them out in one swift movement. Diana coughs, spattering Gwen's face with blood. She dismisses the disturbance, swiftly applying two bandages to Diana's chest.

Gwen "Analysis... Ah, as I suspected. The bandages use synthetic fibers and nanobots to stitch and regenerate cells. The synthetic part can be improved by incorporating biomass to extend the bandages' coverage. For the wounds... Izzy. Seal them up!"

[But Master! Wouldn't That Cause Unpleasant Effects?! Nya!]

Gwen "It's worth the risk! Do it!"

Izzy seals Diana's wounds with patches of a fleshy, brown, oil-like substance.

Gwen "Now, the bandages."

Izzy's roots weave into the bandages, causing them to expand and envelop Diana in a large cocoon. The sudden shift in weight nearly topples Diana, but Gwen catches her just in time. Izzy secures the cocoon to the leopard, who seems somewhat disconcerted.

Claire "Gwen! It's no use! They're deflecting my bolts with those stupid round shields!"

Gwen "Then you need a dose of explosive warfare. Here's a torpedo. Handle it with care and attach it correctly."

As Gwen tosses the explosive her way, Claire's grip slips, setting off the torpedo prematurely. Both she and Leana are sent sprawling, but Leana's claws find purchase on the trunk of a nearby mangrove.

Gwen springs from her mount, catching Claire mid-fall, and they land safely on Leana.

Gwen "Could you try not to be so reckless?!"

Claire "S-Sorry. It's just... my arms. They're torched. I can barely move them."

As Leana regains balance and resumes her retreat, Gwen places her hands over Claire's.

Claire "Wh-What?! G-Gwen!-

Gwen "Quiet down and follow my lead."

She guides Claire's hands, correctly attaching a torpedo to a bolt before firing it off, obliterating a large portion of the pursuing soldiers.

Claire "It worked!"

Gwen "You need to have more trust in me."

Claire "Yeah, sorry bestie."

Gwen "Apology accepted... bestie."

They exchange smiles and fire several more torpedoes, decimating the remaining soldiers. Physically and mentally drained, the remaining soldiers halt, giving Gwen's squad the opportunity to finish them off. Leana's pride finally comes to a stop.

Claire "Well done, girl! Now, we need to head to the front gate!"

Meanwhile, Kanji's team has managed to reduce the soldier numbers by half, thanks to the expert baiting made through Adrian and Kanji's guidance. A new squad of peculiar soldiers appears with javelins at the ready.

Kanji "So, they have a squad of rangers. It figures. It's time for an experiment. Double Conduit!"

Adrian, Sarah, and Noah all stare as Kanji's hands produce a majestic, glowing blue orb. He crashes the orbs together, a huge electrical shield expanding outward and encapsulating the entire pride. It extends to the water, shocking it in the process.

The soldiers launch their javelins, but the projectiles simply ricochet off the shield, turning back on the soldiers themselves and felling several in the process.

Noah "Woah, those were some nasty headshots. Wish I could help more but my melee skills are just crap now."

Sarah "Hold on! Noah! I got a fucking idea!"

Noah "Fuck really? What is it?"

Sarah "Dude, everything goes yellow when you get all excited. You can transfer it to things, right? Can you do it with... people?"

Noah "Maybe... Not sure."

Sarah "You know what. Fuck it! Let's try it!"

Sarah leaps over to Noah's lap, causing a golden glow to wash over him.

Sarah "You're excited from the thrill, right?!"

Noah "Y-Yes! Absolutely!"

Their emotions resonate, and the golden glow seeps into Sarah's body.

Sarah "Cool! I feel super cracked out. Alright, here goes nothing!"

She gazes at her ring and the golden glow surrounds it. With a broad grin, Sarah hurls the ring forward and through the barrier. The charged disc slices through the remaining warriors effortlessly, putting the chase to an abrupt halt. However, the ring picks up speed, generating a colossal amount of heat as it returns.

Kanji/Noah/Sarah "Oh fuck-

Upon impact, the ring detonates, annihilating the barriers and taking out 30 leopards in the process.

They descend... but land on the floating remains of not only their fallen comrades but also the leeches that got electrocuted or were caught in the blast. The surviving leopard mourns their loss. Sarah and Noah avert their gaze in shame, but Kanji snaps them out of it.

Kanji "We'll examine our mistakes later!"

Adrian "Indeed, let's press on towards the front gate."

Sarah/Noah "... okay."

They unite with Gwen and Claire at the entrance. Surprisingly, Dave and his squad are there too, but only 6 leopards remain. Everyone except Dave appears a bit disheartened, so Kanji approaches them.

Kanji "I'm relieved to see you're all unscathed. What happened?"

Dave "Well dudes, we were doing some legit shit at first with Amelia duplicating the trees and me tapping them trees passing by in rhythm and stuff. So they like growing and stabbing those Mofos. But then- dun dun dun! Those spear-throwing or whatever the fuck fucks showed up and started firing. Azan told us to group as tight as hell but it wasn't enough for all the leopard bros to be under Azan's kickass watch forcefield-ma-jig. Azan and Mina got mad. They went on the saucer and started fighting. It then turned into a fucking Call of Warfare lobby but with melee weapons, dudes"

Amelia "He lent a hand using his bats while I focused on altering their perspectives. It was bloody exhausting, I must say.""

Kanji "I see... Mina, Azan, Noah, and Sarah. Don't fret. There's always an opportunity for vengeance and forgiveness. The least we can do now is save that cub."

Their faces light up, and they step through the outer wall. Their demeanor rapidly shifts to sheer horror as they gaze upon a landscape littered with the decaying corpses of fallen heretics. The wielders cover their mouths and approach the inner walls. Upon entering, they are immediately met by the statue, which now appears larger than before. It has three pairs of arms and wings just like before.

Adrian "Everyone, stick to the plan... Wait a sec... Where's the-

Suddenly, a javelin is hurled from behind, hitting the crystal embedded in the statue's right palm.

They spin around to see a... child? He is not only mutated but also wears a young leopard's fur coat. The kid chuckles as his flesh disintegrates. The statue comes alive, growing three more pairs of arms and wings. Its legs jut out, forming hundreds of round shields. Its back bulges, and nestled between the wings is a large bag carrying a total of six obscured weapons. However, they can see four swirling shades of aura emanating from them.

In a blink... it doesn't retreat... all of its arms swipe downwards, eliminating Leana and her sisters.

Claire "LEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!"

(To be continued)