The Guardian’s heavy footsteps echoed through the streets as Vera rushed to the mech frame. She placed her hands on it, activating Reforge.
MP: 40/100... MP: 25/100...
The mech groaned as it began to repair itself, metal bending and reshaping into a working state. Her MP drained rapidly, but with a final burst, the mech came to life, towering over her. She climbed into the cockpit as her HUD linked up with its systems.
New Ability Unlocked: Pilot (Rank 1).
“Alright, big guy,” she whispered, gripping the controls. “Let’s see if you can handle this.”
The Guardian had spotted her. It charged, massive arms raised to crush her.
Vera brought the mech’s weapons online. The HUD displayed her limited ammo: a basic energy cannon with just a few shots. But it was enough. She aimed and fired. The blast hit the Guardian in the chest, staggering it.
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Guardian HP: 80%.
It retaliated with a laser strike that grazed the mech’s arm. Vera’s HP bar dropped again, and alarms blared in the cockpit.
Mech HP: 60%.
“I’m running out of time,” she muttered, desperately looking for an opening. Then she saw it—a faint, glowing weak spot on the Guardian’s back. If she could hit that, she might stand a chance.
Vera maneuvered the mech, dodging another crushing blow. With a final surge of energy, she positioned herself behind the Guardian and fired. The shot hit the weak spot dead-on.
Critical Hit!
The Guardian let out a deafening roar as its systems overloaded. It crumbled to the ground, defeated.
+500 EXP. Level Up!
Vera exhaled, slumping in the cockpit as her Level Up screen filled her vision.
Level 6 reached. Skill Points available: 3.
As the dust settled, her Quest Log updated:
Main Quest: Defeat the Guardian - Complete.
But the real challenge was just beginning. The pulsing energy at the heart of the city began to glow brighter, and a new quest appeared on her HUD.
Main Quest Updated: Uncover the Secrets of Xolum.
Vera smiled grimly. Whatever lay ahead, she was ready for it. The game was only just beginning.