Part 1

It's the month January 1 2199 the new year has gone by and I have officially been sent to join a team of special ops soldiers or marines, the name of the team is called Zeta consisting of 16 members total 7 males 7 females apparently lead by captain James Buckley and lieutenant Donald bell.

After I was left by the officer who had taken me too the base, I was greeted by sergeant Thomas brink he looked like a 32 or 34-year-old man with a lot of scars on his hands and had brown eyes and was an English man from the United Kingdom.

Sergeant Thomas: Hello young man, I heard you're the new recruit, am I right or wrong?

Pvt Richard: Ah yes, that's me private Richard Covington at your service sir!

Sergeant Thomas: I love the enthusiasm young man; come with me I will bring you to the base.

Just a moment later both of the soldiers arrived

Sergeant Thomas: here we are, I'll be introducing you to everyone now.

So, Richard and Thomas walked into the zeta base and arrived at the living room.

Sergeant Thomas: I have brought our new recruit, everyone come out and come greet him.

Pvt Richard: Uh... Hello everyone my name is Richard Covington and I am very intrigued to fight alongside all of you and to ensure victory to the lakay corporation as team so I hope to be in your care from here on out!

Spec takeda: (in Japanese) welcome home private

Spec hui-jin: (in mandarin) welcome to the team buddy.

Corporal Wyatt: good to have you private.

Capt James: welcome to the team private Richard!

Lt Donald: welcome private, good to have you.

Spec Nikolas: welcome to the base private!

Capt James: The girls in the team are doing their health check-up so they won't be able to greet you till tomorrow.

For now, Richard we got to go on a mission across the Kentucky outskirts, so get your gun and follow me.

Pvt Richard: Understood sir.

The young soldier got his assault rifle and handguns and left to the helicopter that was waiting outside for them.

Capt James: Listen private, you are stepping into the real deal in the fight between life and death, are you ready for this?

Pvt Richard: yes sir.

Capt James: I like the enthusiasm; I have also taken a look at your file. I'm glad to have your skill sets and what not but let me make this clear, we are a team so don't go guns blazing out there. Follow your supervisors plan or else you might die due to a mistake or being reckless.

Pvt Richard: got it sir.

Spec Takeda: (in Japanese) welcome to the lakay corporation.

They arrived to a small base at the outskirts of Kentucky, there was a lot of giant green trees and what not but a lot of damaged vehicles and equipment were all scattered around the area.

Lt Donald: Private, you, me and Takeda are going into the building while the others search around the perimeter and what not.

Pvt Richard: Yes sir.

So, the three men walked into the building and found out it was science facility but it was being used to create explosive bullets for guns of different classes. Lieutenant Donald was watching closely at the blood trails and the bullet holes that were left on the walls and monitors that were all destroyed by gun fire.

Spec Takeda: (in Japanese) Sir, I believe that the trinity was trying to one up us but it seems like the scientist weren't able to make their explosive bullets in time resulting into this catastrophe.

Lt Donald: Indeed, but it seems like another person was also here because look at this destroyed desk that was cut in half by a laser or some other weapon. It must be a higher up within the trinity corporation. I heard many stories that marines with powers are on the enemies side and were also seen by witnesses on the battlefields using them.

Pvt Richard: Wait so those rumors of the lakay corporation having a marine with powers and one that is rumored to be called the flaming marine that is on our side real???

Lt Donald: Yes private, he is also in our team.

Takeda laughed and Richard showed an intrigued face as his eyes began to shine brightly. Lieutenant Donald and the other two marines followed him promptly ready to fire as soon as they see something suspicious. They stumbled across a dead lakay marine hanged on the wall as his blood poured down off of the metal spear that was lunged into his chest, this was a recent kill as the lakay commander sent out some marines to explore this base and area a few hours prior. Then they found the other marine with his head split in half as if someone smashed his face so hard It split into two or something else happened from here, they found a bridge going to the other side of the area where another base is located.

Corporal Wyatt: Anything from down there yet sir?

Lt Donald: Just some blueprints and the two missing marines that were sent here two hours earlier. Anything up there as of yet corporal?

Corporal Wyatt: Well, no sign of any movement other than you guys around here.

Lt Donald: Thanks corporal, I'll keep in touch with you.

Corporal Wyatt was inside of the helicopter looking for any type of heat signature but he hasn't found nothing as of yet, this mission was more of a hit and miss because nothing other than dead marines and no sign of what's truly disrupting the outskirts of the state. Lieutenant Donald and the two other marines went up the bridge and saw a lot of destroyed light posts and empty bullet shells on the ground and what not eventually they reached the other base and climbed up the stairs were then corporal Wyatt warned about something hiding within the building.

Corporal Wyatt: Sir, I'm picking up two heat signatures in those buildings, second floor too be precise so I advise you to keep your eyes open for any incoming threat either it being a grenade or a close quarter attack.

Lt Donald: (quietly) Understood corporal. Guys let's move up slowly.

So, the marines did exactly that and went up slowly up the stairs and then Donald signaled to Takeda to peek by the side of the right room's door and signaled to Richard to keep him covered from behind as he entered the hall way, as Donald walked into the hallway, he was meet by a small knife passing by his face as the marine charged towards him but was quickly subdued and knocked out unconscious by an elbow to the neck. The other marine was hiding in the attic and jumped above Richard, Richard shot him in the stomach with his assault rifle and killed him instantly. Takeda was slightly shocked but he then was calm again.

Spec Takeda: (in Japanese) Sir should we interrogate the birdy?

Lt Donald: I will don't you worry. Hey, mister! WAKE THE FUCK UP! Listen, I need answers like right now. Why are we getting lot's of notices of stuff going on around these areas. Is there something you guys are doing which is why we always got to keep coming to these areas to scout.

Trinity marine: hahaha, sir you really are in trouble today. It's about to happen today, the entirety of the lakay corporation will cease to exist and this pointless war will be put to an end with that instrument of disaster which is making its way.

Lt Donald: What are you talking about.

Trinity marine: OH, nothing just a little welcome to your deaths party.

Corporal Wyatt: Sir, I'm picking up a lot of heat signatures coming from the woods!

Spec Takeda: (in Japanese) It's a trap sir!

Pvt Richard: YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!

Lt Donald: Find some cover right now, and get ready to shoot back!

Richard ran to a window and ducked underneath the steel wall and shot while occasionally peeking. The trinity force's were many and it seemed like the three marines were outnumbered and outgunned by them, Richard began to take down marine left and right but within his mind he felt bad for doing so because he had never killed anyone in his entire life till now. He knew what he was inducted in but this was maybe a little too much for him perhaps but he knew he had to keep his mind focused and concentrated or else one bad move and he is going to end up dead Infront of his teammates.

Spec Takeda: (in Japanese) Fine, I'm going to end this right now!

Takeda stood up from where he was and made a fire barrier all of a sudden which melted the bullets that were going towards him in an instant, he then made fire orbs and then threw them at the marines blowing them up and lighting them on fire causing a painful death, the trinity marines saw the devastation being brought upon them and decided to retreat back to their leaders.

Capt James: (through the comms) Donald! IT'S THE TRINITY!

Lt Donald: I know James, we got to see what they are up to around the area 20 kilometers from here. This one we were interrogating said something is on its way and im pretty sure its coming from underground, shall we go stop whatever they are doing?

Capt James: (through the comms) yes, we shall. The helicopter with the corporal is being sent to pick you guys up, I am also going there with Nickolas and hui-jin and maybe the other special operation teams as well.

Lt Donald: Fine by me sir. Everyone lets move it, double time!

Part 2

The marines had arrived to the area where the other special operations were at and found captain James and the other two marines with him looking at the surroundings.

Capt James: Lieutenant, you said there was something underground correct.

Lt Donald: That's what the marine kind of hinted at, yes.

Capt James: Then we got to do something quickly about it, also I haven't seen anything shady as of yet.

Spec Nickolas: Sir, look at this.

Captain James grabbed the binoculars out of Nickolas hand and saw a marine with an armored looking uniform standing on top of an abandoned little building. He seemed to be a high-ranking marine out of the trinity.

Spec Nickolas: sir... do you think it's?

Capt James: Most definitely.

Pvt Richard: Who is he sir?

Capt James: A high ranking marine on top of the pyramid within the trinity's hierarchy, from the stories I have heard he has special powers within his grasp's.

The marine disappeared into thin air and the zeta team members were shocked to see this, that pretty much conformed their theory. Richard then finally remembered seeing Takeda using flames and now knows who he is, he then began to fanboy all of a sudden.

Pvt Richard: Takeda! ARE YOU THE CHILD OF THE SUN! THE RUMORED FALMING MARINE!!!

Spec Takeda: Yup!

Pvt Richard: AMAZING BRO! Can I have an autograph after we are done here?

Spec Takeda: Yes of course.

Pvt Richard: SWEET!

Lt Donald: Alright enough fanboying private and put on your waist grappling hook gear so we can traverse these huge trees.

Pvt Richard: Nice, this will be the first time going further with that genius machine.

So, the zeta team members were ready with their waist grappling hook gear (WGHG) and began to move to the center of this area, they decided to split back into their small groups once again and went on their own sides. Richard while traversing the trees felt like something was calling for him, it's like an accumulated number of whispers entering his ear drums with words which weren't very decryptable at all. He then saw a glowing blue light around a small cave on the ground and then the whispers began to get louder than before and it was affecting his concentration on the task on hand so he decided to go check it out,

Private Richard: Takeda, I'm going to check out that cave. There might be a sniper or something hiding in there. Cover me.

Spec Takeda: Alright, but be quick.

Richard told Takeda that he will go check out the glowing light on the cave for any possible trinity sniper hiding in there and left.

I detached from the group and descended into the cave. As I entered, the whispers became deafening. A strange, pulsating blue light illuminated the narrow tunnel, guiding me deeper into the cavern. I followed it, my heart pounding with both anticipation and unease. An item appeared to be underneath of the land from the luminating light blue color that was shining from underneath, he Dugged it up and found a strange looking gauntlet within the empty cave's land. Before I could process what, I was doing, I reached out and touched it. The moment my fingers brushed against the metal; the gauntlet latched onto my right hand with a sharp clink. It adjusted itself, resizing perfectly to fit me. Then, a surge of energy pulsed through my body. My eyes widened in shock as everything around me dissolved into a blinding light.

Suddenly, I wasn't in the cave anymore. Now the young soldier was in a different realm or in his very own mind just that now it was possibly fused with the gauntlet showing him something from the past. Richards was in the middle of some battlefield where people were fighting, I noticed the insignias on the uniforms around me were unmistakable Lakay and Trinity marines locked in brutal combat. The chaos was overwhelming, and everywhere I looked, I saw death and destruction. I wandered through the scene, horrified and confused. This definitely had to be from the past—perhaps the first major conflict between the Lakay Corporation and the Trinity forces. The screams, the explosions, the blood—it all felt too real. he found himself in the middle of a confrontation between two people who seemed to be the leaders from their respected military corporations and then all of a sudden, I watched as they clashed, their gauntlets meeting with a thunderous impact that sent shockwaves rippling through the battlefield.

Then, everything went white.

The next thing I knew, I was in a different place—a quiet, endless space filled with nothing but white light. A woman's voice echoed around me.

???: Young man, you have been chosen by the gauntlet and now I hope you are the right person to end this war someday, so make me proud marine. The rest I shall leave on your hands.

I tried to respond, but my mouth refused to move. I was frozen, unable to speak or act. The woman's voice began to fade as the dream-like vision came to an end, but before it disappeared completely, I felt a strange sensation throughout my body. My muscles tightened, my bones felt denser, and a surge of raw power coursed through me. My strength, speed, and endurance were all being enhanced, modified at an alarming rate. Richard thought to himself if this item was more than just a weird ancient gauntlet but more of a godly artefact which he just dug up back into the world once again. How would this affect him in his daily life from here and out?

Part 3

Richard awoke with a jolt, his breath coming in ragged gasps. His heart pounded in his chest, and cold sweat beaded on his forehead. He blinked rapidly, trying to shake the lingering vision of the battlefield and the eerie voice from his mind. He glanced down at the gauntlet still attached to his right hand, its metallic surface faintly glowing in the dim light.

Captain James: Are you okay, soldier? You looked like you were having one hell of a nightmare. And... what's with the gauntlet?

Richard stared at the gauntlet, unsure how to explain what had just happened to him. The visions, the power, the voice of the woman telling him he was chosen—it was all too surreal to put into words. So, instead, he shrugged.

Pvt Richard: I'm fine, sir. Just a weird dream, that's all.

Captain James raised an eyebrow but didn't press the issue further.

Capt James: Alright, listen up, soldiers. In a little while, we're moving to the site where five platoons of Trinity Corporation marines are currently converging, led by their admiral. This is going to be serious, so prepare for anything. We don't know what kind of firepower they're packing.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Sergeant Thomas: You heard the captain, everyone. Get ready.

Richard felt a knot of anxiety tightening in his stomach. His hand instinctively clenched around the gauntlet; its cold metal oddly comforting. Despite the fear creeping up his spine, he reminded himself why he joined the Lakay Corporation marines in the first place. He was here to fight, to protect, and to prove himself worthy. He took a deep breath and steadied his nerves. As the Zeta team finally arrived at their destination, Richard saw that other teams had gathered as well—Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie units, all gearing up for what would likely be a brutal battle.

Capt James: Okay, everyone, listen up. We've arrived at the rendezvous point. I'll scout the area with the other captains and then report back with the plan. Stay sharp.

The marines nodded, their faces hard and determined. Richard noticed that some of them wore the same expression of anxiety that he had just moments before. This was no ordinary skirmish; this could be a turning point in the ongoing war between Lakay and Trinity.

Captain James and the other captains moved ahead to scout, disappearing into the barren land that stretched before them. It was a desolate, eerie landscape, with scorched earth and twisted trees that looked like they had been long abandoned by life. Richard scanned the horizon, squinting at the faint outlines of movement in the distance. Through the haze, he spotted something strange—two figures, moving quickly across the land. One wore an outfit that looked like a blend of samurai and Chinese armor, his movements fluid and precise, almost supernatural in their speed. The other man, standing still and watching, had pale skin and piercing blue eyes that seemed to glow faintly in the twilight.

Capt James: Alright, we're splitting into smaller teams. Lieutenant Donald, Sergeant Thomas, and Corporal Wyatt, you're with me. Takeda, you take Nikolas, Hui-Jin, and Private Richard. We'll be covering different flanks, so move carefully and stay alert.

The marines nodded, quickly falling into their assigned teams. Richard joined Takeda's group, activating his Waist Grappling Hook Gear (WGHG) as they prepared to move. In a swift motion, they launched themselves across the barren land toward the next set of coordinates.

As they soared through the air, Richard heard Takeda muttering under his breath in Japanese.

Spec Takeda: (in Japanese) The coordinates lead us into another forest beyond the barren land. But why would Trinity send only a small army here? And how do they plan to destroy Lakay's headquarters with just this many soldiers? Something feels off...

Takeda's words lingered in the air like an unspoken warning. Just as Richard was about to respond, a deafening crack filled the air. Gunfire.

Pvt Richard: Incoming!

Suddenly, bullets rained down from the sides, cutting through the trees and slicing through the air around them. Richard watched in horror as several marines were hit, their bodies jerking violently as they were torn apart by the hail of gunfire. Blood sprayed across the ground, limbs severed, and the awful sound of flesh being ripped echoed through the trees. The once-green forest was now painted red with gore.

Despite the chaos, Richard remained calm, his training kicking in. He raised his carbine rifle, quickly taking aim. His enhanced reflexes from the gauntlet came into play, allowing him to move with uncanny speed and precision. He squeezed the trigger and felt the satisfying recoil as the bullet penetrated an enemy's skull. One down.

He swung through the air, avoiding gunfire and picking off more targets with deadly accuracy. Within minutes, he had taken out five marines, each one falling to the ground with precision shots. His training with the WGHG and his newly enhanced abilities were paying off.

Nearby, he saw Takeda in action, and the sight left him speechless. With a single swing of his katana, Takeda unleashed a wave of fire that shot out from the blade. The flames struck a Trinity gunner's base, slicing it at an odd angle and incinerating the man inside. The gunner's body exploded into a grotesque spray of guts and blood.

Pvt Richard: HOLY SHIT! I thought the stories were just rumors! He really can make fire come out of his sword!

The legend of the Child of the Sun had always been a topic of debate among the marines, but here it was—Takeda wielding the power of flames, a gift passed down through generations by the sun goddess Amaterasu herself told by the Japanese people. Richard had heard that Takeda's father, on his deathbed, had entrusted his son with this sacred power when he was only ten years old. Despite his martial arts training in judo and karate, Takeda had somehow mastered the art of the sword—apparently with the help of a foreign boy, though no one knew who he was.

Suddenly, Richard found himself in close combat with two Trinity marines wearing jetpacks. They rocketed toward him, drawing blades of their own. Richard swiftly unsheathed his WGHG blades, prepared for a melee battle in mid-air. He parried the first marine's strikes with ease and countered with a quick slash that severed his opponent's arm. The second marine was more skilled, dodging and striking with precision, but Richard held his ground, deflecting each blow. Just as Richard was about to make his move, a shot rang out. "BANG!". The second marine's head snapped back, blood spraying from his helmet. Richard looked over to see Hui-Jin lowering her sniper rifle.

Pvt Richard: Thanks, Hui-Jin!

Spec Hui-Jin: (in Mandarin) No problem. Keep moving!

Richard grinned. Damn straight, he thought, as more enemies descended from above. Trinity had sent in more jetpack marines, their machine guns rattling as they opened fire from the treetops. The three marines dodged the onslaught, but Takeda wasn't having any of it. With a swift motion, he conjured flames around his sword once more, sending a wave of fire that melted the incoming bullets mid-flight. In the blink of an eye, he sliced through the enemies in front of him, their bodies falling apart as if they had been cut by a hot knife through butter.

Then, out of nowhere, something slammed into Takeda, sending him crashing into the ground. A black substance, like liquid shadow, rippled across the battlefield, forming a humanoid shape that towered over the fallen marine. The figure spoke in Japanese, its voice deep and ominous.

???: (in Japanese) Child of the Sun... So, you're finally here. Let's see how your little team fares against the admiral's plan. It's about to unfold in mere seconds.

Takeda wiped the blood from his mouth, his eyes blazing with fury.

Spec Takeda: (in Japanese) We'll be ready.

With a flash of flames, the black substance was obliterated, disintegrating into ashes.

Pvt Richard: Who the hell was that, Takeda?

Spec Takeda: (in Japanese) An old enemy of mine. But don't worry about it. The captain sent us new coordinates. Let's move. We don't have time to waste.

As they prepared to move out, Richard couldn't help but reflect on everything that had happened. His thoughts raced—about the gauntlet, the battle, and the incoming threat. The gauntlet still tingled on his hand, the power inside it a constant reminder that something bigger was in play. He didn't know what the future held, but one thing was for sure—this war was about more than just soldiers and bullets. It was about powers beyond their understanding.

And Richard? He had been thrust right into the center of it all.

Part 4

The marines on Captain James' flank were pushing hard, their firepower relentless. The dense forest they had entered earlier was now riddled with bullets, gunfire lighting up the dark underbrush like fireworks in the night.

Capt James: DONALD, BEHIND US!

Lt Donald: I KNOW!

Their reactions were swift. The ambushers barely had time to line up their shots before they were cut down by the expert marksmanship of Corporal Wyatt. He had positioned himself behind some makeshift cover, the muzzle of his rifle glowing from continuous fire.

Corporal Wyatt: Jetpack marines neutralized, sir!

Sergeant Thomas: Nice work, lad! Let's keep moving through this godforsaken forest!

The marines pressed forward, pushing through the thick foliage. The towering trees, once lush and green, were now blackened and torn from battle. Smoke hung in the air, mixing with the sharp scent of burning metal and gunpowder. They moved closer to the supposed location of Trinity's machine—their mysterious weapon of war. The closer they got, the more they noticed the large enemy presence around the target area. It was as if the entire enemy force had gathered to protect whatever they were planning to release.

Sergeant Thomas: Captain, I think they're preparing to deploy their machine.

Capt James: Yeah, it seems like it. Let's make sure they never get the chance. Let's move, soldiers!

With that order, the four-man unit charged. They tore through the enemy marines with precision, the staccato burst of rifles cutting through the thick, oppressive atmosphere. The remaining Trinity forces scattered in disarray, surprised by the ferocity of the Lakay marines.

But someone was watching. From the shadows of a twisted tree, a figure observed the fight with a twisted grin. The tree behind him crackled ominously as ice spread across its trunk, freezing it solid in seconds.

Lt Donald (while shooting): Captain, I've got a bad feeling... it's like someone's watching us!

Spec Nickolas (gritting his teeth): I feel it too! There's something... off.

Capt James: Wyatt! Confirm our six!

Corporal Wyatt: It's—

He didn't finish the sentence. The words were replaced by a crash as a massive ice hammer descended from above, smashing the metal wall they were using for cover into twisted rubble. The ground beneath them froze instantly, turning into a treacherous sheet of ice. From above, a pale figure landed with inhuman grace, his long cloak billowing as his ice-blue eyes scanned the group. He moved with a cold, calculated precision—every step leaving frost in its wake.

Without warning, the pale figure attacked. Sergeant Thomas barely had time to raise his blade before the figure sidestepped and countered with a devastating left hook, sending him flying backward. Nickolas lunged in, trying to capitalize on the opening, but the pale man kneed him in the stomach and drove an ice dagger into his thigh. James managed to land a dropkick, forcing the pale figure to stumble back. The captain followed up with a flurry of punches, each one crackling through the air as the two engaged in a brutal, close-quarters brawl.

Lieutenant Donald entered the fray, leaping into the pale man's blind spot and driving a knee into his ribcage. His Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instincts kicked in as he attempted to lock the man in a submission hold. But before he could fully secure the hold, the pale figure released a chilling shockwave of frost, sending Donald flying into the nearby wall. His head slammed into the metal, leaving a dent and dazing him momentarily.

???: (grinning, his voice dripping with malice) You two seem close... I wonder how it would feel if one of you lost the other right now. But it doesn't matter... my time here is almost up. I'm being called back.

The figure turned toward Wyatt, who had been desperately trying to aim through the frost covering his goggles.

???: Your friend? He's frozen. You've got under thirty minutes to save him before hypothermia claims him. Oh... and the machine? It's already on its way to the surface. Enjoy the chaos.

With a maniacal laugh, the pale figure vanished into a gust of icy wind, leaving behind only the shattered battlefield and the creeping frost spreading across Wyatt's immobilized body.

Capt James: We will stop it! Mark my words!

Spec Nickolas: (kneeling beside Wyatt's frozen body) Damn it! We need to unfreeze him, fast!

Sergeant Thomas: We'll lose him to hypothermia if we don't move quickly.

Lt. Donald: I'm calling in reinforcements. We'll need backup and medics, ASAP!

Meanwhile, Richard was facing his own battle on the opposite flank. His helicopter skimmed above a fortified Trinity position, a massive fortress lined with mortars and high-powered Gatling guns. The Trinity forces had prepared well—bunkers, heavy artillery, and camouflaged snipers were entrenched across the field.

Pvt Richard: Umm, sir, why did you just pick me out of nowhere?!

Pilot: (chuckling) You looked like cannon fodder, kid! Just kidding. We need a machine gunner, and you're it. Those bullets you're about to fire? They'll tear those cowering bastards from their hiding spots. Are you ready?

Pvt Richard: (nervous) I'm not sure I like this... but sure thing, sir!

Richard slid into the gunner's seat, gripping the handles of the mounted machine gun. His nerves threatened to overwhelm him, but as soon as his fingers found the trigger, instinct kicked in. With a deep breath, he unleashed a barrage of gunfire, targeting the weak points projected by the gun's heads-up display. His shots were precise, tearing through enemy emplacements and ripping apart their cover.

A heat-seeking missile screamed toward the helicopter, but Richard didn't flinch. He tracked its trajectory and fired, detonating it mid-air before it could make impact. The explosion rocked the skies, but Richard remained calm, focusing on the destruction below. The fortress, which had been fortified for days, was crumbling under his relentless assault.

Suddenly, a loud siren pierced the air, echoing across the battlefield. Richard looked down, his eyes widening as the ground beneath the enemy forces split open. The earth groaned as something massive stirred beneath it.

From the widening crater, a giant metallic hand clawed its way to the surface. Then another. The ground shook violently as the enormous machine climbed out, its towering form casting a long shadow over the battlefield. It was a mechanical behemoth, its gray-and-purple frame covered in thick armor plating, pulsating with energy. Its legs slammed into the ground, sending shockwaves that rattled the trees and even shook the airborne helicopters.

Pvt Richard: What in the hell...

Before he could react, the mech's systems locked onto his helicopter. Rockets fired from its sides, moving with blinding speed.

Pilot: Hold on, kid!

Despite the pilot's best efforts to maneuver, one of the rockets made contact. "BOOM!" The helicopter was engulfed in flames, spinning out of control as it plummeted toward the ground. Richard's heart raced as the world around him blurred. His hands reached out, instinctively shielding his face.

"CRASH!"

The helicopter hit the river with a sickening splash. Water rushed in, flooding the cabin. Both Richard and the pilot were submerged in seconds. Richard fought to stay conscious as the cold water pulled him under. His vision blurred, the weight of the gauntlet on his hand dragging him deeper into the murky depths. For a moment, everything was silent, his mind numb from the shock.

But deep within him, something stirred.

As his consciousness began to fade, Richard felt a surge of energy—a raw, uncontrollable force rising from within. His eyes, once dull with fear, began to glow faintly as the power of the gauntlet surged through his veins. He could feel it, pulsing, demanding to be unleashed. His body, though underwater, started to radiate with an otherworldly light.

Pvt Richard (whispering): Not today...

And then—everything exploded into light.

Part 5

Capt James: Was the private in there!

Spec Nikolas: I am afraid yes, sir...

The marines of Zeta Team stood in stunned silence, grappling with the reality that their youngest recruit had fallen on his first day in battle. Shock and disbelief hung heavy in the air as the giant mech continued its relentless assault on the remnants of the unnamed teams below.

The giant mech started to destroy the unnamed teams at the bottom that had arrived to the scene, captain john from alpha team ordered his men to take out the legs of the mech with their swords that are metal piercing they moved in close to try to strike to only be met by a shock wall that killed both of his specialist

Capt john and capt berry: RETREAT EVERYONE THIS HUNK OF METAL SHIT IS GONNA KILL ALL OF US. WE NEED TO GET BACK TO THE HEADQUARTERS TO USE THE ULTRA DESTROYER CANON (UCD)!!

The marines on the ground where getting killed by the shock waves of the mech, they then all began to run back up the hill. The tanks on the ground where all getting blown up by a high-powered laser beam, the admiral of the trinity smiled as he stood on top of the mechs head as he saw the current onslaught that the mech was causing. Back to the river, Richard woke up in the water looking around he saw the charred remains of the pilot. He began to question about how he still was alive as he then began to get many emotions all at once, he then started to get a blue outline coming from his right hand and traveling to the rest his body, his gauntlet was doing something to his body again.

Capt. James: Fall back to headquarters, Zeta Team! Move it!

Captain James told the rest of zeta team to fall back to the headquarters as everyone was in a panic, they were running like loose chickens going up a hill, then all of a sudden. The land they were fighting on started to tremble like an earthquake happening right before them. The earth started to split in half, forcing the mech to stop its advance towards the lakay corporation's headquarters, the man controlling the mech was getting a reading from the river side as the numbers started to rise drastically as it kept rising.

The beautiful green watered river started to rise from a certain spot, it looked like a tornado but in the middle, there was no water; the marines from both sides saw this abnormal looking rising river and saw a figure rising from it, the admiral looked at in awe and was quite surprised.

Corporal Wyatt: Captain, are you seeing this, is that...

It was Richard, he had survived and now he was floating around a weird looking green river tornado. He jumped back to land, and now the marines were shocked by this, they thought to themselves how did a normal marine just jumped from a very high place and didn't die and better yet didn't die from getting hit by a missile, that's because Richard was just built different from here on out.

Richard looked at the mech and from a very far distance jumped right towards the giant mech and punched one of the legs off, the mech struggled to balance itself with just one leg, the man controlling the mech was in desperation mode, he swung his fist to hit Richard but he just missed and now Richard flew above the mechs face and he punched it so hard the mechs head blew up into pieces. The mechs body went into the nearby forest crashing down hard, the right-hand punch of Richard really just flung it into the forest. The blue outline of the young marine shined in the sunlight. The admiral that was on top of the head was falling from the sky and landed right in front of him and applauded him.

Admiral ???: so, you are the private who just took down my mech huh, you got some metal guts to be doing that to the trinity alright but let me cut to the chase; I have come to challenge you right here and now, face me and show me what else you can do.

Those two stared at each other and then they started to go at it, hand to hand combat was being displayed now, Richard threw the first blow to the unnamed admiral which he blocked and punched Richard right back but he also blocked it and then they were going back and forth; until POP! The admiral hit Richard staggering him and then started to light him up with hooks and kicks, then the admiral released a green aura from within and threw a kick towards Richard's open guard, Richard countered his kick and "BOOM!" he made a little ball out of energy from his left hand and he blew it up in front of the admirals face and he then sweeped him off of his legs and elbowed him hard in the face, Richard went into his muay thai stance and he threw his question mark kick but it just barely missed the face of the admiral as he ducked and weaved the counter strike of Richard. This went on for some time till they separated and went for long range attacks they both threw orbs at each other causing them to blow up on impact ,they both were smiling and then Richard hit him with an orb that semi blinded the admiral and "slam!" he hit him with rapid punches that he threw at the admiral, he left hooked his side so hard he had to spit out blood from his mouth and he then also kicked him off balance and blasted him with a large blue beam coming out of his palm where his gauntlet was. The admiral wasn't fazed that much, instead he was happy?

Admiral ???: what a fight private, you truly are special but this time let's take it up a notch don't ya think.

He powered up himself and shockwaves hit the ground causing a miniature earth quake.

Admiral ??: This is 10% of my power so get ready!!

Richard also started to charge up but Richard was losing his consciousness as we speak, he let it all out and then they launched themselves at each other. Both of them hit each other so hard they went flying, they ran towards each other again giving themselves blow after blow, the admiral's armor had been semi torn and was a little bit bloodied up, Yet, he laughed, reveling in the challenge

Admiral ??: this has been fun but it's time to end this private.

With a swift motion, he hurled Richard high into the air, preparing his right fist for a finishing blow. Richard, struggling to stay conscious, responded by charging his own fist. They both unleashed their energy in a spectacular clash, the impact creating a shockwave that rippled outward, cracking the ground beneath them, it spread far and wide cracking the floor of the battle field even more! After the dust cleared Richard right fist was being held by the admiral, he smiled and looked at Richard and then spoke.

Admiral ???: you really are something else huh, my name is Kenneth blight remember my name and I hope we shall meet again, if you can survive this, that is.

He proceeded to land a heavy blow to Richard's solar plexus causing the young man to puke out blood from the blow, as now his eyes rolled backwards and was sent flying somewhere. The admiral was about to launch a giant beam that glowed green from his right palm but was stopped immediately by another. Specialist Takeda saroshina "the child of the sun" emerged from the trees and landed in front of the trinity admiral redirecting his attack away from Richard.

Spec Takeda: (in Japanese) ENOUGH! This battle is over for now.

Admiral Kenneth: Child of the sun, so you show yourself finally?

Spec Takeda: (in Japanese) Yes sir, and if you looking for a fight, I'm right here to face you.

Admiral Kenneth: I see, but I would like our battle to be special. So, for now, I shall let the young private survive this day. We'll get them next time men, for now retreat back to your destinated headquarters. Until next time saroshina, toddles.

The fierce admiral told his men to retreat and That was it of the little war, the end of this small confrontation.

Capt James: EVERYONE, pick up the wounded and take them back to the head quarters before anything else happens! Beatrice, can you go take some marines with you to search for Richard's location, please.

Beatrice nodded and went with armed marines to the location where the smoke was coming from and there, she found him curled up on a tree with most of his armor destroyed and his head bleeding and another thing was that his blood was leaking from his nose and eyes from the crash which definitely caused brain damage on the thick tree and of course the blow to his solar plexus caused internal bleeding and damage.

Spec Beatrice: Captain, I have found him, he is in critical condition and needs immediate assistance; I will carry him back to the transport jeep.

Capt James: Understood Beatrice be safe.

She carried the young marine's wounded body to the armored jeep and was quickly taken to the zeta infirmary where he was put in a tube to heal. In this day and age, there is a liquid that can heal your wounds, can even regrow lost limbs and heal brain damage and also internal bleeding so we don't really got to worry much about diseases and shattered bones or any other such thing.

Capt James: Everyone, you all fought well today, when Richard wakes up let's give him a huge round of applause and a thank you for being there for us, his solid bravery with stopping that mech and also for going toe to toe with the trinity admiral. Now let's get back to unpacking our new clothes and stuff. There's a lot to unpack also from our recent mission.

Everyone: YES SIR!