AN: Huhu, here comes a clean new chapter! PR version all due to nf_zeta-san, Gate-san and ShadowOfHavoc-san! Thank you!

[???: Just what the hell is he?]

Several of the highest ranked analysts of the Crimson Empire were observing the small battle from their battleship located in the space above the planet. Thanks to advanced technology they could observe a battle from millions of miles away in real time, however no technology could explain what was happening on their holo-screens...

First was that strange violet spear of unknown energy that completely mutilated Colloses which was simply unthinkable for someone who did not achieve Lower Circle Tier yet. That sneak attack failed so miserably that they immediately called off all future attempts. All of them silently came to the same conclusion - to fight this type of threat there is only one method, and that is the most simple one - swarm the enemy.

Crimson Empire's Mech count vastly outnumbered Kollos Alliance's with a ratio of 24 to 1. That decision was definitely an incredibly stupid move because the Crimson Empire just abandoned their defenses in all of their sectors by gathering here. In other words they just gave up all of their influence to overrun this planet.

So they traded their empire for the lives of all non-rankers on this planet. That is how it was supposed to be.

The number that currently surrounded the special squad was in a ratio of 400:1 while the others were at only a mere 5:1 disadvantage...

When something suddenly happened to the White Commander their enemy saw the opportunity and immediately issued orders. That’s when everything just went completely downhill. Three spheres. Those three were definitely "the target's" signature spheres, while one suddenly and completely disappeared from their sight the two were enough to completely take up all of their attention. Mersa was definitely something but she was only one person - she can only protect one side, if she was on one side of the bunker the other would be vulnerable.

Not. What the Empire did not foresee was the interference of that black blade. Wherever it passed it left a brief black line after itself, namely Calla's special skill the (True Split) derived from the (Omen of Destruction) - it was not something so simple as a crack in space, it was a crack in reality itself. Perfection that could be obtained only through fantasy. That fine line was complete - it was a miniature of a complete world, a world that was perfectly symmetrical, a perfect state where everything was one and one was everything. True Order. Darkness. Nothingness. Void.

However once again she was only a single blade, in the end, with a large number they would pass through... If not for that white-green sphere that would be true. Eight orbs from that one were continuously saving the damaged bots and this boosted the defenders’ morale, but the true power lied elsewhere. It was that green light. The extreme accuracy was one thing, but the most fearsome thing was the identity of its target. The Serpent's eyes picked up on the slightest cues from the large complicated web of relationships in front of her and those with the largest amount of connections were the target. A strong spiritual support or the weakling that a lot of people in their squad wanted to protect. Ordinary soldiers that somehow made the group move as one. One by one they were taken out by the green flash. Induce despair. Throw helplessness at them. Kill them from inside way before they will die from outside causes. Kaya's eyes shone with a fluorescent green light resembling a toxic liquid - this was a cruel side of her that she only utilized against her enemies.

On one hand the black blade that was a perfect incarnation of brute physical strength, on the other the white-green sphere that was an oppressive display of mental terror. Nova's barrage on the opponent's command line already made them slow, but now with their morale demolished they were simply sluggish. However that was not all. Once the analysts called for support from the rear lines they were shocked once again. Over half of their rear was already gone! Lily utilized her (Omen of Deceit) and activated one of her unique skills; (Sphere of Silence). Inside it, every single form of communication was cut off from the outside, not a single sound could escape to the outside once it was in her range. Add to it her mastery over (Stealth) and the result was that she finished off more than half of the support before anyone noticed anything.

[???: Damn it! Is the charge ready?]

[???: In a moment.]

[???: Fire as soon as possible.]

[???: Roger that.]

Suddenly... Forty two M-Colloses from the Crimson Alliance's side flew up in the air.

Everyone on the defender's side paled. That was definitely the (Double Layer Hex Blast). A single (Hex Blast) is done by a six man unit that charge their power together to form a powerful blast. A Double Layer one is something even more incredible. Six groups of six (36) prepare and charge their power up, then with a shot they each transfer all of that power to a unit of six in front of them which then merges all of that into a single shot! Furthermore this was Circle Tier power! This kind of blast can even damage a M-God!

Mersa seeing this immediately moved back to stand in front of a sphere dome where he was stationed. She will protect him. No matter the cost.

[Kaya: Silly girl. Although it's commendable.]

[: Ana-nee...]

The White Wolf girl smiled bleakly at the communication channel that suddenly popped up.

[Kaya: Your feelings are all that's needed, so just move back and let this Nee-san show you her prowess.]

[: But... that's a (Double Layer Hex Blast).]

[Kaya: Hmpf, so you don't trust me? Let me show you why this little one is known as the Indestructible Serpent. Come here Aegis.]

[Calla: Heh, just let Kaya do her part. Come.]

[: Oh. Roger that.]

The black blade flew past them and positioned herself further in the back. Although Mersa was still a bit reluctant she immediately followed, it was due to hours spent under the instruction of the Dark Angel that the White Wolf girl immensely respected her.

[Calla: Kaya should be able to withstand that force but a small part of it might leak through; it's our duty to take care of those. Prepare yourself.]

As usual she spoke straight to the point, hearing her usual calm tone, Mersa also calmed down.

[: Yes, understood.]

All eight orbs returned and were floating in a circle motion in front of the Main Drone .

With that, Mersa changed to her squad channel.

[: All units. Their target is definitely Private Vorst Marcdrak. Do not stand in the line of fire. I repeat. Do not stand in the line of fire and hold your positions.]

Then a golden streak arrived right next to her. The azure crystals in the golden M-Collos glanced briefly at the White Wolf then back to where Vorst was and stood there nonchalantly. Mersa could not help but to admonish her in a private channel.

[: Aria-senpai! This is a target line.]

[: Yeah, I know. You're staying here. Celina and... he too. If you three will be gone, then what's the point of me staying alive alone?]

[: Aria-senpai...]

BAM.

An explosion cut off their conversation.

Six large lasers shot out from the six squads and overcharged six M-Colloses that stood in front of them, then those six again combined all that power and directed it straight at the white dome where their target was.

A large blast reached the small white sphere...

A grin appeared on Kaya's delicate face.

[Kaya: (Draconic Barrier AEGIS)]

That’s right, every single Immortal Serpent was actually a serpent type dragon.

BAM

A large earthquake resounded in the surrounding area and a shock wave pushed back all of the surrounding units.

Inside Marc's Soul Realm Kaya fell down to her knees. A searing pain ran throughout her body as if she was struck by lightning and red stains appeared on her previously impeccable white dress... As the initial shock passed through her she immediately reached out to pet her white serpent that was also silently enduring the pain. The large white body was covered in fresh wounds... It was Aegis' blood that dirtied her outfit but Kaya did not mind that at all...

Aegis' shield skill definitely lived up to a name of the Indestructible Serpent. The problem was a material that the white sphere was made of. It simply could not contain all of the power and especially not the violent flow of the Draconic Powers. Thus Aegis and Kaya just forced the full power of the shield in exchange for the damage to their existence.

The black blade immediately moved to deflect the small amount of power that managed to pass through the that first obstacle, Mersa and Nova also reacted quickly and blocked some strands. But the fact was that over 95% of the power was gone thanks to Kaya and her serpent.

A tiny bit that somehow managed to slip through them was suddenly blocked by an “air”, after that a white-red shield suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Although the white dome should be able to withstand that blow, it would interrupt her Lord Marcdrak so Lily intercepted it, she also had extended her (Sphere of Silence) to cover those two during the shock wave.

[--Lily--: Anastasia.]

A hint of worry was on the face of the demoness, because even though they were treating each other as rivals through those countless years they have grown close to each other. Calla also directed her gaze towards the Serpent lady.

[--Kaya--: I'm in top shape, what's there to worry about? and... Lily, thank you.]

Two of them were relieved to hear her usual haughty tone. Aegis was an Immortal Serpent so small wounds like these will heal in time. Lily could only shake her head in resignation, that overzealous snake was worried more about her "Shujin-sama's" conquest than herself, besides she would not dare to risk her life for small reasons like that... Marc would be seriously furious, what’s more he might be forced to use "that" - and there is no way they will let him do that more than it is necessary.

[--Lily--: No worries Kaya. Hmm, seems like all of your orbs are gone.]

[--Kaya--: Indeed, my drone was also done in...]

The force of the Dragon skill was too much and simply destroyed the materials. In front of the violent power alchemical metal simply crumbled into small pieces and even protective runes could not do anything against that.

[--Calla--: They are coming again.]

Their opponents simply just could not believe that something other than a M-God blocked that kind of power! However the astonishment did not affect Mechs at all and they continuously advanced. And now without the white-green bot it will be even harder... The flow of the battle did not look too well...

They might have be to call for Marc... However he left the battle to them, so they were very reluctant to do so! Especially Kaya!

Then a large array of lasers appeared...

[--Kaya--: Hehe, so unfaithful, Shujin-sama is such a cheater...]

[--Lily--: Inevitable happened.]

[--Calla--: *Nods* I have never had any doubt in m'lord's conquering prowess.]

[--Marc--: ...]

Right after he came back to the Throne Room he was bested by them... Well, that was his fate, so there is nothing to be done about that. His gaze swept across those three and suddenly stopped at Kaya, a serious expression appeared on his face. Although she already changed her clothes (in his Soul Realm it can be done in a heartbeat) he still noticed that something wasn't right... Too bad the Serpent lady did not have Lily's blessing therefore Marc's Insight immediately picked up something.

With a step he appeared in front of her and touched her chin. His emerald eyes met her jade eyes...

[--Marc--: Kaya?]

His inquiring gaze was truly piercing through her but she heroically withstood it.

[--Kaya--: Shujin-sama.]

Marc noticed her resolute gaze and gave up...

[--Marc--: Calla.]

[--Calla--: M'lord, forty two M-Colloses used a combination attack and forced Kaya to use Aegis' skill.]

[--Kaya--: Ragna-nee, you traitor...]

Marc’s sight this whole time remained on his Kaya...

[--Marc--: Aegis.]

The White Serpent arrived responding to his call, the wounds on its body already closed but even for an Immortal Serpent a self-inflicted injury will take a while to heal. Marc took Kaya into his embrace.

[--Marc--: I’ll take care of this. Kaya.]

[--Kaya--: Shujin-sama.]

[--Marc--: This is an Order. Rest.]

There was no need for words, Marc's Insight already told him whole story... And whoever was responsible for this...

The air around Vorst suddenly changed.

In the past Celina already noticed that he would sometimes change his attitude drastically in a split-second. And that happened that time five years ago, a slight discomfort appeared deep inside of her.

[Vorst: How dare they...]

For the first time she saw him making this kind of face. Never before she saw him have a furious expression on his face. Normal Vorst before was only an eleven years old child with an air of mystery around him. He would sometimes make that enchanting serious face but in most cases he would display a smile. He had several types of those and he even smiled in the face of death! But now... He was displaying an angry face.

[Celina: Vorst? Did something happen?]

Hearing her worried voice he quickly snapped back to reality, but the lingering anger was still in his eyes.

[Vorst: Mhm. They damaged my bot.]

Celina scanned through the battlefield with her eyes and quickly located the remains of the white-green bot. However she also knew that he seriously did not care that much for the bots he made... Obviously that wasn't the main reason for his anger... He was definitely hiding something but well, she already surrendered to him...

[Vorst: Za, we are using Amplification Formation. Get ready.]

[Celina: Huh? Oh, yes.]

The White Tiger girl suddenly became energetic. It seems like Vorst was throwing a fit and decided to go all in and if he wanted to then she would definitely comply.

The white sphere flew up from the ground.

(Summon)

Twelve Black Drones extremely similar to Vorst's usual ones appeared around them. They immediately came under Vorst's control and with a buzzing sound they lit up with violet lines and spread out evenly forming a ring around the White Sphere.

Then in they suddenly split into countless black cubes with violet edges...

A slight violet light appeared on Vorst's emerald green eyes.

The cubes then immediately moved in an ordered fashion and created a large formation in a shape of several layers of square dotted circle.

https://t1.ftcdn.net/jpg/00/09/47/48/500_F_9474857_6GDrSbleaI51CrlE1nwzTLBK4U7Kkj1g.jpg

[Celina: Formation complete, all systems green.]

[Vorst: Alright. Brace yourself. I'm activating (Runic Circulation)]

[Celina: Yes.]

Of course the thing that was a hundred meters wide attracted a lot of attention from the enemies and they immediately concentrated their fire on that strange thing. However the black boxes were surprisingly tough and shrugged off the pitiful damage from those Mechs - cubes had a runic protection that was powered by a Circle Class strength.

With that all of the squares started moving in seemingly completely random directions, but in reality the movements were incredibly complex and profound. A square would sometimes move fast or sometimes move slow, sometimes two squares would exchange their places, but it always retained a circular shape. Some of those boxes would fire rays of the violet light and write up mysterious symbols on the surface of the white sphere.

Celina felt overflowing power rising from within her. In the past they repeated this sequence tens of times, but today somehow the amplification power of runes were on a completely different level. Maybe today was special, because today she belonged to Vorst...

Her instinct was actually true. In the past she fought against herself every time her back touched his and with her guard raised she just simply rejected everything around her. Right now she completely entrusted herself to his embrace and that caused the amplification to be extremely efficient.

[Vorst: Hm. How is it?]

[Celina: A-ah. Y-yes, today it's great.]

His whisper that resounded right next to her ear woke her up from the dreamlike feeling that the amplification caused her. It was a first time this happened, she felt so relaxed...

[Vorst: I see.]

[Celina: Accessing hangar. Activating Drones. FULL mode.]

On the ground a large hole appeared and from within a large number of white bots walked out.

[Vorst: (Transfer Array) set up and ready to go.]

[Celina: Thank you. (Transfer)]

With that those four meter drones one by one literally lifted themselves from the ground and flew straight into the battlefield. All of them only received a 1st LCT transfer, but that was more than enough to take care of the Mechs who were only at 10th LST.

What was the main problem with automated bots? That they were powered by Energy Crystals and those were limited to 10th LST. The Circle Class Engineers could use (Transfer) but those bots were quite predictable could easily be destroyed by the enemy Circle Class opponents, what's more Engineers were mostly Mid level sub-classes and their low photon pool limited the amount of bots.

Here that problem was solved by a special (Runic Circulation) which raised Celina's photon regeneration to an incredible rate. Vorst simply created a runic formation that gathered the surrounding photons and then with a meticulous methods fed it to Celina's Photon Core. Due to the Rules of the Universe this kind of artificial method could not speed up power advancement, but it could restore lost photons in a photon pool.

In the blink of an eye the tides of battle were completely turned around. Mechs who had only 10th LST simply could not do anything against The White Army in which every single bot had the power of a 1st LCT! A hundred of those signified a power of one hundred Lower Circle Tier powers that threw their life away while slaughtering countless mechs and M-Armors.

This method was created by Vorst therefore Celina knew that he didn't care that much for the bots that he made. However what was the difference between that white-green sphere and those hundred of white bots? Celina brushed off those thoughts, because there was no time for them! Ten five-meter Assault Drones appeared from the hangar. And those ten were directly under her control.

[Vorst: I've set up a (Telepathic Amplifier) for you.]

Again his voice resounded from so close. Celina once again completely entrusted herself into his embrace... And she activated her innate psychic power.