The System Mecha is so unscientific

The battle raged in the crimson cavern. Fireboy's energy blade whirred, slicing through the air, while Kai wrestled with a Butcher Golem, his metallic form absorbing blow after blow. Da, desperately trying to find an opening, noticed the unnatural movements of the Golems, the unnatural twitching of their flesh.

"System, analyze the Butcher Golems again!" he barked, his voice strained. "Focus on the source of the corruption."

As Fireboy continued its attack, the data streamed back, overlaying the viewscreen in Fireboy's cockpit.

"Analysis: The creatures appear to be influenced by an external force. Traces of... 'The Old Ones' detected. Specifically, activity consistent with the Cult of Uitzilcapac, the Lord of Pain."

Da swore under his breath. "Uitzilcapac," the name sent a chill down his spine. He had heard whispers, hushed tales of this ancient, terrifying entity, a being of unimaginable cruelty. He knew how dangerous this was, but the Grimheart organization would not retreat.

"System, this is the Mighty Multiverse Gundam System (MMGS)," a new voice erupted, a calm and mechanical voice. "I have detected an imbalance in Kai's behaviour.  Most likely Kai has a hidden agenda.

Da's jaw dropped. "A hidden agenda?"Goodness Lord What's Kai upto . Or did Paul send them to this tear with other plans in mind," Da West could only pondered. The system's ability to see secrets was terrifying.

"However, the system does not know of the secret mission, it can only detect increased frustration and stress signals in Kai's behavior." the voice from the MMGS said. "We have to move on, now."

Da knew they were in over their heads. They had to retreat, regroup, and come back with a plan. They were already at a huge disadvantage.

"Retreat!" he yelled, over the din of battle. "We need to regroup and reassess."

He turned to the soldiers, and the soldiers who had survived the first onslaught took a step back to the opening.

As the soldiers tried to retreat, Kai roared, his voice filled with a mixture of rage and determination. "No!" He pushed away from the Butcher Golem with a powerful shove, staggering the creature. "We are not retreating!"

Da stared at Kai, stunned. "What? Kai, we are outmatched, we need to come back with reinforcements."

"Know your place, brat!" Kai spat, his voice dripping with contempt. "You are nothing but a non-awakener. Do not question my actions! We stop the Golems, secure the perimeter, and move deeper. Do you understand?"

His eyes were cold, his voice commanding. He was no longer just following orders. He was driven, and something else.

Da saw the look in Kai's eyes, the madness that seemed to possess him. He couldn't understand it. There had to be a reason, a reason that he wasn't being told.

The soldiers looked at each other, unsure. They looked at Da, waiting for a command.

"But... the corruption..." Da stammered. "We don't know what we're facing."

"Silence!" Kai bellowed. "Do you think I'll let the mission fail, over something so insignificant? We have to stay here. We will secure this place."

Da opened his mouth to argue, but the coldness in Kai's eyes silenced him. He knew that fighting Kai was a foolish venture and he had to focus on the more important things.

The squad was now split. The soldiers were uncertain and looking between both leaders.

Da saw the look in Kai's eyes, the madness that seemed to possess him. He knew that he had to make a choice. He could stay and fight, or he could try to get out with his life.

"Soldiers," Da said, his voice heavy. "We are retreating. I am going to ask you to make your own decisions. If you believe Kai is right, then stay. I will stay back and provide cover, you have my word."

With that, Da made his decision, and ordered Fireboy to cover the retreat. He would not risk his life in a hopeless battle.

As the soldiers took off, Da would move with Fireboy, his energy blade already active. Kai would make his own decision.

"You are making a mistake," Da said to Kai, before he moved away.

Kai turned back, his face a mask of grim determination. "You will see, Da West. You will see."

The remaining Grimheart soldiers had to choose. Some hesitated, then turned and followed Da, their faces a mixture of fear and confusion. Others, loyal to Kai, prepared to stay and fight.

As the two factions separated, the battle continued. The Butcher Golems, under the influence of the dark corruption, roared and charged at both sides.@@novelbin@@