Rise

Selena stepped out from the ruins of the shattered building, her body tingling with a deep sense of satisfaction after watching Modeus's lifeless form sprawled across the ground. Each of her steps was deliberate, every movement filled with purpose. The mid-sized mecha she controlled now stood still, its weapons no longer active. Inside the cockpit, Selena sat back, relaxed, her eyes scanning the holographic screens that still displayed numbers and system statuses. The illuminated buttons surrounding her gave the cockpit the look of a highly advanced command center.

As she monitored the screens, Selena pressed a button on the right side of the control panel. A familiar voice echoed through her headset—Luca. On the other end, Luca held the anti-magic field device used to neutralize Modeus's powers. The device had worked flawlessly, ensuring there was no chance for Modeus to defend himself against the mecha Selena piloted.

"Is it done?" Luca's voice was calm, but with a hint of curiosity.

"It's done," Selena replied with satisfaction, her eyes still locked on Modeus's distant, motionless body. "He's dead. My team is finally avenged." She took a deep breath, and there was a slight tremble in her voice. The vengeance she had harbored for so long had been realized, and now, an overwhelming sense of relief washed over her.

"Finally, huh," Luca murmured on the other end, her voice noticeably lighter. "I guess you can relax a little now. You've done your job well." She smiled, even though Selena couldn't see it.

Selena closed her eyes for a moment, letting the relief wash over her. The past few weeks of her life had been consumed by one mission: to kill Modeus, the kid responsible for her team's death. The haunting images of her fallen comrades had plagued her every night, but now, with Modeus's blood staining the sands of Fertissio, those nightmares began to fade.

"You know," Selena said with a small chuckle, "I've been waiting for this moment for a long time. It feels... even more satisfying than I imagined." She adjusted herself in the cockpit, her fingers brushing the buttons around her out of habit, a reflex more than anything.

Luca chuckled softly. "Revenge has a way of making everything feel better." She glanced at the anti-magic field device in her hands, ensuring it was still functioning properly. "So, what's next on your agenda?"

Selena stared at the screen in front of her, the battle data still flickering across it. "I need to make sure. Modeus might be dead, but his allies are still out there. Abigail... and Marlene."

"I like your determination," Luca replied, her tone pleased. "I've been tracking them, too. Abigail isn't far from here—he's probably still around the ruins. If we move quickly, we can catch him before he realizes Modeus is gone."

Selena nodded, even though Luca couldn't see her. "Good. We can't give him any chance to escape." Her eyes narrowed, her resolve hardening. Killing Modeus was just the beginning—there were others who needed to pay. Every single one of them would fall.

She tapped a few buttons, activating the map system linked to the satellite network in her mecha. A holographic map appeared in front of her, displaying the ruins around them. Signs of biological life showed up on the screen—likely Abigail.

Luca, monitoring from a distance, added more information. "I've sent the coordinates to your system. Abigail's still within range, but we need to act fast. I've also prepped the scanners to detect energy sources, so we'll know for sure if they're carrying the Quantum artifact."

Selena's lips curled into a bitter smile. "Quantum artifacts," she muttered, her voice laced with contempt. "They've used them for too long. All of this—everything that's happened—it's because of their greed for that power. It's time we take back what's rightfully ours."

Luca chuckled softly on the other end. "I think you're right, Selena. This isn't just about revenge—it's about power. And they can't be allowed to wield that much power without consequence."

With deft hands, Selena steered her mecha, the massive machine gliding across the vast desert toward the coordinates Luca had sent. The storm of bullets and missiles had subsided, and now her focus was singular: find and destroy Abigail.

Selena pressed on, her mecha striding confidently toward the ruins where Abigail was likely hiding. Inside the cockpit, she readied herself for the next attack, her fingers poised over the weapon controls. The holographic display illuminated the area ahead, giving her a visual layout. But suddenly, a rumble echoed from behind. In her rearview monitor, she saw a large figure approaching at an alarming speed.

Modeus.

His body was now encased in an augmented suit, glowing with energy. What should have been fatal wounds were healed completely, and his muscles bulged with the raw force of the suit, though it was clear the suit's power was ravaging his body bit by bit. Yet, his regeneration was relentless, keeping him alive, stronger than ever. The Modeus she thought was dead now stood, reborn and more dangerous.

In his mind, Modeus heard a familiar voice.

"Neumann, take full control of my body!" Modeus commanded inwardly, knowing the price it would cost him.

"If I take over completely, Modeus, your muscles and tissues will tear apart faster than your regeneration can keep up," Neumann, the AI, responded with her cold, calculated tone.

"There's no other choice! We have to stop that mecha now! Do it!" Modeus insisted, his resolve unshakable.

"Confirmed. I will take over." Neumann's voice was soft but absolute. In Modeus's vision, he saw a digital figure—a girl, suspended in the air, moving with him. She was more a manifestation of Neumann's presence than something real, yet felt deeply intertwined with his reality.

As Neumann took full control, Modeus felt an overwhelming surge of power. His body was assaulted by the sensation of thousands of blows; his muscles tore, blood pooling beneath his skin, but each second, his regeneration worked tirelessly, mending the damage and fortifying his strength. Every fiber of his being was pushed to its limits—and beyond.

Inside her mecha, Selena stared at the screen, her eyes wide with disbelief. The Modeus she had just seen die moments ago was alive again, and worse—he was stronger. The once-fatal wounds were gone, leaving nothing but a fearsome adversary heading straight for her.

Luca, watching from behind the crumbling building through her holographic screen, could barely believe her eyes. "How is this possible…?" he muttered, his voice trembling. "I saw him die!"

"This isn't real," Selena hissed, her hands shaking.

But Modeus, now fully controlled by Neumann, wasn't going to give them any time to process the shock. In one swift motion, he raised his automatic rifle and fired directly at the joint of Selena's mecha's leg. The shots were precise, hitting the weak spot in the movement mechanism. The entire machine staggered, and one of its legs locked up, no longer able to move.

"Neumann, what's the next move?" Modeus asked in his mind, continuing his methodical barrage.

"The main target is the auto-repair processor. It's what keeps the mecha functional. But it's deep inside the cockpit—difficult to reach from the outside," Neumann responded swiftly, analyzing the situation.

Modeus didn't hesitate. His eyes stayed locked on the target ahead. "No problem. Help me get there."

Though shaken, Selena reacted quickly. Her fury fueled her response as she slammed the button for her automated weapons. Bullets sprayed in all directions, desperately trying to slow Modeus's advance. "You're not getting away this time!" she shouted from inside the cockpit.

Modeus, with astonishing speed, weaved through the hail of bullets. Thanks to the augmented suit and Neumann's flawless reflexes, he wasn't just dodging—he was deflecting the incoming rounds with his sword. Sparks flew as each bullet met the blade, but nothing stopped his momentum.

The physical toll of Neumann's control over Modeus's body was severe. His muscles tore, his bones ached, and the pain was unbearable. But his sheer willpower kept him moving forward, refusing to give in.

Selena pulled her mecha back, trying to create more distance. The mecha's auto-repair system worked frantically to restore the damaged leg, and soon it was back in action. With renewed agility, the machine launched a barrage of missiles at Modeus.

From within the cockpit, Selena's panic grew. "How is he moving so fast? This is impossible!"

Luca, still monitoring from a distance, was equally stunned. "That's not the Modeus we know. Something—or someone—is controlling his body."

A massive explosion erupted as one of the missiles struck exactly where Modeus had been standing. But as the thick smoke cleared, he remained upright, his clothes torn to shreds and blood trickling from his wounds.

"Modeus, I suggest we end this now. Your body won't hold out much longer with this accelerated regeneration," Neumann warned, calculating the toll the continuous strain was taking on Modeus's body.

"It doesn't matter!" Modeus sprinted toward Selena's mecha, his steps growing lighter. In his hand, the Quantum blade glowed intensely, its energy vibrating at a high frequency.

Selena saw him coming and quickly activated her mecha's pulse shield, hoping to block his attack. But the Quantum blade sliced through the shield as if it were paper. With one powerful slash, he tore through the outer layer of the mecha, creating an opening into its inner workings.

"Neumann, where's the processor?" Modeus asked quickly, his eyes zeroing in on the exposed mechanical panel.

"The processor is in the control center. You'll need to pull it from the main system," Neumann replied with cold precision.

Modeus thrust his blade into the cockpit, cutting through wires and components. Inside, Selena screamed in panic as warning alerts flashed across her holographic display.

"You'll regret this, Modeus!" she yelled, desperately trying to regain control of her mecha. But it was futile. Bullets and missiles continued to fire in all directions, but Modeus deftly dodged them, his movements like a deadly dance on the battlefield.

Finally, Modeus reached the control center. His hand found the auto-repair processor, tangled in thick cables. With immense strength, he ripped the processor out, severing all its connections. As soon as it was removed, the systems inside the mecha began to shut down one by one.

Selena could feel the life draining from her machine. Every system was failing. "No… this can't be happening!" She frantically pressed buttons on her panel, but nothing responded. The mecha was dead.

"The auto-repair processor is offline. The mecha is now incapacitated," Neumann confirmed in Modeus's mind.

Modeus stood atop the now-dead machine, holding the processor in his hand. Inside it, all of Selena's hopes for victory had crumbled. Neumann hovered beside him, a faint, digital smile forming on her face.

"It's over, Modeus. Her mecha can't fight back anymore."

Modeus gazed at the now fully incapacitated mecha in front of him. Holding the still-glowing Quantum blade, he approached, feeling the silence that followed. Inside the cockpit, Selena continued her desperate efforts to recover. Her breaths were heavy and her face drenched in sweat. But Modeus, now under Neumann's complete control, wasn't giving her much time to think. His hands began tearing through the mecha's body, ripping apart the thick steel armor as if it were mere paper.

"Modeus, we're almost there. Be careful, she's bound to fight back," Neumann warned in a calm but alert tone. Her digital image appeared in Modeus's view, monitoring every movement.

Modeus didn't respond, his focus entirely on the mecha in front of him. With all his strength, he wrenched open the cockpit door, forcing access inside. The screeching sound of metal filled the air as the cockpit door was yanked open with a powerful motion. But Selena reacted just as quickly.

From inside the cockpit, Selena, prepared to fire a laser from the equipment mounted on her neck, aimed it directly at Modeus's face. The beam hissed as it approached at high speed. Thanks to Neumann's control, Modeus swiftly dodged with remarkable reflexes, his body spinning to the side. But Selena wasn't finished. With full force, she kicked Modeus out of the cockpit, trying to gain some space.

However, Modeus, fully controlled by Neumann, caught the kick with his left arm, blocking Selena's attack without flinching. Selena, still ejecting from her mecha, was forced to execute an emergency maneuver, twisting in mid-air and landing lightly on the ground, drawing her firearm.

Now facing each other, their eyes locked in deadly tension. Modeus struck first, firing the automatic weapon in his left hand. A barrage of bullets rained down on Selena at high speed. With quick acrobatic movements, Selena leaped and dodged most of the shots. However, some bullets still struck the points of her augmented suit, sparking upon impact.

Selena didn't stand idly by. She fired a rapid stream of bullets from her weapon, but Modeus, under Neumann's control, deflected each shot with the Quantum blade in his right hand. Each approaching bullet was cut with perfect precision, none managing to penetrate his defense.

"He's so fast… too fast," Selena murmured, catching her breath. She knew Modeus had changed. This was not the same person she had killed moments ago. Something—or someone—was controlling him, and it only heightened Selena's unease.

Feeling cornered, Selena decided to make a move. She ran towards a partially standing building, continuing to fire behind her as she tried to put more distance between herself and Modeus.

But Modeus gave her no chance to escape. With incredible speed, he chased her, every step meticulously controlled by Neumann. Modeus leaped into the building, following Selena's trail, but suddenly lost sight of her. The building was filled with debris, dark corners, and winding corridors. Modeus scanned the area, searching for any sign of Selena.

Suddenly, a laser beam pierced through the wall from the right. Modeus reacted swiftly, deflecting the laser with his blade. The beam ricocheted, striking another wall and causing a small explosion behind him. Selena had tried a surprise attack but missed.

Neumann immediately issued a command. "She's trying to hit you from a distance. Follow the trajectory of her shots, and I'll guide you to her."

Modeus followed Neumann's instructions flawlessly, moving quickly through the ruined corridors. Each time Selena missed her shot, she moved higher, ascending to the upper floors of the building. Modeus continued to pursue her, deflecting every shot with his sword and countering with precise strikes.

They finally reached the top floor, where the battle was about to reach its climax. This building was the tallest among the ruins, surrounded by a desolate, silent wasteland. From this height, they could see the vast, endless expanse of the Fertissio desert. The strong wind whistled through the debris, heightening the tension.

Selena stood on one side of the roof, while Modeus positioned himself on the other. They sized each other up, weapons at the ready. In the blink of an eye, the close-quarters combat began. They fired rapidly, but each shot was skillfully blocked by the other. Modeus, with Neumann's precise control, continued to parry Selena's automatic rifle shots with his blade. Meanwhile, Selena used the four knives mounted on her limbs to deflect Modeus's attacks while nimbly counterattacking.

Strike after strike, they exchanged blows and gunfire. Modeus moved with agility, adjusting every move according to Neumann's instructions. Not a single motion was wasted; every step aimed at exploiting Selena's weaknesses.

But Selena wasn't about to give up easily. She had another plan. While fighting, she quickly contacted Luca through the communication device in her ear. "Luca, blow up the building. Let's end this now!"

Luca, monitoring from a distance, responded promptly, "Understood. The demolition process is starting. Be careful, Selena."

The next moment, a loud explosion echoed from the building's ground floor. Vibrations rippled through the entire structure. Debris rained down from the roof, and the floors beneath them began to tremble violently. The building slowly started to collapse, turning the battle into chaos.

Selena glided smoothly using the magnetic field devices on her legs, while Modeus, fully controlled by Neumann through his augmented suit, leaped from one point to another along the crumbling building's walls. He moved swiftly on the outer walls, deflecting Selena's gunfire with ease. Each time Selena fired a laser, Modeus effortlessly parried it with his Quantum blade.

During this frantic chase, Selena kept firing bullets and lasers at Modeus, but he dodged or blocked every attack with his Quantum blade.

"She won't stop, Modeus. We need to finish this now," Neumann instructed. Modeus increased his pace, closing in on Selena, who continued to attempt her escape.

"I can't believe it! How is he fighting like this?" Selena thought in panic. She hadn't anticipated Modeus's abilities to be this formidable, especially with Neumann's complete control.

Modeus pressed on, his shots precise and on target. The fight was clearly tipping in his favor. In the midst of her desperate flight, Selena deployed her last weapon—the laser mounted on her neck. She fired it directly at Modeus. But once again, Modeus easily deflected it with his Quantum blade.

As they neared the ground, Selena made one final jump and landed smoothly on the desert sand below, thanks to her magnetic devices. But Modeus had no intention of giving her a break.

"You must be kidding. Why didn't you fight like this from the start?"

"I just didn't see the need."

"Such an arrogant little brat..."

With incredible speed, Modeus leaped from the collapsing building, his sword raised high. In an instant, he struck directly at Selena, his Quantum blade cutting cleanly through her neck with perfect precision. Selena's body went limp, collapsing to the ground with a severed head.

Modeus landed heavily beside her, his body feeling more exhausted than before, breathing heavily, but his gaze remained sharp. Neumann, still hovering beside him, observed coldly. "The fight is over, Modeus. This woman is dead."

Modeus nodded slowly, his sword still glowing in his hand. "There's one more to go…"

***