Backstory 2

Over a dozen people gathered in a large control room around several large screens. Some screens displayed controls, while others displayed analyses. However, one screen—the largest in the room—caught the attention of most attendees. It showed images of four groups sitting around fires, with two people by each fire. Next to the images, the vital signs of each person were displayed alongside their names.

The first night has already begun. Do you think we should start sending in the armed robots?" one man asked.

"As much as I want to deploy the ARC Sentinel into the forest, I believe it would be best to start with something smaller. We should send in the Shade Runners. That will keep them occupied for a while," another replied.

"No, no, no! I say we use the Flash Stings. They may be easier to manage, but they're harder to spot due to their small size, and sheer numbers," chimed in another.

"I think—" But before he could finish, everyone in the room began shouting different names for the first robot to be sent into the forest: "Send in the Venom Widow!" "No, the ARC Sentinels!" "No, the Shadow Runners!"

The chaos continued for some time until a commanding voice cut through the noise. "Silence!" Everyone turned to see a tall man walking into the room.

"Enough!" the man shouted. "Look at all of you fighting like children over a toy that everyone wants." His voice was filled with irritation. "No, I don't think we should send in any of those robots you have suggested." One man tried to respond but was cut off. "Have you all forgotten that these kids have defeated every robot you all suggested? Not to mention, they know all of the robots' weaknesses. Honestly, guys, use your brains."

Everyone's faces twisted with displeasure at that remark. Each person in the room considered themselves the smartest in Project Eclipse. Now the Chairman had the audacity to imply they were foolish. Observing their reactions, the Chairman rolled his eyes. Honestly, these people had too much pride. But, on the other hand, they had good reason to take pride in their accomplishments. Everyone in the room had played a crucial role in Project Eclipse over the past forty-eight years.

Waving his hand in dismissal, he continued, "Since you all seem to have forgotten, let me remind you of what we have been working on recently." Everyone began to think, and then a realization struck them. They couldn't help but let out a small smile.

**Back in the Forest**

Eight was just about to wake up Five for his next shift when he heard rustling nearby. Listening closely, he could make out the faint sound of something moving behind a few bushes. He waited a few more seconds before slowly making his way toward the bushes. He was only a few feet away when a howl that sent chills down his spine echoed around him. Stumbling back, he felt dizzy and disoriented. That's when he saw a wolf leap out from behind the bushes, baring its fangs at him.

"What is that thing?" Eight thought in wonder. He had seen robot wolves before, but nothing like this one. This wolf looked like a normal one, yet it had some kind of sound amplification that made him feel disoriented.

Not wasting any time, he rushed at the wolf, landing in front of it and delivering a swift punch to its face, sending it flying into a nearby tree. "Well, that was easy," he thought as he watched the wolf robot slump to the ground. Just as he was about to turn around, the wolf got back up as if nothing had happened.

"What the heck?" Eight exclaimed, puzzled. Upon closer inspection, he realized that no damage had been done to it. How was this possible? He knew his strength, and usually, he could knock out one of these robots with a single punch. A horrible thought crossed his mind: *Is this what the Chairman meant by 'this will test our limits?'*

He was pulled from his thoughts when the wolf howled again, causing his head to spin. "Damn it, I need to deal with this thing before it destroys my eardrums." He was about to attack the wolf once more when three more jumped out from behind the bushes.

"Not good!"

"Five! Wake up!"

Hearing Eight's urgent call, Five opened his eyes, ready to ask why he'd been woken up. But then he saw the four robot wolves in front of Eight. By now, Eight had backed up to where Five was lying.

"Can't you deal with a couple of wolves?" Five asked, confused about why Eight had needed him for such a simple problem.

"These aren't normal robot wolves," Eight replied, his gaze locked on the creatures.

Five opened his mouth to ask what he meant, but before he could speak, all the wolves opened their mouths and let out an earth-shattering howl. Pain shot through both of them as they covered their ears.

"Shit! Let's get out of here!" Five shouted, grabbing his backpack and sprinting away from the wolves. Eight was right behind him.

As they ran, the dizzying effect of the howl made it hard to stay on their feet, and they stumbled repeatedly. "Come on, Eight!" Five urged, glancing back to see Eight struggling behind him.

Realizing Eight was hit by the sound waves harder than he was, Five stopped and turned to help him. That's when he noticed Eight's ears were bleeding, and his face had turned pale.

"Dammit, he can't keep going like this," Five thought, glancing back to see the wolves gaining on them. Not knowing what else to do, he set Eight down and took a fighting stance, ready to face the oncoming Wolves.

The tension in the forest hung thick as Five found himself surrounded by the four robot wolves. Their glowing eyes glinted ominously in the fading light, and he could sense the predatory instinct driving them. He dropped into a fighting stance, muscles coiled and ready, fully aware of the danger that lay ahead.

Suddenly, the lead wolf emitted a high-pitched howl that pierced the air. The sonic wave hit him like a physical blow, ringing in his ears and momentarily disorienting him. He staggered back, his vision swimming, but he fought through the disorientation.

Before he could recover fully, two wolves charged at him from opposite sides, moving with incredible speed. Five's instincts kicked in. He ducked low, feeling the rush of air as the first wolf sailed over him. He pivoted and thrust a powerful elbow into the second wolf's jaw, the impact reverberating through his arm.

The first wolf had already turned back, howling again. Five braced himself, forcing his body to absorb the sound. This time, he dropped to one knee, hands over his ears, but he didn't let it stop him.

As the wolves circled, he watched their movements closely, gauging their speed and timing. The third wolf lunged, claws extended, aiming for his torso. Five rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the lethal strike. He sprang up immediately, launching a kick at the creature's side, sending it stumbling into a tree.

The lead wolf was back, charging straight for him with blinding speed. Five sidestepped just in time, then swept his leg low to trip it. As it crashed to the ground, he pounced, driving a fist down into its exposed neck. But the wolf was tougher than it looked; it shook him off and sprang back to its feet, howling furiously.

Shaking off the pain, Five turned to the remaining two wolves, who were now flanking him. The second wolf charged from the left, while the third attempted to circle behind. With quick calculations, Five made his move. He sidestepped the left wolf's lunge and leaped into the air, twisting mid-flight to land a powerful kick on the third wolf's head, knocking it off balance.

The forest echoed with the sound of claws skidding against the ground as the wolves reeled, but the lead wolf took the opportunity to unleash another high-decibel howl. The shockwave rattled through him, threatening to rupture his eardrums. He felt a wave of nausea wash over him, but he fought against it, pushing himself to remain upright.

Using the disorientation to his advantage, Five rolled forward, avoiding the wolves' strikes, and sprang to his feet. He grabbed a fallen branch from the ground and swung it like a sword, catching one of the wolves across the snout. The creature yelped, and for a moment, Five saw an opening.

He pivoted, executing a swift combination of strikes, channeling every fighting style he knew. A punch to the first wolf's jaw, a knee to its midsection, followed by a spinning kick that sent it sprawling. He could feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins, heightening his senses.

But there was no time to celebrate. The remaining two wolves were back on him, moving with incredible speed. Five ducked under a swipe of claws, rolling to the side as the other lunged. He launched himself into a backflip, narrowly avoiding a deadly bite, and landed gracefully, scanning the area for any advantage.

With a fierce growl, he rushed at the closest wolf, channeling all his energy into one final blow. He drove his fist into its throat, feeling the mechanical components shudder beneath his strike. The wolf stumbled back, collapsing into a heap.

But the fight was far from over. The last wolf remained, its eyes narrowed, calculating its next move. Five didn't wait for it to decide. He charged forward, using all his speed and agility into a flurry of blows.

The wolf howled in response, launching itself at him one last time. Five ducked and weaved, avoiding its claws as he landed a series of rapid punches to its torso. With one final, powerful kick, he sent the wolf crashing into a nearby tree.

Breathing heavily, Five took a step back, surveying the fallen wolves around him. The forest was quiet once more, save for the sound of his labored breaths. He wiped the sweat from his brow and glanced around, adrenaline still coursing through his body. 

As he walked back to where he had left Eight, he looked down at his hands, now bruised and bloody. His face had also turned pale from the sound waves and the constant attacks from the wolves. When he reached Eight, he checked his pulse and, after confirming that Eight was okay, sat down before passing out. This battle had been one of the toughest Five had ever faced. The adrenaline had been the only thing keeping him going, and now that it had worn off, he collapsed.