Chapter 5 – Hunted in the Wastes

-Volaris System, Sector 7-42D-

-Wastelands of Xyphora, Near the Ruined City -

The metallic screech of the Killer Drones echoed through the ruins, sending chills down Rei's spine.

They were being hunted.

Again.

The wasteland stretched before them—a graveyard of metal and dust, broken highways and collapsed towers. The air was dry, thick with the scent of burnt metal.

And somewhere behind them—the machines were closing in.

Thud-thud-thud.

Heavy mechanical footsteps echoed through the ruins.

Rei stole a glance over his shoulder—his breath hitched.

Four-legged Killer Drones, sleek and deadly, darted through the rubble. Their glowing red optics locked onto him and Seyra, their movements unnervingly precise.

Each was equipped with plasma rifles, mounted onto their backs, and razor-sharp claws designed to tear through armor.

They were faster than Sentinels.

And they weren't going to stop.

Seyra cursed under her breath. "We can't outrun them forever."

Rei's grip tightened around his weapon—a short energy blade she had given him earlier. He had never fought a real battle before. His hands were already slick with sweat.

But there was no turning back now.

I have to fight.

Or I die.

The First Clash

A sharp mechanical voice rang out from behind.

"Targets locked. Engaging termination protocol."

Rei heard it before he saw it—the high-pitched whine of plasma weapons charging.

MOVE!

He threw himself to the side just as a bolt of blue plasma slammed into the ground where he had stood. The impact sent debris flying, the heat scorching the air.

Seyra didn't hesitate.

She lunged forward, her energy spear crackling to life as she spun mid-air, her blade slicing clean through the first drone's metallic leg.

The machine collapsed, sparks bursting from its severed limb.

But before she could land a killing blow, another drone leaped onto the remains of a ruined vehicle, its plasma cannon aimed directly at her.

Rei's heart pounded. "SEYRA, MOVE!"

She saw it—but she was still mid-air.

The drone fired.

Time slowed.

Rei's body moved before his mind could process it.

He dashed forward, his energy blade raised, swinging with everything he had.

CLANG!

The plasma bolt slammed against his blade, the energy dispersing in a violent crackle. The force of it nearly knocked him back, but—

I blocked it?!

He didn't have time to think.

Seyra landed beside him, her sharp eyes narrowing at him in shock.

But there was no time for words.

Three more Killer Drones emerged from the dust, closing in fast.

Seyra's grip on her spear tightened.

"Stay close," she ordered, her voice firm. "And don't die."

Rei gulped. "I'll try."

Fighting as One

The drones attacked in perfect sync.

One leaped forward, claws flashing toward Rei's chest.

Dodge—!

Rei barely managed to twist his body, the metal appendages slicing past his ribs, cutting into his jacket.

Pain flared up his side, but he ignored it.

The drone recovered instantly, its rifle aiming for his head.

No time—!

Seyra was already moving.

She spun behind the drone, using its own weight against it, slamming her spear into its joint.

The machine staggered, vulnerable.

"NOW!" she barked.

Rei didn't hesitate.

He drove his blade forward, straight into the machine's exposed core.

SHRRRRK!

The energy blade sank deep.

The drone jerked violently, sparks bursting from its body—then it collapsed, its red eyes flickering before going dark.

Rei gasped, stumbling back.

I just—I actually—

No time to celebrate.

Seyra caught his arm and yanked him aside just as another drone fired.

The plasma shot grazed past them, burning into the cracked pavement.

"Focus!" Seyra snapped.

Rei gritted his teeth. "I'm trying!"

Three drones remained.

And they weren't going to let up.

Backup Arrives

Just as the machines prepared to fire again, a loud explosion erupted from their flank.

One of the drones was blown apart, a projectile slamming into its side with incredible force.

Rei's head snapped toward the source.

A squad of armed fighters emerged from the ruins, wielding scrap-made rifles and energy blades.

The leader, a broad-shouldered man with a cybernetic arm, barked an order:

"Take 'em down!"

The Scavenger Clan had arrived.

Gunfire erupted.

One of the drones turned toward the new attackers, but it was too late—a sniper shot pierced its core, sending it crashing into the dirt.

The last drone whirled around, scanning for a new target.

But Seyra was already in motion.

She rushed forward, spear raised, her movements fluid as she dodged the incoming fire.

Then—she struck.

Her weapon pierced through the drone's core, sending a final burst of blue energy rippling outward.

The machine shuddered, then collapsed into a smoking heap.

Silence.

The battlefield settled, the only sounds left were the faint crackling of sparking wires.

Rei finally let out a shaky breath.

We survived.

Seyra lowered her spear, turning toward the approaching Scavenger Clan fighters.

The leader stopped a few feet away, his sharp gaze focused on her.

"Didn't think I'd see you again," he said.

Seyra clicked her tongue.

"Tch. Didn't think I'd see you again either, Garek."