Archcore: Children of War

[37]-[Cursed Existence]

"Everyone! Get back, now!" Ina yelled.

Dirt and smoke shot up into the sky as the Goliath Unit let out an ear piercing roar. Raising its head, spreading out its arm-like wings, its long thin tail whipping left and right as it slammed the ground hard, sending more dirt and rocks into the air.

Its exhaust vents starting to open and close, letting out heat before opening its mouth, various pieces of armor and machine moving away from the opening mouth before it fired a bright blue concentrated beam into the ground before raising its head towards the sky, sending beam upwards.

"W-what the hell is that?" Sora asked in disbelief, covering his face from the dirt and smoke. It soon stopped the beam before going silent. Suddenly its tail shot out from the smoke and pierced through the Crawler, killing the driver in the process. The Crawler, still impaled by the Goliath's tail was lifted up into the air before being tossed aside.

Akira looked up in awe at the Goliath Unit, as it started to climb out from the excavation site. Its claws digging into the ground as anchors shot up, latching onto the ground, giving more support as it climbed up.

Among everyone who stared in disbelief, Levy's body shook relentlessly as she froze up, seeing the large metallic beast. Her eyes grew wide as she fell to her knees. Levy's mind had drawn to a complete blank, unable to process what was happening or even react at all.

The remaining two Crawlers quickly moved away, firing rounds at the Goliath Unit, though the shots didn't do much, not even scuffing the armor. Only able to get its attention.

"That's the machine." Akira said in awe, "A Goliath Unit."

Luka picked up Akira by his arm, lifting him back to his feet. Dante did the same with Levy who gave no reaction or resistance, not even speaking, "Come on, we need to get out of here while we still can." Akira looked at Levy, seeing the petrified look she had on her face. Looking to Luka, Akira only nodded before he started to run towards the car as well, "They're going to keep its attention away from us, but it's doubtful we'll have much time." Ina said.

"What the hell are we up against anyway?" Luka asked, "Ina, try and make contact with HQ, get the Sentinels prepped and ready for battle. Have them bring Sentoria and Celestia." Leah ordered

"No. Just Sentoria." Akira said, "Dammit Akira, this is no time to be cool and take it on alone." Dante said. Akira looked to Levy again, unresponsive and still looking as though her life was flashing before her eyes before looking back to the others, "Just Sentoria."

The Goliath Unit climbed out from the site, still looking to the two Crawlers. It fired an anchor at one Crawler, tearing completely through the Crawler and pulling it back whatever was left. Once close enough, the Goliath Unit stomped on the Crawler destroying the remains. Turning to the last Crawler, the Goliath Unit opened its mouth once again, firing its beam at the Crawler, tearing thought it like nothing, and exploding shortly after.

Climbing back into the vehicle, Akira watched as the Goliath Unit finished off the Crawler, its back still facing them, "That machine." Turning back, Akira looked to Levy, still silent. Her legs pulled to her chest and her arms wrapped around them, all he could see in her eyes was just sheer terror and fear.

* * * * * *

Driving for awhile, Ina eventually stopped at a small plant, certain it was an area far away enough from the Goliath Unit. This moment allowed everyone to catch their breath while Ina started to analyze the data she collected, letting everyone reflect on what had just happened, "Luka, we've arrived at the excavation site, but that Goliath Unit is long gone." Louis said over the comms, "Should we look for it?" Yuhana asked, "Yes, keep track on it, but stay at a distance. Even if you think it saw you, pull back. Keep us posted." Luka said before cutting the connection.