Hell's Redeemer

Chapter 44

Just as Spawn's team pressed the mercenaries into a full retreat, scattering them and breaking their ranks, an eerie, mechanical rumble resonated through the battlefield. From the shadows beyond the retreating mercenaries, the machines emerged, marching in lockstep with precise, calculated movements. Their red eyes glowed ominously, cutting through the smoke and dust, and their armor gleamed under the dim, hellish glow of the city.

Spawn paused, his gaze narrowing as he took in the sight. These weren't just standard machines-they were built for war. Thick plating, reinforced limbs, and a disturbing assortment of weaponry from mounted cannons to razor-sharp claws and energy blasters. They were crafted to endure, designed to kill, and programmed for one purpose: destruction.

Cherri's eye widened. "What the hell are those things?"

Vaggie gritted her teeth, gripping her spear tighter. "Looks like Vox had a backup plan."

The machines didn't hesitate. They immediately opened fire, unleashing a barrage of bullets, lasers, and explosives. The first wave hit the makeshift barriers, tearing through concrete and scattering debris like paper. Mercenaries who were unlucky enough to be caught in the line of fire screamed as they were cut down, and the battlefield instantly shifted from controlled chaos to total mayhem.

Spawn motioned for the others to take cover, his own stance unwavering as he observed the machines' calculated assault. "Everyone, stay low and stay sharp," he growled, taking aim with his rifle. "We're not getting out of this easy. These things are built to last."

Niffty, undeterred and grinning wildly, zipped around with her blade ready, even as explosions rocked the ground around her. Cherri loaded up a few extra bombs, narrowing her gaze in determination. And Blitzo, catching his breath beside a smoking barrier, muttered under his breath, "Guess it's one helluva night for revenge."

Spawn shot at the mechs, probing for any form of weakness, yet it seemed that Vox had learned from what happened to Fleshrend, and these monstrosities were built to last. One got close to Spawn, engaging in hand to hand combat with its massive claws. Barely dodging, Spawn summoned his axe, realizing he was going to have to do this the old fashion way.

Spawn swung his axe with a powerful arc, the blade crackling with hellish energy as it collided with the machine's reinforced arm. Sparks flew, and the force of the blow knocked the mech back, but the armor barely dented. Vox had definitely upgraded these machines, layering them with plating thick enough to withstand even Spawn's hell-forged arsenal.

The machine retaliated, slashing with its massive claws. Spawn ducked under the swipe and countered with a savage swing of his axe, aiming for the joint in the mech's arm. This time, the axe bit deeper, severing a few wires and causing the limb to twitch. But it wasn't enough. The machine advanced again, swinging with calculated, brutal force, almost as if it could read his moves.

In the midst of his clash, Spawn glanced around, catching sight of his allies engaging in their own battles with the machines. Cherri was tossing bombs with pinpoint accuracy, the explosions rattling the mechs but barely slowing them down. Blitzo and the IMP team were taking cover, firing strategically to aim for any vulnerable spots they could see, while Vaggie, with her spear at the ready, jabbed at the mechs' joints, using every bit of her speed and agility to dodge their heavy attacks.

But these things were relentless.

Spawn gritted his teeth, realizing the only way through was sheer force. With a fierce snarl, he threw his full weight into the fight, his axe cleaving again and again into the machine's joints and power core. Finally, after a barrage of powerful strikes, he drove the blade into its chest, severing the core with a fiery burst. The machine sparked, convulsed, then collapsed in a smoking heap.