The Gods returned to their heavens while a conflicted Sara once again took command of the army. The King and Roy had made extra preparations today, as they took Jay's tip very seriously. If they bore extra losses, they might have to go and fight themselves—breaking the rule that a person can only fight someone equal to their status or above. Thus neither Jay, Phoenix, nor Roy had been put into the field.
But the King trusted his army, as they had been trained by Lord Ikaros and blessed by Lady Maria's wisdom. The King looked over the field as he saw the troops once again assemble. Rather than last day, they felt a lot more structured than before. It might be that since the barbarians and bandits died first, it was time to let competent warriors come a bit forward. At first there was nothing but silence as the winds blew between both fields. And then there was a loud sound of the warhorn from their side first, and then on the Foundation's side.
Just as the other warhorn was blared, from the sky, humongous things fell from the sky guarded by winged angels. At first, it was far away and unclear, but upon closer observation, it was eminently clear: it was a hulking mech standing over two hundred feet tall. At first, one just dropped, followed by another that unleashed itself from the ground. And another two dropped from the sky.
The mechas resembled humanoid structures. When one moved its foot one step forward, the lands shook and soil shifted. From the river heading toward the wall sprung another mecha, but it was like an animal. It was the exact replica of Tempest. Its scales made of iron, its teeth from orichalcum, and in its eyes sat the rider from Raizon, piloting a replica of the guardian of Raizon. Seeing such a majestic creature, Jay, who was on his way back, was stopped in his tracks and looked back to see it. He got so excited to fight it that he called the King.
Jay : Can I fight the mecha Tempest?
King : No.
Jay : That is literally the thing from my dreams.
King : … No.
The King was not even budging to Jay's simple demand to fight. And he couldn't understand why Jay wanted to fight the mecha so much, even though he might disable it in one good attack. Similar thoughts were shared by Roy.
King : Give me one good reason, then I might agree.
Jay : In my world, mechas are a staple and part of every kid's dream—to be able to pilot one or fight against one. Because they are nothing but fiction.
King : Still no. I order you to rest. If I see you out of the camp, the Soundless Chamber is still waiting for its next victim.
Thus Jay had to step back and finally go into his own specialized tent. His tent was like a tent used for glamping—king-sized beds, wardrobes, proper bathing facilities, air conditioning (external and internal), soundproofing, and a heater to use during winters. With nothing to do, Jay laid on the bed and tried his hardest to sleep.
Meanwhile, the King and Roy were watching the scene with their troops on standby. He wanted to see the capabilities of the mechas—if they even sized up to Foundation tech or not, since Foundation tech had come leaps and bounds beyond the previous Raizon tech.
King : Roy, order a round of firing on the huge mecha in the middle. Let's test Raizon tech.
Roy commanded his AI to contact the captain of the rocket division, who were already armed to the teeth with their rocket launchers—one standard type of rocket and other types ready on hand.
Captain : Soldiers, we have received orders to open fire. Now load the rockets. Aim…
The units consisted of a hundred soldiers, along with their own team leaders and squads. They quickly loaded their rocket propulsion guns and aimed them at the mecha, which was steadily approaching them one step at a time. It would take approximately fourteen steps to enter the Foundation camp itself, and another twenty-three to enter the capital. But it still hadn't attacked yet. Maybe it was waiting, or it was not in range for its attack to have an effect.
Captain : Fire.
With a single command, a hundred rockets propelled themselves into the air and headed straight for the mecha, bombarding it. Once the rockets touched the skin of the mecha, they exploded in a beautiful yet terrifying fashion.
The captain transmitted back to Roy.
Captain : Sir, should we continue bombardment?
Roy : Wait for further orders.
When the smoke cleared, it was evident that the bombardment had almost no effect. On the mecha itself, there were now stains of soot and scratches here and there, and some parts had chipped off, but nothing concrete.
Roy looked at the King for further instructions, and he just nodded, meaning he intended to continue the bombardment. Just as he desired, within seconds, another round of bombardment began, and this time it was followed by another follow-up. The result came once again—after the smoke somewhat dissipated, the images showed that it had only taken minor damage.
King : Roy, what is the assessment?
Roy : I believe that it is worthy of a little bit of engagement after all. Should I send Isshin? He was itching for a fight since yesterday.
The mech, which had just been stopped by the bombardment, started moving again.
King : What we need right now is to show them the might of the Foundation. I can just send Jay to stomp all of them out, but that won't do justice to the lakhs of men and women who are here for a cause. Do you understand what I mean, Roy?
Roy contacted Phoenix, who was also observing the battle from the communications tower and was very surprised by mechas falling out of the sky.
Roy : Phoenix, within five minutes, I need five mechas from our side.
Phoenix : They are already on standby since day one. Should I send the power armor unit as well?
Roy : The mechas should suffice, Phoenix. What about surveillance of the ground forces—any movement?
Phoenix : Yes, but not significant. They have started marching as well, but with every step that giant takes, they are lagging behind.
As the giant took seven steps, the mechas, which were on standby, were mounted and brought to the battlefield. In comparison, they weren't as tall as the giant, but they had been equipped with upgraded firepower.
FX-01 : Command, this is FX-1 preparing to engage the enemy.
Phoenix : Your orders are the complete destruction of enemy mechas. Engage the enemy at your discretion.
FX-01 : Roger that.
The five mechas flew to fight the enemy, but all of a sudden, from the back, a sixth mecha also appeared, heading toward the battlefield.
Roy : Phoenix, there is a sixth mecha heading toward the field.
Phoenix : I'm not—just wait.
Phoenix attempted to communicate with the sixth mech, but it denied communications. He tried again and again, but to no avail. Finally, he had to force his way into the comms.
Phoenix : RT-07, you do not have permission to engage or take flight. Return to headquarters immediately. I repeat, return to camp immediately.
The mech completely ignored Phoenix's advice. Thus Phoenix once again attempted to call it back.
Phoenix : RT-07, please cooperate. Insubordination will lead to heavy punishment, regardless of your station. You have five seconds to turn back, or else your mech will be shut down.
Five seconds had already elapsed, but still the mech slowly moved forward. As Phoenix tried to shut it down, he was hit with the message: "Cannot override—you have less or equivalent authority."
With that message, it was clear to Phoenix.
Phoenix : If you were not my sworn brother, I would have shot you down.