Chapter 29: The Difference Between Starscream and Ultra Magnus
"What? Two Ultra Magnus? Is your faulty system malfunctioning? Wait… could it be Optimus Prime? This guy seems to be Ultra Magnus' brother. Their transformations are similar too. Re-scan!"
Although Sixshot was a highly experienced Decepticon warrior, his current understanding couldn't fully grasp what was happening before his eyes, so he made a logical connection.
Ultra Magnus' brother was the famous Optimus Prime. And who else could annihilate so many Decepticons in an instant? Moreover, both brothers transformed into trucks, so it was understandable that Sixshot's radar might confuse them.
"System, after comparison, the two Autobots rapidly moving away from the frontier are both Ultra Magnus. No data detected on Optimus Prime!"
Wow! This really baffled Sixshot. How could two Ultra Magnus appear out of nowhere? And if so, why hadn't Sixshot, his old rival, known?
"Very well! Let's see what these two Ultra Magnus are up to. Focus on the one flying through the sky. I have a feeling it's an impostor. This time, I'll unmask him!"
This was the combat instinct of a high-level Decepticon. Ahead, two Ultra Magnus fled: one flying in robot mode, the other speeding through the spatial tunnel in truck form.
Judging by appearance, the one in the sky seemed stronger, becoming Sixshot's primary target.
"System locked, initiating perimeter tracking!"
After selecting his target, Sixshot transformed into a massive spaceship and gave chase at full speed.
As Sixshot's former rival, Ultra Magnus immediately detected this annoying pursuer and communicated with the impostor in the sky.
"Are you one of our Autobots or Starscream, the Decepticon? Why have you come to the Wandering Worlds to rescue me?"
"Call me Ultra Magnus. We haven't completely escaped Decepticon radar yet, so this will help confuse them. Do you understand?"
Starscream had promised Optimus Prime to communicate only through a single channel. Even though the person before him was Optimus' brother, Ultra Magnus, a promise is a promise. The fewer who knew Starscream's identity, the safer everyone would be.
"Alright! Whether you're Starscream or Ultra Magnus, we're in trouble. My old nemesis, Sixshot, seems to have found us. This guy's tracking ability is exceptional the best in the universe. Have you heard of him?"
"So the one targeting me is the legendary Sixshot! I read his profile in the Decepticon database. Can he really transform into six forms? Alright, at your speed, in ten minutes these Cybertronians won't track you. As for Sixshot, I'll handle him! I want to test my skills against this supposed expert and see how he compares to the legends!"
Starscream said this to reassure Ultra Magnus. He knew Sixshot's strength well. Back then, Cybertronian Decepticons had created a secret power ranking: Megatron was seventh, Sixshot fifth. Imagine how terrifying that was!
However, if Ultra Magnus couldn't escape his clutches, all of Starscream's previous efforts would be in vain. Since Sixshot had attacked, it was a chance to see what made this fifth-ranked Decepticon warrior so special.
"Alright, you better be careful! I, Ultra Magnus, reward kindness. Wherever we meet again, I owe you my life. Stay alert!"
After exchanging these words, Ultra Magnus sped away, while Starscream hovered silently, waiting for his opponent's arrival. His current transformed state could last about 18 more minutes enough to ensure Ultra Magnus' safe escape.
Originally, the last 10% of mission progress seemed easy, but he hadn't expected to encounter that damn Sixshot halfway. What a situation!
As Starscream paused, Sixshot appeared. Instead of attacking his old rival immediately, he returned to robot form.
"Sixshot, transform!"
"Ha! Didn't expect to see you again, old friends! I don't recall you being frequent visitors to Cybertron. Did you come today specifically to see off your old companion?"
Using the disguise system, Starscream looked identical to Ultra Magnus, both in appearance and voice a fact clearly noted in Sixshot's surprised gaze.
"So you really are Ultra Magnus? Does that mean the one on the ground is the impostor? Or is neither of you the real Ultra Magnus?"
Sixshot wasn't easily fooled. Though this figure perfectly resembled Ultra Magnus, and his pace and voice were as remembered, he sensed the person before him was an impostor.
"Whether I am real or fake, that's your judgment. However, I suggest we postpone our battle to avoid attracting more Decepticons!"
"Agreed!" Starscream never intended to face Sixshot directly. His courage, in a sense, couldn't match the real Ultra Magnus, which is why Sixshot sensed something was off.
"Ha! Who exactly are you? The real Ultra Magnus, like his brother Optimus Prime, is single-minded; even when his energy is nearly spent, desertion wouldn't occur!"
That was probably Starscream's greatest weakness.
(End of Chapter)
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