The chains screamed.
Silver chain links strained as the giant robot thrashed violently, metal joints grinding as the giant robot tries to free itself.
Sweat sweeps down Kaito's face.
"…We only have a minimum of 5 minutes," he said. "it will break free."
Ayla's teeth clenched as she anchored the chain. "I know. I can feel it."
Akira watched the machine carefully.
The robot's arm twisted sharply.
CLANG—!
One chain snapped.
Ren didn't wait for orders.
"I'm moving," he said—and sprinted off.
Ren ran hard, but not blindly.
He checked every structure.
He kicked open doors.
Checked interiors.
Moved on instantly.
No hesitation.
No fear.
Just speed.
Back at there the robot tore free one leg.
The ground cracked.
Akira swore. "REN—HURRY!"
Ayla's voice strained. "I can't hold much longer!"
The robot's head rotated.
Its optic sensors reactivated.
Target Found
Ren skidded to a stop inside a reinforced apartment block.
There.
A closed room.
"…Bingo."
Inside
A humanoid robot, seated on the floor, motionless.
Its eyes were closed.
Sleep mode.
Ren moved fast.
He reached the robot and slammed the emergency override.
"Wake up," he ordered.
The unit did not respond.
Outside—
Metal screamed.
The giant robot's arm ripped free.
Another chain shattered.
Akira staggered.
Kaito shouted, "Thirty seconds before full release!"
Ren grabbed the unit's shoulders and shook it.
"Wake up. NOW."
The robot's eyes snapped open.
Instantly—
The giant robot froze.
Its internal glow flickered.
Then the entire construct collapsed inward.
Silence.
Ren exhaled and leaned back.
The robot child blinked once, then powered down completely.
A chime echoed.
TEAM 7 — PASS
High above, Akirawa watched, expression unreadable.
The observation deck erupted into chaotic cheers.
Akirawa only smirked.
"Told them I'd get at least one competent batch this year."
Ayla stared at her hands—steady now.
Akira smiled faintly.
"You did great."
She looked away, cheeks coloring.
"…T-Thank you. For helping me earlier."
None of them knew it yet… but this victory was only the beginning of the bond that would change all six of their lives forever.
END OF CHAPTER 6