Reboot: Mechanic

10 minutes before the chaotic battle had commenced in the Horology Restaurant, Code T32 was spying at the entrance and was dumbfounded to see Hunters gathering.

Hunters, the terminology used for people that accept commissions for money to do things. 

Essentially, they are what mercenaries do, but in an illegal and more secretive manner. 

As a masked man emerged from the shadow, his two hands were holding Tomahawk, with more in his belt. There was a gloomy and dark aura that shrouded the masked man. 

And when Code T32 noticed the masked man, his expression changed drastically. If it were any ordinary masked figure, Code T32 wouldn't have recognized who it was.

However, there was a distinct feature on the mask, which had the image of a Tomahawk, added with the fact that the masked man was holding a Tomahawk, it had given him all the information he needed. 

"That hunter holding the Tomahawk… it should be Kralos Tal." Code T32 exclaimed in shock. Kralos Tal was an infamous hunter that had assassinated quite a lot of prominent figures in other cities. 

However, this was the first time that Kralos Tal had ever made an appearance in Gearits City. 

Meanwhile, Code T32's partner was naturally astonished when he realized a hunter of such caliber had shown up. This was now beyond their capacity, and even if they wanted to do anything, it would be futile. 

The hunter didn't manage to become so infamous if he had superficial skills.

"I'll contact Head Security immediately," Code T32's partner was slightly stunned, but managed to compose his emotion rather swiftly, informing Trevor of the unexpected variable. 

What kind of unexpected situation had they not encountered before? 

The experience of dealing with unexpected variables was second nature to individuals in their line of work. 

Sometime later, Code T32's partner received a retreating notice, and that someone else would take over.

"Code T32, we are to retreat immediately," The partner closed the communication with Trevor and informed Code T32. 

"Understood," Code T32 didn't even hesitate nor asked why they were told to retreat. Since the command was given, then they would only obey it.

With the order to retreat, Code T32's attention shifted from the current engagement to the imminent withdrawal.

As Code T32 and his partner swiftly retreated from the scene, Trevor's expression was cold. All along, he was situated at a tall building that oversaw Code T32 and his partner. 

Glancing at the two people retreating, Trevor then took off the communication device that was on his earbud and stomped it, crushing it into nothingness. 

A brief moment later, Trevor's cold expression gradually returned to neutral, confused by the scene.

'What just happened? Why did the Code T32 team leave?' Trevor exclaimed inwardly, seemingly in shock by their disappearance. 

As Trevor was confused by the situation, he suddenly received a direct transmission call from the Crimson Mage. His eyes were now projecting a hologram screen, which revealed Faris Hill's appearance. 

"Trevor, why did you order the Code T32 team to retreat?" Her words were a direct inquiry, her tone making it clear that she wasn't expecting vague excuses or evasive answers.

Meanwhile, Trevor's response was measured, his voice steady and calm. "I did not issue any order, Master. I was surprised that the Code T32 team had left the scene." 

Faris Hill's gaze intensified, a scrutinizing examination that seemed to delve into Trevor's very thoughts. 

"You really didn't issue any order of retreat because of a sudden development?" She then asked, seemingly wanting to confirm something. 

Trevor's expression was neutral, despite the confusion he had. "There was a sudden development, Master?"

"The appearance of Kralos Tal, an infamous Hunter known for his Tomahawk execution?" 

"I've only known it now, Master. Do you wish for me to confront Kralos Tal now and rescue Vanessa?" Trevor asked. 

A solemn look appeared on Faris Hill's face before she shook her head. "No, you are to retreat and return to the basement base. There's something I want to check." 

With that said, the hologram screen flickered and dissipated,

After communicating with Trevor, Faris Hill, who was originally sitting by her chair, stood up and revealed a cold expression. 

"Very well, it seems like the enemies this time are from them again. The nerve of them to even hack into Trevor and manipulate behind the scenes." Faris Hill laughed hysterically. 

Her laughter was chilling, resonating through the room like an eerie melody. 

"Had I not placed countermeasures on Trevor, I would have been kept in the dark again. How dare they touch my things when I have cut off our relationship." Faris Hill sneered coldly, her long crimson hair started glowing. 

Rage filled her eyes as she snapped her fingers, the surrounding Magicule responded to her will, forming a cloak of energy that wrapped around her figure. In an instant, she vanished from the room, leaving only a faint trace of lingering energy in her wake.

Back to the present, the Horology Restaurant was nearly filled in ruin, the patrons inside were either injured or killed from the deadly clashes. 

And just when the surviving patrons thought it would soon calm down, they heard a voice coming from the 2nd floor.

"Just in time!" Vanessa's voice resounded through the interior.

The patrons inside the Horology Restaurant were quickly caught off guard as a blinding flash of light erupted from the floor beneath them. In an instant, the ground seemed to rebel against its own nature, as if it were a living entity responding to a hidden command.

The rupture began as a thin crack, snaking its way across the floor with a purposeful determination. Earthy vines burst forth, their growth was rapid and relentless. 

The once-smooth surface was now marred by jagged lines of upheaval, and the patrons found themselves stumbling and grasping for stability as the ground beneath them shifted.

Vanessa's power was in full display, a manifestation of her abilities as an Esper. 

The focused and controlled nature of her power allowed her to manipulate the very earth beneath her feet, bending it to her will. The vines extended, forming a straight line that seemed to stretch toward a predetermined destination.

It was a breathtaking display of control over Magicule, a testament to Vanessa's mastery of her unique abilities. The patrons, already bewildered by the events of the day, now found themselves in a situation that defied the laws of nature.

And just when everyone thought the earthy vines would continue to spread, a voice from outside resounded. 

"Quite impressive, but this is still child's play."