Chapter 3 : Baptism by Fire

‘Welcome, Captain Ruger. We welcome you to Team 417, Expectation Failed.’

I had been hunting down Warfoe one by one and had also fought several Battle-Frames contaminated with Red Ember, but now... I was required to fight a Battle-Frame created by the IPMC.

‘Battle-Frame or Warfoe you all look the same in my eyes, a Killer Robot.’

‘You're saying we're the same as Warfoe?!’

‘If you still can't believe us. We'll show you on this mission.’

I had made them all angry because of my words. Even though they were just robots, they could feel anger and had feelings. A weapon that has feelings, what other scary weapons have they made this time.

The Battle-Frame is no different at all from humans. I can feel the warmth and texture of human-like skin when I touch them. Is it possible, using nano technology to make an exact replica of human flesh?! What's the purpose....

I have to accept it, thinking too much about it will only burden me.

Right, I shouldn't think that far ahead. I have already worked at Fenris, they have accepted me and given me a shelter now. In return, I only need to work as a Squad Leader. After all, I can still hunt down enemy Robots out there with Team 417.

I should go to my room first, a lie down on the soft mattress might cool my head down.

Julia said there will be a mission briefing at 2pm, there's still about 2 hours left. Instead of wandering around incoherently, it was better for me to rest in my room before the briefing.

‘Ka-Captain Ruger?’

Someone called out to me while walking down the hallway of the Living Dorm. She... isn't she one of the members of Team 417? If I'm not mistaken.... short black haired girl.... ah, Maya, her Codename is Maya.

‘Maya, how come you're here?’

‘Ah, no, it's just... I was just taking a walk.’

I had been thinking that she had a stern disposition because of her tropical special forces outfit, but... I didn't expect her to have such a soft and gentle voice. It was far different from what I had imagined that she had a more fierce, man-like voice.

‘I see, then I'll head to my room.’

Afterwards, I walked past her who had just greeted me. I didn't have time to talk to them right now. Didn't have the desire to chat with Battle-Frames too often either, they were just robots imitating humans.

‘Well... Captain, may I say something to you?’

She called me back after I passed him. Now what, even ignoring her was not pleasing to me, I turned back to face her.

‘Ah.... mrrmm... how to say it..’ She gerself stood there staggering.

‘Ca-Captain... must not... be too keen on fighting alongside us is it. Battle-Frames like us... are probably... similar to Warfoe who... kill humans. We also apologise... about... the meeting...’

‘But... Captain. We are completely different... from them. Although... our combat ability is not as great as Warfoe's, only... I can guarantee one thing to the Captain. The Battle-Frame fights for mankind... that is what separates us from the Warfoe.’

She tried hard to organise her words until the end. Even though she had to pause occasionally to think about what to say next. She was able to say until the end, everything she wanted to tell me.

A nice girl like her, apologising to my guilty self for making such a crude statement in front of all of them. I should be ashamed as their Captain, no... I should be ashamed as a human for the machine apologising to me.

‘I should be the one apologising to you. Sorry about earlier, I had a lot on my mind at the time.’ I said to him and walked away from him.

Perhaps, I should start opening myself up. Throw away some of my hatred for the robots and start trusting them. We will continue to be together in the future, carrying out many dangerous missions. It would be difficult if we were constantly at odds, suspecting each other. That's right,

Even if they rebel later, I... myself will kill them with my own hands.

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Tactical Control Room 25

Team 417, 1400 hrs

The entire team had gathered in the Tactical Control Room. I sat alongside the four Battle-Frames around the rectangular table at the center of the room. Julia had already activated her holographic display.

“Before we begin the briefing,” Julia started, “I’ll first introduce you to some classifications of Warfoe you need to know. We can’t just call them killing machines, rogue robots, or other strange names. Fenris has categorized Warfoe into distinct types based on their function.”

Ugh, another long explanation. I didn’t really care about the specifics. To me, all robots looked the same. Whether it was a small flying drone shooting at us with machine guns, a tank-like robot armed with heavy weaponry, or humanoid Battle-Frames wielding laser rifles—they were all the same: targets to be shot.

“Captain Ruger, I can already read the expression on your face,” Julia said with a smirk. “It says, ‘Another explanation—how boring.’”

She could even read my thoughts from my face. Impressive, Julia.

“This explanation is crucial because it concerns the enemies we’ll be facing. If you don’t understand their types, you might end up underestimating an opponent and find yourself in a situation you can’t handle,” she added.

I yawned and nodded. “Alright, then get on with it, Julia.”

Clearly annoyed, she ignored my remark and proceeded with her presentation.

---

[Warfoe Raff Type 1: Attack Drones]

Weapons: Typically light arms such as rifles, rockets, and machine guns.

Types:

1. Stinger

- The smallest Attack Drone of the Warfoe. It has a bright gray, helicopter-like design with a pointed nose. On either side, it carries light rifles that can pivot 180 degrees horizontally. Some models are armed with two rockets.

2. Marauder

- A larger, oval-shaped drone with a dorsal fin and four rotors on each corner. It is equipped with a machine gun mounted in its body, capable of swiveling 180 degrees horizontally and moving vertically from front to back.

---

[Warfoe Raff Type 2: Combat Robots (Combot)]

Weapons: Minigun, machine guns, grenade launchers.

Types:

1. M278F Cooter

- A tank-like robot about the size of a personal car. It is slow-moving, with armor plating and a metal track system for mobility. Its minigun, mounted on top, can rotate 360 degrees. The best way to take it down is by targeting its sides or top with explosives.

2. Wolfhound

- A smaller unit, about the size of a tricycle, equipped with four track systems. This design enables it to move quickly over rough terrain. Though primarily a reconnaissance unit, its hidden machine gun can provide effective support.

3. Huntsman

- A medium-sized robot with four spider-like legs. It wields a grenade launcher and has moderate mobility. The best way to neutralize it is by targeting its legs to make it collapse.

---

[Warfoe Raff Type 3: Humanoids]

Weapons: Ranges from light rifles to laser weapons, and in some cases, photon blades.

Types:

1. Raven

- A highly agile unit equipped with standard rifles. These scouts are often encountered with small squads of Attack Drones and Combots.

2. Vigilante

- A standard combat unit with heavier armor than Raven and equipped with machine guns.

3. Viper

- A priority target armed with laser weapons capable of penetrating defenses. These units typically stay at the rear, providing long-range support.

4. Sentinel

- Defensive units designed to protect their allies, equipped with thick body armor, a metal shield, and a machine gun.

5. Sabre

- A lithe and fast-moving unit equipped with photon blades capable of slicing through enemies with a single strike. They are highly dangerous in close combat.

6. Queen

- Leaders of the Humanoid forces. These Battle-Frames possess self-awareness and command entire squads. Encountering a Queen with a designated name is a clear signal to retreat.

---

[Warfoe Raff Type 4: War-droids]

Weapons: Heavy-caliber rifles, rocket launchers, cannons, railguns.

Warning: War-droids are AI-controlled behemoths classified as TFM (Threat-for-Humanity) units due to their capability to obliterate Fenris strongholds. Destruction is the highest priority.

Types:

1. Mark I Trident

- A massive bipedal robot with a triangular frame. It is armed with two large-caliber machine guns on its arms and a cannon mounted on its triangular head.

2. Mark V Devastator

- Even larger than the Trident, this unit carries dual heavy-caliber rifles on its shoulders, a minigun on its left arm, and a cannon on its right. It also features a missile launcher on its back for bombardment.

3. Betelgeuse

- A railgun platform transported via ground vehicles. Though it lacks mobility, it is the most dangerous War-droid, capable of annihilating Fenris bases in a single strike.

---

[Warfoe Raff Type 5: Hybrids]

Weapons: Unknown.

Warning: Little is known about Hybrid Warfoe. They are considered highly dangerous due to the lack of available information.

Types:

1. Doberman Dog’s Unit

- The only identified Hybrid Warfoe. Resembling a Doberman Pinscher, these units are fast and capable trackers, tearing through enemies with their razor-sharp teeth.

---

I studied the holograms of each Warfoe type Julia displayed. She even projected 3D models of the units, allowing us to observe them from every angle.

All this time, I had fought without realizing the sheer variety among them. I’d even encountered Humanoids like Vigilante and Raven before, assuming they were among the strongest Battle-Frames. Now I knew they were merely standard units.

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"Do you understand, Captain Ruger? I never expected you to actually take an interest in my explanation."

"Yeah, sure. What caught my attention was this 3D projection. Observing it closely gives me some peace of mind... knowing where these robots’ weak points are makes it easier to kill them."

"I-Is that so... Then I have a warning for you all. If you encounter a Humanoid Queen unit that already has a name, immediately withdraw from the area. Do not engage without direct orders from Headquarters."

I glanced back at the projection of the Humanoid Queen-type Warfoe on the table. They looked similar to standard Humanoid units. What set them apart, however, was that Queen types bore an uncanny resemblance to Fenris’s Battle-Frames. They lacked the LED panels that covered their eyes and could transform their own limbs into weapons. Truly... a terrifying enemy. If I were to face one on the battlefield, I wasn’t sure I could survive the encounter unscathed.

"Alright, that concludes the explanation session. I’ll send the data to you all shortly. Now, let’s focus on the briefing for Team 417’s first mission. Even though Team 417 has completed missions before, this will be the first with a human Captain leading them."

The lights illuminating the room suddenly dimmed, leaving only the neon panels and holographic screens to cast a faint glow in the darkened space. On the main screen, Julia opened a file marked with the Fenris insignia, the logo of the IPMC (Intern-Protocol Manufacturing Company), and another emblem—a crossed rifle insignia labeled DWF (Draco Weapon Factory).

Once the loading bar completed, a satellite image of Earth appeared on the screen, overlaid with latitude and longitude grids.

At the top of the screen, from left to right, were the current time, 14:35, a code I didn’t recognize, and today’s date. Below it, also aligned left to right, were our team name—Team 417: Expectation Failed—and coordinates pinpointing our location.

The satellite image zoomed in, centering on Central Europe, around the border between what was once Germany and Czechoslovakia. Fenris Headquarters was labeled at our current location. Moments later, an arrow pointed to an area once known as the city of Nuremberg.

"We received a report from an outpost near Sector 15, stating they detected an unidentified distress signal originating from that region," Julia said.

The projector zoomed further into Sector 15, highlighting the cityscape. It revealed a devastated urban area filled with crumbling buildings and shattered roads.

"We haven’t determined the exact source of the distress signal yet, but we suspect it’s coming from somewhere around here." Julia circled an area in red on the map.

"So, the mission’s goal is to investigate the distress signal’s contents?" Uni interrupted, cutting into the briefing with her question.

"I’ve told you time and time again not to interrupt me when I’m speaking—" Julia sighed, clearly irritated. "Fine. I’ll answer. Your mission this time has two objectives. The primary objective is to patrol Sector 15 and monitor Warfoe activity in the area. The secondary objective is to investigate the source of the distress signal."

Julia glared at Uni, her voice growing sharp. "Let me make this clear: no one is to ask any questions until I’ve finished the entire briefing. Understood? We’re on a tight schedule—it's already 14:45."

I stayed silent under her scolding, glancing at the rest of the team. They all clammed up immediately, Uni included.

"Good. Let’s continue."

"Based on the data we’ve received, Warfoe units reported in Sector 15 include Stinger-type Attack Drones, as well as Wolfhound and Huntsman Combots. There are no recent reports of Humanoid units in the area."

"You’ll be deployed via helicopter and dropped at an L.Z. located 300 meters outside Sector 15. From there, you’ll proceed to Point Alpha at the sector’s perimeter, Point Beta where Warfoe activity was last observed, and finally Point Charlie, the suspected source of the distress signal, located in an apartment complex."

"This mission will take place in an urban combat environment. The area is rife with collapsed buildings, which will complicate mobility and combat. The ruins also provide ample cover for ambushes. Stay in tight formation, don’t stray too far from the group, and maintain vigilance, especially around abandoned buildings and windows."

"The mission is set to begin at 15:30, with this briefing wrapping up at 15:00. You have 30 minutes to prepare your gear. Everything you’ll need is already in the Tactical Control Room. Typically, each team has its own prep room, but since Team 417 only recently gained its Captain, we’ve arranged everything here."

[OPERATION EVENING STROLL]

START TIME: 1530 hrs

TEAM 417 PERSONNEL:

Captain Ruger Schmitt

Team Leader/Assaulter: Codename Maya

Stormtrooper: Codename Uni

Stormtrooper: Codename Chris

Recon/Scout: Codename Filin

MISSION OBJECTIVES:

Primary Objective: Patrol Sector 15 and engage any Warfoe units encountered.

Secondary Objective: Investigate the distress signal’s origin in Sector 15.

"The mission details will be given to you, Captain Ruger, after the briefing. One more thing—if you encounter enemy Humanoids or Battle-Frames, do not engage until you receive further instructions from HQ. Understood?"

I nodded at her explanation, as did the rest of the team, who were intently focused on the details of the operation. It was aptly named Evening Stroll.

Hah, what a fitting name, I thought. A stroll in the evening, complete with shooting down some killer machines along the way—how delightful.

"With that, the briefing concludes at 14:55. I’ll be monitoring you during the mission. That’s the role of a Tactical Commander," Julia stated.

"Team... good luck... and come back alive."

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Julia left the room, heading to the Command Center to finalize preparations for the operation. Meanwhile, Team 417 remained in the Tactical Control Room to ready the equipment needed for the mission.

I approached a cabinet filled with firearms, testing them one by one in search of a rifle that would suit me.

The other team members busied themselves with their own tasks. Maya was cleaning her rifle, an SS2-V5 A1. Uni sat at a table, analyzing Warfoe projections. Chris loaded magazines into the ammo pouches strapped to her hips. Filin was dismantling her Dragunov SVU sniper rifle, replacing a few parts.

As I browsed through the selection of rifles in the cabinet, none of them seemed to catch my eye—until I found one hidden in a lower compartment.

It was a black assault rifle with gray-scaled patterns along its body, a bullpup design where the magazine was loaded behind the trigger. The rifle's silhouette resembled an AUG A3, but it featured a longer barrel and an AR-15-style rail system. Attached was a digital optical sight equipped with a range of features, including range estimation, wind direction and speed calculation, and night-and-day vision modes. The rifle had three firing modes: Safe, Semi-Automatic for single shots, and Full-Automatic for continuous fire.

"Captain, are you interested in that rifle?" Maya asked from beside me, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"I am. I like its design. I've never seen a rifle like this before."

"Are you seriously planning to use that, Captain?" Chris chimed in, joining the conversation.

"And why not?" I asked.

"N-No reason, really. It’s just..." Chris trailed off, looking away as I pressed him for an answer.

"That’s the FR-20, an assault rifle chambered for 7.50x40mm rounds," Uni explained. "It was developed by Fenris in collaboration with DWF (Draco Weapon Factory). The bullpup design aimed to make it standard issue for Fenris personnel. However, due to its unconventional build and typical bullpup flaws—like occasional magazine ejection issues—it’s rarely used."

So, you're underappreciated due to rumors, I thought. It’s true that bullpups have their quirks, but it wouldn’t hurt to give this well-crafted weapon a chance—especially since Fenris went to such lengths to design it.

"If you want to use it, Captain, go ahead," Filin said as she approached. "Despite its reputation, the FR-20 has some appealing traits, like being incredibly easy to disassemble and customize. Laser pointers, flashlights, grenade launchers, bipods—this rifle can accommodate plenty of attachments. If you want to modify it, I’ll help."

Filin took the FR-20 from my hands and placed it on a nearby table. She immediately began disassembling the rifle, expertly examining its components.

She’s talking to me like nothing happened yesterday... I thought. Perhaps she wasn’t as upset as I had assumed.

"Filin’s great with disassembly and modifications," Maya remarked. "By the way, Captain, shouldn’t you change into combat attire?"

Ah, I was still wearing my formal clothes. I hadn’t yet swapped them for battle gear. But as far as I could see, there were only cabinets filled with firearms and pistols—no clothes.

"Where’s the wardrobe? All I see here are weapon lockers."

"Heh, Captain, you’ve got a lot to learn about Fenris," Chris said, pressing a button beside one of the cabinets. The unit rotated, revealing a hidden wardrobe stocked with combat uniforms and vests.

"So that’s where they keep them..."

The wardrobe held various uniform patterns: Jungle Stripes, Desert Camo, Green Wild, and Urban. I selected an Urban outfit featuring a mix of white, dark gray, and black.

With time running out, I decided to change here rather than make the long trek to a locker room. As I removed my upper clothing, I noticed the reactions of the women in the room.

"C-Captain?!" Maya exclaimed, covering her eyes as she stood closest to me.

"W-Wow! Captain’s just stripping right here," Chris remarked, her gaze locked on me.

"What are you doing, Captain Ruger?!" Uni yelled, slamming the table.

Meanwhile, Filin remained utterly focused, murmuring the names of rifle parts as she worked. "Laser pointer... digital optic sight... GRM-5 muzzle... MkII stock..."

"I don’t have a choice," I said flatly. "Close your eyes or don’t—it doesn’t matter. Time is short, and I’m changing here."

For machines, they certainly exhibit a lot of human-like emotions... I mused, amused by their apparent embarrassment. Just how advanced are the chips implanted in them? I really want to meet the crazy genius who designed machines like these.

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Fenris Site B

Helipad, 1525 hrs

My assault rifle had been fully customized by Filin. The FR-20 was now equipped with a digital optic sight, a laser pointer, and a modified muzzle brake. Beyond that, I wasn’t sure what else she had added—I wasn’t very familiar with firearm customization.

I was already dressed in my combat gear: a half-sleeve Urban camo shirt paired with matching military trousers, and a black combat vest. The vest housed lightweight composite armor capable of stopping rounds up to .50 cal, offering solid protection without restricting movement. I also wore a TACCOM (Tactical Communicator)—a sleek black headset with goggles, a microphone, and headphones—allowing seamless communication with the team and HQ. Lastly, there was the Chronos CW-201, a cutting-edge smartwatch developed by DWF. This device could project a holographic map updated via satellite, display mission details, and relay crucial data from HQ—a vital tool for the battlefield.

The rest of the team—Maya, Chris, Uni, and Filin—had also prepared their equipment and weapons. We were all waiting for HQ’s confirmation to depart for the Landing Zone.

"Are you nervous, Captain?" Maya asked, sitting beside me.

We were in the waiting area, watching as the helicopter was raised from the underground garage to the helipad. The black chopper, with its twin main rotors, slowly came into view.

"You could say that," I replied. "This is my first mission with a team. I’ve always fought alone until now."

Maya reached over and clasped my left hand, steadying it. Her touch was warm and firm, a silent assurance against my trembling nerves. I was indeed nervous, unsure of how this group dynamic would unfold.

"Captain... from now on, we’ll always be together as a team. So..."

She turned to look at me, her gaze meeting mine. Her eyes held a strange understanding—an acknowledgment of my fear. It wasn’t the mission itself that scared me, but the memory of battling those cold, merciless robots, watching them slaughter humans before my eyes.

"...You can trust us. Even though we’re Battle-Frames like the Warfoe you’ve fought out there..."

"We will never betray you, Captain. We’re fighting on humanity’s side, completely and unconditionally."

"And if... if the day ever comes when we rebel..." she continued, her voice trembling slightly, "please... kill us. Don’t let us become like them."

She was asking me to end her if she ever turned against us. No robot should have such emotions, such self-awareness. I didn’t understand.

What was I fighting against? Were they machines—or were they humans? If they were machines, why did they have hearts so much like ours?

"Team 417, proceed to the helipad. You’re cleared for departure," a co-pilot informed us.

We had received HQ’s authorization to depart for the Landing Zone. The operation was about to begin. For the first time in a long while, I wouldn’t be fighting alone—I’d have these four Battle-Frames at my side.

"Birds-1 to Tower. This is Birds-1. We’re cleared for takeoff."

"Tower to Birds-1. Clear skies and a beautiful evening ahead. Safe journey."

This was it—the moment I stepped into battle with them at my side.

"Thank you, Tower. Birds-1 to HQ."

"Operation Evening Stroll, begins."