Chapter 2: First Battle: The Grim Reaper Appears

Suddenly, Kiki's communication screen was filled with static. Her face instantly showed panic. “Huh? That’s strange! Why is there a signal disruption? The satellite signal is still so strong!”

Andou trembled in fear. “See?! I just told you! This must be the work of the Grim Reaper! It doesn’t want to be disturbed!” He closed his eyes and prayed desperately. “Goddess Fortuna, please! I’m still so young! I don’t want to die alone and… single! Especially not with that mean senpai!”

“What are you saying, you idiot Junior?! Just you wait, once we get to Trigia, I’ll give you the push-up punishment you’ve been dreaming of! I’ll ride on top of you!” Kiki yelled angrily, while Emmy simply sighed, resigned to their childish behavior.

Suddenly, a loud alarm blared. “Alert! Alert! Kaijuu, Kaijuu detected!”

“WHAT?! Kaijuu?! Now of all times?!” Kiki and Andou panicked in unison.

Andou let out a relieved sigh. “Hmph... at least that’s better than facing the Grim Reaper!”

Kiki nodded resolutely. “Alright, Lady Emmy! It's show time!”

Emmy climbed into her mech and entered the control room. A text appeared on her mech-knight's HUD. “SYSTEM ONLINE! Welcome, Lady Emmy.”

From there, Emmy's battle with her mech against the mini-kaijuu began. Kiki continuously directed her, “They’re coming from the West and North, Lady Emmy! Watch out, there's one behind the rubble!”

After some time, the attacks subsided. Emmy thought it was over, but her ammo and battery were almost depleted. Just then, more mini-kaijuu suddenly emerged from the South and East.

Emmy's face went from relief to panic. “Damn it… why now of all times?! Kiki, Andou, leave! I’ll follow! I’ll hold them off!”

“But Lady Emmy! We’re still so far from Trigia, and if you get captured, it could be bad for Tregear!” Kiki yelled.

“Don't worry! I'll return safely! Now go!” Emmy rushed to take down the last few kaijuu with her mech's sword. The mech's battery began to weaken, until it finally ran out. Instantly, she was surrounded and attacked by mini-kaijuu from all directions.

“It seems… this is as far as I go. May you two be safe… and farewell.” Emmy said softly, resigned.

Suddenly, the sound of a Gatling gun broke the silence. A hail of bullets wiped out the mini-kaijuu in an instant. “Who?! Could it be Tregear forces?” Emmy was shocked. She saw small missiles embedded in the heads of every fallen kaijuu.

When Emmy turned, the Grim Reaper was standing right behind her. A Mecha-Wolf feared by both nations. “Could it be… that this is where I die?!” Emmy said, shocked and resigned.

The Mecha-Wolf then attached its energy cable to Emmy's mech, and instantly, her mech's battery recharged to 80%.

“You’re helping me? Why?!” Emmy asked the wolf mech, her voice full of confusion.

But there was no answer.

When Emmy was distracted by the battery notification, she looked back. The Grim Reaper had vanished like a shadow.

“Whoever you are… I am so grateful, my angel of death. I won't waste this second chance!” Emmy said with relief.

Meanwhile, on the side of the hill, Kyle remained silent, sending an automated message to the mech: “Leave… or perish.”