Triaphota

 

Unit 5 crouched low at the front, with the Grousebeak right behind it, perfectly mirroring its posture.

The four-machine Throne squadron reacted, roller-dashing in to intercept.

The instant they entered the grand hall, Unit 5 switched from roller-dash to explosive detonation drive, scattering sparks violently across the floor. Then it cut the roller-dash completely.

Blue followed with precisely the same movements—Unit 5 was moving as if to shield her.

Two Thrones immediately leapt diagonally upward, as beams lanced out from the right shoulders of their machines. Because of their silhouettes’ construction, their traverse angles and rotational tracking had limits. Against two rapidly maneuvering opponents, their responses lagged by a fraction.

The Grousebeak unfolded its D-Rifle into a new configuration. Three long, slender barrels rose up from its back.

「Triaphota—deployment」

Still at high speed, the Grousebeak mounted the rear barrels in place.

Its thrusters cut. The detonation drive fell silent. At the last instant before coming to a