Orbist

The air was thick with tension. The battle for Mersia had reached a turning point, but the real nightmare was only beginning.

Deep within the ruins of an ancient stronghold, the Cybernetic Titan stood motionless, his massive frame looming over the wreckage. Dust and sand had settled over his armor, blending him into the landscape like a forgotten relic of war. Yet, inside his chest, the first power core pulsed faintly, sending out irregular waves of energy.

Then, it happened.

A flicker of movement.

The Titan's mechanical eye glowed to life, scanning the battlefield. He had been dormant for too long, waiting for the right moment. The invaders had come far, but now, they would face something beyond mere soldiers or monsters.

With a slow, grinding motion, he raised his metal-plated arm. The ground trembled beneath his weight as he took his first step forward.

Mersia's guardian had awoken.

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The air was thick with tension. The awakening of the Cybernetic Titan had sent a ripple across the battlefield, drawing settlers, brutes, and explorers toward its location. Some came seeking refuge, others looking to pledge their strength, and many prepared to fight for control of Mersia.

Scattered across the rugged terrain, makeshift camps formed. Smoke curled into the sky as fires burned for warmth and strategy discussions. The settlers, hardened by their struggle to survive, sharpened their salvaged weapons and reinforced their armor with whatever scraps they could find. The brutes, towering and fearsome, grunted among themselves, eager for the coming battle. The explorers, adaptable and cunning, studied the shifting battlefield, mapping potential routes of escape or ambush.

Meanwhile, within a secured outpost overlooking the chaotic gathering, the Ilios protective forces convened. Soldiers in disciplined formation readied themselves, adjusting their clothing and preparing for battle. Unlike the civilians, they wore better gear, but they had no real weapons—only their numbers, training, and determination. Among them stood the Elites, their presence commanding respect. Clad in slightly more reinforced attire, they moved with purpose, their eyes scanning the horizon, assessing the threat that lay ahead.

There were no real commanders. The Cybernetic Titan was the one most settlers looked up to, and even among the Ilios forces, the soldiers and Elites followed his presence as if he were the only true leader. His influence was undeniable, a force that unified those around him despite their differences.

A decision had to be made. The storm was brewing, and soon, Mersia would be bathed in fire and chaos.

The Cybernetic Titan stood atop a raised platform, his mechanical arm gleaming under the pale light. His piercing gaze surveyed the restless crowd. Though slow in movement, his sheer presence demanded attention. He clenched his metal fist, a silent symbol of the battle to come.

"The invaders are relentless," a voice spoke among the settlers. "If we do nothing, they'll take everything. We must strike first."

Murmurs of agreement spread through the crowd. Brutes pounded their fists against their makeshift armor. Explorers exchanged knowing glances, already considering the best approach. The settlers, tired of running, gripped their weapons tightly, ready for war.

From the Ilios side, hesitation lingered. Without firearms, they had to rely on sheer willpower and tactics. The Elites, recognizing the necessity of leadership, moved among the ranks, rallying their fellow soldiers. The Cybernetic Titan, aware of their doubts, turned his gaze toward them.

"You fight not for Ilios alone," his voice rumbled, "but for your survival. Stand with me, and together, we shall carve our own fate."

The ground trembled slightly beneath them. A distant rumble echoed across the horizon. The battle was not just coming—it had already begun.