Three thousand years ago, the entity known as the Void used Link Joker as its avatar to attack Planet Cray, infecting every living creature and turning them into what was called Reverse. These Reverse beings acted as the Void's agents of chaos, spreading its influence like a plague. However, over time, the remnants of Link Joker lost their desire to invade, choosing instead to naturalize and coexist with the world. Led by a being known as the Messiah, they found a place within the planet. Today, their descendants are known as the Cardinal Beings.
The sound of fists cutting through the air filled the training hall as Sora Period and Hanada Halfway clashed in a sparring match. Hanada spun swiftly, delivering a backspin kick. Sora barely managed to dodge, his nimble movements keeping him just out of reach. He countered with a quick jab, but Hanada caught his fist mid-air and grinned.
"Ha, too slow!" Hanada taunted before driving a powerful kick into Sora's abdomen, sending him flying backward. His back slammed against the wall with a heavy thud.
Groaning, Sora looked up as Hanada approached, offering his hand.
"Alright, that's enough for now. Let's get some dinner."
Sora smirked, taking Hanada's hand as he stood up.
In the Blue Deathster cafeteria, the trio of Sora, Hanada, and Sabine sat around a table, their plates filled with steaming food.
"So, what's the plan now?" Sora asked, breaking the silence. "Void is still out there. Do we even know how to contain it?"
"Who knows," Hanada said between bites. "It's been days since it escaped, and not a single incident has been reported. Maybe it just disappeared."
Sabine sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Man, I can't wait for my Stelvane to be upgraded. Because of that, I haven't been deployed for pilot duty. Asagi is really taking her time perfecting it."
Hanada glanced at the cafeteria's mounted TV screen, which had switched to a news broadcast. "Guys, look."
The news anchor spoke with excitement. "What you're looking at right now is Blitz Industries' latest artillery!"
Sabine narrowed her eyes. "Wait, what?"
"Right here, we have the all-new Blitz Gigamobile units!"
A soldier nearby chuckled. "Great, another pale imitation attempting to match our machines."
Hanada examined the footage, noting the sleek, towering machines. "They look different from the ones we saw before. Damn, they really spent their time and money building their arsenal."
Sora shrugged. "Who cares?"
As they continued eating, a woman with black hair streaked with pink approached their table. She wore a Blue Deathster jacket and had a confident stride.
"Sabine, Stelvane is all good!"
Sabine's eyes lit up. "Asagi! I've been waiting for you!"
Asagi Milestone—Blue Deathster's chief programmer and mech operator—gave her a thumbs-up. She was responsible for maintaining the mechs and developing their software systems.
"Stelvane has a brand-new beam rifle," Asagi said with a grin. "I call it the 'Heavenly Death Ray.'"
Hanada and Sora burst into laughter.
"The Heavenly Death Ray?" Hanada repeated, shaking his head. "Couldn't come up with something less corny, Asagi?"
Before she could respond, a stern voice cut through the conversation.
"Lieutenants!"
They all turned and immediately straightened up, saluting as Commander Lorkin approached.
"I have a new assignment for you."
In the meeting room, Commander Lorkin projected several files onto the screen.
"The White Laboratory is located in the ice and snow region to the east. The laboratory's head scientist, Arkhite, analyzes natural energy and researches methods to create monsters that can counter the Void. However, some of their experiments have become… problematic."
Sabine frowned. "Why so?"
Lorkin's expression darkened. "As you all know, two years ago, the laboratory was exposed for experimenting on people—including children. Blitz Industries immediately cut ties with them, discontinuing their funding. However, despite the scandal, the lab continued its research in secret."
A tense silence filled the room.
"Since your mech is now fully functional, Lieutenant Sabine Merkmal, I am assigning you this mission."
Sabine clenched her fist before punching the air in excitement. "Alright! Finally!"
"I'll take my squad with me," she added, turning to her teammates. "Rondo! Baynard! To me! Now!"
Hanada leaned back with a smirk. "Glad to see her all pumped up."
Inside the Blue Deathster hangar, Sabine and her squad made their final preparations for departure. Mechanics and engineers bustled around them, making last-minute checks on the mechs. The massive steel doors leading to the launch deck loomed ahead.
Sabine climbed into her cockpit, fingers gliding over the control panels.
"All systems check," she muttered, initiating the startup sequence. Lights flickered on as the interface booted up, displaying the status of her machine.
Her squad members followed suit.
"Rondo, Blue Deathster, Findanis! Ready for launch!"
"Baynard, Blue Deathster, Findanis! Ready for launch!"
Sabine grinned as her mech, Stelvane, came to life. Its sleek light blue and white design reflected the hangar's lights. It was equipped with a massive shield cannon and its new weapon—the so-called Heavenly Death Ray.
"Sabine Merkmal, Blue Deathster, Stelvane! Ready for launch!"
The hangar's alarms blared as the massive steel doors slowly opened. Outside, the frozen wasteland awaited, and with it, the secrets of the White Laboratory.
Their mission had begun.