Allen looked at No. 18 before him, a veritable work of art, and a sense of a creator's satisfaction washed over him.
But the value of this "work of art" could only be truly proven through the harshest of violence.
"Follow me." He wasted no words, turning to walk out of the laboratory. "Your first mission is a combat test."
"Yes, Commander." No. 18's voice was devoid of inflection as she strode forward on her long legs, keeping pace with light steps.
...
A flash of light, and the metal world before them was instantly replaced by an endless expanse of blue sea and sky.
Beneath their feet were hard, black reefs, and the sea breeze carried the salty tang of the ocean.
This was an uninhabited reef island in the Western Sea Region of the Aiselan Kingdom, over a hundred kilometers from the nearest coastline—a perfect location for destructive testing.
"Commander, test environment confirmed." No. 18's ice-blue eyes scanned the surroundings, her voice as calm as still water.
