With the immediate threat neutralized, 2B led the way through the labyrinthine ruins of the city. Her movements were always economical and precise, contrasting sharply with Theodore's slightly bouncy, eager stride.
Theodore was designated to the rear, keeping an eye out for any further Machine Lifeform ambushes.
"The Machine Network Server is located within the Abandoned Factory district, approximately six kilometers from our current position,"
2B stated, her voice relayed clearly through her internal communication systems.
"The direct path is compromised by active Machine patrols. We will take the maintenance tunnels beneath the financial district."
As they traversed the overgrown ruins, 2B maintained a rigid focus on the mission, but Theodore—used to constant banter with his party members—couldn't help but try to draw her out.
"So, about those guys,"
Theodore said, gesturing back to the scrap metal.
"Do they always try to hug you with giant energy blasts? That seems super inefficient."
"The Machine Lifeforms are driven by simplistic, repeated combat protocols,"
2B replied without looking back.
"Their current objective appears to be the eradication of all YoRHa units."
"Right, right. But you know, it's weird,"
Theodore mused.
"They look kinda... happy. Like little kids drawing on the walls."
2B paused, standing perfectly still on the edge of a crumbling overpass.
"YoRHa protocol dictates that we do not engage in subjective analysis of the enemy's psychological state. They are combat opponents."
"Yeah, but this world is all about subjective analysis! That's the whole point of the story!"
Theodore argued.
"Look, I'm just saying, if we figure out why they're smiling, maybe we can find an exploit."
2B ignored the 'exploit' terminology but processed his logic.
"Theoretically, identifying a root philosophical drive could lead to a strategic weakness. However, YoRHa resources are limited."
"Which is why you have me,"
Theodore chirped.
As they moved deeper into the ruins, Theodore proved his worth not just in combat, but in his gamer's intuition.
He continuously spotted hidden pathways and valuable resources that 2B's standard sensor sweep would miss.
They entered a partially intact underground subway station. 2B was ready to proceed through the main tunnel, but Theodore stopped her.
"Hold up, 2B. Classic RPG trope,"
Theodore said, pointing to a suspiciously cracked wall section near the track.
"There's almost certainly a hidden item cache behind the obviously damaged scenery."
He activated Giant Strength and used a swift kick to blow open the wall.
Behind it, they found a small, intact YoRHa supply cache, containing much-needed repair components and several powerful upgrade chips.
"Data acquisition confirmed,"
2B stated, allowing her Pod to collect the items.
"Your ability to locate non-standard resource deposits is highly effective."
"Told you! I know the code,"
Theodore boasted.
As they navigated a dark, narrow utility tunnel leading toward the Factory district, 2B's internal comms suddenly flared to life.
"2B, do you copy? This is 9S. My scanner detected a massive, transient energy spike in your location—a non-standard combat signature combined with a sudden cessation of machine activity. Are you engaging in a new type of Goliath?"
2B responded immediately, her voice remaining level.
"9S. My current status is Code Green. I am accompanied by a Provisional Irregular Combat Support Unit, designated 'Theodore.' We are en route to the Abandoned Factory via the maintenance network."
"A human? That's... highly irregular,"
9S's voice crackled with obvious confusion and concern.
"My sensors indicate his combat signature rivals a high-level B-type. Stay alert, 2B. I will rendezvous with you near the Factory entrance. There has been a significant increase in machine network activity in that sector."
Theodore smiled to himself. The party was forming exactly as planned.
"See, 2B? I'm not just a buff, I'm a plot device,"
Theodore whispered.
"Let's go meet your operator."
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