The air in the cramped room was thick with anticipation. Five newly-chosen Exo-Guards, stripped of their massive armor, sat around a broad table. The table was littered with model kit boxes, each engraved with a small metal plate bearing the name of its assigned pilot.
Four of them were already seated, hunched over their kits, tools clicking, pieces snapping into place with quiet precision. One of the five, however, could not sit still. He paced nervously back and forth, the soles of his boots squeaking against the polished floor.
A female voice cut through the quiet, cheerful yet commanding:
"Oh, come on stop pacing and join us!"
The pacing Exo-Guard froze mid-step and turned. "Why are you saying that?" he asked, tension threading his voice. "Being chosen as a Mobile Suit pilot is an honor… and you're just sitting there assembling these… toys, trying to act normal?"
From across the table, a younger, slightly childish voice piped up, half playful, half proud: "Oh, come on. It's actually pretty fun!"
He held up the partially-assembled inner frame of an Eddas Asgard model kit, twisting a tiny joint and admiring the detail. "Look at this the inner frame! It's… kind of amazing."
The female Exo-Guard smiled and leaned over, resting a hand on the younger guard's shoulder. "See? He's enjoying it," she said, reaching forward to ruffle the hair of the one holding the inner frame a gesture that was almost affectionate, though it clearly annoyed him.
The pacing Exo-Guard let out a frustrated huff. "Don't you get it? This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment! We're going to be legendary! And you're calmly… assembling toys?"
The youthful guard shrugged, his grin wide. "Technically, Mobile Suits are what Gundams are called. So maybe by assembling this, they want us to learn the inner workings of our assigned suits?"
The pacing guard stopped and threw his hands up. "Why the hell would they do that? This isn't even from Gundam much less a Gunpla!"
The taller female guard, a foot above him, leaned against the table with a calm smile. "So? Maybe this is just to see how we cooperate. Come on… assemble yours." She patted the chair next to her encouragingly.
He let out a heavier sigh, the tension in his shoulders sagging. "Fine… fine."
Finally, he walked over to his box the In Era+ Lizard model kit and set it on the table. His hands lingered over it for a moment, reverent, as if touching the parts of his future Mobile Suit. Then, with a quiet mutter, he began to carefully lift out the runner pieces.
Around him, the others worked in concentrated harmony, the gentle clicks and snaps of assembly filling the room with a rhythmic sense of purpose. And though his expression was still tense, there was a spark of curiosity in his eyes the same spark that had earned him a spot among the chosen.
The sound of snapping plastic echoed in the small room as the group worked. The nervous Exo-Guard now reluctantly joining in fumbled with his In Era+ Lizard's inner frame, still muttering to himself.
The tall female glanced at him with a teasing grin. "See? Not so bad once you start, huh?"
He didn't answer. He was too focused on clipping parts from the sprue, his frustration now channelled into precision.
Across from him, the childish guard was humming cheerfully, holding up two small leg assemblies.
"Look at this articulation these joints move smoother than the E-Class servo plates back in training!"
"Maybe because this one won't crush you if you assemble it wrong," the woman replied dryly, causing him to laugh.
At the far end of the table sat the last two members of the group.
One a quiet, slender Exo-Guard with downcast eyes handled her kit delicately, barely speaking. Her nameplate read "Lyra", though she hadn't said it aloud yet. Every time someone glanced her way, she ducked slightly behind her unassembled runner frames, as if they were a shield.
Next to her sat a broad-shouldered man, completely still. His kit box lay open but untouched. His head was slightly tilted, a faint flicker pulsing across his eyes in a rhythm too slow to be data too fluid.
The childish one leaned over and whispered, "Hey, you good over there? You haven't moved for like ten minutes."
The man didn't respond.
The woman with the teasing tone sighed. "He's not ignoring you, idiot. Look at his eyes."
Everyone turned. The faint reflection of neon blue light danced across his irises in sync with… something unseen.
"Unofficial firmware 2.0," she muttered knowingly. "Music."
The nervous one blinked. "Wait he's listening to music? Through his interface?"
"Yep," said the childish one. "Senior Exo-Guards call it a sanity patch. Helps them focus or zone out, depending on who you ask."
The pacing-now-assembling Exo-Guard frowned. "That's was not mentioned in the manual."
"Not really," said the woman with a smirk. "You'll understand after your first hundred missions. Silence starts to feel heavier than gunfire."
The nervous one fell quiet, focusing on his Lizard's torso frame. Lyra, the shy one, finally whispered, "...I like music too."
Everyone looked at her, surprised to hear her voice at last. She quickly added, "I just… never installed the firmware. I didn't want to mess up my combat interface."
The silent Exo-Guard finally moved his eyes dimming slightly as he muted his internal player. His voice was calm and low:
"Doesn't mess it up. Just makes it… quieter."
Lyra's gaze flickered up to him, uncertain but curious.
The childish guard grinned. "So you can talk!"
The silent man gave a faint chuckle. "Only when the playlist ends."
That earned a round of laughter, even from the pacing one finally cracking a reluctant smile.
For a few moments, the room felt… lighter. The walls didn't hum with pressure anymore. Just quiet chatter, laughter, and the click-clack of model kits coming to life.
12 hours later.
The clock on the wall ticked past midnight, the air thick with the smell of glue, plastic, and victory. Half-eaten rations littered the table, and runner fragments were scattered like confetti. The once-sterile training room now looked like a battlefield of creativity.
The five Exo-Guards stood shoulder to shoulder, silently facing their completed builds.
The one who had paced for hours earlier now standing tall crossed his arms, trying hard not to smile.
Before him stood the IN ERA+ Infinity Nova RMD Lizard, a menacing mix of precision and aggression. Every decal was placed perfectly, even the microscopic caution signs near the thrusters. The metallic finish gleamed under the room's light. He'd even panel-lined the vents in gunmetal ink.
He muttered, "Not bad… for a toy," though his faint grin betrayed the pride in his work.
The childish one, meanwhile, was practically dancing in place, grinning from ear to ear.
His EDDA 1/100 "Asgard" stood proud on its base gold trims and bright blue armor shining like divine steel. The wings were spread wide, every joint polished smooth.
He turned to the others. "Look at him! He's a god a literal god!"
The teasing female chuckled. "You said that four times already."
"Five!" he corrected, raising a finger. "Perfection deserves emphasis!"
The quiet one, head gently bobbing to music only he could hear, inspected his Infinite Dimension RT-002 Nemesis. His model looked unreal flawless, seamless, as if it had been machined rather than assembled. The paint had a subtle matte sheen, every edge crisp.
If the others' builds looked like models, his looked alive.
The female leaned in, squinting. "Okay, how did you even there's no seam line. None."
He just shrugged, soft voice trailing through the music. "It told me where to fit the parts."
They didn't know whether to laugh or be unnerved.
Next was the shy one, Lyra. Her hands were clasped nervously in front of her as she looked at her Infinite Dimension 1/100 'Genesis'. The kit was beautiful soft pinks, whites, and silver but it wore its flaws openly. Faint seam lines ran across the armor, a few decals were slightly crooked.
Yet, it felt alive in a different way like something she'd poured her heart into.
The childish one gave her a thumbs up. "Yours looks like it means something. Like… gentle, but dangerous."
Lyra smiled softly, eyes glinting. "That's… what I wanted."
Finally, the tall woman folded her arms, exhausted but smug. Her Einta Industries 1/72 Sky Defender stood like an aerial knight streamlined, elegant, built for motion. The complex transformation system had nearly driven her insane, but now it stood complete, every hinge smooth.
She exhaled, stretching. "If I ever see another micro joint, I'm throwing it out the window."
The childish one laughed. "Come on, admit it, this was fun!"
She rolled her eyes. "My fingers disagree, but… yeah."
The pacing-now-proud Exo-Guard nodded. "Still don't know what this had to do with becoming Mobile Suit pilots though…"
Then the doors hissed open.
A wave of electric tension filled the room as every Exo-Guard straightened and snapped into salute.
High Marshal Kaldren Voss stepped in, the polished edges of his armor catching the sterile light. His presence was a gravity all its own calm, assured, with eyes that had seen too many battles to count. Beside him walked a man in a clean white coat, the insignia of the Research Corps emblazoned on the sleeve.
"At ease," Kaldren said simply, voice deep but warm.
Hands dropped to sides in unison.
Kaldren walked slowly between the kits, his gloved hand brushing the edges of boxes and tools. Finally, he stopped before the Genesis, leaning slightly to lift it with surprising care.
"Do you know why we made you build these?" he asked, looking up at the group.
The tall female shook her head. "No, sir."
Kaldren smiled faintly. "Good. That means you didn't try to guess."
He set the model back down gently and clasped his hands behind his back as he turned to face them.
"When I said the Logistics Division and I reviewed every one of your service records," he continued, "I wasn't exaggerating. Every detail your combat patterns, your mission logs, your choices under pressure. These assignments were tailored to each of you. Even this exercise was part of the process."
The group exchanged curious glances.
"These kits," Kaldren said, "aren't just toys. They're symbolic. Each one represents your designated Mobile Suit the first of the new generation. You five are its first pilots."
The scientist stepped forward with a small device, tapping on it to bring up holographic projections of each Mobile Suit behind their corresponding builders.
Kaldren pointed at the once-pacing soldier.
"Aric Tanner your suit is the Infinity Nova RMD Lizard. Your record showed exceptional weapons handling and adaptability with heavy ordnance. During your deployments, you neutralized multiple high-threat entities using improvised heavy arms with ruthless precision. The Lizard was designed for operators like you frontline devastation wrapped in armor."
Aric nodded firmly, trying not to smile but the pride in his eyes was impossible to hide.
Next, Kaldren turned to the childish one.
"Joren Kleif. Eddas Asgard.' You've shown technical brilliance and lightning-fast reflexes under crisis. You think on your feet, solve problems before your squad even realizes they exist. The Asgard demands a pilot who treats logic like intuition someone who can outsmart chaos itself."
Joren grinned broadly. "Guess that's me, sir."
"Guess it is," Kaldren said with a small smirk before moving on.
He stopped before the silent one, who still stood motionless, music faintly flickering behind his eyes.
"Silas Vorne. RT-002 Nemesis. During your service, you've demonstrated unmatched precision and calm under pressure twenty-three confirmed critical-strike assists without a single civilian casualty. Your synchronization rates with targeting AI are near perfect. The Nemesis thrives on composure and seamless mental fusion with its systems. You and it will be one mind in battle."
Silas simply nodded once. "Understood."
Kaldren then faced the shy one, whose hands were now clasped nervously in front of her.
"Lyra Hemmings. RT-001 Genesis. You've saved more lives than any Exo-Guard in your class. Your field records list over eighty successful rescues and every one of your teammates speaks of your calm under pressure. The Genesis is designed as a support-type suit: rapid repair, shield projection, and combat med-tech integration. It's not just a weapon it's hope on the battlefield."
Lyra looked up shyly, cheeks coloring. "T-thank you, sir."
Finally, he turned to the tall woman.
"Commander Selene Ardent. Sky Defender. Your leadership record is spotless. Every mission under your command returned with minimal casualties, including rookie deployments, during the Xerathian Incursion. Your ability to coordinate squads and respond to rapidly shifting battlefields is precisely what the Sky Defender was designed for a command-class aerial Mobile Suit capable of both assault and overwatch."
Selene gave a sharp nod, her voice steady. "An honor, sir."
Kaldren smiled slightly, looking over all five.
"You've each earned your place here and soon, you'll earn something far greater: the right to defend Evolto City from what's coming."
Kaldren Voss turned sharply and strode out, his heavy boots echoing on the metal floor until the sound faded. The door sealed behind him with a hiss.
The scientist who had stood silently at his side turned off the holo-display. The flickering light dissolved into sparks before vanishing completely. She faced the group with calm professionalism.
"Greetings," she said, her voice precise but not cold. "My name is Dr. Viridessa Kaelthorn. I will be your Units head scientist and your personal mission briefer and the one monitoring your vitals during training and deployment."
Her tone was efficient, clipped but not unkind. She gestured to the door. "Now, follow me. Your Mobile Suits are waiting."
The group fell into formation, boots striking in rhythm as they followed her down the long corridor.
As they passed other rooms, they could hear bursts of laughter, the clang of tools, and the unmistakable snap of something being dropped and shattered probably another team's kit suffering an unfortunate fate.
Joren grinned. "Sounds like Room 7's having fun."
"Or another breakdown," Aric muttered dryly.
Dr. Viridessa ignored the side chatter, her steps brisk. Her lab coat swayed with every movement though something about it seemed odd. The air around her seemed to ripple faintly, and what they'd thought were strands of dark green hair shifted… unnaturally.
It was Aric, always the one to speak before thinking, who noticed it first.
"Uh… hey, about your hair, is it—"
"Yes," she interrupted without turning. "It's vines."
Everyone blinked.
She finally looked back over her shoulder, one corner of her mouth twitching upward. "My father is a Dendrite, my mother a human."
There was a brief silence before Aric, ever blunt, blurted, "So you're a half-breed?"
The hallway went still.
"Whoa, that's way too far, man!" Joren exclaimed immediately, elbowing him.
Lyra flinched slightly, while Silas simply crossed his arms, eyes narrowing behind his visor. Selene stepped forward, her tone calm but firm.
"I must apologize for him," she said. "He tends to speak before his brain catches up."
Dr. Viridessa looked at her for a moment, then at Aric. Her expression softened slightly more weary than offended.
"It's fine," she said quietly. "I've heard far worse. I get… strange looks and stranger questions almost every day. You learn to live with it."
Her vines hair, whatever they were shifted slightly, brushing against her shoulders like curious tendrils before returning to stillness.
"Now," she continued briskly, professionalism sliding back into place, "let's not waste time. You'll find that your suits are far more impressive than the kits you built."
The tension eased again as they reached a vast set of reinforced doors. Dr. Viridessa pressed her hand to a scanner, and the locks disengaged with a deep thunk.
The doors slid open and before them lay a hangar the size of a cathedral, the air humming with energy.
Inside, standing like silent titans, were their Mobile Suits each painted in their respective colors, lights flickering to life as the group stepped in.
Dr. Viridessa turned to them, eyes glinting softly with pride.
"Welcome, Unit E-27," she said. "Meet your partners in war."
They stood frozen for a long moment, gazes locked on the towering shapes before them.
Five Mobile Suits. Each one distinct. Each one alive in its own way.
The overhead lights shimmered across the polished metal and luminescent energy lines that ran along the limbs like veins. The air smelled faintly of ozone and machine oil, the scent of power waiting to be unleashed.
Joren Klief couldn't help himself he was literally bouncing on his heels. "Ohhh, would you look at that! That's mine! That's my Asgard!" he said, half shouting, half laughing.
Aric Tanner gave a small grin, arms crossed. "Try not to hug it, Joren."
Lyra Hemmings stood quietly, eyes wide as she took in the sleek, almost angelic design of her RT-001 Genesis, the faint blue glow pulsing softly from its core.
Silas Vorne tilted his head, admiring the black-and-red silhouette of his RT-002 Nemesis, its stance imposing even while powered down. His music still played faintly through his neural interface he didn't even realize he was nodding to the rhythm as he stared.
And Selene Ardent… she simply looked up at her Sky Defender, its wings folded and head bowed slightly, like a knight awaiting its commander. Her chest swelled with quiet pride.
Then—
"Hey, Selene! You fucking made it!"
The shout cut through the hangar, echoing like a thunderclap.
All heads turned.
A tall female Exo-Guard roughly Selene's height, broad-shouldered, moving with the confidence of someone who'd seen a hundred battles strode toward her with quick steps. Her armor shimmered with dark crimson plating trimmed with pale gold.
Selene blinked in disbelief, then a grin spread across her face. She took off at a brisk pace herself, closing the distance.
Everyone braced the air practically crackled with tension until the two slammed into each other with a loud DAP!
Selene laughed. "I'll be damned you actually made it, Taryn Holt!"
Taryn laughed right back, gripping Selene's forearm tightly. "What, you thought I'd let you have all the fun? Not a chance, Ardent!"
Behind her, a group of five Exo-Guards followed, stopping a few meters away. They looked as battle-ready as they did excited.
Selene turned to her team. "Everyone, meet my friend Taryn Holt, leader of Unit E-28."
Joren was the first to move, waving with a wide grin. "Hey! Nice to meet you guys!"
Taryn smirked and gestured to her own unit. "Right back at you. This loudmouth's Joren Klief, huh? You fit the rumors."
Joren chuckled. "Good ones, I hope!"
Taryn's teammate a wiry, sharp-eyed pilot named Varek Nulsen laughed as he extended a hand toward Joren. "Mostly good. Let's see if you can keep up in the sim runs."
The two immediately started trading jokes and light punches to the shoulder, bantering like old friends even though they'd just met.
Silas Vorne stepped up next, offering a quiet nod and a firm handshake to the one facing him Rex Madrin, a calm-eyed pilot with mirrored lenses. Their handshake was short, solid, and silent mutual respect spoken without words.
Meanwhile, Lyra Hemmings nervously reached out a hand toward her counterpart, a smaller Exo-Guard named Nia Trevane. Both of them looked down shyly, hands hovering in mid-air for a moment before they finally shook, cheeks faintly red.
Selene and Taryn exchanged amused looks. "Looks like they'll get along," Taryn whispered.
Finally, Aric Tanner came face to face with his opposite number a stoic figure named Kael Rorric, whose armor bore a similar weapon-mount system to Aric's. The two sized each other up before shaking hands, firm and even.
"Guess we'll be allies on the field," Kael said.
"Or rivals," Aric replied with a half-grin.
"Rivals are allies in training," Kael shot back.
Both men laughed.
Soon, the two units E-27 and E-28 were standing side by side, the hangar alive with chatter, laughter, and the faint hum of the Mobile Suits awakening for the first time.
Above them, Dr. Viridessa Kaelthorn watched from the control balcony, her vine-hair shifting in slow curiosity.
Then Taryn Holt asked, " Wanna see our Mobile Suits?"
All members of E-27 replied in unison, "Sure!"
They followed Unit E-28 into the hangar and it was safe to say, the sight before them was awe-inspiring.
Taryn Holt stood proudly beside her EMP-01 Yuanling Huangdi and MC-01 Yinglong, a towering golden mecha and its sleek, mechanical dragon companion.
Selene's jaw dropped. "I'm jealous! This has to be rigged come on! Why do you get a robotic dragon?!"
Everyone laughed, and then Kael Rorric stepped forward to reveal his MNP-XH05 Zhao Yun, a majestic, spear-wielding machine standing beside a cybernetic stallion
Aric groaned dramatically. "Oh, that's just unfair why do you get the horse?!"
The others snickered, and then Nia Trevane shyly unveiled her White Snow Demon Kiyomori, its armor glistening like snow.
While Rex Madrin presented the Red Ghost Demon Kiyomori, its core burning with purple flames.
Finally, Varek Nelson revealed his Xiaoyaozi, a graceful unit with a strange round object mounted on its back.
Joren squinted curiously. "Hey, what's that round thingy on its back?"
Varek chuckled. "It's a gourd."
As Unit E-27 stood in awe, taking in every gleaming surface of Unit E-28's machines, a familiar voice broke through the moment.
"Now that you've gotten acquainted with one of your neighbors," said Dr. Viridessa Kaelthorn, stepping forward with her ever-present smirk, "how about we put that enthusiasm to use? Up for a testing simulation?"
Selene and Taryn exchanged a look before asking almost in unison, "What kind of simulation?"
Dr. Viridessa chuckled, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Team deathmatch. Against each other."
That got everyone's attention. Selene turned toward her unit Lyra, Joren, Silas, Aric and they all nodded without hesitation. Across from them, Taryn did the same, her team answering with confident grins.
Both team leaders looked back at Dr. Viridessa and said firmly, "We're in."
Viridessa's smile widened. "Excellent. Hold on let me get permission from Unit E-28 head scientists before I unleash you all in the arena."