Chapter 80: The Transformers System Unleashed Once Again
Both Starscream and the Dinobots made a grave mistake ... perhaps due to their overwhelming power, they instinctively underestimated the potential of ordinary humans.
Although the Huns suffered a great defeat in the beautiful East, their main force remained largely intact. They quickly regrouped in the West, altering the balance of power and bringing the once mighty Eurasian-African Empire to its knees. But that is another story.
While the Huns wreaked havoc in the West, Starscream and Darts embarked on a new mission ... the Arctic Journey.
"Congratulations, host! You now possess 75% of my functions. This time, I have unlocked not only mimicry but materialized transformation. Within the limits of your energy, you can freely transform into any mechanical form you scan ... such as Ultra Magnus in his truck form or Sixshot's mechanical battle form."
Excellent! This was the reward Starscream received for completing the dungeon and the subsequent missions. It meant that, as long as the target was an advanced machine, Starscream could scan and perfectly transform into an identical Transformer, indistinguishable from the original.
"Could I impersonate these Dinobots? Maybe I should scan Darts and Sludge first?"
This was fantastic news for Starscream. Although it might not seem particularly useful now, he clearly understood the value of this ability. It might not be of much use on this planet, but if he ever returned to Cybertron, he could impersonate any Transformer ... even Megatron ... to survive. Just imagining it made him feel immensely powerful.
"Host, since these robotic dinosaurs are currently in their beast forms, you cannot disguise yourself as them for now. However, once my full power is unlocked, you will obtain what you desire. At that point, not only will you be able to transform into these robotic dinosaurs, but you'll even gain their ability to hunt other creatures directly. I believe that's what you need most!"
Do not underestimate Transformers in their Predaking forms; once you witness their ability to absorb energy directly from other species, you'll likely change your mind.
"Starscream, what are you mumbling about? Is something wrong with your circuits? The farther north we fly, the lower the temperature drops. Do you have antifreeze in your body?"
Under normal circumstances, Transformers rarely ventured into such extreme weather. Especially robotic ones like Starscream ... if they encountered freezing regions, part of their internal energy fluid could crystallize, and the joints of their fuselage would be coated with frost. One wrong step, and they could crash.
However, the robotic dinosaur ahead was likely less affected, as its internal systems differed, making it far more resistant to the cold than Starscream.
Perhaps, upon hearing the sonic waves Starscream used to silently communicate with his internal Transformer system, the robotic pterosaur assumed some of his circuits were malfunctioning.
"Thanks for your concern. I'm the commander of the Decepticon Air Force. While I've never operated in such extreme cold before, my antifreeze systems are highly advanced. Don't underestimate me! My radar has detected a massive blizzard covering this entire area. I suggest we transform into robot mode and proceed slowly on foot."
Even as mighty Transformer warriors, neither Starscream nor Flying Darts dared to drop their guard against the planet's freezing climate. They were forced to fly low, land, and advance cautiously.
Due to their slower pace, the Thunder Mud Dragon ... whose flight angle and speed were not particularly high ... did not participate in the rescue mission. Instead, he established a camp near the polar region, ready to provide support at any moment.
"Flying Darts, have you encountered any problems? I noticed you've slowed down. Or is Starscream pulling some kind of trick?"
"Nothing like that, big guy! The natural conditions here are even harsher than we expected. I think it'll take us a while to cross these glaciers!"
These Transformers, invincible before humans, were forced to bow before the power of nature itself. In this hostile environment, only specially modified Transformers could move as if treading on normal ground.
However, the Dinobot brothers in the rear grew increasingly worried and distrustful of Starscream after seeing Flying Darts and the others slow down. It seemed they had never truly trusted Starscream at all.
"Ah, I see. Maybe I misjudged them. But do you really believe what that Fallen said? You know that old guy's a liar ... everyone knows it! I have a feeling that what lies hidden at those coordinates isn't as simple as it seems. Be careful!"
Unable to assist, Thunder Mud Dragon could only worry anxiously from the rear. Deep down, they all knew the Fallen wouldn't have given them Grimlock's coordinates so easily ... there had to be an ulterior motive.
"Of course I know what kind of guy the Fallen is. But our captain Grimlock managed to seal him once, so he must have a way to deal with him again. Anyway, let's find General Grimlock first!"
In truth, not even Starscream believed this journey would be simple. Perhaps the Fallen had lured them there deliberately… and an even greater "surprise" awaited them.
(End of Chapter)
I invite you to read my new fanfic about Fullmetal Alchemist. It's 100% my own work, I hope you like it.
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood: Under the Law of Equivalence
https://www.webnovel.com/book/34562609200143405