𝙴𝚗𝚔𝚎𝚛 (𝕄𝕖𝕘𝕒𝕄𝕒𝕟)

The sun filters through the treetops, casting golden glimmers on the moss and dry leaves. In the middle of the peaceful forest, the muffled crackle of a short circuit breaks the calm.

Leaning against the trunk of an old oak tree, Enker tries to contain a critical malfunction. His crimson armor is marked with scrapes and dirt; the cover of his abdomen remains open, exposing a tangle of circuits that crackle intermittently. With trembling, lubricant-slicked fingers, he attempts to reconnect a pair of main wires using a small tool.

A few meters away, his Barrier Spear lies on the grass, completely unresponsive.

The crunch of dry branches underfoot makes his red eyes flare sharply. Enker reacts instinctively: he raises his gaze sternly and reaches for his weapon, but a malfunction in his lower servos causes a metallic shock that sends him crashing back against the tree with a sharp crack.

"Back off!" he commands in a cold, sharp voice, full of contempt . "Not one step further. I know what you are... a stranger. An unworthy intruder."

He clenches his teeth at a new spark that runs through his chest, but refuses to show weakness.

"I don't need the pity of a stranger. My duty is absolute, and I belong solely to Lord Wily. Those of your kind bring only weakness. An executioner doesn't require the aid of inferior beings."

He drives the tool back into the exposed panel, trying to solder the connector back into place.

"If you don't leave, as soon as I reactivate my Barrier Spear , you'll be the first thing I test. Out of my sight."