thesilliestrovingalive

[thesilliestrovingalive]

made on 17/06

quick tank i made to test my new shading style 🤠

[thesilliestrovingalive]

Reworked Species #6: Mutated Aquatic Creatures

Chowmein-Conga

Their scientific name is Brevicarcinus (meaning “short crab”). Some people refer to the Chowmein-Conga as the Medium Ming Kong Crabs. They’re small, mutated Ming Kong crabs born as a result of the Regular Army's nuclear testing on Pallas Island. These crabs are very social creatures that often prefer to hunt in groups and share their tasty finds, which mainly consist of dead, rotting fish, human flesh, and batches of algae. They’re very gentle and kind towards other crustaceans, instinctively recognizing them as being biologically related or having some ancestral ties. They’re capable of befriending humans who show them respect and tenderness, going as far as to protect them from people and animals who dare to hurt them when they’re around.

Like crabs, they communicate with their brethren through a process called stridulation to convey different messages. They also employ basic visual body language cues, such as waving their claws, and produce gastric mill sounds when they're agitated.

There are two subspecies of Chowmein-Conga: Brevicarcinus supraterraneus and Brevicarcinus subterraneus. They closely resemble the Chowmein-Conga from Metal Slug 3, but with a few notable differences. Both subspecies exhibit slight sexual dimorphism in size with males reaching 6' 9" (205.74 cm) and females reaching 6' 10" (208.28 cm). They possess reproductive organs identical to those of regular crabs. Females lay approximately one hundred translucent white eggs, which hatch into offspring called Mein-Conga. These juvenile crabs resemble Ming Kong crabs but are distinguished by their glossy amber eyes and grey-green carapace.

Brevicarcinus supraterraneus Chowmein-Congas are exclusively found aboveground on sandy beaches. They exhibit a peculiar fascination with abandoned ships and damaged machines, which they associate with food sources as they often scavenge for sustenance from forgotten cargo. Additionally, these structures serve as shelters for their young and function as breeding grounds. They're occasionally observed associating with Huge Locusts, which serve as a mode of transportation. However, this arrangement comes at a price: the Chowmein-Congas must offer the Huge Locusts the heads of fish and humans as payment. They have a dull mossy green carapace. Males are distinguished by their deep red eyes and celadon-coloured spikes and rounded bumps on their carapace and the tops of their claws, whereas females have dull yellow eyes.

Brevicarcinus subterraneus Chowmein-Congas are exclusively found above ground in mutated bug-infested caves and volcanic caverns. They exhibit a voracious appetite, feeding on Maggots, damaged Big Snail shells, rocks, and even their own weak and dying young. Compared to their brethren, they possess enhanced resilience and speed, enabling them to withstand one or two bomb explosions and a few additional melee and handgun attacks. They have a blue-green carapace. Males are distinguished by their pitch black eyes, whereas females have dark brown eyes and red-orange spikes and rounded bumps on their carapace and the tops of their claws.

They possess a fairly armoured carapace that can withstand three to four melee strikes and five to six handgun bullets. When attacking at close range, they swiftly close in on their target and aggressively stab and pinch with their sharp claws. When attacking from a distance, they expel acid-laced orange-tinted foam bubbles, which can be easily popped but leave behind a corrosive liquid residue. When consuming fresh volcanic rock, they can heal their damaged bodies and temporarily spray molten lava and emit burning bubbles that scorch their enemies.

Ohumein-Conga

Their scientific name is Megalocarcinus (meaning “greatest crab”). Some people refer to the Ohumein-Conga as the Huge Ming Kong Crabs. They're the larger, stronger, and sturdier biological relatives of the Chowmein-Conga species, having also been a result of the Regular Army's nuclear testing on Pallas Island. The Ohumein-Conga are mostly solitary hunters, rarely working in pairs, but will collaborate if they need help taking down prey or targeting threats to their crustacean kin.

As guardians of the Chowmein-Conga, they fiercely protect their main shelters and breeding grounds, aggressively hunting down intruders—regardless of intent. They will generally leave people and animals unharmed if they perceive no threat or if a Chowmein-Conga or another Ohumein-Conga has communicated with them, identifying the individual as a friend. They rarely bully Chowmein-Conga, and will even kill and consume them, feeding on their flesh. They eat the same things as their smaller relatives, but they're capable of consuming and digesting metals, including gold and steel.

There are three subspecies of Ohumein-Conga: Megalocarcinus supraterraneus, Megalocarcinus subaqueanus, and Megalocarcinus subterraneus. They closely resemble the Ohumein-Conga from Metal Slug 3, but with a few notable differences. Both males and females reach a height of 13' 1" (398.78 cm) and possess a razor-sharp, semi-flexible telson. Besides having different reproductive organs to signify their biological sex, they exhibit no distinct sexual dimorphism. They also produce the same Mein-Conga offspring as the Chowmein-Conga, but with a rusty red carapace and a smell reminiscent of explosion smoke.

Megalocarcinus supraterraneus Ohumein-Congas have a cinnabar-hued carapace and olivine eyes. They're exclusively terrestrial, inhabiting sandy beaches, abandoned ships with food cargo, and swampy forests. Notably, they possess enhanced attacking and movement speed, but are relatively weaker in terms of physical strength. They're frequently encountered in the company of small hordes of Chowmein-Congas.

Megalocarcinus subaqueanus Ohumein-Congas have a golden brown carapace and pitch black eyes. They're exclusively found underwater, typically near shipwrecks and rocky structures. Known for their strong sense of territorial pride, they aggressively defend their habitat against anyone who litters or disrespects their home. While they possess remarkable physical strength, their attacking and movement speed are relatively slow. They're often found in the company of Flying Killers, who appear to treat them with friendly affection, allowing them to feed on parasites and barnacles that may be attached to their carapace.

Megalocarcinus subterraneus Ohumein-Congas have a blue-green carapace and yellow-orange eyes. They're exclusively found underground, specifically within the same habitats as the Brevicarcinus subterraneus. They possess average physical strength and speed. They're often found in the company of Giant Caterpillars, feeding on parasites and dried skin that have accumulated on their bodies.

They possess the same abilities as the Chowmein-Conga, but have also developed three unique abilities. Firstly, they can unleash a flurry of pincer claw slams and rapid jabs to badly injure or kill their enemies. Secondly, they can charge at their foes, knocking them off balance before delivering a merciless beating. Lastly, they possess the ability to release a waterfall of scalding hot water from fleshy orifices hidden within their claws, which are only exposed when their claws are fully open.

Huge Hermit

Their scientific name is Coenobita gigantonychus (the species part translates to “gigantic claw”). They're also referred to as the Tank Crab, Cannon Hermit Crab, and Fortress Crab by various individuals. They're a hermit crab on Pallas Island that has evolved to gigantic size after being exposed to hyper-advanced nuclear weapons tested by the Rebel Army, which were supplied by the Amadeus Syndicate. The Amadeus Syndicate is said to have weaponized the Huge Hermit, prompting it to inhabit a damaged, hollowed-out Denturion tank with still-functional turrets and large cannon salvaged during the aftermath of the White Baby Crisis.

Only one Huge Hermit has been identified, and it's female. However, reports from Rebel Army soldiers and Amadeus Syndicate scientists suggest that another Huge Hermit, presumably male, once existed. The two allegedly mated and laid eggs, but most were consumed by Ohumein-Congas and Zoni Doloma. The fate of the remaining eggs is unknown as it's unclear whether they have hatched, are still gestating or have decayed due to improper fertilisation.

She appears to be on good terms with the mutated wildlife of Pallas Island and serves as the island's guardian. However, she perceives anyone not native to Pallas Island or unaffiliated with the Rebel Army and Amadeus Syndicate as a threat.

She bears a striking resemblance to the Huge Hermit from Metal Slug 3, but her eyes are a soft purple. To operate the hollowed-out Denturion, she has a large reddish-black, Sacculina-shaped blob connected to her neurological system. It enables the Huge Hermit to control sixteen thick tendrils. Besides shooting fireballs and firing large shells from the Denturion, she can utilise its massive claw to hurl large boulders and regurgitate explosive eggs from its sac, launching them at its enemies.

Enormous Moray

Their scientific name is Gymnothorax ensichasma (the species part translates to “spear of the wide opening”). They're oversized moray eels that inhabit the depths beneath Pallas Island, a result of nuclear testing conducted by the Rebel Army. Only four Enormous Morays are known to exist, and despite being perceived as feminine, they're all sexually androgynous. After discovering them while investigating half-eaten giant Jellyfish carcasses washing up on Pallas Island's shores, the Rebel Army domesticated the Enormous Morays as pets and guardians. General Morden named the four known Enormous Morays Helen, Linda, Jenny, and Barbie. He ordered his men to craft special collars from adamant-infused leather and fit them to the Enormous Morays, ensuring they wouldn't easily leave the island.

The Enormous Morays are remarkably calm and patient, often waiting for the perfect moment to strike and devour their prey. Their diet consists mainly of giant Jellyfish, but they also occasionally consume fish, crustacean eggs, Squids, and humans. Notably, they can distinguish between strangers and their owners, ensuring they don't harm or devour members of the Rebel Army and their allies. However, they may experience difficulties if strangers disguise themselves as Rebel Army members or their known allies. They're quite friendly towards their owners, enjoying pets and savouring the delicious food they receive from them. Despite being weirdly quiet, the Enormous Morays exhibit canine-like behaviour when their owners are around, making clicking and barking sounds to seek attention or express happiness.

They resemble the Enormous Morays found in Metal Slug 3 and can reach extraordinary lengths, growing up to two to three times the size of a blue whale. They possess no special abilities, but their exceptionally thick skin renders them impervious to conventional weaponry. Additionally, they boast immense physical strength, capable of effortlessly crushing two Slug Mariners by simply smashing into them.

Zoni Doloma

They're a 23' 11" (728.98 cm) mutated semi-aquatic creature, primarily composed of sperm whale genetics with splices of catfish and anglerfish DNA. They inhabit the deep waters surrounding Pallas Island and the arid sand dunes near human settlements. This fearsome, burrowing monster is a formidable predator that primarily targets unsuspecting humans and animals that venture too close to their domain.

Rumours have circulated that the creature was once an experimental weapon created by the Tuatha Dé Danann to safeguard Atlantis and Ultima Thule from naval threats. Allegedly, numerous specimens existed, but only one remains, and ir has mysteriously evolved to thrive in desert environments on land. Its original name, if any, remains unknown, but Ptolemaios has dubbed it "Zoni Doloma" since its discovery by the Ptolemaic Army in the Australian deserts. The name was chosen due to the creature's tendency to lure Ptolemaios' soldiers with promises of false riches, only to devour them. The name originates from Greek: ζονι (zoni) meaning "live" or "living", and δόλωμα (doloma) translating to "bait", "decoy" or "lure." Together, the name can be literally translated to "living bait".

They resemble Zoni Doloma from Metal Slug Attack, but with translucent blue catfish barbels, creamy white baleen, and dark grey sharp teeth. Zoni Doloma often employs a treasure lure, using the promise of riches to capture the attention of travelers, allowing it to swallow them whole with its gigantic maw. However, it can adapt its lure to appear as something else, but it prefers to maintain the treasure facade because humans are its preferred prey.

In combat, it utilises its considerable weight and powerful, thick-skinned fins to crush and assault its prey. It's capable of generating massive sandstorms or waterstorms from its mouth, which send debris, junk, and even caught prey flying towards its enemies. Additionally, Zoni Doloma can rapidly submerge itself underground or underwater to evade attacks. Furthermore, it can leap from the sand or water with great agility, crashing back down mouth-first to catch its prey off guard.

Cyclobster

They're a 27' 9" (845.82 cm) monstrous, androgynous, mutated jellyfish, genetically engineered with spliced DNA from lobsters and octopuses. Many believe the Cyclobster to be the Tuatha Dé Danann's last powerful bioweapon, created in a desperate attempt to win their brutal war against humanity. It's renowned for its unparalleled strength, using its massive and mighty tentacles to destroy everything in its path. However, it vanished mysteriously with the fall of Atlantis. This has led some conspiracy theorists to speculate that the Cyclobster was psychically linked to the Atlantean leader's hubris and psyche, and thus perished when he drowned.

Upon learning about this mutant weapon, Ptolemaios became resolute in his pursuit to acquire and integrate it into his military arsenal. It was rediscovered many years later by the Ptolemaic Army during an excavation expedition, assisted by the Amadeus Syndicate. The deactivated Cyclobster was surprisingly located in the middle of the Soursop Jungle's flowing river.

It bears a striking resemblance to the Cyclobster from Metal Slug Attack, but it has a gold-rimmed eye and its purple flesh possesses a subtle green sheen. Its oral tentacles, covered in barbed spikes, can snatch and immobilise living prey by injecting a potent paralytic toxin. The toxin is delivered through the singular needle-like point that tips each oral tentacle, which penetrates the skin and releases the toxin through a microscopic opening. Additionally, it can unleash a frenzied assault of stabs with its carapace-shielded tentacles, capable of causing nearly earth-shattering impacts. It can soar to great heights and emit a concentrated stream of intense blue light, capable of piercing through bodies and inflicting severe burns.

It can absorb various substances and special crystals to enhance its vitality. Notably, after consuming the shattered remnants of the red crystal from Sol Dae Rokker's body, the Cyclobster can spawn acid-spewing golden green maggots that glow in sunlight from its fleshy barnacles, called Nematocysts, which emit a pulsating glow. It can emit fast-moving lasers by remaining stationary, while its eye glows with a yellowish-white light.

Jellyfish

Their scientific name is Rhoialepton (meaning “graceful flow”). They're mutated jellyfish that have started appearing shortly after the sudden discovery of large fish in Ronbertburg City's waters, following an incident where Tarma Roving clumsily fell in and was nearly devoured. It's believed that the large fish and Jellyfish mutated to abnormal sizes due to nuclear experimentation conducted by the Amadeus Syndicate in total secrecy within Europe and Pallas Island.

They prefer living deep underwater, serving as prey for larger sea creatures, mainly Enormous Morays. Due to the dangers they pose, their social behaviours are barely studied by the scientific community, and as a result, remain unknown. However, it's believed that they're social creatures and prefer the company of other Jellyfish. They appear to possess a surprising understanding of basic human commands as evidenced by the Ptolemaic Army's ability to train them for combat, utilising them to protect their underwater facilities.

There are three subspecies of Jellyfish: Rhoialepton grandis, Rhoialepton multiplicans, and Rhoialepton parvus. Rhoialepton grandis Jellyfish resemble those found in Metal Slug 3 and can spray acidic water from an orifice on top of their head, which they can unfurl. They are very durable, capable of withstanding sixteen handgun bullets and two explosions, and can slowly reform themselves after being killed. Rhoialepton multiplicans resemble the Jellyfish found in Metal Slug 3 and can split into four smaller versions after being killed. Rhoialepton parvus resemble the Jellyfish found in Metal Slug 5 and swim in large groups, discharging electricity when shot at. All subspecies can utilise bioelectricity stored within their gelatinous bodies and release it through their oral tentacles when they sense danger.

Squid

Their scientific name is Microcosmus teuthis (meaning “squid of the little world”). They're sometimes referred to as Krakens by some people, while Ptolemaios and the Ptolemaic Army refer to them exclusively as Titanomakhia. They're mutated giant squids that inhabit seawaters near underwater facilities owned by the Ptolemaic Army. Experimented on by the Amadeus Syndicate, they were given to Ptolemaios as a gift to help defend their underwater facilities from intruders. The Ptolemaic Army trained them to fight for sea control, alongside Rhoialepton multiplicans Jellyfishes.

They possess significantly higher intelligence than the average squid, demonstrating the ability to comprehend human languages and speech patterns, and effortlessly respond to commands.

They closely resemble the Squids found in Metal Slug 5, and can grow up to 73 ft (2225.04 cm) in length. They can release a cloud of foggy ink when feeling scared and confused or to disorient their prey and set up an ambush. They can attack enemies by rapidly propelling themselves forward, colliding with hostile forces. They're able to camouflage into their underwater environment, making detection with the naked eye difficult. They can also change their standard colours to blue and purple to signal lethargy or impending death.

Flying Killer

Their scientific name is Odontoneustes (meaning “toothed swimmer”). They're a mutated, carnivorous fish from a mysterious species biologically related to piranhas. Created accidentally during clandestine nuclear testing on Pallas Island by the Regular Army, they're a primary reason the tests were abruptly halted. The creatures frequently preyed on soldiers and scientists who ventured too close to the water.

Their primary diet consists of small fish and humans, but they'll occasionally cannibalise their own severely injured kin. Despite their ferocity, they're highly social creatures that often gather and hunt in groups. They're commonly found in the waters of jungles and swamps or stored in water tars constructed by the Rebel Army. They're aggressive and domineering towards any creature outside of their kin, often attempting to eat them, harshly nipping at them or slapping them with their fins. In a display of affection, male Flying Killers gently nip the fins of females to show love and interest in being their lifelong partner. Juveniles are skittish, easily swimming away from anything larger than themselves.

They resemble the Flying Killers from Metal Slug 3, and both males and females are twice the size of a piranha. They're capable of brief, gliding flights over water, enabling them to traverse the length of the Borobune Slug in pursuit of prey. Their quick, powerful bites and durable teeth allow them to strip living creatures down to the bone.

[thesilliestrovingalive]

Title: Putting Differences Aside

Background info: I wanted to create a simpler piece after completing my previous sprite artwork, which was quite large. My mind immediately turned to the two Neo Geo Pocket Metal Slug games, and I was fortunate to find some ripped sprites from both games. Initially, I planned to create a more comedic piece featuring Gimlet stealing the Metal Strider, befriending a couple of Martians, and Tequila confronting him, while Red Eye watched from a distance. However, this concept didn't work out due to issues with the text. I decided to pursue a different idea: depicting the heroes relaxing with the enemy. I did some minor sprite editing, including adding the small question mark. I intentionally included a bit of a fourth wall break in this piece.

Credits:

Gimlet and the motorbike sprites by Ragey

Red Eye sprite by Ragey

Hero sprite by Ragey

Tequila sprite by Ragey

Metal Slug sprite by Ragey

Metal Strider sprite by The Huntress

Jeep sprite by Ragey

Martian sprites by Ragey

Rebel soldier and campfire sprites by Ragey

Lt. Colonel Macba by Ragey

Lt. Wired by Ragey

Margaret, Rumi, and running dog sprites by Ragey

Picnic sprites by The Huntress

Mission 1-1 sprites by Division 六

[thesilliestrovingalive]

Colored these awesome Metal Slug concept arts of Eri and Fio from the 90s.

[thesilliestrovingalive]

Headcanons/fun facts for the Iron Eclipse cast vol. 6

What are the most and least favourite seasons of the Iron Eclipse cast, and why?

Marco: He’s fairly indifferent towards the seasons because he views them as a necessary part of earthly existence and nothing else. However, he does view summer with a bit of disdain because it reminds him of the scorching temperatures of deserts.

Tarma: He has a neutral appreciation for summer, autumn, and spring, finding each season pleasant in its own way. However, he has a strong dislike for winter, bluntly stating that it freezes his cock off.

Eri: She likes spring the most because of the cherry blossoms and lush vegetation it brings to Hiroshima, making her feel right at home. She doesn’t have a least favourite season, but if she had to choose one, it would be winter because, depending on her location, it makes her feel like a popsicle.

Fio: Autumn is her absolute favourite because the cooler temperatures are perfect for sweater weather, and she loves the numerous food and wine festivals that occur in Italy during that time. Summer is her least favourite because she hates feeling gross and sweaty during hot, sunny days; however, it does give her a nice excuse to go to the beach and cool down.

Trevor: He likes summer the most because it allows him to appreciate nature and spend time with the Pipakhroz, who have given him opportunities to experiment with their programming and taught him Marsinese. However, the hot summer temperatures often leave him feeling lethargic, and he occasionally suffers from heat strokes. Winter is his least favourite season because the deep snow and icy terrain make it difficult for him to evade enemies quickly as his usual tactics of jumping back and using his knife boots are hindered.

Nadia: She has a soft spot for both summer and winter. She loves the warm weather of summer, which allows her to enjoy the beach, and the festive atmosphere of winter, which brings Christmas and Valentine's Day, giving her an excuse to buy gifts and make chocolate sweets for her comrades. As for autumn and spring, she has no complaints, finding them lovely in their own unique ways.

Ralf and Clark: They both have a fondness for summer as it reminds them of the warm jungle temperatures they've grown accustomed to. The season evokes memories of numerous battles they fought together and a comfortable familiarity with that biome. As for their least favourite season, they don't really have one, but they do agree that winter can be quite miserable due to its foggy and cold conditions.

Tequila: He's similar to Marco, but he has a strong disdain for winter. The season's cold temperatures leave him feeling lethargic and depressed. Moreover, the harsh coldness and frequent snowfall that he has become accustomed to can be nauseating at times.

Gimlet: Summer is his absolute favourite season, offering him a perfect excuse to frequent beaches and collect seashells. The season also holds sentimental value, reminding him of the carefree, relaxed moments he experienced in the jungle during the Arms Deal Barrage. As for the other seasons, he remains indifferent, neither eliciting positive nor negative emotions from him.

Red Eye, Heidern, Madoka, Alisa Stewart, Nanahyakumantaro, Hilde Garn, Oghma, Guilherme, and Amilcare: They don’t have any special feelings towards the four seasons

General Morden: He's similar to Marco, but he has a slight aversion to winter due to the harsh Canadian cold. He dislikes the inconvenience of having to shovel snow and tread carefully to get where he needs to go.

Allen O’Neil: Besides winter being his favourite season, he also enjoys summer for its warmth, which reminds him of intense battles and beachside vacations. He doesn’t have a least favourite season because he thinks that autumn and spring are perfectly fine.

Doctor Amadeus, Ptolemaios, President Marx, Nayutaro, Zoilo, and Ferdinand: They’re indifferent towards the four seasons, viewing them as a necessary constant force to keep Earth functioning.

Rootmars, Pupipi, Nathalie Neo, Avatar of Evil, MS-Alice, Issenmantaro, Pocke, Torquil, Souma, and Zdravko: They appreciate all seasons equally

Invader King: He finds all seasons to be disgusting and an affront to his preferred Venusian temperatures.

Walter: Winter is his absolute favourite season because of Rockhampton's mild and relatively dry climate with cool nights that evoke the gentle mildness of spring. He also appreciates the lack of overheating concerns. Summer is his least favourite season due to the oppressive heat and humidity where he's from. Moreover, he dislikes the summer thunderstorms, which often disrupt his sleep when they occur at night.

Tyra: She has a fondness for autumn and winter, drawn to the stunning autumn colours and the familiar comfort of winter's long, cold days, which resonate with her Alaskan roots. Summer is her least favourite season due to the progressively rainy weather that occurs in Alaska.

Hyakutaro: He shares the same view as Doctor Amadeus and Ptolemaios, but he has a slight aversion to summer, similar to Utan's. The ridiculous heat is unbearable to him, and he dislikes having to traverse and fight in warm weather.

Allen Jr.: Summer is his absolute favourite season, which reminds him of the wonderful vacations he had with Julia. Winter is his least favourite season because the constant cold makes him frequently sick and the texture of snow feels painfully sharp to him.

Pupipi: She appreciates all seasons equally, but she has a slight aversion to autumn and winter due to the sensory overload caused by the dried leaves and crunchy snow. Whenever she touches them, she feels a tad overstimulated, which is evident by her constant shivers and her mind frequently going blank for a few seconds.

Rumi: She doesn't have strong feelings about the four seasons, but summer holds a special place in her heart due to the vibrant flowers and the perfect weather for enjoying ice cream. In contrast, winter evokes unpleasant memories of spacious, empty, freezing rooms and the stark image of blood-stained snow, a grim reminder of the lives lost among both enemies and comrades.

Sophia: She doesn’t care about summer and winter, but she likes spring and autumn because they’re the perfect seasons for bass fishing.

Margaret: She likes summer the most because that's when flowers are in bloom and she doesn't always have to worry about her orchids being damaged. She dislikes winter the most because it causes her great distress when it begins to damage her orchids, even if everything seems fine in her greenhouse.

Leona: She respects all seasons but finds winter to be somewhat melancholic for reasons unknown to her. However, she can't help but find the bleakness and coldness of winter to be strangely comforting.

Roberto Nicola: He’s similar to Leona, but he dislikes winter because it reminds him of the unnerving confrontation he had with the Unknown Alien.

Sol Dae Rokker: He likes summer the most because the bright sun and hot weather make him feel energised. He dislikes winter and spring due to the fogginess that blocks out the sunlight and the rain and snow that make him feel lethargic.

Midori: She initially shared the same view as her adopted father, Marco, but over time, she developed a fondness for winter. She enjoys admiring the serene beauty of the desolate landscapes and loves making snow angels with Pocke.

Happyakumantaro: Summer is his absolute favourite season because he loves the fun and relaxing vibes that come with summertime as well as the perfect weather for beach trips and cold cocktails. He doesn't have strong feelings about the other three seasons as they don't evoke the same emotions that summer does.

Abul Abbas: He likes summer the most because of the hot temperatures reminiscent of Ajirabia. The season gives him an excuse to enjoy the beach and camel rides. He dislikes autumn and winter the most, finding their colder temperatures unbearable and unpleasantly foreign.

Macba: He has a fondness for winter because it strangely reminds him of the cold, metallic environments of freight trains and factories. While he doesn't have a least favourite season, he does find summer frustrating at times, particularly when working in areas infested with bugs that are active during that time.

Wired: He doesn't attach sentimental value to the four seasons, but he often claims autumn as his favourite, intrigued by how it gradually transforms into a colder, more desolate landscape as it inches closer to winter.

Anastasia: She’s fairly indifferent towards the four seasons, but she makes an exception for Greece and South America, where she enjoys the weather regardless of the time of year.

Wysteria and Dezső: They don’t understand why people have strong feelings towards the four seasons because they view them simply as a natural phenomenon that exists to maintain equilibrium.

Dilovar: He likes spring and summer the most because he enjoys watching the snow melt and showering rains, and the warmer temperatures remind him of the tropical heat of the jungle, which fills him with lively excitement. He's rather indifferent to autumn and winter, viewing them simply as natural counterparts to the warmer seasons.

Sagan and Logan: They appreciate spring because it reminds them of life's ability to revitalise itself after the harsh winter months, evoking gratitude for human resilience. In contrast, winter fills them with existential dread, and they dislike seeing how warfare ravages the serene beauty of wintry landscapes.

Celaphios: He likes summer the most because it gives him strong, nostalgic feelings reminiscent of the scorching temperatures of his home planet, Venus. He dislikes winter the most due to its desolate and freezing conditions, which regrettably remind him of the ice giants he invaded during his time working with the other Invaders.

Mikuláš, Ekaterini, Juozapas, Priyanka, and Yohanes: They don't have any particular thoughts on the four seasons, but they do appreciate the weather patterns in their respective countries. It's because they evoke feelings of safety and comfort, making them feel closely tied to something familiar.

Gyeong-Hui: She's indifferent towards the four seasons, never giving them much thought, but rather admiring how they naturally affect the environment. However, summer is her least favourite season because she dislikes the heavy rainfall that occurs in South Korea, which reminds her of the day her mother was brutally murdered and she was indoctrinated into the Ptolemaic Army.

Thandolwethu: She doesn't have strong feelings about the four seasons, but she does have a fondness for the wet, humid summers and dry winters characteristic of the Eastern Cape because they remind her of home.

Harvie: He likes spring the most because he finds flowers to be very beautiful during this time of year, and the warmer temperatures are a nice welcome after the harsh winter months. He dislikes summer the most because, in the United Kingdom, occasional thunderstorms occur, and he's not fond of the loud, thundering noises, which startle him when he's preoccupied. Additionally, he doesn't like heatwaves because, as a naturally warm person, the excessive heat really bothers him when he's trying to stay focused.

What are the favourite colours of the Iron Eclipse cast?

Marco: Crimson

Tarma: Saffron-yellow

Eri: Olive green

Fio: It’s either cordovan or khaki

Trevor: Ruddy blue

Nadia: It’s either avocado or champagne

Ralf: Chrome orange

Clark: Cobalt blue

Tequila: It’s either linden green or Cambridge blue

Gimlet: Dark goldenrod

Red Eye: Tomato red

General Morden: It’s either scarlet or Persian indigo

Allen O’Neil: Ruby red

Doctor Amadeus: Teal

Ptolemaios: Metallic purple

Rootmars: Yellowish-green (as Pepozrumisha) and red-violet (as Mostro)

Invader King, Pupipi, Avatar of Evil, Sol Dae Rokker, President Marx, Happyakumantaro, Wired, Celaphios, and Ferdinand: They don’t have a favourite colour

Walter: Pacific cyan

Tyra: Puce

Hyakutaro: Field drab

Allen Jr.: Sea green

Rumi: Ultramarine

Madoka: Cool mint

Sophia: Viridian

Margaret: Anything blue

Leona: Anything red

Heidern: Dragon’s blood

Alisa Stewart: Pearlescent white

Nathalie Neo: Feldgrau

Roberto Nicola: Bluish-purple

Midori: It’s either pinkish-orange or turquoise

MS-Alice: Cadet blue

Nayutaro: Silver-grey

Issenmantaro: Copper orange

Nanahyakumantaro: Black

Abul Abbas: Rose gold

Hilde Garn: Gamboge

Macba: Anything green

Pocke: He loves all colours

Oghma: Navy blue

Zoilo: Fluorescent red

Anastasia: Alabaster

Wysteria: It’s either cerulean or lavender

Dilovar: Mauveine

Sagan: Emerald

Logan: Sapphire

Torquil: It’s either maroon or pink lavender

Guilherme: Spanish blue

Mikuláš: Mexican pink

Gyeong-Hui: Tangelo

Thandolwethu: African violet

Harvie: Columbia blue

Amilcare: Sky magenta

Ekaterini: Caput mortuum

Souma: Butterscotch

Juozapas: Vermilion

Priyanka: Robin egg blue

Yohanes: Heliotrope grey

Zdravko: Amaranth

Dezső: Pistachio

How does the Iron Eclipse cast like their tea?

Marco, Trevor, Ralf, Clark, Gimlet, Allen O’Neil, Walter, Alisa Stewart, Nanahyakumantaro, Macba, Zoilo, Ferdinand, Mikuláš, and Souma: They don’t like tea

Tarma, Ptolemaios, Rootmars, Invader King, Allen Jr., Pupipi, Nathalie Neo, Avatar of Evil, Sol Dae Rokker, Midori, Pocke, Wysteria, Juozapas, and Dezső: They have never tried tea before

Eri: Genmaicha brown rice tea

Fio: She prefers iced tea as she often finds regular tea too hot. However, she makes an exception for Earl Grey tea, which she enjoys drinking semi-warm on occasion.

Nadia: Orange blossom iced tea

Tequila: Black tea with a pinch of chamomile and a teaspoon of tequila sunrise

Red Eye: Dark tea (as Ruoxi), anything that’s herbal (as Shufen), and poppy tea with a splash of lemonade (as Liddy).

General Morden: Green tea with a splash of Scotch whisky

Doctor Amadeus: Iced tea that’s a mix between hibiscus and chai

Tyra: She's a boba tea enthusiast because she's not keen on iced tea and regular tea, which she finds lacking in flavour.

Hyakutaro, Nayutaro, and Issenmantaro: Sencha tea with a splash of sake

Rumi: Buckwheat tea

Madoka: Tamaryokucha

Sophia: Peach tea

Margaret: Ginger tea

Leona: Any tea that has a minty flavour

Heidern: Caramel almond black tea

Roberto Nicola: Linden tea

President Marx: Fennel tea with a splash of red wine

MS-Alice: She’s incapable of drinking tea, but she’s enamoured by the vast array of flavours available. She likes to pretend she might develop a taste for iced tea.

Happyakumantaro: Mugicha with a teaspoon of sangria

Abul Abbas: Cinnamon tea

Hilde Garn and Dilovar: Bergamot vanilla tea

Wired: Passion Fruit iced tea

Oghma: Rosehip tea with a teaspoon of white wine

Anastasia: Lemon verbena tea

Sagan: Orange-cranberry spiced iced tea

Logan: Butterfly pea iced tea

Celaphios: Lavender and rose tea

Torquil: Assam tea

Guilherme: Pineapple iced tea

Gyeong-Hui: Polygonatum tea

Thandolwethu: Honeybush tea

Harvie: Gunfire tea

Amilcare: Quattro Bianchi

Ekaterini: Mountain tea

Priyanka: Masala Chai

Yohanes: Anise tea

Zdravko: Yellow wort tea with a splash of gin

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Metal Slug Neo Geo MVS 1996

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Reworked Character #24: Madoka Aikawa

POTENTIAL TRIGGER: Viewer discretion is advised due to references to divorce, alcoholism, torture, and death.

Occupation: Private and battle supplier of the Regular Army, double agent and medical support officer for the Rebel Army, and bodyguard for General Morden

Retirement plans: To become a proprietress of an arcade centre in Andrew Town

Special skills: Jogging, navigation skills, handling of anti-tank weapons, knowledge of medical aid and logistics, and coordinating programs to support the mental health of soldiers

Hobbies: Treasure hunting, collecting psychology books, messing around with logistics simulators, exploring off-limit areas at night, and playing carnival games with her younger sister

Likes: Rumi, arcades, frozen waterfalls, successful treasure hunts, and hugging her beach ball when she’s extremely stressed

Dislikes: Kerfuffles, grey lockers, getting lost, being physically weak, and her younger sister being subjected to immense distress

Favourite food: Nishin soba

Sexuality: Sapphic autosexual

Gender: Female

Age: 30 (in 2022), 36 (in 2028), 38 (in 2030), 40 (in 2032), 42 (in 2034), 49 (in 2041), 51 (in 2043), 52 (in 2044), and 55 (in 2047)

Blood type: A+

Weight: 136 lbs. (61 kg)

Design: She’s a 5’ 7” (170.18 cm) Japanese mesomorph with a pear-shaped body, broad shoulders, well-toned muscles, and a curvy bust. She has rose beige skin, dark cyan eyes with a slightly dull look, and a hairstyle that resembles Madoka's in the Metal Slug SV-001 slot machine. Her hair was originally a shimmering bronze, but she has bleached it to a red blonde. She often styles her hair in a ponytail secured with a black hairband. Madoka has scrapes on her knees and a bullet graze below her right gluteus maximus. She covers the small scar running horizontally across the bridge of her nose with a tan-coloured bandage.

When working with the Regular Army, she wears a cool mint blouse with cuffed sleeves that fall just above her elbows. The blouse features the same collar style as Madoka's outfit in her Metal Slug Defense portrait. It's fastened with six silvery white buttons, the top one left unbuttoned to reveal a hint of her cleavage. Her blouse is tucked into a pair of mid-thigh glaucous cargo army shorts with cuffed azure white hems. A walkie-talkie is tucked into the right pocket of her cargo shorts. A Prussian blue belt with a bronze buckle secures her cargo shorts around her hips and holds a case for her stun gun. Madoka wears a baby blue armband on her right arm, featuring the insignia of the Regular Army. Additionally, she wears mid-calf white socks, an ultramarine wristband on her left wrist, and spike-soled gunmetal paratrooper boots, secured with platinum grey laces.

When working with the Rebel Army as a combat medic, her blouse is Japanese violet with golden buttons. On her left arm, she wears a carnation pink armband featuring the insignia of the Rebel Army. Her outfit includes black knee pads, a gold-buckled English lavender belt, and knee-length rose ebony cargo army shorts with cuffed rosy brown hems. Additionally, she wears English lavender gloves, along with the same socks and boots as her Regular Army uniform. In addition to her stun gun, she has an integrated belt loop to hold her sheathed hatchet and a right-side drop leg holster for her Heckler & Koch USP pistol. She wears a rust-coloured bandolier slung over her right shoulder, containing .45 ACP cartridges.

When serving as a bodyguard for General Morden, she dons the same suit Rebel bodyguards wear, but it excludes the integrated load-bearing backpack and her bodysuit is a cool mint.

She carries the exact same load-bearing backpack as Rumi, but its color differs between her affiliations: it's ultramarine when she's with the Regular Army and Persian red when she's with the Rebel Army. Madoka’s Bazooka is carefully secured by three sturdy straps on the top of her backpack. It contains the same medkit carried by Madoka in Metal Slug Attack, her sky blue-and-pale azure beach ball, lip gloss, eyeliner, a makeup sponge, a blush compact with a built-in mirror, and a small selection of nail polishes in various purple shades.

She wears a canary yellow tank top and a custom-built cool grey wristband on her right wrist, featuring a military compass at its centre. She has two hololith bracelets: the right wrist features a thinner sunglow band, while the left wrist has a thick white smoke smoke one. She often wears peachy lip gloss, bold black wing eyeliner, and coral pink blush, and her nails are painted a French mauve shade.

Character summary: Unlike Rumi, she's a quiet, soft-spoken individual who only speaks when addressed or she views it as necessary. However, there are rare moments when she becomes more talkative, but this only occurs when she's off-duty and needs to distract herself from the constant stress of her work. She remains composed in chaotic situations and typically knows how to respond, either by walking away or intervening firmly and fearlessly. Her patience only wears thin when people deliberately provoke her, insult her or harm those close to her, particularly her younger sister and friends. She sometimes wears a calm, enigmatic smile, which she uses to either alleviate tension and put others at ease or unsettle her enemies, causing them to wonder her true intentions.

She's a surprisingly skilled navigator, but occasionally struggles to recall where she came from. This misremembering of directions leads to aimless wandering, getting terribly lost or stumbling into the chaos of a busy battlefield. She takes pride in supporting soldiers by providing them with the right equipment during battles. Madoka’s genuine concern is that no soldier should ever be underprepared or trapped in a desperate situation, struggling to survive with dwindling resources. Although she's opposed to violence, she's a competent fighter. She's able to think critically and act swiftly, leveraging available resources to her advantage and effortlessly adjusting to changing circumstances. She often appears disturbingly courageous, but is prone to fear and anxiety, particularly when she's unfairly vulnerable or confronted with the suffering of others.

She's tormented by overwhelming guilt for collaborating with the Rebel Army because it contradicts the basic morals of society and forces her to work alongside individuals she deems morally reprehensible. Furthermore, she carries the weight of responsibility for Rumi's trauma, stemming from the Great Morden War, which she believes was caused by her own initial reluctance to join the Rebel Army. She harbours a deep-seated hatred for the Rebel Army, driven by her fear that their mentally unstable leader will succeed in imposing a ruthless dictatorship on the entire planet. Madoka understands their disdain towards the Regular Army, having extensively learned their underlying corruption. However, in her view, the Rebel Army is even more corrupt, citing instances of strict brainwashing, misogynistic and racist behaviour among some of its members, and blatant cover-ups by commanding officers who shift blame for their own wrongdoing onto others.

Madoka is deeply afraid that her affiliation with the Rebel Army will eventually ruin her sisterly bond with Rumi and the friendships she worked hard to build and maintain. She fears losing those she cares about due to a single misstep that exposes her secret, believing they're the only ones who make her feel human and loved. She's slightly insecure about her physical appearance, so she strives to present herself modestly by wearing tasteful clothing and using a touch of beauty products. Although she's making significant physical progress, she still struggles with feelings of weakness. She fears that her rare condition could relapse, worsening to the point of leaving her severely crippled and feeling utterly helpless. After Rumi obtained her cyborg body, people began mistaking her for Rumi's twin sister, a misconception that deeply frustrates Madoka.

She's a gentle, meticulous, and self-disciplined claustrophobe who provides a safe haven from life's storms and offers comfort during a person's darkest moments. She's assertive, bravely standing up for others and scaring off anyone who tries to cause them unnecessary trouble. She's very observant, particularly in intense situations where she must keep a watchful eye out. She values logic as a healthy mindset, believing it enables her to make informed decisions and discern wisely. Madoka is willing to use manipulation to achieve her goals, leveraging others to do her bidding or create diversions when necessary. Although she's often serious-minded and mature, she also likes to party hard and have a good time, which can bring out her irresponsibly silly and impulsive side. She enjoys posing in a provocative manner to tease people, especially those who are flirtatious.

She deeply cares about Rumi, viewing her as both a good sister and a very close friend. She worries about Rumi's safety when she's sent to the battlefield, fearing she'll be brutally tortured again and potentially lose her to the ravages of war. She shares a profoundly close bond with her younger sister, frequently engaging in intimate activities like sharing a bed and meals. However, she prefers to keep these moments private, finding them embarrassing and fearing that Rumi might be teased about their unusually close relationship.

During her time in the Rebel Army, she formed a friendship with Guilherme, empathising with his mixed views on the military organisation and his desire to aid the Regular Army. Through Guilherme, she met Torquil and Ferdinand, whom she maintains relatively good relations with, although the details of their relationship are unexplained. She's disgusted by Abul Abbas' womanising behavior and is creeped out whenever he tries to woo her with luxury goods. This often results in her reacting violently, kicking him in the balls and storming off. However, she does appreciate it when Sagan intervenes, keeping Abul occupied while she returns to work.

She's surprisingly on good terms with Sagan and frequently provides medical aid when she desperately needs it. Interestingly, they often engage in playful, flirtatious banter, but this is purely platonic because they don't have any deeper romantic feelings and only regard each other as friends. She harbours intense contempt for General Morden, who coerced her into working with the Rebel Army by threatening to take Rumi's life. Although she acknowledges his charisma and desire to do what is right, she believes his unrelenting ambition has consumed him. She feels profound sympathy for the numerous individuals he has deliberately killed and mercilessly tortured in pursuit of his own objectives.

Backstory: Madoka Aikawa was born on February 21, 1992 in Kyoto, Japan. She was raised by a lower middle-class family with her breadwinner father, Shigeo Aikawa, and stay-at-home mother, Honoka, who was nearing completion of her university degree at the time. Her father worked as a salesperson for novelty children's toys, while her mother studied communication science. She has limited memories of her father because his busy schedule often kept him away from home, and when he was present, he was frequently exhausted. Additionally, she recalls that he would often drink after long work hours, which has led her to suspect that he may have had a drinking problem. Her parents frequently argued about financial troubles, and the more time they spent together, the more their relationship deteriorated. Initially, they had hoped to salvage their struggling marriage by having a second child, but they ended up getting a divorce just a month before Rumi was born.

She fondly recalls the times when her mother would read bedtime stories to her and Rumi, particularly those that featured themes of heroism, love, and sacrifice. Unfortunately, their mother's busy schedule soon made such moments a rare occurrence. As a result, Madoka took on a caretaker role for Rumi, and the two sisters spent a great deal of time together. Although they would sometimes bicker over minor inconveniences or differing opinions, they deeply cared for each other. They would usually play games, either indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather and their moods, and enjoy karaoke sessions together. As they progressed through school, they frequently helped each other with homework. Madoka regularly protected Rumi from bullies who targeted her for being absent-minded and overly feminine. She also had to defend herself against bullying as some peers targeted her for being slightly overweight, which sparked a lingering insecurity about her appearance.

At 14, Madoka developed a passion for games that challenged her analytical and logical skills. She spent her after-school hours at the local library, devouring books that tested her problem-solving abilities. At home, she would try to engage Rumi in strategy board games like Fox and Hounds, but she often lost interest or conceded defeat when Madoka gained the upper hand. She frequently challenged herself to solve puzzles faster than her friends. Recognizing her talent, her mother encouraged her to join the local chess club advertised by her school. Madoka eagerly participated, balancing her chess club commitment with her school work and caring for and spending quality time with Rumi.

Once their mother fell ill with heart failure, the household dynamics shifted. Madoka took on more responsibilities to care for Honoka, which meant staying at home to provide care. To balance her new role, Madoka began taking some of her school courses online and secured two part-time jobs: one in restaurant work and the other in retail assistance. As a result, her busy schedule led to less time spent with her younger sister. However, whenever she had a spare moment, Madoka would treat herself and Rumi to a fun outing at the local arcade, providing a much-needed escape from the daily stresses of her life.

Due to immense stress, she began to feel muscle tension and a sensation of weakness in her legs, initially believing it was just her adrenaline. However, as Rumi neared the end of her high school years, the weakness persisted. To manage her condition, Madoka reduced her work hours, quit her restaurant job, and focused on retail assistance, thinking that handling too much was contributing to her weakness. Unfortunately, her condition worsened, and she realised she potentially had a neuromuscular disorder. When Rumi enlisted in the Regular Army, Madoka first visited their facilities as a patient. At the time, her younger sister was interning in their medical facilities, where their ailing mother was also being treated. She discovered from the doctors and nurses that she had a severe weakness in her legs that could render her crippled permanently, but the underlying cause remained a mystery.

Shortly before the Arms Deal Barrage, her health began to improve, and she could move more freely without feeling like she would collapse. Honoka also experienced a significant recovery, which overjoyed Madoka and Rumi. Inspired by her younger sister's work, Madoka enlisted in the Regular Army as a battle supplier, aiming to improve her physical fitness. However, instead of a routine base transfer to receive her first mission, she was sent to a chaotic battlefield in South Africa due to a paperwork error. With no combat experience, Madoka was terrified. Fortunately, her time as a patient had given her the opportunity to observe physicians and learn basic medical skills. She successfully supplied Regular Army troops and provided simple medical aid and emotional support when needed. She emerged from the incident remarkably unscathed, sustaining only minor injuries. Her performance during the South African battle earned her recognition from the Regular Army, and she was subsequently promoted to the rank of Private.

Shortly after Rumi was deployed during the Great Morden War, she was dispatched to the frontlines to supply Marco's team with much-needed weapons and food rations. However, due to a mix-up, she was mistakenly sent to Ridge 256 prematurely and found herself wandering the area, disoriented, confused, and frightened. She would be captured by Rebel Army forces, held captive in one of the huts, and forced to serve as a POW, confiscating her supply bag and walkie-talkie. She was closely guarded by a pair of Rebels who attempted to woo her, but she stood her ground assertively. When one of them tried to force himself on her, she seized his combat knife and fatally stabbed him. His comrades quickly intervened, halting her escape attempt, and then throwing her into a grey locker, securing it with rope.

She pounded on the grey locker, screaming to be let out, but was warned to shut up or face immediate execution. She fell deathly silent, and just as she was about to lose hope, Red Eye burst in and slaughtered the guards, rescuing her. Red Eye had been tracking Colonel Tender, acting on mixed intel from Fio and Eri that suggested he was either stationed at Ridge 256 or being moved to Gerhardt City. She was also searching for Madoka, having spotted one of the Rebel Army special forces operatives using her bag to supply their comrades and an intoxicated fanatic fiddling with her walkie-talkie. Relieved by the rescue, she instructed Red Eye to salvage what was left of the supplies in her backpack and make the most of them. As per Red Eye's request, she would depart Ridge 256 via a cargo helicopter prototype.

When Rumi's group failed to get in contact with Marco's team, Madoka was dispatched to fulfill her younger sister's mission and deliver the necessary equipment. However, she became disoriented in the forested outskirts of Gerhardt City and was captured by Rebel soldiers on patrol duty. Instead of killing her or taking her hostage, Madoka was swiftly transported to the Rebel Army's base of operations aboard a functional Tetsuyuki. She was bound with rope and gagged with a cloth to prevent escape or outcry. Upon arriving at the base and General Morden's office, she was coerced into joining the Rebel Army's cause. When she resisted, Morden ordered his men to torture Rumi and her team, forcing Madoka to watch the brutality unfold through surveillance cameras. After witnessing the murder of Chris and Alexander, Madoka reluctantly agreed to collaborate with the Rebel Army, much to Morden's satisfaction.

After reaching an agreement, she was tasked with serving as a double agent and medical support officer. The Rebels then confiscated her supplies, freed her from her restraints, and transported her back to the Joint Military Operations Headquarters. She was accompanied by a group of Rebel spies disguised as Regular Army soldiers, and they traveled via a cargo helicopter stolen from the Regular Army. She lied about successfully completing her objective and revealed that she had received intel that Rumi's group had been captured and was being tortured somewhere, prompting a desperate rescue search. When Rumi was finally found alive, but badly damaged, she was utterly devastated, overcome with guilt and feeling responsible for her suffering. In the aftermath of the Great Morden War, she founded a program called "Courage to Heal" within the Regular Army, which is dedicated to providing therapeutic and psychological support for soldiers struggling with trauma.

Prior to the Extraterrestrial Alliance Clash, she underwent rigorous military and medical training within the Rebel Army, driven to reach her full potential. Unlike her younger sister, she quickly excelled in combat training and developed a fondness for wielding bazookas, drawn to their explosive power. Her impressive skills caught the attention of General Morden, who appointed her as his personal bodyguard. This decision was motivated by a desire to alleviate his loneliness during long hours at work, ease his growing paranoia, and increase the military presence in guard roles. In the meantime, she gathered intl on current Regular Army operations, enabling the Rebel Army and their latest allies to capitalise on the information and potentially gain an upper hand in their second coup. Although she would have preferred not to steal such a vast amount of confidential information, she feared that attempting to steal only specific details about Regular Army operations would have resulted in severe punishment.

During the Extraterrestrial Alliance Clash, she played a supporting role, assisting Rumi with supply logistics and providing tactical directions via walkie-talkie. In secret, she also offered medical aid to injured Rebel soldiers whenever Rumi was deployed to the battlefield.

Prior to the Survival Island Occupation, she conducted reconnaissance of the South Pacific archipelago, identifying strategic locations and equipping Rebel Army cadets with essential resources for survival. Once the incident was over, she met Walter, Tyra, and Dilovar, who had graduated with honours and were recruited by Division 6. They wanted to meet her in person after Rumi shared fond memories of her elder sister with them.

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Guess what day it is today?

IT'S THE BIRTHDAY OF OUR INTELLIGENT SOLDIER, MARCO ROSSI 🎉💐!

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Happy Birthday

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Happy Easter Neo Geo

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Regular Army and Division 6 Machines

The SV-000 is a gunmetal grey tankette, serving as a prototype version of the SV-001, which briefly saw action during the Arms Deal Barrage. It was the first Slug to be successfully constructed from salvaged Tuatha Dé Danann technology, a design approach that would later become a hallmark of other Slugs, including the Slug Gunner, Drill Slug, and Astro Slug. It also set the precedent for all Slugs that it can perform a highly damaging suicide attack called a Frontal Attack, which involves the driver jumping out of the vehicle, and it subsequently exploding upon impact with the enemy. However, it was quickly discontinued due to a critical design flaw: the hatch became extremely difficult to exit when the unit sustained sufficient damage to trigger self-destruction.

The remaining SV-000 units were either destroyed and repurposed for the development of the SV-001 or had their source code stolen by the Amadeus Syndicate, who stored it in their secure cyberspace vault. Only one SV-000 is confirmed to still exist and remain operational, and it's currently in the possession of Red Eye. Notably, unlike its successor, the SV-000 could rapidly change direction with minimal delay.

The SV-001 Metal Slug is a silver tankette and the first fully functional Super Vehicle developed by the Regular Army, following the discontinuation of the SV-000. They were swiftly mass produced after the sudden Rebel Army attack on President Marx's defence facility, stockpiling the advanced tanks in their caches with hopes to launch a massive assault against the mysterious Rebels once the time came. During the Great Morden War, the Rebel Army launched a massive global assault on the Regular Army. Despite prior warnings from the Intelligence Agency, corrupt higher-ups within the Regular Army's chain of command ignored the alerts, leaving their forces vulnerable to the Rebel Army's superior numbers and advanced technologies.

In response, the Regular Army planned a massive counterattack, deploying advanced tanks codenamed “Metal Slug”. These tanks were originally designed to support regular army soldiers and special forces operatives, particularly in high-intensity combat situations. However, Rebel spies discovered the project, and many SV-001s were captured during a crushing attack. With many government and military powers in disarray, the surviving members of the Regular Army high command and Lieutenant Marco Rossi assembled a team consisting of Tarma Roving, Tequila, Gimlet, Red Eye, and scattered Regular troops they could muster to launch a desperate counterattack. Their mission was to retrieve the stolen Metal Slugs, destroying them if necessary to prevent the Rebel Army from utilising them. Fortunately, enough tanks were recovered for use in the final assault, ultimately leading to the end of the Great Morden War.

The SV-001 continued to serve the Regular Army in various major conflicts, including the White Baby Crisis and the Martian Takeover. While the tank boasts impressive technical details, its design has two significant flaws: its height and top-heavy weight distribution, which can cause it to tip over, especially when firing the 127mm low-pressure rifled main cannon. Additionally, the tank's high radar cross-section makes it vulnerable to high-speed guided missiles. Rumours suggest that some individuals received SV-001s with a faulty hatch mechanism. This defect reportedly made it challenging for operators to exit the vehicle quickly after initiating its suicide attack mode, commonly referred to as a "Metal Slug Attack". It relies on gas to remain operational and is capable of firing two types of ammunition: high-velocity Armor Piercer (AP) shells that travel in a straight line, and standard Gnome Bullets, which are low-velocity, arcing shells.

The SV-001 Type-R is an upgraded version of the SV-001, boasting faster movement and higher jumping capabilities than its predecessor. It retains the unique capabilities of the SV-000 and draws design inspiration from the elusive SV-002 project, which was scrapped by the Regular Army engineers and higher-ups. The SV-001 Type-R is often mistaken for the SV-002 because it's considered the closest successor to the original SV-001 that the Regular Army is willing to invest time and resources into.

It features a pair of gun pods, replacing the original 12.6mm Vulcans. Each pod is equipped with a high-speed machine gun and a rocket launcher. The machine guns support various ammunition types, including standard rounds, shotgun shells, and flame shot fuel. Additionally, the main cannon has a smaller bore, allowing for extended range and increased accuracy. The shells fired from the SV-001 Type-R's cannon travel farther and with greater precision than the 127mm high-explosive shells used in the original. However, these advanced features come at a higher production cost, making the SV-001 Type-R a rare sight compared to standard tanks.

The SVW-001 Slug Gunner represents the ultimate evolution of the SV-001. Developed by Regular Army engineers, its design was influenced by the Rebel Army's LV Armor blueprints, which were stolen during the White Baby Crisis, as well as firsthand observations of the Ptolemaic Army's Units during the Martian Takeover. It boasts a unique transformative capability, switching between mech and tank forms. Its arsenal includes a massive 180mm cannon, a 60mm 7-barrel minigun, and a jet booster that enables high jumps and double jumps. Additionally, The Slug Gunner features a pile bunker for close-quarters combat, utilising a revolver-like mechanism with six cartridges to amplify its blows.

While it excels in firepower, its mobility is hindered by a cumbersome design. In mech mode, it moves at an extremely slow pace, although crawling slightly improves its speed. The minigun's range of motion is also limited, restricting it to firing in the direction the Slug Gunner is facing or directly above. However, the minigun can spread its shots to partially compensate for its inability to fire diagonally.

The SVX-15D Slugnoid is a bipedal mechanized Super Vehicle designed for combat in challenging terrain, developed by Regular Army engineers. Equipped with rocket boosters, it can jump to exceptional heights. Its primary armament consists of two 12.6mm Vulcans attached to each side, capable of rotating 360° and firing in different directions simultaneously, although mastering this capability requires practice. The secondary weapon is an incendiary shell fired from its frontal 120mm cannon, located in the pelvic area, which excels at decimating enemy troops. However, the Slugnoid is slow, cumbersome, and loses control whenever one of its Vulcan cannons gets hit.

As secondary ammunition, most Slugnoids carry alternate versions of the iron lizard bombs, humorously nicknamed "fat lizards". These devices resemble bipedal, white cartoon bombs with legs and charge towards enemies, occasionally pausing to "catch their breath" before resuming their attack. They may also randomly trip and explode prematurely.

There are several Slugnoid variants: Slugnoid Type-CS, Slugnoid Type-R, and Slugnoid Type-B. The Slugnoid Type-CS is a bronze-painted version with weak armour, used exclusively for Combat School training to teach cadets and recruits how to operate the Slugnoid with minimal damage. The Slugnoid Type-R is a red-painted version with a reverse-functioning Vulcan, equipped only with fat lizard bombs. The Slugnoid Type-B is a blue-painted version with enhanced jumping capabilities compared to the standard model.

The Slug Trolley, also referred to as the Slug Truck, is a specialised vehicle developed by the Regular Army for rail-based operations. Essentially a customised mine cart, it is equipped with a Vulcan gun for defensive purposes. One of its notable features is the ability to attach additional wagons, which are capable of firing cannon rounds that travel in an arc. However, these wagons have weaker armour compared to the main cart, making them more vulnerable to enemy fire. The main cart has an open, windowless compartment that allows the operator to observe their surroundings. Operators must remain vigilant because the open design makes them susceptible to enemy attacks, particularly from snipers.

The SV-Camel is an animal-based vehicle that offers its rider some protection in the form of a fruit-filled basket. It's also the first known vehicle in the “Animal Ride" series of Slugs. Developed by Regular Army engineers following the Great Modern War, its purpose was to reduce dependence on the SV-001. From their perspective, utilising animals provided a stealth advantage on the battlefield. The dromedary camel boasts impressive speed and is equipped with two 14mm Vulcan cannons. The SV-Camel is primarily deployed in desert environments.

The Elephant Slug is an animal-based vehicle and the second known animal used in the “Animal Ride" series of Slugs. Although it's very slow and can only jump to a very short height, it provides its rider with a high profile, offering some protection. It's equipped with a pair of 16mm Vulcans, but its genetic modification for combat enables it to access additional firepower. By consuming chili peppers or a car battery, the African elephant gains the ability to breathe fire or shoot lightning from its proboscis. The Elephant Slug is primarily deployed in cold and tropical environments.

The Ostrich Slug is an animal-based vehicle that lacks visible protection. It's the second known vehicle in the “Animal Ride" series of Slugs, closely tied to the Donkey Slug. It's a genetically modified common ostrich with enhanced speed and jumping capabilities, allowing it to effortlessly clear large chasms. It comes equipped with a pair of 12.6mm Vulcans, which have a limited firing arc of 180°.

The Donkey Slug is an animal-based vehicle with a lack of visible protection. Essentially a miniature donkey with 13mm Vulcan cannons attached to its sides, it's characterised by its slow movement and weak jump. A wooden carriage with a cannon mounted on top can be hitched to the Vulcan cannons. This cannon functions similarly to those on an SV-001. The Donkey Slug is primarily used in underdeveloped countries, particularly those relying on donkeys for transportation and agricultural purposes.

The SVX-22UG Drill Slug is a specialised drilling machine designed for tunnel excavation, developed shortly after the successful deployment of the Slug Digger during the Invader Conquest. For defence, the drill is equipped with 12.6mm Vulcans for long-range engagements. In close combat, an expendable 400mm heavy-duty bore drill on the chassis automatically activates when contacted. Although it's relatively slow and unable to jump, its ability to elevate the cockpit provides a higher profile and helps evade incoming fire from below. However, operators must remain cautious because the Drill Slug remains vulnerable to certain attacks, such as acid and explosives.

The Protogunner is a prototype of the Slug Gunner, developed for testing purposes and briefly deployed during the Invader Conquest before being swiftly discontinued. Regular Army engineers created the Protogunner using the Rebel Army's LV Armor schematics as a starting point for designing a new Super Vehicle. This prototype would eventually evolve into the Slug Gunner before the events of the Ptolemaic Emergence. Initially designated as the SVW-001 Slug Gunner Prototype, its lengthy name led many to adopt the simplified codename "Protogunner" for convenience.

Due to its prototype status, it offers limited protection to its operator, leaving them vulnerable to attacks from above and the sides. Additionally, it lacks a melee attack, relying solely on its ranged weaponry. However, the Protogunner boasts superior speed and maneuverability compared to the finalised Slug Gunner's mech mode. It's equipped with the Slug Gunner's 180mm multiple cannon on its front, supplemented by a pair of 10mm Vulcan cannons on its sides. Although its body has partial invincibility, it remains susceptible to destruction by anti-tank ammunition and explosions. A notable feature of this Super Vehicle is its ability to perform an automatic Vulcan Fix, locking its side-mounted Vulcans in place. This allows the operator to move the Protogunner while continuously firing without adjusting the Vulcans.

The Slug Digger is a versatile, multi-purpose vehicle that serves as both a subterranean digger and a helicopter. Rapidly developed by the Regular Army and Rebel Army, its primary objective was to infiltrate the Invaders' underground hive. The Slug Digger features retractable drills on its left, right, and bottom sides, enabling it to excavate the earth. Additionally, it's equipped with two 16mm Vulcan cannons that can fire bullets capable of tearing through dirt. Notably, its cannon shots deploy mines that remain in place until triggered by enemy contact or subsequent gunfire.

The Walking Machine is a crawling Slug designed for exploration purposes, originally derived from a haunted amusement park animatronic resembling a humanoid, quadruped zombie. It was redesigned to mimic the appearance of the Mutated Soldier, but with distinct features such as a rotating light on top of its head, a muscular build, and an exposed battery on its back. The operator rides astride the Walking Machine, holding onto reins connected to its cheeks. Its lower profile provides some degree of evasion, and it can jump higher than most Slugs.

There are two variants of the Walking Machine: the Special Walking Machine and Walk Machine Type-B. The Special Walking Machine is a sleeker variant with a different head design and horns serving as handles. Notably, its pair of 14mm Vulcans has been replaced by a Gatling gun inside its mouth. The Walk Machine Type-B is an unmanned, red version of the Special Walking Machine, designed for underground exploration. Although heavily armoured, it relies on a Mobile Satellite deployed from a hatch on its back and a flamethrower inside its mouth. Additionally, it boasts an impressive jumping ability, surpassing that of its predecessors.

The RA-TTT (Regular Army Troop Transport Truck), also referred to as the Regular Army Truck, is a transport vehicle utilised by the Regular Army for deploying troops to the battlefield. Initially, the vehicle featured a simple rifle green colour scheme, but it was later updated with a camouflage woodland pattern prior to the events of the Martian Takeover.

The TIAF600 Slug Mobile, also known as the Wagon Slug and Metal Express, is a modified version of the TIAF 660, a popular civilian vehicle renowned for its compact design. During the conflict in Gerhardt City, the Rebel Army utilised numerous TIAF 660s as road barriers due to their widespread availability. The Regular Army soon took notice and salvaged several TIAF 660s shortly after capturing General Morden to revamp the model for their own purposes. Initially, engineers aimed to transform the TIAF 600s into a heavily armoured transport vehicle with advanced weaponry. However, they were instructed to retain the original design and instead equip it with 14mm Vulcans on the sides and an RPG. Due to time constraints, the engineers had to work quickly, and the resulting vehicle was codenamed the "Slug Mobile".

It boasts impressive speed and jumping capabilities, performing well on roads but struggling with off-road handling. Its Vulcan cannons provide effective defence against aircraft, while the guided RPG under the front hood offers some anti-armour defence. However, the hastily implemented upgrades, particularly the Vulcan's ammo and boosting system, have increased the vehicle's risk of catching fire.

The SVF-07V Slug Flyer is a Super Vehicle designed for aerial combat, developed by Regular Army engineers. Its VTOL capabilities provide excellent maneuverability. However, its H-AV-5963 Revision Vulcans have limited range with restricted firing angles. The aircraft is also equipped with short-range air-to-air AIM-9A missiles, which, although powerful, require time to accelerate after deployment. When dismounting from an airborne Slug Flyer, operators can descend via parachute or utilise Regular Army Jetpack Gear.

Initially, prior to and during the Arms Deal Barrage, the aircraft lacked Vulcans, restricting its firepower to horizontal forward shooting. Its secondary weapons were limited to drop bombs and homing missiles. In response to pilot and technician feedback, the Slug Flyer underwent upgrades, incorporating Vulcans and enhanced secondary weaponry.

The SVH-03 Slug Copter, also known as the Slug Chopper, is an attack helicopter Super Vehicle developed by the Regular Army shortly after the Arms Deal Barrage. Key features of the Slug Copter include dual H-AV-5963 Revision Vulcan cannons with 360° rotation capability and high-damage bombs effective against ground targets, but ineffective against aerial targets. Notably, there have been reports of pilots accidentally colliding with the rotor blades when entering or exiting the vehicle, resulting in minor injuries. Fortunately, no fatal incidents have occurred to date.

The Astro Slug is a single-seat spaceship developed jointly by the Rebel Army and Amadeus Syndicate three months after the Invader Conquest. This sudden development was sparked by General Morden's growing paranoia about a potential alien invasion and the need to engage hostile extraterrestrial forces in outer space. The Pipovulaj Army's swift termination of their alliance with the Rebel Army after winning the war against the Invaders and returning to Mars further fueled this paranoia.

The Regular Army's acquisition of the Astro Slug remains unclear, but a popular theory suggests that they played a role in its development. This collaboration allegedly involved incorporating Martian and Invader technological debris. Interestingly, General Morden allowed the Regular Army to possess half of the produced Astro Slugs. Although this rumour seems unusual, it's considered plausible, especially given the relatively peaceful relations between the Regular Army, Rebel Army, Ptolemaic Army, and Amadeus Syndicate during that period.

The Astro Slug features a semi-automatic cannon on top, but its true potential lies in its ability to equip various weapons during flight. These weapons include Heavy Machine Guns, Laser Guns, Shotguns, and Rocket Launchers, which are mounted on two weapon pods on each side of the spacecraft. Additionally, it's equipped with limited, powerful, unguided missiles for firepower support. Some variants of the Astro Slug are also equipped with two 16mm Vulcan units that move in reverse of the spaceship's movement.

The Golden Slug, also known as the Golden Slug Phoenix, is a flight-based vehicle and the first known Slug to exist. Believed to be a creation of the Tuatha Dé Danann, it was discovered during a joint investigation by the Regular Army and Amadeus Syndicate at Ultima Thule. A team of soldiers and scientists stumbled upon a surprisingly half-functional phoenix war machine while searching for precious materials to utilise for weapons and machine manufacturing.

The origins of the Golden Slug are shrouded in mystery, but rumours suggest that it may have served as the guardian of Atlantis and Ultima Thule. It’s believed to have powered down and crashed into a crystal-filled, snowy cave after the destruction of Atlantis and the disappearance of the Tuatha Dé Danann. Due to its unpredictable behaviour, it has only been witnessed by a select few. Its last deployment was during the artillery bombardment of the Serapion Fellowship's fortress in Arms Deal Barrage, where it nearly went rogue, threatening to kill both friendly and enemy forces. Fortunately, Hyakutaro Ichimonji swiftly dismantled it, preventing a catastrophic outcome.

It's primarily an unmanned machine controlled by advanced AI, but it can also be operated by a single pilot. Unlike the Slug Flyer and Slug Copter, the Golden Slug mimics the flight pattern of a bird, flapping its wings to maintain flight and emitting loud squawks. It has a barrage of heat-seeking missiles located between its "feathers". Additionally, a laser beam is located inside its mouth, which can be switched between a Gatling gun, flamethrower, and poison gas dispenser during its 5-minute recharge period. Furthermore, it contains the Final Giga Blaster, a special weapon housed in its chest cavity. When activated, a camera shutter-like hatch opens, and a Denturion cannon-shaped launcher emerges, producing a large electrical, fiery nuclear energy sphere that causes a massive explosion upon impact.

The SVX-17M Slug Mariner is a Regular Army Super Vehicle designed as a single-crew minisub. Produced as an upgraded version of the Slug Sub before the events of the Extraterrestrial Alliance Clash, it boasts faster movement speed and a sleeker design. Similar to the Slug Flyer and Slug Copter, the Slug Mariner contains specialised gear, Scuba Gear, for operators. This gear is useful if the operator needs to exit the vehicle after it entered suicide attack mode or if the Slug Mariner is destroyed and enters self-destruct mode. The Slug Mariner is equipped with two 10mm Vulcan cannons, which fire incendiary ammunition that sinks after being shot, allowing it to effectively target enemies below. Additionally, it can launch powerful torpedoes that create a large shockwave upon impact, making it extremely useful against larger underwater enemies.

The Slug Sub is a small submarine that lacks a Vulcan, instead relying on torpedoes. When it resurfaces, it can fire homing rockets, which are replaced with depth charges when it submerges. The submarine is equipped with an Emergency Boat, a backup transport featuring a river paddle that's deployed whenever the submarine is destroyed. Due to the rising popularity of the Slug Mariner, the Slug Sub has become less prominent and is often utilised for reconnaissance missions, particularly by the Intelligence Agency.

The Borobune Slug serves as both a freighter and fishing boat for the Regular Army. Initially, it functioned as a construction unit, transporting materials and goods while secretly carrying a single metal container. This container could hold either a ground vehicle or submarine, depending on the mission requirements. The Borobune Slug was exclusively deployed on Pallas Island during the Regular Army's nuclear testing and experimental shipbuilding operations. However, after mutated crustaceans appeared, nuclear testing was halted, and the Regular Army unit fled the island with a single, heavily damaged Borobune Slug, which had barely survived an attack by an Enormous Moray. This surviving unit inspired the Regular Army to produce more Borobune Slugs, which were intentionally designed with a run-down appearance for stealth purposes.

The Middle-Son 1986 is an old U-Boat, originally designed as a submarine, still in use by the Regular Army. Although more advanced variants have been developed, it remains in frequent service despite its outdated design. The submarine has a substantial arsenal, carrying a range of weapons including missiles, torpedoes, and even transporting troops across the ocean. Each vessel is equipped with an anti-aerial machine-gun turret, known as the AA Machine Gun, mounted on its hull. Notably, the Middle-Son 1986 boasts remarkable durability, which surpasses that of the Slug Sub and Slug Mariner. It can withstand damage from repeated bombing runs and continues to operate with minimal damage.

The Middle-Son 1999 is a submarine developed by the Regular Army for reconnaissance and offensive operations in water areas. Originally, only one unit was produced, but it sank after a severe storm in Asian waters damaged the submarine, causing it to crash against a rocky shoreline. Unfortunately, all crew members on board lost their lives. Its wreckage was later discovered in a dried-up riverbed in the Villeneuve Mt. System during the Great Morden War. At that time, the Rebel Army was utilising the wreckage as a makeshift shelter and interceptor. Following the Great Morden War, the Regular Army salvaged the remains of the Middle-Son 1999. This enabled engineers to analyse the materials used in its construction, ultimately leading to the production of additional units. Although there are more Middle-Son 1999 submarines than its predecessor, they have slightly weaker durability and lack an AA Machine Gun.

The PA33-21 Boat is a transport vessel designed to carry Regular Army personnel to privately owned islands and seaside areas. It features strong armour for protection, but has a vulnerability to aircraft-deployed bombs. For defence, it's equipped with three AA Machine Guns, providing powerful force against airborne threats. The boat has a capacity to carry up to 25 passengers, along with additional storage for a handful of weapon crates and barrels of food.

The Augensterm is a Slug designed to operate on both floors and ceilings. Developed by the Regular Army in a secret underground laboratory, this four-legged Slug was created using harvested scraps from Rebel Army tanks and Regular Army Super Vehicles. The laboratory itself was repurposed after being abandoned by the Amadeus Syndicate. Rumours suggest that the Augensterm was built shortly after the Invader Conquest, but its deployment has been delayed due to extensive testing phases. However, the reasons behind its lack of deployment remain classified, known only to high-ranking officials and engineers.

The pilot is positioned higher than in other Slugs, making it more challenging for enemies to score a hit. Its dual 12.6mm Vulcans operate similarly to the Slugnoid, firing at either the same target or in opposite directions. Additionally, the Augensterm is equipped with a harpoon capable of piercing enemy vehicles with ease. A special setting allows the harpoon to generate electricity when attacking. Furthermore, the harpoon can be replaced with an extendable drill designed for close-quarters combat rather than burrowing. However, its relatively slow movement makes it vulnerable to bullet and rocket attacks if the operator is not cautious.

The Slug Gigant is a monstrous walker emblazoned with the Regular Army insignia, currently holding the title of the largest Slug. Its design drew heavy inspiration from stolen Rebel Gigant blueprints, acquired by Intelligence Agency agents during the White Baby Crisis. Unlike the Rebel Gigant, which is primarily used for combat, the Slug Gigant serves a dual purpose as both a war machine and a giant snowplow. It is equipped with a 16mm Vulcan at the front, two movable arms, and a plasma beam attack capable of unleashing explosive force.

The Slug Gigant comes in two variants: a single-pilot model and a dual-pilot model. The primary difference between these variants lies in the cockpit design and the distribution of controls. In the single-pilot Slug Gigant, the lone pilot controls all aspects of the machine from a single cockpit. In contrast, the dual-pilot model features two separate cockpits. The pilot in the forward cockpit controls movement, the forward-facing Vulcan, and the claw-blaster cannon, while the pilot in the rear cockpit operates the shoulder-mounted Vulcan cannons.

The Black Hound was initially a part of the Ptolemaic Army's arsenal, but its software and design blueprints were stolen by Intelligence Agency agents and S.P.A.R.R.O.W.S. operatives during a raid on the Osaka compound in the midst of the Ptolemaic Emergence.

Originally, it was an experimental, unmanned war machine developed using stolen data disc information. However, the Regular Army, with the assistance of Trevor Spacey, modified the design to accommodate a single operator, replacing its remote-controlled AI technology. The initial version of the Regular Army's Black Hound lacked a functional laser cannon mounted on a mechanical arm. However, this oversight was eventually addressed by Tarma, who successfully integrated the laser cannon shortly after the revolt against the Regular Army.

The Iron Nokana is a repurposed Rebel Army large, multi-purpose armoured combat vehicle. It has been repainted blue and its size has been reduced by half compared to the original. Notably, the Girida-0 mounted on the back has been replaced with a bronze SV-001. The vehicle has undergone significant upgrades, including the addition of durable armour that provides immunity to electric shocks and freezing due to its resistance to electricity and icy cold temperatures. Many Regular Army personnel jokingly refer to it as the Steel Norcana.

The Type-2 Di-Cokka is a Rebel Army tank repurposed by Trevor, utilising stolen software he obtained during the White Baby Crisis. The tank's exterior has been painted blue with a golden iridescence, and the Regular Army insignia is emblazoned on its left side. It has been upgraded to include two short-barreled 155mm H-Cannons, which fire single shots that cover twice the range of the original. Notably, unlike its Rebel variants, which collapse when damaged, this Di-Cokka is rigged to explode into enemy positions when critically damaged.

The LV Slug Armor, also known as Heavy Armor, is an advanced variant of the Rebel Army's LV Armor. During the White Baby Crisis, the Intelligence Agency stole the data disc containing the LV Armor's design blueprints and computer software. The Intelligence Agency then handed this data over to the Regular Army for repurposing. Trevor was tasked with reworking the original LV Armor software for Regular Army use. He integrated an anti-virus program to prevent hacking and reduce the risk of system malfunction. Regular Army engineers subsequently developed a new version with enhanced armour, capable of withstanding heavier firepower.

The upgraded Slug Armor features a 60mm MTS-S/A chain gun integrated into its arm as well as a 100mm cannon mounted on its back. However, unlike its predecessor, the Slug Armor cannot swap weapons. Additionally, the weight of its new armaments prevents it from double-jumping. It boasts high, resilient armour and is equipped with a Vulcan gun and a rear-mounted cannon.

It excels in combat against large enemies, thanks to its ability to fire diagonally, similar to the Slug Gunner's minigun and heavy machine gun. This capability significantly enhances its line of fire. In terms of mobility, the Slug Armor moves faster on foot and can use its hover pack to perform a sliding charge while crouching, potentially running over enemies. Although it can move freely and fire its weapons while crouched, it cannot jump or attack upwards until it stands upright again.

The Landseek is a Rebel Army transport half-track vehicle repurposed by the Regular Army, who seized scraps and a partially damaged unit during their investigation of remaining Arabian Infantry troops in Riyadh during the Extraterrestrial Alliance Clash. The cyan-coloured vehicle is utilised to transport friendly forces over long distances across enemy lines. Compared to the original, the Landseek's most notable upgrade is its significantly strengthened armour, enabling it to withstand anti-tank weaponry. However, its glass and fabric components remain vulnerable to damage.

The M-15A Bradley is a Rebel Army missile tank repurposed by the Regular Army, who dispatched Intelligence Agency agents to steal data on this tank during the Extraterrestrial Alliance Clash. Regular Army personnel commonly refer to it as Brad. The tank has been modified to feature a lighter green color, and several upgrades have been implemented. These upgrades include the addition of a Vulcan cannon mounted on the side and modified missile launchers capable of firing at twice the range of its original counterpart. Furthermore, it has gained the ability to propel itself using rocket boosters.

The Hi-Do is a repurposed Rebel Army tandem rotor helicopter that the Regular Army obtained shortly after the capture of General Morden, acquiring the original aircraft and using it as a basis for their own modified version. Renamed to the Regular Army Helicopter, it's utilised for transporting personnel and Slugs. Similar to the Rebel Army's Hi-Do, it features a homing missile compartment within its nose. However, it lacks the Gatling gun mounted underneath, instead sporting a hatch that opens to deploy a hoist for lifting soldiers. This hatch is also equipped with a powerful magnet capable of carrying large metal crates. Notably, the helicopter has undergone a significant design overhaul, bearing a striking resemblance to the Regular Army Transport Helicopter in Metal Slug 3D.

The Type 95 Ha-Gō is a tankette bearing the Division 6 insignia, frequently utilised by Division 6 special forces operatives and soldiers. Despite being a Type 95 Ha-Gō, its design bears a striking resemblance to the Japonese Tank Soldier in Metal Slug 3. It's capable of firing five cannons simultaneously and launching anti-tank missiles at close range. Initially, only four of these tanks remained before Division 6 joined the Regular Army, after which they were mass-produced specifically for them to use. Many Regular Army and Division 6 personnel commonly refer to it as the Tank Soldier.

The Null Fighter is a single-seat fighter aircraft bearing the Division 6 insignia, featuring a unique design that combines elements of the Mitsubishi A5M carrier-based fighter (cockpit and fuselage) and the Aichi D3A dive bomber (tail). It's equipped with wing-mounted machine guns, capable of unleashing a continuous barrage of bullets. Similar to the Type 95 Ha-Go, there were a handful of Null Fighters available to Division 6, but after their alliance with the Regular Army, mass production began for their use only.

The Crusty Legs is a massive pilot-operated tank developed by the Regular Army and Division 6, designed to pulverize its enemies with its large legs. Only one unit has been produced, and it has been created from the use of Rebel Army tank scraps and salvaged Tuatha Dé Danann technology. When it spots an enemy, it fires two salvos of rolling cannonballs and 7.62mm ammunition rounds. It can power up its special attack, called the Flame Tornado Quadruped, by levitating in mid-air while the base of its feet ignite and generate flames, before charging towards the enemy to burn them. This attack lasts about 10 minutes or stops if the Crusty Legs has taken too much damage.

While the flamethrowers are active, the Crusty Legs replaces its special attack by firing a flaming shot from all three of its cannons. Despite its bulky appearance and slow movement, it’s quite mobile, possessing the ability to evade enemy attacks. If the flamethrowers are not active, it simply jumps in place. If the flamethrowers are active, it staggers backwards slightly to avoid the incoming attack.

[thesilliestrovingalive]

Fio by Poch4N

[thesilliestrovingalive]

Worked on this last night 🥲

[thesilliestrovingalive]

Title: Golden Fight

Background info: My mom suggested a piece featuring a battle on a broken bridge, which instantly reminded me of Mission 4 in Metal Slug 6. The background of that mission was the perfect fit for the piece I had in mind. However, it took me a while to get started, as I was unsure what specific scene I wanted to depict. Eventually, I decided on a Regular Army commando and a Rebel Army versus Ptolemaic Army scenario. This is by far my largest piece with slightly over 100 sprites. It required a lot of planning and finessing, but I'm happy with the final result.

Credits:

Marco Rossi sprite by Kevin Huff and The Huntress

Eri Kasamoto sprite by borderoflife, Gussprint, and Random Talking Bush

Fio Germi sprite by Kevin Huff and The Huntress

Ralf Jones sprite by The Huntress

Clark Still sprite by RandomRebelSoldier and The Huntress

Leona Heidern sprite by Ragey and The Huntress

Trevor Spacey sprite by The Huntress and yossho

Nadia Cassel sprite by The Huntress

Metal Slug sprite by The Huntress

Slug Flyer sprite by Gussprint

Slug Gunner sprite by Gussprint

Rebel Soldier sprites by The Huntress and The Mad Soldier

Flying Tara and Eaca-B sprites by The Huntress

Di-Cokka sprite by Gussprint

Iron Iso sprite by Division 六

Hairbuster Riberts sprite by AzRaezel

Guerrilla sprites by Gussprint and The Huntress

Ptolemaic Sniper sprites by Gussprint

Special Forces sprites by Gussprint and The Huntress

Claw Unit sprite by Gussprint and The Huntress

MG Unit and SFX sprites by Gussprint and The Huntress

Shooting Ray sprite by Gussprint

M-15A "Bradley" (Ptolemaic) sprite by Gussprint

Nop-03 "Sarubia" (Ptolemaic) sprite by Gussprint

R-Shobu (Ptolemaic) sprite by @$$h0l3

Ptolemaic Slug sprites by Gussprint and The Huntress

Black Hound and mortar bomb sprites by Gussprint and The Huntress

Hover Vehicle sprite and SFX sprites by Gussprint and The Huntress

APC sprite by Gussprint

Mission 4-1 sprite by The Huntress

Weapon SFX and fire bomb sprites by Gussprint

[thesilliestrovingalive]

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