thesilliestrovingalive

[thesilliestrovingalive]

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]

mmfsjxgmdbmgs,f

lineless

[thesilliestrovingalive]

Reworked Character #23: Rumi Aikawa

POTENTIAL TRIGGER: Viewer discretion is advised due to references to drug addiction, SA, sexual harassment, death, and torture.

Real name: Rumiko Aikawa

Alias: Wandering Ghost

Occupation: Sergeant, battle supplier, and nurse of the Regular Army and Honorary Corporal of the Intelligence Agency

Retirement plans: To start a charity that helps families in need of medical care and open a car garage

Special skills: Running, piloting helicopters, excellent visual acuity, knowledge of paramedicine, and proficiency in food rationing and car repairments

Hobbies: Collecting floral accessories, making homemade ice cream, swapping photos on ID cards, organising the supplies in her backpack, and naming every animal she encounters on her walks

Likes: Reading supernatural horror manga and simplistic poetry during a picnic on a sunny day, using underhanded tactics against enemies, peaceful strolls with Clark, pleasure walks, and Madoka

Dislikes: Bleakness, dangerous animals, accidentally headbutting people, starving and sick soldiers, and being confined in an empty and spacious room

Favourite food: Manneken waffles and chicken nanban

Sexuality: Questioning

Gender: Female

Age: 25 (in 2022), 31 (in 2028), 33 (in 2030), 35 (in 2032), 37 (in 2034), 44 (in 2041), 46 (in 2043), 47 (in 2044), and 50 (in 2047)

Blood type: AB+

Weight: 106 lbs. (48 kg)

Design: She’s a 5’ 2” (157.48 cm) Japanese ectomorph with a rectangular body shape, sloping shoulders, subtle muscle tone, and slightly curvaceous breasts and hips. She originally had honey brown hair styled with tight, dramatic, oversized corkscrew curls that reached halfway down her back, paired with layered sides featuring voluminous waves that fell just below her bust. She had tanned rose beige skin, and her eyes were a sparkling blue-green. After her digital consciousness was transferred into a cybernetic body, due to her human body suffering irreversible damage, she underwent slight physical changes. Her new form features pale ivory skin, a black mole beneath her right eyebrow, and brownish freckles scattered across her face, neck, and hands. She has seemingly lifeless, heterochromatic eyes: her right eye is a leaf green, while her left eye is a sky blue. While her hairstyle is the exact same as Rumi's Metal Slug Attack portrait, her hair is a sandy blonde hue.

Her synthetic flesh retains the same scars as her old body, a reminder of her clumsiness and combat ineptness. Her lower legs are scarred with scrapes, while her thighs and upper arms are marred by numerous self-inflicted cuts. Her upper back and buttocks are covered in whip marks and knife cuts. Additionally, she has a slightly curved scar that extends from the middle of her levator scapulae muscle to the top of her thyrohyoid membrane.

When working as a nurse, Rumi wears a sterile white scrub top and a nurse's cap bearing a scarlet red cross. She dons Munsell purple cargo shorts that reach mid-thigh and are secured by a black belt with a silvery white snap-on buckle. On her right upper arm, she dons a Persian orange armband displaying the Regular Army logo. Her outfit is completed with black knee pads, Persian pink mid-calf socks, and fern green paratrooper boots with khaki laces.

When working as a battle supplier, Rumi wears a khaki blouse with rolled up sleeves and two breast pockets, tucked into a pair of mid-thigh maroon cargo army shorts. A rufous belt with a silver buckle secures her cargo shorts around her waist, and a walkie-talkie is tucked into the left pocket. She also wears the same armband as her nurse uniform, knee-length mindaro socks, forest green wristbands, and spike-soled rufous paratrooper boots, secured with bone-white laces.

When working as a fighter, Rumi wears E-Armour, a dark brown drop-leg holster for her electrical baton, and rugged, low-profile black combat boots featuring grippy soles. She wears khaki beige tactical gloves with grip palms, secured by forest green wristbands. Her black utility belt holds a holster for her Hamada Type II semi-automatic pistol, a sheath for her combat knife, eight mocha pouches for 7.65mm Browning cartridges, and a Persian orange waist pack containing flashbangs and her walkie-talkie. She wears a medium-sleeved maroon shirt and cargo army pants featuring an asphalt black, dirty grey, cordovan, and raw umber camouflage pattern. She accessorises with the same armband from her nurse and supplier uniforms.

She always carries an enormous forest green load-bearing backpack full of essential supplies, including maps, food rations, ammunition, and weapons. The backpack features two large side pockets, each adorned with scarlet square patches bearing a white cross emblem. It contains a first-aid kit, a bottle full of Captagon oral tablets, a russet-and-fallow teddy bear wearing a Cobalt blue business tie and missing its left arm, and the same canteen of water featured in Rumi's Metal Slug Tactics portrait.

She wears a tang blue tube bra and panties, and has two hololith bracelets: the right wrist features a thick bluish-white band, while the left wrist has a thinner redwood one. She occasionally wears a Hawaiian flower lei around her neck, adorned with ten artificial peach blossoms. Her ponytail is secured with a sage green hairband, which features two artificial Viola mandshurica on the left side.

Character summary: She's known for being boisterous and talking incessantly, both on and off duty, and isn't afraid to sass back to superior officers when she thinks they're being too harsh. This often irritates some people, who shut her down immediately, like Marco, or ignore her because they can't stand the constant chatter, like Eri. However, others like Tarma and Fio are more tolerant, even finding occasional amusement in her passionate and rambling monologues. They're either desensitised to her talkative nature and sassy attitude or know how to respectfully put her in her place when she goes too far. She appreciates it when people genuinely listen to her and engage in conversation as she often feels like she's having one-sided discussions.

She struggles with kenophobia (fear of empty spaces), agoraphobia, severe abandonment issues, and unresolved trauma. She's mentally exhausted, cynical about the world around her, and bitter as she struggles to come to terms with a couple of lingering regrets. Rumi is prone to misery and guilt whenever she makes a mistake with lasting consequences. She's emotionally sensitive and cries easily when feeling scared and overwhelmed, but she makes an effort to conceal this vulnerable side from others. Due to the trauma she suffered during the Arms Deal Barrage and Great Morden War, she has secretly developed an addiction to fenethylline, never daring to share her struggle with others for fear of ostracism. Although she's trying to distance herself from it, the stimulant's effects—heightened confidence, physical performance, and alertness—are traits she highly values as a soldier and agent striving for excellence.

She does her best to keep her personal problems from getting her down, often appearing bright, cheerful, and happy-go-lucky. She often has a gentle smile plastered across her face, and she's very outgoing and extroverted. Although she often comes across as blunt and a bit abrasive, she's actually a thoughtful and caring person with a genuine concern for the health and well-being of her family, friends, and comrades. She'll selflessly put herself in harm's way to protect her loved ones and fight alongside her comrades in the most desperate of times. She's remarkably generous, readily offering assistance to those in need and providing vital supplies to her comrades in times of desperation. Notably, she has even been known to extend aid to her enemies, particularly when they're genuinely struggling, demonstrating her compassionate nature and recognition of their shared humanity.

She always becomes very embarrassed and anxious whenever she gives away certain supplies to the enemy and is quickly discovered by her allies. When this occurs, she manages to avoid suspicion by acting terrified and feigning innocence, insisting that the enemy forced her to give up valuable supplies. On Valentine's Day, both enemies and allies know her for giving out free chocolate treats that she bought herself to anyone she encounters.

She’s a handy mechanic who can be somewhat reckless and impatient at times, particularly when faced with excessive waiting periods, but overall, she remains cautious and tolerant. She's a bit of a klutz, often finding herself tripping over her own feet, randomly falling on her butt or accidentally headbutting people when she's in the process of standing up. She's a people-pleaser with a strong work ethic, but this sometimes gives way to a slightly egotistical streak. She tends to view herself as more hard-working than others and believes she plays a crucial role in the survival and successes of the Regular Army soldiers and Intelligence Agency agents. She's generally adaptable to change and is quick to apologise when she recognizes her mistakes. She likes pretty flowers and gentle animals, but is anxious around dangerous ones, which remind her of intimidating people.

She has a habit of adding the Japanese honorific "-san" to inanimate objects, believing that they should be treated with care and respect. She tends to drool in her sleep and has a habit of sleeping with three blankets, regardless of the temperature. She has a habit of trying to make dramatic entrances, but they never seem to go as planned. Due to her absent-mindedness and poor sense of direction, she frequently becomes disoriented on the battlefield, often wandering aimlessly. She's extremely loyal to the Regular Army, rarely questioning their motives, and dedicated to aiding them in their successes and protecting confidential information.

She has impressive arm strength, capable of tossing multiple grenades with ease from a distance, a skill she takes great pride in. She's not a very competent fighter and often resorts to nervously flailing her arms when in close combat. However, when she's deadly serious and very focused, she can fight exceptionally well, particularly by utilising knife fighting, grenade tactics, and exploiting her enemies' physical vulnerabilities to her advantage. She possesses superior stealth abilities compared to most of her comrades, rivaling those of Clark, Red Eye, and Tequila.

She looks up to Clark as a father figure and appreciates the support he provides, making her feel cherished. Whenever he's available, she enjoys talking to him for hours about various topics and listens intently as Clark shares stories about his day and imparts his knowledge on different subjects, gained from library books and personal experiences. Interestingly, Rumi sometimes confuses Clark with her former friend, Alexander Suvorov, due to their similar physical appearance and the fatherly energy they both possess.

She maintains a strong friendship with Red Eye, whom she deeply admires for her exceptional skills as a seasoned S.P.A.R.R.O.W.S. agent, drawing inspiration from her to become a better military woman herself. Her bond with Shufen is particularly strong as she has grown extremely fond of this personality. She finds it challenging to connect with Ruoxi due to her extreme trust issues and her initially aloof and ruthless treatment. However, she respects Ruoxi for giving her a chance and showing a more empathetic and tender side. As for Liddy, she gets along with her reasonably well, although she often finds her mischievous and hedonistic tendencies frustrating.

She’s on good terms with Celaphios, appreciating his willingness to listen to whatever is on her mind. However, she only shares conversations about her day and personal experiences with him because she doesn’t want to cause unnecessary concern. Rumi is grateful that Celaphios is willing to aid her in distributing supplies to deployed soldiers and fight alongside her when she needs it the most. She deeply cares about her older sister, Madoka, and enjoys spending time with her by going on nature walks, frequenting restaurants, and visiting amusement parks. She’s worried about her health, especially when Madoka is deployed on the battlefield or hasn’t been seen or heard from for a couple of days. She views her as glamorous and won't tolerate anyone who shamelessly insults her. She always helps her out, no matter what, even when Madoka is completely intoxicated.

Backstory: Rumiko Aikawa was born on January 18, 1997 in Kyoto, Japan. A month before she was born, her parents divorced for reasons that were never disclosed, possibly due to a strained relationship. As a result, she never knew her father. Her mother, Honoka, avoids discussing him, seemingly wanting to erase him from her memory. Rumi and Madoka spent their childhood in a small apartment, a one-hour bus ride from their school. Honoka worked tirelessly to provide for her daughters, taking on multiple part-time jobs that offered decent pay, even if it meant commuting long distances to earn a good income. Although she rarely had time to spend quality time with her daughters or help them with school, she made the most of the free time she had, teaching them valuable life lessons and essential skills like cooking and doing laundry.

At the age of 10, she developed a fascination with the inner workings of everyday items. She would frequently disassemble and reassemble toys and appliances, carefully observing their distinct mechanical components. Rumi can vividly recall the time when Honoka came home and walked into the kitchen to see her taking apart the toaster and Madoka cleaning the dirty parts. Her mother was very displeased, stating that their toaster was expensive and would be difficult to replace at a decent price. She confidently told her mother that she could fix it and easily reassembled the toaster in under an hour, while Honoka was getting settled. Later, when making breakfast for dinner, Honoka went to use the toaster to toast some bread and was pleasantly surprised that it worked properly. From then on, she never doubted Rumi's repair skills again.

Her family's new neighbour, a U.S. immigrant who lived across the hall from their apartment, turned out to be a car mechanic. According to her, his name was Phil, a caring, passionate, and introspective person seeking work in Japan. When he discovered Rumi's fascination with mechanical complexity during a conversation with Honoka, he began teaching her basic car repair skills, including how to fix a car engine.

A month after her 13th birthday, her mother developed heart failure, forcing her to reduce her work hours and rely on Madoka and Rumi for support. Inspired by Madoka's dedication to caring for Honoka and her determination to keep their mother alive, Rumi went out of her way to earn money, mainly by babysitting neighbours' pets or young children. At 16, she became involved in her school's tutor program, which provided her with an opportunity to earn extra money. As her older sister's physical health declined near the end of high school, Rumi took on various odd jobs to support her family's well-being. After graduating, she enrolled in a university paramedicine program, hoping her knowledge would help her family. However, the high costs of tuition and living expenses forced her to drop out after 10 months.

As things grew desperate and she worried that the health of her mother and Madoka was deteriorating rapidly, she made the decision to join the Regular Army, hoping they might be able to accommodate her. She enlisted in the Regular Army, so that Honoka and Madoka can make use of their medical facilities for treatment. However, a paperwork error during training led to her unexpected deployment to the frontlines in Iraq. Despite being under-trained, she proved herself by covertly capturing resources from enemy forces and redistributing them to Regular soldiers. She also repaired tanks that had sustained minor damage and provided first aid to numerous Regular soldiers. She emerged from the battle unscathed, and her actions caught the attention of Chris Key, Captain of the Intelligence Agency.

Chris Key, a British immigrant residing in Vietnam, was a member of an organisation that advocated national liberation in South America. He invited her to join the Intelligence Agency, and she eagerly accepted. She quickly formed a close friendship with Chris, who also mentored her in military matters. She soon came to admire him greatly, noting that he possessed a will of iron and would stop at nothing to achieve his objectives. Chris also played a role in shaping Rumi's brighter and more cheerful personality, emphasising that an optimistic mindset and a pleasant smile can be incredibly powerful.

Upon completing her training, she requested to serve as a supplier and nurse, a role unexpectedly approved. Since then, she has packed her army-issued backpack with an incredible amount of supplies, delivering them to friendly forces on the battlefield with the hopes of aiding in their victory. However, due to being horrible at remembering directions, she often wanders off to anywhere there's a path and seemingly appears and disappears out of thin air. This has led to a few unfortunate encounters with enemies. Fortunately, she usually escapes unharmed. On occasion, if she notices her adversaries struggling to survive, she secretly provides them with a few essential supplies. As a nurse, she regularly tends to hospitalised Regular soldiers and even special forces operatives, ensuring they return to top physical condition.

During the Arms Deal Barrage, she was deployed to the frontlines by Donald Morden to provide essential supplies to Red Eye and Tequila, who were facing shortages of food rations and ammunition. Upon arriving at Mt. Snow, a snowy, mountainous region serving as the fortified lines for the Serapion Fellowship, she became disoriented, having forgotten the directions provided by Morden. While looking at the map and frantically searching for Red Eye and Tequila, she was ambushed by a small group of masked soldiers, who destroyed her walkie-talkie.

She was imprisoned in a spacious but unheated hut and subjected to torture, including cutting, threatening to slit her throat open, and inappropriate touching, in an attempt to extract information about current Regular Army operations. She withstood the interrogation for hours, refusing to reveal any confidential information, until her captors eventually gave up. They then stole some of her supplies and locked her inside the hut. After a Frontal Attack was performed with the SV-000 to break open the hut, she was rescued by Red Eye and Tequila. In return, she gave them the supplies they desperately needed. Out of immense gratitude, she gifted Tequila E-Armour and provided a new one to Red Eye, replacing her well-worn and damaged one.

Following the events of the Arms Deal Barrage, she was promoted to Private. Her superiors recognised her invaluable support for Red Eye and Tequila as well as her bravery in maintaining secrecy to ensure the success of their attack on the Serapion Fellowship. This is also when she met Alexander Suvorov, 1st Lieutenant of the Intelligence Agency, after she accidentally headbutted him in the cafeteria and apologised. Alexander politely accepted the apology, but sternly and vaguely warned her to be careful next time. She learned from Chris Key that when he was a 2nd Lieutenant, he suffered an incident in which he was betrayed by a fellow agent and close friend, making him extremely distrustful of humanity. As a result of this, he wasn’t able to form a team with anyone and was transferred to the Intelligence Agency, where he achieved numerous achievements through his solo espionage activities. He reassured her that he’s a very kind and compassionate guy, but it would take some time to earn his trust.

Six months prior to the Great Morden War, she forged a friendship with Alexander, although it was a bit strained due to his mistrust of unfamiliar individuals. She held him in high esteem as a highly skilled agent, a proud and courageous leader, and a paternal figure. She discovered that he was a Russian immigrant who had relocated to the United Kingdom in pursuit of a better life. One week into the Great Morden War, Rumi, Chris, Alexander, and eight seasoned Intelligence Agency agents received a mission to identify the locations of civilians and allies being exploited as human shields. This unethical tactic, orchestrated by General Morden, involved the Rebel Infantrymen capturing and strategically positioning innocent individuals in the line of fire, effectively deterring the Regular Army from launching any reckless attacks.

However, Rumi's team was assigned to an operation where they would disguise themselves as working-class civilian POWs to provide support to allies on the frontlines. The operation was delayed when the disguised Intelligence Agency agents were ambushed and captured by Rebel Infantrymen, and subsequently thrown into a prison camp. Chris devised an escape plan, but Alexander cautioned him that one of the captives was a Rebel spy, prompting everyone to exercise extreme caution. To uncover the spy's identity, Chris ordered everyone to salute. Rumi quickly identified the spy, noticing their hesitation to comply. The group successfully apprehended the spy, binding them with rope, with Alexander speculating that they might be a brainwashed rookie.

After escaping the prison camp undetected, they found themselves still trapped in enemy territory. Rumi sensed that their return to friendly territory would be challenging as the heavily guarded iron bridge was their only viable option. In a desperate bid for cover, they used a hollowed, abandoned tank spotted by Chris and Rumi. They made a break for the bridge, dodging sniper fire and explosions along the way. Having successfully crossed the bridge unscathed, they soon realised they were still stuck in enemy territory with the Rebel Army's movements growing increasingly busy.

Chris had the opportunity to part ways with his comrades and resume his original mission, but he felt that would be unwise, given the strong bonds he had formed with them. However, Rumi and Alexander were forced to bid farewell to Chris and the others as they had received new mission orders. Before departing, they wished their friends a safe return and hoped that their paths would cross again once the operation was over. Rumi, Alexander, and a handpicked group of Regular soldiers adopted similar working-class civilian disguises and intentionally surrendered to the Rebels. Their mission was to gather vital information on enemy operations and serve as a location point for Marco's team. However, after a week in captivity, Rumi got tired of waiting for Marco’s team to arrive and rallied the group to leave.

Alexander stopped Rumi, accusing her of being a reckless and giddy idiot, but she retorted, confident that she could find Marco's team. She ran off towards where she thought Marco's team was, sincerely hoping they were not far. However, she ended up going in the wrong direction and walked into the Rebel's side of the battlefield. She would be reunited with Chris and five Intelligence Agency agents, who were badly injured after being viciously attacked by drug-crazed Rebel Army fanatics that killed and cannibalised three of their comrades. A group of Rebels on patrol in the area took notice of their presence and managed to corner them by scaring them off with gunfire, explosive cacti, and grenades. They would be captured and imprisoned in an abandoned warehouse that the Rebels were using as a strategic location. Before interrogation began, they managed to get their hands on Alexander and his group, who had taken notice of Rumi's strange absence and went out to rescue her.

They were ruthlessly tortured as the Rebel Army desperately sought to extract vital information that would aid them in their fight. Despite the brutality, they remained firm in their dedication to protecting the Regular Army's confidential information. The Rebel soldiers' torture methods escalated to genital mutilation, breaking fingers, aggressive beatings, and whipping. Rumi was then forced to witness the gruesome execution of her two friends: Chris was shot in the head at point-blank range and Alexander was beheaded with a machete. At this point, the Rebels grew tired of the silence and decided to exploit Rumi and four captured comrades to alleviate their boredom and vent their hatred for the Regular Army. She suffered severe injuries, including head trauma from being struck against a wall three times, a broken left arm, and severed feet. Additionally, she was subjected to starvation and dehydration on two occasions and was raped multiple times.

After a couple of torturous weeks, Rumi and her surviving comrades were rescued by the Magpies, who slaughtered their tormentors and called for immediate medical care. They were then escorted out of the abandoned warehouse by a group of nearby Regular soldiers and transported to the medical facilities at the Joint Military Operations Headquarters. She received medical care, being heavily bandaged, with each wound thoroughly cleaned. She was surprised to have survived the atrocities she endured, but the cost was high: losing two good friends, a burden she strongly felt responsible for. She couldn't help but wish she could turn back time and stay by Alexander's side instead of acting recklessly.

Madoka and her mother visited Rumi, who was showing some physical improvement, but they were shocked and devastated by her crippled state. Later, Marco, Tarma, Eri, and Fio came to see her, visibly upset by her ordeal and their hatred for the Rebel Army burned deeper as a result. Rumi recalled Marco telling her that he couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt for not meeting up with her and Alexander because his team was being pursued by Rebel Infantrymen. He also expressed frustration that their superiors hadn't informed them that Rumi's group had been sent to provide backup. Marco and Tarma delivered the news that Red Eye had been killed by General Morden, sending Rumi's emotional turmoil into overdrive.

Determined to keep one of their best nurses and suppliers alive, the Regular Army higher-ups obtained consent from Rumi and her family to give her a second chance at life. They then ordered their scientists and engineers to design a reliable cyborg body, which would be provided to Rumi once it was completed. To ensure her efforts weren’t in vain, she received a dual promotion: Corporal of the Regular Army and Intelligence Agency. After almost three weeks, Rumi's digital consciousness would be updated before being transferred to her newly finished cyborg body. She described her new body as feeling liberating and was overjoyed that she could move again. However, her trauma remained, and it was overwhelming, causing her to try to clear her mind by appearing more jovial. Unfortunately, she would soon develop an addiction to fenethylline, a mistake she deeply regrets. Her superiors offered her the opportunity to resign and return to civilian life, but she declined, believing she had passed the point of no return.

During the Extraterrestrial Alliance Clash, she was deployed in Riyadh before being kidnapped by the Arabian Infantry. They placed her inside a 3-Ton Utility Truck, where the Rebels used her as a temporary pack mule. She had a brief encounter with Abul Abbas, who attempted to woo her. However, she rejected his advances, bluntly telling him off, and he subsequently left her alone. Rumi was freed by Marco's new team and Hyakutaro, whom she supplied with weapons and ammunition. Later, she was deployed at the Ajirabian Ruins as Marco's team was running low on food. However, she got lost and ventured deep into the ancient pyramid. Eventually, she was found, provided Marco's team with the supplies they needed, and was then redirected to a nearby group of Regular soldiers who required medical aid.

She was dispatched to resupply Marco's team with weapons and explosives because they had depleted their ammunition and bombs. She made a swift stop to aid them, providing them with bombs, Heavy Machine Guns, and Laser Guns during their intense battle against the Dragon Nosuke. Additionally, she handed over two gas canisters when their Slug Flyer and SV-001 unexpectedly ran out of fuel mid-fight. After completing her mission, Rumi returned to the Regular Army Helicopter to await further orders on her next deployment. She was deployed in New Godokin City, where she entered a subway tunnel. There, she encountered two intoxicated, gossiping Rebels who sexually harassed and catcalled her. She defended herself, using her combat knife to inflict lethal injuries by targeting the major veins located on the neck. She was later found by Marco's team, who redirected her to locate Division 6 and ensure their safety.

She was deployed to a South Pacific island owned by the Peregrine Falcons Squad to oversee the final training of their latest cadet batch, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted process, free from potential Rebel disturbances. She was also authorised to provide assistance to any struggling cadets she encountered. However, her mission took an unexpected turn when she became lost in the jungle. There, she had a brief encounter with Logan, who initially attempted to kill her but ultimately spared her life, deeming her a waste of time. She also reluctantly provided food and medical aid to a contingent of starving and ailing Rebel Infantrymen, led by Ferdinand, who had also become lost in the jungle.

Once the Survival Island Occupation began and Division 6 arrived at the archipelago, Rumi decided to join the fight. Rumi proved herself to be a capable fighter while also serving as the primary supplier and medic for her comrades. During the mission to secure the base storing the Cabracan, she conducted reconnaissance to gather intel on enemy positions. However, she became disoriented and inadvertently stole food from the Rebel Army's special forces. Following the successful completion of the Survival Island Occupation, Rumi was promoted to Sergeant of the Regular Army.

[thesilliestrovingalive]

He loves her

[thesilliestrovingalive]

Metal Slug (1996) メタルスラッグ

NeoGeo Arcade Cabinet (MVS)

Metal Slug was developed by ex-Irem members at the Nazca Corporation studio. The team combined the frantic shooting style of its previous games (R-Type, In the Hunt, and Gunforce) with lessons learned during development, creating a final product that has become iconic in gameplay and graphics.

While originally created for Neo-Geo arcade machine hardware (MVS) and the Neo-Geo home game console (AES) hardware, the original games have also been ported to other consoles and mobile platforms throughout the years, with several later games created for various other platforms.

[thesilliestrovingalive]

Their 2nd born :,))

Their first born is a boy so the Germi family name still stays strong 💪

[thesilliestrovingalive]

Peanuts and Metal slug collab? Hell yeah

[thesilliestrovingalive]

Updated: April 7, 2025

Headcanons/fun facts for the Iron Eclipse cast vol. 5

Besides engaging in hobbies and other relaxing activities, what does the Iron Eclipse cast do to calm down?

Marco: He either works on his latest software project or finds a secluded spot in nature to admire its beauty. Once he finds the perfect spot, he reflects on happier times, looks at the old photograph he still carries with him, and contemplates what his father would do in a difficult situation.

Tarma: He either hugs the people he cares about the most or lets his mind wander to his unique interests and feelings about loved ones to distract himself from frustration.

Eri, Doctor Amadeus, Heidern, President Marx, Midori, Hilde Garn, Pocke, Celaphios, Torquil, Harvie, Amilcare, and Yohanes: They have no relaxation techniques worth noting

Fio: She either bakes simple treats, fiddles with Peppino, hangs out with Tarma or practices breathing exercises.

Trevor: He either smokes cannabis and chews on a couple of edibles, quietly admires his knives or listens to the Ecco the Dolphin and Ecco: The Tides of Time soundtracks. He occasionally listens to K-pop music that he finds humorously cheesy, which makes him laugh and serves as a distraction from his frustrations.

Nadia: She either makes detailed shopping lists, thinks about food or draws adorable, stylised animal doodles in her sketchbook.

Ralf: He either goes to the bar with friends and gets intoxicated, enthusiastically discusses his favourite action movies and anime shows with Clark or practices his close-quarters combat skills on trees. He occasionally watches baseball games and plays with the local children before telling them fun stories.

Clark: He either goes fishing to catch and release fish, looks through his photo album or cuddles and plays with his cats. He rarely plays rugby and sometimes gazes at the magnolia he carries, reminiscing about the good times he shared with comrades he lost in battle.

Tequila: He either reads apocryphal biblical texts, frequents nearly empty churches to pray or looks at the photographs he carries on his person and in his Polaroid camera.

Gimlet: He either looks at pornography magazines and admires the beauty of women or engages in intense physical release by punching and ripping pillows. Occasionally, he has insightful conversations with his adopted father and prays to God when alone. Rarely, he collects seashells to give to others and whistles random tunes while skipping rocks or daydreaming about Sagan and Alisa.

Red Eye: As Ruoxi, she has no relaxation techniques worth noting. As Shufen, besides playing her banhu, she either mumbles Buddhist mantras, shares herbal teas with loved ones or studies neuropsychology. As Liddy, she either attempts to recall birds she's seen, reminisces about amusing life moments or enjoys luxurious shopping and dining experiences.

General Morden: He either spends time with his exotic pets, plays the piano, checks in on his soldiers or retreats to his office to read classical literature and enjoy a couple of glasses of Scotch whisky. Additionally, he dedicates considerable focus to developing meticulous plans alongside Sagan, Logan, and Allen O'Neil.

Allen O’Neil: He either reminisces about the good times with his family and General Morden, lifts weights or plays simple board games while engaging in humorous banter with Sagan.

Ptolemaios: He enjoys meditating in dark places and carefully observing the rituals of his cult and current world events.

Rootmars: She either immerses herself in conducting scientific experiments on abducted livestock or visits remote, unoccupied places on Earth to admire the untouched natural beauty.

Invader King: He either sleeps in his cocoon and stops asexually reproducing for an entire day or eats the regurgitated larvae that he biologically produces.

Walter: He either plays his keytar, smokes from his bong, spends quality time with friends or snuggles with Tyra.

Tyra: She either plays with Angelica, counts the clouds in the sky until she loses track or plays with her hair. Additionally, she enjoys listening to song recommendations from Walter and Trevor.

Hyakutaro: He likes to study the history of martial arts and spend quality time with his twin brother and three cousins.

Allen Jr.: He enjoys creating music with Walter and calling Julia to catch up and discuss various topics.

Pupipi: She often studies the complex anatomy and psychology of humans and wildlife. She also enjoys taking leisurely hour-long strolls through forests and mountains.

Sophia: She either checks in on Marco to see how he's doing or researches various seafood dishes and cooking methods.

Margaret: She either flirts with cadets and new recruits, discusses her gardening ventures with Tequila or goes shopping for more orchid seeds.

Rumi: She either goes for a light jog with Madoka at the local park or reminisces about the good times she had with her older sister and her late friends, Chris and Alexander.

Madoka: She either studies the field of medicine, does cardio exercises or thinks about the different ways she can kill a person with a bazooka.

Leona: She likes to check in on Roberto to discuss various subjects and see how he's doing. She occasionally goes stargazing with Marco or bar hopping with Ralf and Clark.

Alisa Stewart: She either gently caresses her trusty wrench, gazes up at the sky to admire its beauty or gathers inspiration for her latest engineering projects.

Nathalie Neo: She often chats with Ralf about random things and enjoys a couple of drinks with him as a way to take her mind off her current frustrations. She also practices her aim by shooting paradummies borrowed by Walter or at trees and rocks during solo walks in the forest.

Roberto Nicola: He often gives himself motivational speeches to calm down and get something done, even if they sound corny. When he needs comfort, he turns to Fio and enjoys sharing a couple of her sweets and a cup of iced tea with her.

Avatar of Evil: They either devour the emotions of people they deem the most evil and annoying or hum melodious tunes while silently observing the current events of the universe.

Sol Dae Rokker: He either burns bushes, meticulously counts every stone used to build the Oro Sol Ruins until he loses interest or playfully drops a snake on his followers from the sky to see their reactions.

MS-Alice: She either likes to rewatch the best memories she has experienced since Marco brought her to life or listens to Nadia's ramblings about fashion, forensic science, piloting, and art. Occasionally, she enjoys pondering the meaning of existence with Wysteria and Celaphios.

Nayutaro: He either practices progressive muscle relaxation or studies and masters new martial arts and ninjutsu techniques.

Issenmantaro: He either flexes the muscles in his hands and fingers, braids his cousins' hair or practices new martial arts techniques with Hyakutaro.

Nanahyakumantaro: He either practices his roundhouse kicks or browses funny raven and crow images.

Happyakumantaro: He either thinks about the relaxing atmosphere of the beach or considers which cocktail recipe he should try next.

Abul Abbas: He either indulges in gambling and drinking or embarks on solitary camel rides in the desert with his most trusted accomplices. On occasion, he playfully flirts with Sagan and the female soldiers of the Rebel Army.

Macba: He either scrolls through dating apps or polishes his boomerang-like blades.

Wired: He either tallies his stockpile of grenades and bullets or engages in arm-wrestling matches with Macba.

Oghma: He either enjoys 20-minute sensory deprivation flotation sessions or explores various wine flavours, documenting his thoughts on each one in his journal.

Zoilo: He either listens to nature sounds with binaural beats or chats with Macba about their home life and work frustrations.

Anastasia: She reads books on ancient Greek culture and esoteric philosophical ideas, while unwinding with 30-minute aromatherapy sessions.

Wysteria: She enjoys visiting the serene cerulean lake near the Sparrowhawk Operations Base, which is lined with broad-leaved trees, a few conifers, and a variety of flowers with primroses being particularly prominent. She also enjoys fidgeting with the handle of her whip and cleaning her Desert Eagle in a field of wildflowers on a sunny day.

Dilovar: He appreciates reflecting on the things he's grateful for in life. He also enjoys lying down on the grass to take deep breaths and reminisce about cherished moments with friends and past victories over adversaries.

Sagan: She either playfully flirts with her platoon of men, touches up her makeup, go on a smoke break or competes against Logan for fun in a drinking contest. Additionally, she engages in rigorous and intense tactical training exercises.

Logan: He either devises tactical plans, goes antiquing, has a smoke with Sagan and General Morden or improves his flexibility and combative strength by doing gymnastics and boxing.

Guilherme: He either wonders how Janaina is doing or spends his time watching Torquil fine-tune cars and tanks, discussing random topics with him.

Ferdinand: He either showers his pets with loving attention or painfully pinches his cheeks for 2 minutes straight.

Mikuláš: He practices mindfulness by finding a quiet space in nature to sit and focus on his breathing, which helps him centre himself. There are times when he attends church to pray to God, focusing on the good things in his life.

Gyeong-Hui: She looks away, either up at the sky or down at the ground, takes deep, calming breaths, and gently clicks her tongue. She occasionally makes sock puppets and sometimes engages in light-hearted discussions about Dezső and her friends with Ferumox β.

Thandolwethu: She likes to think about cattle while collecting rocks and arranging them in a circle.

Ekaterini: She likes to go to beaches where there are few to no people around and draw random patterns in the sand.

Souma: He either does 10-minute yoga sessions or forces himself to yawn six times.

Juozapas: He either engages in intense physical exercise to release endorphins and clear his mind or plays with his beloved dog for a couple of hours.

Priyanka: She enjoys going on long walks in nature, appreciating the tranquility and beauty around her. She sometimes likes to visit Buddhist temples with Yohanes and discuss any TV shows or movies they have watched recently.

Zdravko: He likes to spend 15 minutes sitting at the edge of a body of water, finding the rhythm of nature to be soothing and grounding.

Dezső: He excessively daydreams about Gyeong-Hui until his face turns as red as a tomato while fiddling with his thumbs.

What are the padlock combinations for Marco's team to unlock their lockers in the Sparrowhawk Operations Base?

Marco: 5-9-21

Tarma: 4-8-22

Eri: 7-3-24

Fio: 6-10-23

Trevor: 13-2-9

Nadia: 28-15-7

Ralf: 1-30-18

Clark: 8-10-29

Tequila: 7-17-27

Gimlet: 6-16-26

Red Eye: 25-15-5

Mikuláš: 2-7-25

Gyeong-Hui: 5-14-2

Thandolwethu: 4-19-16

Harvie: 2-30-18

Amilcare: 8-6-25

Ekaterini: 3-19-27

Souma: 6-28-7

Juozapas: 17-24-3

Priyanka: 9-5-30

Yohanes: 7-21-13

Zdravko: 6-15-4

Dezső: 14-26-7

What is the love language for the Iron Eclipse cast?

Marco, Trevor, Madoka, Alisa Stewart, Wired, and Thandolwethu: Acts of service and quality time

Tarma, Tyra, Allen Jr., Pupipi, Leona, and Zdravko: Acts of service, words of affirmation, quality time, and physical touch

Eri and Nayutaro: Acts of service and words of affirmation

Fio, Roberto Nicola, President Marx, and Gyeong-Hui: Words of affirmation, quality time, and gifts

Nadia, Rumi, and Amilcare: Quality time and gifts

Ralf, Gimlet, Sophia, Nathalie Neo, Macba, and Harvie: Words of affirmation, quality time, and physical touch

Clark and Yohanes: Acts of service, words of affirmation, and quality time

Tequila, Heidern, and Celaphios: Acts of service, quality time, and physical touch

Red Eye: Words of affirmation and quality time (as Ruoxi), acts of service and physical touch (as Shufen), and words of affirmation, quality time, and gifts (as Liddy)

General Morden, Margaret, Dilovar, and Ferdinand: Acts of service, quality time, physical touch, and gifts

Allen O’Neil, Rootmars, Walter, Hyakutaro, and Torquil: All five love languages

Doctor Amadeus and Sagan: Words of affirmation, physical touch, and gifts

Ptolemaios and Invader King: Words of affirmation and gifts

Avatar of Evil and Sol Dae Rokker: They don’t have a love language worth noting

Midori, Pocke, and Zoilo: Quality time and physical touch

Issenmantaro and Ekaterini: Words of affirmation and quality time

Nanahyakumantaro and Juozapas: Physical touch and gifts

Happyakumantaro and Mikuláš: Acts of service, quality time, and gifts

Abul Abbas and Anastasia: Words of affirmation and gifts

Hilde Garn and Souma: Words of affirmation and physical touch

Macba and Zoilo: Quality time and physical touch

Oghma and Priyanka: Acts of service, words of affirmation, and gifts

Wysteria: She doesn’t understand love languages

Logan: Words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, and gifts

Guilherme and Dezső: Acts of service, words of affirmation, quality time, and gifts

[thesilliestrovingalive]

Juozapas, Priyanka, Yohanes, Zdravko, and Dezső

POTENTIAL TRIGGER WARNING: Viewer discretion is advised due to references to death, human experimentation, eugenics, SA, sexual harassment, transphobia, abandonment, child abuse, and kidnapping.

Juozapas

Real name: Jūratė Balčiūnas

Nickname: Juo and Zapa

Occupation: Peacekeeping troop for the Regular Army and a special forces operative for the Ptolemaic Army (formerly)

Retirement plans: Get the necessary requirements to work in the field of nuclear energy

Abilities: Due to the experiments he has undergone, he's highly resistant to nuclear radiation. His body can also harness and convert nuclear energy into a form of bio-energy. His bloodstream contains modified cells that can process radioactive materials, producing heat. This heat is converted into electrical energy, which is directed to the lungs. There, it's mixed with oxygen, hydrogen, and methane, which are ignited upon exhalation, allowing him to breathe fire.

He possesses limited control over his metabolism, enabling him to flawlessly repair damaged tissues and regulate his body temperature to withstand extreme conditions. Additionally, he can enter a state of heightened metabolism, increasing his speed and agility to that of a cheetah. However, staying in this state for over 10 minutes significantly increases his hunger and fatigue.

Hobbies: Topiary, studying botany and physics during his leisure time, and going on wildflower trips and hot air balloon rides with his friends

Likes: Hope, making flirty attempts with comrades to simply tease them, and the beautiful companionship that people have with dogs

Dislikes: Eugenics, the destructive mishandling of nuclear energy, and being betrayed by those he holds closest and trusts the most

Favourite drink: Mead

Sexuality: Biromantic sapiosexual

Gender: Intersex and trans (identifies as a boy)

Age: 17 (in 2022), 23 (in 2028), 25 (in 2030), 27 (in 2032), 29 (in 2034), 36 (in 2041), 38 (in 2043), 39 (in 2044), and 42 (in 2047)

Design: He’s a 5’ 6” (167.64 cm) Lithuanian ectomorph of Russian and Swedish descent with a weak musculature and double incision top scars. He wears the Ptolemaic Army special forces operatives uniform, but with a distinctive right-side vermilion armband featuring the Regular Army insignia. His gas mask has yellow-tinted lenses, and he wears a flame-coloured belt with a silvery white buckle. He wears a left-side goldenrod drop leg holster, housing his Bersa Thunder 9, and a dark brown bandolier above his belt, stocked with .40 S&W cartridges for his semi-automatic pistol.

He has limestone skin, heterochromatic eyes (his right eye is light blue and his left eye is bronze), and reddish-brown freckles scattered across his face, neck, and hands. His hair, with its voluminous waves, falls above his waist, framing his face with medium-length, middle-parted bangs. He often styles his long platinum blonde hair into four braids.

Character summary: He's generally a passive individual, preferring to relax and take things slowly at his own pace. However, he occasionally becomes aggressive in response to chaotic situations, particularly when events seem to be spiraling out of control. Despite his deep care for everyone and everything, he often gets emotionally burnt out, leading others to misinterpret his exhaustion as apathy. Unlike Souma, he's extremely patient and daydreaming helps him block out the stresses of reality and prevents anger from getting the better of him. Even in the face of extreme difficulty and pessimism, he remains steadfast in his hope for positive change.

However, rare instances can prompt him to lose his composure and lash out, particularly if someone he cares about is being threatened, harmed or made uncomfortable. He has a lighthearted attitude and enjoys engaging in Souma's mischief and Harvie's jokes, often adding a touch of dramatic flair. As a shrewd and loyal opportunist, he's constantly on the lookout for the next great opportunity, seeking to advance his own interests, safeguard his identity and well-being, and protect his comrades. He has zero tolerance for betrayal because it fills him with overwhelming regret and a deep sense of rejection, particularly when perpetrated by someone he considers a loved one. He’s good friends with Harvie, Souma, and Priyanka, and has a cordial relationship with Gyeong-Hui.

Backstory: Jūratė Balčiūnas was born on November 24, 2005 in Visaginas, Lithuania. Her father, Motiejus Balčiūnas, a Lithuanian nuclear physicist, had a passion for ancient studies. Her mother, Synnöve Vinogradova, was a botanical researcher of Swedish and Russian descent. She grew up in a household where careful observation and patience were highly valued, taking precedence over hasty decision-making. Her workaholic parents were overprotective, often isolating her from society. They feared something terrible might happen and, as a result, only allowed her to go outside when one or both of them were available to supervise closely, ensuring her safety and shielding her from potentially corrupting influences. She was homeschooled by her parents, receiving instruction in core subjects like mathematics and writing as well as specialised topics related to their own fields of expertise. Additionally, her parents imparted their unconventional beliefs and values, which included militaristic ideologies.

Her childhood home, situated on the edge of dense Lithuanian pine forests, had a nearby greenhouse and an underground laboratory. Synnöve would study native plants in the surrounding forests. However, Jūratė was forbidden from entering the laboratory as her parents feared she might accidentally harm herself with the dangerous chemicals and scientific tools stored there. However, she was allowed to visit the greenhouse, which was filled with an array of beautiful plants from across Europe. Whenever she ventured outside, she would either play with Dovilas, the family's protective, energetic, and cuddly fawn brindle Estrela Mountain Dog puppy, or spend hours mesmerised by sunlight filtering through leaves. She discovered that the patterns found in nature helped her make sense of life's chaos. The forest became her first teacher, instructing her in the art of slowing down and revealing how growth unfolds imperceptibly yet inevitably.

Once the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant was decommissioned, Motiejus was out of a job as he used to work there. While her father navigated a career change and her mother helped him find reliable work, Jūratė intently watched this period of life transform a challenge into an opportunity. Her father transitioned into renewable energy consulting, while her mother expanded her research to include the rehabilitation of industrial sites through native plantings. When Motiejus' proposed renewable energy projects faced fierce opposition from traditional energy advocates, the family endured intense public scrutiny. However, this caught the attention of the Amadeus Syndicate, which decided to hire Motiejus to work on their nuclear energy tests, an offer he readily accepted.

Once she started menstruating at the age of nine, and a month before her tenth birthday in November, her parents revealed that she was a perfected clone of a woman who had become too politically powerful within the Earth Federation. The original was a female representative of Lithuania, related to the influential Balčiūnas family, known for their accomplishments in science and religious scholarship. The eggs and genetic material of this Lithuanian politician were implanted into Synnöve, making her a surrogate mother. Now that her parents were aware of Jūratė's menstruation, they decided it was nearly time to initiate her into the Ptolemaic Army and provide her with a sense of direction. Previously consumed by existential dread due to feelings of anonymity, she began to harbour a glimmer of hope at the prospect of forging her own unique identity.

At the age of 10, her parents freely handed control of their daughter to the Amadeus Syndicate, granting them access to their underground laboratory. She recalls feeling nauseous and afraid as she lay restrained on an operating table, surrounded by intimidating equipment, sterile surfaces, and harsh fluorescent lighting. Over the next three weeks, she endured painful experimentation, including the injection of unknown chemicals and multiple surgeries. These experiments resulted in altered physiology, which manifested as limited metabolism manipulation, nuclear radiation resistance, and the ability to breathe fire. Physical modifications also occurred, such as a more masculine build, Müllerian agenesis, and a malformed penis with hypospadias. Having reached her breaking point, she utilised her new abilities to escape the Amadeus Syndicate scientists and flee her family's home.

As she attempted to flee into the dense pine forests behind her family's home, she was promptly captured by her parents, who revealed themselves to be members of the believers, an elite cult within the Ptolemaic Army with close ties to Ptolemaios and Anastasia. This traumatic event would become her first betrayal, leaving emotional scars that would last a lifetime. Despite this, she held onto the hope that there were trustworthy individuals in the world, and that she would one day meet people who would remain loyal to her. She was indoctrinated into the Ptolemaic Army at a young age, initially serving as an organ harvester for the cult, and received training to become a special forces operative at 13.

During this time, she was treated as a man despite being born female, which led her to adopt a masculine identity and rename herself Juozapas to signify this life-changing milestone. However, he faced harassment and mistreatment from his comrades, who made lewd comments and engaged in unwanted physical contact, but he firmly stood up for himself and asserted her boundaries. Once he turned 16, he was reunited with Dovilas during a private visit from his father, who had undergone a significant transformation at the hands of his parents and the Amadeus Syndicate. Dovilas now resembled General Morden's wolf pet, Enobarbus, but retained his original build and fur coat. However, his transformation had also granted him prominent, fleshy fangs capable of delivering a venomous bite and a diminished need for eating and digestion. He can also breathe a ray of misty snow and freezing icicles that explode upon impact, encasing people in blocks of hard ice.

After a masked soldier attempted to sexually assault him, who had asked to borrow organs for a mission, Dovilas intervened and killed the assailant, prompting Juozapas to conclude that positive change was necessary. He joined Eri's short-lived revolt, which, although unsuccessful, he views as a partial success. The revolt reunited many individuals dissatisfied with the Ptolemaic Army, allowing them to fight together in solidarity. After the revolt, he decided to visit Nida, where he met a middle-aged red-haired, grey-eyed fisherman around his age. The fisherman, named Vaclovas, complimented how beautiful Dovilas looks, and they struck up a conversation about their future aspirations. Vaclovas even taught Juozapas how to fish, offering him encouraging words and wise advice on resilience and overcoming emotional turmoil. He was kind enough to offer Juozapas a place to stay in his home, and as a result, they became good roommates with a strong father-son bond.

Priyanka

Real name: Priyabrata Bhaumik

Nickname: Priya

Occupation: Peacekeeping troop and combat medic for the Regular Army and Hover Vehicle pilot and a special forces operative for the Ptolemaic Army (formerly)

Retirement plans: To become a horticulturist

Hobbies: Collecting Asian and Western cultural memorabilia that capture her attention, watching bad Bollywood movies after a stressful day, feeding stray cats

Likes: Respecting the wildlife, the core teachings of Krishna, and the fulfillment she feels from assisting sick and injured animals and people

Dislikes: Street violence, poorly made tea, and experiencing physical and sexual abuse due to her gender identity

Favourite food: Falooda and kala bhuna

Favourite drink: Sugarcane juice

Sexuality: Questioning

Gender: Trans (identifies as a girl)

Age: 13 (in 2022), 19 (in 2028), 21 (in 2030), 23 (in 2032), 25 (in 2034), 32 (in 2041), 34 (in 2043), 35 (in 2044), and 38 (in 2047)

Design: She’s a 5’ 4” (162.56 cm) Bengali mesomorph with a lean yet athletic build and saline breast implants that give her a petite bust. She wears the Ptolemaic Army special forces operatives uniform, but with a distinctive left-side robin egg blue armband featuring the Regular Army insignia. Her gas mask has blue-tinted lenses, and she wears a pair of sapphire-hued combat boots with cerulean laces. She has two dark grey bandoliers slung over both shoulders, forming an X-shape, with the left one holding chili grenades and the right one containing Stielhandgranate.

She has bronze-hued skin, amber eyes, and a Gaudiya Vaishnava Urdhva Pundra, which is located in the centre of her forehead. She has shoulder-length chocolate brown hair with subtle curls, which she often ties into a braid. She has creamy white vulgaris vitiligo and a slash scar that runs from the centre of her right cheek to just below her deltoid.

She’s in possession of a Hover Vehicle, and carries around tea-making equipment, glass vials of various tea plants she collected, and first aid and surgical tools in her load-bearing backpack.

Character summary: She has a profound affection for people, feeling a deep connection with everyone. She enjoys people-watching, learning about others, striking up conversations, and listening to their unique life stories. She wants to be friends with every animal in the world, which occasionally gets her hurt and causes unnecessary problems for her and her comrades. She's incredibly confident and self-assured yet humble enough to avoid coming across as overconfident or arrogant. However, when it comes to proudly embracing her gender identity, she fears rejection and worries that she won't be validated as a woman. She can be quite crass, abrasive, and playfully teasing, especially when interacting with new allies or experienced individuals she's never met.

With a good sense of humour, she often cracks jokes to diffuse tense situations, although this doesn't always come at the most opportune moments. She's fiercely loyal to Eri and her comrades, never questioning their orders or plans. She’s a fairly intelligent, cautious, friendly, and kind optimist who harbours a secret envy towards Thandolwethu’s height and physique. She avoids dwelling on devastation for too long as she doesn't want to waste precious time reminiscing about what could have been, potentially harbouring grudges. She’s good friends with Harvie, Souma, and Juozapas, and is particularly close with Yohanes.

Backstory: Priyabrata Bhaumik was born on March 3, 2009 in Kurseong, West Bengal, India. His mother is a wildlife veterinarian, while his stepfather manages a tea plantation. His biological father passed away a month before his birth due to health complications from primary pulmonary hypertension. Following Hindu funeral rites, his ashes were scattered in the Ganges River, as he had requested. Although his biological father had humble beginnings as a poor labourer, his mother and stepfather knew he was a conscientious man. They believed he was destined for reincarnation into the Vaishya caste due to his hard work accumulating wealth and successfully establishing a tea plantation in Kurseong. His family are dedicated followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, a sect of Hinduism and a branch of Vaishnavism that worships Krishna as the supreme being and the source of all avataric incarnations of God. To signify his adherence to his faith, he received his Urdhva Pundra at the age of three, made from the mud of Vrindavan.

His childhood home, situated near his biological father's tea estate, stood at the crossroads of various bustling markets and the edges of the Himalayan foothills. From his bedroom window, he was able to watch the steady stream of traders, tourists, and locals navigating the narrow streets, while occasionally spotting a leopard slinking through the tea gardens at dusk. Priyabrata would come up with silly stories about the lives of these strangers, letting his imagination run wild as he intently observed them. Beyond people-watching, his daily routine consisted of household chores to keep everything tidy and making time for daily worship of Krishna. He also assisted his stepfather in tending to the tea gardens, cultivating an assortment of tea plants, including pineapple sage, orange mint, and holy basil.

At the age of 8, his half-aunt and uncle from Tamil Nadu were visiting, and he spent the day playing with his two younger cousins near the Himalayan foothills. After a round of choa chui and a game of marbles, Priyabrata heard a high-pitched mewing sound nearby. Investigating the noise, he came across a mountain goat kid with an injured leg that had wandered near his family's tea garden. Despite the mother's aggressive attempts to protect it, he calmly approached the kid. Speaking softly to the adult goat, he treated the kid's wound using his mother's first-aid kit, while his two younger cousins watched in awe. The incident soon became a local legend, and the tea plantation workers came to recognise him as fearless.

At 11, he became disillusioned with his male identity, having always struggled to fit in with the male crowd and feeling more comfortable and accepted by his female peers. In private, he began exploring gender-nonconforming behaviours and attitudes, such as trying on his mother's clothing, as a means of discovering what felt most authentic to him. Ultimately, he came to realise that he wished to be validated as a girl and break free from the constraints of boyhood. Two months before his 12th birthday, he bravely came out to his parents after dinner. However, they reacted poorly to the revelation, promptly disowning him and kicking him out of the house. They refused to accept a son who didn't conform to traditional masculine norms, citing his perceived effeminacy and cowardice as a stark contrast to the fearlessness that had become legendary. Devastated by his family's rejection, he nonetheless tried not to dwell on the pain for too long.

After renaming himself Priyanka and embracing his female identity with matching pronouns, he was forced to rely on street economies to survive. She found support among food vendors willing to give her work, but also resorted to temporary sex work and petty theft. Through careful observation, she gained valuable street knowledge and insight into the struggles of sex workers. One day, she encountered a man injured in a street fight, unaware of his connection to the Ptolemaic Army. Her compassionate nature led her to help him, and utilising her first aid skills, she tended to his wounds while sharing stories about her life and listening intently as the man recounted the events that led to the fight.

The man, grateful for her kindness, recognised that her life on the streets was precarious and unlikely to be sustainable. He offered her a way out, promising safety, acceptance, and eternal life, and took her to a Ptolemaic Army base located beyond the Himalayan foothills. During her time with the Ptolemaic Army, Priyanka was indoctrinated into their militaristic and cruel ideologies. She underwent specialised training as a special forces operative and developed expertise as a skilled Hover Vehicle pilot. Over time, Priyanka utilised her medical skills to become an invaluable asset to her comrades, functioning as a combat medic who performed complex tasks such as surgical removal of bullets. She would also brew cups of tea for her patients whenever she had access to the necessary equipment and could forage for the right plants.

She faced mistreatment from a small handful of comrades due to her gender identity, ranging from transphobic comments to violent physical beatings. When the abuse became more severe and sexual in nature, she decided to join Eri's revolt after learning about it from Yohanes, a trusted friend and former patient. Following the rebellion, she joined the Regular Army and dedicated her medical expertise to caring for wounded soldiers and special forces operatives. She also began exploring horticulture and formed meaningful friendships with accepting comrades who valued her for who she was.

Yohanes

Real name: Yohanes Hasyim

Occupation: Peacekeeping troop for the Regular Army and a sniper and special forces operative for the Ptolemaic Army (formerly)

Retirement plans: To become a knife sharpener and own a chili pepper and onion farm

Hobbies: Polishing his throwing knives outdoors on sunny days, watching girly and messed up films and TV shows, and growing his food

Likes: The architecture of Buddhist temples and Islamic mosques, knowing about the latest drama, and waterfall tours

Dislikes: The sensation of being constantly observed, people stripping away his autonomy, and broken blades

Favourite food: Goat meat gulai and durian ice cream

Favourite drink: Grapefruit sparkling water

Sexuality: Bicurious heterosexual

Gender: Male

Age: 20 (in 2022), 26 (in 2028), 28 (in 2030), 30 (in 2032), 32 (in 2034), 39 (in 2041), 41 (in 2043), 42 (in 2044), and 45 (in 2047)

Design: He’s a 5’ 7” (170.18 cm) Indonesian endomorph of Arabic and Balinese descent with a chiselled musculature and a partially noticeable roundness to his abdomen. He wears the Ptolemaic Army special forces operatives uniform, but with a distinctive right-side heliotrope grey armband featuring the Regular Army insignia. His gas mask has rosy-tinted lenses, he carries a bolt-action scoped rifle slung over his left shoulder, and he wears a pair of spike-soled palatinate paratrooper boots. He wears a greyish-green bandolier slung over his right shoulder, holding razor-sharp throwing knives.

He has porcelain skin, sparkling leaf-green eyes, a horizontal scar just above the centre of his left outer thigh, and subtly wavy mocha brown hair styled in a medium-length shaggy crop.

Character summary: He's not one for drama himself, but he has a guilty pleasure in watching the dramatic unfoldings of those around him. He's easily forgiving and readily offers second chances, believing in the potential for redemption in everyone. However, there are certain individuals he makes an exception for, such as Doctor Amadeus, firmly believing they don't deserve forgiveness and should be painfully eliminated. He's willing to bend the truth when it's convenient, but only does so to spare someone's feelings or navigate a difficult situation. He remains eerily calm under stress and ensures those around him stay composed and relaxed, even in the most intense situations.

Although he values his autonomy, he occasionally struggles with decision-making and often relies on others for suggestions to ensure he makes the best choice. He's a dependable and humbled individual with a somewhat complacent nature, accompanied by a sarcastic sense of humor. He's a profound nature lover who's driven to attain enlightenment and live a good, meaningful life. He treats everyone and everything with utmost respect, but he struggles to extend the same compassion and respect to himself. He’s good friends with Mikuláš and Thandolwethu, and is particularly close with Priyanka and Harvie.

Backstory: Yohanes Hasyim was born on July 22, 2002 in Sembalun, East Lombok, Indonesia. His Arabic-Indonesian father was a chili pepper and onion farmer, while his mother, a Balinese immigrant, worked in Lombok's electricity and gas industry. On his father's side, he had a small number of Sasak and Arabic relatives, and on his mother's side, many Balinese Hindu family members. His father practiced a blend of Buddhism and Islam, while his mother was Hindu, influences that would shape Yohanes' own spiritual beliefs. Raised with love and encouragement, he developed a deep respect for nature and a strong sense of self and reverence for others and the divine. As a child, he often assisted his father in harvesting and preparing the chili peppers and onions to be sold on the market.

While being babysat by his Balinese aunt, who was visiting her sister, his parents were busy transporting chili peppers, onions, and gas tanks. Tragically, they died in a car accident when the road, poorly repaired, collapsed under the weight of their truck and a passing semi-truck carrying heavy logs. The news left 7-year-old Yohanes utterly devastated, almost too much for his young mind to comprehend. His relatives quickly had to figure out who would care for him. As no other relative volunteered, leaving Yohanes feeling unwanted by both sides of his family, his paternal grandmother, Nirmala, took him in.

He struggled with decision-making and relied heavily on others for suggestions due to his upbringing by Nirmala. Whenever he made a decision that didn't align with her expectations, he faced physical and verbal abuse, forcing him to conform to her will. This cycle left him feeling powerless and incapable of making his own decisions. To avoid conflict and potential abuse, Yohanes would often seek his narcissistic grandmother's approval before taking action. If she agreed, she would closely supervise him to ensure compliance with her expectations. If she disagreed, he would abandon his plans to avoid angering her.

At 13, while walking to school, he suddenly collapsed from excruciating pain. His grandmother had brutally beaten him for watching the 2012 TV show Cherrybelle: Chibi Chibi Burger, which she disapproved of. When he regained consciousness, he found himself in a secluded, privately-owned bungalow on the outskirts of his village. A woman dressed as a Christian nun tended to his wounds, nursing him back from the brink of death. After feeding him brunch, as he had missed breakfast, she introduced herself as Sister Lucy. With compassion and interest, she listened intently as Yohanes shared his life story, prompted by her gentle inquiry about the events leading up to his collapse.

After he finished explaining everything, Sister Lucy manipulated him into accompanying her, leading him deep into the Indonesian jungle. This marked the beginning of his involvement with the Ptolemaic Army, who would indoctrinate him into their militaristic and twisted ideology. Despite his training as a special forces operative, they exploited his indecisiveness and taught him the fundamentals of sniper work, allowing them greater control over his actions.

Not much is known about his time in the Ptolemaic Army, but he often describes it as heavily oppressive due to constant monitoring and isolation. As a sniper, he worked independently with little involvement in special forces operations. Despite this, he developed expertise in handling and polishing throwing knives as well as performing routine maintenance on his rifle. The isolation eventually took its toll, and he grew tired of being unable to make his own choices. Seeking change, he ultimately joined Eri's rebellion. During the revolt, he received his scar when a special forces operative attempted to ambush him. Fortunately, Priyanka intervened, saving his life by slitting the enemy's throat.

Zdravko

Real name: Zdravko Trajkovski

Nickname: Dravki

Occupation: Peacekeeping troop for the Regular Army and MH-6J Masknell Ver. P.M. pilot and special forces operative for the Ptolemaic Army (formerly)

Retirement plans: To spend the rest of his life with Mikuláš and become a freelance medical illustrator

Hobbies: Frequenting medical museums and art galleries with his friends and romantic partner, drawing anatomical diagrams and surrealistic imagery, and collecting filigree jewellery

Likes: The Nerodime River, bowling competitions with friends, and receiving affectionate kisses from Mikuláš

Dislikes: The idea of losing his loved ones without knowing their cause of death, people viewing art as a financial object, and social discrimination

Favourite food: Moussaka

Favourite drink: Rakı and gin

Sexuality: Sex-favourable gay

Gender: Male

Age: 23 (in 2022), 29 (in 2028), 31 (in 2030), 33 (in 2032), 35 (in 2034), 42 (in 2041), 44 (in 2043), 45 (in 2044), and 48 (in 2047)

Design: He’s a powerfully built, slope-shouldered 6’ 4” (193.04 cm) Macedonian mesomorph of American and Turkish descent who wears the Ptolemaic Army special forces operatives uniform, but with a distinctive right-side amaranth armband featuring the Regular Army insignia. His gas mask has purple-tinted lenses, and he wears a cerise belt with a golden snap-on buckle.

He has umber skin, dull teal eyes, and slicked-back brownish-black hair with neatly trimmed sideburns and a soul patch goatee. His face is asymmetric due to hemifacial microsomia, which has caused deformity on the right side.

He’s in possession of an MH-6J Masknell Ver. P.M., and carries an electric violet sketchbook and a metallic pink case full of various sketching pencils and a kneaded eraser in his load-bearing backpack.

Character summary: He's a very responsible and enduring individual, taking care of tasks promptly and rarely taking breaks until they're complete. As a logical and analytical person, he’s intellectually focused, constantly pondering various subjects from complex concepts to life's simple pleasures. However, despite his intellectual confidence, he often feels awkward and insecure in social interactions. He’s a reserved individual who firmly stands up for what is right and places great emphasis on politeness and good manners. He has little patience for rudeness and the abuse of creativity, often speaking up to correct others.

He's artistically inclined and passionate about the world of art. He encourages others with artistic talent to experiment, appreciate the meaningful value of creation, and embrace failure as a natural part of the creative process. He's a self-disciplined person who strongly condemns political and militant corruption as well as ineffective leadership. He’s deeply emotionally invested in Mikuláš and highly values their time together, willing to go to great lengths to ensure his happiness. He’s good friends with Amilcare, particularly close to Thandolwethu, and in a romantic relationship with Mikuláš.

Backstory: Zdravko Trajkovski was born on April 30, 1999 in Ferizaj, Kosovo. His Macedonian father was a former thief turned worker at a sunflower oil manufacturing company, and his Turkish-American mother was a U.S. Army Colonel stationed at Camp Bondsteel. He had a baby sister named Bisera, whom he often babysat when his parents were at work and he wasn't in school. Although neither of his parents had artistic skill, Zdravko developed a fascination with art after visiting his first museum during a family vacation in Connecticut, specifically the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, when he was 7. His parents encouraged his interest, which evolved into a love for biology art, abstract art, and particularly surrealism. His father shared street wisdom with him, hoping he wouldn't follow in his footsteps and pursue a life of crime. Meanwhile, his mother shared stories about her military career, along with some of her distrust of the U.S. government.

He deeply cherished his family and was fiercely protective of Bisera, enjoying quality time with her whenever possible. Despite facing bullying due to a facial deformity, he never dwelled on the negative opinions. Instead, he drew strength from his parents' unconditional love and acceptance. As he grew older, he became assertive enough to stand up for himself, politely but firmly shutting down those who tried to mock him. If that didn't work, his mother would intervene, speaking sensibly to his bullies and, if necessary, informing their parents about the situation.

He rarely speaks about his life before joining the Ptolemaic Army, but has shared a few details with a select few. Before his mother could retire from the U.S. Army, she, his father, and Bisera would be murdered under mysterious circumstances inside their home. He was at a sleepover at his best friend Klajdi's house at the time. Once he was driven back home and discovered the tragic news from the police and investigators at the scene, Klajdi's parents decided to take him in, feeling uneasy about leaving behind an orphaned child. Klajdi became like a brother to Zdravko, and his adopted parents treated him like a cherished member of the family. During this time, he struggled to find love, often facing exploitation or fleeting romantic encounters that went nowhere. Additionally, he discovered the plight of the Albanian people in North Macedonia, where social segregation and mistrust persisted.

At 18, he walked home from the local convenience store, taking a shortcut to avoid being late for his friend's birthday party. However, his journey was brutally interrupted when an unknown assailant knocked him out cold and stuffed him into the trunk of a vehicle. Two hours later, he regained consciousness in a dingy basement, tied to a chair with rope and surrounded by intimidating figures wearing gas masks. That day marked the beginning of Zdravko’s indoctrination into the Ptolemaic Army as he faced psychological manipulation that exploited his emotional vulnerabilities stemming from the loss of his family and struggles with love. He underwent rigorous training as a special forces operative and learned to pilot the MH-6J Masknell Ver. P.M. As he progressed, he was steadily indoctrinated into the Ptolemaic Army's militaristic and close-minded ideology.

He endured verbal abuse from some comrades due to his facial deformity, prompting him to wear his gas mask at all times, removing it only when absolutely necessary. On one occasion, he suffered severe injuries after standing up to a group of masked soldiers who mocked his appearance and bullied the few friends he had managed to befriend. They spared his life, recognising his potential as a loyal servant to the Avatar of Evil. To cope with the pain of bullying, abuse, and indoctrination, Zdravko turned to smuggled gin and Rakı. He also used alcohol as a means to ignore the heinous actions he was forced to commit as the moral weight became too much to bear.

Upon discovering his artistic talent, the cult coerced him into creating art pieces, providing a fleeting distraction from his misery. However, upon completion, the cult would seize his work and sell it on the black market for exorbitant sums. As he was nearing his breaking point, Zdravko was approached by Mikuláš, who was seeking companionship for comfort after a near-fatal encounter with a masked soldier. After striking up a conversation and sharing a bottle of Rakı, he found himself drawn to Mikuláš' kindness and empathy, feelings that both thrilled and intimidated him. As their connection deepened, they formed a strong bond, eventually expressing their feelings and deciding to start dating.

He joined Eri's rebellion alongside Mikuláš, driven by similar motivations and a deep-seated frustration at being treated as a freak of nature. A small group of friends he had formed during his time in the Ptolemaic Army joined him, but tragically died at the hands of the Phantom Strike and masked soldiers during Eri's short-lived revolt. In the aftermath, he attended rehab with Thandolwethu, a move that aided in his recovery and reduced his reliance on alcohol. He also reunited with Klajdi and his adopted parents, who had feared the worst and were overjoyed to see him alive and well.

Dezső

Real name: Dezső Sárközi

Occupation: Peacekeeping troop and technologist for the Regular Army and Ptolemaic Saucer pilot and masked soldier for the Ptolemaic Army (formerly)

Retirement plans: He's unsure about his post-military plans because he's searching for a sense of purpose in life

Abilities: During his time as a masked soldier, he received magical training, granting him mastery over the arcane disciplines of abjuration, earthly divination, theurgism, dream walking, glamouring, and nominative manipulation.

As a former member of the Ptolemaic Army cult, he was required to form a pact with the Avatar of Evil, granting him a unique ability infused with a hint of psionic energy, a trait shared by all masked soldiers who have undergone this ritual. In a gesture of dignified respect, his left arm was amputated, but it rapidly regenerated into a new limb. This replacement arm is covered in spiky, waterproof fur that features a marbled pattern of purplish-black and green-grey. Notably, his hand boasts saffron-yellow digital and metacarpal pads, while his slender fingers culminate in slightly curved turquoise claws.

In the middle of his forearm are three concentric rows of ten 1 cm holes, from which he can produce thread-like fibres generated from his own blood, which can be utilised to stitch wounds. The blood from his left arm has an ink-like consistency, being semi-thick, and it partially coagulates when exposed to air, yet retains some flexibility. However, the threads are extremely sharp and constricting. If mishandled, they can cause harm to both himself and the person he's trying to heal due to the blood's hardened state.

Hobbies: Studying computer languages and different coding methods, visiting religious sites with his love interest, and collecting books about ancient civilizations

Likes: Receiving compliments and physical affection from Gyeong-Hui, the design of old computer models, and comfortable silence

Dislikes: His clumsiness causing immediate trouble, people who disregard the potential of ancient technology, and feeling like a brat

Favourite food: Quark cheese dumplings topped with cinnamon sugar and served with streusel

Sexuality: Questioning

Gender: Male

Age: 9 (in 2022), 15 (in 2028), 17 (in 2030), 19 (in 2032), 21 (in 2034), 28 (in 2041), 30 (in 2043), 31 (in 2044), and 34 (in 2047)

Design: He’s a 5’ 2” (157.48 cm) Hungarian endomorph with a slightly muscular yet somewhat overweight build. He wears the Ptolemaic Army verdant-variant masked soldier uniform, but with a distinctive right-side pistachio armband featuring the Regular Army insignia. He wears a bronze-buckled sage green belt and a pair of spike-soled rose taupe combat boots with Mountbatten pink laces.

He has sienna skin and medium ash blonde hair, styled in a curly taper fade. Two black moles are visible: one above the center of his right eyebrow and another below his left ear. His eyes are a shimmering honey brown, but his left eye is actually made of glass, appearing almost black under any light source.

He's in possession of a Ptolemaic Saucer, and carries a lime green laptop with three bubblegum pink vertical stripes in the centre in his load-bearing backpack.

Character summary: As the youngest member of the group, he often feels self-conscious about his emotional immaturity. He’s extremely timid around new people and has selective mutism, reserving his speech for those he trusts and considers worthy allies. He's highly flexible, able to adapt to anything, and has an insatiable curiosity that drives him to continually gather knowledge about the world around him. Notably, due to his fierce loyalty, he’s skilled at keeping secrets, even when they leave him feeling perplexed and unsettled. He often seeks refuge behind Eri when overwhelmed by paranoia, finding solace in her maternal presence, which reminds him of the mother who abandoned him. Despite being a melancholic individual, he’s deeply empathetic and sensitive to the suffering of others.

He has a habit of socially withdrawing, especially when he feels emotionally overwhelmed because he desperately needs solitude to sort out his feelings. He struggles with abandonment issues because he fears being left behind by those he cares about deeply. He's not one for physical confrontation, instead relying on his quick wit to navigate complex situations and avoid violence. However, he can become aggressively defensive, especially when his plans are falling apart or he and his comrades are being bullied. He has romantic feelings for Gyeong-Hui and is drawn to her intellectual attractiveness, but he's utterly awkward at flirting and struggles to approach her without feeling foolish. He’s on good terms with Amilcare and Thandolwethu, and is particularly close with Gyeong-Hui.

Backstory: Dezső Sárközi was born on December 7, 2013 in Tihany, Veszprém, Hungary. He was born into a middle-class family, but his father, a wealthy man, abandoned them, leaving behind only a large stack of cash for his mother and grandmother after Dezső's difficult birth. His grandmother was a wise, supportive, and kind-hearted woman who offered guidance and hope to her daughter and grandson. Her arthritic condition and declining mental health limited her ability to provide more substantial support. His mother was a genuinely nice and affectionate person, but she could be strict, particularly when frustrated by his occasional bratty behaviour. Although he was curious about his father, his mother's bitterness prevented her from discussing him. However, she did reveal that he bore a physical resemblance to his father.

During his elementary school years, he endured relentless bullying due to his weight and spoiled behaviour. The constant ridicule led to deep-seated insecurities about his appearance and overwhelming shame about how he treated others. As a coping mechanism, he gradually became socially withdrawn and developed selective mutism, struggling to process his emotions and finding silence to be his only refuge. Upon completing the 4th grade, his grandmother passed away due to health complications caused by osteoporosis and a brain hemorrhage sustained in an accident that Dezső prefers not to discuss. The situation was further worsened when his mother depleted the money left by his father, allocating the funds towards his grandmother's medical expenses, household necessities, and gifts for her own family.

His mother faced significant financial struggles because of her persistent bad luck in finding a stable, well-paying job. On his 11th birthday, she made the difficult decision to abandon him, citing a lack of resources to provide adequate care. Her patience had also worn thin due to his selective mutism, a condition she didn't know how to address. Noticing a newly constructed institution on the outskirts of Tihany, she persuaded Dezső to seek refuge there, assuring him it was an orphanage. With a swift goodbye, she departed, leaving him confused, scared, and on the verge of tears. Unbeknownst to him, the institution was not an orphanage, but a hideout operated by the Ptolemaic Army's cult, designed to lure vulnerable children and unsuspecting parents seeking to give up their child.

A group of masked soldiers noticed his presence and manipulated him with feigned affection and false promises of eternal life and unconditional acceptance. With nowhere else to turn and oblivious to their sinister intentions, he fell under their control. The cult thoroughly brainwashed him, indoctrinating him with the twisted ideologies of the Ptolemaic Army. His training included ancient history, the duties of a masked soldier, wizardry, dark magic, and the Quechua language. He also received basic military training, which included the handling of ancient technology and operation of the Ptolemaic Saucer. He rapidly adapted to his new lifestyle, becoming a fiercely loyal cultist and a skilled technologist.

However, his loyalty would gradually falter after he was subjected to years of sexual abuse, mainly by female members of the cult. They attempted to disguise their abuse as expressions of love and appreciation for the perfect yet fragile bodies crafted with care by the Avatar of Evil, which he believed were genuine. Yet, a part of him knew this was a lie, a desperate attempt to justify the horrors inflicted upon him. As time passed, his loyalty to the cult would wane further after witnessing other masked soldiers brutally mistreat and slaughter the soldiers of their paramilitary forces, often over minor issues. He also discovered that most of the cult's sacrifices typically involved the harvesting of organs from innocent children and their own comrades, who either resisted or willingly surrendered their bodies to the Avatar of Evil.

The straw that broke the camel's back for him was the moment Anastasia announced that he was slated to be the next masked soldier sacrificed to appease the Avatar of Evil, a gruesome tradition that occurred every 16 years. Horrified by the prospect of losing his life to a deity he no longer believed in, and at the hands of people who had shamelessly exploited his vulnerability, he reached his breaking point. Deciding he had had enough, he joined Eri's revolt after being approached by a couple of fellow masked soldiers who shared his disillusionment with the Ptolemaic Army's wickedness. When he was on the brink of execution by a Phantom Strike mercenary who had captured him, Amilcare intervened, rescuing him and bringing him to safety amidst the chaotic retreat. Finally free from the cult's grasp, he turned to libraries, nature, software development, and cybersecurity programming as a means of distraction and rediscovering his sense of purpose.

[thesilliestrovingalive]

This is a really cool Metal Slug mural!! I'd love to have one like it painted on my house.. 💜🕹️😁👍🏻

[thesilliestrovingalive]

I know that by far, it is not one of my best colored ones, but I do my best to improve drawing by drawing.

So.. Fío Germi everyone!

[thesilliestrovingalive]

Title: Fighting for What's Taken

Background info: A good friend of mine suggested a space-themed piece, and I did my best to deliver on that suggestion. It was originally going to be more epic. I wanted to include Rootmars, one or two Monoeyes, a couple of Mars Satellites, a few more Rebels in the background, and Fio in a Mini-UFO. However, all of those ideas were scrapped because of the limiting aspect ratio of the background. I opted to make it feel like a scene that could seamlessly take place in Metal Slug 3. Not every piece has to be complicated and filled with so much story and/or action. Sometimes it's good to create something simpler.

Credits:

Marco Rossi sprite by Kevin Huff and The Huntress

Tarma Roving sprite by Random Talking Bush

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

Astro Slug and missile sprites by Gussprint

Mini-UFO and laser projectile sprites by Magma MK-II

Rugname sprites by Major-11

Dai-Manji and death ray sprites by Major-11

Mission 5-3 sprites by c2000mc

[thesilliestrovingalive]

Amilcare, Ekaterini, and Souma

POTENTIAL TRIGGER WARNING: Viewer discretion is advised due to references to death, divorce, crime, drug addiction, kidnapping, sexual harassment, and homelessness.

Amilcare

Real name: Amilcare Buonarroti V

Nickname: Amil

Occupation: Peacekeeping troop and an aerospace engineering officer for the Regular Army and R-Shobu Ver. P.M. pilot and sniper for the Ptolemaic Army (formerly)

Retirement plans: To become an avionics technician

Hobbies: Watching historical aviation documentaries during lonely nights, engaging in aperitivo and passeggiata with good friends, and collecting vintage beer

Likes: Cockfighting, the trulli of Alberobello, and shamelessly flirting with men and women while socialising at a bar

Dislikes: People who prioritise superficial relationships, not being able to cleanly eliminate enemies, and getting distracted while working on a complex aircraft model

Favourite drink: Blueberry Italian soda

Sexuality: Sex-indifferent, demiromantic bisexual

Gender: Male

Age: 28 (in 2022), 34 (in 2028), 36 (in 2030), 38 (in 2032), 40 (in 2034), 47 (in 2041), 49 (in 2043), 50 (in 2044), and 53 (in 2047)

Design: He’s a 5’ 9” (175.26 cm) Italian mesomorph with rigid muscles and a subtly rounded abdomen. He wears the Ptolemaic Army sniper uniform, but with a distinctive right-side sky magenta armband featuring the Regular Army insignia. He wears a medium-sleeved indigo shirt and a red-violet belt with a bronze snap-on buckle.

He has almond-coloured skin, green-grey eyes with flecks of yellow, golden brown hair styled in a wavy Ivy League haircut, heavily scarred arms, and a bullet graze mark on his left cheek.

He’s in possession of a R-Shobu Ver. P.M., and carries inspection gauges, precision measurement devices, and aircraft mechanic tools in his load-bearing backpack.

Character summary: He appears to be extremely haughty, but beneath this façade lies a highly emotionally intelligent individual. He utilises his arrogance as a mechanism to repel people he deems "undesirable". However, when interacting with friends, trusted comrades, and superiors, he swiftly drops the high and mighty demeanour, revealing a respectful, kind-hearted, and humble personality. When irritated by the antics of Harvie, Souma, Juozapas, and Priyanka or when something goes terribly wrong, he tends to lose his temper, lashing out aggressively and arguing with anyone who attempts to calm him down. He hates dwelling on guilt and grudges because it only makes him feel hopelessly miserable.

He's quite hard to impress and very critical about everything, stemming from his persistent worries and difficulty finding the silver lining. He's a militaristic and promiscuous perfectionist who tries his best to effortlessly snipe enemies, and often resorts to negative self-talk when he fails to get a clean shot. He's extremely attentive, consistently ensuring his allies' safety and readiness for combat. He doesn’t like to talk about his life because he’s a very private person, thinks it's pretty boring, and dislikes others prying into his affairs. When deciding to trust people, he often makes verbal vows with them to ensure they won’t betray him easily or they’ll face his righteous wrath. He’s good friends with Mikuláš, Thandolwethu, Ekaterini, Zdravko, and Dezső.

Backstory: Amilcare Buonarroti V was born on February 21, 1994 in Alberobello, Italy. He doesn't talk about his life all that much, but he has shared some things about himself. He hailed from a long line of skilled craftsmen renowned for their meticulous restoration work on Alberobello's iconic trulli, which had been devastated during the Thule Expeditionary Conquest. This conflict began when Portugal launched a surprise attack on the Germi family and the Regular Army in Italy. His family's history was also marked by a tradition of Alberobellesi survivalists and affluent business contractors who remained in Italy despite the Italian diaspora. Throughout the period of Fascist Italy, they maintained a secretive lifestyle that defied the regime's fascist ideology.

His grandfather, Amilcare Buonarroti IV, was a master stonemason and owner of a housing construction business. His father, Eliodoro Buonarroti, worked in metalwork and Renaissance art restoration. His mother, Silvestra, was a meat butcher who had formerly served as a military communications specialist in the Regular Army. Both his grandfather and father were perfectionists, viewing imperfection and failure as inexcusable sources of guilt that could form long-held grudges. This mindset would greatly influence his own perfectionistic tendencies.

Ever since he was a young child, he demonstrated an uncanny ability to focus on detailed tasks. For hours, he would assemble complex model aircraft while other kids played games like strega comanda colore and football in the streets. His mother, Silvestra, nurtured his growing interest in aviation, teaching him about radio systems and flight mechanics. His father, Eliodoro, taught him the basics of metalwork and would often watch Italian sports with him on television, especially during special occasions. In contrast, his grandfather showed little personal interest in him, whom he affectionately called Amil, viewing him solely as a perfect successor to the Buonarroti family legacy with clear ambitions.

His household valued privacy and maintained a dignified distance from Alberobello's tourist-heavy social scene, disregarding direct involvement with outsiders. His parents instilled in him the importance of earning respect through competence and integrity, rather than seeking validation through social status. Although his grandfather was largely absent, he would occasionally impart wisdom on survival and wealth accumulation during rare visits.

At 12, his parents' marriage dissolved due to opposing philosophical differences, dividing his life between his father's meticulous craftsmanship and artistic passion, and his mother's strict military background. It was compounded by his parents' struggle to understand him. Silvestra perceived his emotional intelligence as a weakness, while Eliodoro worried about his growing detachment. Following the divorce, he was placed in his mother's custody. She ensured that his father and grandfather were no longer part of his life, a decision that personally saddened him because he had been particularly close to his father. Although his mother was a protective and caring person, she often treated him more like a resilient, tough-as-nails soldier than a vulnerable individual.

During his young adult years, he distanced himself from his mother after completing a mechanics apprenticeship. This newfound independence led him to work for a Mafia organisation that required a discreet hitman to eliminate traitors. Having learned marksmanship from his mother during occasional hunting trips, he proved to be a valuable asset to the Mafia. He also explored romance, engaging in several relationships, but most were short-lived, casual flings. He had brief involvement with a female undercover cop, whom he killed to prevent Mafia exposure, and a caporegime struggling with a cocaine addiction. Shortly after the Arms Deal Barrage, the Ptolemaic Army, eager to expand its resources and ranks, forcefully assimilated the Mafia into its paramilitary forces.

Due to his background as a hitman and knowledge of aviation, he underwent rapid training as a sniper and pilot for one of their oldest aircraft models, the R-Shobu Ver. P.M. To avoid arousing suspicion of being a false believer, he adopted a haughty demeanour and pretended to be fully confident in their beliefs. He also engaged in sexual affairs with both male and female members, presenting this as a way to contribute to the growth of their military force and morale. He was one of the most respected members of the Ptolemaic Army's paramilitary forces, renowned for his militarism and avionics expertise.

However, his loyalty to the Ptolemaic Army was short-lived. Upon learning of a potential uprising, he swiftly defected and became one of the first to join Eri's ill-fated revolt, relieved to escape the Ptolemaic Army's repugnant ideology. Later, he enlisted in the Regular Army, where he distinguished himself as a dependable aerospace engineering officer.

Ekaterini

Real name: Ekaterini Papacharalambous

Nickname: Kateri

Occupation: Peacekeeping troop for the Regular Army and a sniper for the Ptolemaic Army (formerly)

Retirement plans: To become a war historian

Hobbies: Going on evening coastal walks, collecting ancient texts and historical records sold at bookstores and pawn shops, and writing autobiographies about the people she cares about

Likes: The lanes full of flowers in Kokkari, participating in the celebrations of Apokries and May Day, and the serenity of fishing harbours and weathered landscapes

Dislikes: Financial grievances, erasure of history, and people who are dogmatic thinkers and close-minded thieves

Favourite food: Savory spinach pie with horiatiki salad

Sexuality: Aromantic pansexual

Gender: Female

Age: 18 (in 2022), 24 (in 2028), 26 (in 2030), 28 (in 2032), 30 (in 2034), 37 (in 2041), 39 (in 2043), 40 (in 2044), and 43 (in 2047)

Design: She’s a 5’ 8” (172.72 cm) Greek endomorph of British descent with sloping shoulders, a somewhat heavier build, and curvy legs. She wears the Ptolemaic Army sniper uniform, but with a distinctive left-side caput mortuum armband featuring the Regular Army insignia. She wears a rosy brown T-shirt and Russian violet paratrooper boots with iridescent purple laces. 

She has sun-kissed olive skin, cocoa eyes, and straight wine red hair with a choppy fringe bang, which is often tied into low pigtails that reach just above her elbows. A deep, scarred gash in the centre of her left forearm is hidden by worn, dirty gauze.

Character summary: She's a hard-boiled and self-sacrificing individual with a compassionate, tender, and joyful side that she reserves for those she trusts, admires, and considers family. Although sometimes misanthropic, she offers insightful and constructive feedback, driven by a desire to uplift others and help them become better people. She’s incredibly malicious towards enemies and traitors, believing they forfeit any right to kindness and mercy. She's assertive, fearlessly standing up for herself and others when necessary, and boldly speaking the truth, even when it's difficult to hear. She has a deep appreciation for human history, which attempts to capture the complexities of human civilization, including lesser-known details.

She possesses unwavering determination and a strong will, driving her to pursue her desires despite contrary advice. While cautious in new situations due to her view of life's unpredictability, she attempts to anticipate outcomes through logical analysis and reasoning. She has a fierce fighting spirit and is a firm believer in individual freedom as long as one's actions don't harm the integrity and safety of others. Whenever she feels her inner peace is off balance, she seeks temporary solitude in nature, where she daydreams and takes leisurely, safe strolls. She’s good friends with Gyeong-Hui, Thandolwethu, Amilcare, and Juozapas.

Backstory: Ekaterini Papacharalambous was born on September 18, 2004 in Kokkari, Samos, Greece. She’s the descendant of EAM-ELAS resistance fighters who survived the harsh winter following the arrival of Italy's 6th Infantry Division "Cuneo" on Samos in 1941, which led to the island's occupation. Additionally, she has a few British ancestors who served in the Allied forces during WWII. These ancestors were aided by the resistance fighters in escaping to cross into Türkiye and later reciprocated by distributing food to the locals on Samos and helping prepare their defences. Her father, Stylianos Papacharalambous, is a fifth-generation fisherman, while her mother, Rue, is a local school teacher specialising in ancient history and social justice. Rue suffered a miscarriage due to complications from bacterial vaginosis, which resulted in the loss of her twin sister. Her maternal great-grandfather, Myron, was a British-Greek veteran who fought alongside the Greek government army during the Greek Civil War.

While Myron was still alive, he would frequently look after her when her parents were at work. During their evenings together, he would tell her stories of sacrifice, betrayal, and the stark line between ally and enemy, sharing with her the experiences of their ancestors. Shortly after her 6th birthday, Myron passed away due to natural causes, leaving a profound impact on her. Following his heartbreaking passing, Ekaterini often sought solitude at the pebble beach. Her paternal aunt, Nektaria Papacharalambous, would take on the role as her babysitter, having recently relocated to Kokkari for work in boat maintenance. Her aunt would tell her stories about their fisher ancestors, sharing tales of their everyday lives at sea, which focused on the routines of fishing and survival, daring expeditions, and discoveries of new marine life.

At the age of 13, during a secret night walk, she stumbled upon a trusted family friend and business partner to the Papacharalambous family stealing her father's fishing boat. The theft was a devastating blow as the boat was the family's primary source of income. As a result, they were forced to navigate a harsh winter with severely limited financial resources. Although some neighbours offered food and work opportunities, Stylianos often declined their charity, feeling responsible for the loss and determined not to burden others. Meanwhile, other opportunistic individuals attempted to exploit the family's vulnerability, offering loans with exorbitant interest rates or trying to purchase their home at a fraction of its value. However, Ekaterini's parents remained resilient and saw through these exploitative tactics. To make ends meet, her father worked as a deckhand on other boats, her mother picked up extra teaching shifts, and her aunt took on various odd jobs.

At 17, she felt stifled by Kokkari's limited job opportunities and her family's ongoing financial struggles. One night, during another secret stroll, she met a group of local teenagers who shared her desire for something more. Together, they would sneak away to the green mountains while their caregivers worked and they finished their schoolwork. There, they taught themselves survival skills and marksmanship, using old hunting rifles borrowed from relatives. This group became the first people she trusted since her family's betrayal, but their carefree days were short-lived. While hanging out at Ekaterini's favourite spot, they were ambushed by men wearing black masks and taken to a remote Aegean forest far from their village.

After enduring hours of ruthless indoctrination and witnessing the brutal deaths of her friends Dimos, Filippa, and Klio, who were mutilated for resisting, Ekaterini and her six remaining friends—Louiza, Pavlos, Spiro, Zinon, Yiannis, and Emilios—were thrust into the Ptolemaic Army's paramilitary training program. Leveraging her experience with firearms and hunting, she was trained as a sniper alongside her friends, fighting together and spending time as a group. Although she avoided being forced into breeding programs for new cultists and soldiers, she occasionally faced sexual harassment.

She eventually joined Eri's rebellion, driven by a desire to reunite with her family and outraged by the murder of a friend at the hands of a masked soldier. The friend had been killed simply for politely asking for extra rations. She received a deep gash scar when a guerrilla attempted to murder her, but she utilised her self-defence skills to overpower him and escape. Although the Phantom Strike brutally slaughtered her remaining friends during Eri's revolt, Ekaterini found solace in her new team, whom she came to regard as a surrogate family. She was later reunited with her biological family and discovered a new passion for documenting her life experiences. She also developed a keen interest in studying war history and the art of warfare.

Souma

Real name: Souma Kuroiwa

Occupation: Peacekeeping troop for the Regular Army and a sniper for the Ptolemaic Army (formerly)

Retirement plans: To become a circus acrobat

Hobbies: Making traditional Japanese street foods for his comrades to enjoy, watching the performances put on by the Heaven Artists, and kyūdō

Likes: Tasty desserts, the smoothness of black pebbles, and how funny and odd clowns are

Dislikes: Unfair death, visiting local parks at night, and people mocking his terrible handwriting and short attention span

Favourite food: Chorizo tako sausage

Favourite drink: Ramune (preferably yuzu)

Sexuality: Aromantic asexual

Gender: Male

Age: 16 (in 2022), 22 (in 2028), 24 (in 2030), 26 (in 2032), 28 (in 2034), 35 (in 2041), 37 (in 2043), 38 (in 2044), and 41 (in 2047)

Design: He’s a slender yet muscular 5’ 11” (180.34 cm) Japanese mesomorph who wears the Ptolemaic Army sniper uniform, but with a distinctive right-side harvest gold armband featuring the Regular Army insignia. He wears an eggplant-hued T-shirt with ripped sleeves, a copper-buckled black bean belt, and spike-soled butterscotch paratrooper boots.

He has pale ivory skin, light grey eyes, a brownish mole under his right eye, a coarse black buzz cut dyed a caramel brown colour, and a metallic blue snake bite piercing.

Character summary: He's an assertive and honourable Shinto worshipper who respects others' boundaries and interests, even when he finds them unappealing. He has a mischievous streak and enjoys playing harmless pranks, primarily to observe their reactions and ease the tension of some situations. He has a habit of encouraging others to take risks that might not be in their best interest, often leading to trouble. In contrast to Harvie, Juozapas, and Priyanka, who readily accept defeat and acknowledge their mistakes, he’s a rebel at heart, which often puts him at odds with Thandolwethu. While he's fairly superstitious, he's not rigid in his beliefs and will occasionally disregard certain Japanese superstitions if he finds them too implausible.

He's often impatient, preferring to get things done quickly, but he can adapt and take a more patient approach when he realises that rushing isn't an option. He has a strong desire to stand out from the crowd and be liked by everyone, which can lead him to seek attention and affirmation. He struggles with emotional awareness, often failing to pick up on subtle cues and implications, and typically requires direct and explicit communication to understand others' feelings and needs. He struggles with the personal implications of being neurodivergent, which causes him distress, largely due to the stigma and societal biases that neurodivergent individuals often face. He’s good friends with Harvie, Juozapas, and Priyanka.

Backstory: Souma Kuroiwa was born on June 23, 2006 in Ueno, Tokyo, Japan. His father, Osamu Kuroiwa, was a third-generation vendor specialising in takoyaki, mochi, and dango. His mother was a food advertising agent, formerly a circus acrobat who performed acrobatic tricks on the streets of Ueno. From the day he was born, his father expected him to be the successful heir to the Kuroiwa family's two-decade-old vendor business. His parents were devout and superstitious Shinto believers, who, due to a lack of personal interest, didn't concern themselves with other religions, yet remained respectful of them. He frequently accompanied his parents to the Ueno Tōshō-gū to pay respects to nature and the Shinto deities as they sought to maintain their faith and avoid bad omens.

He spent his early years in the family's small apartment above their popular food stand, where the constant stream of tourists and locals fueled his desire for attention. Helping his father with food preparation and collecting payments was a regular part of his routine. He was also encouraged to get creative, adding his own twists to each batch, and took great delight in customers' reactions. In their small living room, his mother taught him tumbling, using rolled-up futons as makeshift crash mats. She also often took him to watch the Heaven Artists and various street musicians perform on the streets of Ueno. When he was 9, a faulty firework crashed into his parents' stand, accidentally setting it ablaze. Rather than rebuilding, they seized the opportunity to transform their business into a mobile food truck, using the money they had worked tirelessly to earn.

His parents were loving, kind, and supportive, but also very strict when it came to his education and their superstitions. They had high expectations, always demanding the best from him because they wanted to ensure his future success. Additionally, they diligently enforced their superstitions, regularly checking to make sure he was following them perfectly, fearing that any mistake might invite bad omens. This pressure was particularly challenging for him as he struggled with the expectation of being flawless and obedient to beliefs he sometimes found hard to accept. Compounding these difficulties were his dysgraphia and inattentive ADHD, which made writing, staying focused, and maintaining organisation feel like a bothersome chore.

He was frequently bullied at school due to his struggles with spelling and handwriting, as well as his inattentiveness. His parents attempted to assist him with his homework and assignments whenever their busy schedules allowed. However, they struggled to understand his neurodiversity because he would become visibly distressed whenever they gently suggested that something might be amiss. At 12, frustration with the world and the expectations placed upon him drove him to rebel, becoming fiercely assertive and running away from home.

During his time away from home, he experienced homelessness, often sleeping in parks and resorting to petty crimes like pickpocketing and shoplifting to survive. He was also involved in a few nighttime altercations with would-be assailants, but his agility and acrobatic skills allowed him to easily evade harm. During the midnight hours, when he was struggling to fall asleep, he decided to take a stroll to clear his mind. As he walked, he spotted a figure wearing a white mask with red glowing eyes in an alleyway. Acting on impulse, he approached the figure, and instead of facing a negative outcome, they surprisingly welcomed him. The figure then used subtle psychological manipulation to convince him to join the Ptolemaic Army. 

Desiring a new purpose in life, he felt drawn to the idea and accepted the invitation. He was promptly taken to a Ptolemaic Army base located in a remote forest near Tokyo. He was selected to be trained as a sniper due to his stealth skills and ability to evade incoming attacks with ease. Despite struggling with inattentiveness, he managed to become a relatively successful sniper as the role motivated him to improve his focus and stay on track. However, the thrill he experienced during intense missions began to make him impatient, which would often frustrate the commander he was assigned to work with.

As a rebellion brewed within the Ptolemaic Army, he grew increasingly anxious about his parents. He realised how deeply he missed them and how caring they were, a stark contrast to his comrades, who were dismissive and crude towards him. Desperate for a way to contact his family, he turned to the masked soldier who had initially recruited him into the Ptolemaic Army. He knew that the cult was the only means for those in the paramilitary forces to have direct access to the outside world. However, the figure laughed, revealing that his parents had been executed when they got too close to uncovering the truth about their son's disappearance.

This moment of truth made him realise the Ptolemaic Army's cruelty and manipulative nature, sparking his desire for righteous change. He joined Eri's rebellion, hoping to avenge his parents and form genuine connections with people who saw him as a human being. After the short-lived revolt, he marked his transformation by getting a haircut, dyeing his hair, and getting snake bite piercings. To him, it was a symbolic departure from his troubled past.

[thesilliestrovingalive]

^^^

Some of the To Be Human gang singing this song.

Liane: Knows the actual lyrics to this song. "Bro, what the fuck?"