Chapter 785: The New Warbot Team
Added 2023-10-30 10:43:18 +0000 UTCTransformers Begin : Table of Content/Chapter List
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"One month!"
Starscream resolutely rejected Onslaught's proposal. "You have only one month left!"
Starscream had placed a vast array of detectors in the Kuiper Belt. As a result, when Shockwave's vanguard arrived in the Solar System, they were swiftly detected by these devices.
This was not a good sign!
Although it might take Shockwave's main force, the Skytiger Legion Major, another half a year or even a full year to arrive at the Solar System, the arrival of Shockwave's vanguard meant that Megatron now had others besides Starscream to rely on.
While not every Decepticon loyal to Shockwave was as devoted to Megatron, the vast majority of them remained relatively loyal to Megatron and the Skytiger Legion.
Starscream knew very well that once these vanguard forces arrived, Megatron would be entirely free from his influence. His mechanical body would be rebuilt at a much faster rate, and even the command of the Moon Base and the Vehicons within would be ruthlessly taken from him by Megatron.
A flash of anger crossed Onslaught's face, but he held it back.
"You know it's impossible!" he snapped.
He couldn't believe that Starscream, who had cultivated millions of Vehicons for the Skytiger Legion over countless years, wouldn't understand the immense challenge of nurturing even a single advanced warrior in just one month, let alone an Elite Warrior.
Indeed!
Though Onslaught appeared indifferent to the past criticisms he received for his repeated failures during the cybertron Civil War, in reality, he was deeply offended by them. Holding tremendous confidence in his own intellect, Onslaught believed that the primary reason for the failures of his Warbot Team during the war, leading to their subsequent marginalization from the Skytiger Legion's power core, was the incompetence and disloyalty of its other four members.
Even before the Civil War had concluded, Onslaught was already planning to rebuild a new Warbot Team that would be completely loyal to him, never betray him, and each possess the combat prowess of at least an Elite Warrior. This dream was the very reason he chose to collaborate with Starscream, even after being discovered in his place of stasis.
Onslaught had always been aware that Starscream would contest the control over the Fusion Leopard and would definitely interfere in the transformation of the Warbot Team into the Fusion Leopard. Nevertheless, he still chose to cooperate with Starscream, recognizing a rare opportunity.
Under Megatron's leadership of the Skytiger Legion, he had always suppressed any Decepticons with divergent intentions. While there might have been many ambitious individuals within the Skytiger Legion, they were either pushed out of the power core or, like Onslaught and Starscream, closely monitored by Megatron's intelligence agencies to ensure they couldn't amass resources or power.
Though Onslaught might be a formidable figure, when it came to manipulation and scheming, he was leagues behind Starscream.
After defying Megatron twice and facing failure, Starscream remained one of the four leaders of the Skytiger Legion despite his insurrection.
To maintain his position, Starscream appeased Megatron, using flattery and sycophancy. Under the watchful eyes of both Megatron and Soundwave, Starscream utilized his technological expertise to gradually become the chief executor of the Skytiger Legion's Vehicons cultivation program.
In this process, Starscream managed to amass vast resources and gathered a group of loyal subordinates. However, with the experience of failing against Megatron twice before, he became more cautious and kept his forces even more hidden.
For instance, even though Megatron was now merely a severed head, Starscream astutely deduced that the Skytiger Legion's leader, in his feigned death, likely hid something on Earth. Even if Starscream acted against Megatron now, he might not be able to kill him for good. Instead, such a move could expose Starscream's ambition, one that he's kept hidden for millions of years, leading to a potential alliance between a resurrected Megatron and the soon-to-arrive Shockwave, who together could eradicate Starscream and his forces.
A fleeting smirk crossed Starscream's eyes. While he acknowledged Megatron's prowess and tactical brilliance, he scorned his wisdom and methods. How did it matter if Megatron was stronger? Not only was Megatron used as a scapegoat by an inconspicuous Decepticon, but he also couldn't gather the resources for his dream project – the new Warbot Team. In the end, Megatron still had to rely on Starscream.
However, Starscream still needed Megatron, so he swiftly concealed his true feelings. Speaking again, he said, "I know you can do it, and I will provide the necessary support."
On hearing this, Onslaught's face didn't show any hint of pleasure; instead, he became even more wary. "No need. Give me two more months. I'll try to finish within that time."
He wouldn't allow Starscream to meddle in the cultivation of any member of the new Warbot Team. Faced with Starscream, known for his cunning in cultivating Decepticons, Onslaught felt that being extra cautious was justified.
Unfortunately, Starscream was exceptionally adamant this time. "You have only one month because I can't guarantee who will be in charge here after that."
Starscream, however, didn't want his dream warrior, Fusion Leopard, to be lost before it could come into existence. Eventually, he conceded, "Onslaught, you're just worried I'll tamper with the cultivation process of Swindle!"
Onslaught merely huffed, his stance clear.
Starscream's right hand formed a loose fist, and his sharp, knife-like nails scraped against each other, producing an unsettling, sharp sound. Then, he spoke again, "We are allies now, and Fusion Leopard has been my dream for millions of years. I'll do everything in my power to bring it to life."
Opening his right hand, a dark-brown gemstone had mysteriously appeared.
Recognizing it, Onslaught's eyes narrowed, "Core!"
Acknowledging the item in his palm, Starscream admitted, "More precisely, it's Swindle's Core. After failing to rebel against Megatron, he was sentenced to death by Megatron's order. This Core was left behind before his execution, and I've kept it safe until now."
"Now, use it. Cultivate your final member of the Warbot Team with it. I want to see your Warbot Team in one month. We're running out of time!"
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