Stainless Steel Rats

As Huai Shi's halo lit up.

Behind the dark gate, more than a dozen massive shells piled limply on the ground suddenly rose into the air as if tugged by invisible ropes.

The haphazardly stitched-together, intellectually disabled ratmen were still drooling, muttering nonsense like "Abba, abba, abba" over and over. Then light emerged, covering their suture-lined bodies with a layer of thoroughly childlike costumes.

As dazzling as a Magical Girl transformation.

Under Paradise's blessing, the ferocious modified ratmen transformed. Strange yet heartwarming children's songs began to play as they leaped through the air, spun around, and struck poses.

Assuming bizarre stances that were utterly eye-searing.

Muscles bulged all over their bodies, Source Matter surged, and blazing radiance lit up in their eyes.

Helmets, gauntlets, breastplates, swords, halberds—one ancient Border Relic after another revolved around them.

Armed to the teeth.

A fairy tale descended!

But when they raised their guns and cannons, shouting and roaring as they emerged from the Eternal Frozen Furnace Core's tower, their ludicrous yet savage forms nearly froze the air again.

It was as though Halloween had suddenly arrived, and the giant mascots in an amusement park had transformed, some wielding huge shields, some carrying massive blades on their backs, and others dual-wielding Gatlings.

Like a pack of serial killers fresh out of a PARTY.

The enormous mascot at the front racked the slide of its giant shotgun. Amid the crisp scrape of steel, they raised their heads devoutly and praised in unison:

"Holy!!!"

The Paradise Guard made their grand entrance!

Ima's originally composed expression froze in place.

Her eyes widened.

Words caught in her throat...

What the hell was this?

Where had it come from?

The old priestess was utterly bewildered. What kind of tactic was this? Why had she never seen it before?

Huai Shi,