Optimus Prime: I Woke Up and Found Myself a Leader Without a Single Follower?

[Item detected: AllSpark (Damaged)]

[Quality: Unique]

[A residual crystal of energy from Cybertron (Primus), capable of activating mechanical lifeforms and endowing them with intelligence and soul. Upon death, the soul of an activated mechanical lifeform will return to the AllSpark.]

[Energy available: 100,000/???]

Having finally obtained the "AllSpark," Alvin looked at the Navigator's detection information and asked curiously, "What does the question mark for energy units... mean?"

[Dear Navigator, the AllSpark is in a damaged state. The total energy of this fragment is "100,000". Each activation and use will consume energy units and it will automatically absorb dark matter from the universe to replenish its energy. The recovery time is undetermined.]

Got it!

Alvin roughly understood that the fragments of the AllSpark were like a central hub, and the energy consumed each time it was used needed to be replenished from the universe.

That's good news, at least he doesn't need to go back and think about how to replenish the AllSpark's energy anymore.

This single fragment contains "100,000" units of energy and can transform Cybertron mechanical life. Imagine... if it were the complete "AllSpark," it would be an enormous energy source. No wonder it can power a planet!

"It's not entirely hopeless..." Alvin stored the fragment of the "AllSpark" in his Personal Space, full of confidence, a smile playing on his lips, "I refuse to believe that the Primus of Cybertron can't restore the 'AllSpark'."

Of course, with his current strength, unless he brings the main force of the Imperium to the Transformers universe, it is obviously wishful thinking to think he can go head-to-head with the creator of Cybertron, "Primus".

But that doesn't mean it will be the same in the future.

Moreover, let alone bringing the Imperium's main force, even the "Sword of Redemption" Conqueror-class Cruiser would have a hard time. To get a spaceship of that level to cross the world barrier, the effort required is not just "energy," but also "Source Power"!

However, Alvin firmly believes that one day he will lead more than one spaceship to overcome the barriers of the world and show "Primus" the surprises from Warhammer!

Upon arriving at the agreed-upon location, Bumblebee, Jazz, Jetfire, and Nightblade were all anxiously waiting. They breathed a sigh of relief when they saw him return safely.

"It's okay, we can't let one failure defeat us!"

When Jetfire saw that he returned empty-handed and had not activated the beacon, he naturally assumed that the plan had failed.

Who told you I failed?

Alvin turned to look at him in surprise, then casually took out the AllSpark fragment from his Personal Space: "It was just a bit unexpected; the Decepticons had set a trap at the base, which is why I didn't activate the Teleportation Beacon."

"You... you got it?!" Jetfire, Bumblebee, and Jazz stared wide-eyed, immediately surrounding the fragment and drooling as they looked at it as if it were a priceless treasure.

That's right, it's the "AllSpark"!

"Great! Now... Optimus Prime is saved!"

The ambulance driver could hardly contain his excitement; lubricant spurted from his eyes, and his voice was choked with emotion.

"Saving Optimus Prime is fine, but I have one condition." Alvin suddenly stored the AllSpark in his Personal Space, staring at the Ratchet: "This last remaining AllSpark is crucial for the upcoming war. There can be absolutely no mistakes. Do you... understand what I mean?"

The ambulance driver paused for a few seconds, then reacted. "Commander, you mean, just activate Optimus Prime's spark, but preserve the AllSpark fragments, right?"

As expected of an ambulance, they immediately understood his intention. Alvin nodded and said, "That's right, that's exactly what I mean. Can you do it?"

"This..."

The ambulance hesitated.

From its heart, it hoped to use the AllSpark to fully revive Optimus Prime, rather than simply activating the extinguished AllSpark energy. After all, full recovery and being severely injured and on the verge of death are two different concepts!

Even for Transformers, it takes a considerable amount of time to fully recover their strength after being severely injured, let alone in the current dire situation.

"Preserving the fragments of the AllSpark can help us convert a large number of soldiers, which will be extremely important in the upcoming decisive battle." Jetfire, standing to the side, also voted in favor.

The jazz opened his mouth, but ultimately couldn't bring himself to speak.

After all, the AllSpark fragment was stolen from the Decepticons base at great personal risk. The fact that they were willing to keep their promise and revive Optimus Prime is already quite generous; how could the Autobots have the audacity to demand more?

"Never mind, Ratchet..." After a difficult internal struggle, Jazz finally made up his mind, patted Ratchet on the shoulder, and said in a deep voice, "Jetfire is right. Even if we consume this AllSpark fragment and Optimus Prime is fully restored, it will be difficult to help the Autobots defeat the Fallen. We need more fighting power!"

Since the lieutenant had spoken, Ratchet had no choice but to comply, nodding. "I understand, Commander... I will activate Optimus Prime's spark energy using the minimum possible amount of energy."

This was a last resort.

We'll have to make do with "Pillar" for now. He has a great use for the AllSpark and can't be treated as a disposable item. As for the Matrix of Leadership... that's even more impossible.

"Very good."

Having achieved his goal, Alvin handed the AllSpark fragment to Ratchet: "Go revive Optimus Prime. I also have a deal to discuss with your 'leader'."

He has an idea about the Transformers universe.

They are clearly one race, yet they have been fighting amongst themselves for years because of their two leaders, resulting in the loss of their homeland. Isn't this a betrayal of "Primus"?!

So, he had an idea.

Unite the Transformers, rebuild order, and once again unite the Autobots and Decepticons under the same banner, fighting for their home and future in the name of "Machine God"!

Conquering Optimus Prime is the first step!

While he was pondering, the ambulance had already begun the surgery, with the AllSpark fragment suspended in mid-air and Optimus Prime's body lying below.

The pure energy extracted from the AllSpark flowed down like strands of silk, into the depths of Optimus Prime's damaged chest, like flowing azure blood, gradually injecting a glimmer of life into that lifeless body!

The previously extinguished embers of energy suddenly ignited with a faint glow!

Optimus Prime's Optimus Prime body, after the "spark" in his chest was ignited, opened his eyes once more, gazing blankly around. "Ah... my old friends, Jazz, Bumblebee, Ratchet, is that you?"

"It's us! You've finally come back to life, Optimus Prime!"

The other Autobots excitedly surrounded them.

The ambulance immediately stopped supplying energy, and carefully held the fragment of the AllSpark, handing it to Alvin beside it. "Commander, thank you very much for your efforts. The AllSpark... is now yours."

[Energy available: 30,000/???]

Alvin took the AllSpark fragment and glanced at it.

Goodness, no wonder it's a "leader-level" weapon. Even at the very least, igniting a single spark consumed a full 70,000 units of energy.

"???"

The newly resurrected Optimus Prime watched as Ratchet handed the AllSpark fragment to a human, his mind filled with questions. "Ratchet, my old friend, I haven't recovered yet."

"Uh..." The ambulance awkwardly turned its head away, whispering reassurance, "The situation is rather unusual right now. Please bear with it for a while, and I'll treat you slowly. The AllSpark is more important; we can't use it all to treat you, Optimus Prime."

"That's right, that's right, just bear with it."

Jazz also tried to reassure it, saying, "Since it's already resurrected, a little more energy won't make a difference."

"..."

Looking at his fellow Autobots around him, Optimus Prime felt as if he had been reborn. It was as if he had died once, and everyone's attitude towards him seemed to have changed in many ways without him even realizing it.

This isn't right!

If it were an old Autobots, would they ever say something like that, letting their leader just lie there?

"What on earth happened?" Optimus Prime's memory was still stuck on the Battle of Los Angeles. Upon seeing Ironhide missing, he immediately asked anxiously, "Where are the Decepticons? How are we? Where did Ironhide go?"

Upon hearing this, Bumblebee, Jazz, and Ambulance all fell silent, unsure of what to say.

Just then, Alvin stepped forward, looked at Optimus Prime, and said calmly, "Let me tell you, the Autobots '... leader, Optimus Prime."

"Who are you?" Optimus Prime looked at him suspiciously. "You don't seem to be human? My scanning program tells me that your genes are very different from those of humans on Earth."

This mess is getting out of hand, isn't it?!

Alvin's eyes were unfriendly, and the veins on his forehead throbbed. He almost couldn't hold back and slapped Alvin with a Psychic Power slap.

"Ahem, Optimus Prime, let me introduce you." Having been slapped himself, the knight knew all too well how painful that slap was. If Optimus Prime were to take it, he'd probably die again. So he immediately stepped in to smooth things over. "This is the Rogue Trader, Alvin Valshius. It was thanks to his help after your death that we were able to survive the Decepticons' pursuit, and even defeat Decepticons several times!"

"I see."

Optimus Prime suddenly understood, and then respectfully bowed his head. "I want to express my gratitude to you, Mr. Alvin."

"No need for thanks." Alvin waved his hand dismissively, saying irritably, "Thanks to your brilliant wisdom and might, otherwise... the Autobots really wouldn't have needed my help to save them."

Optimus Prime naturally sensed the sarcasm in his tone and frowned. "I don't understand what you mean, Lord Alvin."

"Thanks to your sacrifice in saving humanity, Autobots were almost plunged into the abyss." Alvin looked at Optimus Prime, his tone slightly mocking. "To be honest, if I were Decepticons, I'd have to thank you for your contribution."

Hearing that his actions had been misinterpreted as contributing to the Decepticons, even the good-natured Optimus Prime couldn't help but get angry. He forced his heavily injured body to struggle to his feet and glared at him. "What are you saying?!"

Am I wrong?

Alvin remained unfazed, staring directly at it. "You think you can save two races by sacrificing yourself? But have you considered how the Autobots, without their leader, will deal with the Decepticons?!"

"I..."

Optimus Prime suddenly fell silent, panic flashing in his eyes. "No, we still have allies, humans..."

"Excuse me, Optimus Prime," Alvin interrupted, "The allies you spoke of betrayed you within five minutes of your death, joining the Decepticons. If it weren't for me... heh, you probably wouldn't be seeing them now."

Optimus Prime turned his head blankly, as if seeking confirmation from the Autobots.

"That's right, Optimus Prime." Jazz lowered his head, clenched his fists, and gritted his teeth, saying, "After you destroyed the AllSpark with your body, humanity betrayed us and joined forces with the Decepticons to wipe out the Autobots. Your judgment... was wrong."

Upon hearing these words from his most trusted lieutenant, Optimus Prime was immediately plunged into utter bewilderment. "Was I... really wrong?"

It sacrificed itself for humanity, but the Autobots were betrayed by humans. Humans even joined forces with the Decepticons to drive out the Autobots who saved them!

But what if... it didn't sacrifice itself? Would a different outcome occur?

Optimus Prime was completely bewildered, questioning whether his actions were correct.

Did Optimus Prime really do something wrong?

No, it's not wrong. If the AllSpark hadn't been destroyed, from the perspective of humans and even the Autobots, under the circumstances at the time, if the Decepticons had taken the AllSpark, then what awaited humans and Autobots in the future would have been an endless Decepticons army, and the result would have been even worse!

Unfortunately, as Alvin said, Optimus Prime saved the worst situation, but he also underestimated human nature, which led to a different outcome.

It's wrong, but it's not wrong either.

The real problem lies with the United States, not with all of humanity.

But this is exactly the result Alvin wanted. The first step to conquering Optimus Prime was to make him doubt his own beliefs, so that he could take advantage of the situation.

That's too Tzeentch.

Fortunately, this isn't Warhammer, otherwise Alvin would have been worried that his blatant deception of the "honest man" might have attracted the attention of Tzeentch.

"What... should I do..." At this moment, Optimus Prime was plunged into unprecedented confusion, feeling as if the principles he had always upheld had been completely shattered.

Humanity's fickle nature, the Decepticons' brutality, the loss of their homeland, the exiled Autobots... the problems before Optimus Prime unsure how to solve them.

"Simply clinging to rigid principles won't save the Autobots, nor will it lead you to a home," Alvin said calmly, his face expressionless. "Facts have proven that those who seek survival through compromise will perish, while those who seek peace through struggle will live in peace."

These two short sentences immediately plunged Optimus Prime into deep thought. Countless times, he recalled the ideals conveyed by his past leaders. It seemed that every single one of them was about peace, but none of them could help them achieve peace!

Instead, it was like countless shackles that tightly bound the Autobots, leading to the destruction of their home, Cybertron, during the chaotic era of war!

Optimus Prime looked at the human before him and, with a few words, inspired its thinking. He asked solemnly, even with a hint of respect, "What do you think... we should do?"

"Let's make a deal, Optimus Prime."

Alvin gazed at Optimus Prime, a slow smile playing on his lips, "In the name of 'Valshius,' I pledge to help all Transformers rebuild their home, Cybertron."

Rebuild your homes!

This is the dream of every Autobots, and even Transformers, but Optimus Prime, as the leader, remained rational. "What price do you need us to pay?"

"Loyalty."

Alvin said calmly, "I need your loyalty. When I need help, you must fight for me unconditionally!"

"You've mistaken us... for a legion?!"

Optimus Prime was slightly taken aback, then stared at him in horror.

"Excellent, you will become my legion."

Alvin made no attempt to conceal his intentions, his burning gaze fixed on Optimus Prime: "You will fight for me against my enemies, and in return... I will promise you an inexhaustible energy source, a rebuilt home on Cybertron, and a glorious, prosperous past. In the name of Cybertron, we will no longer be subservient to any human!"

"No... I can't agree to that!"

Optimus Prime's pupils constricted, and he staggered back several steps in horror. "You are Daemon! I cannot drag the Autobots into the abyss! I cannot grant your request!"

However, Alvin showed no anger whatsoever, smiling as he looked at it, "Is that so? It's a pity... Optimus Prime, your thoughts don't seem to represent those of others."

Optimus Prime turned around in astonishment, only to realize...

It turned out that the ambulance, Jazz, and Bumblebee had somehow appeared behind Alvin, looking ashamed but still remaining motionless.

"You..."

Optimus Prime was stunned, staring incredulously at his former most trusted companions who were now standing on the opposite side!

"I'm sorry, Optimus Prime."

Jazz clenched his fist and said firmly, "We don't want to wander anymore. Rather than fighting the Decepticons pointlessly, we'd rather fight to... rebuild our home!"

Home, yes... home!

Every Autobots dreams of returning home, to Cybertron, the land that gave them birth!

Optimus Prime is indeed the leader, but he can't help the Autobots rebuild the destroyed Cybertron. However, Alvin... has already proven his strength to them through a series of actions!

"Optimus Prime, this is reality."

Alvin stepped forward, gazing at the distraught Optimus Prime, and said calmly, "Will you continue to fight to the death for the humans who betrayed you, or... join my ranks and fight to rebuild your home? Make your choice."

After a long while, the dejected Optimus Prime lowered his head.

"I... do!"

To reiterate, I was neither blessed by the Benevolent Father nor joined Slaanesh... I just have a hemorrhoid flare-up, so I haven't been updating much these past few days. I'm too embarrassed to ask for monthly votes, but I'll make up for the two chapters I owe once I feel better. Thank you everyone...