Three days later.
Glug, glug—splash!
In cultivation pool number one, at the center of the barracks, dark green nutrient fluid churned like boiling water.
A membrane split with a sharp rip, and a vicious beast head more than two meters wide burst through the surface, dripping with viscous fluid. Six bone claws as thick as iron posts clamped onto the steel rim. With a hydraulic groan that set teeth on edge, they hauled a mountain of steel and flesh, built like a heavy bulldozer, out of the pool.
Warm fluid cascaded down its back armor, drenching the craftsmen waiting eagerly beside the pool.
"Fuck! Master Han, didn't you say this batch was docile?!"
"Back up! Back up! You're standing on my toes!"
Curses mingled with laughter.
The giant beast shook its massive head and let out a low, thunderous roar.
Unlike conventional six-legged war beasts, which excelled at pouncing and tearing, this thing had a chassis built low to the ground. Its long neck was gone, replaced by layers of curved, heavy bone armor running from its forehead all the way down its back. Its face had no fancy fangs or horns, only a biochemical breaching ridge, dozens of centimeters thick, that ran from its snout to the crown of its skull.
"Six-legged war beast? What a boring name!"
Hannibal, bare-chested, wiped the fluid from his face and rubbed his hands together with a broad grin. "From today on, this thing's called a Siege Beast! It'll take care of any stubborn fortification or rat hole!"
According to reports from forward scouts, the retreating Architect legion had filled the route with crystal gates, barricades, and heavy cover. Hunters wearing Flight Wings could go over them, but the main force, Mecha, and logistics convoy would be trapped in the canyon and beaten