Meeting 1

The owner of that familiar voice was none other than one of Optimus Prime's adjutants—Ratchet.

When he saw Ratchet emerge from the dark forest, a flash of delight crossed Optimus Prime's face, but it quickly turned stern again.

"Boss..."

Optimus Prime's massive frame was far too conspicuous on the open lakeshore.

Ratchet had barely pushed aside the trees and stepped out of the forest when a casual glance immediately spotted Optimus Prime by the lake.

He cried out in delight and hurriedly rushed toward Optimus Prime.

"Ratchet..."

Optimus Prime sighed and stepped forward, watching his partner excitedly circle around him. The words on the tip of his tongue were swallowed back down.

Some time ago, as his teacher Sentinel Prime continuously incited his followers to cause trouble, Optimus Prime had grown weary of such filthy, underhanded tactics. He took the initiative to convene a meeting attended by every high-ranking official in New Iacon City.

At the meeting, he directly admitted to every accusation leveled against him and used them as grounds to announce his resignation as leader of the Autobots. He then exiled himself, leaving New Iacon City without taking a single trusted subordinate with him.

Optimus Prime's purpose had been clear: he did not want the Autobots to fall into internal division because of him, just as the Cybertronians of old had split into two factions—the Decepticons and the Autobots.

But judging by the result, his goal had clearly failed.

"Boss..."

Ratchet plopped down beside him. "Did you think the Prime would spare us after you left?"

"Ironhide was stripped of his position as commander of New Iacon City. Sideswipe and Goldbug were sent out to sweep up those Decepticons in Africa... Wheeljack was assigned to redesign weapons... And I lost my job the moment you left..."

Optimus Prime