Preparing for War

Optimus Prime did not remain silent for long. Perhaps he had already made his decision in his heart.

He merely needed a reason, or someone to convince himself.

"Lord Frenzy!"

When he met Sun Cheng's gaze again, the struggle from before had vanished from Optimus Prime's face, replaced entirely by resolve.

"The Autobots will never stand by and watch war return to Earth. We will do everything in our power to prevent war from breaking out again!"

Sun Cheng stared directly at him for a long while before slowly nodding.

"My lord, we are willing to trust your promise. At the same time, we will honor ours. From now on, not a single Decepticon under our command will enter Africa without your permission. This land will serve as the Autobots' sphere of influence."

He tapped the armor over his chest, and it instantly opened. Two protruding metal joints ejected a metal disc.

Sun Cheng picked it up and held it out to Optimus Prime.

"This contains information on several mines we established in Africa. None of the equipment inside was withdrawn. The Autobots need only make a few modifications before putting them directly to use. Consider it a gesture of our goodwill!"

They were only a few dozen small mines. Compared to firmly securing Optimus Prime as an ally, they were not worth mentioning.

Sun Cheng was becoming increasingly accustomed to his identity as a politician—or rather, the leader of a faction.

He was becoming more and more adept at knowing when to give something up and when to sink his teeth in and refuse to let go.

Optimus Prime frowned slightly. As the former leader of the Autobots, he had led his people through the civil war and rebuilt their home on the satellite. Perhaps he still fell far