The dim underground laboratory had finally regained some semblance of order. Beneath the heavy metal dome, lights pierced the cool air and illuminated the smooth alloy floor.
After Megatron's sharp rebuke, the burly Decepticons no longer dared crowd together and scramble for upgrades. They obediently formed a crooked line at the laboratory entrance.
These warriors, usually fearless and overbearing on interstellar battlefields, had reined in their aggression. They were as well-behaved as recruits awaiting instruction, and none dared act up again.
Megatron stood to one side with his arms crossed, his armored chest rising and falling slightly. Clearly, he still hadn't gotten over the humiliation of having his embarrassing past exposed in public. Even so, he dutifully kept his subordinates in line and stopped demanding a liquid metal body.
He knew perfectly well that Rimuru's modification methods were a unique opportunity. Even if he couldn't get the most heaven-defying material, any improvement to his combat power would be a sure win.
At the front of the line, Starscream and Barricade stood at attention.
Starscream's silver-gray fighter body was taut, and his optics could not conceal his anxiety and ambition. His wings trembled slightly as he eagerly anticipated surpassing his colleagues after the upgrade, perhaps even closing the gap between himself and Megatron.
Barricade, a levelheaded ground combat scout, was far more composed than Starscream. His pitch-black frame held its edge in check as he quietly waited for his modifications, hoping only for an all-around improvement in his durability, speed, and reconnaissance capabilities.
Rimuru stepped forward slowly, sweeping his gaze over the two mechs. He calmed his mind and began devising a tailored modification plan for each.
Unlike Ratchet's liquid metal body, suited for logistics and self-repair, a combat mech needed explosive power, heat and pressure resistance, and flight stability pushed