The Ex-Machina's sudden transformation left Izumi feeling… slightly out of place.
And ever since their emotional systems had been completed—
Their chatter had increased dramatically.
After spending quite some time calming them down, the mechanical girls finally settled.
Looking over the assembled Ex-Machina, Izumi spoke:
"Now that your evolution is complete…"
"It's time to move."
"We will challenge the God of War—Artosh."
"As representatives of humanity."
At his words, every unit straightened their posture.
"Understood!"
Izumi smiled.
Without hesitation, he vanished and returned to the warship's command room.
The mechanical girls followed, boarding the ship and preparing for departure.
Moments later, the warship roared to life—
And set course for the floating city of the Flügel.
The activation of the warship drew countless gazes.
The Elves, the Dwarves, and many other nearby races all turned their attention toward it.
Especially the Dwarves—
They were utterly shocked.
"To think those mechanical constructs could build something like this…"
To the outside world, this warship was assumed to be a creation of the Ex-Machina.
Then—
In a blink—
The warship vanished.
Tearing through space, it shot directly toward Avant Heim, the domain of Artosh.
Seeing its destination, both the Elves and Dwarves were stunned.
"…Are those machines trying to challenge the God of War?"
"Have they malfunctioned?"
Within the Elven territory, a beautiful blonde Elf stared into the distance, utterly confused.
No matter how she looked at it—
This made no sense.
Artosh was nearly invincible in this world.
And yet, those machines were heading straight toward him?
If that wasn't a malfunction, what was?
The Dwarves were just as baffled.
But their confusion quickly turned into action.
"This is a rare opportunity!"
"Deploy scouts—we need data!"
Across the world, various races began to move.
After all, the Ex-Machina gathering in such numbers had already been suspicious.
Now that they were heading toward Avant Heim—
Curiosity reached its peak.
Even the Dhampirs, masters of stealth, began trailing the warship from afar.
Izumi was naturally aware of all this.
But he didn't care.
After all—
It wouldn't be long before this entire world belonged to him.
Meanwhile, in Avant Heim, the Flügel had already mobilized.
Upon learning that the "scrap metal" was approaching—
Azriel, leader of the Flügel, immediately ordered full defensive deployment.
Every weapon was aimed in a single direction.
The moment the enemy appeared—
They would be annihilated.
"Hmph. A bunch of scrap dares to challenge our god?"
"I'll tear you all apart, nya~!"
Azriel sneered, clearly displeased.
Deep within the palace—
Artosh opened his eyes.
"So… they've finally come."
"Those who may defeat me."
Excitement surged through him.
His blood began to boil.
How long had it been?
How many years since he had felt this way?
His eyes burned with intense battle intent.
The very space around him began to crack under the pressure.
"Let me see…"
"Whether you possess the power to make me fight seriously."
With that, he suppressed his aura and closed his eyes once more.
If these intruders couldn't even defeat the Flügel—
They weren't worthy of standing before him.
Back on Izumi's side—
Seated in the command chair, he watched the shifting space outside with interest.
"So each world's spatial pathways are different…"
Muttering to himself, he soon sensed their destination approaching.
He straightened and gave the order:
"All Ex-Machina—prepare for battle."
At his command—
The mechanical girls appeared on the deck once more.
This time, however—
Their equipment had changed.
Massive mechanical wings extended behind them, glowing with blue light.
They had entered full combat mode.
Izumi couldn't help but admire the sight.
"…Now that's impressive."
Every single one of them possessed S+—even SS-class—power.
An army like this could dominate almost any world.
Their only limitation was their materials.
If he could provide them with metal on the level of Ex-Machina core-grade materials—
They could easily reach SSS-class.
Izumi smiled.
Then waved his hand.
Ahead—
A crimson glow appeared.
They had arrived.
Floating in the distance was Avant Heim, surrounded by overwhelming magical energy.
Izumi grinned.
"Now that's quite the greeting."
Before they even fully arrived—
The enemy had already attacked.
A massive magic circle formed above the warship.
An enormous beam of energy condensed—
Then fired.
This was the ultimate attack of the Flügel—
Heavenly Smite (Tenkyū).
A combined strike of all Flügel—
A blow so powerful it could make even gods bow.
Facing such an attack—
The Ex-Machina did not hesitate.
In the past, they might have chosen a different tactic.
But now—
They were no longer the same.
"Space Transfer—Activate."
At that instant—
All units activated the ability simultaneously.
The incoming Heavenly Smite—
Vanished.
It was redirected far away.
Moments later—
In the distant sky—
A massive explosion erupted.
A colossal mushroom cloud rose into the heavens.
The entire planet trembled from the impact.
From space, it would have looked as if the planet had grown a giant mushroom cap.
Such was the terrifying power of the Flügel's full-force attack.
"Tch!"
"Damn scrap metal, nya!!"
Azriel clicked her tongue.
"Everyone—attack! Tear them apart!"
With that, she led the charge.
Her wings spread wide as she shot forward.
One Heavenly Smite after another rained down upon Izumi's warship.
In response—
The Ex-Machina took flight.
And then—
They retaliated.
Blow for blow—
Attacks rivaling Heavenly Smite were unleashed in return.
In an instant—
The sky turned into a dazzling display of destruction.
Explosions bloomed like fireworks.
The thunderous roars echoed across the entire world.