Chapter 598: The Hunt (Patreon)

Transformers Begin : Table of Content/Chapter List

XXX-----XXX-----XXX-----XXX

High above 7,000 meters in the sky, Starscream's ever-shifting F-22 fighter ceased firing after launching six missiles.

Not far from him, in the even higher reaches of the sky, a colossal behemoth even more terrifying than Starscream's F-22 continuously released what seemed like an endless stream of aerial bombs from its bomb bay.

For military enthusiasts, one look would likely reveal that this massive aircraft, several times larger than the F-22, was the B-1B Lancer, a supersonic variable-sweep wing strategic bomber from the United States Air Force.

However, despite its appearance and the similarity in its actions, this bomber did not belong to the U.S. military. It was one of the alternate forms of Astrotrain, a Triple Changer warrior who had recently arrived on Earth.

Yes, this colossal machine was none other than Astrotrain.

Astrotrain was among the first batch of Decepticon warriors to undergo advanced modifications by Shockwave within the Skytiger Legion. He possessed combat capabilities that rivaled any elite warrior, and his transformation speed between his three modes was nearly twice that of ordinary warriors.

During the Cybertron civil war, Astrotrain had been unstoppable, thanks to his powerful land and air transformations. Even Autobot Triple Changers, for the most part, were no match for him.

This explained why Shockwave had sent him as part of the advance team.

Astrotrain had just finished launching hundreds of aerial bombs, completely covering the area above the highway where the advancing Autobots Major were located.

After completing these actions, Astrotrain contacted Starscream and inquired, "Starscream, the bombs have been launched. What's next?"

Upon arriving on Earth, Astrotrain's first mission was to hunt down Optimus Prime, the Autobots' leader.

Facing such a task, even Soundwave, who had disagreements with Starscream, had ordered Ravage to temporarily follow Starscream's arrangements.

Astrotrain naturally had to follow Starscream's orders because any negligence could result in their mission's failure, or even casualties among their ranks.

Starscream had established a communication command channel and was issuing orders methodically.

"Baricade, lead the Trencher Team and command all the Clone Warriors to delay the Autobots Major. If necessary, allow Digger Tiger to combine. The Terrorcons will coordinate with Baricade. If you spot any Autobots attempting to break free and prepare to support Optimus Prime, engage them immediately."

"Astrotrain, Noisy, and the Wreckers, the four of you will accompany me to hunt down Optimus Prime. Ravage, stay on the sidelines and seize any opportunity to launch a surprise attack."

The Wreckers were a Decepticon team that had arrived on Earth with Astrotrain not long ago.

This two-member Decepticon team consisted of Roadbuster and Leadfoot, both with fierce personalities. Their mechanical bodies had also been modified by Shockwave, making them tougher than ordinary Decepticons, with increased speed.

During the civil war, this Decepticon team had often served as assault warriors. They would recklessly intercept highways, flank Autobot supply convoys, and ambush Autobot civilians using their high-strength mechanical bodies and speed. They spread terror and chaos by killing and intentionally mutilating Autobot corpses.

Gathering one commander, one elite warrior, and four advanced warriors, a total of six Decepticons were about to encircle and hunt down Optimus Prime. None of the Decepticons felt any reservations about this plan. In their eyes, it was the most effective approach they could currently employ.

"All right, let's begin!"

With a command issued, Baricade, who had led the non-flying Decepticon cannon fodder warriors waiting along Route 17, immediately relayed orders, "Decepticons, charge!"

Most of the cannon fodder warriors cultivated by Starscream lacked rationality. Sensing the Autobots' presence, they could hardly contain themselves. Now, under Baricade's command, nearly a hundred Decepticons, each with various models and styles of vehicles, swiftly raced towards the Autobots' location several kilometers away.

"Sam... Michaela..."

In a daze, it seemed like someone was calling his name. Sam slowly woke up from his unconscious state. As he opened his eyes, his consciousness was still hazy, and everything he saw appeared distorted and shaky.

"Where am I? What happened..."

Mumbling to himself, Sam felt a throbbing headache. He instinctively touched his forehead and discovered it was wet – with blood.

"Sam... Sam..."

Bumblebee's calls repeatedly sounded in his ears. As Sam's consciousness gradually cleared, the ringing in his ears also faded away. He quickly remembered what had happened.

His eyes widened as he took in the scene around him. He saw Michaela slumped weakly in the passenger seat next to him, her forehead, like his, oozing crimson blood.

"Michaela..."

Sam pushed her gently, and when she didn't respond, he reached down to check her breathing. Relief washed over him when he confirmed that she was still breathing.

"She's still breathing, just unconscious!"

Bumblebee's voice sounded again, urgently this time. "Sam, wake up Michaela quickly! We're under attack by the Decepticons, and the battle is about to begin. Be cautious and protect yourselves."

Sam blinked as his memories slowly returned. Yes, just minutes ago, a thunderous shout of "Enemy attack!" had heralded a deluge of bombs falling from the sky, as numerous as a rainstorm.

Bumblebee, with his agility, had narrowly avoided being hit by an aerial bomb. However, the sheer number of bombs falling from the sky had caused Bumblebee to be thrown around by the shockwaves of nearby explosions multiple times. Sam and Michaela, seated in the car, had also been jolted around, at times nearly losing consciousness as their heads collided with the steering wheel and other parts of the vehicle.

"Quick, Sam..."

Bumblebee urged again, his voice now filled with urgency and tension. His prodding brought Sam back to the present moment, and he realized that Bumblebee had resumed driving.

Sam instinctively glanced ahead and, with just one look, his eyes widened. As far as his gaze could reach, a few hundred meters away, rows of vehicles were approaching, kicking up dust like a sandstorm in the desert.

Leading the charge was a black-and-white Prowl, and the sight immediately triggered a long-forgotten memory deep in Sam's mind.

Baricade!

[Read at www.patreon.com/shanefreak, without ads and support the work.]

XXX-----XXX-----XXX-----XXX

Next Chapter >>Chapter 599: Optimus Prime's Fall (