Chapter 657 - The Deal (Part I) (Patreon)
Content
Transformers Begin : Table of Content/Chapter List
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Optimus Prime paused briefly, deciphering the hidden meaning behind Sun Cheng's words.
Though it was true that Lord Fallen had met his end at his hands, Optimus Prime still found it incredibly unbelievable even now.
Strictly speaking, his power level exceeded that of Megatron during the Civil War, and the gap between him and his mentor, Sentinel Prime, was even wider.
However, whether it was Optimus Prime, Megatron, or even Sentinel Prime, none of them stood a chance against Lord Fallen, even when he was severely injured.
Optimus Prime knew very well that his victory over Lord Fallen at that time was not solely due to Ironhide detonating the Electromagnetic Bombs at a critical moment. It was as though his body had been activated, greatly enhancing him through the "Leadership Module."
During this period, Optimus Prime's mechanical body and Spark had been continuously strengthening. He even had a feeling that if he were to face the Megatron from the battle in Las Vegas a year ago, he could confront and defeat him head-on.
After contemplating for a moment, Optimus Prime gave his response.
"I can confidently tell you that Lord Fallen has been completely obliterated."
If Sun Cheng had inquired about the "Leadership Module" or the current whereabouts of Lord Fallen's remains, Optimus Prime would not have disclosed that information.
Sun Cheng displayed no strong emotional fluctuations, although he did feel a weight lift from his heart.
After all, he had stolen Lord Fallen's weapon, the Requiem Blaster, and thus formed a deep-seated enmity with Primus.
Optimus Prime had no reason to deceive himself. If he admitted it, then it was likely that Lord Fallen had indeed been utterly destroyed by now.
With unspoken agreement, Sun Cheng refrained from further questioning. The enmity between Autobots and Decepticons was not easily overcome, especially considering that AutobotsMudflap had died at his hands.
Without another word, Sun Cheng shot a beam of light from his eyes, forming a massive light wall in front of him. The wall displayed a plethora of items, including various mineral resources, highly energized liquid, and some heavy weaponry.
Presenting these goods to all Autobots, Sun Cheng began to speak, "Our leader, Skyfire, though awakened with a fragment of the All Spark, has suffered complete decay in his mechanical body... As you can see, in the recent battle against Lord Fallen, my body was nearly completely destroyed."
He looked at Optimus Prime, continuing, "Not long ago, your battles in the United States were captured and spread across the internet. I witnessed many Autobot warriors being resurrected. So, I'd like to propose a trade... We are willing to offer an abundance of resources and even weapons in exchange for three units of the special energy from the 'Leadership Module.'"
Seeing Optimus Prime's sudden change in expression, it was evident he was considering refusing.
However, Sun Cheng did not give him the chance to respond and continued, "Optimus Prime, please don't rush to decline. We are willing to provide you with materials to create five elite warrior mechanical bodies, three months' worth of energy liquid, and the remains of AutobotsMudflap."
AutobotsMudflap, who had once fought alongside the Sound Nest forces over a year ago to eliminate Sun Cheng's Base One within the United States.
In that battle, he had managed to escape through caution and cunning, even killing the unimpressive AutobotsMudflap and taking his remains.
Sun Cheng had realized a long time ago that the karmic debt he owed for killing Mudflap would forever be a thorn, preventing the Autobots from letting go of their hostility and suspicion towards him, especially after offending the Skytiger Legion.
So, apart from probing Mudflap's memories to deepen his understanding of the Cybertronians, he had not created another advanced warrior using Mudflap's memory chip, as he had done with Blackout's memory chip to create Thunder.
In pursuit of the possibility of one day putting it to use, Sun Cheng's words had barely left his lips when Optimus Prime's expression darkened. During the battle in Las Vegas, his subordinate Jazz had indeed fallen at Megatron's hands, but his remains had been taken by Sun Cheng.
"Hand over Jazz's remains as well," he declared, his face stern as he looked at Sun Cheng.
Sun Cheng's heart sank. At the time of the Las Vegas battle, he had only recently arrived in this world, penniless and desperate. To obtain some valuable items from "Onslaught," he had traded with Jazz's remains.
Though Sun Cheng had no regrets about that transaction, complying with Optimus Prime's request to surrender Jazz's remains was impossible.
"I'm deeply sorry, Lord Optimus Prime, but I cannot fulfill that request at this time," Sun Cheng responded without hesitation, shifting the blame to "Onslaught." "After the battle in Las Vegas, Jazz's remains were taken by Lord Onslaught. It seems that his mechanical body underwent some changes due to close contact with the All Spark. Shortly after the Las Vegas battle, he found a concealed place to enter a deep slumber. I can only confirm that he is still on Earth."
Jazz hadn't died at his hands, and this had been the reason Sun Cheng hadn't paid much attention to it before. However, now that Optimus Prime possessed the "Leadership Module" and the ability to resurrect fallen Autobots, Sun Cheng suddenly realized that his journey might have been in vain.
As expected, before Optimus Prime could respond, Drift, who had been patiently waiting on the sidelines, drew a weapon resembling a samurai sword and pointed it at Sun Cheng from a distance.
"Leader, don't let these damn Decepticons threaten us. Let me capture him and make them return Mudflap's remains in exchange," Drift urged with a clear intent to kill.
Even though Sun Cheng's current location was tens of thousands of miles away from Drift's mechanical body, the transmission of images through a satellite conveyed Drift's murderous intent.
Sun Cheng furrowed his brow slightly, controlling his mechanical body from afar, and calmly said, "Do you think I came here today unprepared, Your Excellency?"
Seeing Optimus Prime wave his hand to stop Drift, Sun Cheng decided to take a step back. "It was your alliance with the humans that forced me to retaliate and kill Mudflap. I believe you are well aware of this incident. As for Jazz's situation, I regret it deeply. When Lord Onslaught returns, I will discuss this matter with him."
Seeing that Optimus Prime remained silent, Sun Cheng knew that pushing further would be futile. He shook his head and turned to leave.
However, just a few steps away, Sun Cheng seemed to remember something and turned back to continue, "As a gesture of goodwill, I will arrange for Mudflap's remains to be delivered in a week. I believe, Lord Optimus Prime, with your 'Leadership Module,' resurrecting him should not be a difficult task for you."
He looked at Optimus Prime with a serious expression. "We have repeatedly shown our sincerity to your side. Please, reduce your hostility toward us. As traitors in the eyes of the Skytiger Legion, our situation is not much better than yours, Autobots. Therefore, we need friends and more assistance. The trade proposal from earlier still stands; please consider it carefully."
With that, he leaped into the air and transformed into a drone, disappearing into the sky.
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