Scarab

"A machine unearthed and retrofitted from the ancient Great Machine Wars. Technology lost to time, this machine had abilities like no other...."- Commander Fintré, Alpha Squadron

The Scarab was a special variant of the Leech machine that never saw actual combat, and is now being developed en masse by DEM. It had the power to utilize and empower allies around it, increasing magical power of everything within a certain radius. It was a secret project, and back then was known as Prototype Empowerment.

## Appearance

The Scarab was a mech that resembled the Leech, especially within its loadout and general shape. Its main differences is its unique and somewhat unappealing color scheme, as well as the large noticeable horn on the front resembling giant Gladiator Beetles. Its four red eyes turn green during its empowerment and leech ability, and it also has more luxury exterior parts, such as large sculpted structures on the back portion of its legs, which serve no practical purpose. It also has wings on the back that glow and release magical energy particles, and emits a purple and yellow glow during ability activation.

## Purpose

The purpose of the Scarab is unknown. It was created by ancient Evolife scientists, and exactly why can only be speculated. Modern machines like the present day Leech and Orochis of the modern era are not even close to such capabilities, which makes some question the actual creators of the Scarab. If the Scarab had been mass-produced by humanity during the Great Machine Wars, it could have easily wiped out some magical races, and done catastrophic damage to the planet's ecosystems. Theorists think the machine was built in response to an existential threat, since the Hive had begun to emerge from their ancient slumber during that era.

## Usage

The Scarab was meant to be experimental technology using magic, especially since near the end of the wars magic was just starting to be researched and utilized in warfare by the industrial races. The Scarab could channel Plasma energy and fuel and convert it into pure magical energy, something not even modern technology can achieve. It would then use this magic to heal, shield, and empower allies around it, including other mechs but could even support ground troops and aircraft. Unfortunately, they were lost after the wars, although a few were hidden away in secret underground facilities, where they were left abandoned for thousands of years. Eventually they were found again by DEM, and put into working condition. The full extent of their abilities and purpose are unknown, since their documents and blueprints have been completely lost.

It was known as Prototype Empowerment, and was one of the most secret military projects of the ancient war era. Very few units were produced, with only three discovered. Since then, DEM have manufactured more than 500, but production is extremely difficult due to the components they require already having been depleted thousands of years later.

The First Scarab, known as "The Gladiator" had a larger horn and was much more powerful than the normal variants. It could reverse magical impacts and prevent magic from being used, the opposite of other Scarabs. It is unknown if this was a separate prototype or just another variant of the Scarab.

In total, except for the original three and the Gladiator, 500 Scarabs have been made. Four were stolen by gangs in Oblivia, and Two were sold to Civilians for 2 billion each. The rest are stored in DEM's Ascension Hangar. None were given to police or militia, for reasons unknown.

Currently, only three editions are known:

Proto Edition- Three original Scarabs, the only ones known. They are stored deep within DEM's research chambers, and access is very limited.

Gladiator Edition- A legendary ancient machine, with a horn larger than any Scarab. Colored in a hue of deep red, it emits a mysterious aura of fear. A walking Antimagic field generator. When other Scarabs or DEM equipment is used around the machine when active, none of it works. It is unknown to what causes the Gladiator to do this. It is unknown where it is currently stored, and if DEM will build these in the future.

Remastered- The new Scarabs. These are very similar to the Prototypes, except they have modern commodities, and benefit from DEM's advanced mech engineering.

## Weaknesses

The Scarab, while unstoppable back then, are much weaker now due to advanced technology and magic. While their ability is still unique, they have more weaknesses in modern society than in the past. They naturally have lower durability than modern Leech mechs, and also suffer from a lower speed and high operational costs. They are rarely used outside of secret testing operations, so it is unknown how they would fare against mechs like the Orochi if given the chance. Additionally, if the horn was somehow damaged, the Scarab can no longer empower its allies with magic. The weaknesses of the Gladiator Scarab is unknown since it has not been tested.