The machine stopped to assess the situation, a large dent on the side of its head. Sprite did not hesitate. She dug her back foot into the crumbling pavement, aimed, and squeezed the trigger again.

Another direct hit, sending the machine reeling.

It righted itself.

Sprite fired again. The guardian tried to crouch to avoid the shot, but was too slow, the blast ricocheting off the top of its head. But it still had enough time before Sprite could fire another.

Still crouched, arms at its sides, fists pointing toward Sprite, the machine prepared to fire a double barrel fireball.