Deep in the Autobot base, tension thickened the air as Ratchet paced, arms crossed, his expression screaming skepticism. “So let me get this straight,” he grumbled, optics narrowed. “We’re chasing some mythical being—because, what, some half-baked rumors say it exists?”

Optimus, ever composed, stood firm. “The reports suggest this being possesses knowledge that could benefit our cause. We cannot afford to dismiss the possibility.”

Ratchet scoffed. “More like another mech with an ego problem. This is a waste of time.”

Across the room, Jazz and Mirage exchanged a glance.

“Are we actually doing this, Jazz?” Mirage muttered, shifting uneasily.

Jazz exhaled. “Looks like it, bro.”

Mirage groaned, rubbing his faceplate. “I swear, if this turns out to be another mech thinking they’re a Prime reborn—”

Optimus remained unreadable. “If this is a deception, we will deal with it. If not, we may gain a valuable ally.”

Ratchet sighed, throwing up his hands before slamming the GroundBridge controls. “Fine. But if this is a wild spark chase, I told you so.”

With a whirl of green energy, the portal opened, and without another word, the team stepped through.

The moment they emerged, everything changed.

Thick humidity clung to their plating, and the dense canopy above filtered the light into golden streams. The scent of wet earth and unfamiliar flora filled the air. Towering trees stretched endlessly, their trunks wrapped in thick vines.

Jazz let out a low whistle. “Well, this sure ain’t Cybertron.”

Mirage frowned. “Feels… untouched. Like we ain’t supposed to be here.”

Ratchet groaned, optics scanning the unfamiliar terrain. “Perfect. We’re in some jungle chasing a legend. Primus help us.”