Keila

Keila (ケイラ, Keira^?) is the commander of the 31st Anti-Machine Combat Forces Platoon.

Appearance

Keila has short blonde hair, sharp and determined eyes, and wears a power suit. Her power suit covers her athletic build. In her workout attire, she wears a form-fitting pants and her tactical bra which resembles a sports bra, reveals toned arms. Combat boots complete her ensemble, emphasizing both style and practicality. She also has a distinctive jacket that she sometimes wears over her outfit.

Gallery

Personality

Keila is a dutiful soldier who comes from the Mecha Ordinance. As a soldier, she is calm and stoic, and takes initiative action when danger approaches. She is respectful to the chain-of-command, though is willing to be flexible due to the dangers that approach humanity. Despite her expressionless emotions, Keila is caring to her allies and desires for the survival of humanity, and is willing to work hard to ensure she is ready.

She is analytical to understand those who put on a façade such as Ario, but is willing to encourage him when she realized he was trying to face his fears than just run away. Keila also has trouble understanding certain gestures of other-world humans, as she ate a plant Ario gave her thinking it was to eat.

Plot

Introduction Arc

In their debut, Keila and her team rescue Zaybi, Wally, Freen, Hallow, and Panepane from the demon soldiers of the Great Demon King Army. Keila issues an order to her troops to shield "the civilians from the unidentified organic life forms". Victory over the demon force brings a moment of triumph, and Zaybi is happy about the mages' feat of summoning allies from another world to aid in their struggle, and hopefully sparing them from further conflict. Yet, it is soon revealed that Keila's group is also in search of help to confront their own enemies: the robots.^[2]

After their introductions, it's revealed that both Zaybi and Keila's people had simultaneously sought aid from another world. Hallow's inquiry into the enemies faced by Keila's people leads to a discussion about the robots which will turn into a short passive-aggressive fight between Keila and Zaybi about which of their enemies are more formidable. However, soon their peace is interrupted by a music playing in the air by the approaching group of robots. They are offering soft beds, warm food, and protection. Panepane is bewildered by this, but Keila warns that the robots' promises are deceitful traps meant to ensnare and eliminate any human who dares reveal themselves. The robots, using their thermal imaging, swiftly detect the humans' heat signatures and close in. Zaybi, Panepane, and Hallow are taken aback by their discovery, but Keila is already orchestrating a counterattack, ordering her units to form up and focus their fire on the enemy. Despite their efforts, firing beam and kinetic bullets alike, the robots remain unscathed.

As the robots close in on Keila and her team, Zaybi intervenes with his formidable Earth-Shattering Magic: Earthquake, effectively immobilizing the mechanical assailants. Following this, Wally steps forward, wielding the High-Level, Frost Magic: Blizzard, encasing the robots in ice and rendering them inoperative. This unexpected turn of events leads to a newfound partnership with Zaybi and his people, recognizing the potential in their combined strengths to confront the enemies of their respective worlds.

Panepane detects the approaching demons, drawn by the mana they had used. Freen proposes casting a flight spell to escape, although the incantation requires five minutes to finish. Zaybi agrees it's a sound plan when, unexpectedly, the robots reactivate, having withstood the bitter cold. Now, the humans are confronted by dual threats. They rally to shield Freen as he starts the flight incantation. The soldiers engage the demons, and the mages counter the robots, a strategy that holds — for a moment. Keila, in alarm, spots Susma isolated from their unit and urges him to regroup. He insists on his safety but is swiftly ambushed by Kiva, the formidable 11th Division Combat Executive of the Great Demon King Army. Tragically, Kiva kills Susma, much to Keila's horror.

Keila quickly deduces they're facing a formidable demon and orders her team to focus their attack. Yet, Kiva, with an effortless gesture, repels the barrage of gunfire. Keila's shock deepens when Stahn's armor-piercing shot is casually redirected by Kiva, fatally wounding Stahn. Spotting Kiva's attention on Freen, she urgently commands her squad to shield the mage. In a desperate move, Jyu charges at Kiva with an armored car, ignoring Keila's protest. Kiva seizes the car, spinning it violently, resulting in Jyu's demise. The demon then hurls the car towards Keila and Freen, but they are miraculously saved by Hallow, who cuts the armored car in half and unveils his identity as the hero who fought the Demon Lord, Jachi.

When Kiva approaches Hallow, the young hero decides to throw his sword at the Advanced Robot, who was attacking Zaybi, capturing its focus. Hallow boldly confronts the horde of enemies arrayed before him. Zaybi and Keila watch, taken aback by his self-sacrificing stance. On the brink of defeat at Kiva's hands, Hallow is spared as the robot, drawn by an increased output of biological energy, diverts its assault. It launches a barrage of Happy Missiles at the demon, catching him off-guard. This leads to demons and robots confronting each other.

Meanwhile, the humans seize the opportunity. Freen invokes his incantation, the Group Flight Magic: Fly-Away spell, propelling the remaining survivors through the air, away from the battlefield and towards the safety of their fortress.^[3] Upon their return to the Humanity's Fortress, Keila and her companions are greeted with revelations of other worlds. As Hallow recovers from his wounds, Keila and Zaybi resolve to find additional survivors. Eager to join, Hallow seeks their consent. With Zaybi's approval, he turns to Keila for her agreement. Recognizing the value of Hallow's formidable abilities, Keila welcomes his company on their mission.^[4]

They eventually find themselves on one of the teleportation circles created by the mages for easy travel. Zaybi, Hallow, Panepane, Keila, Olly, and Patro resolve to search for any isolated individuals in need of assistance to escort them back to the safety of the fortress. They soon encounter giant moles, and a titanic entity resembling a walking mountain, which is moving away from them.^[5] They come across a solitary titan feasting on human remains, and a woman and two child survivors. Zaybi conjures a Heavy Mist Magic: Noisy Fog spell to blind the titan, allowing them to reach the survivors. However, the titan disperses the fog effortlessly. Keila scoops up one child, Hallow assists the woman, and another soldier secures the second child. Together, they flee from the pursuing titan.^[6]

The group of humans quickly realizes their route to the teleportation circle is severed by a vast, deep chasm, formed by the enigmatic roots. Resourcefully, Keila fires a wire rope across, providing a simple means for the group to cross the obstacle. The pursuing titan also manages to cross the chasm, but is then ambushed by the territorial giant moles. The titanic clash allows the humans to escape towards the circle. However, soon one of the children spots humans in the distance who are attacked by a bizarre plant creature. Without hesitation, Hallow decides to rush to aid, while Zaybi, Panepane and Keila ran after him to provide help.^[7]

Following a grueling day of rescuing numerous individuals, Keila and her fellow humans, wearied to the bone, retreat to the sanctuary of their stronghold via a teleportation circle. Keila remarks on the grim reality beyond their walls, far worse than they had feared, with seemingly no refuge left where humanity might endure. Amidst this bleak outlook, they are confronted with the news that the King has been stricken by a mysterious illness. In response, Zaybi summons a council with the refugees from disparate worlds, seeking to glean insights into the unfamiliar situation.^[8]

Representatives from the thirteen worlds gather together for a meeting. Amidst the search for solutions, Hallow proposes a strategy to turn their enemies against one another. Thear dismisses the idea, citing the intelligence of their primary enemy, the Madalans. The debate intensifies as others weigh in, skeptical of the plan's feasibility. In a twist, Zaybi incites discord among the humans by claiming their demons surpass the might of other worlds' enemies, provoking an uproar. Keila intervenes to quell the chaos and confronts Zaybi, who reveals this simply as a demonstration of manipulation, suggesting it could be employed against their true enemies. Despite her disapproval of Zaybi's methods, Keila recognizes a glimmer of hope in the brothers' resolve.^[9]

Later, during their conversation about seeking aid from other worlds, Keila recounts the moment her group from the Mecha Ordinance initiated the dimensional portal, in a bid for assistance. It appears that the energies of various worlds connected to draw them together.^[10] Shortly after, Gyuta arrives with Glasp, whom he rescued from some kind of plant creature. Keila is astonished to find the Major General among them and, alongside her two team members, renders a salute. Glasp recognizes their affiliation with the Anti-Machine Combat Forces, which Keila affirms. She expresses her relief at his safety. Glasp is glad to see some of the army's soldiers alive. Keila inquires about the fate of their headquarters, to which Glasp admits losing communication with it. He describes an assault on the second branch by entities unrecognizable as robots, alluding to the titans, and recounts the tragic loss of numerous valiant soldiers, with only a few managing to flee. Keila can't believe what she heard.

Zaybi's curiosity about Glasp prompts Keila to share his significant achievements in combat against the robots. She speaks of the reverence the populace holds for him, considering him a hero and acknowledging his leadership role in the Anti-Machine Combat Forces. Keila suggests using Glasp's tactical knowledge for their advantage. Zaybi is impressed by Glasp's strategic mind and proposes that he spearhead their planning efforts. With unanimous support, Glasp accepts the leadership role. The lack of formal recognition for Glasp initially makes Keila uncomfortable, but Glasp reassures her, emphasizing the absence of military hierarchy and his current status as a civilian. Eventually, Keila comes to terms with this new reality.^[11]

After informing Glasp of their discoveries and strategies, he probes into their tactic of turning enemies against one another. Keila clarifies to Glasp how Hallow's intervention led to the robot and demon armies clashing. Opting to remain under the radar for the time being, the humans prioritize strengthening their bonds. During this time, Keila questions Zaybi about the feasibility of manipulating the inherent conflict between their enemies. Zaybi admits that while the planning phase may proceed without hindrance, the real challenge will arise during implementation. Sensing Keila's concern about his confidence in their plan, Zaybi admits that it demands sacrifices and a level of courage that surpasses ordinary valor, essentially calling for a genuine hero. It is at this moment that Ario makes an unexpected entrance, offering his assistance.^[12]

Titans vs The Neo-Humans Arc

The following morning, as Keila engages in her exercise regimen, Ario approaches her. To Keila's astonishment, he presents her with a flower. Puzzled, she inquires about the reason behind his gesture, prompting Ario to recognize a cultural disparity between them. He clarifies that in his world, Sorcerion, it is customary for men to offer flowers to women they admire for their beauty. Keila simply responds by smelling the flower.

Recalling that Ario has fought a Demon Lord, she inquires about his well-being. Ario reassures her of his good health, attributing his unharmed state to his heroic status. Amidst the conversation, Keila takes the opportunity to introduce herself when Ario hesitates on her name. He earnestly vows to remember it. As Ario attempts to convey the symbolic meaning of the flower he presented to her, he is surprised to find Keila consuming it. She justifies her action by citing the nutritional value of organic plants, assuming the flower was given to be consumed. Their exchange is interrupted by Hallow's arrival, prompting Keila to step aside. Yet, she inadvertently catches a snippet of their dialogue about a defeat at the hands of a Demon Lord, leaving her puzzled by Ario's reaction.^[13]

Keila, Hallow, and Ario arrive to the strategy room to progress their meeting with the others. Zaybi lays out the stark reality: they must devise a survival strategy while they observe from the sidelines. It's Ario who breaks the news of the titans' steady advance towards their stronghold.^[14] Despite the unease over Ario's delayed disclosure, Hallow trusts Ario's judgment. Keila, however, thinks Ario just looks like he is being too carefree.^[15] This revelation unites the humans in plotting a diversion, aiming to redirect the titans away from their base and towards the Neo-Humans' city. Hallow steps up, eager to join the Titan-Herding Team, but Keila dismisses his offer, citing his unsuitability for negotiation — a comment that wounds Hallow deeply. Zaybi chides Keila for her harshness, while she remains confused, believing her assessment to be factual.^[16] Despite the setback, Hallow persists, driven by a desire to contribute. Ultimately, Ario steps forward to take Hallow's place. Meanwhile, Keila's gaze lingers on Ario, pondering how he emerged unscathed from a battle with a Demon Lord, unlike Hallow.^[17]

Once the Titan-Herding Team was established, Keila confronted Ario. Her intuition led her to surmise that Ario had not faced a Demon Lord as he claimed. Overcome with emotion, Ario crumbled under the weight of his secret, admitting that he had fled before the battle commenced, abandoning his allies to the demons. After Ario reveals his motivations for taking Hallow's place in the crucial talks with the titans, Keila regards him with newfound respect, perceiving his current actions as those of a valiant hero. In an impromptu gesture, she presents him with a flower, expressing a desire to understand its significance from Ario once his important mission is fulfilled.^[18]

Unfortunately, Keila and her human companions discover later that although Ario's team had accomplished their mission, it came at a great cost. The other team members perished during the operation, and Ario himself was captured by the Neo-Humans. Ario had instructed his support fairy, Kira, against any rescue attempts. This revelation prompts Hallow to exit the room, visibly upset. Keila tries to stop him, but Zaybi advises her to give him time, suggesting that while Hallow may honor Ario's request, he requires space to process the situation.^[19]

Demons vs Aliens Arc

As Kiva and the formidable forces of the Great Demon King Army surge forward to besiege Humanity's Fortress, Keila, together with Pakkya and the assembly of mages, support Hallow in confronting the demon troops. Driven by a fierce determination to honor the fallen Korbo and Shoks, Keila is resolute in her mission to defend their stronghold.^[20] Despite their valiant efforts to repel the onslaught, the overwhelming swarm of demons proves to be an inexorable tide, challenging the limits of their defense.

In a strategic move to engage the madalans in combat against the demons, humans activate an artificial satellite that emits a barrage of laser beams targeting the demons, momentarily catching them off guard. Although the effect is short-lived, it succeeds in drawing the attention of the aliens. Upon the Madalans' entrance to the battlefield, the satellite meets its demise. Amidst the chaos, as Kiva is poised to defeat Hallow, a piercing scream from Galua, a Madalan, assaults the ears of Keila and Gyuta, and disrupts Kiva's focus, halting his attack.^[21] The sudden intervention leads Keila to speculate if these are the rumored aliens, a sentiment shared by the bewildered Hallow and Pakkya.^[22]

It soon becomes clear how far more superior the aliens are compared to the demons' strength. Keila, along with her human companions, quickly become the focus of the aliens' mini ships, compelling them to refrain from aiding Hallow or Pakkya in combat to preserve their own safety.^[23]

In the end, when the mega kaiju, Daikokuzan, emerges and annihilates the alien invaders' vast space warship, humanity resorts to the Grand Teleportation Magic Circle to flee their doomed fortress. Keila and her fellow survivors find themselves in the anarchic Land of the Lawless, however, they soon notice that Hallow, Panepane, Pakkya and Bastz were left behind.^[24]

Demon Lord Arc

Keila and her companions observe a member of the Lawless morph into a deadly parasite, which promptly claims the life of another. The Lawless group resolves to eliminate the threat. Amidst the chaos, Keila spots a captive woman. As Thear confronts the Lawless to reach her, Cartel intervenes, cautioning him of the parasitic danger. This encounter serves as a grim lesson for Keila and the rest on the perils of the eroders, the wurms, and the alarming ease with which these parasites can claim new hosts.^[25]

In a harrowing turn of events, the wounded woman held by the Lawless undergoes a horrific transformation into a parasitic entity, launching an assault on Samone and her companions. Tragically, her companions are not as fortunate, succumbing to the creature as Samone evades its onslaught by a hair's breadth. Amidst the chaos, a soldier from the Anti-Machine Combat Force inquires if Keila intends for them to open fire on the beast, yet Keila orders not to shoot, wary of the risk of striking Samone in the fray.^[26]

When the Lawless capture Zaybi, it becomes clear to the humans that they intend to extract information through torture. A couple brave souls from Neo-Terra choose to risk parasite infection to rescue Zaybi. From a safe distance, Keila and her comrades provide cover, using non-lethal ammunition to incapacitate and distract the Lawless and secure Zaybi's escape.^[27] Following the successful extraction, Glasp orders Keila and her team to deploy smoke grenades at the criminals, creating a diversion that allows the survivors to retreat and seek refuge.^[28]

Old Man Gio cautions the group that the surrounding decrepit buildings are on the brink of collapse and could fall upon them if they get too close. Mika, spotting a forest afar, suggests seeking refuge there, but is promptly advised against venturing into the notorious Crimson Forest, a place deemed off-limits. In a stroke of luck, Sabiwa plants the Root of the World to one of the buildings, nurturing it with just a trickle of water. Miraculously, the root grows and weaves through the building's framework, reinforcing its integrity and preventing its disintegration. This miraculous growth of the World Tree's root provides the humans with a temporary sanctuary within the now fortified structure.^[29]

Thear inquires whether the Mecha Ordinance possesses any arms capable of repelling the Lawless. Keila, however, reveals a dire shortage of ammunition, with most of their resources abandoned at the former Humanity's Fortress.^[30]

As the smokescreen dissipates and the Lawless begin their advance, Masayoshi tells the troops to discharge their firearms into the clearing smoke where the Lawless loom. Keila counters, emphasizing the critical energy levels of their weapons and the necessity to conserve ammunition. The rest are reluctant to inflict harm on the humans, despite their outlaw status, compelling Glasp to initiate negotiations with the Lawless. He delegates potential command to Keila, should the talks collapse, seeking her acknowledgment, which she solidly affirms.^[31] Yet, Iglay begins to laugh, leaving Keila and Glasp confused. She understands that with the Lawless, bargaining is futile, and that extinction is imminent for all the survivors.

The Lawless surge forward on their vehicles, poised to raid the temporary base. Yet, their advance was halted by cautionary gunfire. Keila and her comrades, aiming their arms at the marauders, warn the Kyokai to back off if they cherish their existence. However, Gore wasn't deceived by their facade. He disclosed his extensive knowledge about them, catching the survivors off guard. As the Lawless gear up for another onslaught, a battalion of armored figures charge at the raiders. Among them, a warrior informs "General Glasp" of the newly arrived backup. Keila's eyes widen in recognition — it was Masayoshi.^[32] Thanks to Masayoshi's ruse, many of the survivors were disguised in the guise of armored warriors with the use of the mage's Adorning Magic: Decoration spell and manage to fend off the Lawless for the time being. As Glasp and Keila observe their departure, Glasp remarks on their narrow escape from danger. Iglay warns them of the Kyokai's inevitable return with reinforcements. Keila expresses her concern over the marauders' knowledge of their technology and insists on devising a counterstrategy.^[33]

Current Arc

Four days later, Wané brings a variety of insects, mushrooms, and plants for the others to eat. Mika, Muun, Plana, and Cartel refuse, prompting Keila to ask aren't they eating while her people do. She praises the food as excellent military rations, rich in calories and nutrients, explaining that canned foods from her world lack protein, making this perfect for them.^[34]

When the Lawless attack again, Keila rushes towards the battle, ordering Zaybi to evacuate refugees who cannot fight. Zaybi asks what they're facing, and Keila reveals something unexpected; the titans are now equipped with electrodes - devices created by the robots designed to hijack human brains and turn them into puppets. Stunned, Zaybi asks if the Lawless are controlling the titans. Keila confirms but admits she doesn't know how they obtained the equipment.^[35]

After Masayoshi's plan to lure the Tyrant Bear into attacking the Lawless at their base succeeds, Samone spots Zaybi attempting to escape from Kyokai's base. Without hesitation, Keila starts running toward the Lawless' base, shouting that they need to help him. She calls for Samone to back her up, and Samone agrees. The group sets off toward the base.^[36]

However, before they can reach Zaybi, Rinri kills the massive Tyrant Bear and orders his men to break Zaybi's arms and legs. Realizing they won't make it in time, Keila cries out Zaybi's name. Before anyone can act, the bear's corpse is suddenly taken over by a parasite, transforming it into a Wild Beast Wurm. Confused, Keila asks when the bear could have contracted a parasite. Cartel suspects that the parasites have already overrun the entire Crimson Forest.^[37]

Once they finally reach Zaybi, he reveals that the Lawless are holding innocent people captive. The group decides to support the Lawless against the huge parasite, and some of Keila's soldiers volunteer to rescue the captives. She instructs them to distribute weapons to those who can fight, declaring that this is now all-out war. One of the Lawless fighters curses as his energy weapon runs out of ammo. Seeing this, Keila throws him a fresh energy cartridge so he can reload.^[38]

Soon after, the parasite launches a swarm of small parasite wurms towards Zaybi and Rinri. Keila notices the attack and manages to save Zaybi in the nick of time. Shocked, Zaybi calls out to Rinri, only to realize that he has already fallen victim to the parasites. Keila grimly tells Zaybi that it's too late for him.^[39]

As the Wild Beast Wurm continues to consume more Lawless and other humans, it grows even larger, transforming into a titanic Super Wurm. Keila and the others stand in stunned silence, staring at the monstrous being before them.^[40]

Abilities

Physical Abilities

• Enhanced Strength and Endurance: Keila's athletic body, disciplined morning exercise regimen, and military background suggest she possesses above average human strength and endurance. When equipped with her power suit, she can carry hefty armaments and even another individual while maintaining her vigor.

References