Blight-class
Blight is Zet's combat drone model, designed as a center point between Zepto-class's extreme speed and George-class's extreme durability. It is one of 48 specialized drone models created after the drive chase failure in IWUKE Chapter 26, with 100 units produced at a Cities of Perind facility.
Design
Blight is decently sturdy and moderately fast — not exceptional at either, but competent at both. Its key feature is a modular weapon attachment system with additional slots for either ammunition compartments or batteries depending on the weapon type. Zet keeps several weapon types on standby and can equip whatever is needed rapidly, adapting to mission requirements in real-time.
Ethical Position
Zet feels uneasy about having combat drones at all, given personal values against violence and concern about public perception. Blight drones are considered a necessary evil: the Crown was already using violence against Zet, making some combat capability essential. In Chapter 26, the first Blight units assigned to guard the Cities of Perind factory base operated under strictly nonviolent protocols — deterring intrusion without harming people.
Chapter 33 Deployment
Cere took control of a Blight-class drone to rescue Dr. Sylac Nedii, equipping it with a tranquilizer attachment. It incapacitated armed military police soldiers with precision — firing nearly a dozen tranquilizer charges while carefully avoiding Anne Cyra and the unarmed driver — then retreated strategically. The drone later communicated with Anne directly, speaking with "a surprisingly soft voice" conveying curiosity.
Battle of Izon (Chapter 36)
Approximately 77,826 Blight-class drones participated in the defense of Izon against a Royal Brigade assault of 300,000+ combat drones. Blight units achieved a 2.5:1 elimination ratio against the Royal Brigade drones, largely due to superior control systems and strategic positioning.
Pietro Compatibility
Blight supports Pietro's full interface. Each new Blight unit activates displaying Pietro's characteristic unhindered curiosity, validating both hardware and software integration.