"Forget it. I'm toning up the difficulty of this mission the next time around."

Viridi's voice cuts off as the Lethiniums attempt to fend off Athrun. The lasers shoot once more, but unless Athrun's armor has suddenly developed a crack, he just needs to sit it out before they have to recharge once again.

Congratulations! ...It looks like he's won!

He will find his prize when he turns around: one adorable, small rock-like creature with a single eye gazing innocently upward at him. The ticking sound is just a part of its charm.