The only Xenoblade game I played was Chronicles X, and that wasn't for very long, so I'm not familiar with most of the characters and terminology. Still, I think I got the gist of it.

I'm definitely not a fan of gory stuff. During operating scenes in TV and movies I usually have to look away. xD Luckily you didn't focus on the gritty details too much.

It was a well-written fic. The details and pacing were really good. And the ending, while predictable, was classically you.