A month after the Time Flow Engine's arrival, I've been using a mass-produced Gespenst Mk-II for training. Lemon just informed me my machine's upgrade is complete. Heading to the hangar, I'm half-excited, half-nervous about what's in store.
"Axel, you're early," Lemon greets, looking unusually pleased.
"My machine. Had to see it."
"It's ready," she says, gesturing to a sheet-covered unit.
Her expression confirms it's my Ashsaver. "Time for the reveal. Pull that rope."
A rope extends from the sheet. "This one?"
I tug, and the sheet falls, revealing the transformed machine. A massive backpack dominates, with two protruding barrels—one Gatling-like, the other oddly small-caliber. It's like Gundam SEED's Duel Gundam with an oversized Assault Shroud.
"Changed a lot, huh?" Lemon beams.
"Changed so much I don't know where to start. Explain."
"The backpack's the Chronos Integrated Armament."
"Chronos? Grand name."
"Greek mythology—Zeus's father, who swallowed his kids to prevent losing power. Named to rival future machines."
Romantic, I guess.
"Time Flow Engine couldn't fit inside, so per your idea, it's in Chronos, externally mounted. The Ashsaver's fusion reactor swapped for a new plasma generator for more power. Chronos has a Tesla Drive for flight and extra boosters for mobility. With both engines, energy's near-infinite."
So, Chronos packs the Time Flow Engine, Tesla Drive, and boosters. No wonder it's huge.
"Weapons: right barrel's a Beam Gatling Cannon, left's a Linear Railgun. Chronos had space, so I added four Sword Breakers per side, totaling eight—fourteen with Ashsaver's six. Both cannons fold to avoid hindering close combat or high mobility."
It's like ordering a burger and getting gourmet steak. Overkill, but welcome.
"Impressive. You outdid yourself."
"It's registered as ASK-AD02C Glowsaver with Chronos equipped."
"Glowsaver. Nice name."
The Gundam-like Ashsaver now exudes heavy-duty presence. "Training first. A great machine's useless if I can't master it."
"Simulator's prepped with Glowsaver's data, and Vindel approved live training," Lemon says.
"Thanks."
I head to Shadow-Mirror's simulator room, Lemon trailing, curious about her creation.
"It's about 2.5 times stronger than the standard Ashsaver. Developer bias included," she says, tweaking settings.
"Noted. I'll handle it."
I start the simulator, walking Glowsaver to test balance. Despite Chronos's weight, it feels better than the original. I activate the Tesla Drive, floating effortlessly—no odd sensations like with Gespenst Mk-IIs in academy sims.
"No discomfort. Amazing."
I fly freely, controls smoother than Ashsaver's, speed slightly better. "Thrusters, full!"
Glowsaver matches Ashsaver's max thrusters with Accelerate. Activating Chronos's boosters, it tears through the sky, rivaling Cybuster or Project TD's speed-focused units. Booster mobility aids mid-air control.
"Speed and handling are unreal."
Satisfied, I test weapons. "Beam Gatling first."
I unfold the cannons, spawning Garoika targets in the simulator. Firing the Beam Gatling, small but relentless beams shred a Garoika with a few hits. Power and barrage are top-notch.
I spawn 30 attacking Garoikas. "Take this!"
The Beam Gatling's barrage wipes them out in seconds. "Incredible."
Perfect for swarm enemies. Next, the Linear Railgun. Firing at new Garoikas, recoil's mild compared to the Gatling. No beam flash or loud report—magnetic propulsion makes it stealthy. Slightly less power, but stealth compensates.
Finally, Sword Breakers. From six to fourteen with Chronos's eight. Enough to crush most foes, but can I control them? Ashsaver's brainwave-sync system enables all-range attacks, taxing the pilot. Six were fine, but fourteen?
I spawn 50 Garoikas, readying all Sword Breakers. "Go!"
I direct them mentally, system syncing actions: laser, slash, strike, dodge, laser, slash. Controlling eleven works, but the twelfth triggers sharp head pain.
"Ow! Stop simulator!"
I halt it. Lemon asks, "What happened?"
"Couldn't handle all Sword Breakers. Feedback pain."
"Reduce them?"
"Nah, I'll adapt. Spares for battle damage. Plus…"
"What?"
"T-LINK system could help. You mentioned it enhances weapons like Sword Breakers."
"It'll take time."
"You built Glowsaver. I trust you."
I exit the simulator, heading for live training.