Chapter 203: Combat Test
A low hum instantly emanated from the core of the torso, like a giant beast awakening. Subtle yet powerful vibrations transmitted through the metal frame beneath her.
Almost simultaneously, a calm, clear electronic synthesized voice sounded inside the cockpit, its tone steady and devoid of emotional fluctuation: "Auxiliary operating system online. Initiating pilot adaptability calibration."
The helmet-mounted display in front of Valerie lit up abruptly. It not only presented a clear, 360-degree panoramic view of the outside world but also rapidly overlaid layers of tactical data, system status readouts, and environmental analysis information.
At the edge of her vision, a concise status bar displayed: "System Synchronization Rate: 78%... optimizing continuously."
"Attempt basic limb movement," the AI prompted.
Valerie complied, moving her arms cautiously—including the newly installed mechanical prosthetic.
The power armor's massive mechanical arms responded accordingly. The synchronization rate was high, and the movements were precise.
However, she could feel a subtle sense of lag. It wasn't that the commands weren't being followed, but rather a lack of the ultimate fluidity of "movement following thought" rumored in top-tier neural-linked power armor. Nor was there the exaggerated feeling of the armor becoming a second skin or herself becoming superhuman.
"Feels... a bit heavy. Response isn't crisp enough," she reported via the internal comms channel, feeling the weight of the machine transmitted through the metal frame.
"Experimental model. Emphasizes structural strength and full-spectrum environmental protection. Current response curve set to safe mode default," the AI responded immediately. Simultaneously, Valerie noticed the synchronization rate readout in her vision jump to 85%, and the feeling of sluggishness in operation seemed to lessen slightly.
"Auxiliary system is dynamically optimizing based on pilot's neuromuscular electrical signals and operational habits. Adaptation process estimated to require three to five minutes."
"Performance can be released gradually." Joric's voice also came through the encrypted channel, calm and ripple-free, as if stating an established fact. "Now, proceed to the designated test area. Data collection commencing."
The heavy metal foot took the first step, making a dull, solid thud.
With subtle assistance from the AI system, Valerie piloted this four-meter-tall red power armor, walking out of the workshop with steady but not particularly fast steps. Step by step, she entered the area on the outskirts of the Badlands manufactorum designated as the testing ground, which also bordered the edge of the combat zone.
As soon as Valerie's dark red power armor appeared in the test area, it became the focus of attention from all sides.
On the Barghest position, Colonel Hansen lowered his binoculars, frowning slightly.
He had just witnessed the red machine complete a standard tactical turn. The movement was textbook perfect, yet it exuded a steadiness—or rather, clumsiness—that seemed out of place on this fast-paced battlefield.
"Lord Sage has brought out something new again," Hansen said to the adjutant beside him, his tone scrutinizing. "It's certainly big, and the armor coverage far exceeds our 'Vargr'. But this mobility... looks even worse than Militech's original 'Commando'."
The adjutant was also observing. "Its movement pattern is peculiar, ruling out the possibility of direct neural linking. It looks more like it relies on a highly optimized auxiliary piloting system. Movements are precise, but lack that biological explosiveness. Is it a different technological route, or... is it holding back?"
He paused, then added, "Considering it's his work, I lean towards the latter. This thing might have used all its weight on protection and some function we don't know about yet."
Meanwhile, in the Lazarus squad's defensive sector, "Butcher" leaned back in his power armor cockpit, his gaze beneath the faceplate sharp as a hawk's. He focused not on macro speed, but on details.
"Red, single horn, new model." Butcher reported concisely to his squad members over the encrypted channel. His synthesized voice carried a cold texture. "Watch its joint articulation and center of gravity shifts. Very stable, overly stable. It's not walking; it's more like... compacting the ground."
He noticed that when the red power armor stepped over a broken low wall, the movement was fluid but used no tricks, relying entirely on raw output power and structural strength to force its way through, with no intention of conserving energy.
"To achieve such precision with command inputs means the system behind it is not simple." He continued his analysis. "Output is absolutely sufficient, but agility has been deliberately restricted, or sacrificed for other purposes.
"Lacks active tactical maneuver anticipation. Doesn't look like an experienced pilot is in control, or at least not entirely."
He habitually deconstructed opponents from the perspective of close-quarters combat. This red power armor felt like a moving, airtight wall. Seemingly clumsy, but potentially hiding unshakable defense and unexpected counterattack power.
He couldn't underestimate any creation that came out of that workshop; apparent dullness often meant extreme specialization internally.
Simultaneously, Arasaka's forward observation post also captured this conspicuous red machine immediately.
"Command Center, this is Forward Observation Post. Unidentified power armor model detected in hostile test zone. Characteristics: Dark red livery, single horn-like protrusion on head." The observer's voice came through the encrypted channel, professional and rapid.
The Arasaka frontline commander immediately pulled up the real-time feed. In the footage, the red power armor was conducting standard tactical movement tests: turning while advancing, obstacle crossing, weapon interface checks. Every movement was precise and standard but lacked the fluidity expected of top-tier power armor.
The technical analyst's voice sounded in the command channel: "Target movement pattern analysis complete. Direct neural link characteristics ruled out, suspected use of auxiliary piloting system. Movements are standard but response latency is noticeable. Peak speed lower than 'Onimusha-IX' baseline. Preliminary assessment: Hostile new experimental unit, likely in early testing phase."
The commander stared at the screen, fingers tapping lightly on the console. Having suffered consecutive losses to shield technology and melee weapons made his judgment more cautious. But the performance parameters displayed by this test unit were indeed unremarkable.
"A test unit appearing alone in the forward area..." The commander mused. "Either the opponent is overly confident, or this tin can is hiding something we haven't seen."
He switched comms channels, his tone decisive. "Hunter-Killer Team, attention. Lock onto red single-horn target. Prioritize testing defensive capabilities, identify weaknesses, then eliminate. Remember, do not underestimate the enemy. Execute standard engagement procedures."
The moment the order was given, three experienced "Onimusha-IX" units immediately changed their route. Utilizing the cover of ruins, they deployed in a skilled tactical formation like seasoned hunters, silently flanking toward the test area.
Inside the test area, Valerie had just completed a set of directional maneuvers and was getting a feel for the power armor's handling characteristics under inertia. Just then, yellow warning indicators lit up on the edge of her helmet display. Three high-speed moving dots were approaching rapidly.
"Warning: Three hostile power armor signals detected in tactical encirclement formation. Threat Level: Medium." The auxiliary AI's prompt was steady as usual.
Valerie took a deep breath, tightening her grip on the control sticks. Her gaze swept over the status panel; all parameters remained stable, and the shield energy bar stayed at a reassuringly full state.
The real test, it seemed, was coming sooner than expected.
(End of Chapter)