A deep hum instantly emanated from the core of the torso, as if a giant beast had been awakened. A subtle yet powerful vibration came from the metal frame beneath her.
Almost simultaneously, a calm, clear electronic synthesized voice sounded in the cockpit, its tone steady and devoid of any emotional fluctuation: "Auxiliary operating system online. Commencing pilot adaptation calibration."
The helmet display in front of Valerie suddenly lit up, not only clearly presenting a 360-degree unobstructed view of the outside world but also rapidly overlaying layers of tactical data, body status readings, and environmental analysis information.
At the edge of her vision, a concise status bar displayed "System Synchronization Rate: 78% and continuously optimizing."
"Attempt basic limb movements," the AI prompted.
Valerie complied, cautiously moving her arms — including the newly installed mechanical prosthetic.
The massive mechanical arms of the power armor responded accordingly, with high synchronization and precise movements.
However, she could feel a subtle sense of sluggishness; it wasn't that the commands weren't responsive, but rather a lack of the ultimate fluidity of "mind moving with intention" that top-tier neural-linked power armor was rumored to possess, nor the exaggerated feeling of the power armor becoming a second skin, or herself becoming a superman, as legends claimed.
"It feels... a bit heavy, and the response isn't crisp enough," she reported over the internal communication channel, simultaneously feeling the weight of the machine transmitted through the metal frame.
"Experimental model, emphasizing structural strength and full-domain environmental protection. Current response curve is set to safety mode preset," the AI's voice immediately responded. At the same time, Valerie noticed the synchronization rate reading in her vision jump to 85%, and the operational stickiness seemed to have lessened somewhat.
"The auxiliary system is dynamically optimizing based on the pilot's neuromuscle electrical signals and operating habits. The adaptation process is expected to take three to five minutes."
"Performance can be gradually unleashed," Osiris' voice also came through the encrypted channel, calm and unruffled, as if stating an established fact. "Now, proceed to the designated test area. Data collection begins."
The heavy metal feet took their first step, emitting a dull, solid thud.
With the subtle assistance of the AI system, Valerie piloted the four-meter-tall red power armor, walking steadily but not quickly out of the workshop, stepping by step into the area designated as a test site on the outskirts of the Wasteland Town, which was also adjacent to the edge of the combat zone.
—
The dark red power armor piloted by Valerie immediately became the focus of attention from all sides as soon as it appeared in the test area.
At the Wraiths' position, Colonel Hansen put down his binoculars, his brow slightly furrowed.
He had just witnessed the red machine complete a standard tactical turn, its movements as precise as a textbook, yet always exuding a sense of steadiness — or rather, clumsiness — that felt out of place in this fast-paced battlefield.
"Archmagos has brought out something new again," Hansen said to his adjutant beside him, his tone scrutinizing. "It's truly massive, and its armor coverage far exceeds our 'fangs.' But its maneuverability... it even seems inferior to Militech's original 'Commando.'"
The adjutant was also observing: "Its movement pattern is very peculiar, ruling out the possibility of direct neural linking. It's more like it relies on a highly optimized auxiliary driving system. The movements are precise, but it lacks that biological explosive power. Is it a different technological path, or... is something being held back?"
He paused, then added, "Considering it's the work of that individual, I lean towards the latter. This thing might have put all its weight into protection and some function we don't yet know about."
Meanwhile, in the Lazarus squad's defensive area, "Butcher" leaned back in his power armor's cockpit, his gaze beneath the faceplate as sharp as an eagle's. He wasn't focused on the macro speed, but on the details.
"Red, single horn, new model," "Butcher" briefly informed his team over the encrypted channel, his voice carrying a cold quality through the synthesizer. "Observe its joint articulation and center of gravity shifts. Very stable, overly stable. It doesn't look like it's walking; it's more like... compacting the ground."
He noticed that when the red power armor crossed a broken low wall, its movements were fluid yet completely unskillful, relying entirely on powerful basic output and structural strength to brute-force its way over, without any intention of conserving energy.
"A command control system capable of such precision indicates a sophisticated underlying system," he continued to analyze. "The output is definitely sufficient, but flexibility has been deliberately restricted, or rather, sacrificed for other purposes.
It lacks proactive tactical maneuver prediction, not like it's being controlled by an experienced pilot, at least not entirely."
He habitually deconstructed his opponent from the perspective of close-quarters combat. This red power armor felt to him like a moving, impenetrable wall, seemingly clumsy, yet possibly concealing unshakeable defense and unexpected counterattack power.
He could not underestimate any creation that came out of that workshop; apparent sluggishness often meant extreme specialization internally.
At the same time, Arasaka's frontline observation post immediately detected this conspicuous red machine.
"Command Center, this is Forward Observation Post. Detecting one unidentified power armor model, located in the enemy's test area. Features include dark red paint and a unicorn-like protrusion on the head," the observer's voice came through the encrypted channel, professional and swift.
The Arasaka frontline commander immediately retrieved the real-time footage. In the video, the red power armor was performing standard tactical movement tests: turning while moving, obstacle crossing, weapon interface checks. Every movement was precise and standardized, but lacked the fluidity expected of top-tier power armor.
The technical analyst's voice sounded on the command channel: "Target movement pattern analysis complete. Neural direct-link characteristics ruled out, suspected to be using an auxiliary driving system. Movements are standardized but response delay is obvious, peak speed is below the 'oni power armor)-IX' baseline. Preliminary assessment is an enemy's new experimental machine, possibly in early testing stages."
The commander gazed at the screen, his fingers lightly tapping the control panel. Having suffered losses in shield technology and melee weapons, his judgment was even more cautious. But the performance parameters displayed by this experimental machine indeed seemed unremarkable.
"A test machine appearing alone in the forward area..." the commander mused. "Either the opponent is overconfident, or this tin can is hiding something we haven't seen."
He switched communication channels, his tone decisive: "Hunter squad, attention, lock onto the red unicorn target. Prioritize defense capability testing, then eliminate it once weaknesses are found. Remember, do not underestimate the enemy; execute according to standard engagement procedures."
The moment the order was given, three experienced oni power armor-IXs immediately changed their routes. Using the cover of ruins, they fanned out in skilled tactical formations, like seasoned hunters, silently outflanking the test area.
Within the test area, Valerie had just completed a set of directional maneuvers and was feeling the power armor's handling characteristics under inertia. Just then, a yellow warning indicator lit up at the edge of her helmet display, as three rapidly moving light points quickly approached.
"Warning: Three hostile power armor signals detected, in a tactical encirclement formation. Threat level: Medium," the auxiliary AI's prompt sounded as steady as ever.
Valerie took a deep breath, tightening her grip on the control stick. Her gaze swept over the status panel; all parameters remained stable, and the shield energy indicator bar remained reassuringly full.
The real test, it seemed, was coming sooner than expected.