bookbashuk Chapter 43 Modification, Mech Level 6.8!
Chapter 43 Modification, Mech Level 6.8!
"Oh, I forgot to tell Raymond yesterday that I later signed an S-level pre-enlistment contract with the Western Theater Command."
Wang Xing replied.
"S-rank?!"
Lei Zhen fell completely silent.
He stared intently at Wang Xing, his eyes, which had witnessed countless life-or-death battles, now filled with undisguised shock.
He originally thought that Wang Xing was just like Raymond, a B-level.
Even at the very top, it's just a Grade A pre-enlistment appointment.
After all, Raymond is a prodigy who consistently ranks among the top three on the list of Rongcheng No. 2 High School, and his mecha has already reached level 8!
Last night, when Raymond told him that Wang Xing hadn't signed a contract, he thought Wang Xing was taking what he could and was preparing to proceed cautiously.
But I never expected it to be an S-rank!
"The highest level of treatment given to high school students by the four major military regions, with only a handful of slots available each year across the entire country, has actually fallen to this still somewhat immature-looking boy!"
"Last time we met, this kid did manage to solo a level 5 Bone-Cracking Hound, demonstrating considerable strength. However, I didn't witness Wang Xing's full potential firsthand; I only considered him a promising talent with a solid foundation."
"I underestimated him..."
"call……"
Lei Zhen let out a long breath, shook his head with a smile, and said bluntly:
"Honestly, I really misjudged him."
"I thought you would be an A-level, but I didn't expect those arrogant guys in the Western Theater Command to actually put an S-level spot on you."
"It seems... your combat skills far exceed my expectations."
Lei Zhen patted Wang Xing on the shoulder, his eyes filled with a complex mix of admiration and genuine appreciation:
"Raymond isn't as good as you, and that's understandable. Keep up the good work, and you'll definitely have a place in the future of the mecha world!"
"Team Lei is overrated; he was just lucky."
Wang Xing smiled modestly.
……
After exchanging pleasantries, Wang Xing, guided by the staff, carried two extremely heavy metal suitcases to the No. 3 integrated modification platform.
The person in charge of the modification was a senior mechanic with gray hair, wearing an anti-static bodysuit.
He pushed up the tactical goggles on his nose, his gaze immediately drawn to the two treasures.
"Wow... that's quite a generous gesture!"
The old mechanic, in particular, held up the dark gold [Howling Tiger Stripe Steel] with the eyes of someone looking at a priceless treasure.
He then carefully evaluated the two materials and said to Wang Xing, "Young man, this 'Storm Transmission Kit' α-superconducting magnetic crystal titanium alloy version is a standard modular component. It is mainly used to strengthen the lower spinal neuron nodes, waist and hip transmission shafts, and bionic hydraulic systems of your mecha, reducing reaction delay to the millisecond level."
"I can install it for you right now, in about an hour and a half."
Wang Xing nodded: "Okay, thank you for your help."
"As for this piece of Howling Tiger Striped Steel... that's a bit more troublesome."
The old mechanic's gaze then turned to the tiger-striped steel: "This tiger-striped steel has extremely high hardness and is mainly used for the deadly defense and kinetic energy recoil of the outer armor."
"Based on the material specifications and your 'Tiger' model, I recommend melting it down and using it for the shoulders, elbows, arms, and knees—the core areas that balance defense and offense."
"No problem, we'll do it your way."
Wang Xing was no novice when it came to these highly specialized designs; these locations were indeed the most likely places for the Tiger-type mech to experience explosive impacts.
"but……"
The old mechanic changed the subject, "The modifications definitely won't be finished today. This tiger-striped steel is too pure. To perfectly integrate it into your original mech, we need to conduct a comprehensive three-dimensional mechanical test on your mech first. Then, we'll use the 'Ultra-High Temperature Plasma Beam Blade' for initial trimming..."
"Next, I will have to perform nanoscale shaping in the 'magnetically confined high-frequency furnace'... then perform lattice orientation and alignment, and finally perform bioelectric field matching and calibration with your exoskeleton... The whole process cannot tolerate any carelessness, and I estimate it will take about a month."
"A month?"
Wang Xing slightly pursed his lips; this took much longer than he had expected.
But he could understand.
This level of specialized steel isn't something you can just cut or install casually. Even the slightest stress concentration or break in the energy loop could cause the mech to disintegrate in actual combat. It's a delicate job.
"Okay, I'm fine with any time, as long as the quality is guaranteed and it's done as quickly as possible," Wang Xing replied.
The old mechanic picked up a laser scanner and scanned the size and weight of the Howling Tiger Steel, then looked at the Fierce Tiger mech standing to the side.
A series of complex data models suddenly appeared on the computer screen.
"etc……"
The old mechanic stroked his chin, then his eyes suddenly lit up: "Young man, the piece of steel the military region assigned you is quite heavy!"
"I just did a simulation with a supercomputer. Besides meeting the modification needs of shoulder armor, elbow armor, knee armor, and arm armor, there will be about fifty kilograms of leftover material."
He turned to Wang Xing: "This tiger-striped steel has natural abyssal energy conductivity. It's a waste to sell these scraps. Its weight and density are perfect for reforging a mecha sword for you!"
"I just checked your equipment stats. You're currently using a standard tungsten-titanium alloy battle sword, right? It's not bad, but if you replaced it with a battle sword made of Howling Tiger Steel, its lethality and armor-piercing ability would be absolutely unparalleled!"
"Could you forge a battle sword?"
Wang Xing's eyes lit up instantly.
Mechs' weapons are also divided into different grades. A top-quality battle sword can enhance combat skills just as much as a high-level martial art!
"Then I'll trouble you to have it made for me as well, craftsman!"
Wang Xing agreed without hesitation.
Don't get too excited yet.
The old mechanic poured cold water on the idea, reminding him, "Tiger-striped steel has an extremely high density. A battle sword forged from it, while roughly the same length as your current sword, will weigh at least twice as much as your previous tungsten-titanium alloy sword! This will not only test the mech's arm strength but also your own ability to control such a heavy weapon. Can you... even wield it?"
"It's okay."
Wang Xing smiled confidently.
"Although the sword is twice as heavy, my strength has not stagnated."
To be honest, with the improvement of his Qi and blood, Wang Xing did feel that the knife he used to wield was now a bit too light.
Especially after soaking in an S-class medicinal bath, his mecha power has increased even further, and he needs a weapon of sufficient weight to support his increasingly ferocious swordsmanship!
Once the battle sword is made, I can always practice chopping at wooden stakes tens of thousands of times in the training grounds until I get used to it.
……
After finalizing the modification plan for the tiger-striped steel, the next step was to immediately begin installing the [Storm Transmission Kit].
"Buzz—"
Above the modification platform, a fan-shaped red beam of light poured down, scanning Wang Xing's dark yellow "Tiger" mech from head to toe.
The mech's initial data immediately popped up on the holographic screen next to it:
[Aircraft Type: Tiger (General Purpose Heavy Infantry Derivative)]
Overall height: 2.52 meters
Combat weight: 2.55 tons
[Current Mech Level: 6.2]
Upon seeing the glaring figure of "level 6.2", Lei Zhen, who was observing from the outside, frowned slightly.
A level 6.2 mech?
In the Yuanpei Class of Rongcheng No. 2 High School, this student would probably not even rank in the middle.
His son Raymond's "Bear Mech" is a genuine level 8.0!
Lei Zhen took a deep breath, his heart filled with even greater turmoil.
With a mech that's only level 6.2 and no Void Element Power, how did he manage to fight his way to first place in the practical exam?
This even led the military region to offer the outrageous condition of S-level pre-enlistment.
This only proves one thing!
Wang Xing's own physical and mental foundation and combat skills have become so strong that they are enough to cross the gap between mecha levels!
"This child is simply a prodigy..."
.........
"Prepare to connect neural circuits and activate the sterile work chamber!"
At the old mechanic's command, four sturdy mechanical arms descended from the ceiling, firmly securing the limbs of the Tiger Mech.
Wang Xing lay in the sensory connection pod next to him, closed his eyes, and kept his mental energy synchronized with the mecha's main control core, cooperating with the mechanic's adjustments.
"laugh--"
The high-energy laser precisely sliced through the armor plates on the back of the Tiger mech, revealing the intricate network of bionic neurons and the spinal drive shaft inside.
The veteran mechanic was extremely skilled, manipulating the nanomechanical arm to slowly embed the "Storm Transmission Kit," which glowed with a cold blue light, into the gaps in the mecha's spine.
"Connect the hydraulic power pipe...introduce superconducting magnetocrystalline fluid..."
"Reconstructing the bipedal abyss energy loop... Power transmission node docking complete!"
Lying inside the connecting capsule, Wang Xing felt as if his spine had been disassembled and reassembled. Although the pain feedback was cut off, the deep-seated numbness and strength still made him clench his fists involuntarily.
He could clearly "see" streams of icy blue energy, like rushing rivers, surging wildly down the newly implanted Storm Spine of the mecha towards his waist, hips, and feet.
It was a wonderful experience that combined an unprecedented sense of lightness and explosiveness!
"The Abyss Defense Bureau's modification room truly lives up to its reputation."
Wang Xing secretly admired him.
The entire surgical procedure was executed flawlessly, with precision down to the micrometer level. The movements of the robotic arms were completely trembling, far surpassing the rudimentary repair chamber used by Professor Lü Yun.
This professional sci-fi violence aesthetic made Wang Xing's blood boil.
……
About an hour and a half later.
"laugh--"
As the last piece of carapace was welded in place seamlessly, a notification sounded: [System neuron reconstruction progress 100%, modification complete.]
"Phew... Alright young man, come down and stretch your legs a bit." The old mechanic wiped the sweat from his forehead.
Wang Xing opened his eyes and jumped out of the connecting cabin.
"Thank you, sir!"
With a thought, the dark yellow Tiger mech instantly transformed into a stream of light covering his entire body.
He didn't make any sudden movements; he simply tiptoed around on the spot.
"boom!"
With just a slight exertion, Wang Xing felt an astonishing counterforce erupt from the bionic hydraulic system on the soles of his feet, causing him to bounce more than a meter high in the air!
If he hadn't stopped in time, he probably would have crashed into the ceiling.
"What terrifying bursts of power!"
Wang Xing landed steadily, his eyes filled with joy.
At this moment, the red scanning beam above the modification platform fell down again.
On the adjacent screen, the data jumped and refreshed wildly before finally freezing:
【Model: Tiger (High-end Storm Transmission Modified Version)】
Overall height: 2.55 meters
Combat weight: 2.6 tons
[Current Mech Level: 6.8]
[Last test level: 6.2]
Looking at the glaring level numbers on the screen, Wang Xing's breathing became rapid.