Warhammer: The Time Traveler

Chapter 203 Practical Test (Sixth Update)
A deep humming sound instantly emanated from the core of the body, as if a giant beast had been awakened. The metal frame beneath it vibrated subtly yet powerfully.

Almost simultaneously, a calm, clear synthesized voice sounded in the cockpit, its tone so steady it lacked any emotional fluctuation: "Assistive operating system online. Initiating pilot adaptation calibration."

Valerie's helmet display suddenly lit up, clearly showing a 360-degree field of vision, and quickly overlaying layers of tactical data, body status readings, and environmental analysis information.

At the edge of her field of vision, a simple status bar displayed "System synchronization rate: 78% and continuously being optimized".

"Try basic limb movements," the AI ​​suggested.

Valerie did as instructed, cautiously moving her arms—including the newly installed mechanical prosthesis.

The power armor's massive robotic arm responded accordingly, with a high degree of synchronization and precise movements.

However, she could feel a subtle sluggishness. It wasn't that the commands were unresponsive, but rather that she lacked the extreme smoothness of the legendary top-tier neural-connected power armor, where one could "act as one pleases." Nor did she experience the exaggerated feeling of the power armor becoming her second skin or her becoming Superman, as the legends had described.

"It feels... a bit heavy, and the response isn't crisp enough," she reported over the internal communication channel, while simultaneously feeling the weight of the machine transmitted through the metal frame.

"Test model, emphasizing structural strength and all-area environmental protection, the current response curve is the preset safety mode." The AI's voice responded immediately. At the same time, Valerie noticed that the synchronization rate reading in her field of vision jumped to 85%, and the stickiness in operation seemed to have lessened somewhat.

"The assistance system is dynamically optimizing based on the driver's neuromuscular electrical signals and operating habits, and the adaptation process is expected to take three to five minutes."

“Performance can be released gradually.” Chen Yu’s voice came through the encrypted channel, calm and composed, as if stating a given fact. “Now, proceed to the designated test area. Data collection begins.”

The heavy metal foot took its first step, producing 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 too fast as she left the workshop and stepped into the area designated as a testing ground on the outskirts of the abandoned town, which was also adjacent to the edge of the combat zone.
-
Valerie's dark red power armor immediately became the focus of attention as soon as it appeared in the testing area.

On the Ghost Hound's position, Colonel Hansen lowered his binoculars, his brow furrowed slightly.

He had just witnessed the red machine complete a standard tactical turn, its movements as precise as a textbook, yet it always exuded a composure—or rather, clumsiness—that seemed out of place in this fast-paced battlefield.

“The Sage has brought out something new again,” Hansen said to his adjutant beside him, his tone scrutinizing. “It’s certainly not small, and its armor coverage far exceeds that of our ‘Falcon.’ But its mobility… seems even inferior to the original military-technological ‘Assault Team.’”

The adjutant was also observing: "Its movement pattern is peculiar, ruling out the possibility of direct neural connection. It's more like it relies on a highly optimized driver assistance system. The movements are precise, but it lacks that biological explosive power. Is it due to a different technological approach, or... is it holding back?"

He paused, then added, "Considering it was designed by that person, I lean towards the latter. This thing probably uses all its weight for protection and some function we don't yet know about."

Meanwhile, in the Lhasa Road squad's defensive zone, "Butcher" leaned against the cockpit of his power armor, his gaze beneath the visor sharp as an eagle's. He wasn't focused on the overall speed, but on the details.

“Red, unicorn, new model.” “Butcher” reported succinctly to his team in the encrypted channel, his voice carrying a cold quality through the synthesizer. “Observe its joint movement and center of gravity shift. Very stable, too stable. It doesn’t seem like it’s walking, it’s more like it’s… tamping the ground.” He noticed that when the red power armor crossed a dilapidated low wall, its movements were fluid yet uncompromising, relying entirely on its powerful base output and structural strength to pull itself over, without any intention of conserving energy.

"The system behind the command control is not simple, given its precision." He continued his analysis, "The output is absolutely sufficient, but the flexibility is deliberately limited, or rather, it is sacrificed for other purposes."

The lack of proactive tactical maneuvering and anticipation suggests the driver is not experienced, or at least not entirely.

He habitually analyzed his opponent from a close-combat perspective. The red power armor felt to him like a moving, impenetrable wall, seemingly clumsy, but possibly concealing an unshakeable defense and unexpected counterattack power.

He could not underestimate any creation that came out of that workshop; apparent dullness often meant an extreme imbalance in one's inner abilities.

At the same time, the forward observation post in Arasaka also spotted the conspicuous red machine immediately.

"Command center, this is the forward observation post. One unidentified powered armored vehicle has been spotted in the enemy's testing area. It is characterized by its dark red paint and a unicorn-like protrusion on its head." The observer's voice came through the encrypted channel, professional and swift.

The frontline commander, Arakasa, immediately retrieved the live video feed. The footage showed the red power armor undergoing standard tactical maneuver testing: turning while moving, obstacle crossing, and weapon interface checks. Each movement was precise and executed flawlessly, but lacked the fluidity expected of a top-tier power armor.

The technical analyst's voice came through the command channel: "Target movement pattern analysis complete. Direct neural connection characteristics ruled out; suspected to be using an assisted driving system. Movements are standard but response delays are significant, and peak speed is lower than the 'Onimusha-IX' benchmark. Preliminary assessment: a new enemy experimental machine, possibly in the early testing phase."

The commander stared at the screen, his fingers lightly tapping the control panel. His repeated setbacks in shield technology and melee weapons had made him even more cautious. But the performance parameters exhibited by this experimental machine were indeed unremarkable.

"The test aircraft appeared alone in the forward area..." the commander pondered. "Either the other side is overconfident, or there's something hidden in this metal can that we haven't figured out yet."

He switched communication channels, his tone decisive: "Hunting team, lock onto the red unicorn target. Prioritize testing its defensive capabilities, identify weaknesses, and eliminate it. Remember, do not underestimate the enemy; follow standard engagement procedures."

The moment the order was given, the three experienced "Onimusha-IX" units immediately changed their course. Using the ruins as cover, they deployed in a skillful tactical formation, like experienced hunters, silently flanking the test area.

Within the testing area, Valerie had just completed a series of directional maneuvers and was experiencing the handling characteristics of the power armor under inertia. Just then, a yellow warning indicator lit up on the edge of the helmet display, and three high-speed moving dots were rapidly approaching.

"Warning: Three hostile power armor signals detected, forming a tactical encirclement. Threat level: Medium." The AI's notification tone remained calm and normal.

Valerie took a deep breath and tightened her grip on the joystick. Her gaze swept across the status panel; all the parameters remained stable, and the shield energy indicator bar remained reassuringly full.

The real testing appears to be coming sooner than expected.

(End of this chapter)