C8 A Hundred Percent Synchronization Rate Engineering Mecha

"I need to remind everyone that we're dealing with an extremely dangerous individual—the fifth-ranked criminal on the Federal Bounty List. He's been responsible for the destruction of eight hundred and seventy-five mechas," George announced at a tense mobilization meeting in the combat room.

"You've all seen the Siron Royal Family lifeboat that crashed in the Aelley wilderness. Footprint analysis indicates that the stowaway is heading towards Aelley, and there's a strong likelihood that the survivor is our target.

"I've checked the Bounty List, and his name is no longer there. He's not dead, which suggests he bribed a hacker to alter our Bounty List system before arriving on B-183 Planet.

"I've requested a check of the Federal Bounty List from Siron Planet. We'll have an answer in two hours. But given the extreme danger this target poses, we can't afford to wait. We must act now or risk becoming sitting ducks.

"We suspect he has a sinister purpose for coming to B-183 Planet, and we need to stop him in his tracks. Every moment we delay is another moment we allow him to plot his next crime."

George pointed to a photo of Gu Xian. "Memorize his face. Don't let his youth fool you—he's a devil in disguise, and any complacency is a disservice to your own safety."

He then played a video of Gu Xian scaling a building. "This is the only footage we have of him operating a mecha. Watch it closely."

As the video looped, George continued, "The operation will take place at 33 Bay Road. I expect no oversights that could allow him to slip away."

"Fortunately, Mr. Vian has confirmed that he isn't carrying a space converter, which means he's without his mecha."

"Boss," someone interjected, raising their hand, "what's he piloting in the video?"

"Does an engineering mecha count as a real mecha?" The mood lightened as the team members realized Gu Xian lacked a combat mecha, prompting some playful banter.

Laughter filled the room. "Is the Explorer-12 even considered a mecha?"

George reiterated, "We can't afford to take this lightly!"

"Relax, Boss. Taking down an engineering mecha is a cakewalk with our numbers and our arsenal of police mechas. We'll have the upper hand."

"Even if he's incredibly skilled, without a mecha, what good is he?"

George felt a sense of validation and his tension eased slightly. "Moreover, to guarantee the success of this operation, we'll deploy the new model of police mecha—Aegis."

Excitement surged among the team.

There was a knock at the door.

George switched off the video.

Chen Zhuya was the one knocking.

Rushing over after learning about the Security Department's urgent operation, Chen Zhuya hadn't even taken the time to wash her face.

George, upon hearing her desire to join the operation, had insisted she stay behind.

To her surprise, Chen Zhuya found Vian there. She explained that her purpose was to test the new police mecha's performance, as videos couldn't capture all the details. With the operation underway, she felt her presence was essential.

Unable to dissuade her, George grudgingly gave his consent.

Deep Blue Corporation, a behemoth within the Siron Empire, specialized in mecha production. With over a third of the empire's mecha originating from them, even the B-183 Star Joint Government paled in comparison. George had no sway over Chen Zhuya's decision.

In reality, given Chen Zhuya's status, she might very well be the highest-ranking individual present.

"Regardless, you stick by my side and don't leave my sight! Remember, our target is extremely dangerous," George instructed.

Chen Zhuya nodded, a mix of excitement and curiosity about what had the Security Department on edge.

She followed the team out.

To maintain the operation's stealth, they opted not to pilot their mechas from the start.

Even the flying car's paint job was unremarkable. Skimming the ground, they arrived at 33 Bay Road.

Chen Zhuya turned her head in astonishment at the sight of the distant steel structure. She hadn't anticipated the battle would take place here.

"Stay close and keep quiet," George instructed. "Vian, scout ahead. Where is he? Are there others around?"

"He's likely at work now." After getting an affirmative from Ludwig, Vian reported, "He's on the rooftop with the rest of Team A."

At the right moment, a team member interjected, "Boss, target spotted on that steel tower. There are too many engineering mechas nearby—innocent bystanders could get hurt, so we can't engage just yet."

"Can we take action inside the building?" George inquired.

"Yes," the officer responded, having quickly assessed the situation and reached a conclusion.

"Great," George said with a snap of his fingers. "Vian, do me a favor and lure him out. When he's on the elevator, we'll intercept the mecha lift and trap him. Even if he's the fifth most wanted criminal, just a single Pioneer won't be able to stir up any trouble."

...

Gu Xian was daydreaming on the rooftop, the wind tousling his hair.

If he could just get to Siron Planet sooner and find that woman, he could fulfill Old Charlie's last wish.

After that, he could lead an ordinary life, free from training camps and battles.

Perhaps he could even consider taking the exam to become a certified engineering mecha pilot.

Gu Xian had a good rapport with Old Chen, who had shared some insights into engineering mechas with him that morning.

It seemed like a perfect fit for Gu Xian. With a pilot's license, his future would be secure.

His hands were busy at work, but his mind never ceased to wander.

Endless battles at the Eon Training Camp had made every part of the Pioneer feel like an extension of his own body.

With the brain control device, the mecha became a literal extension of the pilot's physical form.

Brainwave signals and the pilot's own movements could animate the mecha; the stronger the pilot, the greater the potential of the mecha.

This phenomenon was known as the Synchronization Rate, with more skilled pilots achieving higher rates.

A rate of 80% was already considered exceptionally high.

Naturally, the synchronization rate varied with the mecha model. A combat pilot operating an engineering mecha would have a different rate than an engineering pilot, due to their varying levels of familiarity with the machinery.

Thanks to rigorous training, Gu Xian had achieved a 100% synchronization rate with the current Pioneer-12.

He could multitask flawlessly, maintaining his work while his thoughts drifted elsewhere.

He continued to employ the technique he had used the day before, his speed significantly outpacing the rest of Group A.

The communicator crackled intermittently with the uncles' peculiar shouts.

"Gu, take it easy!"

"Gu, you're going too fast. That's not good. You'll upset the investors!"

"Gu, you're making it tough for us to keep our dignity. Give us a break, will you?"

"Ah, the vigor of youth. Gu, got a girlfriend yet? My daughter's quite a catch."

"Jia, have some shame, will you? Your daughter's been married for years now!"

"Damn straight, who can argue? What a poor choice, picking some no-name professor from Silverston University over our Gu Xian!"

Gu Xian tuned out the uncles' teasing banter.

The folks from Group A were decent enough, all fond of Gu Xian, which took him by surprise. But Gu Xian wasn't adept at socializing with them.

He might find it easier to help them with a hit than to make small talk. No, what am I thinking? I can't resort to killing. I despise it.

Gu Xian blinked hard, refocusing as Vian's voice came through the communicator.

"What does Vian want with you?" Their curiosity was piqued.

"I'm not sure myself." In Gu Xian's conscience, his slate had been wiped clean long ago. He was oblivious to the danger lurking from a rescinded wanted notice, leaving him without a trace of alarm.

"He seems in a rush. You better go."

With a nod to the others, Gu Xian stepped into the mecha elevator.

The elevator, designed for such large machinery, felt spacious rather than cramped as he maneuvered the Explorer inside.

Lost in thought, he was jolted by the elevator's "ding" as it came to a halt.

Huh? That was quick, wasn't it?

Distracted by thoughts of the training camp, Gu Xian snapped to attention, his instincts kicking into combat readiness.

Something's off! It usually takes sixteen seconds to descend, but it's only been ten.

What's going on? Why stop midway through the building?

His gaze sharpened like an eagle's, the Explorer's systems powering up with a soft "zzt."

In that moment, Gu Xian was back at Eon Training Camp, the Explorer in his hands transformed from a mere tool to a weapon.

"Ding…" The elevator's heavy alloy doors slid open on this floor.

Outside, darkness enveloped everything, with only a faint glimmer of daylight seeping through a shattered window in the distance.

"Radar is on. Commencing scan. No anomalies detected. I repeat, no anomalies detected…"

The elevator doors remained stubbornly open, the only light a warm yellow glow from within the elevator, standing out like a tranquil lighthouse amidst tumultuous waves.

Gu Xian shut down the radar system and stood silently, not venturing out hastily.

The Pioneer was merely an engineering mecha. Even if it weren't, the radar on such an outdated model was ill-equipped for combat scenarios.

The stealth coating on any combat mecha could easily evade detection by such antiquated radar technology.

The communicator seemed to be jammed by something, emitting nothing but static. Gu Xian couldn't even use it to inquire if the elevator was malfunctioning.

Something seemed to lurk within the shadows.

Despite the radar picking up nothing, and Gu Xian having yet to spot any target, he couldn't shake the feeling.

This was the battle instinct honed at the Eon Training Camp, the instinct that had kept him alive through eleven galaxies and as the fifth most wanted criminal.

The Pioneer hunkered down, its bulky frame nearly grazing the ground.

Gu Xian gripped the forceps-shaped clamp, pondered a moment, then extinguished the molten glow and secured it to his left arm. He switched to holding the Mocha III revolver.

The buzz of the saw's sharp teeth and the cold gleam it cast cut through the darkness.

"The target is holed up in the elevator, motionless. Do we engage? Do we engage?"

"The target is on high alert. I recommend immediate action."

"The elevator space is too confined for an effective assault. I suggest deploying a High Explosive Mine to flush him out."

"Concur with the use of the High Explosive Mine."

"Team A, follow my lead. 3, 2, 1, go! Go!"