Counterfeit Hero

Chapter 204: After modification: Volume 4 Chapter 5 I’m Not Willing_2

With a ”click” sound, the mecha, which had accelerated after a sudden change of direction, noticeably slowed down. Its leg movements appeared very strange; the mechanical leg used for support just now had become stiff. A smug smile appeared on Fatty’s face, while the researchers in the core lab fell silent. There was no need to say it; the defect Fatty predicted had already become a reality! And it was just a sharp sudden stop and change of direction. Although this mecha was a few tons heavier than the theoretical design weight, that could not be an excuse!

Bonnie stopped the mecha and jumped out of the cockpit, carefully inspecting the suspension device. Everyone gathered around. The single-arm suspension had deformed under the immense impact. Even a slight deformation severely affected the telescopic aggregation, and the upper and lower buckles and hydraulic devices were also implicated. If this had happened on the battlefield, it would have been enough to sentence the mecha’s pilot to death!

Fatty could see the defect not only because of his extraordinary mechanical talent but also because he had a high level of understanding of mecha fighting. This mechanic, who had long been involved with private mechas, had a unique and far-sighted perspective on the development of combat mechas, with a comprehensive thought process. Otherwise, he would never have discovered this defect. It must be noted that the theoretical framework for military combat mechas was still in its infancy. When the researchers of the Gazalin Empire designed the [Demon Tiger] and [Vajra], they also went through many detours. Even now, they are still groping their way. Fatty’s mechanical genius was undeniable!

Reinhardt gave Fatty an appreciative look, while George, without disguising his excitement, patted Fatty on the shoulder. The proud researchers from a moment ago were now completely silent. They had never expected that the mecha, theoretically adaptable to almost any maneuver, would malfunction so easily. Clearly, Fatty was not speaking at random. From this incident, it was evident that his level was not much lower than anyone present!

Bonnie glanced at Fatty with a complex expression and stood quietly aside. Reinhardt looked at the researchers with a grave face. In mecha fighting, speeds over two hundred kilometers per hour were just a piece of cake for a mecha master. Situations where the mecha’s power was increased to the alert zone in an instant, exceeding speeds of five hundred kilometers per hour, were common! Especially in the operation of the beast-shaped mechas that the Mythical Army excelled at, such scenarios were even more frequent! Not to mention the emergency maneuvers when dodging high-speed energy cannons or missiles with the help of auxiliary thrusters! Evidently, this time it was the core lab’s fault!

Adrian’s face was pale. He had not expected that such a heavy mecha would perform such violent actions, and that the drive systems of human-shaped mechas and beast-shaped mechas were so drastically different. In such maneuvers, a human-shaped mecha with one leg as a support leg was clearly different from a beast-shaped mecha with two or even three legs for support! Clearly, the combat styles of military mechas had far exceeded his imagination. Designing a suspension system based on the action frequency of private mechas and ordinary military mechas of less than forty tons was a massive mistake!

Reinhardt raised his head, looking at the silent researchers, and said slowly: ”If such a malfunction happened on the battlefield, the consequences would be unimaginable. I hope this test will give everyone some insights and lessons.” He looked around, seeing various expressions on the researchers’ faces—shame, anger, numbness, and unwillingness—but no one dared to step forward to argue about this malfunction.

”I am not questioning everyone’s abilities. However, I hope you all understand that the nature of the Mythical Army determines that everyone working here is among the top and the best. Our military discipline, as you all know, dictates that for a soldier of the Mythical Army, failure means death! And this rule applies to the research lab as well! Because you are the core, the lives of all the soldiers are in your hands. Your mistakes will cause irreparable losses!” Reinhardt’s voice was stern and cold: ”Since you have joined the Mythical Army, it means you are no longer just ordinary researchers!”

”Remember, in the Mythical Army! Failure is absolutely not allowed! Your identity is that of a soldier of the Mythical Army, one of us. You bear a greater responsibility than ordinary soldiers!” Reinhardt changed his usual courteous attitude towards scientists, very sternly defining the role of all the apprehensive researchers present. Everyone finally remembered what kind of legendary team the Mythical Army was. Joining here meant they were no longer just researchers, but civilian soldiers of the Mythical Army! And here, corresponding to honor and status, is responsibility and punishment!

Under Reinhardt’s sharp gaze, the various expressions on the researchers’ faces vanished. Every single person knew that Reinhardt was reminding them of their rightful place! The Mythical Army was definitely not a place one could enter or leave at will and do as they pleased. Not to mention that this test indeed exposed a significant mistake in the lab. Without any confidence left, Adrian and the researchers stood silently, barely daring to breathe.