67: Wings of Freedom

"Cluster weapon experiment successful..."

"Energy consumption matches projections..."

"Dynamic switching latency is below 0.001 ms..."

In the "Combat robot Production Workshop," Zhang Huaiyuan looked at the fully assembled mecha currently undergoing testing, his bloodshot eyes unable to hide his excitement.

After mastering the vast amount of high-level knowledge brought from the escape ship, the knowledge barriers that had plagued him for so long were finally no longer mysterious.

Energy weapons had opened the door to a new world for him.

"Asroth, calculate the new mecha's data."

Zhang Huaiyuan said, his voice somewhat hoarse.

"The standard maximum speed is one thousand times the speed of sound. The maximum power output of the cluster laser sword can reach 6128 crystals, and the maximum damage per unit area approaches 8000 crystals. The maximum power output of the plasma cannon can reach 4130-7328 crystals..."

"According to the standards you set, this mecha has a comprehensive rating of 9732, making it an ace among Tier 5 mechas. It can easily kill mid-level or lower B-Class Transcendent without Transcendent equipment. The drawback is that its defensive capabilities are lacking; it is estimated that 3000 crystals of damage can break through the outer Ion Shield within ten seconds..."

"What a pity..."

Zhang Huaiyuan shook his head slightly; this was about what he had expected.

The set of standard Free Star Alliance equipment he had obtained only included one combat suit for defense, and the technology it contained was more functional than defensive.

After all, this standard set was for ordinary patrol units, who did not encounter danger often, so not much cost was spent on defense.

Coupled with the disparity in materials, even though Zhang Huaiyuan had tried his best to compensate using Transcendent diagrams and enchantments during the design process, the gap compared to the weapons was still significant.

"You need not be vexed. Under the current conditions, your performance has surpassed at least ninety-nine percent of master-level Star Mechanics. I have never seen a design that combines Transcendent power with mechanical materials so perfectly."

"Is that so... Previously on Blackstone Star, I saw the elite legions under Viscount Kane. They could even instantly kill ordinary A-Class Galaxy Beast. That is the mecha model I idealize."

Zhang Huaiyuan felt slightly regretful. Although he had managed to analyze some of the technology in his spare time back then, he lacked the prerequisite knowledge and had never been able to master it.

"What you are referring to should be the Star Dome Empire 'Reaper' series tactical mecha. It is one of the twelve main battle mechas of that empire currently. According to your standards, its rating exceeds fifty thousand, making it a Tier 7 mecha. It not only involves some spatial technology but also requires a B-Class or higher Transcendent as a pilot to unleash its maximum power."

"I know, but as a Star Mechanic, one always hopes that the equipment born from one's hands is the best."

Zhang Huaiyuan chuckled and looked at the light screen that lit up on his wrist, saying: "However, Asroth, you seem a bit different today. You are chatting less, and the data provided is more complete and rigorous."

"It is just that after witnessing the power of the Statue of Liberty, I feel that perhaps becoming like her would allow me to better assist you."

The intelligent voice from the light screen replied calmly.

"Hmm... Is that so..."

A look of surprise flashed across Zhang Huaiyuan's face. Could this guy have been discouraged?

After a moment of silence, he said thoughtfully: "Asroth, you do not need to imitate other existences. In fact, in the algorithms I created for you, whether it is the 'Emotion Perception Module' or the 'Personality Cultivation Module,' I have not implanted any restrictions. As I said before, an intelligent lifeform that forms its own independent personality is a true life."

"You are you. Sooner or later, we will become the most powerful existences in this world, or even higher-level worlds, together."

"Understood, Mas... Master."

The light screen on the communication device flickered slightly, and it changed the subject:

"Although there are still flaws, this series of mechas is already very close to the equipment currently in service by the Star Alliance. You might as well name this new series."

"That is true..."

Zhang Huaiyuan nodded slightly.

This series of works, along with the previous "legend series" starship, would likely be his main combat force for a long time to come. Even if there were changes, they would be upgrades based on the existing foundation; the basic framework would not undergo major changes.

It was indeed worth naming and commemorating separately.

"The birth of this series of mechas relies on the knowledge sent by that escape pod. Although I do not know if that absurd official broadcast was true, it should have involved the help of the Statue of Liberty, so..."

Zhang Huaiyuan looked at the combat mechas currently being assembled, his expression radiant: "Let's call them 'Wings of Freedom'."

'Wings of Freedom... Wings... of Freedom...'

The light screen murmured, repeating it twice.

"What is wrong, Asroth? Do you feel it is not suitable?"

"No, there is no name more suitable than this, Master."

The lights on all the surrounding equipment suddenly brightened, and a voice filled with a hint of joy sounded:

"'Wings of Freedom' will surely become your most powerful followers."

"I hope so."

Zhang Huaiyuan nodded with a smile, but immediately seemed to think of something and frowned slightly:

"By the way, Asroth, I have not been paying attention for a while. Are there enough materials to build the combat mecha legion?"

Besides technological barriers, resources are also one of the biggest factors limiting the development of a force.

If he remembered correctly, the resources from taking down Pirate Group like "Gray Shark" and "Night Blade" had almost all been used to build the "legend series" starship.

In fact, if not for resource constraints, besides starships and mechas, things like star fortresses, combat bastions, and ground mechanized units were all things he had always wanted to design.

The reason he was currently focusing on the first two was simply that these two had the highest comprehensive cost-effectiveness and applicability in combat.

"If we pause the construction of the 'legend series' starship, the remaining materials are enough to manufacture 93 'Wings of Freedom' combat mechas. The resource reserves have hit rock bottom. Although there are mineral veins on the nine planets we currently control, they are a drop in the bucket compared to our needs."

"It seems we have to fight again."

Zhang Huaiyuan sighed.

Currently, the only suitable target in the vicinity left is the "Mist" Pirate Group, which possesses a Double A-Class Transcendent.

"Asroth, is there a way to hack into the 'Mist' system and find detailed information on their leader?"

"Of course, Master. However, I do not think that is necessarily the best option."

A confident voice came from the light screen: "Although the comprehensive combat power of the 'Mist' Pirate Group is slightly stronger than those already conquered, they still only occupy one ordinary planet. Their resources are limited, so even if we defeat them, we still will not be able to obtain sufficient resources."

"Then what do you mean?"

Zhang Huaiyuan raised an eyebrow, looking at the suddenly excited intelligent assistant, and couldn't help but ask.

"Perhaps, we can find a way to take out 'Gale' directly."