Under Yang Hui's leadership and the development department's tireless efforts, the armament designed for the Psycommu System—the Funnels of the UC world—was finally successfully developed.
"These are the test results. The good news is that there are many NTs in the team. Although their Psychic Wave strength varies, it is definitely more than ten times stronger than the data recorded by the [Flanagan Institute]. However, there is some bad news..."
"What is it?" Yang Hui asked seriously, looking at Tim Ray.
"It's just a pity that it's not the whole crew." Tim Ray spread his hands, a playful curve at the corners of his mouth.
"? You rascal." Yang Hui shook his head with a bitter smile. He hadn't expected Tim Ray to joke about something like this.
"Well, it was just to help you relax." Tim Ray shrugged. This was the first time Yang Hui had completely taken over the research and development work, and it allowed Tim Ray and the others to see just how crazy Yang Hui could be in a scientific research state. Over the past few days, Yang Hui had barely slept. He even ate his meals in the lab; aside from using the restroom, he never left.
"Heh, that's not necessary. I'm used to it," Yang Hui replied, stretching. He was over a hundred years old and had worked on various research projects in different worlds; this lifestyle was nothing new to him. "Let's start the testing immediately, along with the control training."
"No, that's too hasty. The Prototype Unit hasn't undergone any testing yet. We aren't sure of the burden it places on the human brain. If an accident occurs, it could cause irreversible damage," Tim Ray objected.
"Then let the testing begin. I will do it."
"No..."
"Trust me, Tim. Have I ever been one to act recklessly?"
"...No."
"Exactly." Yang Hui patted Tim Ray on the shoulder and walked out. "Install the Prototype Unit onto my Mobile Suit, and then we'll begin the test."
"...I understand." Tim Ray sighed. His trust in Yang Hui was real, but so was his concern. However, he knew better than anyone that once Yang Hui made a decision, he couldn't be stopped. He could only comply.
In less than half a day, the modification of Gundam Astray Unit 1 was complete. It was now equipped with the Psycommu System and the Wing Funnels designed by Yang Hui.
These were not like the long, folding sheet-like versions seen on the Gundam Bull or Gundam Sea Bull, nor could they switch between a Beam Rifle and a Beam Shield. The Federation's current technical reserves were not yet capable of those two features.
The Wing Funnels Yang Hui designed were like the most common Beam Rifles, elongated in shape and stacked together in layers. They were attached to the Skirt Armor and the back of the Mobile Suit like Wings.
"Is that the brand-new Unit 01? It looks so cool!"
"A machine utilizing the Psycommu System... those Wings and the Skirt Armor are NT-exclusive armaments called [Wing Funnels]. During combat, they detach from the machine and act as independent Controlled Single Mobile Weapons."
"It's pretty much like what we encountered in the [Reef Starfield] last time, except there are no cables connected."
"To put it simply, they are drones controlled by Psychic Waves."
"Now the Colonel really is a one-man army."
"I heard the application of the Psycommu System isn't just limited to this."
"What else is there?"
"I heard the Colonel proposed something called a Psychic Sensing Frame. It involves equipping the Psycommu System's Electronic Lenses throughout the entire frame, allowing the MS to be controlled truly by thought... something like that."
"For real?"
"That's what the development department said, anyway."
"Then why didn't they just build it?"
"Are you stupid? The current technical reserves obviously aren't enough. We have a major mission coming up soon; there's no time for that."
"Fair enough. But the Colonel's Unit 01 is seriously cool! I want one!"
"You? Heh, what were your NT test results again?"
"We're still brothers if you don't bring that up!"
Yang Hui was unaware of the heated discussions among his team members; he was currently focused on checking the operational status of the Psycommu System in the cockpit.
"...All systems normal. Ready to begin testing."
"Understood. First is the connection test. Begin."
"Understood."
Yang Hui closed his eyes, transmitting his Psychic Waves through the Psycommu System to the [Wing Funnels]. Accompanied by mechanical clacking sounds, all 18 [Wing Funnels] detached from the Gundam Astray mother unit, scattering into space.
"The Colonel's brainwaves are stable... Psychic Wave transmission is normal... Psycommu System operational... [Wing Funnels] operational!"
"Good. Begin Phase Two testing, Colonel."
"Understood."
Yang Hui opened his eyes, which were now filled with a shimmering rainbow light. His Psychic Waves steadily transmitted his thoughts to the [Wing Funnels].
At that moment, the 18 [Wing Funnels] acted like extensions of Yang Hui's mind. Following his thoughts with agility, they moved through space like nimble fish, enjoying unrestrained Freedom.
"The Colonel's brainwaves are stable... Psychic Wave transmission normal... Psycommu System operational... [Wing Funnels] operational!"
"Good! Phase Two is a success. Deploy the targets; we are moving to Phase Three!"
"Understood!"
Inflatable Targets were released one by one, forming a small army in front of Unit 01. Originally, Phase Three only required about twenty targets, mainly to test the various states of the [Wing Funnels] during an attack. However, Yang Hui had firmly requested a "few" more.
His verbal reasoning was that a larger number would yield more accurate test results. In reality, Yang Hui just wanted to get back into the rhythm. How many years had it been since he last fought with Funnels? This was his favorite and primary combat style. If he went too long without using it and forgot how, he'd be devastated!
"Go, [Wing Funnels]."
Yang Hui's gaze sharpened as he transmitted his thoughts to the [Wing Funnels]. The fish that had been playing in the water just moments ago transformed into a pack of vicious wolves. Following various bizarre, zig-zagging routes, they closed in on the mass of targets, baring their fangs to tear into their prey.
"Oh~!!"
In the experimental command center and the hall where everyone was watching the test, cries of shock rang out.
Gundam Astray Unit 1 stood like a high-and-mighty god, arms crossed over its chest, looking forward with indifference. The [Wing Funnels] were his divine messengers, weaving through the dense cluster of targets with Lightning speed and banking at impossible angles. Every burst of light was a divine judgment, a sinner vanishing.
"This... dammit, I can't find the words!"
"Is this really the Colonel's first time using the Psycommu System? He's so proficient?"
"Tsk tsk tsk, I feel like we can retire early. The Colonel alone is an entire army!"
"Hehe, my test results were pretty good. I wonder if I can be even half as strong as the Colonel."
At the back of the crowd, Athrun and Gai Murakumo shook their heads with bitter smiles. They were the only two among everyone present who weren't shocked, because they had long known Yang Hui's true combat style.
When it came to the use of controlled autonomous combat units like Funnels, they had yet to find anyone who could rival Yang Hui. Back in the world of Gundam SEED, Yang Hui had been a one-man army, his use of bits so exquisite that it seemed as if those weapons weren't tools at all, but extensions of his own body.
They had heard Asemu say that in the world of Gundam AGE, Yang Hui's use of Funnels was nothing short of an art form.
"Look! Unit 01 is moving!"
With a cry of surprise, Athrun and Gai looked back at the screen. Unit 01 was no longer a spectator. Its dual rifles were raised, thrusters flared, and it charged into the target group, performing an elegant, lethal dance along with the 18 [Wing Funnels].
"This... just how fast is his reaction time?"
"As expected of the Colonel, he's always doing things ordinary people can't."
"We still have a long way to go."
"I'm going to the development department. My test results were good; I'm going to ask when it's my turn."
"I'm coming too!"
"Damn it! I'm so jealous!"
In the experimental command center, Tim Ray tried his best to suppress the urge to cheer. His eyes were fixed on the data from Unit 01 and the [Wing Funnels]. The performance Yang Hui put on for them was indeed magnificent and stunning, but he was a researcher. His current task was to confirm the test data for the [Wing Funnels]. If any abnormality occurred, he would forcibly terminate the test.
"Unit 01 all systems normal... [Wing Funnel] output power... 120%!"
" [Wing Funnel] energy depleted, initiating recovery protocol... Recharge time 10 seconds, redeploying from mother unit..."
"Remaining targets: 41... 24... 12... All targets destroyed, test concluded!"
"Unit 01 all systems normal! Psycommu System normal! [Wing Funnels] normal!"
"Oh~!!"
Only then did everyone in the command center jump up and cheer. Various paper documents on the desks were tossed into the air, fluttering everywhere.
"Whew~" Tim Ray breathed a sigh of relief, pumping his fist to vent his inner joy.
"This is Unit 01. Test concluded, requesting to return."
"The test was a complete success. Unit 01 is cleared for return."
"Understood, Unit 01 returning immediately."
"Collate and organize all data, store it in the central database, and create backups on dedicated terminals. I want three separate backups."
"Understood!" xN
After delegating the follow-up tasks, Tim Ray planned to go greet Yang Hui, only to be startled by the crowded mass of people at the entrance of the development department.
"Director Ray, the test was a success, right? When will it be rolled out?"
"Director Ray, my test scores were excellent. Let me go first!"
"Get lost! My scores were better than yours! Director Ray, I should go first!"
...
"Quiet, all of you!"
With a sharp shout, the noisy crowd fell silent, though their gazes remained burning with anticipation.
"Alright, the test was a success. According to the Colonel's plan, adaptation training will be scheduled for everyone eventually. But right now, you have more important things to do!"
"Please give us your orders, Director Ray!" xN
"Follow me to welcome the Colonel!"
"Understood! Mission guaranteed!" xN
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