Chapter 271: New Enhancement Paths
When it was Rebecca's turn, this usually energetic girl unexpectedly showed a trace of nervousness and anticipation.
"Boss! About what you said before... that... body size thing..." She looked up, gazing eagerly at Joric's towering mechanical body.
Joric's optical lenses looked down at her, his synthesized voice steady as ever. "Regarding your request, I have conducted an evaluation. Using biotechnology to promote secondary physical development is technically feasible.
"However, the process will not be painless. It requires the removal of all your existing cyberware. Only after your body grows to the predetermined form can re-implantation of more powerful cyberware suitable for your new physique be performed."
"No problem! I can take it!" Rebecca promised immediately, her face full of determination. "I've had enough of looking like a shorty! I want to be taller, stronger! Like Big Sis Dorio!"
"Your new physique data will be optimized based on your genetic potential; it will not completely mimic others," Joric corrected. "After the modification is complete, your base strength, reaction speed, and bone density will all increase synchronously. As for weapons..."
He brought up a new weapon blueprint. "The recoil of a heavy bolter is immense. As your size increases and strength enhances, I will equip you with a handheld Plasma Cannon."
The weapon appearing in the projection looked even more ferocious than Rebecca's previous boltgun.
The thick barrel and complex energy coils all proclaimed its terrifying destructive power.
"Plasma Cannon. Single-shot charged fire, area damage. It has excellent effects against heavy armored units and fortifications. Its power far exceeds bolter rounds, but the rate of fire is slower, and it requires time to charge and dissipate heat. It demands extremely high strength and stability from the user. The new you will be a suitable candidate to wield it."
Rebecca looked at that plasma cannon, her eyes wide as saucers, so excited she almost jumped up. "Awesome! That's the one! Blast the hell out of 'em! Thanks, Boss!"
Modifications for Pilar and Falco proceeded simultaneously.
Pilar's nervous system received further enhancement. His multi-thread processing capability increased, allowing him to control more technical equipment simultaneously.
The flamethrower on his back was upgraded to a standard Promethium Flamer. Fuel efficiency and range increased significantly, spewing flames of higher temperature and stronger adhesion.
The dexterity and terminal strength of his long arms were also enhanced, integrating more precise tool interfaces, allowing him to play a greater role in technical and maintenance fields.
Falco's "Driver" auxiliary system was deeply integrated into his nervous system, taking reaction speed and environmental perception to another level.
Joric did not equip him with offensive weapons but further enhanced his survivability. Lightweight Plasteel armor plates were implanted at key nodes of his torso and limbs, and his circulatory system was improved to cope with higher intensity G-force overloads.
As the member who had completed standard Mechanicus modification earliest, Mower's upgrade this time was more about optimization and fine-tuning. Her Sandevistan system's energy utilization efficiency was further improved, the resonance frequency of her sonic blades adjusted to be more lethal, and the precision and range of her sensory scanning system expanded.
The modifications unfolded methodically in Joric's private laboratory.
Unlike in Night City where he had to do everything himself, even manually machining parts, here Joric was more like the project's chief engineer and supervisor.
He was responsible for formulating core plans, controlling key steps, and final quality verification. The massive amount of specific work was completed by the laboratory's automated Servo-arms, precision machining units, and several Tech-Servitors responsible for executing standardized processes.
Maine lay on the cold experiment table, experiencing a modification process starkly different from the last time.
The operation of the mechanical arms was more precise and efficient. The tools and materials used all emitted a standardized cold luster. His old left arm was completely removed, and a new arm skeleton composed of Ceramite and Plasteel was precisely docked onto his shoulder joint.
Adamantium energy conduits, like living metal filaments, connected with his nerve bundles and major blood vessels at the micron level under the control of mechanical arms.
Subsequently, a miniaturized Plasma Reactor was implanted into his reinforced thoracic compartment, replacing the original energy battery.
When the reactor activated, a low, steady hum replaced the slight electrical sound of the battery running. A more massive and stable energy flow instantly filled his limbs and bones.
Finally, the Volkite Charger, filled with the aura of destruction, was integrated onto his new left arm. The gun body merged perfectly with the arm armor, and the fuel canister was cleverly embedded in the rear of the arm.
The moment neural link calibration was complete, Maine could clearly "perceive" every state of the weapon system, as if it were originally a part of his own body.
Rebecca's modification proceeded in stages.
First, all old cyberware on her body was carefully removed.
Then, Joric injected her with specially made growth hormones and gene inducers.
Over the next few days, Rebecca was placed in a special life support pod. Her body underwent rapid and painful secondary growth under the influence of drugs.
Bones lengthened, muscle fibers tore and recombined. This pain, as if the entire body was being disassembled and reassembled, far exceeded simple cyberware implantation. Even with potent anesthesia and sedatives, Rebecca could still feel that bone-deep soreness and tearing sensation during her lucid intervals.
But she gritted her teeth and endured it, her will supported by the longing for a new body shape and new weapons in her mind.
When the growth phase ended and Rebecca walked out of the life support pod, her height had increased by nearly thirty centimeters. Her body shape was no longer that of a small girl, but became athletic and well-proportioned, full of explosive power.
Subsequently, she underwent a new round of cyberware modification.
Reinforcement materials were injected into her bones, biomechanical coordinators implanted into her muscular system, and her nervous system upgraded synchronously.
Finally, the Plasma Cannon, which required two hands to hold, was installed on her heavy weapon mount, perfectly matching her new body shape and strength.
Dorio's biochemical enhancement was conducted mainly through regular injections and specific frequency energy field irradiation. The process was relatively gradual but continuous.
She could feel her strength growing every day. The wind pressure generated when she punched became increasingly fierce. Under her heavy punches attached with Volkite effects, the metal test targets first deformed from blunt force trauma, then were covered and melted by viscous flames.
Modifications for Pilar and Falco were also completed smoothly.
Pilar excitedly tested his upgraded flamer, watching the blazing white promethium flames sweep across the testing ground like a long dragon.
Falco, in the simulated cockpit, easily handled extremely complex road conditions and gravity changes that were almost impossible to complete before.
(End of Chapter)