Chapter 272: Live Combat Test
When Maine's entire squad completed their upgrades and reassembled in the testing area of Joric's laboratory, the aura of the entire team had undergone a drastic transformation.
Although Joric adhered to the principle of "retaining humanoid form as much as possible" and did not modify them into completely inhuman forms like the Skitarii, the cyberization degree exceeding seventy percent, along with the widespread use of Ceramite and Plasteel casings, made each of them exude a strong Mechanicus style.
The dull metallic luster, sturdy and practical armor plates, faintly visible etched binary prayers, and the low hum of internal Plasma Reactors operating—all made them starkly different from the cyborgs of Night City who flashed with neon lights and pursued fashion.
They were more like a warband from an alien realm—cold, efficient, born for war.
Maine stood at the front of the team. His new Ceramite left arm was heavy and stable, the integrated Volkite Charger muzzle emitting a dangerous aura.
He tentatively channeled energy. The outer armor plate of his left arm slid open, revealing complex vent mechanisms underneath, and a wave of slightly heated air mixed with the smell of chemical fuel wafted out.
He could feel the stable and surging power output of the Plasma Reactor in his chest, far beyond what the previous energy battery could compare to.
Rebecca moved her new body excitedly, savoring the long-lost feeling of needing to look up slightly to meet Pilar's eyes.
The Plasma Cannon on her back was heavy and reliable. Even in standby mode, the air around the muzzle distorted slightly from the high temperature.
She tried a few tactical maneuvers. Her new limbs were coordinated and powerful, bringing her immense satisfaction.
Dorio's appearance changed the least, but when she bowed slightly and smashed a fist onto the high-strength alloy test plate, the thunderous boom that erupted instantly and the accompanying Volkite deflagration effect clearly demonstrated the terrifying power contained within her body.
Her fist left a charred crater with molten edges.
Pilar waved his pair of more dexterous and powerful long arms. The fully loaded Promethium fuel tank on his back gave him a great sense of security.
Falco pushed up his sunglasses. In his perception, the operation of the world seemed to have slowed down a few notches, every detail incomparably clear.
Mower stood quietly to the side. Her modification level was already the deepest; after this optimization, her aura became even more restrained and dangerous, like a sharp blade hidden in a sheath.
"How does it feel?" Maine asked in a deep voice, scanning his team members.
"Never been better!" Rebecca answered first, punching the air vigorously, generating a woosh of wind. "This height, this strength, this big gun! It's awesome!"
Dorio nodded, concise as ever. "More power."
Pilar chuckled. "Now I can burn things to my heart's content!"
Falco responded steadily. "Control has improved a lot. More confident dealing with complex situations."
Maine looked at his revitalized team members, his heart full of confidence.
The strength of this team had far exceeded the scope attainable by any top mercenary team in Night City. They were no longer just street fighters, but war machines in the truest sense.
Joric's figure appeared on the high platform of the testing area, crimson optical lenses overlooking the team that had completed its metamorphosis.
"Upgrades complete." His synthesized voice echoed in the empty testing ground. "Your current equipment and bodies have preliminarily met the standards for dealing with multidimensional risks. But this is just the beginning. Familiarize yourselves with your new power, and break in new tactics.
"The 'Iron Guard' project needs test data, and the Death World Base also needs regular patrols and clearing. Corresponding missions will be assigned to you next."
His words lacked excessive encouragement, emphasizing only efficiency and practicality.
Maine nodded solemnly to Joric on behalf of all members. "Understood, Boss. We will master the new equipment as soon as possible. Ready on standby."
Joric nodded slightly, said no more, turned, and left the testing area.
While Maine's squad familiarized themselves with their revitalized steel bodies, the first two formal test prototypes of the "Iron Guard" project were also assembled in the designated foundry workshop.
Two units stood side by side—dark red paint, heavy and angular armor, and conspicuous gears and binary runes on the shoulders symbolizing Joric's faction—emitting an oppressive feeling not to be underestimated even when stationary.
Their appearance was significantly different from the experimental model Valerie piloted before, closer to the standard form on the blueprints Joric provided to Fabricator Locum Volks.
However, beneath this uniform shell lay two distinct control cores.
One was prepared for Valerie, continuing and optimizing the deep neural link interface she was adapted to, aiming for the ultimate human-machine unity and reaction speed.
The other was configured for Jackie Welles, adopting a hybrid mode of a traditional multi-function cockpit and physical control sticks combined with an auxiliary sensor suit, focusing more on operational intuitiveness and adaptability for pilots without deep neural modification.
Joric did not let these two cutting-edge machines stay merely on the testing ground.
He soon issued new orders: Maine's squad, along with Valerie and Jackie, would escort these two "Iron Guard" prototypes to a nearby Hive World named "Vesta Prima" to execute a live combat data collection mission.
The mission briefing was delivered directly by Ignis.
Before the cross-sectional map of Vesta Prima, projected as a massive metal honeycomb by the holographic star map, she stated the objective coldly.
"According to limited intelligence from the local Adeptus Arbites and Ecclesiarchy, a heretical cult has sprouted in an abandoned industrial zone in the Hive's lower levels... The Lord Sage believes that purging such filth, while concurrently collecting live combat data of the 'Iron Guard' under two piloting modes, kills two birds with one stone."
"Valerie," Ignis added, turning her gaze to her, "your task is to evaluate the limit performance and data feedback of the neural link system in a complex combat environment.
"Jackie Welles, your responsibility is to verify the reliability, learning curve, and tactical adaptability of the standard piloting mode."
Maine and the others listened quietly.
Chaos Cult—this was a brand new concept to them.
In Night City, enemies were nothing more than corporate forces, gangers, or Cyberpsychos. Their motives were mostly clear: profit, turf, or pure madness.
But this phenomenon involving the worship of extra-dimensional Evil Gods, possibly accompanied by supernatural powers, exceeded the scope of their experience.
A mix of apprehension and excitement permeated the team.
Apprehension stemmed from instinctive vigilance against unknown enemies, while excitement came from the strong urge to test new powers and the desire to step onto a broader battlefield.
"Remember," Joric's voice cut in via comms link, his synthesized voice echoing in the briefing room, "what you face will not merely be armed thugs. The corruption of Chaos is treacherous and changeable, potentially involving mental influence and the distortion of physical laws.
"Maintain absolute firmness of will. Utilize the advantages your new equipment grants you—overwhelming firepower, superior protection, and efficient killing efficiency.
"Valerie, your task is to ensure the complete collection of various data points for the 'Iron Guard' prototype in complex environments. Maine, command is in your hands. Ensure mission completion and bring everyone back safely."
"Understood, Boss" The group responded in unison.
(End of Chapter)