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[Tactical Transforming Black Box]
[Source: One Punch Man World (2/5)]
[Creator: Jero]
[Core Component: Pandora Replica]
[Synthesis Materials: 1 Shogi Set]
[Item Description:]
A weapon self-modified by the S-Class Hero, Drive Knight, using parts collected from destroying Metal Knight's robots.
The initial "Pawn" form is just a black box capable of remote flight, but the weapon was built incorporating concepts from Shogi (Japanese Chess). Depending on the user's control, it can transform into multiple weapon forms and mecha configurations.
[Friendly Reminder:]
This weapon was born from the creator's own mechanical modifications. Ordinary humans cannot use it properly~
Looking at the cheat panel that popped up, Luca wasn't actually too surprised.
The moment the weapon was finished and emitted that white light, Luca had vaguely guessed it might synthesize into Drive Knight's weapon from One Punch Man.
It couldn't be helped—both the design and function were just too similar.
Even the "Replica Pandora" Luca built himself possessed a "Armor Mode."
The fact that the "Synthesis Material" was as simple as a Shogi set proved the cheat system considered the similarity between the two extremely high.
However...
"Does synthesizing this... actually count as an upgrade?"
Scanning the "Friendly Reminder" at the bottom of the panel, Luca scratched his head.
Although he hadn't synthesized the item yet, based on his judgment...
If purely looking at weapon power, Drive Knight was a high-tier combatant in the One Punch Man world, which had a very high power ceiling.
The core weapon he used should theoretically be slightly more powerful than the "Pandora 1.0" Luca built.
But the key issue was that once synthesized, probably no one, including Luca himself, could use it normally.
Last time, the [Sphere] only required the user to be an intelligent lifeform.
But this time? It outright required a cyborg with mechanical modifications integrated with the weapon.
Originally, Luca intended for Mitsuki, his Shadow-level ninja, to wield "Pandora 1.0."
Mainly because during the manufacturing process, Luca found the "black box" body kept getting bigger and bigger.
And unlike the [Tactical Black Box], he hadn't added thrusters to the case for remote summoning.
If anyone else wanted to use it, they'd have to rely on the [Dehydration Gun] to compress it every time, which was inconvenient for retrieval.
Mitsuki, on the other hand, was strong enough and knew Summoning Jutsu, allowing him to retrieve items remotely, making him much more flexible in actual combat.
That was exactly why the subsequent weapon forms Luca added to "Pandora 1.0" were all ninja weapons tailored to Mitsuki's fighting style.
But now, this [Tactical Black Box]...
I can't possibly subject Mitsuki to mechanical modification just for this, can I? Given his personality, he probably wouldn't mind, but it's not guaranteed to be a power-up...
Similar thoughts flashed through Luca's mind but were quickly discarded.
If he really wanted to make a cyborg, there was no need to sacrifice Mitsuki.
Besides, Luca's expertise in human-machine integration wasn't actually that strong. Trying to max out stats in one go and create a cyborg on Drive Knight's level was clearly unrealistic.
"Whatever, let's synthesize it first. Building another Pandora won't take much effort."
"Although I need to adjust the plan for certain demon materials, there are plenty of areas in version 1.0 that can be optimized. I'll treat this as gathering experience."
With that thought, Luca didn't delay. He first conducted a general test of all "Pandora 1.0" functions and had Mitsuki field-test it, recording all his feedback.
Then, he picked a random machine, 3D printed a plastic Shogi set, and synthesized the [Tactical Black Box].
Organizing instruments, scanning, attempting activation...
After bustling about for a whole day, Luca looked at the dense data on the virtual screen regarding the [Tactical Black Box] with pleasant surprise.
This... it actually uses partial nanotechnology? But combined with transformable metal, it can achieve this level of performance!
At this moment, the metallic black box, originally half the height of a person, had turned into a large pile of fragmented components scattered across the lab floor.
Initially, Luca had been hesitant to dismantle the item.
He was afraid he wouldn't be able to reassemble it, or that he'd end up with a pile of extra parts after putting it back together.
For this reason, Luca even temporarily recalled Vision, who was still helping the Avengers rebuild New York, to use his phasing ability to "dive" inside the [Tactical Black Box] and analyze its structural data.
However, as he gradually understood the weapon, his uncontrollable urge to explore took over. Luca simply hand-crafted an electromagnetic activation device.
He forced it to start up and disassemble into "Developer Mode."
While this method didn't make it usable in combat, it was incredibly convenient for maintenance, upgrades, or understanding the technology within.
Pity, the power source isn't anything special. It probably relies on the cyborg's own energy to function fully.
But this transformable metal has such strength! Independent split-type magnetic induction structure! And such high energy conductivity efficiency!
Tsk tsk, all this flashy stuff! If he just learned from Genos and dumped all his energy into one Incineration Cannon, he could probably insta-kill even Dragon-level monsters, right?
Using the full thing is difficult, but if I just modify one arm and use the Mind Stone as a power source... Nah, forget it. Why would I want that? Let's see which parts I can use to upgrade Pandora!
Luca, eyes glowing with the joy of new technology, completely ignored the passage of time outside.
Even his daily calls with Gwen became perfunctory, making the girl in America stomp her feet in anger lately.
But thanks to this intense focus, the R&D and manufacturing of "Pandora 2.0" quickly neared completion.
However, just as Luca was wrapping up some final touches, a Kamar-Taj sorcerer came knocking again.
"Mr. Aurantius, the Ancient One sent me to inform you that demons have already discovered the Dimensional Battlefield!"
"So soon?"
"Yes. The Ancient One believes that while it might just be a coincidence that a demon found the projection area in the Hell Dimension, she hopes you can make preparations as soon as possible."
Hearing this, Luca frowned slightly. He turned to the screen beside him and asked in a low voice.
"Hakimi, how many sub-base MCVs have we finished building?"