"However, these hover-stabilizers rely on crystal batteries. They last five hours at most before the battery needs recharging."
Marcus paused, a flash of mockery dancing in his eyes.
"I should remind you all that aside from the single spare battery provided to each group, there are no charging stations on the path back to Blackstone City. If you want to recharge a battery, your only option is solar power."
Those unfamiliar with crystal batteries might have been confused, but those who knew of them instantly looked grim. Byrne, in particular, knew them all too well. One could say these were the most widely used energy storage devices within the Imperium.
Crystal batteries could be charged in various ways, but solar energy was the least efficient. Although they were in a wasteland with high-intensity sunlight, fully charging one would take at least an entire day. This would drastically slow down their progress.
What gave Byrne a real headache, however, was that Marcus's rule was clearly designed to force them into stealing batteries from other groups. Only the top twenty groups would win; the rest were destined for disqualification. To extend the hover-time and increase their speed, they needed more batteries.
Heh, what a malicious calculation.
Among the candidates, the clever ones had already sensed the problem and chose to remain silent in a show of mutual understanding. Marcus scanned the crowd and chuckled.
"I admit, this test is indeed a bit difficult. But the work of a Tax Collector is full of variables. If you can't handle this little hurdle, you should get lost now and stop wasting the Empire's resources. Now, collect your ore crates and rucksacks here, then assemble at the factory's North Gate."
With that, Marcus grabbed a rucksack and walked away without looking back.
Ten minutes later, the distribution was complete. Most people chose to head straight for the North Gate, fearing that any delay might lead to something unpleasant. Only a few groups stayed behind to inspect their gear in an open area. Byrne's group was among them.
Compared to the simple structure of the ore crate, Byrne focused his attention on the canvas rucksack. He weighed it; it was lighter than he expected. Each bag contained a portable single-person tent, an inflatable sleeping bag, four cans of flavored nutritional porridge, three portions of standard Imperial Guard combat rations, a basic medical kit, a two-liter bottle of water, a box of matches, and an entrenching shovel.
Additionally, there was a compass, a map, and—hidden in a compartment—a handgun with a spare magazine.
Byrne pulled out the pistol and examined it. It was a 9mm caliber handgun. The firepower was mediocre, and he doubted it could handle the real threats of the wastes. While it wouldn't stop a xenos beast, it was more than enough to deal with other candidates. He could only pray they wouldn't encounter anything this gun couldn't handle.
He checked the map next. A red line marked the general route back to Blackstone City, spanning over five hundred kilometers. Along the way, a dozen or so abandoned outposts were marked, mostly concentrated in the middle and latter stages of the journey. To Byrne, these were potential supply points—and perfect spots for an ambush.
Heh, Marcus's little twist.
Byrne searched both rucksacks but didn't find the spare battery Marcus had mentioned. It seemed those would only be handed out at the start line. After tucking the pistol into his waistband, he looked back.
Selena was crouching by the recessed slot on the side of the crate, carefully inspecting the crystal battery nested within.
"What are you looking at?"
Selena looked back at him, her voice flat. "The output power of this crystal battery seems off."
"Is that so? Let me see."
Byrne stepped forward and crouched beside her, following her finger. In the slot sat a palm-sized, pale blue crystal covered in a thin layer of dust. You could faintly see the energy flowing inside. Having repaired machinery before, Byrne had seen plenty of these.
Selena pointed to the lower right edge of the crystal. "Look here. There's a scratch on the casing. It's faint, but it likely affects the internal energy conduction. The power loss will be significantly higher. They said it lasts five hours, but we'll be lucky if this one holds for four. I hope the spare we get is in better shape."
Byrne looked at her in surprise. "I didn't take you for a gearhead."
In his stereotypical view, a noble lady should prefer the arts. Selena's behavior was shattering that image.
Selena rolled her eyes. "My family's industry involves machinery manufacturing. I've been around it since I was a child. I'm not an expert, but I know a thing or two. I already checked the hover-module; that seems to be running fine."
To Byrne, she was being modest. Judging a crystal battery's output issues just by sight required more than "knowing a thing or two." It seemed being teamed up with this lady wasn't a bad deal at all.
After checking the battery, Selena stood up and began circling the crate, tapping here and feeling there.
"What are you doing now?" Byrne asked, puzzled.
"Checking the structural strength of the casing. Also trying to see if there's a switch to open this thing."
As she spoke, her hand stopped. She noticed a tiny metal protrusion on the right side. It was so small it would be easily missed. Excited to have found the hidden latch, she reached out to touch it, but Byrne suddenly shoved her away.
Startled, Selena jerked her hand back, a flash of annoyance in her eyes. "What was that for?"
Byrne pointed toward the other groups nearby. "Don't touch it yet. Wait until we're on the road and find somewhere private."
Selena was sharp; she understood immediately. "Right. Understood."
Byrne slung his rucksack on and handed the other to Selena. "Let's go. It's time to assemble."
At the North Gate, Marcus was leaning against an armored vehicle, smoking a cigarette. The arrived candidates had parked their crates in designated areas, maintaining a wary distance from one another. The air was thick with tension.
Shortly after Byrne and Selena arrived, the final group showed up. Marcus flicked his cigarette butt to the ground and crushed it with his boot. He swept his gaze over the forty-nine pairs.
"Excellent. Everyone is here. Now, collect your spare batteries."
Just then, a candidate raised his hand.
"Wait a moment, Proctor Marcus. I have a question."