Crimson Thunder Blade, Sakurajima Mecha Base's latest modified mecha, had already undergone one major overhaul. It had been refitted from the Sakura Saber originally produced on Sakurajima!
After its overhaul, Crimson Thunder Blade's current stats were: height 69 meters, speed 8, strength 7, armor 6.
Sakura Saber's three-dimensional stats had all been 7—777.
Compared with the original Sakura Saber, Crimson Thunder Blade had gained a point in speed but lost a point in armor.
Aside from its paint job changing from sakura red to bright crimson, Crimson Thunder Blade's overall framework had not changed, retaining Sakura Saber's general appearance.
However, certain parts had clearly been slimmed down, increasing mobility while reducing some of its armored protection.
Currently, Crimson Thunder Blade's primary pilot was Luo Bing, the most outstanding newcomer, while Koizumi Junko served as co-pilot. She had also been the primary pilot of Crimson Thunder Blade's original form, Sakura Saber.
At primary pilot Luo Bing's suggestion, Crimson Thunder Blade had abandoned the path of balanced development. At the cost of armor, its agility had been increased.
—That was the information about Crimson Thunder Blade that netizens everywhere could find on ordinary websites.
If ordinary netizens wanted to learn about the various mechas, this was all they could find online.
The truly critical news consisted of highly classified information and the latest research technology, none of which was disclosed to the public.
For example, Crimson Thunder Blade's most important main weapon—the sakura longsword capable of being infused with lightning—had barely been introduced.
It was a lightning infusion device created from Thunder Beast body parts, supplemented by modern technology.
Once this device was activated, so long as it was not over water, it was like enchanting the weapon, greatly increasing its power!
Beast King Godzilla's "visit to the base" had only happened yesterday, yet it had already caused a worldwide stir today.
A massive search frenzy had begun. Every faction wanted to find a Titan Beast on its own land. Whoever did would truly be blessed.
Even if it was not as powerful as Beast King Godzilla, a Titan Beast could at least match a mecha.
For the depleted defensive forces of every faction, this was lifesaving spring water that could solve their most urgent need!
Aside from not obeying commands, Titan Beasts, as potential allies, were truly green, pollution-free, and all-natural compared with the resource-devouring mechas.
Inside Sakurajima Base.
In the distance, Luo Bing and Koizumi Junko, dressed in red pilot suits, entered Crimson Thunder Blade's cockpit and began their first mecha piloting session.
Old Luo watched from afar on the ground, his expression full of satisfaction.
"A primary pilot with a Spiritual Connection Index of 99, and a co-pilot with a Spiritual Connection Index of 97. Neither will hold the other back."
"Such a high-end setup is somewhat wasted on Crimson Thunder Blade... but no other mechas are available, either."
"The last pilot with a Spiritual Connection Index of 99... Luo Bing, your performance should not be inferior to that person's, right?"
Dr. Chen had already walked over from behind him. She held two stacks of documents, seemingly bringing two pieces of news.
"News has come from home."
Old Luo turned back for a glance, and his smile widened.
"Judging by your expression, they should both be good news?"
Dr. Chen glanced at Old Luo. She did not care how he had guessed, since she had come over smiling.
As she handed over the documents, Dr. Chen said, "After Beast King's matter was settled yesterday, news about the Titan Beasts was passed on to our allies. They have only been busy for one day, and already there are two suspected targets."
"During testing in the Anling area, our people discovered regular vibrations coming from underground. But they definitely weren't tremors. They suspect a Titan Beast is sleeping beneath the ground."
"However, without concrete evidence, they did not dare make any rash moves."
Old Luo nodded.
"Doing nothing is the right choice. You saw the footage of Yamata that day. It was not in a good mood when it awakened from its slumber."
"Besides the one in Anling, what is the other suspected target?"
Although the documents would provide more detail, asking directly was obviously faster.
"The Nordic Five Alliance sent the news. They said they found a moving iceberg at sea. They did not think much of it before, but the more they looked, the more they felt a Titan Beast might be inside."
"May they have good luck!"
Old Luo offered a sincere wish, then said, "Little Bing and Junko are piloting Crimson Thunder Blade for the first time today. Want to watch? Or are you going back to hide in the laboratory?"
Dr. Chen thought for a moment, then finally nodded and stayed.
"I heard Luo Bing's Spiritual Connection Index is 99. That makes me rather curious. The last time someone had such a high number..."
Inside Crimson Thunder Blade's cockpit.
Once they entered the cockpit, it adopted a fully enclosed security mode. The internal space was completely under the pilots' control.
This had been designed to prevent someone from remotely controlling the mecha and giving reckless orders.
When mechas had first been manufactured, some people had thought real combat was just like playing a mecha battle game. Then the monsters had smashed their heads apart.
In actual combat, only the pilots on the scene who personally experienced everything could make the most appropriate reactions and choices.
Even if that choice was later proven wrong, it did not mean it had been wrong at the time!
Therefore, the mecha cockpit was entirely controlled by the pilots. If the two of them wished, they could even activate the internal passage and completely shut out all outside interference.
Standing in the primary pilot's position, Luo Bing did not put on his helmet right away. Instead, he turned to look at Junko.
When conducting Spiritual Connection synchronization in a large mecha, their memories would collide and come into contact. The closer their connection, the more secrets they would learn about each other.
Luo Bing had originally pretended to be ill because he did not want to become a pilot, all to avoid this matter and keep his secrets from being discovered.
But when he learned that Junko would be the co-pilot, Luo Bing had agreed without hesitation.
With a Spiritual Connection Index of 99, no one was more suited to be a pilot than Luo Bing. He could not avoid it forever.
Therefore, he could only find a suitable co-pilot and put some of the little schemes in his heart into practice.
And Junko, who was incomparably obedient and trusted Luo Bing completely, was the best choice.
Taking a deep breath, Luo Bing slowly said, "Junko, do you trust me?"
Junko was somewhat puzzled, but she immediately answered, "I will always trust Luo Bing!"
Luo Bing continued, "Then, if I wanted to pilot the mecha alone and test the limits of my abilities, would that be okay, Junko?"
Junko froze for a moment, then quickly shook her head.
"Something could happen, Luo Bing! Many experiments have proven that humans have limits..."
"Junko, my Spiritual Connection Index is 99! The upper limit of our Spiritual Connection Index test is 99. That rigid machine cannot possibly achieve perfect Spiritual Connection synchronization with us!"
"Junko, I feel that I am still far from my limit. So please let me experiment once and let me estimate my own 'capacity,' okay?"
If it had been anyone else, they definitely would not have agreed.
But Junko...
She had originally been Sakura Saber's primary pilot, yet she had been so meek that even the co-pilot could take over her position.
A girl who was so gentle and so obedient seemed unable to say the word no.
Seeing Junko hesitate, Luo Bing continued, "The moment you notice anything wrong with me, immediately establish a deep connection!"
"If nothing is wrong with me, focus on the auxiliary weapons. Help me monitor the mecha's internal data and see which readings hit the yellow line or approach the red line."
"Junko, okay? Have a little faith in me. I am full of confidence in myself. If I truly cannot do it, then let this experiment make me give up."
As Godzilla's Human Form, Luo Bing had every reason to say such words with confidence.
Junko thought of the first time she had piloted Sakura Saber in actual combat.
At the time, Nakamura had fainted. She had endured on her own and still managed to pilot Sakura Saber, suffering only a little dizziness.
Someone as outstanding as Luo Bing... would definitely be fine, right?
This is his first time piloting a mecha, and he is only training inside the base, not fighting in real combat. Luo Bing's physical condition and every other aspect are much stronger than mine. I only got a little dizzy back then. Now that Luo Bing insists so much, if I don't let him try once and give up...
These thoughts spun through Junko's mind. Then she raised her head and looked at Luo Bing.
"Okay! Luo Bing, I trust you, but please only try this once! If you feel any discomfort, stop immediately. You absolutely must not force yourself!"
"I will. Besides, aren't you here beside me, Junko? That puts me at ease."
"Mm."
Junko's little face flushed red as she answered softly. It was unclear whether she was nervous or worried.
Strange, why did this coffee make me sleepier the more I drank? Did I buy a fake product? (*￣︿￣)
The Bell Tolled, Serpent King Beast 5
Strictly speaking, this was Luo Bing's first time piloting a large mecha.
He had previously gone through all kinds of simulation tests and tried piloting smaller mechas to train his feel for it.
Without exception, he had passed them all with perfect scores.
But this truly was his first time with actual experience piloting a large mecha.
It was the first time for "Luo Bing" himself.
From a god's-eye view, personally controlling the Beast King Body and transforming into Godzilla to walk upon the earth felt completely different from piloting a large mecha.
Transforming into Godzilla meant truly becoming Godzilla. It was like returning home—warm and incredibly cozy inside.
Crimson Thunder Blade, on the other hand, made Luo Bing feel somewhat restrained and oppressed.
But...
It was completely acceptable!
Luo Bing did not experience any of the symptoms described in textbooks, such as excessive pressure from piloting a mecha alone causing dizziness, headaches, or nosebleeds.
He could even jump up without his legs going numb!
"What kind of surprise will a pilot with a Spiritual Connection Index of 99 bring us?"
Old Luo and Dr. Chen watched Crimson Thunder Blade prepare to activate, both looking forward to it.
Then they saw Crimson Thunder Blade leap thirty meters into the air, shifting its posture midair.
After two and a half rotations in freefall, it slammed into the ground.
Because its weight had been concentrated at one point, it directly cracked the ground!
Beast King Godzilla had strolled through yesterday without even leaving a pit in the main road, only a few shallow footprints.
Although they had caused some impact, they had not affected use. Moreover, Beast King Godzilla's footprints had instantly increased the symbolic significance of the road by an immeasurable amount!
Yet what Beast King had failed to do yesterday had been accomplished by one of their own today!
Looking at the ground cracked by Crimson Thunder Blade's fall from above, Old Luo's mouth twitched, but he still managed to maintain a smile.
"Not bad. His command of the mecha's mobility is extremely proficient. Excellent. He has already surpassed me from back then!"
Old Luo praised him, trying his best not to look at the crater in the ground.
Meanwhile, Crimson Thunder Blade had already landed firmly and steadily. It reached behind its back with its right hand, and the Sakura Saber appeared in its grasp.
Then the lightning infusion devices in both hands activated. In an instant, blue-violet light flashed, giving the Sakura Saber a layer of lightning buff!
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