The Principles of Neural Drift

Hearing General Jonathan's words, everyone was somewhat shocked.

It was not only the mech pilots from various nations—even Nation M's own pilots and technical staff looked at Jonathan in astonishment.

One could imagine how Xiao Shou and the others felt.

They had guessed that since Nation M had shown them its laser weaponry, it would not keep it hidden for its own use.

But they had assumed Nation M would use it to make a fortune. They never expected them to reveal it so selflessly.

General Jonathan could tell what they were thinking from their expressions. The corners of his mouth curled up, and, for once, he broke into hearty laughter.

"What, did you think I would use this technology to fleece your countries?"

"Perhaps businessmen and politicians would consider that, but we are soldiers—comrades fighting together to protect humanity."

"We are not opportunists."

"What we create is not meant to be sold at a high price. It is meant to strike down monsters more effectively and preserve our Pan-Pacific Defense Line."

"That is also why I gathered you here under the pretext of special training. Of course, there will be special training as well. Jacob Smith will teach you some neural drift techniques."

"You need to see this laser technology with your own eyes. Only then can it be promoted more effectively."

"Although the nations are cooperating now, the past friction and hatred between countries will not be so easily erased. They will remain cautious about the laser technology we propose, so I have to let them see our sincerity."

"All right, soldiers. I hope you can become the pillars holding the line at the forefront of the Pan-Pacific Defense Line."

With that, he turned and returned to the command center.

Xiao Shou and the other mech pilots saluted in the direction General Jonathan had left.

It was a salute born from genuine respect.

It had nothing to do with status, position, or nationality.

He was a true soldier.

Pure, with only the front line in his eyes. The Pan-Pacific Defense Line was the front line.

Soldiers could use any means necessary for a strategic objective, but that was not despicable—it was steadfastness.

What distinction was there between hawks and doves among soldiers? They had to be iron-blooded and resolute in annihilating incoming enemies.

There was no possibility of coexistence.

Only politicians distinguished between hawks and doves, trying to cater to both sides and profit from every angle.

And this place did not need politicians.

Were politicians supposed to negotiate with the monsters when they came?

What a joke!

The monsters' arrival had brought enormous casualties and losses to countries around the world.

Even if monsters could open their mouths and negotiate, soldiers would never allow it.

Blood debts had to be repaid in blood.

Besides, those who were not of our kind were bound to have different hearts.

After General Jonathan left, everyone relaxed and began discussing the laser weapons among themselves.

This was huge news, enough to change the disadvantage mechs faced against monsters.

The monsters' advantage over mech warriors was their thick hides and tough flesh.

Mechs were different. If any part was damaged, it could directly affect the entire mech's operation.

The birth of laser weapons happened to make up for the mechs' weakness.

"Ah-ha, looks like we're late!"

A voice interrupted the mech pilots' conversation.

Walking over was a rather lively man, his face full of exaggerated expressions.

He was handsome, around twenty-seven or twenty-eight, though his personality was somewhat fond of pranks.

Behind him followed a woman around his age. Her looks were ordinary, but she had quite a figure.

The saying that fair skin hid a hundred flaws really was not without reason.

"Hello, my name is Ritter Harry. The lady behind me is Lilith. We are the pilots of the 'Explorer.'"

After saying that, Ritter wore an expression that practically demanded they be amazed.

"I know you. Aren't you the pilot who asked for one billion dollars?"

Chiori Mina asked with a look of surprise.

Ritter's expression visibly froze, then collapsed...

"Pfft!"

Lilith, standing behind him, could not hold back her laughter.

Xiao Shou could barely hold back his laughter, but he still managed to endure...

I'm a professional. I've undergone professional training,

unless I can't hold it in.

"Oh, shut! Has my name already spread overseas?"

"My lifelong reputation! I was only joking around back then—who knew they'd actually fulfill my request?!"

"I didn't take that money. I returned it all to the government... uh, except for a tiny bit."

"It's over, my image is completely ruined! When people judge me in the future, they'll record all of you bravely fighting enemies, while I'll be remembered as some greedy brat!"

Ritter Harry's face turned red.

Though it was a sad story, why was it so hard to feel any sympathy for him...?

"You're the pilot of Nation Z's 'Mount Tai,' aren't you? My name is Lilith. It's an honor to meet you."

Lilith took the initiative to speak with Xiao Shou. The fervor in her eyes made him somewhat afraid to meet her gaze directly.

The moment Ritter heard that he was Xiao Shou, he immediately perked up.

"Brother, how much did Nation Z's military have to pay to recruit you? It must've cost them a fortune, right?"

"I'm not really sure..."

"What does that mean?"

"A few chicken drumsticks. In M dollars, probably worth four or five M bucks!"

"???"

"Alright, stop chatting. Assemble!"

Jacob, who had come down from the Wanderer, gave the order to everyone.

The pilots from various nations lined up in orderly rows, with Ritter and Lilith among them.

Jacob and the Black man stood outside the formation.

"Dr. Herman, all pilots are present. Please address them!"

"I don't have much to say, but since the general asked me to speak, I'll explain the neural drift connection to you."

"Headquarters was the first place to begin building mechas. At first, the project encountered countless difficulties."

"The mechas were simply too massive. With conventional controls, they couldn't even start under the effects of gravity and inertia."

"They were like lumps of iron, so we envisioned implanting a nervous system inside the mechas. You can think of it as a brain—the central hub coordinating the operation of every part of the mecha."

"Then we installed consciousness sensors, matching the neural drift connection of two pilots with the consciousness sensors inside the mecha."

"In this way, the pilots could control the mecha through their nervous systems. In other words, you became part of the mecha itself. Naturally, it would be far more agile to control and capable of fighting monsters."

"The higher the neural drift connection value, the more compatible you are with the consciousness sensors inside the mecha, and the greater the power you can unleash."

"That is the principle behind neural drift. As for how to improve the value and compatibility rate, you'll have to explore that yourselves."

After saying that, Dr. Herman turned and walked away. He was a solitary man who did not know how to express himself; making him say so much today had already been difficult for him.

Watching Dr. Herman's retreating figure—and his ever-receding hairline—Xiao Shou could not help but sigh.

"Sure enough, behind every successful mecha is a group of scientists worried nearly bald."

Mecha warriors had to clash head-on with monsters, with their lives often on the line.

But the advantage was that they only had to focus on fighting. They did not need to worry about anything else.