Pacific Rim: The Weight of Taishan
Chapter 24

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When Xiao Shou and Xie Yushan exited the simulation pods after leaving the interface, they found the Chiori sisters watching their battle screen outside.

The battles within the virtual world were broadcast in real-time to the screens above the simulation pods.

"Brother Xiao Shou, Sister Yushan, you guys are amazing! 'Shanlan' was dealt with so easily!"

"My sister and I were fighting 'Bladehead' in 'Taishan' just now, but we lost. We were basically getting beaten the whole time!"

Chiori Mina leaned over and said dejectedly to Xiao Shou and Xie Yushan.

Actually, Xiao Shou had indeed underestimated himself and Xie Yushan.

Their fight against "Shanlan" had benefited from the statistical advantage of "Taishan's" power.

But that wasn't the case against "Bladehead." The strength of a Category 3 Kaiju was vastly different from a Category 2.

Furthermore, the "Shanlan" in the virtual world was a bit stiff. If it were real, even "Taishan" would have eventually won, but not so easily.

"Bladehead's" combat data was no worse than "Taishan's."

Xiao Shou thought "Taishan" won because of its firepower, with its particle cannon and Mo Dao.

In reality, most battles with Kaiju involved close-quarters combat.

The particle cannon's destructive power was undeniable, but it had limitations.

Close combat was not ideal, and its energy ammunition was limited.

The Mo Dao could be considered a one-time weapon, although it played a crucial role this time.

But it was damaged beyond recognition. It could be used a couple of times after repairs, but in the long run, it would be no better than a fire poker.

Moreover, its cost was enormous. The special materials were one thing, but the craftsmanship was particularly difficult to replicate.

After all, the Mo Dao was a lost Chinese cold weapon.

This imitation was only possible after gathering multiple experts for its repair.

The forging process was incredibly complex.

It was uncertain how many times this Mo Dao could even be used.

In fact, the most crucial factor in gaining the upper hand during the fight with "Bladehead" was the close combat phase.

The initial punches "Taishan" landed were highly effective, especially the one powered by the rocket boosters.

The damage was significant, no less than a particle cannon shot.

This combat experience came entirely from Xiao Shou's years of street fighting experience, like in Street Fighter, and Xie Yushan's combat training from the military.

They were not novices.

The Chiori sisters were still young, having only been high school students before.

It was too much to ask them to experience this battle.

Xiao Shou and Xie Yushan offered some words of comfort to the Chiori sisters.

They were all Jaeger pilots. Some things couldn't be avoided; all you could do was accept them and persevere.

The safety of a nation's citizens rested on your shoulders.

What could you do? Run away?

If, one day, Kaiju attacked again, and you were given a choice, would you choose to flee in panic among the crowd, or would you prefer to die or win inside a Jaeger?

It wasn't a choice, was it?

For the next three days, Xiao Shou, Xie Yushan, and the group of aspiring Jaeger pilots engaged in virtual combat within the simulation pods.

Not only were their neural synchrony connection values stable, but they also honed many combat techniques.

This practical combat experience was far more valuable than theoretical knowledge.

This was indeed a gain for Xiao Shou and the others.

Having the opportunity to train was naturally good; otherwise, waiting until the Kaiju arrived to start training would be too late.

However, time was ultimately limited. General Jonathan had initially stated a three-day special training period.

Naturally, it had to be strictly adhered to.

This wasn't like a kind aunt's house where you could stay for an extra couple of days.

These three days yielded significant gains.

The announcement of laser technology, the techniques for neural synchrony connection, and practical combat experience against Kaiju.

Oh, and there were a pair of little fangirls from Sakura.

For some reason, the chattering Chiori Mina and the quiet Chiori Miyuki were very attached to Xiao Shou and Xie Yushan.

Perhaps it was just a matter of connection.

However, Xiao Shou didn't dislike them; they were just two children.

At this moment, Chiori Mina looked at Xiao Shou and Xie Yushan with red eyes, looking like she would burst into tears at any moment.

Chiori Miyuki beside her also looked downcast. She was quiet but not cold; she was just introverted and shy.

"Brother Xiao Shou, Sister Yushan, you must come to Sakura to see us! Mina will be your guide then!"

After watching the Chiori sisters leave on their private jet, Xiao Shou couldn't help but sigh.

Sakura was truly a country of extremes.

Some people made you grit your teeth in hatred.

And some made you feel genuine pity from the bottom of your heart.

It was time for Xiao Shou and Xie Yushan to prepare to return to the Dalian Shatterdome base.

To their relief, they didn't have to take a commercial flight back this time.

After negotiations between PPDC headquarters and the Z Nation military, permission was granted for headquarters to send a helicopter to take Xiao Shou and Xie Yushan to Dalian.

See, this is the difference between leaders.

Shipu, look at them.

Xiao Shou was once again on a plane.

He realized he was destined for a life of hard work.

Always rushing around, never a moment's rest.

He had once naively thought he was here for a vacation.

Who would have thought he'd be fighting Kaiju for three days straight...

"Wait! Wait!"

Just as the helicopter was about to take off, Dr. Herman hurried forward to stop them.

This touched Xiao Shou a little; he thought Dr. Herman had come to see them off.

But then, well, he got on the helicopter...

"Dr. Herman, where are you going?"

"Oh, going to Z Nation with you! The installation of the laser weapon will start with 'Taishan,' Commander Mao Shucheng has already agreed."

Hearing this, Xiao Shou was a bit surprised. 'Taishan' didn't seem to have any more space for weapons.

Could they be replacing the Mo Dao with lasers?

No way!

It turned out they were indeed planning to refit the Mo Dao with laser weapons.

The Mo Dao's blade couldn't withstand the wear and tear.

Every time it needed repair, Mao Shucheng lost a handful of hair.

He was so worried.

His once proud, thick hair was now thinning rapidly.

The craftsmanship of this one Mo Dao was almost equivalent to half a Jaeger.

Now that there was a better replacement, why not?

It seemed headquarters was very efficient, directly arranging for Dr. Herman to personally oversee the installation.

It looked like what General Jonathan said wasn't just empty words.

They're reliable; they really step up when needed!

End of Chapter
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