Not Treating Me Like an Outsider

As previously mentioned, Luca intended to examine the programming within Baymax and attempt to add a few things to it.

Of course, this wasn't as simple as just modifying the startup and shutdown voice prompts or adjusting the emotional module.

More importantly, Luca planned to follow in the footsteps of Hiro Hamada from the original Big Hero 6 and add some combat programming to Baymax.

However, the prerequisite for all of this was for Luca to first confirm whether he actually possessed the capability to do so.

After the computer in front of him booted up, Luca turned to look at Baymax, intending to call him over, but as soon as he looked up, his vision went dark.

"Why are you still holding that case? Put it down, set it aside! Plug it in to charge!"

"The Medical Robot Portable Storage Case currently has sufficient battery; continued charging is not recommended." (●-●)

"Good grief, this case has such a fancy scientific name?"

"...Fine, don't charge it then. Put the case down and come here..."

Luca, no longer having the energy to argue with this blockheaded robot, let out a helpless sigh and pointed to the corner of the room to issue a new command.

This time, the obedient Baymax honestly placed the case in the corner, pulled the power cord out, looked at it, and then draped it beside the case before finally walking over to Luca.

However, before Luca could even speak, Baymax's gentle, monotone voice sounded once again.

"Scanning complete. You should rest as soon as possible and enter a sleep state. Staying up late for long periods can lead to metabolic decline, immune system damage, and other hazards..."

"Huh? Didn't I say not to scan me without my permission?"

"The previous instruction was 'Do not scan other people's physical condition without my permission.' According to protocol judgment, Luca does not fall under the category of 'other people.' Would you like to be added to this instruction?" (●-●)

"...I thank you so much for not treating me like an outsider."

"Your gratitude has been received." (●-●)

"..."

"Would you like to be added to this instruction?"

Baymax persisted, "relentlessly" repeating his question.

"I'll be damned..."

A curse word nearly slipped out, but Luca ultimately held it back. After thinking it over, he decided not to dwell on it with this guy any further. Considering that constant scanning might actually help him keep track of his own physical condition, he simply chose to let it be.

"No need, just scan whenever. But remember, if other people are present in the future, don't just blurt out my physical condition."

Afraid that Baymax might misinterpret his meaning again, Luca hurriedly added a caveat.

"Oh, and that's assuming I don't need others to rescue me. In a critical situation, you should still say it."

"New protocol added." (●-●)

"Well, although he's a bit of a blockhead, he doesn't seem half bad."

Having finally dealt with the robot's interruptions, Luca reached out and tapped the chip compartment on Baymax's chest, causing the cylindrical compartment to pop open immediately.

Luca reached in, pulled out the emerald-green chip containing Baymax's core data, and twirled it around in his hand.

"Hmm~ I should have some spare chips of this model at home~"

He inserted the chip into the computer.

Upload database.

Open operation module...

The first thing to do was naturally to check the manufacturing process recorded in the database that Baymax had mentioned earlier.

However, it wasn't quite what Luca had expected. The database didn't contain the full manufacturing process for Baymax; instead, it was a video record of Tadashi Hamada's entire journey from the initial design to the completion of Baymax.

While such videos were incredibly useful, compared to direct blueprints, many of the steps and techniques would require Luca to research and deduce them himself.

"Besides, some things that people in that world could just order and purchase will have to be brand-new black technology that I'll have to develop from scratch."

"It looks like it's going to take quite a bit of time before I can truly replicate Baymax."

After setting aside this task, which was destined to be time-consuming, Luca did a quick browse through the rest of the chip's contents.

This time, however, he breathed a slight sigh of relief.

The situation was much better than he had previously feared.

Perhaps because this version of Baymax was still in the development stage, although Luca couldn't understand many of the core components, the overall module design Tadashi Hamada used was very neat and clear, leaving plenty of room for modifications in every direction.

Even without adjusting the core code, upgrades and changes could still be made.

For instance, for the combat module Luca wanted to load, the original program even had a video motion-capture plugin prepared.

He only needed to load the movements he wanted Baymax to "learn" into the designated module, and Baymax could master all of them directly through motion-capture deduction.

Furthermore, Luca didn't need to worry about the core medical programming causing Baymax to refuse to fight, as Hiro Hamada had in the original story.

Due to the "Zeroth Law," as long as Luca issued the command, Baymax would execute it without hesitation.

"Hmm, it's better to just use an extra chip. That way, if the original gets messed up, I won't have anywhere to cry."

After a moment of thought, Luca simply grabbed another chip, copied the motion system onto it, and then dumped all sorts of common combat techniques—even firearms usage and special forces tactical maneuvers—into this brand-new chip.

By the time he finished this step, Luca was already feeling quite drowsy.

After such an emotional rollercoaster throughout the day, combined with the strain of intense, sustained focus, it was inevitable that his mind would begin to fatigue.

However, considering the current situation, Luca still prepared to finish the remaining work in one go.

Next up was scanning Baymax's physique and designing the external armor based on the data.

The tricky part here was that Luca had to handle the design and modeling himself.

Even with the assistance of the algorithms his father, Herman, had written in the computer, this was still no small feat.

"Hmm, the gauntlets need more sharp edges and some extra counterweights."

"The carbon fiber printed at home is still a bit lacking in ballistic protection; the body armor needs to be made more rounded."

"As for the belly... forget it, I'll keep the inflatable interior. At the very least, it provides extra cushioning. I can always deflate it before putting on or taking off the armor."

"Uh, that doesn't look quite right. Is it a bit ugly? Eh, it doesn't matter. It's just a shell, and Baymax doesn't have any sense of aesthetics anyway."

He kept muttering to himself to stay alert while focusing intently on his work.

After toiling away for most of the night, Luca finally relaxed a little once all the modeling data had been imported into the 3D printer.

"This 3D printer at home is still far inferior to the large-scale machines at the company; both the printing speed and the strength of the finished product are nothing to write home about."

"But it'll have to do for now. I'll find a chance to go to the company later and give Baymax a proper upgrade."

With everything handled, he watched the combat footage slowly uploading and the 3D printer chugging away as it began its work.

Luca estimated that it would take at least until tomorrow—no, this afternoon—for both tasks to be completed.

Letting out a massive yawn, Luca reinstalled Baymax's original green chip, then called out, his face heavy with sleep.

"Let's go, Baymax. Time to head upstairs and sleep."