European Branch, Bethany Base, Russia.
"Begin insertion."
"Begin ionizing the Water of Life."
"Insertion depth remains stable within the default range."
"The autonomous system is coming online!"
"Startup voltage has exceeded the critical threshold."
"Startup conditions have been met."
"Synchronization rate has reached the required level."
"Pilot, please select your thinking language."
Inside Unit-05's Entry Plug.
The Soul Seat.
Wearing a heavy helmet, Mari breathed steadily, adjusting her breathing rhythm to bring her synchronization rate into the normal range.
Some of Unit-05's components had previously been sent to Headquarters for the Special Unit, leaving parts of Unit-05 even less responsive than in the original story. Moving its lower limbs was exceptionally difficult, and she had to position them in advance.
It was like playing a game with several seconds of lag while trying to keep up with someone whose connection was normal.
Hearing the support staff's instructions through her helmet, Mari thought for a few seconds before saying, "Well, this is my first time piloting, so let's use Japanese."
"Understood."
Strings of red data code slowly appeared along the Entry Plug's inner walls as the entire operating sequence began.
Dressed in an old-model combat suit, Mari shifted her shapely body uncomfortably and let out a soft groan.
"Haven't you received the new combat suit yet?"
Mari complained irritably, "That one's too tight around the chest. I don't want to wear it."
The old combat suit required familiarity with the neural support cables to synchronize with and activate the unit. A total of six support cables connected her hands to the back of the Soul Seat.
Mari raised a hand to adjust her helmet, then twisted her head from side to side, readying herself.
Kaji's voice came through her earpiece. "I'm really sorry we're suddenly asking you to fight in a