34: Marine Corps armored prototype

Six hours later, the preliminary analysis report was released.

[Key progress made in tao steel reverse engineering. Successfully decoded its basic elemental composition (iron-based, containing high-strength metals like chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, and vanadium, as well as trace rare earth elements). Preliminary simulations of key process steps like 'Catalytic Plasma Sintering' and 'Directional Energy Quenching' have been performed. However, the precise composition of two key catalysts and the 'Psionic Resonance Fine-tuning' stage are still missing (this stage may involve Warp energy or similar principles used to reinforce the 'conceptual' strength of the alloy at a microscopic level to counter Warp weapons or psionic attacks).]

[Based on existing data, an attempt can be made to synthesize 'Pseudo-Tao Steel Alloy (Junior)'. Performance is expected to be 40%-60% of genuine tao steel, but it already far exceeds conventional Stardust Alloys. Synthesis requirements: high resource point cost (approximately 50 points per kilogram), high energy consumption, requiring support from the refining core's special process production line.]

Pseudo-tao steel! Its performance can reach about half of genuine tao steel! This is already a huge breakthrough! It's enough to serve as the material for early-stage cmc armor!

"Build the Pseudo-tao steel synthesis production line immediately! Integrate it into the refining core! Resource points are the priority!" Han Zhe decided. With the material, a major obstacle to building power armor was cleared.

The construction of the production line consumed another sum of resources, but Han Zhe didn't care. Meanwhile, research on other parts of the "basic reinforced infantry platform" was also progressing. The design of the power skeleton was finalized after multiple simulations, using high-power capacitors combined with high-efficiency motor drives, with energy drawn directly from the fusion reactor grid or carried high-energy battery packs. Regarding weaponry, the blueprint for the enhanced laser rifle reached 70% completion, and the key technical difficulty of the gauss rifle—the instantaneous superconducting discharge issue—had a breakthrough idea after studying certain rapid energy switching technologies in the stc fragment.

When the Pseudo-tao steel synthesis production line was commissioned and produced the first metal ingot shimmering with a dark blue luster and fine energy patterns, Han Zhe knew the time was ripe.

"System, integrate all research results—Pseudo-Tao Steel Alloy, power skeleton design, enhanced laser rifle (temporarily named 'Armor Piercer' L-1 type) blueprint, and basic life support and control systems. Generate the complete construction blueprint for the 'CMC-1 Combat Maneuver Suit (Experimental Model)'! Assess construction requirements and risks!"

[Integration complete. Generated the 'CMC-1 Combat Maneuver Suit (Experimental Model)' blueprint.]

[Overview: A fully enclosed powered exoskeleton armor, approximately 2.2 meters tall. The main frame uses high-strength alloy, with 'Pseudo-tao steel composite armor plates' covering key protective areas. Built-in basic environmental control and life support systems (can support the pilot's activities in vacuum, toxic, or radiation environments for a short time). Power source: back-integrated high-energy capacitor packs (rechargeable), combined with multi-joint servo motors throughout the body, providing significant strength and speed boosts. Weaponry: the right arm integrates an 'Armor Piercer' L-1 type enhanced laser rifle (detachable for maintenance), while the left arm is equipped with an alloy combat shield and a retractable combat knife. Sensors: the head integrates a multi-functional optical/infrared/electromagnetic scanning array, connected to the command center's data link. Control: a combination of basic neural reflex assistance and manual joysticks.]

[Construction Requirements (per unit):

· Resource Points: 1,800 points (extremely high material cost).

· Special Materials: Pseudo-Tao Steel Alloy (large quantity), superconducting coils, precision servo systems, high-energy-density capacitors.

· Energy: 10 units (for precision machining and system infusion).

· Time: 12 standard hours (requires support from the Barracks' advanced production workshop).

· Risks: Experimental model, high system integration complexity, potential unknown compatibility issues or performance instability. Pilot requires basic adaptability training.]

1,800 points per unit! The cost is comparable to a small building! But looking at the detailed data and the imposing concept art, Han Zhe felt it was worth it!

"Start construction! Right in the Barracks' advanced production workshop! Build... one first! As a prototype for testing and evaluation! Meanwhile, System, start generating a basic pilot training simulation program based on my physiological data!"

[Command confirmed. Starting construction of the 'CMC-1 Combat Maneuver Suit (Experimental Model)' prototype. Resource points deducted: 1,800 points. Energy output: 10 units. Construction location: Barracks' advanced production workshop. Estimated completion time: 12 standard hours. Pilot training simulation program generating...]

Resource points plummeted instantly, but Han Zhe's eyes held only anticipation. He could almost see the scene of that steel giant walking off the production line.

The construction process employed almost all of the base's precision manufacturing capabilities. The refining core worked at full capacity to produce Pseudo-tao steel ingots and special parts, while automated robotic arms in the Barracks performed high-precision assembly, and SCVs handled transport and assistance. The entire platform revolved around the birth of this prototype.

Twelve hours passed in an atmosphere mixed with tension and excitement.

When the airtight doors of the Barracks' advanced production workshop slowly slid open, a gust of air mixed with the scent of coolant and newly cast metal rushed out. Under the internal lighting, a tall, heavy, and rugged steel figure stood quietly on the assembly rack.

It was dark grayish-blue all over, with the faint glow of energy status lights at the armor seams. The pauldrons were broad, the cuirass was imposing, and the legs were thick and powerful; on its back was a slightly bulky power pack and cooling grilles. At the front of the right arm was a thick laser rifle barrel, the gun body integrated with the arm armor, while the left arm held a sharp-edged curved alloy shield with three glistening alloy blades popped out from the back of the hand. The helmet was a slightly angular, fully enclosed type, with dark composite lenses for the visor, currently dim and lifeless.

Although it was just an experimental model, with somewhat rough lines and lacking the traces of actual combat, standing there, it naturally exuded a heavy, reassuring sense of power.

['CMC-1 Combat Maneuver Suit (Experimental Model)' prototype construction complete. Code name: 'anvil-01'. Self-test passed. All systems on standby. Waiting for pilot access and activation.]

Han Zhe walked up to the steel giant, reaching out to touch the cold and solid armor surface. The texture was heavy, carrying the precision and power unique to industrial creations.

"Start the pilot access procedure. Prepare for the first wearing test," Han Zhe ordered, his voice slightly hoarse with excitement.

Auxiliary mechanical arms extended from the Barracks, helping Han Zhe take off his outer clothes and put on a special undergarment with neural induction nodes, then guiding him to the open armor entry at the back of 'anvil-01'. He took a deep breath, stepped back, and sat into the cold but ergonomic cockpit.

The armor entry slowly closed, sealing out external light and sound. The internal vision was replaced by a slightly blue-toned holographic interface appearing on the helmet visor. The system prompt sounded in his ears:

[Pilot identity confirmed: Han Zhe. Establishing neural connection... Compatibility: 91% (Excellent). Life support system starting... Environment stable. Power system online... Servo motors on standby. Weapon system locked... Sensor array activated...]

Han Zhe felt his body wrapped in soft cushioning material, while a strange "sense of extension" came over him. He tried moving his fingers; on the visor interface, the armor's metal fingers performed subtle movements in sync. He raised his arm, and the heavy alloy arm rose accordingly; though there was a sense of weight, it was effortless with the assistance of the servo system.

"Start basic walking test," Han Zhe ordered with his thoughts (via the neural connection).

Buzz—

A low motor drive sound hummed. 'anvil-01' took its first step. The steps were initially a bit awkward but quickly became steady. Han Zhe controlled it to walk, turn, and jog within the Barracks' testing ground. The heavy footsteps thudded rhythmically on the metal floor with a dull "thump, thump." A continuous sense of power fed back from the armor, as if his own strength had been magnified several times.

"Start weapon system test. 'Armor Piercer' L-1, target: the discarded test armor plate ahead."

The right arm rose, and energy gathered at the laser rifle's muzzle, emitting a faint charging sound. A bright red beam, much thicker and brighter than the "Sentry" laser, shot out, instantly piercing the thick test armor plate fifty meters away, leaving a charred hole several inches deep with molten edges!

Impressive power!

Han Zhe was exhilarated, but it wasn't enough. Laser weapons had their limitations, especially when facing high-energy shields or special armor.

"System, what's the research progress on the gauss rifle? Can it be experimentally mounted on 'anvil-01'?"

[Portable gauss rifle (Experimental Type) research completion: 85%. The core issue of 'instantaneous superconducting discharge stability' has been preliminarily resolved through STC energy switching technology. An experimental 'Stinger' gauss rifle can be manufactured. However, the weapon has immense recoil, placing extremely high demands on the shooter and the platform's structural strength; its energy consumption is terrifying, and the manufacturing process for the ammunition (depleted uranium/tungsten alloy Stingers) is complex. The current 'anvil-01' platform's structural strength is calculated to be sufficient, but it requires a dedicated buffer mechanism and energy interface. It is recommended as an optional heavy weapon module rather than standard equipment.]

"Manufacture an experimental 'Stinger' gauss rifle! Immediately! Mount it onto the spare weapon interface of 'anvil-01's' right arm! I want to test its power!" Han Zhe didn't hesitate. The gauss rifle—that was the iconic weapon of a Marine in his mind!

[Command confirmed. Starting manufacture of the 'Stinger' gauss rifle (Experimental Type). Resource points deducted: 300 points. Energy: 2 units. Estimated time: 2 standard hours.]

Two hours later, a massive rifle with a rugged look and mechanical aesthetic—with a barrel 1.5 meters long, matte black all over, and featuring complex energy coils and cooling structures—was installed by a mechanical arm onto 'anvil-01's' right-arm heavy weapon hardpoint, replacing the standard 'Armor Piercer' laser rifle.

Han Zhe felt the sudden increase in weight on his right arm, as well as the highlighted warning energy readings displayed on the visor interface specifically for powering this weapon.

"Lock target: that thickest piece of warship wreckage in the distance (about two hundred meters away, over half a meter thick)."

[Target locked. Charging gauss rifle... Superconducting coils activated... Magnetic field building... Ammunition in place...]

A low yet sharp hum, like an electrical overload, sounded inside the armor. A distinct vibration and the searing heat of energy gathering came from the right arm.

[Charging complete. Ready to fire at any time.]

"Fire!"

There was no deafening roar, only a short, sharp "crack" as if space itself were being torn! A slender gray shadow, almost invisible to the naked eye, shot out of the barrel at a terrifying speed!

Almost at the same moment the sound rang out, the center of that thick warship wreckage two hundred meters away suddenly exploded into a bowl-sized hole with edges as smooth as a mirror! The powerful kinetic energy shattered and sent flying several smaller pieces of wreckage behind it!

The armor-piercing capability was terrifyingly powerful!

Han Zhe didn't even feel much recoil (it was effectively absorbed by the buffer mechanism), but the visor interface showed that this single shot consumed 3% of 'anvil-01's' total energy pack storage! Moreover, the charging time was as long as five seconds!

High power, high consumption, slow rate of fire... a typical anti-armor/anti-heavy unit weapon.

"Very good..." Han Zhe exited the firing mode, feeling the subtle hum as the armor's internal systems rebalanced energy distribution. "This is... true power."

He controlled 'anvil-01' to turn around and face the direction of the command center. The heavy armor reflected a cold, hard luster under the lights, and the massive gauss rifle on the right arm added an air of lethal solemnity.

cmc armor (Experimental Type), check.

gauss rifle (Experimental Type), check.

Although it was just a prototype, and there were still many areas needing improvement and optimization (such as energy endurance, cooling, a more flexible fire control system, and perhaps mobility gear like jump packs), a clear and powerful prototype of a single-soldier combat unit had been born in his hands.

This was no longer the fragile "Sentry"; this was the starting point of a "Marine" who could truly step onto the battlefield and go toe-to-toe with many of the terrifying enemies in this universe.

Han Zhe opened the armor hatch and stepped out of 'anvil-01'. His body felt a slight floatiness after leaving that great power, but his spirit was incredibly elated.

He glanced at the Barracks' production queue interface. The prototype cost was astronomical, but once the technology matured and the production line was optimized, the cost should come down. By then, he could assemble a true infantry squad, or even a platoon or company, wearing CMC power armor and wielding gauss rifles... "System, record all 'anvil-01' test data and begin optimizing the design. Prepare the blueprint for 'CMC-1A', aiming to reduce construction costs by 15% and increase energy efficiency by 20% while maintaining major performance. Meanwhile, continue researching the miniaturization and rapid-fire improvements for the gauss rifle, and... develop dedicated support weapons for the CMC platform, such as grenade launchers, heavy flamethrowers, or... man-portable missiles."

"In addition, 'Pioneer' squad, continue the search. We have Pseudo-tao steel now, but we need the genuine tao steel formula, more rare elements, and everything that can advance our technology!"

New orders were issued. The base once again entered its familiar, high-speed operational rhythm. But this time, the core of the operation was no longer just survival and defense; it now included a sharp, outward-pointing will named "Attack."

Han Zhe walked back to the command center, took off the undergarment, and changed back into his daily attire. He looked at the dark region on the holographic star map where an "Anomalous Gravity Well" was speculated to exist; his gaze was no longer just wary, but also held a hint of scrutiny and... calculation.

The clanging sounds of cmc armor and gauss rifles had already begun to ring out in this silent debris belt.

Next, it was time to let that sound carry a little further.