Apocalypse Gachapon

Driven by intense curiosity about the machine’s combat capabilities, everyone clamored for immediate testing. Even the most mild-tempered individuals, after enduring over six years of apocalypse, had become battle fanatics. The allure of controlling a combat robot with nearly a hundred different attack methods was irresistible.

After inquiring about the testing time required from Le Dayuan, Ye Zhongming granted their request.

“If the compatibility is high enough, even an eight-star evolved piloting this machine can fully compensate for the inability to use personal skills,” Le Dayuan explained excitedly. “Imagine – customized weapons crafted by Zhongming, with their abilities fully utilized through hand sensors and special neural control methods.”

“This was one of our biggest challenges – I spent half my development time on this aspect alone,” he continued, enthusiasm undimmed. “Additionally, bloodline abilities still function, working synergistically with the machine’s capabilities.”

“As for defense,” Le Dayuan chuckled, “between the energy shield and the metal armor’s protection, it rivals gold-grade equipment. If Zhongming enhances the external armor, this becomes a full purple-grade defensive fortress.”

Hearing these hidden capabilities, the core members grew even more eager. Researchers prepared large quantities of interface fluid for the liquid cockpit, while others loaded weapons and energy sources to optimal levels for testing.

Seizing the opportunity, Le Dayuan used another computer to explain the weapon systems to potential pilots. The core members’ exceptional memories required only one demonstration before they could begin familiarization during actual operation.

Considering the requirements went beyond evolution level to include physique and mental strength, Ye Zhongming suggested summoning qualified subordinates as well. Since they were going to test, it was best to decide on the members. Within minutes, over sixty candidates arrived, mostly seven-star evolved with a few six-star specialists in physical or mental disciplines. Along with the core members, there were around a hundred.

Things were prepared quickly.

Little Tiger volunteered first, earning a kick from Le Dayuan for his eagerness. As the liquid cockpit sealed, the previously inert machine seemed to come alive, though test cables spoiled the illusion somewhat.

“Can you hear me, Little Tiger?” Le Dayuan spoke through the connected microphone.

After a three-second delay came the reply: “Loud and clear, Old Le! This is fun – hey, what’s this liquid? Tastes kinda sweet.” The group collectively facepalmed at Little Tiger sampling unknown fluids.

“Sink your mental energy into the machine and follow my instructions.”

Following Le Dayuan’s step-by-step instructions, Little Tiger gradually mastered basic controls. Data cables monitored his performance, with compatibility percentages displayed, starting at 25% and climbing to 79% after completing the test sequence.

“These are all basic actions. The data will judge the user’s state when he is piloting the machine. The tougher it is to control, the lower the compatibility.”

Le Dayuan gave a simple explanation. There were definitely more complicated things involved, like the calculation methods, and it wasn’t as easy as he made it sound.

Ye Zhongming and the others looked at Le Dayuan, unsure if the number was good or bad.

“Acceptable… but not ideal,” Le Dayuan judged with a frown. He told Little Tiger to get out. With the previous settings, people on the outside could speak directly with those inside.

Little Tiger was well behaved; he opened the cockpit and jumped out.

Little Tiger emerged pale-faced, demonstrating the strain even simple operations caused.

Le Dayuan asked a few questions, and Little Tiger replied. He also asked if he was suitable for this machine.

Little Tiger was one of the experts in Cloud Peak, and his body was very strong. Although his mental energy wasn’t outstanding, it was as good as an eight star evolved.

One could see that Little Tiger found it tough. A simple set of actions consumed a huge amount of energy. If he were in battle, he wouldn’t last for long.

“Change.”

Ye Zhongming waved, and people entered the cockpit one after another.

Testing continued for over an hour with twenty candidates. The highest score came from one of Guang Yao’s subordinates at 80% – still only backup pilot material according to Le Dayuan. Ye Zhongming’s hopes for mass production were dashed when Le Dayuan explained both material scarcity and pilot rarity made it impossible.

The breakthrough came when Dong Chenlu, a seven-star female mental specialist from Liang Chuxi’s team, achieved over 90% compatibility. She maintained control for twenty minutes of simulated combat before collapsing exhausted – with Le Dayuan predicting thirty minutes of normal operation after training.

By the end, only four exceeded 90%: Dong Chenlu, Sheng Yuan (unsuitable as a pilot), Park Xiuying (also unsuitable), and Er Lei from Ah Tao’s Secret Realm team at 94%.

“Boss, your turn!” The group urged Ye Zhongming forward, secretly hoping he’d avenge their mediocre performances.

They might not be able to, but their boss definitely could.

Ye Zhongming smiled and jumped in.

After completing all the connections, Ye Zhongming began executing the actions.

Ye Zhongming’s test immediately stood out – movements were flawlessly precise and fluid, as if the machine were his own body. Le Dayuan’s eyes lit up. Starting at 80% compatibility, his numbers skyrocketed during simulated combat while observers watched in awe.

Ye Zhongming didn’t try out much and just entered battle mode. Even if the enemy was just air, everyone was nervous.

They understood how terrifying this machine was.

“Over 95%!” a researcher shouted as the numbers kept climbing – 96%, 97%, then 98%. Just as it seemed to stabilize, it ticked up to 99%, leaving the 80%-scoring members utterly stunned.

“Amazing! As expected of our boss!” Little Tiger and Tong Hu murmured repeatedly.

Le Dayuan was about to ask about Ye Zhongming’s energy consumption when everyone froze – two terrifying energy signatures had collided near Cloud Peak’s perimeter, shaking the very air. Without hesitation, Ye Zhongming’s robot sprinted toward the disturbance, covering the distance to the walls in seconds while the entire base mobilized into defensive positions within ten seconds.