602: Lunch Break

Lunch Break

Soon after that, Doc continued explaining the various parts of the Hexdroid, starting with the top and going down in elevation. This model in particular, according to her, was classified as a 'Ranger' type Hexdroid. This meant that it specialized in scouting rather than combat, but of course, came with combat capabilities as well. It's just that when compared to an actual fighting unit like the Paladin type, it paled.1

Still, even a Ranger Hexdroid was still impressive in strength. Its main weapon was an energy bow with a variety of different arrow empowerment types to choose from, probably inspired by Elves (who are known for their extraordinary scouting capabilities), and its side weapon was a pair of crescent-moon-shaped cutlasses that looked like they were meant for close combat in case anyone got close. They could also be used to cut down any materialistic obstacles in the way of their scouting.

Of course, being a Scouting unit, stealth was key. As such, despite the Hexdroid's massive frame, Doc proudly boasted to us that she figured out a way to make the mech's movements completely silent, and also hide its presence as well. None of us believed her at first, but after she explained how the mech could be shrunk down to an average human's size, we sort of understood.

Accomplishing that sort of size-changing wasn't impossible. Even I c0uld probably turn myself into a Giant right now with some Blessing Magic, so it really wasn't difficult. Combined with Enchantment Magic, it could easily be implemented into a Hexdroid. However, the energy required to do so would be… quite costly, so the size reduction technique was used only to get through small spaces. The sound suppression technique, according to Doc, was something completely separate—and as one would expect, utilized Sound Element Enchantments.

For a massive mecha, the Ranger model was quite agile as well. Of course, all the mecha models were quite nimble in their own right, but due to the Ranger's smaller size compared to the others, it was the second-fastest and agile model, followed by the Marksman model which specialized in ranged combat, and thus needed good movements to remain out of harm's way and stay at a distance.

As for the only model who superseded the Ranger in terms of both agility and topped the speed category as well… it was naturally the 'Assassin'. There were only a few of these models, apparently, and they would compose a special unit known as the Special Ops force. Due to that nature, only a few limited spots were available, and unlike the other models, those who would be able to wield Assassin-type Hexdroids would be specifically chosen from the batch of students. The ones who aren't chosen can freely pick any of the other models that they feel suits their combat style and personality.

The Assassin model was, without a doubt, the most powerful of the bunch. It came with extremely strong equipment, all sorts of different weapons, and despite its immense speed, also came with durable defenses. It was an all-around elite of the elite, and it made sense that there were only going to be a few of them made. Even the IMF didn't have infinite resources to make these mechs—just one of them probably cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to construct.

Other than the Assassin, Ranger, Marksman, and Paladin, there was also the Arcanist, the Berserker, and the Demolitionist. Each of these Hexdroid classes had their own specialty, though sometimes the name isn't obvious. Demolitionist, for example, was a bomber, yes—but an aerial one. Out of all of the other classes, only the Assassin model was superior to it in terms of aerial combat. 

As the explanations passed one by one, it soon came time for lunch break. Doc lost track so someone had to tell her before she finally realized she'd went overboard, but we hardly were surprised given how she was late to class as well. These explanations were very surface-level, of course. There was a lot more to Hexdroids than just an overview of their powers and abilities, and Doc said we'll be getting more into that stuff tomorrow.

"I wonder how they're going to determine who's going to be able to use the Assassin-model…" Feng Mian murmured as we headed for the teleportation platforms to get to the cafeteria, which was located in the Recreation Campus. 

"Not sure," Yu An Yan replied. "But all of the Hexdroids needs a pair to operate, right? If that's the case, they clearly won't just look at one person in the pair. Both the Elite and the Support need to fit criteria for them to be able to operate the exclusive Assassin model."

"Hm… personally, even if Amane and I got chosen, I wouldn't want to operate an Assassin-model," Eve said with a sigh. "Too cutthroat for me. I would much prefer something more delicate… but also powerful at the same time."

"Such as…?" Lin Luo prompted.

"Such as… the Arcanist model."

"Amane, are you on board with that?" I asked, arching an eyebrow, and Amane fell into thought for a brief moment.

"Hm… actually, I would like the Paladin model myself, but…"

"Well. We're work out a compromise," Eve said with a soft smile, and Amane nodded.

Of course she would want the Paladin… when I met her again in The Fortress not long ago, she was literally dressed like a knight.

"Claire," I suddenly said, turning to the girl who was walking at the back of the group. "What model do you want?"

"…" Claire glanced at me in surprise for a bit, as if not expecting to get called on, but then averted her gaze and replied quietly.

"… I don't particularly have a preference. You decide."

"Huh… okay then."

That's what I said on the surface, but in reality, I'd already read her mind and discovered she'd been listening in to our conversation and was thinking about the model she wanted. The problem was… said model was the Assassin, and uh… I wasn't sure if we were going to be able to get that.

Still, even if I am not able to please her this time around, that's fine. Let the hate boil a bit longer, then I'll begin showing my kindness.

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