Chapter 12: The Start of the Match

The second task was the blueprint of the [Crimson Python] in his mind.

The cube's rotation gave Eddie not only the design of the Crimson Python, but also more detailed information, such as the characteristics of the alloys needed to make the Crimson Python, the ideal metal, the ideal energy source, etc. Theoretically, if strictly cast according to the blueprint, it was possible to achieve the most ideal state.

Of course, this was only a possibility.

As a mechanic, Eddie wouldn't speak too absolutely before conducting experiments. However, the problem was that he didn't have the right materials at the moment, nor did he have enough time to make such a weapon.

As a weapon held by a tens-of-tons field mecha, the Crimson Python, as specified in the blueprint, had a preparation weight of up to four hundred kilograms. With Eddie working alone and the workshop's conditions being rather simple, it was impossible to make it in three days.

Therefore, Eddie could only try to modify it.

This was why he and Curly Hair had brought back a heavy energy gun. Although the two guns had similar overall structures, there were many differences, with the biggest being the materials used.

The energy gun Eddie brought back differed significantly in material properties from those required for the Crimson Python. To modify the energy gun into a Crimson Python model, Eddie had to recalculate the weapon's maximum output level and other data based on the materials.

This was a major project. If Eddie had to calculate everything himself, it would take at least half a month, and he couldn't guarantee accuracy. Fortunately, Adam had prepared a sufficiently advanced computer, which spared Eddie the most complex calculations.

With the computer's assistance in calculations, and with occasional help from Curly Hair, Eddie barely managed to create a 'pseudo-Crimson Python' in three days.

...

"I've fixed that heavy energy gun, so you have an extra means of attack for tomorrow's capture-the-flag battle."

At night, Eddie, Adam, and Curly Hair gathered in the presidential cell. Adam was drinking expensive red wine as usual, while Eddie and Curly Hair had warm water in front of them. Eddie didn't like drinking, and Curly Hair, facing battle the next day, didn't want to consume alcohol on the eve of the fight.

"Carrying that energy gun will affect Mammoth's agility, right?" Adam asked. Although he didn't understand mechanics, he knew that increased weight would affect agility.

"There will be some impact, but it shouldn't be too much," Eddie nodded, then added, "It can't be helped. Mammoth has almost no firepower configuration and lacks long-range attack capabilities. To compensate for this weakness, it's necessary to equip weapons. Relatively speaking, the weight of energy weapons is already much lighter than other weapons."

Curly Hair nodded in agreement, understanding Eddie's reasoning, then asked, "Is there anything I need to pay attention to?"

"Yes..." Eddie nodded, holding up three fingers, "This gun has three modes... or three gears, which are a low-output practice mode, a medium-stable-output normal mode, and a full-power war mode. But I suggest you don't use the third mode in combat unless absolutely necessary."

"Why?"

"...The gun, after all, has been refurbished after being scrapped, and it's not that stable. Full power might lead to an overload and burst the chamber," Eddie replied after a slight pause.

In fact, he was lying.

While it was true that full power could cause an overload and burst the chamber, the reason was not that the weapon was old. It was because he had modified it based on the ideal state of the Crimson Python, pushing the theoretical limits of the weapon. Eddie wasn't sure if this was actually feasible.

Since there was nowhere to experiment in prison, he had to lower the weapon's output power and divide it into three gears. Apart from the highest-output war mode, Eddie was absolutely sure that the other two modes wouldn't have any issues, so he advised Curly Hair not to use the war mode unless it was absolutely necessary. After all, if there were any problems with the weapon affecting Curly Hair and the mecha, he would be responsible.

Mentioning this in advance was also to give Curly Hair and Adam a heads up.

"Okay, I'll be careful," Curly Hair nodded. He suddenly remembered something and said to Eddie, "Take a close look at the other mechas and Iron Riders' data I gave you. You're my logistics now, and understanding them will help you make on-the-spot analyses for me."

"Don't worry, I've already looked at it," Eddie nodded lazily.

In capture-the-flag battles, Iron Riders were allowed to have wireless communication. While the Iron Riders fought, the mechanics would also connect to communications soldiers to watch the live broadcast, both to monitor the mecha's status and to observe the situation, providing off-field support to the Iron Riders.

In the matches before Eddie's arrival, this task had been Adam's responsibility. But as Adam didn't understand these things, Curly Hair was essentially fighting alone, which was a hard experience. So, Curly Hair had been hoping Eddie could help him these past few days.

After careful consideration, Eddie agreed. There were two reasons. First, Eddie believed that Jesse, or rather the people behind Jesse, would not easily give up targeting him; he was not safe. To survive, he still needed Adam's protection. Second, while repairing the mecha, Eddie had carefully observed and counted the prison's structure and security forces, and he was almost certain that it was impossible to escape on his own. The force behind Adam was the only ally he could find at the moment.

Maintaining a good relationship with Adam and showing his value might become a help in regaining his freedom in the future. With this in mind, Eddie decided to help Curly Hair and Adam wholeheartedly.

So, he had already carefully read and memorized the materials Curly Hair gave him.

Five matches had already passed, and seven of the original twenty mechas were out.

Among the remaining thirteen, three were particularly troublesome: two were modified retired military soldier-class field mechas, and one was a former soldier-class racing mecha.

"Military mechas are developed for the battlefield, with heavy tonnage, thick armor, and strong firepower, but their movements are relatively slow. I suggest you avoid them and not confront them head-on," Eddie advised.

"As for racing mechas, these are high-performance mechas used in professional leagues. Their energy reserves are comparable to military mechas, but for the sake of the spectacle of the race, these mechas don't have the tonnage and defense of military mechas. However, their agility is higher, and they have more fancy tactics. If you face them, I suggest you keep your distance and use the energy gun for mid- to long-range attacks," Eddie continued.

"Alright, I'll keep that in mind."

Listening to Eddie's professional advice, Curly Hair nodded solemnly, feeling more confident. The three of them talked briefly and then returned to their rooms to rest.

The next morning, as the blue sun rose and the first rays of light spread over the land, Eddie also woke up and looked out the window into the distance.

The sixth capture-the-flag battle on the Death Star was about to begin!