CHAPTER 4
As he stepped into the elevator leading to the pilot chamber, his neural interface suit adjusted to his body, sensors activating as he moved. The countdown had begun.
"Good morning, Pilot Buron. Your scheduled deployment test begins in twenty minutes. Please proceed to the launch bay."
The voice of the PPDC's AI resonated through the speakers as Shane's heart pounded with excitement. The entire Philippine PPDC headquarters was abuzz with activity. Engineers, scientists, and military personnel scrambled into position, readying Rajah for deployment.
The PPDC branch in the Philippines was unique. Co-funded by the government and the Buron Enterprise, it housed state-of-the-art technology rivaling even the original Hong Kong Shatterdome. The Buron family's influence had extended beyond just economic power—they had secured their place as humanity's shield against the Kaiju threat.
Inside the control room, PPDC officials and engineers watched intently. Some doubted Shane's ability to pilot Rajah alone, despite the successful synchronization tests. Others, especially the Filipino personnel, held unwavering faith in him. News stations broadcasted live updates, covering every detail of the historic launch.
Shane's siblings were among the spectators, watching with mixed emotions. His elder sister, Caleste, a tactician within the PPDC, clenched her fists, concern evident in her expression. His eldest sister, Andriana, a lead engineer for Rajah's development, remained focused on her tablet, monitoring real-time data.
"He's changed," Caleste muttered. "He used to be reckless. Now, he's… focused."
Andriana nodded. "He's not just fighting for himself anymore."
Shane stepped into the Jaeger's cockpit, the neural interface locking onto his brainwaves. Unlike traditional Jaegers requiring two pilots, Rajah's design integrated adaptive energy shielding and neural dampeners, reducing the strain on a single pilot.
"Neural handshake initiated," the AI announced.
Shane inhaled sharply as a wave of data surged through him. The memories of the previous Shane, the egotistical prodigy who had perished due to overexertion, flashed briefly in his mind. Unlike his predecessor, Shane knew his limits.
"Rajah, activate."
The Jaeger roared to life.
The hangar doors slid open, revealing the vast ocean stretching beyond the Philippine coastline. The approaching Kaiju, codenamed Baku, had already emerged from the breach. A Category III monster, it possessed reinforced chitinous armor, a bladed tail, and bio-electric discharge capabilities.
"Deploy Rajah," came the command from PPDC control.
Rajah launched from the hangar, thrusters engaging as it landed on the coastline with a thunderous impact. The ground quaked beneath its weight.
"Pilot Buron, you are clear to engage."
Shane's grip tightened on the neural controls. His vision sharpened as Rajah's systems synchronized with his mind. The crowd watching from the control center held their breath.
"Let's do this."
Baku roared, charging toward him with surprising agility for a creature of its size. Shane sidestepped, Rajah's enhanced mobility allowing it to evade with precision. The Kaiju lashed its tail, and Shane activated the Adaptive Energy Shielding. The impact sent a ripple across the shield's surface but failed to penetrate.
"Shields holding at 85% efficiency," Andriana reported from the control room.
Shane countered with the Hypervelocity Gauntlets, delivering a powerful punch to Baku's ribcage. The impact sent shockwaves through the air, forcing the Kaiju to stumble back.
"Plasma Castors online."
Rajah's arms transformed, dual plasma cannons emerging. Shane locked onto Baku's exposed flank and fired. The twin bolts seared through its armored hide, causing it to screech in agony.
The world watched in awe. For the first time, a single-pilot Jaeger was holding its own against a Kaiju.
Baku, enraged, unleashed a bio-electric surge. Shane reacted instantly, deploying the Tactical Rail Cannons. A well-placed shot struck the creature's jaw, disrupting its energy discharge.
"Switching to melee."
Rajah's right arm extended, revealing a high-frequency blade. Shane dashed forward, dodging another tail swipe, and slashed across Baku's neck. The Kaiju howled as green ichor sprayed from the wound.
"This ends now."
Shane channeled Rajah's full power into one final strike. The Hypervelocity Gauntlet recharged, amplifying the force of his punch. He drove his fist into Baku's chest, shattering its core. The beast let out a final, gurgling roar before collapsing into the ocean.
The battle was over.
The control room erupted into cheers. The streets of Manila, where the battle had been broadcasted on massive screens, roared with celebration. The Philippines had its first single-pilot Jaeger success story.
Shane exhaled, his body trembling slightly from the neural feedback. He had done it. He had proven that Rajah was more than just an experiment—it was a revolution.
As he returned to the PPDC headquarters, the entire facility erupted in applause. His father, siblings, and commanding officers greeted him with pride.
Caleste clapped him on the back. "You really did it."
Andriana smirked. "Rajah performed flawlessly. And you… you weren't half bad either."
Shane chuckled, exhaustion creeping in. "This is just the beginning."
He knew that more battles lay ahead. Stronger Kaiju would come. But for now, he had taken his first step as Earth's newest protector. And he was ready for whatever came next.
End of chapter.