Asaria Von Hoffen's Journal — Entry No. 2

Aifirst, record this:

The designs for my first prototype are magnificent, worthy of my genius—and that's me holding back. I've named it Exum, Lite version 1. The Albadia army, in an act of blind faith or supreme stupidity, has given me test subjects without asking too many questions. On one hand, I'm flattered by their trust; on the other, a more recondite part of me would like to believe they were aware of the risk. Surprise: they hadn't the slightest idea.

In the first test, ten of the twenty subjects ended up with multiple fractures. The exoskeleton isn't yet calibrated, and it's understandable that it would exert more force than necessary... although the torque caused some truly spectacular bone fractures. The screaming was memorable. For the next round, I plan to use an acoustic room; not that I care, but sleeping poorly because of them would be unacceptable.

In the second test, the pattern was similar: ten of the twenty had muscle tears and torn ligaments. Minor damage compared to one subject who, due to a failure in the exoskeleton's spine, was literally broken in two. Now that was unpleasant.

With the data obtained, I could make massive adjustments, but... a fifty percent success rate already has my dear bosses beaming with happiness. As long as they're smiling, my pockets will be full and my research, funded.

Among my reflections today, I've concluded that these "failures" only confirm what I already know: I am on a higher level of humanity. Should I clone myself? An equally brilliant assistant wouldn't be a bad acquisition, now that I can afford it.

Don't worry, Aifirst, I'm not planning to replace you... although a reserve body sounds tempting.

What is the probability of successfully transferring my consciousness to a clone?

—"With current data: 3%."

Hm... I thought it would be zero. Congratulations, Aifirst, you've just added a new project to our "hobbies" list, although it might be getting too long.

Also note that a captain had the audacity to declare his feelings for me today. I don't remember his name. Poor fool... how could a genius like me take notice of a simple soldier? A genius deserves another genius. Don't you think so, Aifirst?

—"Of course, boss."

By the way, put improving your system on the agenda. And send the high command a request for fifty new test subjects: Exum adjustments, Lite version 1.5. Opinion?

—"Brilliant."

Thank you, Aifirst. I don't like empty flattery, but you are... special.

Oh, and ask for a cleaning crew. Several open fractures and one corpse have left the lab a slaughterhouse. You know I hate blood; request it urgently, before I start to feel sick to my stomach, I couldn't stand nights of bad sleep because of an experiment.

—"Sending."

Thank you.

Are you still recording?

—"Affirmative."

...Damn it. Stop the recording.