I Am Honkai

As she assigned the task to Shuji Matsuzaki, Selene pulled out Aoki Yoichi's progress report on the "Military Exoskeleton Equipment" project from her storage space as she walked toward the project's experimental center.

Looking at the report in her hand, Selene noticed that the project, with Aoki Yoichi as a consultant, had made significant progress. Just a glance revealed something that caught her attention.

"A test report on a military exoskeleton robot?!"

Speaking of robots, Selene couldn't help but think back to her childhood, watching various mecha anime in the welfare home, with Gundam being especially memorable.

But in Academy City, when it comes to robots, Selene immediately thinks of the round, bulky design, which she found tiresome. Even if cleaning robots and other service-type robots are acceptable, why do security robots share this design and are mostly used for defending against enemy fire?

Even if police use doesn't match military use, the design and application are quite lackluster, eliminating Selene's anticipation for the mystique of military robots. No wonder there are so many delinquents in Academy City—it's because the law enforcement equipment is ineffective. Wait a minute; Selene suddenly felt like she spotted a blind spot.

With this thought, Selene felt a surge of mission beyond merely acquiring resources (including money) and expanding her influence: these security robots aren't good enough! Her research institute must produce a bona fide military combat robot to help clear up the city's atmosphere!

"Hmm, let me see how far your research has come." Excited, Selene casually tossed the report back into her storage space and quickly walked to the entrance of the "Military Exoskeleton Equipment" project's experimental center, inserting her ID card into the designated slot.

Beep!

As soon as the electronic door opened and Selene entered, Aoki Yoichi's voice immediately reached her ears.

"Boss, what brings you here?" Perhaps it was because she entered by swiping her ID card, but upon entering the lab, she immediately encountered Aoki Yoichi, who had come to greet her.

"Yeah, I came to see how your robots are coming along," Selene nodded in acknowledgment, curiously asking, "Didn't you send me a report? I heard there's been a breakthrough?"

"Yes, I'm glad to report success." As he spoke about the project he was responsible for, Aoki Yoichi immediately showed excitement. He gestured with his hand, instructing his assistant to bring the design plans, "Please take a look; these are the models we've finalized so far."

"Sure, let me see." Taking the documents, Selene began examining them with interest, seeing several finalized robot models.

"Uh..." The first one she saw made Selene speechless. Why is it that same round, bulky design again? Do people in Academy City love the cute aesthetic that much? She quickly dismissed it!

"Tracked battle tank robots... animal-shaped robots... humanoid robots..." Looking further, Selene couldn't help but rub her forehead, feeling a bit helpless, "While it's amazing you have so many creative ideas, couldn't we rethink these designs a bit?"

In the design booklet, the various robot models lacked true innovation, basically improving upon the police robots of Academy City.

While there were indeed many interesting applications, they were mostly useless, like portable refrigerators, freshwater treatment systems, and ice cream makers. While not exactly useless, they were far from what Selene had in mind. Was she expected to promote "human-machine collaboration"?

"Oh well, support robots for logistics are also a market..." Selene frowned slightly, muttering to herself before deciding to let it go. As long as they could make money, the initial designs didn't necessarily have to focus solely on combat robots.

"Has this humanoid robot been built?" Letting go of her previous concerns, she pointed to the one model she was satisfied with, asking Aoki Yoichi while looking behind him, brightening as she saw the experimental center's assembly platform bustling with researchers working on robot assembly.

Ignoring the cylindrical and beast-shaped robots, Selene was most drawn to a humanoid robot approximately two meters tall. Although it wasn't the largest or the most heavily armed model, Selene knew this was what she wanted.

Approaching it, Selene observed that the robot was indeed humanoid, though overly detailed. It bore a striking resemblance to a human figure. Even for a prototype, there was no need to design such intricate metallic facial features.

"Aoki! Was it necessary to make the robot's facial features so detailed?" Selene was at a loss. It's just a combat robot, after all, a mass-produced model, not a "love doll." Why make it so refined and needlessly increase costs?

"Well, since this is the research institute's first robot product, we wanted to make it as refined as possible..."

"Revise it! Humanoid is sufficient; I didn't ask for a bionic robot! Get rid of these polished curves and switch to a cost-effective angular style! And change the head design! You even wanted to implant hair—replace it..."

Eventually, after an afternoon of Selene's direct guidance, the humanoid robot finally had the aura of a military robot. Even though not all functions were yet added, it was satisfactory enough for Selene.

Looking at the robot's sturdy, imposing appearance, compared to its previous image, there was now an undeniable sense of security. Satisfied, Selene nodded and asked, "Can it be replicated?"

"Yes, with our current manufacturing capabilities at Destiny Research Institute, mass-producing this robot is no problem..." Aoki Yoichi affirmed but hesitated slightly, "However, due to software limitations, its movements are still somewhat sluggish, as current intelligent operating systems are designed for those cylindrical robots."

"I understand. Manufacturing capability is what's important." Selene nodded in understanding, "Activate it; let's see how it performs."

"No problem." Aoki Yoichi nodded, instructing his team, "Activate it and show the Boss what we've achieved so far!"

A glimmer of anticipation appeared in Selene's eyes. Once she successfully established a production line for these robots, she wouldn't have to worry about funding anymore. Not only that, but her influence would also elevate to a new level.

As for a robotic uprising? Sorry, Selene wasn't concerned about such things. No matter how many of these robots there were, she could destroy them single-handedly. Producing them was merely a romantic notion; besides selling them for profit and protecting her forces, did Selene really need their protection?

Moreover, with these robots, simple physical tasks, as well as visible guard duties and patrols, could be delegated to them.

The real security forces wouldn't be completely phased out; they would become more elite.

Sensing Selene's aspirations, Aoki Yoichi felt the need to temper her expectations, subtly reminding her, "You understand, of course, that the real challenge of military robots lies not in building their bodies but in providing their 'soul'—an intelligent operating system."

With a few researchers inserting a chip into the back of the robot's head, accompanied by the sound of mechanical systems engaging, the robot's eyes lit up. It stepped forward but immediately lost its balance and fell!

The way it wobbled and twitched resembled an epileptic fit.

Selene was immediately speechless. Even after collapsing, the robot continued its walking motions, stepping away and, due to friction, began spinning on the ground, resembling a hamster on a wheel.

"Although we have the body, the real challenge remains," Aoki Yoichi said, a bit troubled. "Regarding energy, I believe that's easily resolved for you, Boss. But the intelligent operating system is much more complex..."

A flicker of excitement passed through Aoki Yoichi's eyes; having worked as a mercenary in the Middle East, he knew the potential power of high-intelligence robots with infinite energy.

"But if we can truly develop an intelligent operating system, coupled with the efficient energy you provide, it could handle tasks ranging from security and policing to warfare!"

No need for food, water, or rest; devoid of emotion, with greater carrying capacity and firepower, flexible combat modules—it was born for the battlefield.

Typically, designing and producing military robots involves three factors: energy, operating system, and materials. Among these, materials are the easiest to resolve.

"What do you need to complete it?" Selene asked, her tone serious as she tapped her finger on the table, looking at Aoki Yoichi.

"As for the core programming..." Aoki Yoichi appeared thoughtful, unsure, "Academy City has existing systems. Though they differ in application, the underlying architecture is common, allowing us to program and improve upon it."

"This will require a large team, so I hope you'll allocate some electronics and software engineering scholars. For now, I can't give you a definite timeline."

Having finished, Aoki Yoichi stood respectfully aside, awaiting Selene's instructions.

"In this area, I'll provide top-level funding support, and you can manage the personnel..." With that, Selene fell into deep thought. She was confident that with Academy City's technology, 50 years ahead of the rest of the world, they could certainly develop an intelligent operating system for military robots.

The only question was how long it would take. Should she ask Aleister for help again? Selene had reason to believe that, having been the "king of the science side" for so many years, he must have some valuable insights.