Lin Jie's second task was to work on the [Red Python] blueprint in his mind.The Rubik's Cube hadn't just given him the Red Python's design drawing—it had also provided more detailed data, such as the alloy properties needed to build the [Red Python], the optimal metals to use, and the ideal energy source. Theoretically, if forged strictly according to the blueprint's specifications, it might really reach that perfect state. But of course, that was only a possibility. As a mechanic, Lin Jie would never make absolute claims without running experiments first.The problem, though, was that he had neither the right materials nor enough time to build a proper [Red Python] from scratch. As a weapon for a dozens-of-ton field mech, the [Red Python]'s blueprint listed an operational weight of a full 400 kilograms. Working alone, with the shoddy conditions of the workshop, Lin Jie couldn't possibly build it in just three days.So he had no choice but to try modifying an existing weapon. That was why he and Curly Hair had hauled back that heavy energy rifle earlier.While the two guns shared a similar basic structure, there were still many differences—most notably in their materials. The material of the energy rifle Lin Jie brought back didn't match the property requirements of the Red Python. To modify the rifle into a Red Python equivalent, Lin Jie had to recalculate key data like the weapon's maximum output energy level based on the actual material used.This was a massive project. If Lin Jie had to do all the calculations by himself, it would've taken at least half a month—and he still couldn't guarantee all the numbers would be correct. Fortunately, Simon had prepared a sufficiently advanced computer, which let Lin Jie skip the most complicated calculation steps entirely.With the computer helping run simulations, plus Curly Hair (the Pilot) occasionally lending a hand, Lin Jie finally managed to create a "fake Red Python" after three days of work."That heavy energy rifle's all fixed up. Tomorrow's Flag Capture Battle will give you one more way to deal damage," Lin Jie said.That night, Lin Jie, Simon, and Curly Hair gathered in the "presidential cell" (Simon's quarters). As usual, Simon sipped expensive red wine, but in front of Lin Jie and Curly Hair were only cups of warm water—Lin Jie didn't like drinking alcohol in the first place, and Curly Hair refused to consume alcohol the night before a battle."Won't carrying that energy rifle affect the Mammoth's agility?" Simon asked. He might not know anything about machinery, but he still understood that extra weight would reduce maneuverability."There will be some impact, but it shouldn't be too big," Lin Jie nodded, then added, "It's a necessary trade-off. The Mammoth has almost no firepower configuration and is severely lacking in long-range attack options. If we want to fix that weakness, we have to equip a weapon. Relatively speaking, energy weapons are already much lighter than other types of armaments."Curly Hair nodded in agreement, then asked, "Anything I need to watch out for when using it?""Yes…" Lin Jie held up three fingers. "This gun has three modes—you could also call them three power levels. There's Practice Mode with low output, Normal Mode with stable, moderate power, and War Mode with full firepower. But I suggest you don't use the third mode unless it's absolutely necessary.""Why not?""…This gun was already scrapped before we modified and repaired it. It's not that stable. If you crank it up to full power, there's a good chance it'll overload and blow up," Lin Jie replied after a brief pause.In truth, he was lying. It was true that full power could cause an overload and explosion, but the reason wasn't the weapon's age—it was because Lin Jie had modified it strictly to the [Red Python]'s "perfect state" specifications. He wasn't sure if that theoretical design, which pushed the weapon to its absolute limits, would actually hold up in practice.With no place in the prison to test it, he'd had to lower the weapon's output power and split it into three levels. He was absolutely certain that the first two modes (excluding the high-power War Mode) wouldn't cause any problems—which was why he'd advised Curly Hair not to use War Mode unless it was a last resort. After all, if something went wrong with the weapon and it affected Curly Hair or the mech, he'd be held responsible. Bringing it up now was also a way to warn Curly Hair and Simon in advance."Got it, I'll be careful," Curly Hair nodded. Suddenly remembering something, he turned to Lin Jie: "Did you take a good look at the data I gave you on the other mechs and Pilots? You're my support now—knowing more about them will help you analyze the battle for me on the spot.""Don't worry, I already read it," Lin Jie replied lazily, nodding.In the Flag Capture Battles, Pilots were allowed to use wireless communication. While they fought, mechanics would also connect to the comms and watch the live feed—partly to monitor the mech's status, and partly to observe the situation and provide off-site support to the Pilot.Before Lin Jie arrived, Simon had taken on this task himself for the previous matches. But since Simon knew nothing about mechs or combat, Curly Hair had basically been fighting alone—a miserable experience. That was why Curly Hair had been hoping Lin Jie would help him these past few days.After thinking it over carefully, Lin Jie had agreed. His reasons were twofold:First, Lin Jie believed Jenna wouldn't give up easily—or rather, the people behind Jenna wouldn't give up targeting him. He wasn't safe right now. To survive, he still needed Simon's protection.Second, while repairing the mech these days, Lin Jie had carefully observed and documented the prison's layout and security forces. He was now certain he couldn't escape on his own. The power behind Simon was the only ally he could find right now. Maintaining a good relationship with Simon and proving his value might one day help him regain his freedom.With that in mind, Lin Jie had decided to help Curly Hair and Simon—and to help them with his full effort. So he'd already read and memorized the materials Curly Hair had given him.So far, five matches had been held. Of the initial twenty mechs, seven had been eliminated, leaving thirteen. Among these thirteen, three were particularly troublesome: two modified decommissioned military Private-class field mechs, and one former Private-class racing mech."Military mechs are designed for battle—they're heavy, have thick armor, and strong firepower, but they're relatively slow. I suggest you avoid them and don't engage them head-on," Lin Jie advised."Racing mechs, on the other hand, are high-performance models used in professional leagues. Their energy reserves are on par with military mechs, but to make races more exciting, they don't have the same weight or defense as military mechs. Instead, racing mechs are much more agile and have all sorts of special tricks. If you face one, I suggest you keep your distance and use the energy rifle for mid-to-long-range attacks.""Got it, I'll keep that in mind," Curly Hair replied, nodding seriously. Listening to Lin Jie's professional advice, he felt much more confident.The three chatted briefly for a while longer, then went back to their respective rooms to rest.The next dawn, as the blue star rose and its first rays spilled over the land, Lin Jie opened his eyes and got up. He glanced out the window at the distant horizon.The sixth Death Star Flag Capture Battle was about to begin!
