169 Master and Apprentice (1/2)

'Arcane Technology? Isn't that the same as Lost Technology? So, they were aware of its real name... Anyway, this looks like a highly advanced science and technology for me rather than an equipment made of magic.'

Wallace thought after hearing Slaine explaining the origin of the machine. He had only learned that the Lost Technology that Aeolia was also curious about was called Arcane Technology because of the Pathfinder's reward.

He have this Optical Phenomena Manipulation technology that was still not being used. Of course, he already had some plans about it but it's not yet necessary at this point. He was first trying to accomplish all the immediate goals he needed to step forward his main plan.

He was tempted to send out his Divine Sense but he won't be able explain how did he learn the Soul Art if ever his master felt it and asked him about it.

For now, he can only trust his master and see for himself. Slaine then told him how to use the key to open up the machine.

At the back of the Iron Knight wasn't a keyhole as he expected. He had to lay flat the metal key instead and a form of connection would activate to open it up.

This time, as soon as Wallace entered the cockpit, he found the keyhole to activate the Iron Knight. He inserted the key and the cockpit lit up with blue lights.

[ Celestial Army - Iron Knights Brigade ]

It was the words he saw at the screen before he felt something similar to quantum brainwaves control system that the Mech Frames have. But this time, the feeling was painful.

He then heard Slaine speak from the outside.

”It's synchronizing. This will be yours if you reached at least 70% sync. But don't worry, with all the test that you had, I'm sure that it will be easy to pass that number. Right, based on all the tests we had, the synchronizing process only failed to those that aren't single. Well, at least 99% of the time.”

'Guh! Is that the reason why you only accept singles.' He couldn't help but think about it even if he was in pain. This Arcane Technology seems to have the weirdest requirements.

”Yes, that's the main reason, I suppose.” Slaine said as if he was hearing Wallace's thoughts.

'W-wait... Although Master Slaine looks like a middle-aged man, he was someone who had joined the northern continent expedition. Does it mean that...' He remembered that there's 10 of these and nine will be given to his apprentices. The tenth must be for him, right?

Wallace stopped himself from his random thoughts. Anyway, he could no longer reply to Slaine as he tried to fight against the pain that he was experiencing. It should be as painful as Slaine's pressure test during the second examinations. But this time, he can't escape the pain by connecting to his dimensional storage space. He had to experience this so as to reach the synchronization rate he was looking for.

It took five long minutes to complete the process.

[ 90% Synchronization Rate ] Showed in front of Wallace. This time, he felt like the machine was a part of him and could easily operate it. This is almost the same feeling when he was piloting a Mech Frame in his previous life.

'Impressive. This is at least better than my Amplified Assault Armor but...' Wallace's thoughts were interrupted by a sudden question from his Master.

”How many percent was it?” Slaine asked after noticing that the synchronization process was completed. Wallace even made some simple movements in it's arms and legs as to feel out his controls.

Anyway, the pain of synchronization disappeared as soon as it was completed. He then took a deep breath before answering.

”Ninety percent, as it says.”

”That high? It's impressive.”

”Er... What was the rate compared to others Master Slaine?”

”Your have four seniors. Farah Carlos, my fourth apprentice had 74%. Clark Gates, my third apprentice had 75%. L, my second apprentice had 85% last year when he was tested. Lacus Minerva, had 89%. The latter two had reached more than 80% rates because of their superior-class body modifications. But based on our records, you didn't have any...”

'Crap!' is what Wallace immediately thought. He didn't have time to ask why his second apprentice only have a single letter as it's name. Anyway, it was true that the Pathfinder's potions for body strengthening had not been detected by their tests. He then heard Slaine continue his words.

”Even Farah and Clark had top-class body modification later on before they reached 80% sync rate...”

”Er... Oh? Is that so... I'm working out a lot so maybe it helps.”

'If working out would give that kind of results then the companies creating serums, potions, and implants for body modifications might close down.'

Slaine didn't point that out as all his apprentices has their own secrets. He doesn't want to meddle with it as long as their doing their task as an apprentice and learn his legacy.

”Alright, come out for now. That thing will be yours anyway. You'll have a lot of time experimenting with that.”

Wallace then left the cockpit but before that he made some arrangements.

”Avalon, investigate it's program for me.”