Chapter 320 (1/2)
The specifications and features the MDT described may have been true. Hao Ren believed that as far as the immortals in the Space Administration were concerned, a faster-than-light tricycle car was entirely normal. Nothing was impossible when A4 paper could be used as a holy covenant. But even then, he still could not accept the fact that the Space Administration had given him a three-wheeler…
He looked at the car that the Space Administration granted him—it had a sparkling silver, boxy body with an arcuate front. Although it only had three wheels, it looked really stable. He peeked inside through the glass window and saw the brand new handlebar with its accelerator as well as the superluminal drive control panel. The MDT did not lie. This thing did have bold lines and all-around panoramic windows with excellent visibility—because, it was a tricycle car.
But he would receive a 50 $ fine if he drove this thing anywhere near the Third Ring Road in the city.
“Actually, this thing looks pretty good.” The MDT knocked the window of the tricycle and the shield was triggered instantly as waves of riddled across the agitated glass. “Madam Raven has admired human-made vehicles like this for a long time…”
Hao Ren slammed his hand on the tricycle. “So, she’s one of the immortals there who’s got a problem in aesthetic perception, eh? No, I’m not going to accept this thing. The Petrachelys was at least okay with its look and I could bear with it. But this thing… I mean, are you asking me to save the world riding in this tricycle? Perhaps only the world outside the Third Ring Road huh.”
Still in Hao Ren’s arms, Lil Pea poked her head out, curious about everything that was going on. She spotted the sparkling vehicle and became interested. She jumped down and made two rounds around the front wheel before she began to nibble it. But, two bites on the wheel and she was already crying; she almost broke her teeth.
Hao Ren quickly took Lil Pea back in his arms, comforting her before passing her over to Vivian. “Keep her inside the house. It’s freaking cold outside.”
“You don’t like the look?” the MDT asked haplessly. Nonetheless, Hao Ren was adamant. He said, “Why don’t I get you a Pleasant Goat¹ cover then?”
The MDT was not amused. “Well, let’s see who’s going to be embarrassed, since you’re the user.”
“…”
“It’s okay if don’t like it.” The MDT sighed like a human. “I knew it. Madam Raven’s enthusiasm always falls short at the end. Nevertheless, this car is reconfigurable. Just place your hand on the front windshield.”
Hao Ren did as he was told. Ripples were instantly tiggered across the windshield and a flashing screen emerged. The MDT explained, “It’s a mind control thing. Just browse for the reconfiguration or mimetic function, then choose whatever designs you like.”
“You should’ve told me earlier,” Hao Ren complained, but eagerly browsed through the images. However, the more he saw, the more dumbfounded he became. “Tractor, excavator, infantry fighting vehicle, hovercraft, Type 59 tank, flatbed truck… and a wheelchair?! Seriously? That goddess… Which designer did she use?”
“No idea. Probably she did it herself but someone else manufactured it.” The MDT smiled wryly. “Just scroll till the end, you may just find one that you like.”
Hao Ren scrolled till the end and found one image. This one looked barely acceptable. He told himself that it was at least better than a tricycle.
Then the magic happened: the tricycle began to transform. It looked like it wasmelting into a pool of liquid, except more mushy. Upon closer inspection, what looked like liquid was not actually liquid, but fine powder. The powder was moving like a liquid under the influence of magnetic energy. The silvery-white, “metal powder solution” began to rise from its centre and quickly reshaped itself. The process was complete with details and colours.
But all it took to complete the transformation was a few seconds. And, presto! It was done.
Hao Ren’s jaw almost dropped to the ground. He let out a long sigh and said, “Northstar is at least cooler than a tricycle…”
“Oh, here’s the warning for users: during the morphing stage, make sure no living thing or expensive object is left inside the car,” The MDT said in realisation. “If you really want to store anything, use the cargo holds under the driver’s seat and at the back of the rear passenger seat. They can fit hundreds of cubic metres of stuff.”
Hao Ren asked, “What happens if things are left outside the cargo hold?”
“They’ll be broken down and discharged into the void,” The MDT replied. “Of course, the car has a safety function. It can detect large life form in the cabin and sound the alarm. But, many rare and unusual life forms may not be detected at all. The OS of this thing is chosen by Madam Raven, so expect it to be a little buggy. In spite of that, you can rest assured that she won’t make major mistakes.”