Chapter 555: Spider (1/2)

Chapter 555: Spider

Translator: EndlessFantasy TranslationEditor: EndlessFantasy Translation

It was a huge machine that reached up to almost seven meters. It was shaped like a spider, but with legs that reached up to 10 meters long. The proportion of the main body was larger than that of a normal spider. That was where the pilot cabin was. Eight long mechanical legs supported the pilot cabin body above the ground. Xi Yan and Kristen were completely hidden under the machine's shadow.

An adult human looked so weak and tiny before this gigantic object. Kristen and Xi Yan looked up at the staggering machine that reached up to two storeys tall. They had never seen such a strange machine. This completely overhauled their perception of machinery.

”What … What is this?” Kristen muttered under her breath, completely taken aback by this machine! Xi Yan had a blank expression that showed how completely surprised he was.

The thing was obviously a machine. Its eight slim but powerful legs could move with great flexibility. There were no decorations of any kind on the machine. All the mechanical parts were in plain sight. The machine was a combination of technology and nature that gave it a quality of strength and power.

”This is only a shell. There are many other things to work on.” Ye Chong explained to them both. He was their teacher, and it was only right for him to provide some explanation.

Ye Chong abruptly grabbed onto Kristen and Xi Yan and hopped onto the back of the huge spider. His sudden movement startled the two students, but they soon became preoccupied with their immediate surroundings. They had never seen such a strange and massive machine.

”This is the pilot cabin.” Ye Chong lifted a hatch door and gestured inside, then slipped into the cabin. Kristen and Xi Yan followed.

The pilot cabin was large enough to fit eight people.

”There's still a lot to add onto this machine. There is the engine, and weapons system. Hmm, we should also add extra armor around the crucial parts.” Ye Chong stood calmly inside the pilot cabin.

His two students were completely won over by his skills.

”Teacher, this … What do you call this? Can it move?” Xi Yan asked haltingly.

”A name. Hmm, let's call it Spider.” Ye Chong said, ”It can walk and move on hilly terrain, but it's a lot slower than an aircraft.” In fact, the Spider was probably the first ever mech built entirely of plant materials that mimicked a terrestrial animal.

Kristen and Xi Yan were of course unimpressed by Ye Chong's casual naming for the machine. Such a magnificent being should at least be given an equally impressive name, like Destroyer of Worlds or something.

”What's it used for?” Kristen was curious about this. She had spent more time with Ye Chong than most, and knew that her teacher would not spend so much effort on a useless piece of furniture. Nevertheless, she did think that this huge spider would make an excellent centerpiece.

”Transport for people or resources.” Ye Chong provided the explanation after some careful thought. He had designed this huge pilot cabin with the intention of entering Darkniss stocked with enough water and supplies. Ye Chong added, ”Hmm, and also for accommodation.” The huge spider will of course be properly armed later, but Ye Chong thought that Sha Ya and Xuan Ning would be his main defense line.

Kristen and Xi Yan exchanged a look of disbelief. This magnificent thing was only used for transport, while also doubling as a mobile outdoors camp. Xi Yan thought it was more than excessive.

In the next few days, Ye Chong continued to improve the Spider.

Engine, holographic scanning system, air circulation system, weapons system …

The Spider's exterior also received a makeover, since Kristen and Xi Yan thought that the exposed mechanical gears and parts were simply unaesthetic. Hence, they added a layer of armor on the Spider's legs to hide the gears at the joints. This addition made the Spider looked even more like the real thing from afar.

Ye Chong also made extensive modifications to some crucial aspects, such as building the entry to the pilot cabin under the Spider's belly. This was because Sha Ya and Xuan Ning were not good climbers. Ye Chong also calibrated the center of gravity of the Spider until he was satisfied that the pilot cabin did not shake too much when the Spider moved on hilly terrain.

It was truly a marvel to see the seven-metre tall Spider ran across the mountains. Kristen and Xi Yan were both shocked when they first saw the Spider burst into a run.

Ye Chong left Xi Yan and Kristen with some basic learning material inside a mini projector that could fit into one's hand. This was basically what Ye Chong was teaching them so far. He did not hesitate to share all his knowledge with them. During his time at Aurora, the elders there never shied away from talking about their expertise. They always answered his questions patiently and with great detail. Thus, Ye Chong came to recognize them as necessary qualities in a teacher.

The two students received the mini projectors like it was treasure. They had never seen anything like it. Studying the object brought them no closer to understanding how it worked. They were intrigued by the device, but also captivated by the new and deep knowledge inside it.

…

Sha Ya finally emerged from her room.

Ye Chong gave her a lookover, and then asked, ”You're done?”

”Yes.” Sha Ya nodded. After so many days of thinking without much rest, her low and hoarse voice now sounded dry and tired as well. ”Thank you.”

Ye Chong frowned when he noticed how pale Sha Ya was. ”You need a good rest.” Sha Ya's fatigue was apparent. She looked weak. Her days of contemplation were exhausting.

Sha Ya nodded and returned to her room once more. She knew that she was in bad condition.

After three days of resting, Sha Ya emerged looking sharp and energetic. She agreed readily when asked to accompany Ye Chong to Darkniss.

Xuan Ning received Ye Chong's notice as well, and arrived early at his manor.

When Xuan Ning saw Sha Ya, he remarked in surprise, ”You have improved by a lot.”

Sha Ya smiled and did not comment further.

Xuan Ning turned to Ye Chong and said, ”His Majesty hopes that you will bring a few more people with you. He has a few Level 8 shooters in his service, and suggests that you bring them along. You are, after all, Chief Weaponsmith of Eastern Cloud. If anything were to happen to you, I cannot possibly explain myself to the King.” By now, everyone in Su Cit knew how important Ye Chong was to their King, Sun Sieha.

Ye Chong shook his head. ”This is only a simple expedition. It would be inconvenient to have too many people. Besides, I have only made preparations for three of us.”