paranoianovel Chapter 24 Distortion Modification
Chapter 24 Distortion Modification
No. 2 High School, Class 13
The last class in the afternoon was a basic theory class on mecha.
"Today we'll discuss the boundaries of mecha modifications. As for normal modifications, you should all know that strengthening armor, upgrading the power system, and adding weapon modules can all be done by registering with the Dragon Kingdom Mecha Pilots Association..."
On the podium, Ms. Shen, wearing red-rimmed glasses, was pointing at the mecha structure diagram on the holographic projection with a laser pointer. She wore a fitted professional pantyhose suit, her long, wavy hair was casually draped over her shoulders, and her long legs were in high heels as she paced back and forth in front of the podium.
The crisp sound of heels added a touch of energy to the drowsy afternoon class.
Teacher Shen turned around, and a holographic projection unfolded behind her, revealing three distinct mecha models.
"...So, the core of conventional mecha modification lies in 'adaptation' and 'optimization'." Teacher Shen pushed up his glasses and glanced at the audience. "But today, I'm going to talk about something else...those non-standard modifications that walk the line of the rules, or even break them."
The projection switched, and a mecha model appeared.
That thing could no longer be called a "mecha"... Its joints were twisted into inhuman arcs, bone-spur-like protrusions grew from its back, and its head was a monstrous crystal core with a scarlet glow.
"These are the latest batch of cases of distorted modifications."
Teacher Shen continued, "Aberration modification involves integrating the tissues, genes, and crystal cores of the Abyss Monster into the mecha, causing it to undergo aberrations and mutations, thereby gaining power beyond the norm. This modification is divided into two types: one is the Abyss Monster fusion with the mecha, and the other is the integration of the Abyss Monster's genes into the human body."
"The former is currently legal in China. Firstly, we have the Abyss Defense Order, making it difficult for ordinary people to access Abyss Monster materials."
"but!"
"The latter, namely using Abyssal Monsters to modify human genes, is a completely unethical act. Once discovered, the mecha pilot's qualification will be permanently revoked, and criminal liability will be pursued!"
She pounded on the podium: "The Abyss Monster's genetic fragments retain its instincts: bloodlust, rage, and loss of control. In severe cases, mech pilots will lose sight of the boundary between themselves and the Abyss Monster, eventually transforming into a grotesque monster."
"Furthermore, the orthodox mecha education system's attitude towards aberration modifications is... not to encourage, not to recommend, and not to support. Because long-term use of aberration modifications will gradually erode the mecha pilot's instincts, making them irritable and paranoid."
……
"This is the Burial Abyss Modification." Teacher Shen's tone became solemn. "Legend has it that the Burial Abyss Modification can use sacrificial power to bury the Abyss Monster within the mecha's core, using its resentment as a sacrifice to forge armor imbued with the abyss's aura. The modified mecha is indeed very powerful, but the price is that the mecha pilot's spirit will be gradually devoured by the Abyss Monster's resentment. This kind of modification is absolutely illegal in China, and it is also strictly prohibited in most member states of the Beidou Star Alliance."
Wang Xing stared at the series of bizarre mechs on the screen, lost in thought.
Actually, I had already heard about this knowledge in my first year of high school; it was a required course for mecha students.
However, since it involves safety, ethics, and dark forces, and various illegal modification cases are frequently being updated without any bottom line, the Mech Academy has to bring up some of the latest examples from time to time to emphasize and prevent students from going astray.
Besides distortion modifications, there are various other types of special modifications, such as painting on mechs or weapons, and etching modifications using toxic or corrosive substances obtained from extracts from some of the Abyssal Monsters.
There are even those who use sacrifices as power and resentment as offerings to bury the Abyss Monster within the core of the mecha, or to forge mechas with the aura of Abyss Burial, a modification that is absolutely prohibited in all countries...
The variety of terrifying and bizarre modification schemes is vast.
However, China has always had the highest requirements for green modifications to mechs.
Unlike some dangerous countries, which have long been plagued by illegal modifications, this country is not like the one that has become a chaotic mess.
"Students, although distorted modifications are not entirely illegal in China, they are still looked down upon by orthodox mecha education."
The long-legged teacher, Mr. Shen, spoke sternly from the podium: "Of course, there are many other types of modifications that are absolutely illegal in China, but due to time constraints, I won't list them all."
"You may face temptations in the future: greater power, faster improvement, and more dazzling achievements. But remember, the power of non-standard modifications is not your own; the power you borrow will have to be repaid sooner or later."
"The prerequisite for a mecha pilot is a person. If the person goes astray, no matter how powerful the mecha is, it's just a pretty coffin."
Wang Xing sat in his seat, keeping these words firmly in mind.
The school bell rang.
Wang Xing packed his schoolbag, then scanned the classroom and spotted Sun Donglai, who was tidying up his textbooks.
"Donglai, shall we go back together tonight?" He walked over and patted the chubby boy on the shoulder.
Sun Donglai stiffened almost imperceptibly, raised his head, and smiled somewhat reluctantly: "I can't go these next few days. I have to go back to my grandfather's house. It's closer to take another bus."
"By the way, Ah Xing."
Sun Donglai suddenly spoke up, his tone almost joking: "That aberration modification the teacher was talking about earlier sounded pretty cool. Modifying the Abyss Monster's power into a mecha—if I ever got the chance to get one, don't you think my strength would increase dramatically?"
"Cool? I just find it a bit disgusting."
Wang Xing shook his head and said, "This is not a wise move."
"But I think it looks pretty cool, and I think it might be a trend."
Sun Donglai shared his opinion: "Look, many countries outside haven't banned it, and China hasn't completely listed mutated mechs as illegal either. There are such substances as Abyssal Monsters in the world. If we can integrate their power into our own, just like Chinese medicine ingredients, wouldn't that be great?"
"Not prohibiting it doesn't mean it's correct. The reason why the Dragon Kingdom hasn't explicitly banned aberrant mechs is largely because the Abyss Defense Order tightly controls the materials from the Abyss Monsters, making it impossible for ordinary people to come into contact with them."
Wang Xing said, "Moreover, most of those who have undergone aberration modifications are either desperate criminals on the battlefield or professionals in special fields. Normal people generally don't touch those things."
Sun Donglai still had a smile on his face, but his heart was silent.
He was thinking about the terrifying things he had seen at Meng Rui's modification shop yesterday.
It was an extraordinary power that completely transcended his understanding, surpassing rules and common sense... It shocked and awed him like never before, keeping him awake all night.
But he also knew that what Teacher Shen said was true—'The power of distortion and modification is not one's own; the borrowed power must be repaid sooner or later…'
"But if I don't have those powers, what else can I rely on?"
"How did I get into the mecha university?"
"How can I stand beside Bai Lingxue like Ah Xing?"
Sun Donglai was suffering agonizingly.
"Old Sun."
Wang Xing's voice interrupted his thoughts.
"I know you've been in a bad mood lately, but try not to think about those things. As a mecha student, you need to seek power, but being a mecha student presupposes being human. The best thing in life is to live with a clear conscience."
Wang Xing continued to comfort him, "Actually, it's not a big deal whether you get into the mecha university or not. I might not even get in myself, but if you try your best and get into a good mecha academy, your future achievements might not be bad."
"Alright, Lao Sun, I'm leaving now. I might miss the bus." Wang Xing stood up, patted Sun Donglai on the shoulder, and comforted him.
"hehe."
Sun Donglai's lips twitched upwards, revealing a wrinkled smile, like a piece of paper that had been soaked in water.
He knew Wang Xing meant well, but he felt there was another meaning behind those words... It's good to be an ordinary person.
He raised his head and looked at a ray of midday sunlight shining in through the window, weak yet stubborn, much like the fire burning in his eyes at that moment.
Why should I be an ordinary person?
He asked himself in a low voice, as if he were talking to himself, or as if he were making a vow to some unseen being.
"The meaning of mecha... is not to make me an ordinary person, but to completely transform my life."
"I will personally sever the confusion of the past. As for the darkness to come..."
"I will also handle all of this personally."
The setting sun outside the window sank a little deeper, the orange-red light turning into a dark red. His shadow was reflected on the glass, round and plump, like a turtle curled up in its shell.