Chapter 574: The Steel Hounds' Desire
Right at this moment, a unique mechanical roar echoed from the hangar's entrance—it wasn't the sound of a power armor's servo system, but the distinct, low-pitched vibration of hydraulic apparatuses operating on a much larger scale.
A Titan Princeps draped in the battle-robe bearing the emblem of the Steel Hound Legion strode in, followed by a squad of Tech-Priests devoutly recording data.
The instant this Princeps's gaze touched the three EVA-Titans, he was firmly locked on. His pupils dilated from excitement, and his breathing subconsciously quickened.
"Omnissiah..." he muttered to himself, his voice trembling slightly from agitation. His hands reached out subconsciously, as if wanting to touch these perfect constructs of war.
"Lord Astartes!" He walked up quickly to greet Ryo, but his gaze could not shift away from the machines. "This is simply a masterpiece of the Machine God! Look at this perfect fusion of biology and machinery, this exquisite design of the energy circuits... I have never seen such perfect works of martial art!"
His voice rose in fanaticism, his finger excitedly pointing at the red machine's shoulder armor: "Look at the lines of this armor; it complies with fluid dynamics while accounting for close-quarters combat requirements! And the energy conduction system of that blue machine—the fluctuation readings are simply intoxicating!"
Princeps Olaf turned to Ryo, a nearly devout light flashing in his eyes: "Our Steel Hound Legion beseeches you to consider—can a joint drill be arranged as soon as possible? We have already conceptualized twenty-seven tactical coordination schemes! Just imagine the grand spectacle when these elegant giants fight shoulder-to-shoulder with our Legion's Warhound-class Titans!"
The three pilots were stunned by this sudden burst of enthusiasm.
Shinji subconsciously took a half-step back, uneasily looking at this highly agitated Princeps.
Rei Ayanami remained peaceful, but her gaze shifted lightly between Olaf and the machines.
Asuka rolled her eyes, tugging at Ryo's sleeve and whispering: "Hey, Doctor, what's with this guy? Shinji and the others haven't even finished reading the operation manuals yet!"
Ryo (second avatar) raised his hand, opportunely interrupting Princeps Olaf's rapid-fire proposals.
"Princeps, I understand your enthusiasm." His voice was steady and powerful. "But these machines and pilots both require time to adapt. Once they complete their foundational coordination training, I will prioritize considering cooperation with the Steel Hound Legion."
Only then did Olaf forcefully shift his gaze away from the EVA-Titans, his face written full of unsatisfied longing.
"Of course, of course! Training is the most important!" He nodded repeatedly, yet couldn't resist adding: "However, if you require any test data comparisons, our Legion's Titans are on standby at all times. Anytime, anywhere!"
Under the repeated reminders of the Tech-Priests, Princeps Olaf finally left, turning his head back with every third step.
But even when he reached the hangar door, he still couldn't help but look back, that blazing gaze seemingly wanting to deeply brand the images of the three EVA-Titans into his mind.
The hangar doors slowly closed, leaving behind not just silence, but an invisible pressure—that was the entirety of the expectations from a Titan Legion, pressing heavily upon the shoulders of the three young pilots.
Although the three young pilots could not quite comprehend what this expectation and emotion was all about, they still felt the pressure.
"Coordinated training starts tomorrow." Ryo (second avatar) said to the three youths. "You need to become a unified entity as quickly as possible."
He looked at Asuka, Shinji, and finally, his gaze landed on Rei Ayanami. "This universe... holds many existences that 'desire' your power."
Inside the hangar, three silent colossi and three pilots with differing states of mind were about to begin their first joint steps in this new world.
After the Steel Hound Legion Princeps left, the hangar sank into a brief silence.
Princeps Olaf's undisguised gaze of longing struck the three youths like a searchlight, making them clearly realize just how prominent their value as 'weapons' was in this world.
Shinji Ikari rubbed his fingers uneasily, murmuring in a low voice: "Joint drills... battlefield..."
These words made him instinctively feel fear.
He looked at Rei Ayanami beside him, seeking a trace of comfort.
Rei Ayanami merely looked quietly at that blue Unit-03, her red eyes unreadable of any emotion.
Asuka crossed her arms and huffed: "What a bunch of war maniacs. Can't even walk straight when they see a new toy?"
Despite saying this, a faint glimmer of being acknowledged and needed flashed deep in her eyes.
At the very least, here, her value was 'desired'.
Ryo (second avatar) took in all three of their reactions.
He understood Shinji's fear, comprehended Asuka's complex pride, and was clear on Rei Ayanami's indifference.
He walked up to the three of them. The Terminator power armor made him appear exceptionally tall, but his voice was as peaceful as possible: "You don't need to pay too much mind to the attitude of the Steel Hound Legion. They are a Titan Legion, possessing an innate obsession with powerful engines of war. But this doesn't mean you have to immediately satisfy their expectations."
He pulled up the training schedule and sent it to their data slates.
"Your primary mission is to familiarize yourselves with each other, familiarize yourselves with your new machines, and become an effective combat squad. Everything else can be discussed later." He specifically gave Shinji a look. "Take it one step at a time."
Shinji seemed to relax slightly, giving a soft nod.
After arranging the preliminary matters, Ryo (second avatar) left the hangar, leaving the space for the three pilots to adapt to one another.
In the corridor returning to the command center, his consciousness connected with the main body once more.
"The performance of the Steel Hound Legion confirms their previous urgency." The main body stated. "The latent value of the EVA-Titans has indeed incited sufficient interest. This is beneficial for acquiring more resources to support the project."
"Yes," the second avatar responded, but the focus of his consciousness stream lay elsewhere. "Shinji remains fearful, Asuka uses pride to mask her unease, and only Rei Ayanami seems... completely unfluctuating. Having them form a squad will place them under considerable pressure."
"Pressure is a catalyst for growth. The database shows that moderate external expectations can elevate an individual's performance." The main body responded logically, then shifted the topic, carrying a trace of exploration. "Are you still worried about their feelings? This sort of emotional investment is not a positive asset in efficiency evaluations."
The second avatar fell silent for a moment, feeling the faint vibrations transmitting from the corridor walls—the eternal, beating pulse of the base.
He answered: "I know. Rationally speaking, they are optimal pilot samples; maintaining their combat efficacy is the primary objective. But when I see Shinji's fearful eyes, and Asuka's loneliness beneath her forced composure... I cannot merely view them as 'samples'."
He paused, a trace of self-mockery in his consciousness. "Perhaps this is why 'I' am here, and 'you' are on Necromunda. Someone always needs to handle these... 'illogical' parts."
A lengthy silence filled with data stream exchanges transmitted from the main body's end.