'Black Titanium..' Sy pondered at the thought. Centuries ago, there were three conventional alloys used in creating the massive hulls of starships: Titanium, Duranium and Iridium. The discovery of new minerals and energy repellent substances along with the advancement of metallurgy - had given way to lighter and stronger hybrids such as the hybrid titanium composing the framework and exterior of the Straggler S1-2, also called Brown Titanium.
Now, Black Titanium was lighter and stronger than Brown Titanium, but still could not reach the Duranium's level of toughness. If Sy replaced the Brown Titanium framework of the Straggler S1-2 with Black Titanium, it would propel the mech's weight capacity by 75%, and will also make the weight distribution better. With this, the Straggler can now carry more arsenals, armour, components and modules - and can be organized fairly across the machine with its stronger framework.
However, the real issue was with the mech's value if he changed its composition with this new alloy. Sy estimated that it will inflate at the range of 700,000,000 - 1,200,000,000 Gold. 4.5B to 6B U-Credits in real cash. No doubt that someone can afford it, but will they risk it without a name to himself?
Another one was the game system. Where will it place the new Straggler S1-2 Black in the gen pool? The 5th Gens were a highly valuable and top secret technology within the mech factions at the moment. If Sy can estimate their worth in the game when they were released, they should be around 50,000,000 - 100,000,000 Gold for the 1st Tier. The probability that the Straggler S1-2 Black will surpass the 5th Gen was high.
As such, Sy decided to make two branches in the tech tree. First one was the budget type. Only the joints, torsions, and other vital parts of the Straggler S1-2 will be studded with Black Titanium, which will also increase its weight capacity and distribution up by a notch, calculated to cost 10,000,000 Gold. He understood that it will only cost him 200,000 Gold to purchase the necessary materials in order to start hammering the new alloy, but that's how the game system will judge it according to his observation.
The second one would be an all out integration. Though he would not craft it into existence, as it will only remain in the drawing board until someone took interest in it.
With that done, Sy began to fill up the new tech tree. With his mind processing things faster, he was more decisive and efficient. Furthermore, he had not gone all out, back when designing the Straggler S1-2, and that was also when his tech skills were still in the basic. If he had all the necessary resources available to go all out, he might create something more than a mech.
While Sy was busy, three figures gathered outside his workshop.
"This is it! The workshop of Vulcan444!"
"We will show him what ethical mech specialists truly are!"
"Let's go!"
The trio marched inside. With the scammed people behind their back, they exuded confidence, and through their combined effort of expert stalking, they located the mischief and planned to give him a piece of wisdom.
Although Vulcan444 was not doing anything against the rules, trickery can not be tolerated!
Stepping into the vast structure, able to accommodate a hundred mechs, the three was immediately shocked to find 9 Mathilda 800s parked at the entrance. They were comforted, however, after seeing young men playing with the newly released SSS Rank Pistoleer - Felian X, along with two tall mechs with undesirable exteriors.
"They're probably rich kids, able to afford the Mathilda 800, but don't really have any skills to compete in that division." One assumed.
"I don't know about this. I have a bad feeling." Another one cautioned.
"Don't chicken out now, Clark. We are not in the wrong." The last one encouraged.
Unfortunately, the aviators who were used to hostile grounds detected the trio's intention.
"What are three ugly nerds doing here?" Kerby shouted, noticing the light-brown uniform meant for lower grade mech specialists the newcomers donned.
"We came here to see Vulcan444.. Hey watch your mouth!" The specialist with long black hair frowned at the greeting.
"Haah?" Kerby feigned deafness, purposely letting his head hang down below his shoulders like his neck was broken.
This intimidation affected the trio, as they visibly tensed when the orange head approached closer like a zombie.
"We-we came to see Vulcan444.." The long hair's voice became lower.
"You're just some rich kids!" A specialist unable to contain his emotions, exclaimed.
Kerby did not show any sign of being affected. The hand which was hidden behind his back sent orders to his gang via finger signs.
Mig instantly went into action and entered the cockpit of his Mathilda 800. The mech came alive, flexing a shoulder. When its flight module was activated, it maneuvered gracefully in the little space the workshop could provide.
Till also did the same, astonishing the specialists. However, when he saw Mig exaggerating, doing some push ups, his competitive spirit was ignited. He made his mech do some sit-ups - a laborious movement for the Mathilda 800 particularly because of its robust and inflexible spine.
The last member of the gang, Hale, did not stay idle, making the Pistoleer do some rolls on the ground.
It was a chaotic sight, but one that hinted the specialists the identity of the pilots they were facing. With their mouth agape, they couldn't bring themselves to utter their purpose of visit.
"Aviators!" One of the specialists exclaimed, realizing that they were looking at an ill mannered bunch with vulgar mouths. There was no reasoning with them.
The other group's team leader had finally come down from a Straggler. Hanz made an even more exaggeration with his head hanging on his back while limping toward the trio. "Is there any problem here?"
"We-we're going to come back.." The long hair stuttered, motioning his fellows to the exit.
Unaware of what was happening in his workshop, Sy contemplated on the new exterior of the Straggler S1-2. "An adaptive carapace or an exoskeletal armor?"
-----
Star System, Pyr's Eyes
Under the vigilant eyes of William, the three elderly could only scheme in secrecy. In a private chamber, they sat around a hover table, each with a cup of tea. Eavesdropping their conversation behind the door was Gregory.
"Sy Verdin must be roped into our family." Said Granduncle Charles.
"William will never let us do our thing." Grandfather Theodore said with a sigh.
"Why don't you send grandniece Genevieve to Logria. Surely, nephew William will not object with that." Granduncle Romulus suggested.
After a moment of thought, grandfather Theodore stood up, caressing his chin, "That's actually a good idea, brother."
The three suddenly went to the door in unison, making Gregory panic. The young man silently made some distance, before acting like he was just passing by.
"Gregory!" Grandfather Theodore greeted upon seeing his grandson, "You should be training with the Straggler S1-2."
"In a moment, grandfather." Gregory answered. With that, each of the elderly lightly patted him on the shoulder as they passed. Since he could not be discovered the second time, as it would invoke their suspicion, he went back to his room to continue his training.
The trio found Genevieve in the family's mustering place, sitting on a lounge and wearing an industrial suit, while facing a big round table at the center. She was the first one to arrive before the other members. There would be a meeting later to brief all the involved individuals, then they would start the mining operation.
Nodding to his brothers, Theodore entered while the other two left.
"Grandfather." Genevieve greeted, picking up a tablet laid on the table.
"Granddaughter.. I was thinking that you should go to Logria and accompany your sister Laira." Grandfather Theodore was straight to the point.
"She can take care of herself." Genevieve dismissively said, her eyes shining in greed while looking at the tablet, "Besides.. we just found a large crystal deposit. We'll make billions out of it!"
Grandfather Theodore scratched his cheek with a finger, a bit terrified at his granddaughter's business inclination. He stated, "We are trying to establish a foothold in Logria. You should go there and take care of it. Find a good place to establish a headquarter."
"But the new mine is about to open up. I should be there to supervise things." Genevieve was unconvinced, raising a brow.
"Your uncle William is more than enough to lead it." Grandfather Theodore retorted, adding, "Also, you will have to keep an eye on Sy Verdin. I can feel that he's going to be a big player in the future."
Genevieve's eyes widened at this. Seeing the facial expression of his granddaughter upon the mention of the man, grandfather Theodore added more fuel to the fire, "I heard that Mina and his brother Niel are going back to Logria after a few days."
Suddenly, Genevieve stood up in haste, "I shall make a ten day trip to Logria."