...
Another fortnight had passed.
During this period, Duncan discovered something peculiar: the number of power armors delivered by the logistics machines had suddenly increased, enough for each soldier to possess one.
Duncan certainly did not believe that such advanced power armors would be distributed to every individual; he surmised that the logistics machines had merely concentrated the delivery to this location to alleviate their workload, intending for the personnel here to distribute the armors.
Thus, after discussing with Albert, they decided to reserve one suit of power armor for each squad leader in their respective infantry platoons, while distributing the remainder to the nearby allied forces.
However, after completing this task, the two remained on edge.
Handing out power armor to their own squad leaders felt overly extravagant; to put it more bluntly, it seemed akin to providing equipment meant for allied troops. They were apprehensive that the other allied forces might lodge complaints, leading to Qin Mo paying them a visit.
Unfortunately, this concern became a reality half a month later.
At this moment, aside from the logistics machines that regularly traversed the area, an unmanned transport aircraft unexpectedly arrived.
As the aircraft transitioned from level flight to a hovering position, everyone who heard the sound gathered beneath it, anxiously anticipating the descent of the individual who would emerge.
Thud.
Thud.
With the sound of power armor legs striking the metallic ground, two figures clad in advanced power armor landed gracefully, standing upright.
The onlookers immediately recognized them as Qin Mo and Gray, who had previously come to their aid.
Duncan hurriedly approached to perform the Eagle Salute before Qin Mo, while Albert hesitated to step forward.
As Qin Mo scanned the gathered crowd while walking forward, Gray followed closely behind him.
During his observation, Qin Mo noticed that some individuals were wearing power armor while others were not.
The power armors donned by the soldiers were not of the same caliber as those worn by him and Gray; rather, they were a significantly inferior version.
These armors merely enhanced the wearer's strength and speed, equipped with a battlefield information processing system to assist in combat, as well as integrated thermal imaging and biological detection capabilities.
Yet, even this basic form of power armor was not worn by everyone present.
"Why isn't everyone wearing power armor?" Qin Mo inquired, glancing down at Duncan, visibly perplexed.
"Ah?" Duncan was taken aback by the question, momentarily stunned, as he had expected Qin Mo's inquiry to concern the power armors distributed to the squad leaders days earlier.
The notion that power armor could be assigned to every individual seemed almost miraculous.
"He's asking you a question," Gray said, frowning at Duncan. "According to his plan, ordinary power armor is meant to be issued to every soldier. Why aren't all your soldiers equipped with it?"
Duncan lowered his head in contemplation, wrestling with his complicated feelings.
He had initially thought that providing each of his squad leaders with a suit of power armor was excessive; now, discovering that power armor was indeed meant to be universally issued left him at a loss for words.
Seeing Duncan's pensive expression, Qin Mo could likely deduce the situation, prompting him to remind, "In the future, do not distribute power armor externally. The logistics machines will accurately deliver the weaponry to your doorstep, rather than simply leaving it for you to allocate to others."
"So… those ordinary power armors are genuinely intended for every individual, aren't they?" Duncan asked, astonished.
"What else would it be?" Qin Mo retorted.
He had revamped the production process of the logistics machines half a month prior, aiming to enhance the combat effectiveness of ordinary soldiers, ensuring that everyone had access to a suit of power armor.
Previously, the production process involved the logistics machines scouring for materials in an erratic manner, rummaging through the ancient ruins of the lower nests for "treasure chests" or seeking materials in Kato. Once the materials were collected, they would be centralized for smelting and manufacturing components, which were then sent to a different location for assembly.
Qin Mo's improved process relied on a technology known as creation printing, allowing the logistics machines to print weapons and equipment directly from the materials, significantly boosting productivity.
"Why didn't you inquire about the surplus power armors when you received them?" Gray questioned.
"Who would have thought those armors could be issued to every soldier?" Duncan replied, looking bewildered.
"Who would have imagined you'd be willing to distribute the power armors you acquired?" Gray pressed further.
"Apologies, I'll retrieve them immediately."
"No need for that. Let those power armors you generously distributed serve as reserves for others."
As Duncan prepared to seek out nearby positions to reclaim the power armors, Qin Mo intervened, instructing the logistics machines to supply the newly produced armors to the personnel stationed at this site.
Finally, Qin Mo turned to approach the unmanned transport aircraft, pausing to address Duncan, "I am here to inspect whether the various outposts are utilizing the new weaponry. I must proceed to the next location, and you should immediately equip your soldiers with the new power armors upon their arrival."
"Yes," Duncan replied, somewhat dazed, still feeling as if he were in an incredibly fortunate dream.
As Qin Mo prepared to board the transport, Duncan suddenly spoke up, "I know you possess remarkable creation magic, but does the idea of universally issued power armor…"
"Power armor significantly enhances the survival odds of ordinary soldiers," Qin Mo replied, turning his gaze toward Duncan, his tone flat. "In my realm, no life is superfluous. I wish for everyone to survive, which is why I have forged power armor for all."
With that declaration, Qin Mo leapt onto the transport, followed swiftly by Gray, as the two of them sped off toward the next outpost, ensuring no similar situations arose elsewhere.
As the aircraft vanished from Duncan's sight, he continued to gaze in its departing direction, the words of Qin Mo echoing in his mind.
"In my realm, no life is superfluous."
"In my realm, no life is superfluous."
Aboard the transport, Gray chuckled at Qin Mo, "I seem to recall you mentioning that you wished to test the productivity limits of the creation printing technology?"
"When did I ever say that?" Qin Mo arched an eyebrow at Gray. "Creation printing technology is merely a trivial innovation, akin to the modified laser rifles and the ultra-low configuration power armors. Why would I specifically seek to test its productivity limits?"
"A trivial innovation? I recall on the night of the creation printing technology's inception, a cheer erupted from your room, one so resounding it even altered the gravity within the fortress."
"Fine, I admit I produced so many power armors for the sake of testing, but that doesn't contradict my concern for the soldiers' lives, does it?"
"That is indeed true."
"…"