CHAPTER 286: CHAPTER 284: POWER ARMOR TRIAL

In fact, after Chen Xin completed the exoskeleton protective suit, he was already able to create Power Armor. The difference between the two, simply put, is just an extra layer of protection.

At this point, it’s not about whether or not to solve the problem manually anymore, so Chen Xin directly used the exoskeleton protective suit blueprints stored in the workbench to make two suits, and then upgraded them to Power Armor.

For the Power Armor, Chen Xin adopted a structure design similar to the T-series in "Fallout", which can open from the back for entry and then fully seal.

The entire Power Armor is covered with a thick and sturdy composite outer layer, with armor plates at critical points. It is powered by a small nuclear fusion battery, and as long as the battery isn’t damaged, it can operate for ten years without shutting down.

It comes equipped with a life support system. Due to being hastily assembled and Chen Xin’s unfamiliarity with this, the life support system only monitors the user’s vital signs, provides some simple medication injections, and emergency bleeding control. Its main function is to monitor blood oxygen levels for oxygen delivery.

Although the structure uses the uniquely appealing but ugly T-series Power Armor design from "Fallout", Chen Xin couldn’t accept the helmet that resembled an evil empire’s style. Since the original exoskeleton protective suit adopted a motorcycle helmet style, once upgraded, the armor resembles the five-dollar good buddy from "Starcraft".

The entire armor is black, and all parts look heavy and rounded, without any sharp edges. The helmet isn’t separate, but like "Starcraft’s" good buddy, it’s directly integrated into the armor, with two layers of protective visor, where the outer layer can open and the inner layer generally remains closed to keep the Power Armor sealed.

The two finished Power Armors are placed next to the workbench, and the back of the power suit is fully open. To wear the Power Armor, just walk in and start it up.

Seeing Chen Xin complete two Power Armors, Qin Lan’s eyes were filled with amazement, and she couldn’t help asking, "Is this really Power Armor? Can I try it?"

"You can try, but I need to remind you, the Power Armor uses a force feedback type assistance method, meaning the armor only assists when you make a move, so don’t make overly large movements to avoid accidents." Chen Xin didn’t stop Qin Lan from wanting to try it. After signaling her to remove the Power Glove from her right prosthetic arm, he indicated she could go in.

With a feeling of apprehension, Qin Lan stood behind the Power Armor as prompted by Chen Xin. Looking at the humanoid groove in the open back of the Power Armor, she impulsively asked, "Do I need to take off my shoes?"

"No need, the space inside the armor is adaptive; it won’t be tight or loose, ensuring comfort." Chen Xin smiled, directing her to place her feet into the Power Armor’s foot area and to first insert her head into the helmet.

Once Qin Lan felt her body fit snugly into the armor, her arms naturally slipped into the Power Armor’s arms as well.

"And then?" Qin Lan, though a bit nervous, was filled with anticipation for the Power Armor after taking a deep breath.

"And then? Say ’start’." With a smile, Chen Xin stepped into the adjacent Power Armor and said, "Start!"

With Chen Xin’s voice, the back of the Power Armor he entered automatically closed, the power system connected, and the locking mechanism resealed everything previously opened, vacuum valves expelled excess air, sealing the Power Armor and isolating it from outside, activating the life support system.

Soon after, the inside of the helmet lit up, the installed operating system of the armor began self-checking, and displayed the status of the armor on the helmet, allowing Chen Xin to see the entire suit’s status without moving his gaze.

Qin Lan also completed the process according to Chen Xin’s instructions, though she didn’t dare move too much due to the previous warning.

"Okay, once the armor is started, the wireless communication will automatically open, and you can talk to me through the built-in communicator in the helmet. For now, it defaults to internal communication mode, this is a squad channel." Chen Xin walked to Qin Lan’s front, visible to her, before pressing a button on the side of his helmet: "This button controls switching; press once for internal communication, twice for broad channel broadcast, and hold for external shouting."

Qin Lan heard Chen Xin’s explanation and wanted to lift her hand to try, but controlled her urge due to unfamiliarity with the Power Armor operation. She only spoke through the helmet’s communicator, "I understand, how should I operate this armor? I’m afraid to move now."

"It’s actually quite simple. Try gently raising your arm. If worried about your right hand, use the left, and slowly lift it normally." Chen Xin, though not very familiar with operating Power Armor himself, could grasp it quickly as he built it, and because of previous experience with similarly operated exoskeletons, he could teach Qin Lan.

Following Chen Xin’s instructions, Qin Lan controlled her left hand to slightly raise. She could clearly feel the burden but it wasn’t heavy.

However, because she didn’t slip her hand into the power armor’s hand portion, this hand-raising move seemed somewhat like a puppet being made to raise its hand.

"The control of the hand comes from the control stick held by your fingers. Use force on the finger you want to move, now try moving your fingers a little." Seeing Qin Lan successfully lift her arm, Chen Xin continued with the next step of teaching.

As Chen Xin and Qin Lan engaged in Power Armor lessons, Mo Qingyan and Mo Qingxin also gathered around, enviously eyeing Qin Lan as the first to try the Power Armor.

Mo Qingxin might have been merely envious, but Mo Qingyan felt a strange jealousy towards Qin Lan, unable to resist saying to Chen Xin, who was teaching Qin Lan how to walk in Power Armor, "Foodie, this thing is nice, how about making one for me too?"

"Dragongirl, you want it too? Sure, but it will take a few days. I plan to head to the city with Alan first, and when we return, I’ll make one for you and one for little sis Xin too." Chen Xin glanced at nearby Mo Qingxin and made a promise.

Upon hearing Chen Xin’s words, Mo Qingyan nodded, "Alright, but I don’t want mine in this dull black, can you give it a paint job?"

"Paint job? That’s up to you. Black is just me being lazy to paint it. If you want it to look nicer, you can choose any color you like," Chen Xin easily agreed to Mo Qingyan’s request to paint it.