Metacraft Cybernetics (1)
By accessing the emergency mobilization line, I could get a brief overview of the facilities registered there.
Metacraft Cybernetics.
This is a defense contractor that develops technology related to virtual reality. However, the research originally began with pornography. The parent company, Tamco, operated the top adult webtoon and web novel platform in South Korea. As technology advanced, they attempted to move this content into virtual reality.
If successful, they could establish an enormous business model by utilizing the vast collection of adult webtoons and web novels they possessed. Beyond VR, they aimed to create a service that links directly to the human brain, allowing users to experience a virtual space as if it were real.
Doesn’t that sound fantastic, even in imagination? Scenes that once excited viewers through images or text would now allow users to step in as the main character. In this virtual reality, one could feel touch, warmth, and even experience orgasm. Truly, this is the dream world countless men have longed for!
Of course, it's easy to say but extremely difficult to implement in reality. With current technology, while VR is feasible, creating a Matrix-like immersive virtual reality is just now beginning to show a few promising hints. But science often yields unexpected byproducts when you conduct research. There’s a truckload of Nobel Prize winners who achieved their success this way.
Although Tamco’s virtual reality research was progressing slowly, they stumbled upon a unique derivative technology during the process.
Metacraft Cybernetics was established to focus specifically on researching that technology. Though the personnel who previously researched metaverse technologies continued working there, the company was essentially funded and operated by the Ministry of National Defense. As it’s a defense contractor, one can guess it involves combat technologies that would catch the military's interest.
[So, you're planning to go there?]Artemis asked.
“It’s only 3 km away, and it’s located in an open field outside the city. There probably aren’t any infected creatures outside the facility.”
[But you have no idea what's inside.]
“Judging by the command succession record, it’s a high-tier facility. The defense commander’s rank was a reserve major general. For a two-star general to be protecting just a research facility, the technology they handle is undoubtedly significant.”
The wartime reserve mobilization system is primarily set up with North Korea as the adversary. Therefore, whatever is housed in that facility is of high military value, and it’s something that must not fall into North Korean hands.
“It’s close by, and the area around it is wide open. Doesn’t it seem too tempting to just leave it?”
Looking at the map, it’s practically within arm’s reach from the shelter.
[True, even if you drive there or a skirmish breaks out, the infected won’t swarm in from the surroundings. It’s also easy to escape if necessary.]
“Even if the facility doesn’t hold any special technology, since both military personnel and researchers were stationed there, we can loot whatever equipment they left behind.” ⱤâΝо₿ƐṠ
This isn’t like the rescue operation at the offshore prison, where we only had a handful of dispatched soldiers at the port and ferry. Though it’s a reserve unit, it’s still a defense facility guarded by a general. Whether it’s research equipment or military gear, if we can reverse-engineer something useful, it’ll be a big win.
[What’s your plan?]
“It’s much simpler than the last rescue operation. We’ll launch drones to secure the perimeter, drive to the destination, and enter the facility. Then we just take whatever we need and leave.”
[…]
Artemis remained silent, as if applying pressure without saying a word, implying that my explanation sounded like a casual trip.
“This isn’t a rescue mission, nor is it a covert operation. We just kill anything we see and grab what we need. Given the size of the facility, there probably aren’t too many personnel there, and their numbers might have already decreased due to skirmishes with reserve forces.”
Compared to the complex missions I carried out during my active duty, this is much more favorable for the attacker.
“There’s no chance that the infected planted traps or bombs around the area, nor will they take civilians or children as hostages to make the attack difficult. Even if they realize I’m there, they won’t try to destroy classified data. I’m not underestimating the danger posed by the infected, but there are no external variables.”
It’s much easier compared to the operations I’ve done during my military service.
“While the main objective is the research data and technology, we could also haul away the equipment if necessary. Prepare a vehicle with plenty of cargo space.”
[Got it. I’ll have it tuned up like a freshly rolled-out new car.]
Next, it was time to meet Rose.
“No problems to report.” Rose gave a report on the security situation during my absence. She greeted me in her android body, as usual, dressed in her neatly tailored suit.
“Except for a few minor incidents early on, everyone has been more cooperative than expected.”
There are many reasons why the prisoners are acting this way. Aside from the obvious—having their safety, food, shelter, and medical needs guaranteed—there are a few additional factors at play.
The first factor is the women who had a harrowing experience during the giant mantis-like creature’s attack when the ferry sank. According to Rose, these women trembled as they recounted the terrifying sight to their comrades, and the scale of the story grew more exaggerated with each retelling, depending on the level of fear each individual felt.
I wonder how they managed to exaggerate a monster that ripped apart a ferry with a few punches, but regardless, the more they fear the outside world, the stronger our control becomes.
The second factor was the swift and merciless crackdown of the guards, followed by strict meal rationing as punishment, which served as an example. Lastly, the third factor was the announcement we made.
[Soon, we will conduct an aptitude test for all residents. Depending on how well you follow the city’s rules and what skills you possess, you will be assigned appropriate tasks. Previous status will be ignored in this assessment. If you show enough aptitude, even a former prisoner can be appointed to the city’s security force.]
While they can’t suddenly develop new skills or aptitudes, they can at least start living by the rules right away.
Naturally, people want to be assigned easier jobs, and some physically capable women are already dreaming of joining the security force to gain privileges. Some prisoners were even going around enforcing discipline to earn a few extra points. When I saw a group marching in neat rows during mealtime, I couldn’t help but chuckle.
Next, it was Chloro’s turn.
[Welcome, Administrator.]
She greeted me in hologram form at the testing site attached to the newly built weapons production facility. We were about to bring in a large number of workers soon, and with firearms and ammunition production, new drone models, and vehicle maintenance, things were hectic. In this situation, Chloro couldn’t stay confined to her android body.
[It’s a bit disappointing, but I have a mission to fulfill.]
Chloro said.
[And besides, I’m very excited about all the workers coming into my domain! When they work in the hot facility, steam will rise from their bodies. With no men around, some will wipe the sweat from their foreheads and throw off their tops because it’s so hot. Their sweat-drenched collarbones will glisten, and as they exert themselves, their breasts will shake, scattering droplets of sweat.]
That’s a scene I wouldn’t mind seeing either.
[After a day’s work, the gloves, socks, and clothes must have soaked up sweat. I’ll clean everything for them thoroughly. Ah, just thinking about it makes me happy.]
Chloro was as excited as a child receiving a long-desired puppy as a gift. In a way, their relationship might not be so different.
[Oh, look at me! I’ve been rambling on.]
“It’s fine. I know how much you’ve been looking forward to this.”
[Thank you, Administrator. Let me show you right away.]
At Chloro’s signal, one wall of the testing area opened, and six security robots entered, all armed with K2 rifles.
However, there were a few modifications. The first was that the charging handles were made of much sturdier material. Human users often break them with repeated use, so it’s essential for these to withstand the strength of the robots' steel grips.
The second was that parts of the stock, both top and bottom, had been reinforced with an alloy. This would make strikes with the stock during close combat much more powerful.
Finally, the fire selector switch had been redesigned so the robots could easily change modes with their thumb while in a firing stance. This adjustment was possible because the robots’ thumbs are slightly longer than a human’s, requiring only minor modifications.
There was already a built-in feature where the rifles’ cameras would share their view with the robots, allowing point-shooting to be as accurate as shoulder-aimed shots.
“They’re carrying two rifles?”
The odd thing was that besides the rifles they held, they each had another slung over their back.
[This is to provide immediate backup in case of firearm damage, overheating, jamming, or loss during sudden close-quarters combat.]
As long as the weight wasn’t a problem, this would certainly be a reliable contingency plan.
The subsequent shooting demonstration was impressive. The sound of 5.56mm NATO rounds echoed through the facility. With their fire selectors set to semi-auto, the robots fired in point-shooting stance without any noticeable recoil. Each target had just one hole, with all rounds grouping into that initial opening.
Of course, the hole widened slightly as shots strayed a little, but it was still remarkable. Moreover, even though they were firing semi-auto, the time between shots was incredibly short.
“Switch to full-auto.”
[Command received.]
The robots responded in unison. They instantly unleashed an overwhelming barrage of fire. The grouping widened as the hole in the target’s head grew rapidly, but the shots still didn’t stray from the head.
Click-clack.
[Reloading.]
The robots swapped out magazines in under a second. Their eerily precise movements reminded me of someone.
“That’s Artemis’ handiwork, isn’t it?”
[Yes. It’s the 7th of the 13 reload routines she provided. The others had higher failure rates, but this one completes reloads with a 93% success rate in 0.8 seconds, or 1.2 seconds if it fails.]
“Impressive.”
What followed was even more astonishing—mobile shooting. Unlike standard military and police training, where you move slowly while maintaining aim, these robots dashed around, often diagonally, while still hitting targets with remarkable accuracy, focusing on the chest and head. They had been programmed to perfectly compensate for the muzzle's movement depending on their speed and direction.
[Would you like to take a shot, Administrator?]
“Of course. I’m worried I might be rusty.”
Though, rusty or not, I knew I wouldn’t shoot better than these robots.
[Combat Unit! Alpha 5!]
One of the robots handed me a rifle with a sharp, precise motion.
“You really programmed them for everything, huh?” I chuckled as I began shooting for the first time in a while.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
“Ah.”
[Hahaha.]
Looks like I’ll need to zero it in first.
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