Chapter 157: Praetoriani Suit of Armors
After fifteen minutes, the rigid tension that had gripped the recruits finally began to ease. The human-looking androids, with their serene smiles and effortless grace, circulated through the lounge, offering an endless supply of snacks and refreshing, chilled drinks.
More compelling were the advanced arcade simulator booths that lined the back wall. These weren’t crude games; they were immersive war simulations, placing the men in the cockpits of advanced jets or behind the wheel of futuristic armored vehicles, the virtual battlefields indistinguishable from reality. Laughter, mixed with shouts of triumph and frustration, began to fill the spacious lounge.
On a raised platform overlooking the sprawling entertainment area, Richard and Ciano monitored the recruits through a one-way translucent screen. Richard leaned back slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Well, looks like your men have eased up their tensions, Ciano."
"Yes, sir," Ciano replied, his voice a low rumble, his gaze sweeping over the now relaxed and engaged recruits. "They have. Brazilian men. They adapt fast. Especially to comfort."
"Good," Richard said, his smile widening. He gestured towards a heavy, reinforced door at the far end of the monitoring platform. "Now, I have something else to show you. Something far more... inspiring."
With a soft, almost imperceptible hiss of hydraulics, the massive door slid open, revealing a breathtaking sight. The chamber beyond was vast, bathed in a cool, ethereal light, and filled with a silent, imposing presence. Lined up in gleaming rows were formidable figures: power armors, each standing roughly ten feet tall, their thick plates gleaming with a distinctive yellow and black streaked livery.
Ciano’s eyes widened, his usual stoicism crumbling. A low sound, a mix of awe and disbelief, escaped his lips. "By... by the saints," he breathed, taking an involuntary step forward. He’d seen horrors beyond human comprehension, witnessed miracles of faith, but this... this was raw, undeniable, technological power.
Richard began his explanation, his voice filled with quiet pride. "These are the Praetoriani power armors. Designed for peak combat effectiveness and soldier survivability in any environment. We have two primary variations here."
He gestured to the first line of armors. These were bulkier, their limbs thick with layers of interlocking plates. "This variant is the Praetoriani Hoplite armor. Designed for frontline engagement, heavy defense. Each one holds a shield made from a translucent, almost iridescent material." He pointed to a Hoplite. The shield, large and rectangular, shimmered with a faint internal light. "And they are armed with a selection of melee weapons: you have the option of a spear, an axe, a two-handed sword, a great sword, or for more versatility, a combination of a saber and a plasma pistol."