Chapter 180: Strange...
As Ava approached, Zack was already stepping out of his advanced flight suit. The segmented armor unfolded smoothly, allowing him to step free. Unlike most systems, this one didn't simply power down when not in use. Instead, it activated its independent mode, following Zack like a silent sentinel. "Ava, I've seen what you can do behind the controls," Zack said with a faint smirk. "How about taking the helm of something a little... bigger?"
Ava blinked, caught off guard. "You mean this? This... giant thing?" she stammered. "Can it really fly?"
Zack rolled his eyes. "Why else would I build her? But fine, if you're not up for it, just find a seat and enjoy the show." Without waiting for her reply, Zack made his way to the main cockpit. As he sat down, the semi-enclosed pod adjusted itself automatically, locking him into position.
The controls came to life, projected in front of him in a seamless holographic display. "It's a pleasure to assist you," a soft, synthetic voice chimed in his ear. It was November, the ship's onboard assistant.
Zack chuckled. "November, your voice is a lot easier on the ears than my last system's."
"Thank you, sir," November replied evenly.
Another voice cut in—this one more familiar and laden with sarcasm. "Sir, You do realize I could hear it, right?" It was Ego, Zack's personal AI assistant, speaking directly into his mind.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. Just don't ruin my fun," Zack teased, grinning. Ego, unlike November, was his long-time companion and had a knack for throwing in a witty comment or two.
Though November's voice was pleasant, Zack couldn't help but notice its robotic precision. Unlike Ego, it lacked any real emotion. Ego was capable of humor, banter, and even the occasional argument, while November was purely functional. "I could always switch to a female voice if that's what you're into," Ego quipped before going silent, leaving Zack shaking his head with a smirk.
"All right, November," Zack said, getting serious, "prepare for takeoff."
As he spoke, Aegis's massive engines roared to life. The dual reactors at the ship's core pulsed with energy, lighting up like twin suns. Power surged through the system as the wings—previously folded—slowly extended, casting enormous shadows over the launch platform. "Sir, please activate the underwing vertical turbines," November prompted.
Zack tapped the interface, and the four turbines mounted beneath the wings whirred to life. Their rotation sped up rapidly, generating a powerful upward thrust. Bit by bit, the massive aircraft—nearly 100 meters wide and weighing over 800 tons—lifted off the ground. The force of the turbines sent shockwaves through the air, ripping up grass and debris around the launch site. Slowly but surely, Aegis began its ascent, the steel colossus climbing higher and higher into the sky. "Currently off the ground and climbing steadily," November reported.