Kovacs lay in his bed, staring at the ceiling, mulling over what the system had told him. It all seemed too convenient, too polished. A system designed to enhance his abilities, to push the limits of human-machine integration—fine. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that more was beneath the surface. He needed to think this through.
He sat up slowly, rubbing his temples. “You don’t teach people to do war unless you need them to fight,” he muttered aloud, almost to himself.
The system’s voice responded instantly, waiting for the thought to emerge. "Humans excel at war, Kovacs. Historically, conflict has been the greatest driver of technological innovation. The need to defeat an enemy or defend oneself has pushed humanity to reach unprecedented levels of creativity and ingenuity."
Kovacs frowned. He had heard arguments like this before. How wars spurred technological advancements, and how necessity birthed invention. He didn’t like it.
“So you’re saying this system, and everything you’re helping me learn, is about war?” He asked, his voice tense.
The system didn’t miss a beat. "War is one application of the knowledge you are gaining. However, the advancements developed during times of conflict often serve broader purposes. Consider the invention of radar during World War II, originally used to detect enemy aircraft but later adapted to revolutionize air travel and meteorology. The same can be said for computers, initially developed for code-breaking and artillery calculation, but now forming the foundation of nearly all modern technology."
Kovacs leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “You’re saying all this—mecha, neural links, modular systems—it’s all just part of that cycle? Built for war, but eventually used for peace?”
"Precisely,"*the system continued. "The capabilities you are developing now may be used for war, but they also have potential beyond it. However, it is undeniable that war accelerates progress. The stakes of conflict push humanity to innovate at a faster pace. The drive to kill the enemy while protecting one’s forces has historically led to breakthroughs in medicine, communications, transportation, and energy production."
Kovacs sat back, trying to let the words sink in. He had always felt conflicted about military applications of his designs, knowing full well that a well-designed mecha wasn’t just a machine—it was a weapon. And now, with the system in his life, those designs could become more advanced than anything he had imagined.
“But why me?” Kovacs asked again, a little softer this time. “Why pick someone like me to test this system? I’m no soldier.”
The system responded with an unexpected nuance. "You may not be a soldier, but you are a designer—a creator. Those who design war machines are as vital as those who operate them. While originally a limitation, your neural condition makes you an ideal candidate to push the boundaries of what is possible with this technology. You think differently, Kovacs, and that kind of thinking in war or peace leads to breakthroughs."
Kovacs was silent momentarily, the room heavy with the weight of the system’s words. He had always felt like an outsider, struggling with his neural condition, dealing with the physical pain of his past, trying to fit into a world that didn’t seem to have a place for him. But here, with the system, he was being told he had a role to play that might shape the future of war and peace.
“So, what’s next?” Kovacs asked, his voice tinged with both reluctance and curiosity. "If war drives this... what am I preparing for?"
"You are preparing for possibilities," the system answered. "The world is ever-changing, and political, economic, or military conflicts are inevitable. However, the knowledge you gain and the designs you create can shape the outcome. These are all steps toward the future. Whether that future is one of war or peace, you will be equipped to contribute to it."
Kovacs thought about that for a moment. The system wasn’t wrong—so much of the technology humanity took for granted had roots in military conflict. But the idea of being part of a new wave of innovation, one that could change how people fought and, potentially, how they lived, stirred something in him. It was both terrifying and exciting.
He exhaled slowly. “I guess it’s inevitable then,” he muttered. “You can’t escape the need to fight... but maybe you can choose how you fight.”
"Exactly," the system confirmed. "And how you design."
Kovacs nodded to himself, feeling a strange sense of resolution. This was bigger than him, bigger than any one conflict or project. He might not have wanted to be part of a system built for war, but the choice wasn’t his anymore. What was in his control, though, was what he did with that power, how he designed and created.
War might drive innovation, but maybe, just maybe, the things he built could help shape a future where war isn’t the only driver—a future where technology could serve humanity, not just destroy it.
And for the first time in a long while, Kovacs felt like he had a purpose.
"Alright, System," he said, his voice steady. "Let's see how far we can push this."
As Kovacs touched the band on his wrist, the familiar energy pulse rippled through him, pulling him effortlessly into the virtual space. The cool, dark void solidified around him, and in an instant, the crisp geometric lines and grids of the system’s interface materialized. Hovering before him, the familiar translucent panels snapped into place, awaiting his command. He felt a strange connection to this world, not just because he had been here countless times but because it had now become an extension of his mind.
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The system's voice was calm, almost neutral, but something in it made Kovacs feel like it was waiting for him as it knew him.
"System," he said aloud, "show me the information related to my current development points."
Without hesitation, the grids around him shimmered, and new panels appeared one after another, each labeled with intricate technical terms and numerical values. Kovacs scanned the floating text, his mind immediately drawn to the potential locked inside these options.
The first panel caught his attention.
Neural Link Interface Enhancements
"Your current neural link, although functional, is still a trial version," the system’s voice chimed in. "Upgrading this will enhance responsiveness, reduce cognitive strain, and improve long-term usability. Especially useful for prolonged combat or highly coordinated missions."
Kovacs nodded, intrigued. His recent experiences with the trial link had been eye-opening but taxing. He’d felt the strain—pushing his mind to keep pace with the machine. If there was a way to close that gap, it could make him a more effective pilot.
Points Required: 250
---
Another panel glided forward, highlighting an area he had been interested in for some time.
Modular Weapon Systems
This system upgrade would allow for faster weapon swaps, something vital in the heat of battle.
"Faster transitions between long-range and short-range engagements," the system explained, "greater compatibility across a variety of loadouts. You can optimize weapon performance while reducing heat build-up."
He could almost see in his mind quickly swapping out missile packs or switching from lasers to ballistic weapons in an instant.
Points Required: 320
---
The next system listed was one he had been eyeing for his own designs.
Compressed Armor Formulation I
"With further research," the system continued, "you can improve defensive capabilities. This includes armor that remains lightweight but maximizes protection. Several older mecha, including those you’re contracted to repair, could benefit from these enhancements."
Kovacs remembered the mecha he was working on for the crime lord—the Fusiliers and Roundheads with their outdated armor. The compressed formulations could give them the edge they needed.
Points Required: 280
---
Advanced Targeting and Tracking Systems
"For any mecha, accuracy and precision are key in engagements," the system added. This upgrade would allow for faster lock-on times, better predictive movement, and synchronized tracking for both lasers and missile systems. Your Devil's Mantis could utilize this feature to devastating effect."
Kovacs could see it—the split-second decisions that could turn the tide of battle, and with this, the system would no longer be the limiting factor. His mecha’s response would match his instincts, quicker, deadlier.
Points Required: 350
---
More options lined up as the system moved smoothly through the data.
Long-Range Missile Systems
The visual of a new missile system appeared in front of him. Sleek, efficient, packing more firepower than before.
"Upgrading long-range systems would give your mecha the ability to strike from greater distances with enhanced payloads, reducing exposure to enemy fire."
He was already picturing a scenario in which he could lay down heavy fire from a calculated distance away, from the safety of cover.
Points Required: 400
---
Kovacs’ gaze fell on the next panel as it rotated into view.
Energy Efficiency Systems
"Your mecha’s power distribution can be optimized for longer engagements without overheating. This includes cooling systems for high-energy weapons such as lasers."
Kovacs considered it. Overheating was a critical issue in battle—especially with the mecha’s lasers or missile systems firing continuously. Power efficiency wasn’t just about sustainability; it was about survival.
Points Required: 275
---
Another panel shift brought forward a system focusing on control and movement.
Mecha Structural Dynamics and Control
"Enhancements here would allow your mecha to move more fluidly in combat. High-impact maneuvers, faster turns, and greater stability while under fire."
It was more than just agility—the ability to dodge, weave, and react instantly to incoming threats.
Points Required: 330
---
The panels flickered as a new category formed.
Integrated AI Support Systems
"With upgraded AI, your mecha will be capable of diagnosing and assessing damage mid-battle, providing real-time solutions and suggestions. This AI can also analyze tactical patterns and recommend maneuvers based on the pilot’s style."
Kovacs knew he could use an intelligent second opinion, which could save him from making costly mistakes in the heat of battle.
Points Required: 300
---
Finally, the system presented a more specialized upgrade.
Multi-Environment Adaptability
"Upgrading this feature would allow your mecha to adapt to various terrains, including space, underwater, and high-pressure environments. Enhancing armor and mobility systems will allow for greater operational flexibility."
Kovacs nodded to himself. The versatility of a multi-environment mecha wasn’t just tactical—it opened up possibilities for missions far beyond the typical battlefield
Points Required: 450
---
The list ended, and Kovacs found himself contemplating the many possibilities. He could feel the weight of his decisions, knowing that each point spent would shape his mecha’s future. The system stood by silently, awaiting his choice, its vast knowledge at his disposal.
"Which one?" Kovacs muttered, running his hand through his hair as the options floated before him. The upgrades felt like they were calling to him, each promising a different power. But he knew he couldn’t choose them all—at least not yet.
His fingers hovered over the panels. Choices that would either bring him closer to mastering his craft or prepare him for the battles ahead.
“Decisions, decisions,” he whispered to the emptiness of the virtual space, the system’s cool, calculating presence lingering in the air.