Chapter 128: Disguise 1
The biggest problem, however, was that the tech trees were different.
Replication wasn't an issue, but being able to use the Converging Spacetime Cannon and open the Time Gate for dimensional jumps still wasn't possible—it required cracking the internal special structure.
But crossing disciplines is like crossing mountains. Nami was only an ordinary support-type AI, not a research type. Copying by imitation was no problem, but when it came to development or decryption, she just couldn't do it.
So, being able to copy was one thing; being able to crack and use it was another.
It was like how the heroine Ange's Phantom Machine Villkis required gathering the "Song of Inheritance," the "Royal Bloodline," and the "Ring of Guidance" before its sealed power could be released.
Only then could abilities like the Converging Spacetime Cannon, opening the Time Gate, and dimensional jumps be used.
In other words, the neo DG cells first had to lie dormant inside their Phantom Machines. Once they unsealed them, copying the machine data again would be the fastest solution.
However, Phantom Machines could freely transform between the motorcycle-shaped "Flight Mode" and the humanoid "Destroyer Mode."
Each form had different features—for example, Flight Mode focused on long-distance high-speed travel and ranged attacks, while Destroyer Mode allowed for close combat.
But… Flight Mode had no cockpit canopy. It was like riding a motorcycle—the pilot had to endure the wind the whole way—so it couldn't be used in space.
If he wanted to use it himself, he'd definitely have to modify it, add a cover or something.
By the second month of staying at the dragons' dwelling, he finally got the chance to sortie.
At Tolle's strong insistence, Salamandinē finally agreed to his request.
And so, along with a large group of dragon girls, he transformed into a little pink dragon and flew off into another parallel world.
As soon as they exited the Time Gate to the parallel world, a swarm of mass-produced Phantom Machines came flying toward them. Some were only D-class models, far inferior to the three elite machines of the dragon race.
Tolle deliberately seized the chance to get "hit" by a Phantom Machine piloted by the "Norma," then crashed to the ground and feigned death to slip away.
After that, he activated the Mirage System on his Nami Armor and secretly tailed the "Norma" back to their base, the island "Arzenal."
There, he caught sight of someone who put him in a bad mood—the First Squadron Captain of the "Norma," Zola. Back then, she bullied Ange quite a lot.
But Zola herself was tricked into death by Ange, so perhaps it was just retribution.
And she was killed off early anyway, just a one-episode character.
The key point was that her height was about the same as his, which suddenly gave him the idea—why not just replace her?
The thought excited Tolle. That lustful wolf of a woman had toyed with plenty of "Norma" girls—he could easily take her place and enjoy the same. The very idea made him drool.
Tolle attached neo DG cells to her, planning to replace her when she was alone.
But to his annoyance, she never settled down, fooling around with a different "Norma" every night. It was unbearable.
So Tolle decided not to wait. He went all in—drugging Zola and her little lover Hilda ahead of time.
On a dark and windy night, Tolle cloaked himself with the Mirage System and slipped into their base undetected.
He quickly found Zola's room, and upon entering was stunned by the extravagant décor.
Inwardly he muttered, Rich people really know how to play—the setup looks like some kind of erotic theme hotel. The luxurious oversized bed was big enough to fit several people at once.
Beside it stood a huge bathtub, with lion head sculptures continuously spouting warm water.
This Zola woman is no different from a leecher, he thought. But I like this setup. Heh heh heh.
Tolle looked at Zola's fiery figure and thought to himself, Though she dies early and doesn't have much screen time, if I want to replace her, she'll have to disappear. Simply killing her feels like a waste. Better to brainwash her.
After all, Zola's piloting skills weren't bad. Recruiting her into his organization as a loyal subordinate to fight for him sounded much better.
Tolle walked over to the two women and began brainwashing Zola and Hilda.
Zola became his loyal follower, absolutely incapable of betrayal. He even repaired her body—removing scars and restoring her lost right eye.
Perhaps it was from too much pent-up frustration, but Tolle thoroughly "inspected and tested" Zola afterward, satisfying himself before finally using the nanotech armor to transform into her exact likeness.
Inside the warship's core space, he built a comfortable, sealed prison and locked Zola away inside.
As for Hilda, he only ensured she wouldn't notice the difference after Zola was replaced, nor become suspicious.
And besides, though ambitious, Hilda still had a sense of right and wrong. In the end she even redeemed herself, giving the Commander-in-Chief position to Ange and joining her against Embryo's tyranny.
She was also a pitiful girl, starved for love and safety. Tolle figured he didn't mind giving her a little "love" while he stayed in this world. (?w?)
Later, lying naked with Hilda in his arms, Tolle fell asleep contentedly.
The next morning, when Hilda woke up in his embrace, her face was flushed as she shyly greeted him:
"Morning, Captain Zola."
Woken by her voice, Tolle stretched, then couldn't resist kissing her rosy lips. Mimicking Zola's tone, he replied:
"Hilda, come to my place again tonight. You're just too cute. Absolutely wonderful."
Hilda's face turned scarlet. She turned her back to him in embarrassment and muttered:
"Captain Zola, you just love to bully people."
Tolle also turned to face her, pulling her into his arms without restraint, and said:
"Hahaha, that's because you're too weak. But who can resist something this cute?"
"Tonight we can invite Rosalie and Chris too."
Hilda nearly whimpered aloud, struggling hard not to make too much noise.
Before long, Rosalie and Chris knocked on Zola's door, entering together with a playful complaint:
"Hilda, you're so sneaky—hogging Captain Zola all to yourself."
For safety's sake, Tolle planned to brainwash them as well. He waved them over and said:
"Rosalie, Chris, why don't you join us? It's still early—we can rest together for a while."
Obediently, Rosalie and Chris came over and leaned in close.
Tolle manipulated the neo DG cells to alter a nearby tool, disguising his true body as fake.
He then implanted dg cells into them as well, beginning the brainwashing process to make them overlook any changes in Zola.
...
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