119. The Raptor Scout

The next day, as usual, the Garuda Pioneers opened the regional chat again to share the locations of the islands they had obtained that day. The habit had already become part of their routine ever since the shared logistics system was implemented.

That morning, Rangga looked through the list of locations being sent one by one. He then spotted a name that made him stop scrolling.

Siska: Desert Island.

A few seconds later, another message appeared.

Rangga: Desert Island too.

Siska: Wow, looks like we're a match, Bang. 😏

Rangga read the message without replying.

Siska: Bang Rangga?

Siska: Why so quiet?

Siska: Don't tell me you miss me? 😏

Rangga continued staring at the screen. Instead of responding to her teasing, his thoughts were focused on something he had wanted to confirm for a while.

Rangga: Have you upgraded your Production Bench yet?

Siska's reply came shortly afterward.

Siska: Of course I have.

Rangga immediately smiled.

Rangga: Don't leave yet.

Siska: Why?

Rangga: I'll come over first.

Without explaining any further, Rangga immediately got up. He went into the storage room, opened several crates, and began taking out materials he had gathered from the shared logistics stockpile.

He put several components into his bag. After checking them once more, he hurried toward the dock.

Not long afterward, Rangga's ship left his island.

After traveling for a while, Rangga finally arrived at Siska's private island. He stepped off the ship and immediately saw Siska standing not far from the dock.

Siska waved.

“Bang!”

Rangga walked over to her.

“Why did you tell me to wait?”

Rangga didn't answer right away. Instead, he opened the bag he was carrying and took out several materials.

“Here.”

Siska looked at the items in confusion.

“What are these?”

“For you.”

“For me?”

“Yeah.”

Siska picked up one of the materials, then looked at the others.

“Bang, what are these for?”

Rangga sighed.

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“Just make it first.”

Siska still looked confused.

“Bang, I don't even know what I'm supposed to make.”

Rangga pointed toward the building where Siska's Production Bench was located.

“That's why we're going there.”

They walked together toward the Production Bench.

As soon as they entered, Siska immediately showed Rangga the Production Bench she had just upgraded. It looked completely different from the simple workbench they had used before. The work area was now more comprehensive, with various devices and storage spaces for components that allowed them to produce higher-level technology.

Rangga walked around it while examining some of the available options.

“Now you can unlock some new categories.”

Siska stood beside him.

“Which ones?”

“Armor Upgrade, Weapon Upgrade, Trinkets, Electronic Components, and Structural Components.”

Siska immediately looked through the available list.

“So now we can make better armor?”

“Much better.”

Rangga pointed at one of the options.

“There are several types here.”

Siska examined the list.

“Guardian, Hunter, Survival.”

“Yep.”

Siska then looked at another option.

“Scout.”

Rangga nodded.

“If you like moving fast, this one's a good fit.”

Siska looked at Rangga.

“You use Hunter, right?”

“Yeah.”

“What's the difference?”

Rangga explained while pointing at the information displayed on the Production Bench.

“Hunter focuses on camouflage. Enemy detection range is reduced, and there's also a critical damage bonus when attacking from stealth.”

Siska nodded.

“What about Scout?”

“Speed and dodging. Stamina is more efficient too.”

Siska's eyes immediately lit up.

“Then I'll choose Scout.”

“Whatever you want...”

Siska began inserting the materials Rangga had given her. She added some materials from her own supplies, then activated the production process.

Rangga watched the process.

“Besides armor, we can also start making electronic components now.”

Siska continued waiting for the process to finish.

“Does that include the Hijack Device?”

“Not directly. There are a lot of components.”

Rangga pointed at the next list.

“First we need to make a Circuit Board, Electromagnetic Coil, Capacitor, Power Cell, and AI Core. Then all of those are used to make the Hijack Device.”

Siska turned toward him.

“That's pretty complicated.”

“It is...” Rangga chuckled. “But once we can all make them, things will get a lot easier.”

He then pointed at the materials he had brought earlier.

“That's why I gave you some of my materials. You already have the Production Bench. All you have to do is get started.”

Not long afterward, the Scout Armor finished production and Siska immediately stood up.

“So?”

Rangga stepped back slightly.

“Try it.”

Siska put on the armor.

Her appearance changed quite dramatically.

The Scout Armor had a design inspired by a velociraptor while still retaining a humanoid form. Its base layer was dark, dominated by black, brown, and dull green materials, with lightweight layered armor that followed the contours of the body without making it look like heavy armor.

The shoulders and chest featured arrangements of lightweight plates resembling predator scales. Aramid layers and synthetic materials provided protection without sacrificing flexibility. Parts of the body were decorated with ornaments resembling raptor feathers and scales, especially along the back and sides of the waist, creating a slimmer, more feral silhouette.

The helmet was the most striking part. It resembled the head of a small predator, with a pointed snout, layered facial protection, and a round sensor on the side of the head. At the back was an arrangement of ornaments resembling feathers or spikes extending backward.

The arm guards were designed to resemble claws, while the legs had lightweight protection with tips resembling raptor claws. Several pouches and hooks were attached around the waist for carrying equipment. At the back, a layer of feather-like material formed a sort of visual tail that followed the wearer's movements.

Siska looked at her own body.

“Damn... This looks so good!”

She spun around once, and Rangga laughed.

“That's why.”

Siska raised both hands and looked at the claws on her gloves.

“This really looks like a velociraptor person.”

“It's called Scout Armor for a reason.”

Siska then tried taking a few steps. The armor felt much lighter than her previous equipment. Her movements didn't feel stiff when she crouched, made short runs, or changed direction.

She immediately smiled with satisfaction.

“This feels great.”

Rangga nodded.

“It's designed for mobility.”

Siska suddenly turned toward him.

“Bang.”

“What?”

“Does it look good?”

Rangga looked her up and down, then nodded.

“Looks good.”

Siska smiled widely.

“What do you think, Bang Rangga?”

Rangga immediately became suspicious of her tone.

“Good is good.”

Siska took a step closer.

“So, according to Bang Rangga, do I look cool?”

Rangga immediately backed away.

“Don't start.”

Siska laughed.

“I haven't even done anything.”

“That's exactly why.”

Siska chuckled again, while Rangga shook his head and turned back toward the Production Bench.

“All right. Now let's make the electronic components first.”

Siska followed behind him with a satisfied smile.

“Got it, Bang.”

That day, at least one Garuda Pioneer had successfully taken the next step forward.