Chapter 33: Not Treating Me as an Outsider

As previously discussed, Luca intended to examine Baymax’s internal programming and attempt to add a few things. Of course, this was not as simple as merely modifying the startup and shutdown voice prompts or adjusting the emotional module. More importantly, Luca planned to do as Hiro Hamada did in the original *Big Hero 6* story: add combat programming to Baymax. However, the prerequisite for all of this was for Luca to first confirm whether he actually possessed the capability to do so.

After turning on the computer in front of him, Luca turned to look at Baymax, intending to call him over. But the moment he looked up, Luca’s eyes went dark.

"Why are you still holding that case? Put it down, off to the side! And plug it in to charge!"

"The healthcare robot’s portable storage case is currently sufficiently charged; continued charging is not recommended." (●—●)

*Good grief, does this case actually have such a formal name?*

"......Fine, don't charge it, just put the case down and come over..."

Luca, no longer having the energy to bicker with the dim-witted robot, sighed helplessly and pointed to the corner to issue a new command. This time, the obedient Baymax set the case down in the corner, pulled out the power cord, looked at it, set it aside, and only then walked over to Luca.

However, before Luca could speak, Baymax’s gentle, monotone voice sounded again.

"Based on a scan, you should rest and enter a sleep state as soon as possible. Prolonged sleep deprivation can lead to decreased metabolism, impaired immunity, and other health risks..."

"Hmm? Didn't I tell you not to perform scans whenever you want without my permission?"

"The previous command was 'Do not perform random scans of other people's physical condition without my permission.' According to the protocol, Luca is not classified as 'other people.' Would you like to be added to this instruction?" (●—●)

"......I'm so touched that you don't treat me like an outsider."

"Your gratitude has been received." (●—●)

"......"

"Would you like to be added to this instruction?" Baymax asked again, relentless.

*I swear...*

A string of profanities nearly escaped his lips, but Luca held them back in the end. After a moment of thought, he decided not to dwell on it further. Considering that being scanned at any time would help him keep track of his own health, he simply chose to let it be.

"No need, go ahead and scan whenever. Just remember, in the future, if there are other people present, don't just blurt out my physical condition."

Fearing that Baymax might misinterpret his meaning again, Luca quickly added, "Well, the prerequisite is that if there is no need for others to rescue me. In emergency situations, you should say it if you need to."

"New protocol added." (●—●)

*Alright, even though he's a bit of a blockhead, it doesn't seem so bad.*

Having finally dealt with the robot's interruptions, Luca tapped the chip port on Baymax’s chest, and the cylindrical compartment popped open. Luca reached in, removed the bright green chip containing Baymax’s core data, and twirled it between his fingers.

"Aha~ there should be spares of this type of chip at home~"

He inserted the chip into the computer, uploaded the database, and opened the operation module. The first order of business was to check the production process recorded in the database that Baymax had mentioned earlier. However, it was not quite what Luca had anticipated. The database didn't contain the full set of technical specifications; instead, it featured video recordings of Tadashi Hamada’s entire process, from the initial design to the final completion of Baymax.

While such videos were incredibly useful, compared to direct blueprints, many of the steps and techniques would require Luca to research and deduce them himself.

*Besides, some things that people in that world could simply order and purchase would require me to develop entirely new black-box technology from scratch.*

*It seems it will take quite a bit of time before I can truly replicate Baymax.*

Setting aside the work that was destined to be time-consuming, Luca browsed through the rest of the contents on the chip. This time, he felt a slight sense of relief. The situation was much better than he had feared. Perhaps because this version of Baymax was still in the development phase, although Luca couldn't fully understand many parts of the core, the modular design Tadashi Hamada had used was very clean and clear, leaving plenty of room for modifications in every direction.

Even without adjusting the core code, upgrades and changes could still be made. For instance, the combat module Luca wanted to load was already prepared with a video motion-capture plugin in the original program. He only needed to load the movements he wanted Baymax to "learn" into the designated module, and Baymax could master all of them through motion-capture deduction. Furthermore, Luca didn't need to worry about the core healthcare program causing Baymax to refuse to fight, as Hiro Hamada had in the original story.

Because of the "Zeroth Law," as long as Luca issued an order, Baymax would comply without hesitation.

*Hmm, it’s better to just get an extra chip. That way, if something goes wrong with the original, I won't have anywhere to cry.*

After a brief moment of thought, Luca simply grabbed a new chip, copied the motion system into it, and dumped a load of common combat techniques, firearm usage, and special forces tactical maneuvers into this brand-new chip.

By the time he finished this step, Luca already felt a bit drowsy. The emotional ups and downs of the day, combined with the sustained, focused work, had inevitably left him mentally exhausted. However, considering the current situation, he was determined to finish the remaining work in one go.

Next was scanning Baymax’s body shape and designing the external armor based on the data. The tricky part here was that Luca had to design the modeling himself. Even with the assistance of the algorithms once written by his father, Hermann, this was still no small feat.

"Hmm, the gauntlets need more sharp edges and extra counterweights."

"The carbon fiber printed at home is a bit lacking in bulletproof performance; the body armor needs to be made a bit smoother."

"And the stomach area... never mind, let’s keep the inflatable interior. It can at least provide an extra cushioning effect. Worst case, I'll just deflate it before putting on or taking off the armor."

"Ugh, this doesn't look very uniform. Is it a bit ugly? Well, it doesn't matter, it's just a shell, and Baymax doesn't have an aesthetic sense anyway."

Just like that, muttering to himself to stay alert while focusing on his work, he busied himself for most of the night. It wasn't until he had imported all the modeling data into the 3D printer that Luca finally relaxed a little.

"The 3D printer at home is still far inferior to the large-scale machines at the company; neither the print speed nor the strength of the finished product is worth mentioning."

"But I'll make do for now. I'll upgrade it for Baymax at the company when I get the chance."

With everything handled, he watched the combat videos slowly uploading and the 3D printer grinding away as it started its work. Luca estimated that it would take until tomorrow... or rather, this afternoon, for both to be fully completed.

He let out a massive yawn, reinstalled the original green chip into Baymax, and called out, his face full of sleepiness.

"Let's go, Baymax. Upstairs to sleep~"