Logan Carter explained, “This is the mecha pilot consciousness training base. Inside, there are consciousness training modules for all the basic subjects required of a mecha pilot, as well as spaces for pilots to spar with each other. All your techniques were self-taught, and many aspects are quite unreasonable. Last time, I accidentally ended up here and evaluated all the training content. Although I think 7.63% of it is less than perfect, training here will greatly help you improve your skills.”

Brian Clark asked in confusion, “Consciousness training? What is consciousness training?”

Logan Carter replied, “Its full name is neural consciousness reflex training. It allows your nervous system to memorize specific operations. Of course, to actually perform standard-compliant movements in reality, you still need a lot of real training to bring your body up to the memory standard, but proper consciousness training can greatly shorten the training time.”

Brian Clark nodded, half-understanding, “Oh, I see!” But no matter what, if Logan Carter said it was beneficial, then it must be beneficial, Brian Clark told himself.

This mecha pilot consciousness training base was established by the Mecha Pilot Association of the Fa’er Star System and is part of the basic infrastructure.

Brian Clark stepped into the hall, where many pillars were neatly arranged. From time to time, a flash of light would appear near a pillar and someone would suddenly disappear, or a flash of light would bring someone suddenly into view.

Now, Brian Clark was no longer the clueless rookie he once was. He calmly walked up to a pillar, reached out, and lightly tapped it with his finger. A semi-transparent screen quietly appeared before his eyes.

Logan Carter introduced, “There are three sections here: the basic training area, the comprehensive training area, and the battle area. Since it’s your first time, go to the battle area and try it out.”

As soon as Logan Carter finished speaking, the screen changed, displaying the waiting participants in each room and the number of spectators. Brian Clark casually tapped and selected a room with someone in it.

Whoosh—he was already inside the room. In front of him was a black mecha, and Brian Clark immediately recognized it as the Blackbird model commonly used by beginners. Because it’s easy to operate, user-friendly, and inexpensive, it’s the choice of most novices. But its performance matches its status: an entry-level mecha, equipped only with a magnetic sword, a titanium shield, and two alloy daggers. The heat guns on both arms are practically useless, their power so low that Brian Clark had no expectations for them—in fact, the real reason is that Brian Clark simply didn’t understand shooting techniques.

The Blackbird’s appearance also resembled a large black bird. The retractable wings on its sides looked like a pair of wings, allowing beginners to fly more steadily within the atmosphere. There were two rows of auxiliary engines under each wing, but their effect was limited. The two mechanical arms under the Blackbird’s belly could wield the magnetic blade and alloy daggers. The heat gun was located in the bird’s head, and its long neck allowed the head to aim and shoot at various angles with great flexibility. However, given the heat gun’s power and Brian Clark’s shooting skills, this advantage was basically useless.

But even such an ordinary, low-level mecha made Brian Clark extremely excited. Compared to Winnie, this mecha’s performance was much better.

Brian Clark couldn’t wait to climb into the cockpit.

When Brian Clark saw his opponent’s mecha clearly, he couldn’t help but feel discouraged.

If his own mecha was an unremarkable little bird, then the opponent’s was the king of birds—a phoenix! Its sleek, elegant lines were as smooth as a work of art, and its dazzling, multicolored wings and tail resembled a phoenix’s tail, radiating beauty. The fiery red armor was so passionate it took one’s breath away. Even just standing there, it exuded a composure and pride unmatched by others.

Its name matched its appearance: Shadow Phoenix. As swift as a shadow, as graceful as a phoenix.

The Shadow Phoenix-II mecha—after spending a long time in Gutisda, Brian Clark was thoroughly familiar with its specs. Compared to the Blackbird, they weren’t even in the same league. The Shadow Phoenix-II was a classic long-range attack mecha, with high speed and an advanced shooting system as its main features. Its beautiful, dazzling appearance also made it very popular among women. But in Brian Clark’s view, these almost useless wings were just a burden, and making the exterior so flashy and conspicuous was like constantly reminding the enemy of your presence.

There was no time to think further; Brian Clark received the start signal.

Section Six

Almost simultaneously, both mechas moved. A dazzling beam of light flashed before Brian Clark’s eyes, and he instinctively used the titanium shield to protect himself, rolling on the ground. When Brian Clark got up in a sorry state, he realized he still hadn’t dodged the shot—the titanium shield had been pierced with barely any protective effect, and the edge of his left side was badly grazed.

His opponent was clearly stunned, surprised that the shot hadn’t finished off Brian Clark. Seeing that the titanium shield was useless, Brian Clark simply discarded it, broke into a run, and used obstacles to interfere with his opponent’s line of sight.

But the opponent was clearly a veteran, not flustered in the slightest. The Shadow Phoenix-II’s strengths were fully displayed, and Brian Clark was effortlessly taken out by the second shot.

After being killed for the Nth time, Brian Clark’s determination was ignited. With red eyes, he repeatedly demanded a rematch.