The blackbird traced a graceful arc, and at the apex of that arc was the still-unyielding Apollo.

Even as an entry-level mecha, the blackbird’s top speed was nothing to scoff at. In the blink of an eye, the blackbird caught up with Jason’s Apollo.

Jason, dizzy and disoriented, was completely blank-minded, unable to react at all, and had lost all control of his mecha.

The faintly visible throat of Apollo loomed ever larger in Brian Clark’s eyes. Brian Clark’s gaze locked onto Apollo’s throat like a viper, not daring to be distracted for even a moment.

Now! With a thunderous shout, Brian Clark drove the magnetic blade with all his might, stabbing it like lightning into Apollo’s throat—just like a knight of old, charging at full speed and spearing his enemy’s neck with a lance. The power of the full-speed charge far exceeded Brian Clark’s expectations; Apollo was flung away like a ragdoll, its thick, pillar-like neck left barely half-attached, its interior and light circuits a tangled mess.

Almost instinctively, Brian Clark had completed a match in which he’d had virtually no chance of winning.

Brian Clark is victorious!

Section Twelve

The opponent demanded a rematch, but Brian Clark ignored him. In his mind, so many rookie mistakes were enough for him to die several times over; what he needed were experts, not idiots. Only experts could hone his skills and improve his strength.

Suddenly, Logan Carter appeared: “Hmm, not a bad result, but your opponent was really too weak!”

Brian Clark nodded noncommittally.

Logan Carter asked, “But now it seems the blackbird can no longer meet your needs. Interested in switching to a new one?”

Brian Clark’s eyes lit up: “A new mecha? What model?”

Logan Carter asked, “What did you think of the mecha that guy was using just now?”

Brian Clark: “Not bad! Very well-balanced, and the modifications were extremely reasonable!”

Logan Carter said, “For every match you win, you earn a certain number of points. You can exchange these points at the repair bay in the combat zone for various mechas or components. Modifying your mecha is also allowed here. Of course, I don’t recommend you use a modified mecha just yet, even though you have some skill in that area. My suggestion is to get familiar with all the standard mechas first, then enjoy the fun of modifications.”

As soon as Logan Carter finished speaking, Brian Clark couldn’t wait and headed straight to the repair bay. The spacious hall was filled with all kinds of mechas. Brian Clark darted among them like a hungry wolf encountering delicious prey, his eyes shining as he patted one and touched another, visibly excited.

Each mecha had its required points clearly marked. Only then did Brian Clark remember this detail, and he hurriedly fumbled to bring up his info panel. After searching for a while, he finally found it: 1000 points. Brian Clark breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, there were two models of the Blue Wolf, and both only cost 300. Looks like I’ve got plenty of points, Brian Clark thought happily to himself.

Brian Clark decided to follow Logan Carter’s advice—his words were rarely off the mark.

Reluctantly glancing at the other mechas, Brian Clark nevertheless chose a Blue Wolf-I mecha without hesitation.

The Blue Wolf mecha looked just like a wolf, standing on all fours, with a beam emitter gripped in its mouth, capable of generating half-meter-long laser blades at both ends. The Blue Wolf was a classic ground combat mecha. It didn’t have the blackbird’s lateral wings and couldn’t fly in the atmosphere, nor did its engine perform exceptionally in space. But on land, its explosive power, agile maneuvering, and speed rivaling that of flying mechas made it extremely popular.

There were two models of the Blue Wolf: Type I and Type II. Type I was for close combat, Type II for ranged attacks. The difference was that Type II lacked the beam emitter and was instead equipped with a high-energy particle cannon, plus three ten-thousand-level particle guns. If a shot missed, it could immediately retreat to a distance, making it a great choice for hit-and-run tactics on land.

Compared to the blackbird, the Blue Wolf was an upgrade in every respect.

Logan Carter suddenly appeared in front of Brian Clark like a ghost, glanced at Brian Clark and the Blue Wolf crouched behind him, and gave a fair assessment: “A beast communicating with a beast!”

Brian Clark glared: “Did you just compare me to a beast?”

Logan Carter drawled lazily, “Aren’t you?”

Brian Clark retorted, “Of course not!”

Logan Carter: “Then what are you?”

Brian Clark declared shamelessly, “I’m the king of beasts!”

Logan Carter acted as if struck, collapsing to the ground, stars spinning above his head, foaming at the mouth and muttering, “Truly beastly!”

Brian Clark stood with hands on hips, chest out in pride, as the background music played the roars of countless wild beasts. Suddenly, the music changed, and the piercing sounds of beasts mating blared in his ears. Brian Clark’s hair instantly stood on end, and he immediately surrendered to Logan Carter.

Logan Carter chuckled, drawing out his words: “Beast… king… huh!”

Brian Clark pulled a long face, looking utterly deflated.

Logan Carter tossed a list to Brian Clark, who quickly caught it.

“This is a list of all registered names here with a win rate over 90% and practice records within the last three months. Challenge them one by one. Oh, and don’t forget to start from the very last one.”

Emily Scott and Grace stared blankly at the now-empty training ground.

Grace said woodenly, “Xuelin, he’s gone!” In the blackbird’s cockpit, tears silently streamed down her delicate face.