"Seven," Fiona, the primary Calypso representative, began the debrief as Seven's name appeared on the main screen. "Let's get straight to the point. Why did you choose to pause the data download and engage your opponents?"

The small auditorium fell silent, awaiting his response. Seven took a moment to gather his thoughts before answering, "The primary mission objective was to retrieve the data. However, my true objective was to showcase my value as an asset. I had already demonstrated my maneuvering and stealth capabilities, but I wanted to prove my versatility with direct combat."

Symphony growled, his eyes' lenses flickering to reveal yellow irises as he muttered, "That thing isn't human. Humans don't move like that."

Alessia couldn't help but roll her eyes, fighting back a grin. That arrogant asshole got what he deserved, as far as she was concerned. Seven had undoubtedly made a statement.

Fiona continued in a robotic tone, "Your actions deviated significantly from your usual approach. How would you have handled the situation differently without the pressure of the sale?"

Seven's number spun lazily on the screen as he pondered the question. "In that situation, I would have prioritized stealing the data before being detected. Alternatively, I might have baited and ambushed one of them to gain their attention before sneaking past, employing a tactic similar to the one I used."

Before Fiona could continue, a young woman representing Akira Global raised her hand, interrupting, "The additional thruster packs on the limbs were not previously demonstrated. Are there any other undisclosed features or secrets about Overkill?"

Fiona nodded in acknowledgment. "Yes, there are quite a few. This was an experimental program for a reason. Although we decided to pursue a different direction, Overkill incorporates numerous experimental and cutting-edge technologies not found in standard Mechs in any generation."

Assertively, the Akira woman pushed further, "Will the mech's schematics and associated technologies be included in the sale?"

Fiona's response was firm. "No, we have no plans to share our proprietary technology. However, as part of the sale, we will provide support for the maintenance and repair of the exclusive technologies, subject to terms and conditions."

The woman persisted, "Is there room for negotiation on that matter?"

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"I'm afraid not," Fiona shut her down, leaving no room for further discussion.

Alessia blinked, trying to keep up with the rapid exchange. She felt more at home in a mech than in a boardroom full of sharks. Dealing with enemies who just wanted to kill you was so much simpler.

"We anticipate more questions in the coming days, and we will address them then. But for now, I believe our head of marketing has something to share with all of you regarding the training session."

A short man with silver-skin took Fiona's place at the front of the auditorium, commencing his presentation. Alessia wasn't particularly interested in the business side of things, but damn did it look good.

The marketing teams were elated. They were already compiling captivating highlight reels and still frames from the simulation, preparing for the public release once the new gladiator was signed. It was no longer a matter of if, but when.

Alessia had seen snippets of the footage and stills herself. Each frame was filled with awe-inspiring visuals, enhanced through post-processing to make every moment worthy of the colossal billboards they would grace. From the frozen instant when Riot faced impending doom to the imposing image of Overkill standing victorious over an incapacitated Symphony. The highlights were equally enthralling, heightened by audio clips from the pilots' communications to intensify the experience, just as they always did. She paused momentarily on the image of Overkill, gripping the remains of the Machine God's head in one hand, wires and cords cascading like macabre circuitry.

While Riot and Moonraker were more tolerable, Alessia couldn't help but relish in the fact that Symphony, the most insufferable of them all, suffered the most crushing defeat. The others could argue that they were caught off guard, but not Symphony. He had been decisively beaten in a one-on-one showdown.

Alessia sighed, remembering how they had initially hesitated due to the steep asking price. Now, it seemed an inevitable bidding war loomed on the horizon. Ultimately, it would come down to the three major contenders: Vision, Nova, or Akira. The smaller independent groups still participated in the talks, but none had the financial capacity to compete.

Absently, Alessia toyed with her tablet, reviewing the footage and stills as she contemplated the situation. Akira's relentless pursuit of dismantling the mech and exploring its technology posed an issue. During the debrief, they had fixated on the belief that the mech's technology, rather than the pilot's skill, was the key to the resounding victory.

That meant certain death for Seven, who, above all else, was an exceptionally skilled pilot. Not that they cared, as Symphony seemed determined to cling to the belief that Seven was an AI. Even though that had been outlawed decades ago and there was no way Calypso was stupid enough to try to sell other major corporations an 'AI-Gladiator'. Besides, Seven had earned points in her book for taking down those arrogant assholes, even if he might be equally insufferable behind that velvety smooth synthetic voice.

Alessia tried to focus as the debrief continued, but her eyes glazed over as the corporate discussions stretched on for another two tedious hours.