Joshua could barely beat any of Kael's Incarnation but he earned a few keys from them.
The Lion's Gate
This is a key that brings the user to a different world.
One of machine robot units known as MARS Frames(Mechanical Automated Robotic System) which is used by those known as Lions.
Lions are mercenaries but their skill and firepower is what makes them lethal. From bipedals, hover legs, quad legged types, tank threads and reverse jointed frames. They are mercenaries for the highest bidder, and in this world.
There are plenty of limitations, but if you clear this properly. You may end up with more than just a MARS frame to bring home.
You may bring back a select few of the Lions to join you with their MARS frames.
The Rebellion of Humanity
Humanity was waged in a war against aliens. The kind that wishes for humanity's destruction, humanity was on its last legs. Fighting despite the intensity of all that was before them.
In this world, you can use your Familiars and can only use a select few weapons.
You will join as a member of the Humanity Defense Brigade, joining with various other figures.
If you complete this properly, you will have the select members of the Humanity Defense Brigade on your side.
This was also one of the homes where a Garden of Thorns had appeared. You may learn more about them, the Garden had ascended to be the 73rd Lord of Thorns, not too far from your succession.
War of the Children.
This is a realm where children have become victims of war.
10 children who now operate a tank in order to save their village, will now be caught in a terrifying war between the Elysion Empire and the Joges Republic.
Alone and afraid, this is a world that All Lords of Thorns wishes to save. For these 10 children are just mere victims in a war.
Will you save them Lord?
Legends of Aces.
The Legend of Aces is a world where racing had taken the world far greater than any other sport.
Join as a rookie member of the Aces that keep the skies safe as Storm Knights, the aerial heroes that live double life as race pilots and other works.
Participating into this will only allow you to bring one weapon and select few companions. To join you.
Joshua was thinking about them, the three worlds offered different things and he wondered if there was an issue with it.
"Lord..." Bayran called, where Joshua turned to see the white dragon flying above him.
"The worlds of those three... I will have to say that they are fundamentally different from all you've seen before. These worlds will require you to live as another person and not as Joshua Gates. Your stat system will be in effect to ensure survival.They are also different in the sense that you can come as you go when you please. These are worlds that are not meant to be done in one sitting. They are much longer than the worlds and spires you've experienced. Time also flows differently in them. So choose carefully." Joshua thought about it, thinking about what would be a good first try.
The World of Lions was on his mind. It was interesting and he decided to take a leap of faith.
Where he woke up, inside a cockpit. Feet on the pedals, arms by the two control sticks. A special optical display above his head which had a paper tape 'sniping'.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
"Alright. This will be your first test as a Lion. I am only here as an observer and will only operate at that capacity. Keep that in mind." A voice spoke up to his earpiece, Joshua nodded as his system activated.
'System Activated. Switching to combat mode.' The radar pinged the targets before him, Joshua stepped the pedal ahead. Seeing the unit moving ahead. There was a bit of recoil from the movement over Joshua's back. Joshua looked to the screen on his right, the MARS Frame beside him was a heavy type. Seeing his screen popped up with weapon lists.
'Bazooka right arm.
Left arm grenade launcher.
Shoulder flares.
Left back sniper cannon.
Right back missiles.'
Joshua took a deep breath and decided to hit the accelerator with his right leg. Feeling the speed that his MARS frame moved, roughly 500 KM per hour but even then it was a little slow. His right arm was equipped with an assault rifle, left arm with a laser claw. Right back with radar systems and left back equipped with a four lock missiles. The targets before him were identified as 'Ox' They were bulky units that fired large caliber cannons at his position. Joshua shifted his frame to the left, moving to a nearby building where the building took the hit.
No signs of life in the buildings. Joshua activated the missile system, where it took about 2 seconds for a complete lock. It took some time, but he could make it work. Shifting fast to the right, firing the missiles that had an upward trajectory. The Oxes responded to the missiles, shifting away from their positions, it gave Joshua a chance to move closer with the frame. Using the laser claw that tore through the Ox's cockpit, right arm pointing to the open chest. Firing a shot, where the system registered it as a kill.
His missile alert indicators were blaring out loud. Joshua pulled the damaged OX to let it take the hit from the missiles. The explosion occurred, where the Oxes moved closer, taking a look at it. They were trained, with one Ox going closer.Two rifle shots to the chest as Joshua boosted forward. Using the left claw to pierce through an Ox's chest, then using his right arm to fire into their head pieces. Blinding them for a brief moment.
Joshua went for point blank range, firing the rifles into it. Where the target pings faded away as the Oxes fell to their knees.
"Objective achieved." The system spoke to Joshua, who let out a sigh. It was tough, that kind of movement was actually straining his frame. He turned to see the screen below the system. It was strained but there was more that Joshua had to think about it. He needed to take the time to learn more about the systems and things about this world and especially the MARS frame.
"Not bad. Now, let's wait for the Shore Birds to carry us back." The voice spoke, it was the Lion 'Busker' with his Frame named 'Showtime.' Joshua watched as the control sticks, and pedals moved on their own. Moving to where the large helicopter appeared, their hooks carried the MARS Frames by the shoulders and lifting them up to them. Fitting it comfortably.
They were brought back to their own garages where Joshua' s MARS Frame had been laid down comfortably, and the back of the chest frame opened up. Sliding it backwards, where Joshua took off his helmet. Then climbing out, he was feeling sleepy but that is to be expected. Taking a look at the MARS Frame that he had. It looked dull, boring and the head piece? The headpiece was like a flattened head with sensors. It's arms were essentially a skeletal arm with some form of housing. The legs? The legs were bulky and not easy to move around.
So first, Research. This will be Joshua's plan first. Time to make research, where he got to a chair with a computer on it. Including emails from clients and the certification that he had become a Lion.
RE: Certification
This is to certify that you have become a part of the Pride Rock, an organization that handles the Lions for the clients to make work with. As a member of Pride Rock, every mission must come through us and taking missions outside of the organization will land you in suspension of your Lion's license and may lead to being hunted like an outcast.
That aside, you will also have access to the following.
1. Arena
The arena is where Lions can test against one another and it is a good way to make money.
2. Shop
The Shop is self explanatory, you can buy parts for your Frames in here.
3. Missions
Clients will upload missions for you to take from this area. It is where you can do things that is necessary.
4. Garage
The garage is where you house your Frames for storage, to repair, repaint, change your name and Frame name as well as other details that is needed. Autonomous Garages operate to fix your Frames accordingly. You will be assigned an operator who will manage your work soon.
As a Lion, you have indemnity in most missions. Missions which involve genocide however, will land you to be hunted as a bounty by other Lions. This is because genocide is a clear violation of the Lion's Code of conduct. Espionage and siutations that does not involve civilians are indemnity. However, attacks on civilians that is required by the mission as per the client's request is fine. '
Joshua was wondering what it meant when he read all of that. Then he checked the details inside a book, it was labelled as 'Young Lion's guide.' Reading about the parts, generator and radiators. Fire Control System, weapon types and parts. Energy and solid weapon base. Energy weapons can actually cause more short circuiting and haywire in enemy weapon systems. They just need to recharge and don't take up ammo. While solid ammo focused on full on damage. Denting parts, breaking and piercing through pieces. When Joshua looked at the weapon limit, it was focused on a couple things. It was based on how much could the Lion endure. Laser melee weaponry included laser claws, laser katanas, laser wrist blades and even weapons like sabers, axes and other melee types. Solid melee weapons existed but they weren't useful due to chipping and easily breaking. There was one, it was called the pile bunker. It was a piercing type weapon that could be mounted to the arm section and pierce into the frame directly. It was said that if one can get close enough, it can cause that much level of damage.
The other parts? Well, Joshua read the firearms part were essentially boiling down to energy and solid weapon base having differences. But it gave Joshua an idea, then reading about the MARS Frame systems. He would need a new frame, because if he used the moves he had done in the initiation it would have caused more problems down the line. The Inner is the skeleton of the unit, it was essential as the skeletons determine a unit's power capability to increase its weight limit, its damage treshold and even its capabilities. It's efficiency and its way of handling things. He needed to shop, but also needed to set up paintjobs.
For now this will be the start at least. Maybe he can earn some money from the arena?