Entering the ranked match.

The opponent is from USE. Compared to that, Li Hao prefers playing outside. The styles are more unique and interesting there. The USE strategies are too conventional, and everyone plays with Slave units. Sometimes, it's quite boring.

It's more lively on Mars than Earth. The EMP competition on Mars has even given a special column to Puppet, attracting the attention of ROM's top commentator, "Fire Man." He used to be a ROM Federal Army Mobile Warrior and switched to commentary after retiring. He was one of the first commentators and unexpectedly became popular. He's now a veteran in the Mars commentary circle.

The reason is simple: Stanen lost. Stanen can't be considered a top expert, but he does have some fame. He even participated in the Mecha Warfare Tournament, so this became a point of comfort for a considerable number of USE fans. Unfortunately, Martians can tolerate everything except being condescended to.

In the words of Martians, they have always been the ones bullying others.

There are already many people in the forum challenging Puppet to a match, but that coward doesn't dare accept. Among them are the top experts from various military academies on Mars, including participants from the Mecha Warfare Tournament. Due to their long absence from EMP matches, their scores have dropped to around a thousand. That's why Puppet's skill level isn't considered high, but he likes to "show off" and act as if he can defeat stronger opponents, making his battles flashy and showy.

But Puppet is popular now, both in USE and ROM. It's said that he mainly uses "Armor Dragon" and "Armor Tiger" as his mechas, which gives him a unique and retro vibe, like an alternative internet celebrity.

Puppet vs. American Lion A. Robby

When the opponent appeared, it caused an uproar in USE, but not because of Puppet, but because of Robby.

Usually, when a name is that straightforward, it means the person is quite confident. A-level Military Academy, American Lion, ranked first in the South American region's military academies. Robby is even considered a representative figure from that region. If we were to categorize the players, he would definitely be an A-level player in USE. Moreover, he has a fierce personality. When he entered the Mecha Warfare Tournament, the various USE players were a bit stunned. This led to an overall conservative tactical approach, which was a significant reason for their defeat. Robby is the one who fights fearlessly and takes risks, attracting a lot of attention.

But how did his EMP score match Puppet's, considering that Puppet is expected to be around 1000 points? Even if Robby has played less EMP due to the competition and training, his score wouldn't be low. It can only be said that Puppet must have hidden points or outstanding performance in some aspect to match such an outstanding warrior.

Li Hao looked at the name and a smile appeared on his lips... Robby, long time no see.

Both sides entered the arena. Robby had just completed a month of special training. The defeat in the Mecha Warfare Tournament had left the entire young generation of USE elites with a sense of resentment. It had to be said that on one hand, it was due to their own shortcomings, but on the other hand, it was also due to their outdated tactics. In terms of physicality and combat skills, they weren't far behind. It was just their understanding of mechas, proficiency, and countermeasures that NUP had advanced one level. This was what Robby and others needed to catch up on.

Puppet... what a strange name. Generally, at this level, few people would choose such a playful name. It sounded more like a name from the virtual zone.

Both sides entered the selection phase.

Puppet had already made his choice: Armor Dragon Mark III.

Robby smiled. In this kind of match, no one would choose first. That would expose weaknesses to the opponent. USE hadn't really cared before, but they had learned their lesson in the recent Mecha Warfare Tournament. When the strengths were relatively equal, the mecha's counters, especially those trained extensively for such counters, had a significant effect in actual combat. The more opponents there were, the greater the probability.

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Robby chose Dragon God E-Type, an upgraded version of the Armor Dragon series. This mecha was slightly larger in size, had better materials, and, more importantly, enhanced movement fluidity to reduce the difficulty of operation and the burden on the pilot.

The main direction of modern mechas is to enhance functionality and reduce the burden on the warriors, allowing them to fully utilize their own advantages as humans.Armor Dragon Mark III (USE):

Specifications: Medium-sized mecha, 80 tons

Nuclear fusion-driven laser gun, titanium blade, left arm small shield

Dragon God E-Type (USE):

Specifications: Medium-sized mecha, 76 tons

Nuclear fusion-driven laser gun, shoulder cannon, laser sword, left arm small shield

Puppet vs. Robby

Li Hao and Robby had already made their choices, and the countdown was supposed to start in 30 seconds. However, unexpectedly, it turned into three minutes.

In the dormitory, Zhuang Zhou and the others collectively spent money to enter the holographic observation. Fortunately, they weren't professional broadcasters; otherwise, with this level of popularity, the prices would have increased. Since the last battle's dominance, the four buddies had given up their girlfriends, abandoned their leisure activities, and even canceled their plans for the weekend. It wasn't because Zhuang Zhou forced them; Puppet was worth supporting.

"What the hell, Zhuang Zhou, what's with that expression? You don't really think Puppet will win, do you?"

The brothers in the dormitory laughed.

Zhuang Zhou smiled faintly. "Let's wait and see. If he wins this match, I'll start a streaming channel."

He had a strange premonition in his heart. He couldn't explain it clearly, but it had been growing stronger recently. However, he didn't know what this premonition was trying to tell him.

The match began, and two Armor Dragon mechas entered the arena.

Robby moved his neck a bit. Regardless of who the opponent was, he wanted to finish it quickly. Taking advantage of the weekend, he expected to face a formidable opponent and test the results of his long training. When his body entered the piloting state, he felt his blood boiling. He didn't want to waste time on rookies.

Swoosh...

The laser sword unsheathed, pointing toward the opposing Armor Dragon. However, the opposing mecha remained motionless, just looking at him...

Could it be a fan encounter?

Robby grinned. It didn't matter; it was useless. The engine roared, and the Dragon God mecha rushed toward the opponent, reaching its peak speed and momentum. The laser sword struck directly at the opponent. When dealing with weaker opponents, the most direct approach was the best.

Swoosh...

Empty?

Instantly, cold sweat covered Robby. Instinctively, he quickly defended with his left shoulder, completely relying on his experience to block the opponent's punch. Just as he was about to forcefully retreat, his mecha was hit hard, causing intense vibrations. It directly sent Robby's Armor Dragon mecha flying, but Robby skillfully controlled the mecha, reversing the engines to create distance. The opponent didn't seize the opportunity to attack.

In just one exchange, the entire observation area fell silent. Robby was nearly knocked out by a single blow?

Robby shrugged. Damn, he had encountered a master. What a deceptive name he had given himself to fool others.

He became serious, and the entire aura of the Mobile Warrior changed. He stared at the opponent's Armor Dragon mecha like a coiled beast ready to strike. His style was to take the initiative and use offense as defense.

The Dragon God mecha's engines roared as it charged again. The laser sword swung fiercely. This time, there was no chance for the opponent to counterattack. The laser sword clashed intensely with the titanium blade. The Dragon God mecha was slightly lighter due to the new materials used, which suppressed its performance. Combined with Robby's fighting style, he was able to overpower opponents unless their mechas were better or their styles countered his own. It was rare to encounter a mecha with an inherent disadvantage in the same category.

What else could be done but fight until the opponent exploded?

The laser sword relentlessly struck, forcing the Armor Dragon mecha to retreat continuously. In a battle between experts, victory was not solely determined by strength but also by footwork. Robby noticed the opponent's proficiency and focused on suppressing their movements. He maintained his offensive stance, considering his footwork to be his advantage. He suppressed and waited for the opponent to reveal a flaw.

Faced with the Dragon God mecha's relentless onslaught, the Armor Dragon fell into complete passivity and could only defend.

"Damn, why did I say that? This is the suppression of mechas from the same series. Robby really understands Armor Dragon, and he's the best user of it currently. Did we bite off more than we can chew?"

"Zhuang Zhou, Puppet is too arrogant, and Armor Dragon is about to be phased out. I feel like it's going to crash. Did we waste our money?"

"Armor Dragon's performance is too poor. The Dragon God mecha is slightly larger in size but lighter in weight, thanks to new materials. In a battle between experts, a slight difference makes a huge gap. It feels like there's nothing left."

Zhuang Zhou didn't believe it. He thought Puppet could win, but on the battlefield, it was real. Robby wasn't an unknown rookie. He had extensive experience in major tournaments. Sometimes victory or defeat came down to a single moment.

After a stable barrage of attacks, the Armor Dragon mecha staggered backward. It couldn't withstand it anymore, and at this moment, Robby's blood boiled. He loved this feeling and sensed the taste of victory.

With a roar, the mecha's engines roared, and the laser sword radiated a brilliant light. Maintaining his offensive posture, Robby's energy became even more abundant. The laser sword struck with a heavy blow, causing the Armor Dragon mecha to stumble. Following that, the mecha took a step back, causing a loud explosion on the ground. Then, the laser sword struck again.

The titanium blade blocked... Boom...

The mecha retreated again, and the Armor Dragon mecha lost its balance. However, just as the mechas came close, the mecha shifted and barely evaded the powerful strike of the third blow. When the mechas intertwined, the mecha leaned slightly, almost losing its balance.

The two mechas instantly created distance.

Robby took a deep breath. This was the first time he had been played with like this in a match. The opponent hadn't lost position at all; they had been observing him!

"Robby, you haven't made much progress in these years."