Chapter 3: Broken Hearts of Brothers

Li Hao... had already forgotten about the previous match. He was reflecting on his performance and regretted not having raised his score a bit higher. What was all this about?

At this moment, Li Hao had already played several matches. Perhaps it was a post-competition aftermath, but his opponents seemed excited, yet lacked any sense of caution. Winning brought him no joy.

Puppet (Armored Dragon Mk. III) vs. Karis of Taejin Academy (Taejin Heavy Armor Mk. II)

Taejin Heavy Armor Mk. II:

Configuration: Heavy-class mech, 150 tons

Dual-engine nuclear fusion overclocking

Razer cannons with telescoping titanium blades and claws

"Armored Dragon against Taejin Dragon. This is a bit slow-paced. These heavy armor mechs are quite frustrating in arena mode," remarked Alz, unable to hold back. They boasted high firepower and strong defense, especially with their telescoping titanium blades, which were effective even at close range. In arena mode, the drawbacks of their sluggishness were maximally compensated.

"I recognize this Karis. They also participated in this competition, but Taejin Academy didn't make it to the elimination rounds. They have their distinct characteristics. If it were me, I would focus on agility," Li Hao said.

"Forget it. Although Taejin Dragon is a bit sluggish, one strike from the telescoping titanium blades can cut the Armored Dragon in half. Dealing with this type of opponent, it's either snipe from a distance or outmaneuver them with a light-class mech. In arena battles, it's not easy," Alz retorted, rolling his eyes.

Tita couldn't be bothered with these two. Arths' presence clearly stimulated their macho behavior.

The battle began as the Armored Dragon mech launched forward, speeding towards the Taejin Heavy Armor. Karis grinned widely, "My Taejin Dragon is everyone's daddy in the arena. Let the feast begin!"

The Razer cannons unleashed a dazzling barrage of laser beams. There were countermeasures for dealing with the new generation mechs after everyone suffered losses on Titan Star. Such measures were incorporated into the designs of the newer mechs. But classic models like the Armored Dragon were just easy targets.

On the battlefield, the Armored Dragon mech suddenly executed a quick left-side dodge, evading the attacks with almost no pause. It swiftly rotated to the right, spiraling forward with the engine roaring in mid-air. It closed the distance to less than ten meters in an instant, while Karis, not one to be trifled with, made a decision: either keep their distance or get up close. Mid-range combat was unfavorable for the Taejin Dragon mech. Karis decisively abandoned long-range attacks. The Taejin Dragon mech resembled a primordial beast, rumbling forward, arms extended with titanium blades. A mere graze from those blades would be devastating for an opponent of this tonnage, and the Armored Dragon had no means to defend against it.

Moreover, the Armored Dragon's strong control maneuvers were predictable and outdated.

"We won!" Fei Man exclaimed, satisfied. An enemy's opponent is a comrade.

On the battlefield, under the relentless assault of the Taejin Dragon mech, the Armored Dragon mech lost its balance and plunged downward. It narrowly avoided the attack and, at the same time, positioned itself beneath the heavy armor mech. Before the Taejin Dragon mech could execute its next move, the Armored Dragon mech swiftly pushed off the ground, performing a spin and delivering a powerful kick.

However, the members of Team Tianxing didn't think it would have much effect. After all, they were facing the 150-ton Taejin Heavy Armor. Trying to topple it with a kick? It seemed like wishful thinking. Who didn't know that the "Giant God" series mechs had the most stable center of gravity?

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Yet, the Armored Dragon didn't intend to launch an attack. The right leg of the mech hooked onto the Taejin Dragon mech as a pivot point. With its engine jetting, it spun around to the rear. Karis wasn't a weak opponent either. The Taejin Dragon suddenly kicked backward, and the impact of that kick alone would have severely crippled anyone it struck.

However, the hit Armored Dragon didn't explode as anticipated. Instead, it followed through with its own push, lifting the entire mech into the air. At this point, it was positioned directly behind the Taejin Dragon mech.

During the descent, the titanium blade was deployed.

Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh, swoosh...

Four consecutive strikes pierced the joints of the Taejin mech, creating a shower of sparks. Karis inside the cockpit roared in madness. Damn it, the mech had gone out of control.

Although the Taejin Dragon mech had the advantage, TAS's technology was still a bit rough. Once faced with precise strikes, the gaps in the joints became a liability. With the four blades lodged in, it lost control completely.

The Armored Dragon landed while the Taejin Dragon mech staggered forward like a drunkard for a few steps before crashing down with a loud thud.

Puppet emerges victorious!

Karis of the Taejin Dragon was furious. What the hell was this? He hadn't even gotten the chance to showcase his skills, and he found himself being kicked.

Indeed, as soon as the battle ended, it felt as if the opponent had been kicked off by the system prompt sound.

How impatient could one be?

The four members of Team Tianxing fell into silence. After a while, Arths couldn't help but ask, "Sister, was that a leap attack?"

Tita nodded. "It was an extremely impressive precision leap attack. When did USE produce such a close-combat expert?"

Alz couldn't help but lick his lips on the side. "Why do I feel like he was a bit contemptuous of his opponent..."

"I may have misunderstood. This person isn't targeting Fei Man specifically; they simply look down on him entirely."

On the other side, Fei Man had also realized it. He suspected that the opponent's actions were insulting him, and now it seemed that the term "suspicion" could be removed.

As the proud members of Team Tianxing's machine combat division, can they still stay in the team if they don't reclaim their reputation?

Fei Man relentlessly sent out challenge invitations, determined to fight back, determined to fight back...

At the EMP building in Tianjing, Li Hao, feeling unsatisfied, had already been called away by Wuzang.

"Wanna grab a late-night snack?" Wuzang asked.

"Sure, now that you mention it, I'm feeling really hungry," Li Hao smiled. He was starting to feel like going back to play virtual mode. It seemed like there were only rookies around. Perhaps the experts haven't started yet.

"Hao-ge, effective training is more important than quantity. Don't fight too much each time. Thinking is crucial. Let's go to the gravity room for some training," Wuzang said. He wasn't the type to be a good mentor, but he had received word that Principal Long was a tough person.

"Isn't it for a late-night snack?" Li Hao was taken aback.

"Let's train first. Come with me," Wuzang said, dragging Li Hao away regardless of his response.

The training center in Tianjing was still brightly lit, but there were far fewer people compared to the EMP building. Fighting was exhilarating, but physical training was the most tedious. However, there seemed to be a group of people desperately showing off their muscles in one corner.

There was only one reason for such a situation—a well-proportioned beauty.

"Ah, isn't that the class monitor?" Li Hao glanced over. It was Zhou Naiyi.

Zhou Naiyi, the class monitor of Class 16, was considered the elite class of their year in a certain sense. There was no doubt about Zhou Naiyi's abilities as the class monitor. Although she didn't participate as a contestant in the recent mech competition, she had gone along as a priority candidate for the school's cultivation. Of course, she was also quite attractive, and those who were familiar with her in the class liked to call her "Big Sis."

Zhou Naiyi actually found it annoying when people around her struck strange poses during sports activities, including the boys. Did they really think that would attract girls' attention?

However, since this was a public facility, she couldn't do anything about it. She chose to ignore it. Normally, she would prefer to come at times when there were fewer people. Today, she was waiting for someone.

Zhou Naiyi set aside the equipment in her hands, wiped off the sweat, and draped the towel over her shoulder. She walked toward Li Hao and Wuzang. Li Hao shrugged. "Let's go, we'll go over there."

But Wuzang didn't move. He pointed at Zhou Naiyi.

"Li Hao, wait a moment. I need to talk to you about something."

Li Hao turned around and pointed at himself. It can't be said that they were close, even though they were in the same class and had exchanged a few words. In terms of rapport, Wuzang and Zhou Naiyi seemed to have a lot in common.

"Class Monitor, is there something you'd like to say?"

Zhou Naiyi looked at Li Hao with a somewhat complicated expression. She really didn't understand how this person had ended up in Class 16. All the special recruits of their year were in Class 16, but someone who had originally applied to the Journalism Department was transferred to the strongest class in the Mech Department. It was strange in itself. At first, Zhou Naiyi had some expectations, but throughout the entire school year, Li Hao often skipped class or slept when he did come. The strange thing was that the school didn't seem to care.

A privileged individual?

But he was an orphan, and she heard that someone had seen Li Hao working as a pizza delivery person outside. The place was called "Colorful Pizza." Zhou Naiyi could only speculate in a positive direction, thinking that maybe his family had made some contributions.

"Li Hao, since we're in the same class, we're part of the same team. You must have heard what Wuzang said. I won't beat around the bush. You were last in our class last year."

"Ah, but isn't Zuo Xiaotang the last one?" Li Hao asked in surprise.

Zhou Naiyi looked at Li Hao as if he were beyond help...

"Li Hao, Zuo Xiaotang's marksmanship is top-notch. The year-end comprehensive evaluation takes into account the EMP, final exams, and outstanding individual achievements. His marksmanship precision and talent are among the best in Tianjing."

"Oh, man, that chubby guy tricked me... I'm sorry, I held the class back. I will work hard!" Li Hao felt a bit embarrassed. His attempt to manipulate the scores had backfired.