Kovacs sat at his desk, eyes bloodshot and muscles aching from lack of sleep. The faint glow from his monitor cast a pale light across his cluttered workspace. Despite the exhaustion weighing heavily on him, he couldn’t pull himself away from the screen. The virtual world of Iron Reaper had become his refuge, a place where the pressures of the real world faded into the background.
He was deep into the design of his Devil's Mantis mecha, a project he’d poured countless hours into. Each detail had been meticulously crafted, from the intricate armor plating to the advanced targeting systems. This wasn’t just another mecha; it was a culmination of everything he had learned, every bit of knowledge he had gained through his studies and every ounce of creativity he could muster.
Kovacs knew the game’s economy inside and out. A well-designed mecha could fetch a significant amount of points, and points were something he desperately needed. Not just to keep his head above water in the real world but to buy himself time, resources, and a way out of the impossible situation he found himself in.
His fingers moved swiftly across the keyboard, adjusting the specs of the Devil's Mantis. He was obsessed with perfection, constantly tweaking the design to improve its performance. He adjusted the armor composition, enhancing its durability without sacrificing mobility. The weapons systems were fine-tuned for maximum efficiency, with a balance of power and speed that would make it a formidable force on the battlefield.
The virtual workspace was filled with holographic projections of the Devil's Mantis, each representing a different aspect of the design. He moved between them with practiced ease, making rapid adjustments as new ideas came to him. The cockpit design, the placement of the thrusters, the configuration of the missile pods—everything had to be just right.
As the night dragged on, Kovacs found himself lost. The real world faded into the background, and all that mattered was the Devil's Mantis. The mecha had to be perfect; it was more than just a design—it was his ticket to survival.
Finally, after an eternity, he sat back and surveyed his work. The Devil's Mantis was complete, a sleek, deadly machine that embodied everything he had worked for. He knew it would perform well in the game and hoped it would fetch a high price on the market.
With a deep breath, Kovacs saved the design and prepared to upload it to the Iron Reaper marketplace. He felt a mixture of pride and anxiety, knowing that this design represented his skills as a mecha designer and his last hope of buying some time in the real world.
As he watched the upload progress, his mind drifted back to the challenges he faced outside of the virtual world. The pressure was mounting, but he allowed himself a moment of satisfaction for now. The Devil's Mantis was perfect; soon, he would see just how valuable it could be.
Kovacs leaned forward, staring intently at the screen as the Iron Reaper system analyzed his Devil's Mantis design. The progress bar inched forward, and with each percentage, he felt his heart rate climb. This was the moment of truth—would his work pay off?
Kovacs sat at his desk, his eyes locked on the screen as the Iron Reaper system began its detailed analysis of the Idelomantis Diabolucum—his Devil's Mantis design. This culminated countless hours of work, and the anticipation made his hands tense on the armrests.
“Overall Design Evaluation: 85%—High Performance.”
Kovacs exhaled slowly. That was a solid rating, but he knew the devil was in the details. He leaned in closer as the system’s voice began to break down the specifications.
Basic Specifications
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Weight: 30 tons
Chassis: Bipedal
Movement:
Walking: 54 mph
Running: 72 mph
Jumping: 150 feet
Engine: 150 Kw Fusion Engine
Heat Sinks: 4 additional heat sinks (10 total)
Armor: 6.5 tons of Plasteel
“The Idelomantis Diabolucum is an agile, medium-weight mecha with impressive mobility for its class. The bipedal chassis allows for stable, rapid movement in various terrains, while the jump jets provide exceptional vertical reach, enabling tactical advantages in both urban and rugged environments.”
Kovacs nodded. Mobility had been a priority, and it seemed the system agreed with his choices.
Components Breakdown
Internal Structure: 3 tons
Engine: 5 tons
Gyro: 2 tons
Cockpit: 3 tons
Jump Jets: 2.5 tons
Armor: 6.5 tons
Weapons and Equipment: 8 tons
“Component allocation reflects a well-balanced weight distribution, maximizing durability and performance. The fusion engine is powerful enough to sustain high speeds, though the relatively light internal structure may require reinforcement in high-stress scenarios.”
That was a minor concern. He had opted for a lighter structure to keep the mecha agile, but he could see how prolonged engagements might strain it.
Weapons Loadout
3 Flame Throwers: 3 tons
1 Missile Launcher with Incendiary Rounds: 2 tons
2 Machine Guns with Ammo: ½ ton
Heat Sinks: 2 tons (4 additional heat sinks)
“Weaponry is specialized for close to mid-range combat, focusing on area denial and sustained damage. Including three flamethrowers and incendiary missile rounds make the Idelomantis Diabolucum particularly effective against lightly armored infantry and structures. Machine guns provide supplementary fire, though their limited ammunition and range may reduce overall effectiveness against heavily armored targets.”
Kovacs frowned slightly. He knew the weaponry was a niche, but it was part of the design philosophy. The Devil’s Mantis was meant to be a terror up close, forcing opponents to engage on its terms.
“Armor Durability—7.8. The 6.5 tons Plasteel armor offers substantial protection, particularly against energy-based attacks. However, the armor’s weight, balanced for the mecha’s mobility, leaves it vulnerable to sustained ballistic fire and concentrated enemy efforts.”
Armor had been a trade-off. Kovacs had chosen Plasteel for its lightweight and energy absorption, but he knew it wasn’t invincible. It was a gamble that might pay off depending on the battlefield.
Performance Review
“Strengths:
Agility and Speed: The Idelomantis Diabolucum excels in rapid strikes and hit-and-run tactics. Its movement capabilities make it difficult to pin down, and its jump jets add an additional layer of unpredictability.
Close-Range Dominance: Flamethrowers and incendiary missiles are devastating in close quarters, turning the Devil’s Mantis into a deadly opponent against infantry and light vehicles.
Weaknesses:
Energy Efficiency: While powerful, the 150 Kw fusion engine struggles with the energy demands of sustained combat. The additional heat sinks help but cannot fully compensate during prolonged engagements.
Repair Costs and Field Maintenance: The specialized nature of the Devil’s Mantis components and weapons means that repairs will be costly and time-consuming. Field maintenance may be difficult without access to custom parts and experienced technicians.”
Kovacs absorbed the information, and his mind was already working on possible improvements. The energy efficiency, as was the repair cost, was an issue, but the Devil’s Mantis was designed for specific scenarios. It wasn’t meant to be a frontline workhorse—it was a scalpel, sharp and precise, cutting through where it was most needed.
“Final Assessment: The Idelomantis Diabolucum is a high-performance, specialized mecha ideal for ambushes, urban warfare, and operations requiring rapid, devastating strikes. It is recommended for elite pilots who can leverage their strengths and manage their limitations.”
Kovacs leaned back, a mix of satisfaction and determination settling over him. The analysis was thorough, highlighting the strengths he had aimed for while pointing out the areas he needed to refine. The Devil’s Mantis wasn’t perfect, but it was close.
And now, it was time to see how the market responded. With a few clicks, Kovacs put the Idelomantis Diabolucum up for sale in the game’s marketplace, ready to see if his creation could earn him the desperately needed points.
You are credited with 500 AP for creating an original design. Congratulations on your first full mecha design.