The Deacon system stretched its sprawling expanse across the imperial sector, an anomaly amidst the colossal factory cities, feudal dominions, and vast worlds that cradled the grace of the Empire. While the Empire projected might and power through most of its dominions, the Deacon system was unique in its mission.

Here, one found worlds that evoked the memories of ancient Earth, untouched by the looming specter of bustling metropolises that choked the skies with darkness and smog. These planets were paradises of pristine beauty and remarkable technological advancements, known as Cyber Worlds, a testament to the empire's grandeur.

In an era when Earth's vision of future had taken flight among the stars, Argo II was a prime example of this breathtaking beauty. Its vast expanse of fertile land might deceive one into thinking it an agricultural or feudal world, but it harbored a grand city on its sprawling continent. Even from the vantage point of space, the city's towering skyscrapers and centuries-old protective wall stood as majestic monuments, a sight to behold.

The first month of the year brought with it the approach of a special ship through the cosmos, a massive freighter adorned with the royal insignia of the empire. But instead of carrying royalty or the empire's military elite, this vessel bore the sons and daughters of the empire—young men and women between the ages of fourteen and twenty-one. Most of them were pure humans, untouched by the changes wrought by space travel and genetic modifications, but some bore the stigma of being undesirables among the empire's ranks.

The ship was as immense as a military behemoth, its docking bay vast enough to accommodate the mechs of these young men and women, alongside smaller craft. All were scions of the empire and its countless systems.

One young man found himself huddled in the tight quarters of his cabin, reminiscent of the ancient Earth trams that used to crisscross continents. He had not brought many possessions, his belongings lay scattered around him, and his back reclined against the cushioned seat. His forehead rested against the thick plasteel glass, and he gazed upon the deep green world beyond with striking blue eyes.

Taller than the average, he possessed a thick mane of brown hair and piercing light blue eyes. He couldn't tear his gaze away from the unfolding cosmos before him, so enraptured was he by the magnificent sight.

Beside him, a bulging rucksack remained zipped, containing all he possessed. He wore the utilitarian uniform assigned to him when the notice arrived in his holomail, and while he bore it with a sense of quiet pride, he couldn't help but wonder how his people back in his home colony would feel. To know that their dreams and hopes rested upon his shoulders, while his peers back home had cast them aside with indifference.

The occupants of the vessel hailed from different backgrounds, and their attire reflected their origins. Those of stable and mid-births donned their plain, everyday clothing for the long voyage. In stark contrast, those of higher birth paraded around in the rich vestments reminiscent of Old Earth nobility. They draped themselves in long, uniform dresses, elegant captain cloaks, or the most opulent veils procurable within the Emperor's Imperium.

The boy, however, found his thoughts drifting momentarily as he looked down at himself. He shared the simple uniform with those of lower births, and it made him ponder what the folks back in his colony would think about this.

The creaking sound of his cabin door being pushed open snapped him back to the present. He sat upon his couch, which doubled as a bed, and shifted his attention to the intruder. His eyes roved over the newcomer who had taken a step into the room, appearing to be around his age or perhaps a year older. With jet-black hair and piercing emerald eyes, the stranger wore the same uniform they were all assigned. However, his attire appeared slightly more rugged and worn compared to the boy's nearly immaculate outfit. Each crease in his uniform was neatly pressed, fresh from washing and drying, while the interloper's had a scent that vaguely hinted at oil and machinery, like the grinding gears of the space shuttle itself.

The interloper, who had just entered, ran his fingers through his hair to wipe away some of the faint oil residue, then turned his gaze toward the seated boy. "Hello," he greeted, his voice carrying an intriguing calm and composure that belied his youthful age.

The interloper offered a warm smile and extended an oil-dappled hand toward the boy. "My name is Edward, but people call me Ed or Eddie," he introduced himself. "And what about you?"

The boy, his blue eyes flicking between the proffered hand and Edward's intense emerald gaze, maintained a guarded expression. "What's it to you?" he retorted, his voice dripping with defensiveness.

Edward paused, lowering his oil-stained hand with a sigh. He brushed back his tuft of red, ginger hair and let out a chuckle. "Nothing, friend," he responded.

"I ain't your friend," the boy countered, his gaze narrowing suspiciously. "What's your deal?"

Edward looked out the window for a moment, as if lost in thought, then turned his attention back to the boy. "No deal," he replied. "I just wanted to know your name."

"Well, you ain't gonna get it," the boy snapped, his defenses still firmly in place.

Edward's emerald eyes stayed fixed on the breathtaking view beyond the window pane. "Good view," he remarked.

The boy, a touch of apathy in his shoulders, struggled to wrench his gaze away from the mesmerizing sight. "Nothing much," he mumbled.

"Nothing much," Edward echoed, disbelief lacing his voice. He approached the window, drawing an odd, stern look from the boy, and pressed his hand against the glass, leaving a visible handprint. "You're gonna tell me, friend, that you've seen something better."

The boy remained silent, clutching his rucksack tightly, but not yet daring to reach for it. A wide smirk graced Edward's face as he took a seat opposite the boy, keeping his distance from the bag.

Still sporting his wide grin, Edward pushed on. "Where are you from, friend?"

"I ain't your friend," the boy retorted swiftly, but the gaze of the interloper bore down on him. He let out a groan and reluctantly muttered, "Rideen."

"Rideen," the stranger repeated, tasting the word as it rolled off his tongue. "Rideen, I've never heard of such a planet. Is it..."

"It's a frontier, a new planet," the boy explained. "Discovered about five to ten standard years ago. It's not much, but we're making our way."

Edward nodded thoughtfully. "Frontiersman," he chuckled to himself.

"What's so funny?" the boy asked.

"Nothing," Edward replied. "Was your colony the one that sent you here for military certification?"

The boy stayed silent, his eyes locked onto the stranger as he tried to gauge his intent. Edward continued. "Many parents and organizations send their children to the academy. It's quite a big deal if you can produce a true soldier of the empire, but a real hero? That's something else."

The boy shrugged his shoulders. "It's not a bad group to be a part of, I suppose."

"I guess not," Edward agreed, leaning into his seat. His hands danced in the air as his mind flitted back to the looming planet. "So, you're here to pilot a warcasket."

The boy nodded.

"Not much of a talker, are you?" Edward remarked.

The boy scoffed. "I talk when I need to, Ed."

"I still don't know your name," Edward pointed out. "So, are you going to be coy, or can I actually call you something?"

The boy scoffed again. "Call me what you will."

Edward clasped his hands together and let out a hearty clap. His eyes shone like twin beacons as he pointed at the boy. "So, I can just call you a country hick then?"

The boy shot up, his muscles coiling like a sprung trap, his fingers curling into tight fists, ready to strike.

"Easy," Edward said, edging back into his seat, anxiety now smearing his features as he remained hunched, ready to escape if needed. "I was just playing around, honest," he stammered, quick to make amends.

The boy's breaths came in heavy, agitated waves, his eyes wide and vigilant as he finally released his clenched fists. With an audible thud, he sank back into the couch, the tension draining from his body.

"Henryk," the boy muttered, his voice firm. "I am no hick."

"Henryk," Edward said, tasting the name on his tongue as he turned to face the boy. "That's quite unusual. I didn't expect to find someone with a name originating from Europe."

"Europa?" Henryk responded, his words punctuated with a lack of formality. "I don't know any waterfolk from Europa," he retorted.

"Europe," Edward corrected, saying the word more deliberately and firmly to emphasize the difference.

Edward shrugged. "You don't encounter many folks like that, especially not those born in the frontier. Most names these days are new-age, but Henryk...what's your family name?"

"You don't—"

Edward raised his hands, understanding. "I know," he replied. "It's none of my business, but I'm just the curious sort. I've been cooped up in the cargo bay since the start of this journey, and maybe I just wanted to stretch my legs a bit."

Henryk retorted, "Well, you could've found a different place to stretch your legs, friend," his arms wrapped around himself. But then a look of surprise crossed his face. "Wait, you've been in the cargo bay?"

Edward's eyes widened momentarily before he regained his composure. "Yeah," he responded quickly.

"I didn't know people could stay there," Henryk commented. "This is the worst one. No bathroom, no kitchen. I've just been sleeping on the sofa. I would've preferred the cargo."

"You would've preferred the cargo?" Edward asked in disbelief. "This setup might not be great, but it's better than sleeping on the steel floor, hearing all the machines."

Henryk sighed. "Even this, everything we're going through now...it was the cheapest we could find, and we still had to dip into the colony's treasury to afford it."

Edward watched as Henryk's gaze dropped to his lap, his fingers gripping his knees. But then he looked up, and a spark of pride filled his eyes.

Edward shrugged. "Your colony must believe in you a great deal."

It was the first time he saw Henryk smile. It was a bold, confident grin that lit up his face as he wrapped his arms around himself. "I am Henryk. I bear the dreams of my people on my shoulders. I won't fail, and I'll bring glory to my family."

Ed smirked at Henryk's declaration. "That's interesting, but that's quite the heavy burden."

Henryk paused for a moment, his smile wavering briefly. "We all have our burdens," he began to explain. "I choose to bring honor to my family and make my home a better place. Like you said, becoming soldiers of the empire or even heroes would bring prosperity to my world. If it means my mother and sister can be happy, I'll do whatever it takes."

The smile, that charming smirk, made Edward smile in response as well. It was a moment filled with a certain strangeness, a connection neither could fully grasp at that moment. But in the future, Henryk would come to understand the significance of this meeting and the kinship that arose from it. He was unaware of Edward's past or the trials that awaited them down the road. Yet, the shared weight of heavy burdens, the desire to fulfill dreams, to improve their world and protect their loved ones, created a bond between them.

"I can understand that," Edward replied, scratching the back of his head. He observed Henryk's gaze, fixated on the planet outside the window. Rising from his seat, Ed approached to check on him.

"You okay?" he asked, offering a false chuckle.

Henryk did not turn away from the window; his eyes remained locked on something beyond the glass. Ed leaned in closer, curiosity piqued.

"You've never seen a cluster belt before?" Ed inquired with a shrug. He leaned against the window. But Henryk's focus went deeper within the belt, beads of sweat forming on his face.

Henryk stepped away from the window, shaking as he pointed a trembling finger at the glass. "There's someone within the cluster ring," he declared.

"What?" Ed responded with alarm.

Now fully alert, Ed scanned the space outside but saw nothing unusual. A cluster ring typically consisted of large debris or machinery in orbit around a planet. He could spot the remains of deactivated mechs and the spent training rounds from the great mechs. However, he couldn't see any sign of a person out there.

"What are you talking about?"

Henryk's expression twisted into a scornful frown. "I know what I saw," he snapped and rose from his seat. He flung his heavy rucksack over his shoulders and unceremoniously headed for the door. "I'm going out there," he declared.

Ed watched Henryk's determined departure and the echoing of his heavy footsteps in the corridor. He glanced back at the empty seat, his gaze returning to the vast expanse of space outside. A quiet chuckle escaped his lips as he decided to follow Henryk's lead. He moved to the cabin door and stepped outside.

"Why are you following me?" snapped Henryk, his steps purposeful as he walked ahead.

Ed only chuckled. "I want to see what you're going to do," he questioned playfully.

Neither Ed nor Henryk had ventured through the upper levels of the ship, home to the middle class and high space nobility. They remained oblivious to the luxuries, fine fabric of beds, gourmet treats, and delectable cuisine enjoyed by those fortunate passengers. Ed had even less experience, having confined himself to the cargo hold for most of the journey, subsisting on stashed morsels of bread and cheese.

Exploration of the ship was limited for Henryk. Early attempts had earned him reprimands from the stewards and guards, and he was all too aware of the perils of agitating the ship's nobility. Reluctantly, his blood boiling, he retreated to his room, determined not to yield to the privileged class, not after all his colony had sacrificed to send him here.

The boys walked on bare metal and steel, surrounded by the cacophony of orders being shouted. They soon found themselves approaching the ship's kitchen. It seemed ironic that the finest cuisine was prepared here while they crammed boys and girls without the means to afford even a crumb of it.

Amidst bustling stewardesses carrying plates of pastries, goblets of drinks, and various other luxuries, they walked past the dorms and rooms where their fellow passengers resided, some improvising their sacks as makeshift pillows.

"You want one?" Ed asked, holding out a donut for Henryk.

Henryk hesitated but ultimately gave in to the rumble in his stomach. He glanced around to ensure no one was watching and quickly devoured the donut. As they continued on, he managed to mumble a "Thank you."

"Really?" Ed raised an eyebrow. "I thought 'thank you' wasn't in your vocabulary."

Henryk scoffed and continued to follow Ed through the vast vessel. The air thickened with the scent of oil, and the sounds of machinery and tools filled the space. Henryk and Ed came to a stop in front of a large door.

"Is this it?" Henryk asked.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Ed nodded, but just as Henryk reached for the door, Ed raised his hand. "What now?" Henryk inquired.

"You need special privileges to access this area," Ed explained.

"What kind of privileges?" Henryk scoffed. "Weren't you planning on staying here?"

Ed rolled his shoulders and dismissed Henryk's concerns. "Over here, this is the real entrance."

Henryk observed Ed as he led the way to the side of the hallway. Though they wore the same uniform, Ed's attire appeared more weathered and stained than Henryk's, who had only a few scattered marks.

Edward knelt and began prying a panel from the wall. It came free with a grating of loose screws and slid aside.

"Here," Henryk said simply.

Ed nodded. "This is how I've been navigating the vessel. You'd be amazed how few people actually check for others within these vast ships."

The realization struck Henryk. "You're a stowaway," he exclaimed.

Ed paused and rubbed the back of his head, waving his hand dismissively. "Well, don't get me wrong. I have my entrance papers to attend the academy, but I don't have the funds to travel to the planet."

Ed shrugged it off, though his features remained tense. He was hidden away, and Henryk hadn't noticed. A heavy sigh escaped Henryk. "You're planning to... snitch?" he finished the sentence.

Ed nodded.

Henryk sighed. "You're already a student, and we're at the end of our journey. There's no point in doing something malicious."

Edward laughed at that. "What are you laughing at?" Henryk asked.

"Nothing," Ed replied with a dismissive wave. "It's just that there are many who wouldn't care. They'd see me at the back of the vessel, sleeping among the rats with hardly any food. They'd still report me to the authorities without hearing my side of the story."

"Well, I'm not like others..." Henryk muttered.

Edward smirked. "I see that now." He knelt and began to crawl into the dark expanse of the air ducts. Henryk sighed but followed him inside. Just before they left, he replaced the panel over the opening, letting the screws fall into place.

"What's your plan?" Edward asked. As Henryk turned to respond, he saw Ed on all fours, disappearing deeper into the ship.

Henryk's eyes struggled to adjust to the dim space. Even when he narrowed his vision, he could only discern the outline of Ed. He watched as Edward moved through the cramped air ducts with an uncanny agility and ease, leaving Henryk in awe.

Henryk sighed, his origins rooted in the frontier. He had ventured through the wilderness countless times with little more than his wits or traversed the plains of his colony. However, what made this situation unsettling was the pervasive absence of light. Here, there was nothing but the void of space, a realm bereft of artificial or natural illumination. No sun bathed the mountains near his colony, no starlight twinkled in the sky, only darkness enveloped this space.

Henryk raised his eyes to Edward. "Planning?" he echoed.

Edward's voice resonated in the tunnel's dark abyss. "Can you understand the Emperor's language, or do you just repeat words you fancy, you hick?" he said.

"You bastard!" Henryk snapped, and his retort was swallowed by Edward's echoing laughter.

They continued to crawl in silence for a solid minute until Ed stopped. "Hold on a second," he declared.

Henryk kept moving, and then he felt something strange. His hand reached toward the ceiling, but instead of feeling metal, it met with open space. The scent in the air had shifted from oil to tobacco.

"You can stand if you want," Ed suggested, and within those words, Henryk heard the striking of a lighter.

Ed leaned over and snapped his wrist to ignite the lighter. The sudden glow illuminated their surroundings, and Henryk realized Ed had been living here all along.

Henryk's gaze explored the cramped confines of the chamber they found themselves in. To call it a room was an overstatement. There was barely enough space to stand, and Henryk and Ed crouched low due to the low ceiling. However, it was the contents of the chamber that truly intrigued Henryk.

A sleeping bag was nestled against the wall. Henryk noticed the cigarette butts and rolled tobacco scattered around it. Empty cans formed a perimeter around another sleeping bag on the floor. Two open rucksacks revealed their contents: one brimming with Ed's clothes and the other holding memorabilia and electronics.

A game system sat near Ed's pillow, surrounded by a couple of gallons of water.

Henryk was astonished. "How long have you been here?" he inquired.

"Since they picked up the rich kids from the mid-worlds," Ed replied. "A friend managed to get my 'warcasket' into one of the hangars at the academy."

"Nearly a week?" Henryk uttered as he glanced around the chamber once more. He paused, then inquired, "How have you managed to stay hidden here? Doesn't maintenance or the ship's crew check these vents?"

Ed shrugged. "There are vents all over the ship. They loop around, but there are a few like this one they just don't use," he said, gesturing toward the narrower section of the tunnel. "I figured this vent system would be used if the door between the hangar and the main ship were damaged, and the engineers needed to cut through here."

Henryk shrugged his shoulders, a casual grin dancing across his face. "Nice find," he chuckled, and for a moment, Ed caught a glimpse of Henryk smirking and chuckling. "Sure, it'd suck to be found here. Think they'd boot you from the academy or something?"

Ed shrugged in response. "Doesn't matter because we're already here," he replied. "You still need to get to the hangar, right?"

Henryk nodded, and Ed waved him on as he flicked his lighter, casting a warm, orange glow around their surroundings.

However, before he proceeded, Henryk halted. Ed noticed this and turned around, crouching. "What's the holdup, countryman?" he asked with a smirk, but Henryk remained still.

"Why are you helping me, Edward?" Henryk inquired.

A pause hung in the air, and Edward simply shrugged and smiled. "I find it interesting, and I want to see what happens."

Henryk stared at him, taking a step back in astonishment. "That's why you're following me outside?" he questioned.

Ed raised both hands. "Look, I've been cooped up in here for the last few days. Do you know, Henryk, what it's like to go number two when everyone's asleep on this vessel?"

"Sounds rather peaceful," Henryk replied with a smirk.

Ed scoffed. "You have no idea. All I've got in here are chips and sodas. I should've listened to Lin and brought actual food and more water. You don't know what it's like being constipated in this tight room, doing nothing except playing video games and watching videos on the console. Then, you have to wait until everyone's asleep to escape and use the bathroom."

Ed huffed, his expression softening. "Honestly, maybe I just want to talk to another human being," he confessed, and Henryk's smile began to fade as Ed turned to face him. "I've been stuck here for nearly a week, sulking like a damn rat within this crappy vessel. Maybe I wanted to talk to someone."

"Is that why you went bonkers about that view earlier?" Henryk asked.

Edward nodded, causing Henryk to sigh. "I'm just a country boy from some backwater world, and I understand that," Henryk said. "There's nothing like it. You know, there's nothing like being among the stars."

"Well, that's why you're here," Ed said. "We're going to be trained to serve the Emperor in his army. Trust me, countryman. You'll see a whole lot of stars if that's what you desire..."

Ed chuckled as he saw a smirk gradually appear on Henryk's features. "Still, what did you see, Henryk?" Ed asked.

Henryk's eyes widened for a moment, his gaze briefly averting. The subtle movement might have gone unnoticed by others, but not by Edward, who focused intently on Henryk.

"You won't believe me," Henryk replied.

"Try me," Edward challenged.

Henryk let out a sigh. "There's a person out there within the cluster ring." Ed's eyes narrowed in surprise and shock.

"How do you know?" Edward inquired. "I was stuck to that window, and I couldn't see a damn thing out there."

Henryk began to explain but hesitated, shaking his head. "Listen, I'm not asking for your help. You've already done a lot. I can make my way to the hangar on my own."

Ed stared for a moment, then threw his hands down. "Whatever, I've been cooped up for too long." He and the light vanished into the tunnel. As Henryk's eyes roamed around the room, he noticed something while Ed continued to speak. "Let's go find this girl. You have a warcasket here or something?"

Henryk nodded. "I've got old reliable waiting in the hangars," he said. "Aren't you worried they'll send you packing if they catch us?"

Ed waved it off with a snicker. "If they find us, they'll probably boot me all the way back to the midworld I boarded from. I've got all my papers, and my mech is at my house."

Ed and Henryk returned to the vents. "You already have a house waiting for you?" Henryk asked.

Ed nodded with a proud smirk. "The best house out of all the others," he replied.

Henryk's lips curved into a smile. "You gonna use the piss jugs as room decorations, or..."

"Okay, hick, shut up!" Ed's voice echoed, but Henryk's own voice reverberated even louder through the vent system.

It took a moment for Henryk to regain his composure. "You done yet?" Ed inquired.

"In a minute," Henryk replied as he wiped away faint tears from his eyes. Ed, realizing the futility of getting angry, let out a chuckle.

"Whatever, hick, you're all right," Ed said into the void.

"Well, Eddie, I'm honored," Henryk replied mockingly. They descended in silence for a solid minute before Henryk's voice filled Ed's ears.

"What was that?" Ed asked.

"What house?" Henryk questioned.

Henryk trailed behind Edward, his view limited to Ed's rear and the beacon of light he held in his right hand as they navigated the tunnel. But it was Ed's eyes that were now aglow with surprise.

Ed coughed into his fist. "Doesn't matter," he spoke with a smirk. "It's gonna be a real shock."

"I bet," Henryk played along. And before they knew it, they reached the vent entrance leading to the hangar.

"Be quiet," Ed commanded. "We're getting closer and closer to the hangar."

Henryk fell silent, holding his breath as Ed turned to face the vent. The other side now resonated with noises far more volatile than the tranquil quiet they'd grown accustomed to in Ed's hidden domain.

Taking a deep breath, Ed carefully removed the vent's loose screws, allowing a burst of light to flood their once-dark enclosure. "Stay quiet," Ed whispered as he gently set the plating aside, and both boys emerged from the vents.

The hangar bay loomed before them. Henryk heard Ed muttering quiet curses as he wrestled with reattaching the vent plating. But Henryk's attention was drawn to their surroundings. They were inside the vast hangar.

The vessel was already larger than most other spacecraft, but due to the academy's prestige, they had managed to secure a massive vessel to accommodate their student body and their mechs. Henryk could see the academy's specialized vehicles and spaceships, but what truly seized his attention were the mechs—those colossal, humanoid machines known as warcaskets.

These machines, developed centuries ago during the first war against the aliens, served various purposes across the empire. Some for heavy lifting, others for personal exploration, and many for the emperor's army. To pilot one, an individual had to attend a sanctioned imperial academy for years. That's why they were all here.

Of course, not all students had the same motivations. Some aimed to become warriors, mercenaries, or technical experts. Henryk marveled at the rows of mechs, some suspended from the ceiling, others secured to the floor with locks.

"This is insane," Henryk started to rise, but Ed seized him by the cuff of his uniform and pulled him back down.

"What are you doing?" Ed hissed with quiet anger.

But Henryk was no longer paying attention to him. His eyes were locked onto the machines, the warcaskets. They came in all shapes and sizes, displaying various armaments, metals, and designs. Henryk could identify the new X032 variant with its sleek utilitarian look, but he also spotted ancient models that seemed to hail from decades, even centuries, past.

Amidst the hangar, Henryk's gaze wandered across the old, weathered platforms that bore the scars of time. The rusted metal hinted at machinery that had been retired, either through recall or neglect. Yet, there were those ancient structures that wore their rust and decay like a badge of honor. It was a vivid testament to the ongoing conflict between the past and the future.

Turning toward Ed, Henryk couldn't help but smile. "This is insane," he said, his excitement palpable. "I've never seen so many mechs before. Sure, I've seen them on TV and the internet, but nothing in real life."

Ed let out a weary sigh, his own gaze directed at the sprawling array of mechs. However, his attention soon shifted to the engineers working diligently around the hangar. His eyes narrowed as he noticed the docking bay's plating was wide open, offering a clear view not just of the planet's surface but the void of space beyond.

"That's not allowed," Ed murmured to himself, casting a wary look around the expansive hangar. Though there were people present, it seemed oddly vacant. Several technicians bustled about, attending to various components, but they all appeared to be fixated on something else.

Ed's eyes widened as he spotted it. The gravitational locks that held the vessel in place allowed them to gaze out into space and observe the docking procedures and events unfolding in the cosmos. Most of the engineers were doing just that.

Cloaked in the overalls bearing no allegiance to any of the academy's houses, they cheered and jeered as a celestial battle raged before them. Missiles, lasers, and gunfire crisscrossed the cosmic canvas as two mechs clashed.

"What the hell?" Edward muttered.

Henryk extended his gaze, and it became clear that they were witnessing a duel—a fierce skirmish amongst the stars. Sounds of exhilaration filled the air as the engineers pointed and hollered in support. "Are they trying to kill each other?" Henryk asked, bewildered. Ed, however, had an answer.

"The Academy allows duels between the different houses," he explained.

Henryk's eyes widened in shock. "Why on Earth would they do that?"

Ed shook his head, rising from his crouch. "We don't have time for this. Remember you said you saw something out there. Don't you still want to get it?"

Henryk sighed and nodded. They began to walk, and after a while, he couldn't help but voice his concern. "Should we be worried?"

Ed paused, his gaze shifting between the ongoing duel and the jubilant engineers. "I don't think so," he said, sounding unsure. "But we should be careful. I doubt we'd get caught up in their duel, but as long as we go around and head straight to the cluster field, we should be fine."

Henryk's head nodded in agreement with Ed's words, and they continued their journey through the rows of mech suits. They stood there, aligned in orderly chains or locked into place, towering like mechanical sentinels. Both Henryk and Ed scanned the rows of armored giants until a triumphant grin stretched across Henryk's face.

"There's my old reliable," he announced, pointing with pride.

Ed turned his attention to the large mech, its size akin to a house, and more human-like in appearance compared to other mechs he had encountered. Like Henryk, this relic of a machine bore the rough, rugged look of wear and tear. The plating was sparse, hardly ideal for combat, and it bore the scars of a hodgepodge of repairs. One pauldron was missing and seemingly replaced with makeshift bolts, while one of its boots was more akin to a frog's splayed foot. The other, however, was a standard-issue mechanical foot.

"How old is this mech?" Ed inquired.

Henryk couldn't suppress a chuckle. "Old reliable," he repeated, savoring the name on his lips. "I've had it since I was a kid. We found it in the ruins of our colony."

Ed continued to examine the armor and slowly raised his fingers to inspect the armaments. He couldn't help but be drawn to the helmet perched on the mech's back. The realization struck him, and he directed a question toward Henryk.

"Where did you get this helmet?"

Henryk's response was casual. "We bought it from a trader," he said, his focus fixed on the screen. Unbeknownst to Henryk, Ed's fingers were tightly clenched, his gaze focused on the helmet. "Got it for a decent price—just a thousand imperial credits."

"A thousand credits…" Ed mumbled in disbelief, his voice barely audible. His eyes remained fixed on the helmet as he raised a trembling hand toward it. "That's Martian quality, and you used petty change to buy it."

"Hey!" Henryk snapped, turning to face Ed. He jabbed a thumb toward his chest. "For your information, that 'petty change' was a considerable sum in my colony. I don't know where you're from or what high horse you're riding, but don't you dare belittle my colony's hard-earned money."

Ed fell silent, his gaze still fixed on the helmet. After a moment, he nodded. "I apologize," he said softly.

Henryk hesitated, then returned his focus to the screen, his teeth clenched. He muttered, "I don't know where you get off calling it 'petty change.' Sleeping in the vents because everything's so expensive. Don't you dare dismiss my colony's hard work as insignificant."

"Alright," Ed conceded, raising both hands in surrender. The tension in the air was palpable, and there was no trace of humor or jest. He was genuinely sorry. Ed heaved a sigh of relief as Henryk didn't pursue the argument further. Of all people, he should understand what it meant to have nothing—no money, no home, not even control over one's own life.

As they continued to inspect the mech, it appeared to lack laser or munition-based weapons, shields, or backup armaments. Edward couldn't help but wonder if Henryk was exaggerating his claims about joining the empire's army. But then, his eyes widened as he saw it.

With a hand, Ed raised his arm as Henryk operated the console next to them. The rhythmic tapping of keys echoed as the massive mech gracefully descended onto one knee, its main pilot cockpit slowly creaking open.

Edward was on the verge of sharing his discovery, what he had observed on the mech's back. His lips parted, ready to voice the question, wondering if Henryk comprehended the significance of it. The boy, in all likelihood, wouldn't recognize Martin pattern ornaments, but did he have any inkling about the ripper blade? The evisceration weapon concealed on the mech's back—a blade composed of unbreakable teeth that could unleash a roar at the wearer's command. It was funny, really. He had delved into the lore of such weapons within his house years ago, but he had never imagined he would encounter one in person. Did the little country-bumpkin understand the historical weight of the blade looming behind him?

Ed cast a sidelong glance toward Henryk, who had adopted a knowing smile. He ceased all activity at the console and turned his gaze toward Edward.

"It's all set," Henryk declared.

Ed nodded in affirmation. "So, where are we headed?"

Henryk's eyes drifted out to the escalating battle in space. His attention was drawn to the crowd of engineers who ought to have been diligently tending to the ship but were instead transfixed by the aerial combat outside.

"A space duel," Ed muttered to himself. Henryk's gaze returned to him.

"I've heard that the academy hosts duels between different houses and schools," Edward explained. "Winning one can elevate your reputation, earn money for your house, and potentially secure sponsorships."

"Sponsorships?" Henryk repeated.

Ed regarded him, a mix of astonishment and surprise on his face. "What do you know about the academy?"

"I can't say I know much," Henryk admitted.

"Well, that's essentially how you plunge headlong into it," Ed declared, raising his fist triumphantly. He made his way to the cockpit as he continued to explain, "There are diverse individuals in the academy, Henryk. Ordinary folks who excel in all respects, set to serve the empire with valor and distinction. But there's another path."

"Another path?" Henryk echoed, and Ed nodded.

"Indeed, another path," Ed emphasized. "Aces, champions, and remarkable individuals who you may only meet once in a lifetime but will later grace the big screens. They rise to become planetary leaders at the far reaches of the empire, advisers and champions for their houses, or—"

"They forsake the emperor's service to pledge allegiance to one of the noble houses," Ed completed the thought.

"Exactly," Ed confirmed.

Ed formed a surprised "O" with his mouth, a sputter escaping before a chuckle burst forth. "Really," he snarked, "I didn't expect a country hick like you to piece that all together."

"Shut up," Henryk snapped, though his tone softened. "But why would anyone want to serve one of the houses instead of our emperor?"

Ed paused, pivoting to face Henryk, his expression one of disbelief. "You really don't know much, do you?"

Henryk was on the brink of sour retort, but Ed raised a hand, silencing him. "Serving the emperor is akin to regular military service. You'll receive your rank, your pension, and fulfill your duty. It's not a bad path, and you can either walk it wholly or sprinkle some mercenary service in there. But what you should strive for is working for one of the houses."

"I just don't…" Henryk began, but Ed's tone grew harsher.

Ed scoffed. "Listen, hick. You want honor, fame, and fortune. Serve one of the noble houses from the core worlds. Don't settle for being a small-time fry or an average footsoldier. Sure, you'll have the knowledge of piloting a mech, and that's cool. But the emperor already boasts millions in his armies. The true champions are the sons and daughters handpicked by the house presidents at the academy."

"What do you mean?" Henryk inquired.

Suddenly, his eyes widened, and he redirected his gaze behind him. "You okay?" Edward asked, though Henryk seemed too distracted to acknowledge it. Vigorously shaking his head, he spun his body around and fixed his gaze on his cockpit.

"I'm going out there now," Henryk declared.

"Well, don't let me stop you," Edward replied as he squeezed into the cramped space of Henryk's cockpit. But Henryk eyed him strangely.

"You're still coming with me?" Henryk questioned.

Ed stared at him for a moment once more. "I did mention I was going to do just that."

Henryk sighed, shaking his head. "Fine, then," he conceded. "But you'd better not be dead weight. If we're heading out to rescue that person, then I need to—"

Ed groaned. "You're wasting time right now."

Henryk snapped out of his daze as he saw Ed's piercing gaze fixated on him. "Let's go," he said, with a tone as if it were his own mech they were climbing into. The boys descended into the dark belly of the mech, the ancient machine humming a mechanical chorus around them. Now, the time for sitting was over; it was time to act.