Chapter Five

Since then, Ye Chong began to truly immerse himself in the mysterious and captivating world outside. Here, almost anything imaginable could be found. Ye Chong quickly grew fond of this world, which, though virtual, felt vividly real. Soon, he transformed from a timid newcomer to someone who moved with ease and confidence.

Mu Shang was always busy with who knew what, appearing and disappearing unpredictably. Once he entered the virtual network, he became untraceable.

Ye Chong’s favorite place was a large district called Gutisda. Not only were all kinds of mecha sold here, but there were also many unusual parts and accessories. Most importantly, this was a gathering place for mecha enthusiasts. Every day, many people convened here to discuss and exchange ideas; most were engineers or seasoned experts. The district administrator had even established a medium-sized mecha database, which had once filled Ye Chong with joy and excitement.

Ye Chong loved the strong academic atmosphere here. The people were fond of this earnest, inquisitive, and straightforward boy, and they treated him with great care. It was under the guidance of these skilled individuals that Ye Chong realized how outdated his knowledge was. Still, this was understandable—everything he knew had been taught by his father, who hadn’t had contact with the outside world for decades. Of course, knowledge from decades ago would be obsolete. Fortunately, Ye Chong’s foundation was exceptionally solid, and only now did he understand why his father had been so rigorous when teaching him the basics.

Thanks to this strong foundation, Ye Chong learned rapidly and absorbed new knowledge with ease, which further endeared him to the older men who guided him.

Today, as soon as Ye Chong returned home, he climbed into Mu Shang’s cockpit and put on his combat helmet. Although he enjoyed the virtual world, he was not addicted to it. Ye Chong understood well that the scrapyard planet was his real world. If he ever lost himself in virtual reality, he could lose his life at any moment on this dangerous planet. Every time he went out, Ye Chong was cautious and focused, never letting his guard down.

The moment he logged into the virtual network, Ye Chong headed straight for Gutisda District. But before he could catch his breath, Mu Shang’s voice suddenly echoed in his mind, “Ye Zi, let me take you somewhere.”

Ye Chong was puzzled. Mu Shang had been elusive these days, always disappearing without a trace. He wondered what Mu Shang was up to.

“Where are we going?” Ye Chong asked.

“Just follow me, and you’ll see,” Mu Shang replied.

Following Mu Shang’s directions, Ye Chong turned this way and that until he finally arrived before a large building bustling with people.

Curious, Ye Chong asked, “Mu, what is this place?”

Mu Shang explained, “This is the Mech Pilot Awareness Training Base. Inside, there are foundational awareness training programs for all basic pilot subjects, as well as spaces for pilots to spar and hone their skills. All your techniques have been self-taught, and many are flawed. I stumbled upon this place by chance and assessed all its training content. While I believe 7.63 percent of it is less than perfect, training here will greatly enhance your abilities.”

“Awareness training? What’s that?” Ye Chong asked in confusion.

“The full name is Neural Awareness Reflex Training. It allows your nervous system to memorize designated operations. Of course, to perform standard actions in reality, you’ll still need extensive actual practice to bring your body up to standard, but proper awareness training can greatly shorten your training time,” Mu Shang explained.

Ye Chong nodded, only half understanding. “Oh, I see.” Still, if Mu Shang said it would help, then it surely would—this, Ye Chong believed wholeheartedly.

The Mech Pilot Awareness Training Base had been established by the Mech Pilot Association of the Fahl Star System and was part of its infrastructure.

Ye Chong stepped into the hall, where rows of columns were neatly arranged. Occasionally, someone would vanish in a flash of light near a column, or appear just as suddenly.

Ye Chong was no longer the clueless novice he once was. Calmly, he walked to a column, gently tapped it with his finger, and a translucent screen quietly appeared before his eyes.

Mu Shang introduced, “There are three sections here: the Basic Training Zone, the Comprehensive Training Zone, and the Battle Zone. Since this is your first visit, start with the Battle Zone and get a feel for it.”

As soon as Mu Shang finished speaking, the screen changed, displaying the list of contestants in each room and the number of spectators. Ye Chong casually selected a room with an opponent.

In a flash, he found himself inside the room, facing a single black mecha. Ye Chong immediately recognized it as the Blackbird model, commonly used by beginners due to its simplicity, ease of operation, and low cost. Naturally, its performance matched its status: an entry-level mecha, equipped with only a magnetic sword, a titanium shield, two alloy daggers, and a pair of heat guns on each arm that were essentially useless due to their low power. In truth, Ye Chong had no hope for them, mainly because he had no idea how to shoot properly.

The Blackbird’s appearance was also reminiscent of a large black bird. The lateral wings on each side could extend and retract, resembling a pair of wings that allowed more stable flight within an atmosphere. Beneath the wings were two rows of auxiliary engines, though their effect was limited. Under the belly, two mechanical arms could wield the magnetic blade and alloy daggers. The heat gun was mounted in the “bird’s head,” and the long neck allowed the head to swivel and shoot from various angles. Yet, given the weapon’s power and Ye Chong’s lack of shooting skills, this feature was of little use.

Still, even such an ordinary, low-level mecha excited Ye Chong greatly. Compared to Winnie, this mecha’s performance was far superior.

Eagerly, Ye Chong climbed into the cockpit.

But when he saw his opponent’s mecha, his spirits fell.

If his own mecha was an unremarkable little bird, then his opponent’s was the king of birds—a phoenix, resplendent and magnificent. Its sleek, graceful lines were like a work of art, and its colorful wings and tail spread like a phoenix’s plume, exuding beauty. The fiery red armor radiated a passionate energy that took one’s breath away; even standing still, it possessed an unmatched poise and pride.

Its name suited it perfectly: Shadow Phoenix—swift as a shadow, shaped like a phoenix.

The Shadow Phoenix–2 mecha was a model Ye Chong knew intimately from his time spent in Gutisda. Compared to the Blackbird, the two were worlds apart. The Shadow Phoenix–2 was a typical long-range attack mecha, boasting high speed and an advanced shooting system as its most prominent features. Its striking appearance made it especially popular among female pilots. But to Ye Chong, the elaborate wings seemed like dead weight, and the flashy exterior would only make it easier for enemies to spot.

There was no time to think further; Ye Chong received the signal to begin.