Chapter 17: To the pods
The clanging of a metal rod striking the floor echoed through the room, silencing the chatter of excited gnomes. Professor Feln, with his ever-present mechanical arm, stalked to the front, his steely gaze sweeping over the class.
"Listen up, inventors!" His voice boomed. "Today's lesson is about adaptability. Your AIs will face a dynamic obstacle course, and I expect nothing less than excellence."
The class tensed, each student's AI humming to life as they braced for the challenge.
"The simulation will test reflexes, problem-solving, and teamwork," Feln continued, his voice sharp. "Remember, your mecha is only as good as its creator. Sloppy design means failure." He smirked. "And believe me, I'll notice."
A few gnomes exchanged nervous glances. The pressure was on. Feln had a reputation for demanding perfection, and today was no exception.
"To the pods!" he barked. "Let's see what you've got."
Theron slid into his pod, feeling the familiar hum of the simulation as it powered up. Around him, the world faded, replaced by a vast, digital labyrinth. The environment shimmered with energy, its shifting platforms and treacherous pitfalls designed to challenge even the most seasoned gnome inventor.
"Analysis, Rex," Theron commanded, now in the cockpit as the interface lit up in his visor.
"Scanning... Pathways identified. Hazards include collapsible platforms, energy fields, mobile turrets, and drone clusters," Rex replied, its tone calm and measured.
Theron grinned, his heart rate quickening in anticipation. "Alright, let's move."
Rex surged forward, its sleek, agile frame darting past the first set of energy beams that lashed across the path. Theron's focus narrowed as he navigated the maze, calculating every move with precision.
Behind him, Nella's spider-like mecha, Climber, scampered across the walls, easily bypassing laser grids and leaping over gaps with its nimble legs.
"Keep up, Theron!" Nella's voice crackled over the comms, teasing him. "Don't fall behind!"
Theron shot her a smirk, veering left to avoid a platform that collapsed beneath his feet. "Try not to fall, Nella. Those legs won't save you forever."
Nella's voice flickered with laughter as she deftly maneuvered her mecha around an energy field. "You wish, Theron!"
Ahead of them, Elric's mecha, Arcus-9, hovered gracefully, shield projectors glowing a soft blue as it absorbed a barrage of turret fire. Its elegant movements were almost effortless as it navigated the obstacles with a calm, calculated demeanor.
"Pathway cleared," Arcus-9 reported, its voice soothing and precise.
"Good work, Arcus!" Elric's voice was light, even in the heat of the competition.
Torvin's mecha, Bolt, meanwhile, was charging through the course with raw power, its heavy, reinforced frame allowing it to smash through barriers that would have slowed the others. It leapt over platforms with a thunderous crash, sending shockwaves through the digital landscape.
"Obstacle detected," Bolt growled, its deep voice vibrating with force. "Neutralizing threat."
Theron rolled his eyes, shaking his head as Bolt obliterated a turret with a single swipe. "Show-off," he muttered, deploying Rex's decoys to distract another turret before deftly slipping through a narrow gap in an energy barrier.
The maze was getting more intense. Platforms crumbled beneath their feet, and new hazards sprang up without warning. Drones materialized from the shadows, their sensors glowing ominously as they locked onto the gnomes' mechas.
"Incoming drone swarm," Rex warned.
Theron's pulse quickened. "Deploy EMP net!"
Rex launched a shimmering net of energy that short-circuited the drones, causing them to fall from the sky like malfunctioning birds. Behind him, Climber activated a cloaking device, vanishing from sight as it moved undetected past a group of drones. Arcus-9, ever the strategist, erected a shield dome, enveloping Elric and his mecha in protective energy.
"Nice work, Elric," Theron muttered under his breath, just as a barrage of laser beams targeted his own position.
The finish line loomed ahead, marked by a towering pillar of light. It was within reach, but the final stretch was fraught with dangers. Theron pushed Rex harder, weaving between collapsing platforms and leaping over energy beams. Behind him, Climber and Arcus-9 were gaining ground, while Bolt's massive form pounded the ground with heavy steps.
With a final burst of speed, Rex rocketed forward, clearing the last of the obstacles in one smooth motion. Theron held his breath as Rex crossed the finish line, skidding to a halt just as the simulation ended.
A wave of exhilaration washed over him as the world around him shifted back to reality. He removed his helmet, wiping the sweat from his brow. The other gnomes were slowly emerging from their pods, some grinning, others groaning in frustration.
"How'd you do?" Nella asked, her spider mecha clicking its legs impatiently as it perched beside her.
"First place," Theron said, a satisfied grin spreading across his face.
Nella groaned. "One of these days, Theron... one of these days."
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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