Kapitel 9: Chapter 9: Training Mechs
Su Ming ignored the stunned expressions of Yellow Hair and his roommates, heading straight to the bathroom to wash up.
A few minutes later, he lay on his bed, staring at the bottom of the upper bunk, his mind turning over the events with Zhang Tai.
Truth be told, he wasn't surprised Zhang Tai had tried to block his path. Sometimes people had no personal grudge against one another, yet conflicts would arise simply because of conflicting interests.
In Zhang Tai's case, even though Su Ming had no intention of pursuing Lin Chuyu anymore, the mere fact that his body's original owner had done so was enough to make him an obstacle in Zhang Tai's eyes.
From Zhang Tai's perspective, Su Ming's existence was a threat to his interests, and he would naturally cause trouble to remove that threat, regardless of how reasonable it was.
Life in this world was cruel and realistic. Everything boiled down to survival of the fittest, a game of competition and consequence.
Su Ming sighed and closed his eyes, gradually drifting off to sleep.
---
Noon
Outside Building 1, the students of Mecha Class 3 began to gather on the open cement ground.
A boy with thick eyebrows and bright eyes, radiating enthusiasm, called out to his classmates, "Hurry up, everyone! Line up! Class is about to start."
However, a boy with messy hair, dark skin, and a disdainful expression scoffed in response.
"Mingke, you're just the class monitor, not the teacher. Class hasn't even started, and Mr. Tang isn't here yet. What are you yelling for?"
The boy was Chen Tong, who had previously mocked Su Ming in the classroom.
Unbothered by the remark, Mingke replied curtly, "Chen Tong, if you don't want to line up, at least don't distract others."
"Tch, bootlicker!" Chen Tong muttered disdainfully.
At that moment, Su Ming arrived with a yawn, looking slightly sluggish. He was still tired from staying up late studying the night before and getting up early to review that morning. His body wasn't quite used to the rigorous schedule yet.
Noticing the tense atmosphere, Su Ming glanced over and saw Mingke and Chen Tong locked in a standoff, with their classmates instinctively giving them a wide berth.
A faint smile tugged at Su Ming's lips. Is everyone's temper running hot because of the warmer weather?
Thankfully, Mr. Tang arrived just then, and the students quickly began lining up.
Chen Tong clicked his tongue in annoyance but shuffled to the back of the line. Su Ming found a spot somewhere in the middle and stood quietly.
"Mingke, is everyone here?" Mr. Tang asked as he approached.
"Yes, sir," Mingke responded after doing a quick headcount.
"Good. Follow me," Mr. Tang said briskly, leading the group toward the training building.
---
The training building, located in the northern corner of the school, was one of the academy's most important facilities. From a distance, its grid-like architecture could be seen, with many students milling around the area.
Mr. Tang led the class to the first floor, Room 3.
The training room was enormous, covering 500 square meters. It resembled a large studio, with rows of gray simulation pods arranged neatly inside.
The pods were shaped like cocoons, each labeled with a unique number, and connected to the floor by thick cables.
Su Ming's interest was piqued as he studied the pods.
"All students, find the simulation pod that corresponds to your class number," Mr. Tang instructed.
The students began moving to their assigned pods, but Chen Tong suddenly spoke up in a complaining tone.
"Ugh, not these boring simulation pods again! What's the point?"
"What's the alternative?" Mr. Tang raised an eyebrow at the troublemaker.
Chen Tong shrugged and replied dismissively, "What's the use of practicing in these pods all the time? Can't we use the real thing for once?"
"The simulation pods are essential," Mr. Tang said patiently. "The City Exam uses them too. What's the point of using the real thing?"
"Because it's more motivating to practice on the real deal," Chen Tong argued, a sly grin on his face. "Don't tell me the school doesn't have any real mechs."
Other students chimed in, their enthusiasm building.
"Yeah, Mr. Tang! Can't we try the real thing just once?"
"We've never even touched a real mech!"
Su Ming perked up, his interest piqued. If we get to use real mechs, that'd be an unexpected bonus.
Faced with his students' hopeful gazes and Chen Tong's provocation, Mr. Tang hesitated. This year's class wasn't performing particularly well, and he was already worried about their City Exam results.
After a moment of internal debate, he sighed and said, "Alright, fine. Follow me."
The class erupted into cheers.
"Mr. Tang, you're the best!"
"Finally, real mechs!"
---
Mr. Tang led the students out of the training building and toward a massive steel structure resembling a rectangular warehouse.
This area was heavily guarded, with patrolling security personnel ensuring students stayed away. None of the students had been here before.
As they approached, a burly security captain with a scarred face stepped forward.
"Mr. Tang, what brings you here? And with so many students?"
"I need to use the real mechs in Training Field 2 for these kids," Mr. Tang said, pulling out a pack of synthetic cigarettes and handing one to the captain.
The captain accepted the cigarette with a grin. "You're really spoiling these kids. Those mechs are reserved for advanced training."
"They need the motivation," Mr. Tang said, his expression stiff but determined.
"Well, I won't get in your way then," the captain said, stepping aside.
---
After a few minutes of walking, the group arrived at a massive alloy door. With a sharp beep, the door slid open, revealing a vast and empty training field.
Su Ming looked around in awe.
The ceiling of the field stretched over 30 meters high, supported by steel girders. The floor was lined with metallic tiles, and the walls were surrounded by viewing platforms and a small rest area.
In the center of the training field stood five mechs, their steel frames slightly worn but still imposing.
"Whoa, real mechs!" Yellow Hair and the others exclaimed, their excitement palpable.
Su Ming's eyes gleamed as he studied the machines.
Each mech stood about eight meters tall, covered in thick gray armor. They had humanoid frames with rounded heads, their displays shaped like crosses. One of the mech's massive hands clutched a soft foam training sword.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein