Mech: Shattering of the Galaxy

Floating cars glided through the streets of Zhongjing City like ghosts, this car not purposely taking detours, as it had not been recorded by surveillance at all.

From beginning to end, it had never appeared in the surveillance equipment's records.

When the floating car stopped at the side gate of Dingchuan Academy, Mu Fan got out, his body's cells already sending out signals of extreme hunger, reflected in his eyes, which shone like those of a starving wolf.

The floating car drove away, and Mu Fan plunged into the campus.

At 4 am, this was precisely the time Mu Fan usually went to Little Green Mountain's Sealing Peak for training, but from today onwards, he was destined to miss it.

The apartment was dead quiet.

If Black hadn't helped him send a message to them earlier, Sky Communication would have probably exploded with calls by now.

Mu Fan slipped into his bedroom, opening the encrypted storage locker.

There were still fourteen Molten Magma Fruits left, and a medicine box filled with metal syringes.

Putting the medicine box into the travel bag, Mu Fan changed into a new set of clothes.

Clean, neatly pressed canvas clothes and jeans.

After doing this, Mu Fan left the bedroom with the travel bag without any reluctance.

Greedily breathing in the fragrance that wafted out of the travel bag, Mu Fan's slightly trembling left hand reached in and pulled out a bright red fruit.

He took a bite, juice splattering everywhere, filling his mouth with fragrance.

Like the surging of magma from the Earth's mantle before a volcanic eruption, huge waves of energy began to transform into warm streams flowing into his limbs and bones.

To cells that had been emitting signals of extreme hunger, this was like sweet rain after a long drought!

Every cell in his body greedily absorbed the energy.

Mu Fan started to feel a little bit of strength reconvene in his body!

This was the feeling he was looking for!

Mu Fan grabbed another Molten Magma Fruit and pressed it into his mouth, another massive wave of energy surged forth.

The astonishing life force and tension in his body's cells swallowed up this energy without any discomfort.

A fruit that could enhance the training of a person with a Level 17 physique for four or five days only lasted less than two minutes for Mu Fan.

It was only after eating the third one that he finally started to feel the fatigue in his body fade away.

His cells had completely recovered from their overdrawn state!

A scorching breath erupted from his mouth and nose, each step he took, he could feel the heat emanating from his body.

Then, he felt the itch on his shoulder increase by a third.

When Mu Fan appeared at the side gate, there were only nine Molten Magma Fruits left in the travel bag, but his spirits were exceptionally high.

Seeing the familiar Loki Heavy Industry floating car, seeing the familiar driver-type robot.

But this time, the only person getting into the car was Mu Fan!

He threw his stuff into the car and merged into it.

At last, he had reached the final step of his plan.

Feeling the restless energy from the Molten Magma Fruits in his body, Mu Fan's breathing was scorching.

His goal was straightforward—

The Extreme Special Soldier prototype machine!

That well-preserved prototype, unknown to anyone, was the biggest trump card for rescuing Nuonuo's situation!

Since last night, he had been busy only to prepare for piloting the Extreme Special Soldier!

Wandering outside the two superpowers, possessing overwhelming military strength on its own—the Interstellar Mecha Association!

Its support could determine the life and death of a company.

Nuonuo had given up on this idea from the start, even giving up the opportunity for the Extreme Special Soldier, a refined work that condensed several years of Loki Heavy Industry's heart and soul, to make a simple appearance.

The penalty for forfeiting, Black had already told him.

Unable to participate in any Mecha Association-sanctioned events for five years.

Every entry spot was incredibly precious!

Yet, the plan that Nuonuo had immediately discarded was currently the only chance to reverse Loki Heavy Industry's decline in the strongest possible manner.

As long as those tens of thousands of mass-produced Extreme Special Soldiers could win a rank in the martial competition.

Just... by getting through the preliminary battles, if they entered the top 32 of the open competition, Loki Heavy Industry would clinch its new lease on life!

That was the key to breaking the status quo!

As for how far he could go, he had to keep going until he collapsed.

There were no mechanics, no repair teams, no connections.

Because… he still had Black!

He possessed the unique intelligent life in the universe!

Mu Fan opened a tube of potent medicine and slowly dripped it onto his wound. Under the intense stimulation of pain, the youth's gaze grew even more profound.

Shuttling through the familiar tunnels, still with their dazzlingly intricate routes, the deafening silence of the underground warehouse followed as a floating car disappeared into the dense corridor without a trace.

Nautilus Warehouse, arrived!

Staring at the thick metal gate, Mu Fan closed his eyes, and after a few seconds, his whole being's presence subsided…

And then, when he opened his eyes again.

The deep flames in his eyes finally turned into a roaring inferno.

That long-missed fighting spirit!

That unwavering will!

That indomitable heart of victory that never conceded under any circumstance!

Once again burst forth in the eyes of the youth.

Loki Heavy Industry, no one can erase its name!

The stage of his first competition, no one can take it from him!

He… was never prey!

The metal behemoth of a door in front slowly slid open, and the youth stepped through.

…

The darkness before dawn soon faded away, and as the gentle light of the constant stars projected onto the land, a new day began in Zhongjing City.

But those walking on the streets felt that today's atmosphere was distinctly unusual.

To be exact, it was the feverish anticipation of a grand event about to begin.

The spectacle before a major play!

Because the sky was simply too crowded with passing ships!

These ships, clearly not following the ordinary civilian flight paths, varied in size and color.

But they had one thing in common: whether streamlined or fierce in appearance, they all highlighted the extravagance and uniqueness of these vessels!

Several key main roads were already under complete martial law.

The military forces of Blue Capital Star led the way, with fleets of various floating cars driving past the divided crowds on either side.

This even had a pre-war air about it, making some people tense.

"What's going on? Everything was fine yesterday!" A middle-aged man, wearing a suit and carrying a briefcase, couldn't help but ask a young man who was engrossed nearby.

"What's going on? I don't know, but I'm sure it's a big deal. Look at the troops on both sides, that's the Azure Mechanical Corps' soldiers. When they appear, it usually means something big is happening within the Star District."

"Yabo Heavy Industry, Blue Sparrow Company, and wait, isn't that the McCarthy family's crest? Over there, are those Glutton Mecha from Bray Heavy Industry lined up? My God! So many industrial giants have appeared." After just answering the middle-aged man's question, the young man was taken aback by the scene before him, his eyes nearly popping out.

Why was this so familiar? Because the mechanical products of these enterprises covered every corner of their understanding of mechanical products.

From ordinary civilian smart machinery to heavy weaponry, tanks, warships, and mecha for the military—these megacorporations' assets were measured in the hundreds of millions, their illustrious names so deeply ingrained in the minds of common folks!

Especially for the youth, the high-end series of mecha and warships that interested them the most nearly all had the mark of these consortiums or companies.

"Hmph, lucky you know these businesses' names. It shows you don't pay attention usually!" A cold snort came from nearby.

The annoyed young man looked over but saw someone his age whose eyes glowed with feverish and intense light. This person wasn't looking at him but was enraptured, saying:

"The hosting rights for this Star System's number one Martial Path tournament have fallen to Blue Capital Star! And these are the participating enterprises; the military is clearing the way for them. They're heading to the registration point! They will soon be riding the Earth Core Car to the other side of the planet. These companies are just a drop in the bucket, a drop in the bucket! There must be many more from other cities rushing here! I need to check out the excitement in other places."

The young man who was about to argue stood dumbfoundedly, a bolt of lightning streaking through his mind, his whole body trembling with excitement.

"It's the Mecha Martial Competition!! I've been completely cut off from the world these past few days, drowning in overtime. My God, I have to rush to grab a ticket for the Earth Core Car."

After saying this, the young man bolted away, completely disregarding the other's mocking words.

He just hoped, fervently hoped, that there would be a ticket left for him to catch tomorrow.

If not tomorrow, then the day after.

Damn it, damn it! Why the hell did he work like an idiot these past few days?

While walking, he slapped his face, drawing curious glances from those nearby.

Amidst the excited and amazed stares of countless onlookers, another convoy arrived, painted a light blue throughout.

As this convoy appeared, they erupted in thunderous cheers.