Staying Alive Cautiously in the Celestial Realm and Becoming the Strongest

Imperial First Military Academy, Seventh Combat Training Base, K3 Hangar.

Countless steel beams supported the massive dome above, and the cold lighting evenly illuminated the entire base space, casting light onto rows of neatly arranged mechanical units.

Standard Combat Training Mecha ZS-057G.

This model of mecha, codenamed Fist Blade, stood towering before Wang Chen.

The Fist Blade-class is currently the most heavily mass-produced combat training mecha in the Empire; rumor has it that, from the prototype to the latest upgraded version, the combined total already exceeds ten million units.

Although the ZS-057G is not the newest Fist Blade model, it is by no means outdated in terms of technology.

It stands at a height of 7.53 meters, weighs 3.82 tons, and is outfitted with a PC5600 high-thrust engine. When equipped with a standard power pack, its operational endurance reaches five hours.

Additionally, the ZS-057G is armed with a 120mm-caliber high-energy particle cannon, a Titanium Star Alloy Battle Sword, and two 70mm-caliber close-defense laser cannons.

Although the Fist Blade is classified as a training mecha, it is fully capable of engaging in real combat.

Its primary purpose, however, is to train exceptional talent for the Empire's Mecha Combat forces.

As a first-year student of the Mecha Combat Department, Wang Chen underwent three months of military training and three months of basic theoretical learning prior to passing the assessments required to gain hands-on operational qualifications.

Wang Chen had already interacted with the ZS-057G and was highly familiar with its technical specifications and capabilities.

But all of this experience had been gained solely in virtual environments.

No matter how proficient one might be in a simulated environment, it could never equate to the realities of physical combat.

"Attention, everyone! Follow my command!"

Under the stern order of the mecha instructor, Wang Chen took a decisive step forward, raising his head to gaze at the ZS-057G before him.

The metallic armor of the mecha gleamed coldly, solid and silent.

Following the instructions laid out in the operations manual, Wang Chen raised his right hand and pressed against the armor plate on the mecha's right leg.

Buzz—

The next moment, accompanied by the activation sound of the machine coming to life, the ZS-057G's energy indicators lit up instantaneously.

The frontal main armor automatically opened, revealing a cockpit designed to accommodate the pilot.

There are three typical methods for entering the cockpit: via a lift platform, boarding ladder, or utilizing the mecha's arm.

Most of the cadets present opted for the second method, climbing the boarding ladder to access the cockpit.

Wang Chen, however, leapt high into the air, using his right hand to grip the shield on the ZS-057G's left arm for leverage, then rotated his body mid-air before smoothly landing directly in the pilot's seat!

The instructors present witnessed this scene and couldn't help but nod in approval.

This unconventional boarding method was by no means invented by Wang Chen; it had long been used by many mecha pilots—some even adding varied and flashy entry techniques.

However, for a freshman to master such a skill was no easy feat. Even for a Fist Blade-class training mecha, which stands over seven meters tall, jumping straight into the cockpit is a test of a pilot's bodily skill and physical strength.

Wang Chen's boarding maneuver was fluid as Moving Cloud—precise, swift, and elegant. Other freshmen present couldn't replicate his mastery, and even many active-duty armored soldiers would struggle to match such finesse.

The instructors had sharp eyes and naturally recognized Wang Chen's exceptional capability.

While their approval was evident, they assumed Wang Chen had already undergone prior practice, possibly as part of a privileged upbringing in the Scholar Families, so they weren't overly surprised.

Unbeknownst to the instructors, Wang Chen was stepping into real-world mecha operation for the very first time—a far cry from the elite lineage they had assumed.

Once he settled into the cockpit, Wang Chen strapped himself in and sealed the hatch.

The moment the hatch locked, darkness enveloped his field of view, as if submerged in pitch blackness.

But the darkness lasted less than a second—his vision was promptly illuminated by a small flash of light as the interior of the cockpit transformed entirely.

"Cadet DPB2899720 positioned and verified by DNA authentication. Would you like to connect to the control system?"

A gentle voice spoke directly into Wang Chen's ear.

Wang Chen nodded.

In the following instant, his consciousness seamlessly integrated into the mecha's internal network, granting him temporary master-level control privileges.

The mecha's control system was essentially its main computer, enabling Wang Chen to issue commands to activate various weapon systems and functionalities, or even allowing the AI to take charge of the mecha.

For instance, in the event that Wang Chen were gravely injured in combat and unable to maintain control, the main computer could intervene to execute a retreat.

However, the AI couldn't completely replace the pilot in executing combat maneuvers.

This limitation was peculiar; given the Empire's advanced technological capabilities, it could theoretically produce an overwhelming number of unmanned intelligent combat mechs to annihilate adversaries.

Nevertheless, the first rule of mecha combat remains unchangeable: humans are the controllers of machines—not the other way around!

As Wang Chen immersed himself in new learning, he endeavored to uncover the reasoning behind this rule and gradually gained some insights.

Currently, the Empire maintains stringent restrictions on artificial intelligence applications, limiting them to rudimentary levels. The domain of advanced AI remains a taboo, with related knowledge scarcely discoverable online.

Through his access to the Anomalous Knowledge Club's database, Wang Chen had managed to piece together a fragment of understanding.

Upon realizing the sensitivity of this information, he wisely chose not to delve deeper, avoiding crossing boundaries that could lead to severe consequences for himself.

"Control system connected. May fortune in combat be ever in your favor!"

Wang Chen closed his eyes, then reopened them.

At this moment, his body was fully encased within the mecha, his consciousness merging seamlessly with the combat machine.

The ZS-057G felt like Wang Chen's new physical form, transforming him into a true giant—his senses and perception elevated to completely new dimensions!

The cadet's first lesson was to familiarize themselves with basic operational skills.

This initial step proved immensely challenging.

Even though most cadets had practiced extensively in virtual environments, their real-world mecha controls were clumsy. Many stumbled forward only to trip over their own steps in confusion.

Fortunately, the built-in stabilization systems prevented the mechs from outright collapsing during awkward maneuvers.

Yet a select few cadets displayed exceptional talent, deftly maneuvering their ZS-057Gs out of the K3 Hangar and into the genuine training fields beyond.

They began full-scale mobility drills!

Wang Chen was among them.

Wang Chen adapted to the mecha's speed faster than anyone else, driven by his potent Divine Soul, which endowed him with unparalleled control and spatial awareness.

Both are indispensable attributes for any elite mecha pilot!

Exiting the hangar, Wang Chen distanced himself from his peers and increased the intensity of his maneuvers.

Walking, running, jumping, gliding, rapid directional shifts...

Under Wang Chen's control, the ZS-057G moved with increasingly vigorous speed and remarkable agility.

The PC5600 engine roared perpetually, infusing the mecha with boundless energy.

Suddenly, the ZS-057G darted across a small rise at high velocity, stirring up billowing clouds of dust behind it.

Its dorsal wings unfurled in an instant, angling sharply at ninety degrees before launching straight toward the Firmament!

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First chapter delivered.