World’s End: My Keyword is One More Than Others

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Designer Module Management Office.

A designer named Ling Jiuxiao looked at the newly refreshed designer list, rubbed his eyes, and glanced at another designer studying blueprints across from him. "Old Ghost, someone just broke the record for the intermediate designer exam. Guess who?"

"Who?" The designer called Old Ghost didn't even look up.

Every day in the Battle Network, many people take the intermediate designer qualification exam. Unlike the mecha training module, knowledge is universal in both the Battle Network and reality, so the title of intermediate designer in the Battle Network is also recognized in reality.

Many who are unwilling to be ordinary use this method to obtain the title, then enter universities for further study or jump into mecha research companies.

Mechas on Bi Xing are epoch-making products, and anything related to mechas is a hot industry.

The title of intermediate designer is relatively easy to obtain. If you spend enough time answering enough questions, you'll eventually become an intermediate designer.

Therefore, many people pass the exam every day. In the eyes of senior designers, the title of intermediate designer is quite common.

Even breaking a record isn't a big deal.

What they care more about is whether the papers published by the mixed group of intermediate designers have any highlights. Mecha development has been in a bottleneck for many years, and finding a breakthrough is difficult.

But the Hill Civilization hasn't left them much time. The opening of the Battle Network is to cast a wide net and expand the talent pool as much as possible.

Each level's module management office has senior designers on duty.

Their task is to review the daily published arguments of intermediate designers and discover talent from them.

But most of the time, the probability of geniuses appearing in the intermediate designer module is very low, so senior designers on duty often just go through the motions to earn some Net Coins, mostly focusing on their own research in the management office.

"Ten Steps to Kill One," Ling Jiuxiao said.

"Who?" Old Ghost finally looked up.

"The guy who used the Petrel to solo the Phantom," Ling Jiuxiao said.

"The one who caused a bunch of papers on the Petrel in the designer module and made all the forum titles in shock style, disrupting our review process?" Old Ghost was furious.

"Yes, that's him," Ling Jiuxiao said.

Du Ge's shock style not only affected the mecha training module but also blew this strange wind into the mecha design module.

Now, the forum in the design module is filled with titles like "Shock, I discovered this after dismantling the Petrel," "Blade's efficiency increased by 300% after modification," "Three minutes to experience the oppressive feeling inside the Phantom," "The miracle of linkage systems, how the Phantom's linkage system heats up"...

Academia is rigorous, and the designers responsible for review usually judge the quality of content by the title, but the title party severely interfered with the reviewers' vision, making it impossible for them to find gold among the dirt.

At a glance, it's all golden titles, thought to be treasures, but upon opening, it's all dirt, unnecessarily increasing the workload for the reviewers.

The senior designers on duty in the mid-to-low-level modules were getting headaches.

Designers who genuinely wanted to learn technology in the forum also hated these title parties, hated the screen full of entry-level mecha materials.

With the Hill Civilization's attack imminent, what's the use of focusing on some entry-level mechas instead of breaking through high-end mecha bottlenecks?

Can thoroughly researching an old entry-level mecha defeat the Hill Civilization?

One could say.

Now, "Ten Steps to Kill One" in the mecha design module is like a pile of stinking dog poop.

"He still dares to come to the mecha design module?" Old Ghost said angrily.

"Not only did he come, but he also broke the exam record," Ling Jiuxiao said. "You can watch his exam video. I can assure you, Ten Steps to Kill One is the same guy from the mecha training module, and his fundamentals are quite solid."

Old Ghost pulled up Du Ge's exam video and watched his smooth answering speed, unable to help but frown. "What good are solid fundamentals if he's still a pile of garbage? What's he doing now?"

"He's blocked outside the exam hall," Ling Jiuxiao pushed another screen in front of Old Ghost.

Outside the exam hall.

A group of people blocked Du Ge's path.

...

"Ten Steps to Kill One, I'm Ye Feng, a senior mecha pilot from the Third Army Group. Please accept my connection request; I have something important to discuss with you."

"I'm Lan Zixing, a senior mecha pilot from the Second Army Group. Our commander said that if you join our Second Army Group, all benefits will be provided at the colonel level."

"Just a colonel? Who do you look down on? Join the Fifth Army Group, and we'll give you the treatment of a major general."

"I'm Tong Chuan, the vice-principal of Blue Sea University. Come teach at our school, and I'll give you the title of professor..."

"Ten Steps to Kill One, many people on the Battle Network are using the Petrel to challenge high-level mechas like you. What's your relationship with them?"

"Are you genetically modified warriors?"

"General Feng has challenged you. Why don't you dare to accept?"

"What do you do in reality?"

"With so many mechas, why do you only favor the Petrel? Is it because your mental power can't control high-level mechas?"

"General Feng has already earned the ace pilot title. Why don't you continue to advance? Is it because you're not confident?"

"With such high skills, why don't you go to the front line and fight the Hill Civilization?"

"As a mecha pilot, why did you come to the mecha design module..."

...

Looking at the exam hall like a marketplace, Old Ghost frowned. "Nonsense, what do these guys take the mecha design module for?"

Du Ge raised his hand to calm the crowd and said, "Everyone, can I say a few words?"

The noise continued, and although Xu Wan and others helped divert some attention from Du Ge, he was, after all, the pioneer of using entry-level mechas to challenge high-end mechas, and possibly the founder of the shock style. Until the heat subsides, he naturally carries enormous traffic.

Moreover, besides Xu Wan, many Alien Star warriors, although gaining fame on the Battle Network, haven't actively contacted military personnel.

The Battle Network can't query real addresses, making it safe and hidden to showcase strength here. Why risk exposure in reality and become a target?

At least until the top ten rankings appear, many Alien Star warriors don't plan to reveal themselves in reality. A month is enough for them to hone their skills and gain self-preservation power.

Du Ge ignored the chaotic crowd and spoke to himself, "Since I was ten, my dream has been to become an ace pilot, to achieve glory on the battlefield, and take the enemy general's head among thousands of troops.

When others my age were courting beautiful girls and pursuing romantic love, I was honing my mental power day and night, diligently practicing mecha skills.

As a result, girls who admired me said I was a blockhead, not understanding romance, destined to be lonely forever.

But who among them understands me?

In my heart, a man's romance should be the stars and the sea, to wield power over the world while awake, and to rest on a beauty's lap while drunk;

To be wrapped in horsehide, to defend the country, to command thousands of troops, to be surrounded by the iron-blooded aura;

To drive a mecha on the battlefield and kill enemies, to feel the explosive hormones, to have unyielding blood, to possess a steel heart..."

As Du Ge spoke, the scene gradually quieted down.

Especially the pilots from the army groups, their breathing quickened, and their eyes on Du Ge grew brighter. These words spoke to their hearts, and they admired Ten Steps to Kill One even more.

The expressions on the faces of the two reviewing designers in the management office also gradually softened.

However, the female pilots in the crowd sneered.

Shen Yuning snorted, "Since it's a steel heart, why do you need to rest on a beauty's lap? A man's romance is wanting everything!"

Gu Qingyan looked at Du Ge, her eyes sparkling, and murmured, "I think he suits my taste. He's much more mature than those immature guys at school."

"Yan Zi, you can't be serious about him, right?" Shen Yuning widened her eyes. "Can't you tell? This guy doesn't respect us women at all!"

"Really?" Gu Qingyan said, "I think piloting a mecha and fighting alongside him on the battlefield sounds quite romantic."

"Hopeless," Shen Yuning sighed, shaking her head helplessly.

...

"I've always done it this way," Du Ge smiled. "That's why I succeeded in the training ground, with the Petrel challenging higher-level mechas. I'm not a genius, nor have I taken any genetic modification drugs.

I just work harder than others. You can do it too, just wake up an hour earlier and go to bed an hour later, gradually raising your standards during training..."

"If you pursue the stars and the sea, why did you suddenly quit the Battle Network, come to the mecha design module, and ignore the military's invitation?" A voice questioned from the crowd.

Good question!

Du Ge glanced at the source of the voice and said solemnly, "Precisely because of my battles, I discovered the shortcomings of mechas. So, I decisively quit the Battle Network and spent a few days researching mechas to improve their performance, allowing more men like me, who pursue dreams, to survive on the battlefield.

How many enemies can I kill alone? But if mechas have higher performance and are easier to operate, pilots on the battlefield will have a better chance of survival against powerful enemies. When facing the Hill Civilization, we won't have to resort to suicide attacks.

It's romantic for pilots to fight fiercely on the battlefield, but aren't the unsung heroes silently improving mechas in the rear just as romantic? An ace pilot can fight one or ten enemies on the battlefield, but an excellent mecha designer can fight ten thousand..."

"Well said, ten thousand enemies."

With one sentence, Old Ghost's prejudice against Du Ge vanished instantly. He looked at Ling Jiuxiao across from him and said, "Old Ling, now it seems this guy isn't so annoying. I'm planning to take him as my apprentice later."

"..." Ling Jiuxiao glanced at him, noncommittal.

"Don't you find it contradictory? You say you work hard to become an ace pilot, but how can you practice piloting mechas and improve them at the same time?" The questioning voice rose again. "Ten Steps to Kill One, you're misleading others, or you're just a coward, using this as an excuse to avoid the battlefield?"

As soon as this was said.

The rhythm was immediately set.

The designers who were just moved by Du Ge now cast questioning glances at him.

So argumentative, are you an Alien Star warrior?

Guidance?

Rebuttal?

Or just a troll?

Are you here to ride the traffic wave?

Du Ge glanced at the speaker, memorized his appearance, and smiled, "May I ask your name, sir?"

The man looked at Du Ge arrogantly, even more righteous than Du Ge, and said, "I don't change my name when walking or sitting; questioning the truth is me. Ten Steps to Kill One, I'm straightforward and dare to speak the truth others don't. If you want to retaliate, go ahead.

But I'll say this, as long as you don't kill me, I'll keep an eye on you, exposing your hypocritical face, letting everyone on Bi Xing see your true colors."

After speaking, he threw Du Ge a provocative look.

You really think the Battle Network is broken, huh?

This is the rhythm of stepping on me to rise and taking the opportunity to suppress me!

Don't know my keywords, just opposing whatever I do, huh!

Uncle Du hasn't come out, and more and more brave souls dare to jump out.

But you'll only question this once.

After going offline, Uncle Du will raid your lair...

However.

The appearance of questioning the truth also reminded Du Ge.

There are various keywords, and Alien Star warriors might not necessarily follow the pilot route. Who knows how many Alien Star warriors are using all sorts of strange methods to boost their influence on the Battle Network.

Du Ge looked at the questioning truth with pity, shook his head, and said, "We have no grievances or enmity, why would I retaliate against you? Your questioning is reasonable. I have indeed spent countless efforts on mecha cultivation, but that's because my talent in mechas is lacking, forcing me to work harder than others.

However, I believe I have considerable talent in mecha design, which doesn't require me to expend much effort to achieve high accomplishments."

With one sentence, he successfully offended two groups.

Both those who play with mechas and those who build them fell silent.

Gu Qingyan looked at Du Ge and said softly, "Yuning, you're right, this person isn't suitable for me. He's too arrogant. Going out with him would get us killed."

"High talent?" Questioning truth looked at Du Ge, momentarily unable to figure out his keywords.

"Yes, I'll prove it to everyone next," Du Ge smiled. "I underestimated my influence on the Battle Network. I initially planned to climb step by step, earn the senior designer qualification, and then publish some improvement plans for current mechas.

Now that my influence is sufficient, I'll publish these studies on the intermediate designer forum. I hope everyone here will help promote it, as it will elevate the performance of Bi Xing's mechas."

Hoo!

A wave of jeering erupted nearby.

Clearly, most people didn't believe Du Ge's words.

The pilots from the army groups who came to invite Du Ge frowned repeatedly. In their view, a potential ace pilot focusing on mechas was completely misguided. These pilots tried to persuade Du Ge in various ways.

But Du Ge ignored them.

And the designers around him, due to Du Ge's praise, had their goodwill drop back to freezing point. A pilot casually learning for a few days can improve mechas, so what are these designers for?

Talent?

There are many talented people, who do you think you are?

"Of course, we'll promote it. Once you fail to deliver results, everyone here will spread your name far and wide," questioning truth shouted. "We'll let everyone on Bi Xing know what a vile and despicable person you are."

"Sir, what if my research results are indeed useful?" Du Ge looked at the Alien Star warrior who was jumping around and asked with a smile.

"I'll apologize to you," questioning truth said shamelessly. "But that doesn't stop me from questioning you. Questioning everything makes the truth more complete, exposing all filth and ugliness. I won't just question you; I'll question everyone deceiving people on the Battle Network."

"Good, I'll wait for your apology," Du Ge glanced at him and said, "Everyone, I don't have enough Net Coins to buy mechas and parts for practical operations on the Battle Network, so I'll write my ideas into papers and publish them on the forum. If there are any senior designers present, you can follow my ideas to improve and verify them."

...

"Old Ghost, do you still want to take him as an apprentice?" Ling Jiuxiao asked with a smile.

"Not a chance," Old Ghost snorted. "Even if this guy somehow gets the senior designer title, I'll request the designer association to expel him."

Du Ge's speed was swift.

In a short while.

The first paper, "Suggestions for Improving the Energy and Frame Systems of the Petrel Mecha," was freshly released.

The paper was priced at one Net Coin.

As soon as the paper was published, a wave of curses followed, accusing "Ten Steps to Kill One" of being crazy for money, writing a garbage paper to scam money with his fame.

Old Ghost glanced at the title, not even interested in clicking it.

But Ling Jiuxiao, intrigued, opened the paper and eagerly read it.

Designers on duty in the management office don't need to pay to browse papers in the module.

"I want to see what kind of garbage this guy can write," Ling Jiuxiao muttered as he read. But after just half a page, his expression grew increasingly serious. "Old Ghost, you should take a look at this paper. This guy might have something..."

Old Ghost skeptically opened the paper, scanned it from the beginning, and soon his expression became much more solemn. He swallowed, "Old Ling, it seems this really can be modified!"

"Do you have these parts in your Battle Network warehouse?" Ling Jiuxiao asked.

"What Battle Network? There's a discrepancy. I'm logging off to make the changes," Old Ghost, being impatient, didn't even say goodbye and hurriedly logged out of the Battle Network.

"This Old Ghost..." Ling Jiuxiao chuckled awkwardly, noticing Du Ge had published another paper, "Suggestions for Optimizing the Control and Transmission Systems of the Blade." After reading a few lines, he cursed and also quickly logged off.

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