《The Greatest Mech Designer》


 1. Battle Of Collosal Giants

    1. Battle Of Collosal Giants


    The waves roared as the Colossal Kaiju emerged from the ocean, its massive, glowing carapace dripping with seawater. A tsunami wall was created in it''s wake, smashing into the nearby hills and taken down one of the few lighthouses that stood nearby. The creature that appeared from the depths of the ocean towered at 500 meters, the beast¡ª dubbed "Tidescourge"¡ª released an ear-splitting bellow that exploded with a powerful shockwave that cleared the sky of any clouds. Its six crab-like legs crushed the remains of a seaside city, each step causing tremors that sent cracks splintering across the ground.


    From the distance a loud siren blared causing the colossal Kaiju to turn it''s head slightly in the direction of the noise. It''s six compound eyes like black rubies reflected no emotion within them as they peered even further.


    "Eclipse-7, on standby!" The pilot''s voice crackled over the comms, sharp with adrenaline. Over the cacophony of chaos a colossal size mech appeared darting out of the hillside¡ª it was a sleek, jet-black titan bristling with railguns and plasma blades¡ª unlike the collossal Kaiju it would soon come to face it was considerably smaller at 350 meters making it one of the biggest mechs in the entirety of mech history. It''s top speed was slowed down by its massive form, as it approached it took a defensive stance on the cliffside.


    "Keep it at range," the Commander barked over the comm system. "That thing''s armored. Aim for the joints."


    The Kaiju turned its glowing, compound eyes toward the mech. Its maw opened, revealing rows of jagged teeth and strings of thick saliva as it unleashed a concentrated blast of boiling seawater.


    One of the pilots screamed in a controlled tone to his copilot. "Incoming!" His copilot gave a much calmer response and nodded.


    Eclipse-7''s thrusters roared to life, propelling it sideways just as the torrent slammed into the cliffside. Steam hissed like smoke from molten magma and obscured the battlefield, but the pilots activated the thermal sensors option in their cockpit. Through the haze of red coloured mist they could see the huge form of the Kaiju making a move, Tidescourge lunged with unnatural speed betraying its collosal size, its claws snapping like guillotines.


    "Not today!" The pilots boomed in unison as they motioned in synchronization causing the mech to follow their streamlined pattern.


    The mech''s railgun took aim fired a second later, a tungsten slug shot out and slammed into the Kaiju''s left claw. The impact cracked the glowing chitin, but it wasn''t enough to tear through its carapace. Tidescourge retaliated, swinging its tail¡ª a jagged, coral-encrusted weapon that smashed into the mech''s torso and cracking it''s metal armour and exoskeleton.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Eclipse-7 skidded backward, alarms blaring inside its cockpit.


    "Hull integrity at 63%," the AI droned.


    "I know, I know!" The pilots gritted their teeth, flipping switches to activate the plasma blade. With a roar of defiance the mech charged, the gears in it''s legs spinning at an incredible speed propelling it forward with a boost of force helping Eclipse-7 to duck under another swipe of the Kaiju''s claws and creating a massive of debris under it.


    The plasma blade ignited with a thick purple light that looked more fluid than light matter. The blade gave a loud sizzling noise as it''s burned through the air and carved through one of Tidescourge''s legs. The Kaiju howled in pain, black ichor spraying as it stumbled, its weight shaking the earth.


    "Target the core!" The Commander''s voice cut through the chaos on the mechs comms.


    The pilots glanced at the thermal display being registered in the mechs field of vision. Beneath the Kaiju''s armored shell, a bright, pulsing mass glowed near its chest.


    "Got it." They echoed in unison as they kicked off the ground within the cockpit. They were much too experienced to get excited about such a little thing.


    The Eclipse-7 collossal mech also did the same and jumped, its thrusters roaring to life with the embers of light blue flames as it soared over the Kaiju''s massive frame. But Tidescourge still had a lot more fight in him. Its tail whipped upward, catching the mech mid-air and crushing it at its weak point¡ª it''s spine. If the spine of a mech was destroyed it''s use would be totally depleted making it suicidal to use.


    Fortunately Tidescourge did not seem to be intent on crushing its prey. Sparks flew as the mech was sent spiraling through the air and crashing into the remains of a skyscraper.


    The explosion was on a massive scale as wind the size of mountains left a devastating scar on the planets surface and cracking it open.


    Inside the cockpit, the pilots groaned as they almost fell from their pods. They struggled to focus as billions of neurons fired into their brains. If one of them was to pass out or go into a state of shock it would affect the copilot greatly due to the dual neurolink a collosal sized mech possessed. Systems flickered and alarms blared, but they forced the mech upright. The Kaiju loomed closer, its mouth charging another water blast.


    "Not this time." The copilots screamed at the top of their lungs.


    Within the cockpit many blaring warnings appeared signifying that a lot of the mechs functions were either malfunctioned or damage. They gritted their teeth, the Eclipse-7 was in a barely functioning state from the onset, putting up a counter was the best it could do. But the option of running and leaving a Kaiju behind and a collosal sized one at that was not something their ego as top mech pilots could allow.


    A/N: Thank you for picking up my book. My inspiration for this book was because there were not many sci-fi books lately so I chose to create one. Feel free to comment on my work and offer advice on certain areas, if its something I can work on then I will. Please enjoy the story.

 2. The Legacy Of Mechs Pilots

    2. The Legacy Of Mechs Pilots


    With a desperate maneuver, Eclipse-7 activated its remaining functional thrusters and dashed forward. The blast of boiling water shot at the collossal mech, it barely avoided it but had a portion of it shoulder armour melted off.


    The mech pilots hissed out in inexplicable pain as their body trembled uncontrollably.


    "Damn Kaiju! That is one of the strongest metals there is in the galaxy or it was till you melted it off." The loud mouthed mech pilot screamed in deep seethed rage.


    His copilot gritted his teeth and spoke. "Focus Orion, let''s kill this filthy beast."


    Orion hissed under his breath and tapped the mechanical goggle that linked their neuro pathways to the mechs cockpit, "Maneuver 7."


    His copilot could not suppress a wide grin as he said. "Of course mate. Let''s show this thing what we humans are capable of."


    The mech roared like a living piece of machinery as it''s cockpit hummed, their thoughts all synchronized as one and the metal giving out one last fight, the joints of the mech hissed out hot steam, it''s gears spun rapidly. The Kaiju stretched one of its crab like legs at the mech like a battle axe, the pilots did not have any plans of taking on its hard carapace with the barely functional mech, they had a more dangerous plan that would cost them everything even their lives.


    The took it''s attack head on causing the mech to lose it''s left arm, the metal hand shattered with gears, screws and pieces of metal plates flying out. The pilots within gritted their teeth as their physical right arms exploded with pain and fell to their sides.


    Whatever damage a mech experienced was transferred to the pilot piloting it, these had been a huge problem in the world of mech designing. Even with the advancement of technology the backlash had only been reduced by 10%. For a mech to perform at its best The pilots would have to be linked to it meaning they would share the damage and in rare occasions the scars of battle.


    The pilots of the Eclipse-7 swallowed the pain charged under the collosal, the plasma blade hummed to life again and drawing all of the remaining power from their power core. The pilots came into rage of the core of the Kaiju, with only one hand functional they let out a battle cry and punched their fist at the kaiju''s core. It pierced straight through Tidescourge¡¯s glowing core.


    The Kaiju¡¯s eyes widened as its roar faded into a gurgling moan as its body spasmed. The light in its eyes dimmed slowly, and the massive creature collapsed into the rubble, its shell cracking apart like fragile glass.


    The pilot slumped back struggling to stand in the cockpit of the mech, sweat dripping down their face. Their eyes staring at the Kaiju waiting for it to spring back to life. They waited for a certain message before they let their minds relax.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    "Tidescourge neutralized," the AI confirmed.


    Their battle suits whirred and bathed their body in cool air causing all of their heat to evaporate, their sweats still remained slightly.


    "A class 4, collosal Kaiju has been neutralised. Type elemental...."


    "We barely got it with this heap of junk, aye Leonardo," Orion muttered, staring at the smoking wreckage as the sun was starting to dip below the horizon.


    Leonardo nodded and looked at the smoking remains of the Kaiju they had just defeated.


    More than 40% of the planet was left standing after the battle. The remaining parts were either shattered or mutated.


    "Don¡¯t get cocky," the Commander warned over the comms. "Scouts report another signature¡ª it''s a big one."


    The pilot¡¯s eyes widened.


    "Another big one? You¡¯ve got to be kidding me..."


    Just then the ground started to tremble and the Eclipse-7''s AI cried.


    "Warning, mech functionality at 20%."


    "Hull integrity at 41%"


    "All weapons are damaged and inactive"


    "Melee combat capacity it below 50%"


    "Warning, abnormality detected..."


    "Class 3, Titan Kaiju detected."


    Leonardo hissed. "What''s a titan doing here? And the mech is barely functioning."


    Orion smiled. "Well it''s been nice knowing you Cap''n."


    Leonardo smirked and said. "Shut it you. We still have to show these damn Kaiju who''s the strongest in the galaxy. For the embassy."


    As a huge shadow appeared at the distance and seemed to be coming their way with a vacuum of wind surrounding it, the battered mech stood in the dying lights of sunlight with a leg over the Tidescourge''s corpse it like a broken knight on a bloody battlefield. The cracks and tears in it''s armour giving it a dignified look.


    The pilots within both echoed. "For the EMBASSY!"


    The commander boomed over the comms. "Generals get out of there now, we''ll send the retrieval jets to pick you up."


    They both snorted and started to march in the direction of the approaching Kaiju. Their advancement was slow and halted at first, the gears of the battered collosal mech barely hold up.


    "Commander, we humans live in fear of these damned Kaiju, just like how they claimed our home planet. It''s the duty of we mech pilots to secure their fate in us." Leonardo spoke with raw indignation as the mech started into a light jog and then progressed into a sprint with all of its joints creaking roighly against its gears.


    The one armed mech charged valiantly into another battle unsure of its safety but trusting in it''s pilots. "Commander it''s been hell serving under you but if I turn tail and run in front of a mech then the devil better claim me now."


    With that the communication system went static, the results of the battle known only to those who shared a similar fate on the battlefield. The life of mech pilots were always filled with dangers across the vast galaxy, the battle for supremacy over the monstrous Kaiju that have long terrified the world. A legacy that has been passed from generation to generation.

 3. A Brief History Of Humanity

    3. A Brief History Of Humanity


    The young boy of fifteen tapped his feet nervously on the steel platform as he sat on the steel bench with his head arched down. He bit down on his lower lip from time to time, as he started to feel bubbly inside. No amount of preparation seemed to calm him in anyway. Within the high transport vehicle that hovered over the metropolitan city were a dozen of people, the passengers all teenagers taken from different orphanages across the planet. Their destination, the small mech research division on planet Soto, a small planet in the Xadar solar system.


    Soto was one of the newer established human divisions of the last 200 years, the population nothing remarkable than it should have but it did carry a significant number of people. It originally started as a redevelopment project but soon became populated by those who sought to be free from the world''s struggles and former mech pilots who had been injured or crippled in battle. What best way to retire than on a planet that was too insignificant to be taken serious?


    Time passed and small time businesses and branches from established and well renowned firms sought to make a claim on the growing plant in hopes that it would one day become a big name in the galaxy. But Soto became more of a residential plant never making a name in the Xadar solar system.


    The planet also managed a number of small orphanages in one of its capital states, these orphanages served the purpose of finding potential genotes within the younger generation. Genotes were those who carried the X gene, the genetic composition a person needed to pilot a mech, without it linking up with a mech wqould be fatal. And since the percentage of having one genote within a thousand people was less than one percent they were well coveted like national treasures in every faction of human civilization.


    And one of these genotes was a young boy called Alto, growing up with the delusion of being a mech pilot was one of his favourite passtimes. Especially when he found out that he was a genotes at the age of ten, he had been elated. He always had a shy personality and was someone who always exercise caution, he usually ended up getting picked on and lacked basic nutrition making him look lean and half dead.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    He feared that one day he would die from the extreme hunger pangs or from being killed by the other orphanage children. The orphanage never seemed to care about him, all that changed when he awakened the X gene in his bloodstream and he had his ancestors to thank for that. He alongside two of the orphanage kids were genotes, they received executive treatment from the orphanage including good meals and a their own private beds. And soon after they started their formal education on the basics of Mechs, mech pilots and a brief history of humanity''s evolution.


    One of the three who had been chosen as the best was Alto the child who had attained the reputation of the small wimpy kid, the second was Amy¡ª his one and only friend, and Kram his childhood bully. The three of them were sent along side other genotes to the main capital on Soto.


    As the metal transport zipped through the air Alto could not stop his heart from racing, it was the first time he felt he truly mattered in the wide world. The thought of being one of the lower percentage of humans born to pilot a mech was nothing short of a dream come true and a way to escape his wasteful life. He was determined not to return to the orphanage again and become one of the greats but of course he had no problem taking things step by step.


    In every aspect of the new world were Mechs, ever since the era of mechs started the world had changed drastically and it could all be traced to a thousand years in the past. Back then humans did not spread across the farthest reaches of the galaxy, back then the concept of space travel was nothing they could hope to manage let alone achieve. Back then technology was primitive and limited. The humans of that time did not really care about it, that was till calamity struck the planet. A meteorite shower rained down on the planet, meteors the size of mountains but this was just the start of it. The humans of that time did not have have a way to react to what happened next.


    The strange asteroids that had fallen into the earth all hatched to reveal monstrous creatures, they were a walking force of destruction that devastated humankind. They came in groups that were magnanimous, the only weapon that was effective were weapons of mass scale destruction. Even under these circumstances humanity suffered an even greater loss, nations were wiped out and cities decimated. This was the first recorded time that humanity set aside their differences and worked as one. Even with their combined efforts they only managed to put a hold on their inevitable demise.


    Humans being a very stubborn and intelligent species came up with the most absurd idea. With more than half the world corrupted they chose to venture out into space with the barest chance of survival. A number of spaceships were dispatched into the great unknown, years passed as many humans died and others left barely alive. Eventually they arrived on a foreign world where the atmosphere supported breathing. It was in that moment that humanity knew how vast the galaxy was. They soon came into contact with alien species that spoke of the kaiju''s dreaded presence in the galaxy.


    Despite falling short humanity started to evolve at a rapid speed, the scientists working tirelessly to bring the fallen race back to its zenith. After stealing and growing their own technology over years the world called for a way to defend their race from foreign invaders and the monstrous Kaiju humanity eventually ended up with the mechs.

 4. The Era Of Mechs

    4. The Era Of Mechs


    The first Mechs built to combat the Kaiju and alien forces we designed as full body suits but this design failed to deliver results as it lacked optimum functionality and a stable power source. Years passed till the mechs improved but the problem of a power source was still an issue, it did not take long for humans to develop a power source which termed erythium and soon the era of mechs began. With the first successful Mechs being stable, humanity evolved over the centuries and Mechs grew in varieties ranging from light Mechs to heavy mechs to collosal mechs in terms of size and special grade mechs like, adaptable mechs, and high powered weapons like missile launchers and plasma cannons. The world of human instantly changed.


    A conventional way to bring a mechs full capability was founded and the link up system was established, only carriers of the X gene could make this possible so they were cherished and trained. There were stories of arranged marriages meant to bring out stronger genotes, the world quickly adapted to the establishment of mechs and battleships with every circle of life and survival tied to it one way or another. Yet humans feared one thing above all else, to become the apex species in the vast galaxy. Their primary enemies being the Kaiju which their origins remained unknown and the various aliens that still existed in the vast reaches of endless space.


    Young Alto knew this was a high privilege, he felt chosen by the universe for a greater purpose. He bit his lower lip nervously again. A second later he felt a soft hand grip his wrist tight, "You''re trembling, Alto." The sweet voice he had come to love calmed him, he looked to his side and locked eyes with those pairs of glassy gems hidden a pair of glasses. Strands of red hair gently packed behind a rubber band, Alto''s eyes fell to her lips for a moment and it''s glossy shine, not wanting to seen strange he turned away.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    "I''m fine Amy." It was only after he had spoken that he realised how false his resolve sounded. He always hated that about himself, whenever he was next to her he always felt bubbly, when he was with others he felt jittery. He never understood why he was different and not in a good way. Try as he might he social skills were awkward at best.


    Amy''s glassy eyes observed him for a moment before tilting herself so her head would rest on his shoulder. In response Alto''s head jerked as his face turned bright red. "You''re strong Alto, I know that."


    Alto''s mind was buzzing with a lot of thoughts that he did not think normally. He liked Amy a lot and felt that she liked him too, since they were closed friends and both orphans Alto was never sure of how to approach the subject. Was he supposed to move first or was she? Was what he felt love or infatuation? How would it affect their friendship?


    A loud snort interrupted his line of thought causing him to look at his least favourite person seating opposite him. Dressed in the dark uniform given to them by the mech division was a boy taller than Alto by a foot, he had a smug look on his thick face and a look of disgust in his eyes. Shaggy brown hair overlapped one of his eyes but could not hide the emotion behind it.


    "Look at him faltering over a girl, you won''t last even a second with a Kaiju twerp." His voice was filled with practiced hate and rage. Why were they enemies anyway. "Wimps like you should just give up on their dreams and die."


    Now he remembered, Alto was the weak wimp who did not deserve to exist or dream of a better future. To some they felt him awakening the x gene was a fluke, that was why he would prove them all wrong.


    Alto ignored Kram causing him to growl with discomfort, a few minutes of silence passed in the carriage before the speakers spoke. "Arrival at the Soto mech research division in t-minus 5 minutes."


    Alto''s heart began to palpitate with excitement and nervousness, "This is it, I''ll finally be a mech pilot." He thought to himself.

 5. Mech Union Division #1056

    5. Mech Union Division #1056


    As the flying carriage landed on small platform that stood outside the huge facility a number of personnel dressed in dark uniform moved out to meet them, they looked like military personnel and did not wear the uniforms dedicated to mech pilots or genotes. As they were ushered out of the transport carriage Alto could not help but feel reverenced by these people, his presence was like that of an ancient jewel found floating in space. People he had yet to make an impact on felt deeply moved by his presence.


    "Don''t panic. Don''t panic." Alto repeated to himself a couple of times as the number of genotes stood there waiting for the personnel designated to attend to them to arrive. Just as he was chanting his mantra he felt a heavy blow the weight of an anvil fall on his shoulder. He staggered forward and bumped into another genote that seemed not to be inclined to physical contact. The genote responded by glaring and cursing at him. Alto apologized and looked over his shoulder at the one who had hit him, it was none other than¡ª "Kram." Alto prayed that once he became a mech pilot they would be designated to different outposts and never see each other again.


    Amy also glared at Kram but he smiled deeply relishing in his ill work. She then turned to Alto and held his hand in hers, their fingers interlocking. "You okay Alto?" It seemed like a stupid question considering how he annoyed he already looked.


    Alto felt bubbly as their fingers touched but he let it stay there. He wanted to give her a response but stopped, looking at her she was a beauty. Amy had the physique of a model, and the beauty of a goddess by his standards, and he looked like a dirty rag taken from the sewers. What had he done to deserve her? What did she find appealing in him anyway? These questions caused Alto to ponder on the meaning of life.


    He failed to notice the personnel that approached them. It was an old man looking to be in his early sixties, he was bald and had a small grey moustache under his nose. He wore a dark uniform and three silver star that showed that he was a mech pilot and a high ranking officer. He cleared his throat and opened his mouth to speak when his eyes fell on Amy and Alto holding hands, with a look of disdain he spoke. "It seems some of you are here for alterior motives, I advice you turn back now it you do not value this opportunity."If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Alto was slow to respond but Amy quickly pulled away her hand. Alto felt deeply ashamed that he had made a poor first impression to the officer. Amy on the other hand held a iron cladded resolve in her eyes, without any hint of fear or hesitation.


    The officer spoke shortly after. "I am officer Shirley Sanderson a rank five mech pilot of mech research division #1056. Be forever you get your hopes up I advise that you listen intently to what I have to say."


    Alto could not help but think that this would be a big moment in his life. He would soon come to learn about how special they were to be chosen, boy was he wrong.


    The rest of Officer Shirley''s words took a lot to stomach. "Do not think you are here because you are special, do not think I care if you live or die, do not think you are national treasures or potential stars, do not think you are here because humanity needs you, you are nothing in the vast galaxy. Do not think you have been brought here to be heroes, heroes only exist in dreams. The mech union has no need for petty dreamers. What you have been brought here is to become killers, destroyers, weapons of war. No one cares for your safety not even god almighty. You serve and protect for the whole of humanity. Am I understood?"


    As harsh as his words sounded many of them found it hard to digest this way of thinking. The beautifully sculpted image of mech pilots being heroes in both Alto and his fellow genotes minds shattered like a think frame of glass. The only one not fazed by this was Amy who seemed to have known of this all along, Alto did not pay her any attention till she spoke and caught everyone''s attention.


    "Understood sir!" Amy''s voice was the only one to cut through the dreaded silence, all eyes turned to her but she ignored them all.


    Alto hesitated before saying. "Understood ... Sir." But his voice faltered not carrying the same level of power Amy had. Kram was next then a few others followed.


    Officer Shirley Sanderson did not show them any interest, after giving Amy a brief glance he turned around and started to walk away. "Its not like you ever had a choice, follow me to the testing room. It''s time to see which of you will become a useful tool."


    Alto did not like being referred to as a tool but he swallowed his complaints and followed after the officer from a safe distance. The presence he exuded was great, whether it was from his attitude or from his experience he carried power, power Alto only dreamed to achieve. He bit his lip again reminding himself that the division had no use for dreamers.

 6. Change Into Your Battle Suits

    6. Change Into Your Battle Suits


    A few minutes passed with them walking down the facility grounds, they walked past many rooms with labels on them, no one dared speak or as much as cough they followed the cold officer in eerie silence.


    Alto did not show much interest in anything that was until they went past the hanger, they were walking down one of the halls, the walls made of hard steel, to their left was a meter long wall of hard tempered glass and at the other side of the glass was a huge hanger space filled with "MECHS". Alto was not the only one amazed, everyone was. For the first time in Alto''s life he felt deeply excited, seeing the mechs beneath, their metal exoskeleton painted and polished in different colours, he could see some engineers taking apart a Mechs arm. He could see some mech pilots testing out the flight system of their mechs. Watching the image of living metal men walking around felt like watching a fashion show with people dressed as Mechs and not in exotic clothing.


    Officer Shirley spoke. "This is a rare coincidence, these are all pilots returning from battle to restore their mechs to the most optimum functionality. They will be watching your displays to pass time and perhaps give out some advice to the useful tools here."


    Alto could not take his eyes off the huge, small and shiny mechs. He could not wait to slip into the cockpit of one and ride it. And the chance to display his skill before live pilots was exhilarating¡ª a drop of sweat trickled down the side of his face. He felt the pressure double on him. "Don''t screw up, don''t screw up." He told himself.


    Amy noticed his discomfort and slapped him on the chest lightly. "I''ve got your back so chin up Al." She locked eyes with him and for a moment they softened.


    Alto felt his cheek flush but he nodded and said. "Right."


    Kram butt his head in their middle and said. "Get a room and hook up already."


    They both pulled away from each other leaving Kram to gloat over his deed. They soon reached the examination room where they were lined up before a huge cart with a heap of black suits all piled up. At a corner of the room we''re more than a dozen officers working on the computers and terminals not giving the genotes a moment of attention, though there was one or two occasional glares.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    Officer Shirley walked forward to meet some of the personnel working on the computers and leaving them with a few words. "I advice you to change into the battle suits as soon as possible, when I return the test will finally begin."


    They all stood there for a moment in deep confusion.


    "Do you mean to "change"? As in right now, with everyone watching?" Asked one of the male genotes.


    The officer did not respond to them as he walked away giving them a moment to reminiscence on what he had said.


    "But what of us girls, we can''t just strip." Said one of the anxious female genotes. A few boys chuckled at the thought of it.


    No one moved for a short while so they were shocked when two figures darted forward and their hands reached the pile in a moment and they were Amy and Kram. There was not a hint of hesitation in their eyes, Kram grinned and kicked the trolley over sending all of the battle suits falling on the ground. Soon after chaos erupted as everyone scrambled to the ground fearing that the suits would not go around.


    Alto stood behind still confused and frozen by fear, seeing everyone scrambling like animals put him off. He felt he would be trampled to death if he stepped into that stampede.


    He felt something drop on his shoulder and looked to see a battle suit nestling there. "Alto, put that on now!" He looked back to see Amy undressing. Apparently she had picked two battle suits from the start, instead of feeling deeply moved he was distracted by her most endearing quality being her small plump breast. She had taken off her top to reveal her top naked half, Alto''s heart skipped a beat. He was seeing Amy naked for the first time, he did not how to react again as his brain focused on one thing¡ª her breast and nipples.


    She was standing with her side to him but he could see enough from his angle, her stomach was flat and smooth, her physique was more curvy than he thought showing small signs of muscles underneath. Locks of red hair touched her chin.


    "Alto!!" She screamed at him in a loud voice that commanded power causing him to startle. He looked at her eyes unsure if she was angry that he saw her naked or that he was not yet wearing his battle suit.


    "You can do this, hurry up and burn this memory into your mind." He told himself as he started to undress also as he was just about putting on his battle suit he looked to see others in a similar situation. Seeing a bunch of boys and girls naked was a rare feast to his eyes, a lustful side of himself he had not seen seemed to awaken in that instant. Looking up at Amy he found her eyes on him causing his face to flush, she had seen him naked.


    Strangely her eyes seemed to be looking for something on him, her gaze only deepened for a moment before she looked away and smirked.


    He watched her reach for her pants, his muscles tensed as his eyes oogled at her. She pushed down her pants and his breath got stuck on his throat then someone stepped in before him obstructing his view. Alto cursed under his breath, by the time he looked over again she was already done but Alto could not help but feel cheated. Robbed of the royal glory of youth.

 7. Taking The Test

    7. Taking The Test


    Now standing in a straight line wearing the highly uncomfortable battle suits Alto somehow was standing in between Kram and Amy. He tried to think of something besides Amy''s naked body but nothing came to mind. "Bloody hell, our friendship is over. Amy is going to have me for life." He cried in his head, guilt overcoming him.


    Officer Shirley said something to the tech experts and with the tap of a keyboard their battle suits became more fitted and streamlined. Red lines appeared at the edges of the suit, a cold wind enveloped the inside of the suit like an air conditioner making it more breathable.


    "Your battle suits have now been calibrated and you vitals registered as well as your genote level. Now I want a volunteer to start the test." Officer Shirley spoke in a strict tone his eyes shutting down every hint of confidence any of them still carried.


    No one dared volunteer, Kram ever the troublesome one struck Alto in the knee sending him staggering out first. Seeing this Amy ran out and made sure to be seen as the first to come out. On seeing them both again the officer frowned with contempt.


    "Very well then", he turned around and walked her away leaving the others to themselves. Minutes passed giving them enough time to act their age. Some of the boys formed small groups there and spoke about the figures of their female counterparts while some of the girls discussed on various topics. Alto who never fit in any particular group stood a little distance away isolating himself from any group, his mind thinking on what Amy might be going through at the moment.


    He hoped the test would not be tough, back at the orphanage centre no one had bothered to tell them what the test was about. The only thing they were thought were what constituted a mech pilot and the workings of mechs.


    Kram found his way to him and spoke in a playful manner. "Yo loser, I saw you peeking at Amy. Are you a fucking pervert or something?"The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    "You were looking too." Alto wanted to say but stammered before he could speak. He turned to walk away but Kram grabbed him by the wrist and pulled him closer. "No Kram I don''t want any trouble."


    Kram like an ever present parasite found his way to him and when he was close enough he threw his arm around him and said. "Alto buddy stop making me sound like the bad guy. I just wanted to let you know that a shitty loser like you can''t possibly pass in flying colours. Best you getting assigned to is maintenance squad or clean-up crew."


    Alto swallows hard and mustered decades worth of courage to speak. "I''ll score higher than you punk."


    Kram''s reaction was not one he expected as he simply smiled and pulled away gently. "My boy be growing his wings, let''s see if I get to clip it in the end." With that he walked away.


    A short while later the Amy returned, every eye was on her as if expecting some grandeur expression from her but she just walked up to Alto her face plain and hard to discern. Alto was frightened and he was forced to ask how things had went to which she responded.


    "It was okay, I passed." It was a simple response. "Alto show them what you''re made off."


    Alto nodded, feeling a deep sense of reassurance he proceeded to go in next. He passed Kram who smiled with glee. Alto ignored him and walked down the hall to meet the officer. He was soon ushered into a battle room filled with a number of mannequins.


    The tech experts did something on his wrist watch and frowned. He started to tap on the holographic screen in frustration and frowning even more.


    The officer noticed this and asked. "What''s the problem?"


    The tech experts responded with a frustrated voice. "Perhaps the reading of the girl earlier caused this to glitch."


    Officer Shirley growled. "Our tech doesn''t glitch, what are you trying to say?"


    The tech experts responded. "These readings are abnormally low."


    Officer Shirley gnashed his teeth and said. "We''ll begin either way." He then turned to Alto and spoke. "These battle suits are used in the field by mech pilots to monitor out vitals and also link up with mechs. The sensors in them respond to real time information. And each battle suit increases a normal humans capabilities by tenfold making them stronger and reducing the risk of getting hurt during battle. The suit you have on is an older model from the last two generations, it will amplify you abilities to at least three times that of a normal humans. We will perform a series of tests to observe your functionality with the suit and make some adjustments."


    Alto was instructed to run around the huge battle room which he did. The more he ran he heavier his body felt, he expected to be racing like a blur or flying off the ground with each stride but apparently he was not. When he was done he was gasping for air and soaking in sweat. Next he was asked to punch a machine that would measure his force, it was a huge rectangle steel wall with a small rec circular plate in the middle which he struck with all his power. From the way the officer and the tech expert gave him shocked looks he could tell that they were not pleased. He gritted his teeth and focused on passing in flying colours, he needed to stand next to Amy and surpass Kram. His life depended on it.

 8. Zero Aptitude

    8. Zero Aptitude


    After a few minutes of testing the tech expert announced the result to the officer. "His speed is 4, power 6, physique E, body shut optimization at 2%. Overall statistics is below pass. At this rate he barely average a normal human, even an athlete would top him."


    Alto''s eyes widened as he spoke in a ghastly voice, his whole world crumbling around him. "A fail? I can''t fail, I have the X gene, I''ve been training since I awakened." Failing was not an option not when Kram was in the mix. If he failed he could not help but think that his life would be meaningless, his friendship with Amy the only person who cared about him would be over. "You have to understand I can''t fail."


    The tech expert did not spare a him a moment''s glance instead seeing him as a waste of time. Officer Shirley gritted his teeth and looked at Alto''s eyes for a while and found conviction in them. "Let''s see how he does well in a light mech." He spoke words that Alto''s ears were unprepared for.


    The tech expert coughed. "But sir with these ratings, I don''t think that''s advisable."


    Officer Shirley hissed. "Bring up the simulation of a seventh generation light mech, if he can pilot it even for a few seconds we will know if he truly has the x gene or not."


    In that moment Alto was unsure of what to say or do, what did he mean by that? He had the x gene so what was going on. In the next few minutes the holographic projection of a mech appeared, its design was humanoid and unknown to Alto he was told to walk towards it, it looked was similar to humans but looking a bit more well put together. As he approached it it opened up and he stepped into it causing it to shut and fit around his body. Despite being an holographic projection the mech was realistic, heavy and functional. He stayed within and waited for the countdown for the mech activation to reach zero.


    3... 2... 1...The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Alto''s head exploded with pain in they instant, billions of neurons fired into his head causing his brain to expand in his skull to the state where it would burst open at any moment. He let out a loud scream as he started to bleed from his ears, eyes, nose and mouth. He could hear muffled speech and see the tech expert panicking before he blacked out.


    By the time he had woken up Alto was on a soft bed hooked up to a computer, his body was devoid of colour and weak. Next to him was officer Shirley standing and looking out the window before him. A moment later their eyes met but there was no shared speech between them, Alto dreaded the words he would hear till Officer Shirley spoke it.


    "You have no aptitude for the x gene, we have these rare cases where genotes who awaken the gene early on fail to develop it and in turn it regress. Unfortunately this is one of those rare cases." The officers word was cold and hollow carrying no compassion with it.


    With that Alto''s world came crashing down all round him, had he tried to reach too high? What was life always unforgiving.


    The officer continued to speak. "You not one of the chosen kid."


    Alto tried to swallow his tears as he spoke. "I guess every one passed then."


    The officer nodded. "They have all be transported to the training facility to begin their mech pilot journey."


    "Then, it''s over for me." Alto trembled at the fact that Kram had beat him after he had put up such an act, now Amy was beyond his reach. Tears started to form in his eyes as he spoke to the officer. "Please kill me now, I would rather die than to go back to the orphanage. I can''t stand the shame."


    In the small percentage of people that became genotes Alto had fallen into the even rarer number of people that managed to fall out of the category again. He felt no reason to live on.


    Officer Shirley looked down at him for a few minutes before turning to look out of the window to the cockpit where Mechs were loaded into the shuttles there. He knew how much it was to dream to become a mech pilot. After all he also started with the same aspirations though his origins were much different. Taking pity on the young boy he spoke in his usual cold tone. "I can''t give you hope of being a mech pilot in future but I saw your files, in the whole group you excelled at the theory aspects of mechs. There''s still one shot for you kid, give up on your dream and die a failure or adapt to the cards fate has dealt you with and become a mech designer. But I promise you that''s just as hard a task as this planet has only once produced a mech designer."


    Alto''s eyes went wide. Now why on earth would he want to build mechs and never get to pilot them, mech designers were nothing but background characters and he wanted to be the hero of the story, the feeling that he would get to build the mech Kram would use made him almost throw up. But he was too broken to speak or move.


    "Becoming a mech designer is a long shot but you could also join the engineering field. You won''t pilot mechs but it''s better than returning back to your hell. Think about it." Being left with those few words to pick up the pieces of his life Alto did not know if he was being pitied or mocked but this was not the life he dreamed of.

 9. The Mech Engineering Department

    9. The Mech Engineering Department


    The best of cutting edge technology had been administered to help Alto recover from his injury meaning that he had recovered a considerable portion of his health in days. Still he chose not to leave his room, he could not hope to face Amy, he would surely die from shame. On the day they had arrived in the research facility the results of the days testing was announced at the end of the day. Because they were broadcast on the loudspeakers he was able to pick up on them.


    "These are the mech trainee evaluation results."


    "First place, Amy with a 100% passing grade and an exceptional aptitude for mech piloting."


    "Second place, Kram with a 85% passing grade and a high aptitude for mech piloting."


    "Third place, Lobo With a 83% passing grade and a high aptitude for mech piloting."


    The news went on and on and from the sound of it no one had failed with the least of them getting a passing grade of 48% which was below average or a pass but there was no way the facility would let off a genote because of this. Genotes did not come in swarms and for their backwater side of the vast universe they cherished the genotes even more.


    Lying there bedridden on the bed Alto waited, his ears growing to hear the news. His name would be mentioned right? On second thought why would they mention his name. He must have been the only genote in world to ever lose his ability to pilot a mech and be reduced to a damn greasy mechanic.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    The speakers that was once dead now roared back to life as the announced spoke in an uncertain voice. "Um- uh. Alright this time we have a sudden change as one of the genotes has been assigned to another department. Due to certain reasons and decisions from the officer, the candidate will now become a cadet under engineering engineering department. That is Alto."


    Alto cursed under his breath, "God kill me now." He had a bit relief in the fact that they hadn''t mentioned his score. But he spoke too soon.


    "With a passing grade of 1% and no aptitude to pilot a mech. He has set himself aside from the crowd, clearly."


    With that the short entrance ceremony ended. Alto despite not being there had died from embarrassment. What would be on the thoughts of the other genotes? He honestly did not care but he never liked being the subject for ridicule. He could almost hear Jeans proud snort. He covered himself in his blanket hoping he would just pull it off a moment later and wake up in another solar system. There was no way he could ever show his face before them anytime soon and to think they would be staying under the same facility grounds. Meeting tmw was inevitable and so was his shame. So he spent the first few days coming up with excuses not to leave the room but the patience of officer Shirley had long since expired on him.


    Alto walked down the hallways with retrofitted light, the weight of his legs almost dragging him down as he made his way to the mech studio he was instructed to. The man in uniform who escorted him did not seem to care about him or whether he was following or not. A few minutes passed and he was before the huge steel door that reflected a silver shine. On reaching it the officer placed his id card on the card scanner that was fitted at the corner of the door.


    A few seconds passed and then the door gave a chime like that of an elevator, Alto expected the door to slide open either left or right but it opened in a way he never anticipated. The door shattered like pieces of glass and was devoured by a huge space of swirling black and white mist, ignited with billions of twinkling light dancing in it''s waves. It looked like a vortex of some kind, it even made Alto''s mood change in an instant as he gasped.


    "What''s that?" He could not suppress himself from asking.


    Alto could not help but think if this was the so called teleportation devices he had heard of, if so why did he need to go through a portal to see the mech designing studio. He wondered if things would not be as bad as he hoped.

 10. The Mech Engineering Department 2

    10. The Mech Engineering Department 2


    Alto looked at the swirling mass of matter and light and wondered if it was safe to go in but the officer with him had no patience for such as he shoved him in with great force that seemed almost superhuman. Alto''s eyes popped from their sockets as he screamed for his dear life. He had heard rumors of people being disintegrated from direct contact with a portal, he always wanted to test it out but not in person.


    His body went into the mass of matter and felt a strange electrical jolt bathing him. His eyes were bathed in light for a second before he came out the other end perfectly fine. "Whoa, I thought that could have gone horribly wrong." As if karma chose to intervene he bent to the side and started to empty his internal content to the ground. It was like his stomachs were doing the whirly swirly and it was anything but entertaining.


    He then heard the proud snort of the officer that had come with his. "Chicken." Alto did not know how to take those words. Were they insults? And what was a chicken?


    After taking a few seconds to recover himself Alto raised his head to see a massive hall, the walls a similar silver shine to the other areas of the building but with a few different, the walls looked messier and carrying stains. There were a number of cabinets, some shut others left open, and a dozen worktables all filled to the brim with a pile of scrap metal and cogs. Alto. Ould also see pieces of Mechs on the floor and around, mech arms, mech torsos and a missile launcher or too. Thought he doubted they loaded or active else why would they be lying around.


    Alto hated how unkept the place was but he guessed that the mech designers there were always working to keep things functioning at their best. The only redeeming quality of the room was it''s ventilation system that kept the air refreshed.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    Come to think of it instead of a hundred or so people working around tirelessly there were only three figures. Alto gasped in shock and gave the officer tha had come with him a question glare.


    "Sorry, but are you sure this is the right room?" Alto asked with a nervous hitch in his voice.


    The officer ignored him and raised his voice. "Professor Albert he''s here." His voice reeked of disdain at the person he referred to causing Alto to think of he had made the right choice coming there.


    The three figures all raised their heads simultaneously as they hesitated for a bit. A few seconds passed before one of them started to advance towards them. The figure navigated past the heaps of metal scattered across the room, there were curses from his voice every time he stepped on something that did not agree with him.


    It took a few more minutes for the professor to appear before them and he was not something Alto anticipated. There was no lab coat or dignified look in his appearance, what he did have on was a thick brown coat that looked stained with oil and some other strange liquid. The professor wore thick pants and did not look like a hundred year old scholar Alto had pictured, in fact the professor was not a male which was strange in Alto''s mind.


    He did not have anything against women taking up the profession but he believed that women would not take up any interest in it. And for her to excell it Lucy have meant that she was very exceptional atwhat she did.


    The professor had short well trimmed red hair, strong eyes, a beautiful face painted in dark oil. On her hand she wore a pair of thick goggles made of a thick material and on her head a pair of thick goggles. She had the sleeves of her coat raised up, her chest size was moderate in Alto''s opinion. She looked to be around thirty at most.


    "You''re¡ª" Alto blurted out.


    The professor finished off his words. "Young? A woman? Got a problem with that measel?"


    Alto immediately straightened his back, knowing he would be placed under the woman''s care. It would be best not to get on her bad side so soon. "N-no, I apologize, what I meant to say it that you did not zip up your pants and it''s distracting. Please cover it up."


    Indeed her pants were unzipped showing her purple panties through the huge gap, Professor Albert noticed it but did not react as quickly as he thought she would. She reached down a zipped it up before turning to the officer that had been oogling there for a while now and scowled at him. "Hey flea, which one of you is the kid I will be interviewing now?"

 11. The Mech Engineering Department 3

    11. The Mech Engineering Department 3


    Both Alto and the officer were shocked. It was clear that Alto was the one being referred to or had she missed that? He raised his hand and spoke with a shaky voice, "That would be me, ma''am."


    She looked down at him and blinked repeatedly in shock fora long time that it became very uneasy and awkward then she spoke. "One, don''t call me ma''am ever. I''m a young woman. Two, you''re young what''s your story."


    Before Alto could speak the guard nect to him explained his situation to the professir after he finished she dismissed the guard and sent him off. Officer Shirley had not told her the story behind the new recruit so he expected him to be a young scholar who was scouted out. But of course the chances of a third rate planet breeding a genius was laughable.


    Now left alone with Alto she spoke. "Names Professor Marie Einstein and you are?"


    Alto tried to smile but his body betrayed him and refused to. "Alto, just Alto." He responded.


    She put her hands behind her back and walked around him, her eyes studying him closely. Alto felt very alienated as she did not beat the look of a normal person from the world he knew, just like officer Shirley she had that look that she did not see him and a human but unlike the officer who did not see a future in him she seemed to see a future.


    "Alto Just Alto, would you like me to share a secret with you?" She asked in a cold voice.


    Alto was unsure of how to reply, he had lost all confidence he had in himself and was now back to square one.


    Professor Einstein spoke after a short while. "There is no way you can ever be a mech designer." Alto''s eyes widened from shock as he thought he had just been rejected once again, the professor sensed this and she waved her hand dismissively and gave him a warming smile. "Don''t take it the wrong way measel, I''ve got no interest in your rather unimpressive self. What I meant to say is that that damn old man lied to you. There''s is no way I can make you a mech designer, not even in a hundred years.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    "Surely your scores on engineering might''ve been great back at whatever ditch you crawled out from but it''s no where near enough to even work a simple coding. You don''t even look like you have the muscle to hold a wrench."


    Hearing this Alto''s eyes stated to water as he panicked. "No please wait, I can change. I can learn right, just give me anything please, I don''t want to go back."


    Professor Einstein looked down at him and rubbed her temples for a moment before saying. "I hear ya measel and I ain''t turning you down. Walk with me let me tell you something." She started to walk down the walk shop with Alto following, at times he would have to dodge the arms and legs of damaged mechs and also screws and pieces of shrapnel.


    Alto payed close attention to everything he said because his life clearly depended on it.


    The professor could see that he had calmed down a bit, and because of this she continued. "Learning how to build mechs takes years of practice in a wide variety of fields and not to mention specialisations. Take for example you need to know physics, mechanics, thermodynamics, mathematics, modeling, 3d printing, aerodynamics and many others and each fields had to be mastered to some extent before you can even hope to understand how to work a mech. As well as coding and metallurgy, the officer that sent you here just gave you a little nudge, the best I can give you is a speciality to fix certain mech parts like arms or legs. Kinda like a mechanic, I know it''s a downgrade but it''s impossible to become a mech designer without studying your but off. Had you initially aimed to be a designer from start then perhaps you would have had a basic foundation but as this are you''re trash."


    Alto did not say a word as he felt his heart sunk in further. The professor was a bit intrigued that he did not take it as an insult but instead chose to dwell on it despite everything being against him.


    "Sure piloting mechs is cool and all but I believe it''s more harder to build an efficient mech and keep it standing. From the minute details like basic coding to the complex structures and cooling system, we mech designers can''t be lackluster with out designs now can we?"


    Alto stopped and looked up at her with teary eyes and said. "I''ll do anything you say, please don''t send me back."


    Out of the blue she burst out into laughter, her laugh a sweet melodic harmony. "Don''t say it like that, I''m not really interested in kids."


    Alto''s face burned bright red as he cried in his defense. "That''s not what I mean and you know it."


    Professor Einstein smiled and held out a hand to him. "Whatever, measel welcome to the harsh side of the field of mechs."


    Alto trembled as he shook her hands. "Please stop calling me that?"


    "Have you seen a lady naked before?" Alto was unsure why she asked that question but it caused his face to burn even more. She had thrown him off with the out of the blue question, it made Alto wonder if that was her true personality and her validity as a mech designer.


    Another question came to his mind.


    "If she''s a mech designer at such a young age, does that mean she''s a genius?"

 12. The Burden Of A Mech Designer

    12. The Burden Of A Mech Designer


    In a few weeks Alto quickly undertaken what the professor had meant by how impossible it was for him to become a mech designer. Back at the orphanage he excelled quite well at the theories on the workings of a mech but it happened to be that that was merely limited knowledge and it carried no substance in the real world.


    Alto now had to read real books on on various subjects which he rarely had time for since he always had to work in the workshop with the professor''s two other students, who unlike the professor were not very nice. One was an old man looking to be in his late thirties, he was the most abrasive of all and clearly the senior disciple, or so he called himself. He always stood by the professor and was more capable in working on Mechs to some extent.


    The second was a younger man looking barely twenty, he was less hostile but also more weirder than the first. Alto had learned that his name was Eleven, as strange as his name was his attitude was even stranger. He was always used to staying alone and tinkering with mech parts, he was the only one the professional did not boss around since he had "strange" tendencies.


    Alto was know as the novice, no one really gave him any interest not even the professor herself. His work was usually to carry around scraps of metals, and reading. One of his first books was a five hundred page book titled: "The basics of mechanics of college idiots volume one by Delcarpo Hernandez". It took him a long time to read and understand it to some extent but when taking a few quizzes from the professor his marks were barely a pass.


    Knowing how mediocre he was Alto barely slept and spent more time digesting the works, learning their formulas and working. He realised he had a bit of tolerance for metallurgy, learning the various metals that could be used in designing the mech plates and weapon parts. When it came to mathematics he really loved it''s simplicity that is till he got to the core subjects that had to do with mechs, and physics was a really horror to him. There were times he thought of what Amy was going through, he doubted that mech pilots had to study anything that felt like torture but he had no choice.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    Despite them claiming the take of mech designers the rest of the mech union division barely knew them for their work. They were barely even recognised for anything. Instead the mech repair men saw them as glorified mech engineers who just cut down on a big budget for no reason. And this was true in Alto''s eyes too.


    As die from the professor none of them were even halfway close to being called actual mech designers. The only difference between them and the mech repair crew was that they fabricated mech pieces with unique specialisations other than they they could be said to be engineers with big fat egos. Professor Einstein on the other hand was only given respect because of her title but Alto could see they never resoected her truly and she did not seem to care about it.


    Many guesses that the so called genius of their planet cheated her way to the top somehow. Some even suspected that she used her body to attain her status, other doubted she was a mech designer and even if she was she would be the lowest ranked possible mech designer.


    Alto found it extremely hard to argue with this fact since he rarely saw her building a mech or attempting to, any time he would ask she would always give the same reply in different variations.


    "Now why would I build a mech for such a nameless planet in the star sector."


    "Do you really think this upbeat planet needs a mech?"


    "No one really goes to war here, I would rather sleep it off?"


    Alto found her to be strange but not as strange as Eleven.


    Alto was reading on day in the workshop while the others did as they always did. The professor working on a small sphere she always seemed to carry around with her. The older disciple who went by Charles Vans fabricating a mech chest piece in the 3D printer and Eleven playing with some random parts while chewing on a hamburger.


    Alto was had read so much on thermodynamics that he collapsed on the table and dozed off. Being a mech designer it seems was much much harder than being a pilot and to think he would need to carry on for at least a few more years before he would be able to call himself a real beginner in the field of mech designing. Alto hoped that when next he would meet Amy he would be able to stand next to her with pride.


    If she excelled as an excellent pilot then he would have to be on par with her talent, not as an engineer but as a mech designer.

 13. A Test

    13. A Test


    The alarm by her bed rang and she climbed out of her bed reached out to it, putting it off. She moved to the bathroom to wash her face and look at her reflection in the mirror. Amy sighed and packed her red hair behind a rubber band and then took her bath. When she was done she fitted into her uniform and put on her circles glasses. She was ready for her first core test, it wasn''t much of a big deal but it was the first time she would get to test run a real mech and not a 3D version of on.


    In that day she would prove herself for the three years of hard work she had put into her training ever since she entered the mech union division #1006. It was all she ever thought about, as she stepped out of her room she stopped to think again of a certain figure but it fazed out of her mind. It wasn''t the first time it had happened, in the first two years she would always remember a figure, a person but now she could hardly remember who it was.


    She turned down the well lit a steel hallway and proceeded down with her thick dark leather boots. Her quarters was located at a different region of the facility it was just a floor above the others and only five people lived here, they were the top scorers in the mech pilot division. Ever since Amy had entered she had been the top scorer, earning a 98 on the test, ever since then she had always received the honour treatment.


    She did not despise this treatment as it gave her a reason to ignore the other students. She always woke up extremely early to avoided the other trainees and make her way to the training department for her early martial training.


    As she was walking down the hall she caught sight of someone a strong young man standing with his back to the wall and continued to walk by him.


    He reached out to touch her but the moment his finger touched her he revived a string jab to the throat causing him to cough and vomit blood. It was a face she was all too familiar off, "Next time it''ll be one of your balls." She warned as she strutted away.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    The boy with shaggy brown hair and a wide muscular frame tailed after her and coughed repeatedly sending drops of blood flying. A few minutes his body calmed down slightly allowing him to speak and it came out as a low wheeze. "Amy, what a great way to greet an old friend." It was Kram the second one in the three who had come from the same orphanage.


    Over the three years he had barely seen her face to face, mostly because he took more interest in the weapons assault department more than the martial arts class. Even thought most of their classes overlapped he noticed that she avoided him every time, it was like she had forgotten him or she wanted to forget him.


    Amy did not say anything as she instead looked forward with her cold distant eyes.


    Kram walked close to her but maintained his distance from her. "I can see that you''re excited for today''s test but no doubt you will ace it."


    Kram had always been playing catch up to her, he usually ranked third and at times second. He hated this since he wanted to seem stronger than his love but it seemed his talent was just beneath hers.


    Soon they reached the training department and managed to do a bit of warm up before the other students arrived. They were not surprised to see Amy there since she always came early, what they were surprised to see was Kram the troublemaker there with her. Amy was always used to pushing others away from her but to Kram she did not appear to be abrasive to him. Instead it looked like they shared a competitive bond rather than an enemy relationship and soon the test started.


    The officer in charge of them came out and gestures to the hanger filled with old mechs and said. "I am officer Pedro Lascara and I will be in charge of this special training. It is also a test of fortitude if I might add. These Mechs behind me are all second generation light mechs, the name alloted to them is the Shadow Dancer Version 2.0. it was one of the earliest stealth mechs used for recon and infiltrations. Easy to move but lacked the basics firepower and defence from other light mechs of its grade causing it to be dropped years after it''s launch."


    Amy''s eyed the mechs that looked humanoid and tiny, looking like a light piece of body armour. It''s head was white and with dark visors, it''s design did not look anything special since second hlgen mechs were nothing special to begin with currently they were at the pinnacle of fourth gen mechs and seeing fith gen mechs were just launching.


    "Your goal is to disable your enemy mech in this test, don''t worry the weapons and not too lethal to provide a life threatening damage. Know this your opponent is every one in this room, we need to test your capabilities to adapt in a makeshift battle so get fitted into battle suits and we will begin the test."


    "It should also be noted that this test will determine who will become real mech designer."


    And with that being said they all got fitted into their battle suits to stay the test

 14. Second Generation Mech Testing Phase

    14. Second Generation Mech Testing Phase


    The battle suits used by mech pilots were thick black skin tight suits made of a special rubber like material it had built in sensors that monitored the body state and enhanced the body''s capabilities to that on an inhumane scale. The suits had a special level of optimization based on the level at which the wearer bonded with it. Despite having their body strength and ability multiplies by as much as 10 times if optimised to the fullest it was impossible to fight even the lowest level Kaiju at beast without a mech.


    Amy was one of the first to change into her suit as she did on the shoulders, arms and sides blue lines lit up as it scanned her body and on her wrist a number displayed showing her optimisation level.


    The other trainees who saw this gasped in shock and broke into whispers.


    "Are you for real?"


    "Isn''t she a trainee, why the hell is her optimisation level to high."


    "Even mech pilots can attain that high a level."


    The highest trainees in the hanger aside from Amy was a young man named Vexar who had an optimisation of 52% and Kram who had an optimization of 51%, but Amy''s optimisation with the suit was on par with that of an officer and even a mech pilot it was at an optimization of 87%.


    The officer in charge of the test cleared his throat as he tried to swallow the big shock with his own optimization being 61%. "Now the personnel will fit you into your mechs and the test will begin shortly.


    Kram walked by Amy with a contemptuous look on his face. "I always knew you were a beast Amy?"


    Her eyes darkened as she responded coldly. "Let''s get this over with so I can deal with you fools."


    Kram never remembered Amy to he this cold but apparently it seems she had changed, well they had all changed but not to the extent of being overly arrogant.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    They walked up to the mechs they would pilot and the tech personnel activated the opening mechanism of the light mechs and average mech was at least 30 feet tall and the light mech just stood at 32 feet, it''s legs, arms and chest all opened up from the back and the trainees were guided into it from behind.


    When they were comfortable the mech closed up slowly and when it was done it started up. From withing there was a loud humming sound and also a resounding beep.


    "Commencing full body optimization." Said an automated that was neither make nor female.


    Afterwards a few other tests were run such as the body scan and system start up. After the tech personnel had made sure that all tests were run on each and every mech they started the process.


    Officer Pedro Lascara walked before the army of mechs and spoke in a loud voice. "In a few short seconds you will begin the link up system will begin. The battle suits are designed to keep your body relaxed so you can begin piloting your mechs in the best condition possible."


    Originally mechs were piloted with the use of buttons and levers which greatly reduced their effectiveness in battle, staring from the end third generation of mechs the link up system was developed. Guided by a mechs ai the pilot would be able to link up their brain waves to the mech and command it the way they would their real bodies. Up till date it was still the most favourable way to pilot mechs needless to say mech designers were still working on a better model for it.


    "Link up system at 100%"


    Amy''s mechs AI voice announced.


    A second later her eyes opened up not to reveal the sight before her not through her own eyes but from the mechs visor. Despite being in a simulator a couple of times, the vision and feel of a real mech was nothing short of remarkable. It was very similar to being in a game only that the graphics were next to life because they were real life images.


    The trainees were given thirty minutes to familiarise themselves with the mech. The spent this walking around. Amy started by moving the mech the far end of the hanger, she started by walking which was easy at first like the simulations but afterwards she could notice something different. Though the mech felt like an extension of own body and did not feel very heavy she couldn''t always feel the solid matter wrapping around her body.


    The outside of a mech was always covered in metal plates that acted as it''s armour but the inside had a soft cushion that prevented the body within from being uncomfortable from contact with steel.


    Amy changed from a walk to a job then a sprint, she wanted to know how fast the mech could move. One advantage light mechs had was their speed, because of how light they were, they were the fastest mechs with large bursts of energy when moving or dodging . They also had the best flexibility but at a sacrifice, their armour was much weaker than higher weight class mechs. The only advantage it''s speed cave it was covert abilities but it was also the best for newbies.


    Amy spend the first twenty minutes testing the mechs physical speed and strength in melee combat and the last ten minutes she spent familiarizing the abilities of the mech. To do this all she had to do was think up the special properties of the mech and it''s inbuilt artificial intelligence system would bring it up.


    She found out that the mech had an inbuilt retractable blade embedded in both its fists and this acted as it''s only melee weapon for close combat. The mech also had a small hand held plasma gun that had low intensity. Unlike others who were happily playing with the mechs Amy did something entirely different.


    She noticed that the cartridge of the plasma gun was half full meaning it could last at most ten blasts. She went through the specifications halfheartedly since the time did not permit for too much planning. Aside from the cartridge in the plasma gun there was a spare one embedded in the hip side of the mech. Soon the thirty minutes time limit to familiarise with the mech system was up and despite being in equal footing front start, only very few actually did the homework

 15. The Battle Of The Shadow Dancers

    15. The Battle Of The Shadow Dancers


    Beep!


    There was no word from officer Pedro Lascara as the test was immediately started. Some of the trainees stood there surprised waiting for some form of confirmation.


    One trainee was unusually quick to begin disposing the opposite. There was a loud hiss in the air and a clanger of steel as the mech Amy was piloting shot at the spine of the mech of one of the other trainees and while it was not enough to cripple it it was enough to stun it for her to fire off three other shots and immobilise it.


    By the time the trainee under fire knew what had happened his body exploded with pain as he felt the force of the attack being transmitted to his body via the link up system.


    The other trainees looked at where the shots had come from but no one was there. Another shot came from within the crowd then another and another. Amy had no intention of letting anyone catch up to what she was doing. She knew people were always weak and relied on others for confirmation of their actions and she would use that against them. Before any of them could recover their thoughts she would spread chaos through our the battle field.


    She had only one goal in mind. "I will get the highest kill rate here." She did not know if there was a reward for having the highest kill but she knew it was it''s own reward and she coveted being number one


    Amy had a deep hate for the division trainees since they never once seemed to offer her a challenge. Regrettably she felt her three years were a waste, she kept getting better but there was no one to challenge her and it sickened her to live with such weaklings. Instead she chose to dominated them all and show them the true power of a real mech pilot.


    Officer Pedro Lascara stood at a distance behind the glass like forcefield that kept them safe from the raging battle. There was no need for it aside from standard procedure but you could never be too sure about it.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    "Officer, the adaptability of some of the newbies are a bit poor compared to last year", said one of the tech experts there.


    Officer Pedro chuckled and said. "What d you think is the purpose of this test?"


    After a while the expert was unable to answer prompting the officer to answer his own question. "If we simply wanted to test their capabilities we would have given them better ammunitions or a melee weapon."


    "Then what is the purpose of this test?" The expert asked.


    Officer Pedro Lascara continued. "It''s to test strategy? We believe that every mech pilot has an instict in how to attack that will eventually line up with their desirable mech."


    "I don''t follow sir." The tech expert said.


    Officer Pedro Lascara continued to explain. "Take it like this for example. That number one fighter, from the way she chose to attack first and her ferocity you can tell that she is one who likes to dominate her battles, in other words a dominator. Those with similar fighting styles would end up having a preference to medium assault type mechs. If you look closer she''s not the only star of the show."


    He gestured to another mech which was letting out a flurry of shots at its enemies. The one piloting the mech was Kram, he aimed his plasma rifle and fired all ten shots simultaneously at his enemy, he used five to attack the head of the mech and blinding the opponent momentarily before using the other five to attract it at its waste causing it to malfunction and tilt over.


    Five other trainees in mechs faced him in that instant t since he had used up all of his shots, but he surprised them by firing off an eleventh shot at one of them. The moment of shows enough for him to throw the spare cartridge in their midst and firing a twelveth shot at it.


    With that he took out five light mechs in on go, he slid on the ground with ease and stole two plasma guns and continued his ballistic assault.


    Officer Pedro Lascara proceeded to explain what had happened. "The number three there fights is more efficient with ranged weapons, he showed the ability to reduce the intensity in his rifle further extending the number of shots. Since none of them knew what weapon they would end up with this is quite impressive. With this in mind he planted a trap and won the battle. His future might being that if a light or medium sniper type mechs."


    Another mech caught their eye and it was the number two ranked trainee. Unlike Amy and Kram who showed excessive force and genius planning he did something entirely different. He chose to use the blades in his mech hands and slip past the crowd of light mechs from behind and cut the main frames of the mechs and by slashing the spines he was able to damaged every one of his opponents with ease. While maintaining his position hidden.


    To this officer Pedro Lascara smiled and said. "It seems like we have an assassin in our midst, coming in close and personal. I have a feeling he''ll join the ranks of the light assault type mechs. It''s remarkable to say that there is a reward for the last standing competitor here, it will be exciting to see who will be left standing between the three.

 16. The Dominator, The Sniper And The Assassin

    16. The Dominator, The Sniper And The Assassin


    In just thirty minutes more than forty shadow dancers had been rendered incapacitated and dragged off the stage leaving being the last three contenders who happened to top scorers of the class.


    They were Amy the topper of the class and had an optimization of 45% now showing that it had dropped during the battle because of her explosive power. She had been seen as the dominator of the battle as she apparently took out nearly half the competition.


    The second lead was Kram who now had an optimisation of 12% because of how much energy he had expended when the using the mech. He had been seen as the sniper of the battle.


    The third was Vexar who''s optimization had dropped to 30%. He had been the Assasin of the group and taken the least damage to his mech.


    The longer a mech was pilot the more the strain it would have on its pilot making the optimisation dropped and if it got too low the pilot would either pass out or lose control of the mech.


    The three standing contestants had received light damages to their mechs armour plating but keeping their vulnerable parts intact. It was clear that their skills in their different areas had set them appart. Despite the differences in their optimization they knew it was only a time limit and not actually a determiner of the final outcome of the battle. The ground was still filled with the rifles of the enemies they had defeated, now it was no mans game.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    The first to react was the dominator as she let her rifle fire blasts of purple light at the the one she felt most threatened by. The sniper ducked and rolled on the floor, grabbing two rifles he started to fire at the two. The assain was quick to dodge while the dominator took a few blasts to the chest before it could avoid the shot.


    Sparks of light shine from the chest as some parts of its chest plates was significantly weakened. She grunted as she bore the grunt of the attack and tried to take aim and fire off a shot but before she could the assasin came up from her blind spot and pressed his rifle to her head and held her there in a deadlock stance.


    The sniper had planned for them both to end up in this position, the moment the assain fired his shot that was when he would take them both out.


    Outside the forcefield dome the watchers of the battle being the officer the tech experts and the trainees that were receiving first aid all looked at the battle in awe. They were just trainees but these three all acted on their own impulse.


    A shot rang out as the assasin emptied the remaining four shots of his cartridge on the mech''s face causing the dominator to tilt and fall over. It was then sniper fired both his shots only to realise that it was empty. Most of the rifles on the ground were either empty or on the verge of being emptied out.


    "Shit!" Kram cursed under his mech.


    He started to search through the number of plasma guns scattered on the ground with any with any shot in it but there was none. The mech would push away a few guns before grabbing one which took up most is his time. After a while he gulped down expecting the assain to already be on him but what he heard next was a loud scream and then gasps from the crowd.


    He looked up as the sensors in his suits scanned the field ahead of him to see the assain grunting in pain. Sitting in his neck was the small blade of the mechs arm and red blood trucking out of it, the other hand of the dominator was holding the assasins head in place while her leg kicked him from behind.


    Kram screamed. "What the hell!"


    For a few seconds after she had taken the blast Amy''s eyes had blurred out and her body moved on instinct, she ignored the failure warnings from her suit as she held on to her prey not wanting to leave him. Half of the head of her mech was blasted off by the repeated shots of the plasma gun and she had only sustained a burn to the face and her eyes barely surviving the blast.


    Kram could see the eyes of a cold killer, his body shuddered as he asked himself if this was the Amy he once knew growing up in the orphanage.