Make money by hiding in the interstellar battlefield!

"Class D mechs are called 'Mortal Bodies' because the performance limitations of their exoskeletons ultimately confine them to the human body; while Class C mechs are named 'Steel Hearts' because their overall combat capabilities have already surpassed the limits of the human body!"

Following closely in Louise's footsteps, Jian Sheng stepped into a laboratory with a constant temperature and humidity. Four sharply styled mechs were quietly displayed inside, their metal shells gleaming with a cold, hard luster. These were the Windsor Group's latest Arbitrator 3 series Steel Core mechs.

Louise raised her hand, pointing to the outermost mech, her voice clear and precise: "These four are custom-made models by the family for the Mech Officer School. Let's start with the basic model—Arbitrator 3-General Basic Model."

Arbitrator 3 - General Basic

-Core Enhancement: Lightweight skeletal design + heavy composite armor

- Body parameters: Net weight 300kg, height 3.2 meters

- Mobility: Leg vector thrusters support short jumps, ground-hugging glides, and rapid dashes.

-Weapon configuration: Standard armament is the Windsor W-2 twin-barreled Gatling gun; for close combat, the Double-Edged Cutter is mounted.

- Energy consumption: 1-2 kg of blue crystals/hour

- Cost per unit: 1000 million Blue Crystals

"The machine gunners and heavy machine gunners in the team are all equipped with this model. The only difference is the adjustment of the weapon module." Before Louise finished speaking, she led Jian Sheng to the second, more massive mech.

Arbitrator 3 - Heavy Defense

-Core Enhancement: Thickened alloy armor across the entire surface, increasing impact resistance by 200%.

- Body parameters: Net weight 500kg, height 3.3 meters

-Weapon Configuration: 6 x 30-Star Beast Grease Self-Destruct Flame Bottles

- Energy consumption: 4-5 kg of blue crystals/hour

- Cost per unit: 1500 million Blue Crystals

"When flame soldiers go into battle, it often means they'll be engaged in close combat with hordes of beasts. The thickened armor is to allow them to sustain their attacks for a longer period. If necessary, the power of their self-destruction is enough to level an entire small horde of beasts." Louise's lips curled into a cold smile. "Therefore, flame soldiers are also known as 'Netherfire Soldiers'—using flesh and blood as fuel to burn away the enemies in front of them."

The third mech was noticeably thinner, with its long, slender shoulder cannon standing out.

Arbitrator 3 - Heavy Artillery

-Core Enhancement: Lightweight honeycomb armor, equipped with a military-grade satellite guidance and positioning system.

- Body parameters: Net weight 200kg, height 3.1 meters

-Weapon configuration: Twin-mounted lightweight shoulder cannon, compatible with high-explosive, armor-piercing, and incendiary rounds.

- Energy consumption: 1kg blue crystal/hour

- Cost per unit: 1800 million Blue Crystals

"Artillery is the core of the team's long-range firepower, usually lying in wait at the rear of the battle line. The lightweight design is to reduce energy consumption and improve relocation efficiency, and satellite guidance allows shells to land precisely in anthills a hundred meters away—this is the advantage of system-of-systems warfare," Louise explained.

The last mech stood silently in the deepest part of the laboratory, its body covered in a special matte gray coating, its lines as sleek as a deadly hunter. Louise's tone became more solemn: "This is the most expensive and most complex model in the Arbiter 3 series—the Sniper version."

Arbitrator 3 - Sniper

-Core Enhancements: Ultra-long-range electromagnetic induction aiming system, aircraft dynamic stabilization system, stealth coating

- Body parameters: Net weight 250kg, height 3.0 meters

-Weapon configuration: WU-3 super-heavy electromagnetic charging sniper cannon (effective range 3000 meters, capable of penetrating 80 mm homogeneous steel armor)

-Ammunition configuration: High-explosive armor-piercing rounds, 7-round magazine feed

- Energy consumption: 1-2 kg of blue crystals/hour

- Cost per unit: 2500 million Blue Crystals

"2500 million?!" Jian Sheng couldn't help but exclaim in a low voice.

"Heavy sniper mechs are the 'decapitation strike' on the battlefield. A single shell can destroy the command center of a general-level intelligent beast. Their value far exceeds their cost." Louise glanced at him dismissively. "There's more to it than that."

Jian Sheng's gaze fell on the stealth coating on the mecha, and he frowned slightly: "I'm a little curious about the satellite navigation system and this stealth coating."

"Seven Rings City's technological level is nominally at the stage of the Sixth Industrial Revolution, but its manufacturing industry is still stuck between the Second and Third Industrial Revolutions." Louise walked to the sniper mech, her fingertips brushing across the matte coating. "The orbital satellites were deployed before the colony mothership landed, and now they only have 20 years of service left. As for this coating—it's not optical cloaking, but rather shielding against blue crystal energy fluctuations."

She paused, then added, "The king-level units among the intelligent beasts can sense and detect the energy radiation of blue crystals using their innate abilities. For snipers wanting to hunt stealthily, this coating is their lifeline."

Jian Sheng's heart stirred slightly, and he quickly calculated in his mind: "At this price, the basic equipment cost for a standard 30-person C-level mech battle team would be at least 3 million blue crystal coins. This time, Seven Ring City is going to form ten battle teams, and this military procurement order is probably an astronomical figure."

Louise smiled knowingly: "Including training materials and logistical support, the cost of building a team is 5 million. And the key to your top ten spot lies in this order."

"The decision-making power over military procurement orders?" Jian Sheng realized instantly.

"That's right. The captain's opinion on equipment procurement accounts for 30% of the decision." Louise stated bluntly, "As long as you can get into the top ten and become the captain, the Windsor family's Arbitrator 3 series will be able to secure orders from at least one team."

"And what about my benefits?" Jian Sheng raised his eyes, his gaze sharp.

"3% commission on orders."

Is there any room for negotiation?

Louise looked at him with a half-smile: "What do you think?"

She stopped smiling, turned, and headed towards the laboratory exit: "This is just to give you a general idea. Now, let's go to the arena—I'll show you how to operate the Steelheart Mech."

Inside the fighting arena, Jian Sheng changed into a form-fitting mecha combat suit. The surface of the suit was covered with tiny perforations, and dozens of silver circuit interfaces were hidden beneath the fabric, shimmering with a faint blue light.

"Blue crystal is a gift from heaven." Louise explained as she helped him adjust the interface, "One kilogram of soldier-grade blue crystal can provide 10,000 kilowatt-hours of energy, but its volume is only one-thousandth that of traditional energy sources. More importantly, the bioenergy it releases is almost harmless to the human body."

The piloting method of the Steel Core Mech is completely different from that of the D-class Mortal Mech. The hatch on the back of the mech slowly opened, and a metal ladder extended out. Jian Sheng climbed into the hatch and found that there was a buffer space of about 30 centimeters between the hatch and himself.

"Start," Louise's voice came through the communicator.

In an instant, dozens of thin, needle-like tubes emerged from the bulkhead, precisely piercing the interfaces of his combat suit. The icy touch spread throughout his body via his veins. Jian Sheng felt a powerful surge of electricity and energy rush to his brain, his vision blurred, and he nearly lost consciousness.

"It's normal to feel dizzy the first time you pilot a Steelheart mech." Louise's voice carried a hint of cool reassurance. "The name Steelheart comes from 'connected by blood, heart and armor linked.' From the moment you connected to the neural link, you are a star beast forged from steel."

She paused, then recited a set of data: "An ordinary C-level talent can utilize 50% of the Blue Crystal energy and maintain electromagnetic tolerance for one hour of combat. Today, I'm going to test your limits."

Last year, the mech pilot school's combat test consisted of three parts: close combat, dynamic shooting, and group combat. Louise directly set the first part as the test content: "Weapon of your choice. Remember, when mech pilots engage in close combat, only by fighting to the death will they have a chance of survival. Now—go all out and kill me."

Jian Sheng gripped the control stick of the Double-Edged Cutter, feeling as if the mech's limbs and bones were one with his own, every movement as precise as an extension of his own body. He piloted the mech, transforming it into a blur as he charged straight at the general-purpose mech piloted by Louise.

Louise leaped lightly, her mech soaring over his head like a falcon. Had the arena's ceiling not been limited, Jian Sheng had no doubt that the mech could have taken off directly.

"Two key points, remember them well." Louise's voice came from above. "First, your physical limits are not the limits of the mecha. What you need to do is to squeeze the mecha's performance out of you, not be bound by your own body. Second, the mecha's energy consumption is far more terrifying than you think—1 hour of standby consumes 10 kilowatt-hours of electricity, low-speed walking consumes over 100 kilowatt-hours, high-speed dashes exceed 1000 kilowatt-hours, and a single jump consumes at least 10 kilowatt-hours."

In this close-quarters battle, Louise only defended and did not attack, yet she suppressed Jian Sheng to the point of having no chance to fight back. But Jian Sheng did not panic. He quietly activated the system, dodging while absorbing the 500 million energy points dissipated during the operation of the mecha. At the same time, he used the three functions of probability calculation, memory recording, and pattern discovery to frantically analyze Louise's movement and attack patterns.

Time ticked by, and 90 minutes later, Jian Sheng, controlling his mecha, knelt on one knee, panting heavily: "I've reached my limit."

Louise's slightly surprised voice came through the communicator: "You managed to pilot the Steelheart Mech for 90 minutes on your first try... Your electromagnetic tolerance is at least C+ level. With a little more practice, breaking 100 minutes will be more than enough."

After a two-hour break, the second test—dynamic shooting—officially began.

In the first test, Jian Sheng deliberately held back his strength, fearing that if his performance was too outstanding, he would be dissected and studied. But in this test, he had to go all out—his dual-C talent was not enough to guarantee him a top-ten finish.

The two left the underground fighting arena and arrived at a fully enclosed shooting range deep within Windsor Manor. The shooting range covers an area of ​​approximately 500 square meters and is surrounded by alloy fences several meters high. The area is overgrown with shrubs, simulating a real-world combat environment.

"We'll use last year's testing standards." Louise handed over a parameter sheet. "30 seconds to shoot. How many six-legged dogs do you want to challenge yourself with simultaneously attacking?"

"What are the scoring rules?" Jian Sheng asked in return.

"It's simple—kill the most six-legged dogs with the fewest bullets in 30 seconds, and survive." Louise had a smirk on her lips. "Bullets are limited, and you only have one life."

What was the record last year?

"12 in 30 seconds, 24 bullets."

"What about historical records?"

Louise smiled knowingly, her smile carrying a hint of mockery and a deeper meaning: "It was my older brother Percival who set this record—38 bullets in 30 seconds, 50 rounds."

Jian Sheng pondered for two seconds, then made up his mind. He needed to demonstrate his strength, but he couldn't be too ostentatious.

"I'm going to challenge myself to 13."

Louise raised an eyebrow: "I can't guarantee I can save you in time."

Jian Sheng piloted the Arbitrator 3-Sniper Mech, standing steadily in the center of the firing range. He took a deep breath and adjusted the mech's firing parameters.

"Beep—Countdown begins!"

Thirteen iron gates opened simultaneously, and thirteen six-legged dogs barked and drooled as they rushed in.

Jian Sheng's eyes sharpened, and the probability calculation system instantly locked onto the movement trajectories of all targets. He pulled the trigger, and eight bullets flew in a straight line, accurately headshotting eight six-legged dogs. Immediately afterward, the mech used the momentum to leap back, spinning in the air, and fired another seven bullets.

The moment it landed, the last six-legged dog collapsed to the ground with a thud.

Time taken – 15 seconds.

The two extra shots were intentional. He wanted to project an impressive display of skill while maintaining a "controllable" bottom line.

Over the communicator, Louise's voice carried a rare hint of approval: "Not bad."

When Jian Sheng stepped out of the mecha, Louise's gaze towards him softened, revealing less disdain and more appreciation: "You've got the second test covered. As for the third test—the group competition—that tests your intelligence and strategic thinking."

"How were the groups divided?" Jian Sheng pressed.

"Ranked according to the first two scores, the most talented players will have priority in choosing their teammates," Louise stated frankly. "This is a battle of strength; only those with ability have the leverage to negotiate."

"Who has the right to choose?"

"Double A talents." Louise's words were like a bucket of cold water poured over her. "The best genes from the nine great families produce several double A geniuses every year. They are the ones who directly secure the captain's position."

Jian Sheng's heart sank.

So that's how it is. The class barriers of Seven Rings City are already ingrained in its very DNA. It's incredibly rare for someone from the lower classes to have a double-C talent; while the nine major families can mass-produce double-A geniuses. If this continues, the lower classes will never have a chance to rise above their circumstances.

"Will the captain of the Windsor family choose me?"

"No," Louise shook her head. "Politics requires balance. If the Windsor family holds two seats, it will inevitably attract the combined suppression of other families."

Jian Sheng instantly understood: "You want me to be a mole. Join another team, win a top-ten finish based on my skills, and then, as captain, finalize the Arbitrator 3 order."

"Smart." Louis made no attempt to hide it. "In previous years, there were only 3-4 people with double A talents, and this year there won't be more than 5. The remaining spots are the opportunity for 'dark horses' like you."

Jian Sheng understood perfectly. The Windsor family had already laid out this plan long ago.

The fourth test was the test firing of the WU-3 super-heavy sniper cannon.

At the end of the firing range stood a homogeneous steel armor plate, 80 millimeters thick. Jian Sheng pulled the trigger, and the roar of the shell leaving the barrel was deafening. When the smoke cleared, a hole the size of a bowl was clearly visible in the steel armor plate, its edges charred black by the high temperature.

"Cool!"

Jian Sheng couldn't help but gasp. The lines of the gun, the recoil of the bullet, the explosion of the target—everything made his blood boil. This was the ultimate thrill of a sniper.

"This sniper cannon is standard equipment at the Mech Officer School. You can use it for the exam without revealing your identity," Louise added.

After all the tests were completed, Jian Sheng hesitated for a moment before making one last request: "I have a combat partner, a meerkat. Could you customize a special communication device for it so it can communicate with me in real time?"

Louise was taken aback at first, then nodded and said only one word: "Okay."

Bai Sheng's intuition far surpasses that of ordinary people, making him an irreplaceable reconnaissance tool on the battlefield. Jian Sheng originally wanted to dye Bai Sheng's white fur to facilitate concealment at night, but then he thought that Bai Sheng's name came from his white fur, so there was no need to do that.

As night deepened, Jian Sheng stood at the edge of the shooting range, gazing at the lights in the distance.

The top ten spots at the Mech Officer Academy, the Windsor family's order, the 3% cut... and that invisible class barrier.

He clenched his fist.

This time, he not only wants to win, but also to win back the lifeline for the underprivileged.