BATTLE FOR STARS

In the military, mechs are only used as auxiliary equipment. They exist mainly to secure control of a planet’s surface, maintain starships, and build ground facilities. The real factor that determines the outcome of wars is still the starships in space.

Although humanoid mechs have never become the main combat units of national armies, they are still used in engineering units and some landing forces, serving roles such as maintaining starships, constructing ground installations, and helping establish control over planetary surfaces.

The latest military models have already developed brainwave interfaces. This kind of neural-operation method is now only a backup. However, because it is excellent for training human reaction speed, Belina’s Sour Strawberry mothership still keeps some of these systems for combat training. Ding Yufei was even able to modify the training program into a Gundam-style game and spent quite a long time playing it during the otherwise dull interstellar journey.

Ding Yufei knew that the sponge-like substance filling the cockpit was actually a polymer material used for cushioning. When the mech suffers heavy impacts, it reduces the shock transferred to the pilot. Without this protection, a single heavy collision could easily knock the pilot unconscious.

Each mech’s cockpit is located in the chest and abdomen area, protected by thick armor. Once closed, its shape is invisible from the outside, but every mech fighter knows exactly where their opponent’s cockpit is.

“This mech fighter is Jennifer. The mech she operates is called Max, a unit with both excellent strength and defense. In recent battles, her win rate is 85%.” The small robot cast another beam of light onto Jennifer as it introduced Lina’s opponent.

Jennifer simply waved, then entered her cockpit. Soon enough, both mechs were fully prepared for the match.

From the outside, the two mechs were very different. Eve appeared smaller and more compact, with slimmer limbs. Although it had no explicit feminine features, compared to other mechs, people naturally associated it with a more feminine design.

After many battles, each mech essentially becomes one with its pilot. From their very first match, mech fighters continuously modify their machines to suit their own style.

Those who prefer defense can install thicker armor. Those who favor punches can equip stronger impact engines. Those who rely on kicks can enhance jet propulsion systems, increasing thrust output for greater speed. Over time, each mech evolves into a unique machine tailored to its pilot—others usually cannot operate it to its full potential.

Every modification is also an upgrade. Stronger, lighter armor costs a great deal, and more powerful yet lighter engines are equally expensive. So even though mech fighters earn high rewards, a significant portion goes into upgrading their machines.

If a mech is heavily damaged in a match, repairs can be extremely costly. This also serves as a way for owners to control their slaves. Of course, sometimes owners will help upgrade the mech, but in return, they will take a larger share of the winnings.

If a mech fighter’s win rate is too low, they may only be able to participate in exhibition or friendly matches, or eventually be sold off by their owner. Slaves who cannot generate profit are disliked everywhere, and their eventual fate is rarely a good one.

Because all mechs enter the arena with a fixed amount of energy, fighters strive to reduce weight and equipment load to last longer in battle. Some even adopt stalling tactics, dragging the fight out until their opponent runs out of energy. While not honorable, victory is all that matters.

Each Carnival mech tournament only allows eight participants, using a knockout system. This means the champion is decided in just three rounds. Every competitor must not only be highly skilled but also possess a finely tuned mech developed over years.

Of course, the risks are high. Injury and death rates in such competitions are far greater than usual. However, the rewards for each round are enormous, and the championship prize is exceptionally high. As a result, many fighters are willing to take the risk. After computer selection, only the eight strongest contestants make it into the final tournament.

Jennifer and Lina are both top fighters from their respective regions. The only difference is that Lina has far fewer years of experience than Jennifer. However, Lina has participated in more dangerous matches with higher rewards, and she relies on agility rather than brute force, resulting in less damage to her mech. As a result, her mech is now among the best.

Jennifer’s mech, Max, is quite distinctive. It has a bulky, round body with thick legs. From its appearance alone, it is clear that it is not designed for agility, but for strong defense. Max wields a chain-linked hammer, a weapon specifically suited for dealing with distant opponents.

The robot at the center of the arena finally finished introducing both fighters and swiftly flew away. Immediately after, the lights signaling the start of the match lit up.

The mech arena is actually hemispherical in shape, with a vast space enclosed by a transparent dome. The dome is about the height of a ten-story building. Although it appears transparent, it is extremely durable—without specialized weapons, it is nearly impossible to break.

As the match began, Lina controlled Eve and slowly moved toward the center of the arena. Eve’s weapon was a blade—more precisely, a dagger, which she consistently used.

This was no ordinary high-strength alloy blade. It was a high-frequency blade. In simple terms, its edge consisted of rapidly vibrating particles. By applying thousands of hertz of vibration to materials, it could quickly accumulate micro-level stress and fatigue on the armor surface. Combined with the blade’s cutting force, it could easily slice through almost any material.

Of course, Jennifer had already equipped Max with elastic armor, reducing the effectiveness of such attacks. However, it only mitigated part of the damage—if Eve landed a solid strike and maintained contact for several seconds, even the best armor would be pierced.

Max’s primary weapon was a chain-linked alloy hammer. This flying hammer could be launched dozens of meters away in an instant, moving far faster than the mech’s normal actions.

From the very start of the match, Max began spinning the hammer with one hand, then quickly moved to the center of the arena—the ideal position to fully utilize the weapon’s range and power.