The Imperial Mecha Research Institute stood as a lighthouse in the field of mecha technology, always representing the most advanced innovations and guiding the direction for all mecha researchers.
Currently, the institute’s primary focus was improving neural linkage technology to allow pilots with lower psychic abilities to operate high-difficulty mechas.
Any breakthrough in this technology even just a single level of improvement would signify an era-defining revolution.
Now, in the institute’s most secure conference room, everyone was intently watching the mecha tournament footage displayed by Director Cheng Yuan, their expressions varying.
At first, their attention was drawn to the ugly mecha and its mechanical beast.
Having worked with all kinds of mechas daily, they had never seen one so uniquely hideous.
Soon, someone realized this was a battle between a B-rank mecha pilot and an S+-rank pilot.
When they assumed the S+ pilot was the star of the video, the B-rank mecha’s mechanical beast moved with astonishing agility before being split in half at a critical moment transforming into a shield and a cannon.
Setting aside the pilots’ ranks and abilities, this match was undoubtedly one of the most thrilling battles they had ever witnessed, with a reversal that caught everyone off guard.
“That mecha upgraded from B-rank to A-rank,” a researcher with dark green hair exclaimed in shock. “Does that mean the Twin-Star Mecha’s pilot can operate beyond his rank?”
“That’s insane! Isn’t this a military academy competition? How can someone so young achieve that?”
A female researcher nearby interjected, “I checked the Starsea Military Academy’s website. The Twin-Star Mecha’s pilot is Yun Xingze, an A-rank Omega. So, he shouldn’t be operating above his rank?”
Hearing the discussion, Cheng Yuan frowned thoughtfully. “Haven’t any of you noticed something else?”
They rewatched the footage, and this time, they all realized what the director meant.
“That cat was split in half,” the dark-haired researcher murmured, eyes widening. “Yet Yun Xingze himself wasn’t affected at all?”
Normally, when a Twin-Star Mecha’s scout unit was destroyed, the psychic link controlling it would suffer backlash ranging from dizziness to severe neural damage.
But Yun Xingze’s mechanical beast became even stronger after being severed.
Cheng Yuan nodded solemnly. “I checked the records. Yun Xingze only recently advanced to A-rank. Does this mean that, at the moment his mechanical beast was destroyed, he was controlling an A-rank difficulty mecha?”
The conference room fell into stunned silence.
After a long pause, someone finally asked, “Then, how did he do it?”
“There’s only one possibility,” Cheng Yuan said slowly. “Just before the mechanical beast was destroyed, he withdrew all his psychic energy from its neural link and transferred it entirely to the main mecha’s link.”
“That’s impossible!”
Many researchers exclaimed in unison; their voices filled with disbelief.
“During active mecha operation, there’s a potential energy difference inside and outside the psychic link,” the dark-haired researcher said with a frown. “Withdrawing and transferring psychic energy would be like making a waterfall flow backward.”
“If it’s true…” someone murmured, their eyes filled with astonishment and envy, “then he’s a once-in-a-century genius. This level of mental control can’t even be described as excellent anymore.”
The person beside them nodded: “If he possesses such ability, it makes perfect sense that he could pilot a mech above his rank. Our research on cross-rank technology has reached the experimental phase, and we desperately need talents like him!”
The Research Institute had already developed the first-generation neural-link helmet, with connectors made from special materials that could amplify mental energy. In theory, this could help humans achieve cross-rank mech piloting.
However, these special materials created significant resistance to mental energy. Most people couldn’t even transmit their mental power through the connectors, which might backlash against the user’s psyche at any moment.
The Empire wasn’t lacking in talents capable of cross-rank piloting, but without exception, none of them could complete this experiment not only was it extremely difficult, but it also carried high risks.
Originally, the Research Institute had been at their wits’ end with this technology, facing an insurmountable bottleneck in experiments.
But now, this Omega named Yun Xingze had appeared before them, bringing new hope.
“Director, when should we approach him?” The dark-green-haired researcher rubbed his hands together excitedly.
“The royal family has been pressuring us to accelerate the cross-rank technology research,” Cheng Yuan frowned. “The negotiations between the Empire and the Alliance must not be going well for them to keep pushing us. Time is running short, we must contact this Yun Xingze as soon as possible.”
A female researcher added: “The NCLM is about to begin, and this year’s competition is on Noah Star.”
Hearing this, an unreadable emotion flashed in Cheng Yuan’s eyes.
The night before departure to Noah Star.
Imperial Capital Star.
Chi Yu sat in a private room of an upscale hotel, surrounded by liquor bottles. His so-called friends were toasting him. Some wishing him success in the tournament, others telling him to find pretty Omegas on Noah Star, and a few advising him to forget about Yun Xingze.
Recently, news of Chi Yu chasing after Yun Xingze had spread throughout Stellar Naval Academy.
“What’s so great about that Yun Xingze anyway? Why can’t you let go?” someone asked.
“You don’t understand shit,” Chi Yu slurred, already tipsy. “He… he’s the most remarkable Omega in the entire academy.” He downed his drink in one gulp. “Another round!”
But this time, no one responded.
When a new figure entered the private room, his classmates scattered like frightened mice, fleeing without daring to make a sound.
Blinking blearily at the newcomer, Chi Yu suddenly became half-sober.
Standing at the doorway was his father—Lieutenant General Chi Yin.
Chi Yu hastily set down his glass. “Dad, you—”
“You’re leaving for the tournament tomorrow. I came to see you.” General Chi wore casual clothes as he sat opposite his son, legs crossed. His chiseled features exuded authority. “There are also some matters to discuss.”
Chi Yu struggled to focus, nodding vigorously. “Go ahead.”
“The first thing is, you must perform well in the league and quickly advance to S-rank to make up for your past mistakes,” General Chi said expressionlessly. “The second thing, reconcile with Yun Xingze.”
“The first part is manageable…” Chi Yu slowly lowered his gaze, the alcohol seemingly affecting him again. “But getting back together with Yun Xingze, that’s probably impossible.”
“I’m not here to negotiate.” General Chi looked coldly at the heartbroken Chi Yu, his brow furrowing slightly. “Yun Xingze has an extremely high compatibility with your pheromones, and from what I’ve seen, he’s also an intelligent Omega—ideal for passing on our family’s superior genes.”
Chi Yu sighed. “I’d love for him to carry on my genes too, but he won’t agree.”
General Chi poured himself a glass of expensive red wine, took a small sip, then casually spat it onto the floor. “Disgusting.”
He then stood up; his tone icy. “Whether he agrees or not is irrelevant. This is a marriage between the Yun and Chi families, not just between the two of you. We need the mechs the Yun family can provide; how else will we secure our standing in the military? If you really can’t get along, you can divorce after I’m promoted to general and you’ve produced an heir. The Yun family has no power, he’ll be the one leaving with nothing.”
Since childhood, Chi Yu had idolized his father, obeying his every word without question.
A fearless warrior, decisive in every action and always right.
Now, Chi Yu knew his father’s words were correct.
But for the first time, he felt reluctant to follow his father’s orders.
“But… if he doesn’t like me, what’s the point of all this?” Chi Yu said hoarsely.
Lately, he had teamed up with Yun Xingze, only to be stung by the latter’s indifferent attitude.
Even if Yun Xingze had thrown a tantrum because of him, Chi Yu could have convinced himself that Yun Xingze still cared.
But he knew now there was no going back to how things were.
More importantly, Chi Yu realized he was falling deeper in love with Yun Xingze. His past arrogance and forceful demeanor now seemed like nothing but a joke.
Looking up at his father, Chi Yu stammered, “Dad, I… I like Xingze. But reconciliation, I can’t do it right now. Give me time, let me earn his forgiveness first, then maybe—”
Slap!
Before he could finish, Chi Yin swiftly struck him across the face.
“I told you,” General Chi said coldly, his voice carrying the sharpness of a battlefield commander, “I’m not here to negotiate.”
Chi Yu was momentarily dazed.
This wasn’t the first time he had been struck for disobedience.
Every time, he would eventually fall back in line.
“…I understand,” Chi Yu murmured, his voice so hoarse it was almost inaudible.
“Someone from the Crown Prince’s side secretly informed me,” General Chi said, looking down at his son and lowering his voice. “Negotiations between the Empire and the Alliance have reached a deadlock. War could break out at any moment. To ensure sufficient population during wartime, it’s highly likely that high-compatibility Alphas and Omegas will be mandated to bond.”
Hearing this, a sudden wild joy flashed in Chi Yu’s eyes. He looked up at his father. “Really?!”
“The likelihood of this bill passing is very high,” General Chi said, looking at him with a serious tone. “Therefore, we must stabilize our relationship with the Yun family to prevent them from seeking another match. As for Yun Xingze, he will be yours sooner or later.”
Sudden joy overwhelmed Chi Yu, leaving him breathless and momentarily speechless.
General Chi looked at him and suddenly sneered, “So, do you still resist my orders now? If you truly wish to give him up, that’s fine too. We can always find another marriage alliance.”
“Chi Yu, can you bear to let him go?”
Chi Yu was momentarily stunned by his father’s question.
He recalled Yun Xingze’s fair and handsome face, his relentless efforts to turn the tide on the battlefield, and the way they fought side by side as teammates.
A voice in his heart reminded him that Yun Xingze didn’t like him, and even if they were together, happiness wasn’t guaranteed.
He hesitated.
But that hesitation didn’t last long.
The memory of Yun Xingze’s closeness with Luo Wenchuan ignited jealousy in Chi Yu, his fingers involuntarily clenching into fists.
In the past, Yun Xingze had only ever liked him, only ever been kind to him. Yet now, he had been stolen away by some penniless nobody from a backwater planet!
“Father, you’re right,” Chi Yu took a deep breath and, under his father’s piercing and icy gaze, declared word by word, “Yun Xingze can only be with me.”
General Chi observed the newfound resolve in his son’s eyes and finally smiled in satisfaction. “Then let me congratulate you in advance on your union with Yun Xingze. I look forward to attending your engagement banquet.”
With that, he turned and left.
Chi Yu’s fingers trembled slightly; his emotions still unsettled.
He believed that as long as they were together, Yun Xingze would forgive him.
Their pheromones were a perfect match, they were the most compatible couple in the entire galaxy.
This guy can just go live in a dich for all i care just stay tf awaaayyyyyyyh
Also just cause someones together dosnt mean they gonna make children in fact this might bring down the population ughhhhh