Chapter 7

The knockout match operates on a random draw system, with teams drawn to compete against each other and the four victorious teams will then move on to the semi-finals. The semi-finals are also drawn randomly, and the winners will advance to the finals to compete for the championship. All matches take place within a single day.

"So, what can I do to be of service?" Ajax asked with a serious expression.

Alana had shown him a lot of respect and trust, and the female team members were also very polite due to Alana's influence. Due to this, Ajax couldn't let Alana down.

"I would like to ask you to look over and correct our equipment; we have encountered difficulties as we're not very well versed in this," Alana pointed to the mecha beside her.

Although they were all pilots, being able to operate a mecha and being able to equip one were two different things. Operating a mecha required skill, while assembly and equipping one required comprehension. They needed to memorize and compare a large amount of complex data, and very few could actually excel at both.

"Consider it done. Now my question is, if the mecha is damaged during the games, how do you usually deal with it?" Ajax asked his biggest concern.

"You can repair it yourself, or you can call the maintenance team. However, each team has a fixed number of parts that cannot be exceeded. Managing the wear and tear of the mecha is crucial for victory."

"Interesting, are the mecha accessories treated the same way?" Ajax grinned habitually.

"Yes, the accessories provided are also fixed. One set is of excellent grade, and the rest are of ordinary grade," a short-haired team member next to Alana interjected.

"It's no wonder Charles installed all the sophisticated accessories on his mecha," Ajax said with a chuckle.

Many pilots would only use high-level accessories without considering the consequences, a rookie mistake. In reality, when matched correctly, even low-level accessories could have miraculous effects.

"Is there a big issue with our current setup?" Alana seemed worried.

"Before I make any judgment calls, I want to check your opponent's mech information first."

When discussing mechs, Ajax displayed confidence in every gesture, a complete departure from his previous timid state.

"Yes, they're all here. We are playing in the 52nd group. Overall, they are weaker than us. Winning shouldn't be too big of a problem, but losing is not an option." Alana showed Ajax a tablet containing a very detailed data comparison.

For the next few minutes, Ajax scrutinized the data and remained silent. Occasionally, he approached Alana and her teammates' mechas to inspect them individually and gather the required information.

"Team leader, does he really know what he's doing? This event is very important for us..." A team member approached Alana, asking in a low voice, and other team members looked equally skeptical.

Alana had informed them last night that a skilled outfitter would assist them on the competition day, and they were excited. However, seeing how Ajax in front of them didn't resemble a master made them uncertain.

"Don't worry about it, just watch him do his job." Alana reprimanded the team members, confident in her judgment.

Ajax heard these negative comments but remained focused. After obtaining the necessary information, he said slowly, "There is a big issue with your equipment. You've only thought about how to make your mech stronger and overlooked its ability to counter or avoid being countered in certain situations. This is a common problem for beginners...quite the rookie mistake if I'm being honest..."

Ajax delved into various theories, offering his unique understanding. However, Alana's team members were bewildered; what Ajax said differed from their teachings, and some parts were even reversed. If Alana wasn't present, they would have questioned Ajax.

Alana comprehended quite a bit, nodding, but her brows furrowed more and more: "Oh no, the competition is about to start, even if we want to refit the accessories, it's too late."

"Isn't there still more than an hour?" Ajax glanced at the electronic clock above.

"The maintenance team for the competition needs an advance appointment. We are not mechanics, so we can't waste another minute more." Another team member explained.

"Oh, why not? It's quite an easy problem to solve." Ajax grinned, bent down to put down his backpack, and emptied its contents, revealing a complete set of simple maintenance tools.

"You're a mechanic?" Alana's eyes widened, and the expressions of the female team members beside her also changed subtly.

"It's just a mechanical apprentice for now, but it's enough to replace some parts." Ajax began disassembling.

The female team members all looked at Alana, showing obvious intentions, questioning whether she really wanted Ajax to proceed. With the competition about to start, if they didn't return in time, they might have to retire collectively, posing a significant risk.

Alana ignored the gazes and simply said, "Please help us."

Soon, the female team members realized just how wrong they were since in just half an hour, Ajax had already completed the parts and equipment replacement for three mechas. His speed easily dwarfed that of a skilled mechanic.

"Oh Lord..." Alana couldn't help but say with a sigh. Ajax's efficiency was matching that of the entire maintenance team. Not just the female team members, even those who initially doubted Ajax now felt ashamed. Ajax's prowess silenced the skepticism.

"Hey, what's going on over there?" Charles also noticed the commotion and asked his companion in a low voice.

"It seems the person we beat yesterday is helping those girls temporarily by replacing their mecha parts and equipment, and his speed is more than impressive."

"Should we change ours at this time?" Charles frowned slightly but soon sneered, "Hmph, that little shit is pretending to know what he's doing. I will prove that fucker just how powerless his theories are with my strength later!"

As the preparation time drew to a close, Ajax was about to finish with the last mech.

Six mechas in under one hour was some high-intensity work that consumed a lot of his physical strength, and his sweat soaked his clothes. But at this moment, no one around him despised him anymore; they were all watching quietly.

"Alright, oof, tha-that should be all." Ajax closed a back armor, wiped the stains on his hands with his pants, and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thank you..." Alana handed Ajax a tissue with a strange look in her eyes. All she did was watch, she didn't even help...

Ajax took the tissue without saying anything and turned to look at the high platform.

The commentary was already in place, the surrounding stands were full, and the staff began recording the mechas of the participants to allow the contestants to enter.

"Everyone, quickly recalibrate your mechas and get ready to win." Alana waved to her team members, nodded to Ajax, and then got into the mecha.

A few minutes later, Alana and the others were escorted away by the staff.

Ajax found a seat and sat down leisurely. He was in the preparation area, in the middle of the four battle areas. Watching the matches from this position was much more comfortable than from the spectator stands.