Chapter 8

At nine o'clock, after the commentator finished reading the school motto of Apollo Academy, the curtains were raised in the four battle zones simultaneously, marking the official start of the event.

The transparent energy circle, originally designed to protect battleships, now served to safeguard important buildings and mech competitions, preventing any interference with and from the audience.

Ajax didn't pay much attention to Alana's team's game, expecting no surprises, but Charles's strength caught his interest, and he remained focused on Charles's performance.

The game progressed swiftly, with each confrontation lasting around eight minutes. Within half an hour, the two teams determined the winners.

The nearly three-hour qualifying match captivated Ajax, with adrenaline pumping through his veins. Over 200 pilots showcased a spectacular display of mech battles, involving long-range shooting and close-range combat, creating a continuous spectacle of flames and explosions.

As expected, Alana's and Charles's teams both secured victory and advanced to the next round. Alana's team claimed the top spot in the standings due to their victories at a faster pace.

The following six teams all advanced with five wins and one draw, displaying considerable skill. Surprising everyone but Ajax, the women's team secured the first position in the standings, challenging the conventional belief that female pilots were slightly weaker.

Alana, astonished by her team's unexpected triumph, approached Ajax as soon as she left her mech. The strength of her mech had increased by about 15%, thanks to Ajax's contribution.

"You're a genius," Alana exclaimed excitedly, and Ajax, a bit embarrassed, considered it the first time someone had called him that.

"When's the next match?" Ajax changed the subject, pointing to the battle zone where the curtain had been lifted.

"The knockout round starts in an hour, and the next opponent will be drawn soon," Alana replied, glancing nervously at the commentary stand. She hoped to avoid strong opponents in the knockout competition, preserving her team's strength for the upcoming games.

"As long as we don't draw Charles, the team is confident in winning," a nearby player added.

The sentiment resonated among the pilots, as they preferred not to face Charles before the final.

A minute later, the knockout match list appeared on the giant screen, revealing that Alana and Charles's teams would face each other.

This news ignited the auditorium. Charles, recognized as the strongest male pilot, would clash with Alana's team, the dark horse that had just claimed the top spot in the promotion competition. It was an unexpected final staged in advance.

Alana sighed deeply, dreading the prospect of facing Charles's formidable team in the knockout round.

Ajax wanted to express his analysis, but laughter interrupted him. Charles and his group approached, with Charles provocatively stating, "This lottery is really good. After all, you can't get far on luck alone. I thought you wouldn't make it out of the promotion competition, but I didn't expect to have the opportunity to send you away personally."

Alana frowned at Charles's words, choosing not to respond. Charles, pointing at Alana, challenged her to fight with all her strength in the upcoming match.

Before Alana could answer, Ajax grinned and replied, "Sure, just don't be cowardly when the time comes."

Charles, angered, took two steps forward, expressing his desire to confront Ajax. Alana intervened, urging Charles and his group to leave their preparation area.

As Charles left, he taunted, "Idiot," prompting Alana's low voice curse. She was truly disgusted by Charles's behavior.

Ajax sensed Alana's anger and inquired about her chances of winning against Charles.

"Let's say it's fifty-fifty, and it must be equipped correctly," Alana sighed, acknowledging Charles's talent despite his arrogance.

Ajax suggested not facing Charles, but Alana explained that apart from her, the rest of the team had no chance, and they were sure to lose.

Ajax proposed a strategic approach, a horse racing tactic, exchanging their lower-grade mechs for Charles's higher-grade mechs. Alana liked the idea and agreed to implement the plan.

"In order to ensure that he takes the bait, I will specially replace the parts for your mech later," Ajax said, emphasizing the need to make Charles think they were going to confront him head-on.

As they discussed their strategy, Alana couldn't help but smile at Ajax's seemingly harmless look that hid a wealth of clever ideas.