Melee Combat

Demonstration of mecha pilot capabilities is the next part of the exercises. Fifteen feet of metal constructs were paraded in front of the spectators. Only the best are given opportunity to take part in this segment.

Carlo, they say who belong to the best among third generation mecha pilots were to take part as well. He does not know if he feels honored or be bummed for he prefer to watch in his seat.

The heat is unforgiving, it is 40 degrees Celsius at 12:00 noon. The sky is clear and the weather is fine. The spectators are watching at the bleachers in a covered court.

Officials from different branches of the armed forces both from the Verlusian and Atlantican Military are watching the event.

The first part of the mechanized exercises is the melee combat. Selected pilots from both armies are to take part in mock close-quarters-combat.

Safeguards and limiters have been placed the weapons are also made non deadly for the participants as well.

The shock and fatal damage simulated by an electric shock similar to that of 25 to 50 volts. There are five pilots from each teams are to take part. Five from the Atlantican side and five from theirs, the Verlusians.

The fights despite simulated were still brutal. Of the three matches most were victory for the Atlanticans. It was an unfair match due to equipment. Nevertheless, the Verlusian side gave a good fight against their opponents.

Next fight is Carlo's turn, him with his Long Edge Custom MP-87 Greyhound II. His custom gives his mecha at least an edge in speed. The very thing he needed against his opponent. A hunkering beast of metal that looks slow.

It's never good to underestimate the opponent's capabilities and it is best to know of its strengths and weaknesses. As his name was mentioned Carlo went to the hangar where his Greyhound was.

"Good noon, have you eaten lunch?" A maintenance crew asked Carlo.

Looking at his face, he looks familiar. Carlo took a closer look and he recognized and smiled at him, "Hey it's you Rob, Robin Hood!"

He is Robin dela Cerna a high school classmate of his.

"Hey, it's been a while my friend!" He replied gleefully.

"I thought you are working abroad as a technician for the Svenson Company in Svedenia?" Carlo asked him.

"My contract there is over my friend. The pay may be lesser here but at least job security is better." he paused and then continued, "I decided to work in the military because it has better pay compared to the private sector, and here I am!"

Carlo looked at him and noticed that he has gone fatter and his face rounder. He kept it to himself in order not to offend him.

"I know what you want to say, I have gone fatter compared to the last time you saw me!" he said based on the expression on Carlo's face.

"Oh, my bad. Indeed you look like you have gained weight. Are you married by the way?" Carlo asked in return.

"Yes, my wife's name is Olivia. I happen to meet her in Alemania, she is half-Leondrian and half-Verlusian. We are living near Greens Avenue in Kawit City." Robin replied with a smile of satisfaction.

"Good for you, I have no plans in settling down as of the moment." Carlo commented in reply.

Carlo looked at his Greyhound unit and noticed some changes that he seem not to understand. he looked at his friend who attended to it earlier and asked him, "That doesn't look like the specifications I asked."

His friend explained to me in a calm tone, "I am sorry if I haven't contacted you earlier, I tried to contact your phone but you can't be reached. I would like to give you some advice about your custom build but I figured out you may have no time if I have to wait."

Since he is a friend of his, he listened to him and let him continue.

"Look, about sacrificing some features for speed is a fatal choice for this match. I decided to add some features and lessen the speed augment. In return you will have a well-rounded unit that can take some punishment." Robin continued his explanation.

"Your enemy is a ECS-56R Saber what it lacks for speed makes it for its agility and endurance. You may run in circles at him with your configuration. A seasoned pilot will wait for your suit to be worn out and charge at you."

After his explanation, the announcer has called attention of the participants on the venue. Carlo hurried as he heard of the call and thanked his friend for the time and preparation for his mecha.

Carlo arrived in the venue in the nick of time. The participant is there already and it seems like he looked familiar. Taking a closer look, he met him somewhere. It is Colin or Colins. Does not matter, all dark-skinned Atlanticans almost look the same to him.

Carlo approached the tall man towering over him. He looks like he is at least six feet tall and is strongly built. Looking at his muscles he seem to work out a lot.

"We meet again, you haven't introduced yourself to me." Colin said.

"I'm sorry, I am not feeling well the other day." Carlo replied to him and gave him a bow and introduced himelf, "I am Carlo Montenegro, a mecha pilot just like you."

"Bowing is not a custom to Verlusians as far as I can remember. No need to be too formal with me." He chuckled and approached him. He leans forward and then whispered something, "I can sense the animosity in you. Let our mecha deal with such, I am obliged to express my sentiments as well!"

He said and gave a smirk then went back to his place earlier.

It is almost three o'clock in the afternoon when our match is about to start. The maintenance crews finally rolled out our units.

Carlo's Greyhound looks brand new as it was rolled out from the hangar. Not a single scratch and it looks pristine. A logo of a greyhound was marked on its shoulders.

Meanwhile, his opponent Colin's Saber unit was painted jet black. The white skull was marked on the left shoulder and a hammer on its right. It looks intimidating and deadly at the same time.

Carlo approached his unit and his friend Robin gave me a tip before he climbed the cockpit.

"Do not waste your movements. Focus your attacks and make them decisive!" He said.

Carlo nodded in reply and seated on the cockpit of his mecha. As the doors of the cockpit closed the screen turned on and its vital displays.

"The fight is about to begin. I will show these Atlanticans what I can do with my Greyhound!"