Mech: Shattering of the Galaxy

Loga Star, part of the fourth administrative district of the Galaxy Federation, was the most remote star body in the Federation's territory. A planet that should have only had a code name came to be named after Major General Loga, the highest-ranking officer who sacrificed his life in several brutal battles to defend the Federation. Although it was a special case, the planet was still forgotten by most people.

Thick layers of space debris floated around the planet. The only safe route belonged to the planet's management, and resources below the Federation's average only arrived every two months. Most people continued to struggle on the brink of hunger and poverty.

District 22's central area remained brightly lit and bustling. As dusk approached under the gray sky, the vibrance and the silence created an odd harmony.

Thirty kilometers from the city, an abandoned factory was littered with chaotic industrial refuse, including damaged Mecha fragments that couldn't be repaired. On this resource-starved planet, the authorities lacked time and goodwill to handle this rubbish. The free labor from the slums solved these annoying problems for them, saving the government considerable expense, so why not?

Silent wilderness surrounded, with occasional squeaks breaking the stillness. In a factory corner, sparks flickered sporadically, and a campfire burned quietly, casting the shadow of a tall figure on the ruined walls.

Mu Fan, 17, didn't know who his parents were. His foster parents told him they found him behind a trash can during their scavenging. The sky was barely light, and the star's rays evenly and softly lit the baby's face. When his foster father picked him up, two tags fell off: a deep yellow wooden one carved with "Mu," and a dark metal one with "Fan."

Without overthinking the order of the words, his foster father named him Mu Fan, based on the natural flow. Having had the chance to read a few books, he gave him this name. During childhood, Mu Fan never asked about his origins, and by the time he was old enough to inquire, his foster parents were taken by a stray bullet while scavenging during a Star Thief raid. Mu Fan was left with no opportunity to ask about the past. He was ten that year.

Mu Fan was not talkative but very understanding of life's realities. He didn't cry upon hearing the news. Instead, he returned to their rundown shack, found an old pair of worn gloves they had scavenged, and began helping acquaintances and strangers alike with labor. He moved items, washed dishes in suburban restaurants, delivered packages for city residents, and returned to sell scraps from the factory waste… Now, with no one left but himself, he had to survive.

It had been seven years since his parents' passing. Mu Fan glanced at the campfire before continuing to sharpen a small knife that gleamed coldly. He didn't pay much attention to his appearance; his hair was a disheveled black, his body not particularly strong but tall. When he lifted his eyelids, brown eyes showed, but a closer look would reveal a red gleam flickering in their depths, like roses or congealed blood.

By now, the weather in District 22 had turned chilly. Mu Fan wore a canvas-stitched jacket and oil-stained work pants. He took advantage of evening breaks to sharpen his weapon, a dagger honed from industrial alloy. He was at an age when his body consumed energy quickly. With weekly earnings, he would purchase bundled books from the old book market. The rest allowed him to only barely avoid starving with the cheapest synthetic food that normally filled a person with two packs a day. If he didn't go out to find food, he would remain in this cycle.

One day, he saw not far away a buzzard take flight while on his way back. Curiously, he saw a black shape drop from mid-air—it was half a Plant Rat. In the dancing flames, Mu Fan tasted meat for the first time.

One of Mu Fan's survival rules was to hunt twice a week. Whether large or small, dead or alive, any gain was a victory. He desperately needed this energy, for his body clearly craved meat.

"Shhh," a final spark flew out, and Mu Fan put away the knife, holding the sharp blade lightly in his left hand. He examined it in the firelight, squinting with satisfaction. Tonight—he would eat meat!

...

The nights on Loga Star were as cold as steel, freezing to the bone.

Mu Fan walked shirtless through the wilds. The scars crisscrossing his body were like battle medals, and though lean, his form displayed naturally aesthetic muscle lines, exuding a hidden explosiveness.

Mu Fan didn't feel the cold his neighbors spoke of. Instead, he only felt a brain-clearing, exhilarating chill that he enjoyed. He didn't know why he was always hungry, but found that his endurance seemed to surpass others by several times… or more. He had no concept and no interest in inquiring.

Under the night's cover, unnoticed by anyone, Mu Fan had reached the edge of a forest 15 kilometers from the factory. In the serene night, Mu Fan seemed to merge with the land, his steaming presence the only sign of his existence.

A river flowed there. During the night, while others found its waters biting, Mu Fan loved its chill for washing away blood and sweat, occasionally catching a fish for a raw meal. As long as it was meat!

Tonight's goal was to hunt a large animal. He felt an ever-growing hunger, knowing that two Plant Rats weren't enough anymore. He needed more meat.

This forest was far from the city. On a remote, impoverished planet like Loga Star, the authorities lacked the means to deploy many satellites for monitoring. The sparse human settlements fought against nature, allowing this forest to maintain its original form. Stronger beasts roamed here, making for richer food.

With a swoosh, Mu Fan stopped, his bright eyes gleaming. Standing at the forest's edge, he caught the scent of a Mutant Beast nearby. There it was! A Mutant Beast's aura filled with agitation, and Mu Fan's stomach growled again. He bit his lip, a red glow flashing in his eyes!

He needed meat!

Desire is the primal drive of humans. When a rapidly growing body encounters hunger, it fuels an unparalleled strength, more so for Mu Fan, who had tasted meat!

Closing his eyes and reopening them, the faint red glow in Mu Fan's eyes vanished, yet his vision sharpened, seeing the forest, insects, and birds vividly against the once invisible night. He couldn't recall when he discovered his keen night vision, but after finding several Plant Rats with it, he began consciously training this seemingly divine gift.

The night sky, thick clouds blocked the star's reflected light.

A "Meteor" streaked through the atmosphere, casting a glow across the clouded sky...

*****

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