### Chapter 44: Preparations and Challenges
Kalki completed all nine slots in the battle simulation skill of the system, earning an impressive array of materials essential for building his mech. His inventory now included:
Mithril Alloy: A lightweight yet incredibly strong metal, used for the primary structure and armor plating. Obtained: 500 units.
Pyrosteel: A metal that naturally conducts and amplifies fire energy, used in weapon systems and armor reinforcement. Obtained: 300 units.
Aerium: A rare metal that enhances wind energy conduction, used in turbine systems and mobility enhancements. Obtained: 300 units.
Essence Conductors: Special materials that transfer the pilot's essence to the core, ensuring efficient energy flow. Obtained: 100 units.
Special Ores for Core:
Pyraerite: A rare and powerful ore with both fire and wind affinity, harmonizing fire and wind energies for the Elemental Nexus Core. Obtained: 50 units.
Flamestorm Crystal: Amplifies and merges fiery and windy elemental energies for seamless integration and magnification of the pilot's abilities. Obtained: 50 units.
He also acquired a
Berserk Sigil: a purple stone with red veins, brimming with ominous energy.
Exhausted, Kalki closed the battle simulation, eager for rest. However, a quest notification appeared: "Defeat all the mechs of the 3rd-year students in a mech competition." He noted the absence of any mention of fourth-year students but shrugged it off, his need for sleep outweighing his curiosity.
The next morning, Yaksha AI and Seraph attempted to wake him. Yaksha's voice was stern and insistent, "Kalki, get up! You have responsibilities to attend to."
Seraph, on the other hand, used her cuteness to rouse him, licking his face gently. Kalki groaned but couldn't resist Seraph's adorable persistence. He finally woke up, ready for the day.
After getting dressed, Kalki headed to the university. As he arrived, Ember and Alex greeted him warmly.
"Good morning, Kalki," Ember said with a bright smile. "Ready for another day of learning?"
Alex nodded in agreement, "Yeah, we have some interesting stuff to cover today."
Rook, ever the sarcastic one, added, "Don't get too excited, Kalki. Wouldn't want you to faint from all the 'interesting' classes."
Kalki chuckled, "Yeah, yeah, Rook. Try to keep up with the boring stuff."
A month passed with Kalki enduring the monotonous basic classes. Despite the slow pace, he diligently attended each session, determined to absorb as much knowledge as possible. Attendance was mandatory, and skipping classes wasn't an option if he wanted to stay enrolled.
Kalki sat through lectures about the basic parts of mechs, their construction, and maintenance. He listened to detailed explanations about the intricacies of different materials and their properties, but his mind often wandered. He found himself doodling in his notebook or daydreaming about the upcoming mech competition. The repetition of basic concepts he already understood bored him to no end.
During one particularly tedious class about the different types of screws used in mech joints, Kalki could barely keep his eyes open. He glanced around the room, noticing other students either dozing off or staring blankly at the instructor. His thoughts drifted to more exciting things, like upgrading Tempest Inferno and testing his new skills.
One day, the instructor made an announcement to the students: "Attention, everyone. We will be holding a competition between the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-year students. Fourth-year students will have an inter-university competition. Prepare yourselves accordingly."
Kalki's interest piqued at the announcement. Finally, a chance to put his skills and newly acquired materials to the test. The upcoming competition promised to be a significant step in his journey, and he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
---
Kalki opened the system interface, his focus sharp as he prepared to build his new mech, Tempest Inferno. He laid out all the ores he had gathered, each one glowing with latent energy. He observed the 3D hologram of the mech, examining its complex design and imagining how it would come together.
With a determined expression, Kalki touched the holographic core of the mech. Instantly, the system's voice echoed in the room, "Ready to commence the construction of Tempest Inferno? Confirm?"
Kalki gave a firm nod. "Yes, let's get started."
Yaksha appeared beside him, observing the process with a hint of amusement. "You always dive into things with such focus. Let's see how you handle this."
The system outlined two conditions for the mech's construction: all ores had to be stored in a pocket dimension, and there had to be a large, open space for the assembly. Kalki promptly stored the materials in his storage and ventured to the forest outside the university.
The chosen location was a large, flat clearing surrounded by tall trees and bathed in the soft light of the afternoon sun. The ground was solid and expansive, offering the perfect area for the intricate process of mech construction.
Kalki set up the materials and activated the construction process. The system began its work, starting with the creation of the core. The Elemental Nexus Core took shape, a brilliant fusion of blue and orange energy swirling at its center. The core's pulsating light signaled the start of the complex assembly.
As the core formed, the system proceeded to construct the mech's skeleton, using Mithril Alloy for the primary structure and Pyrosteel for the armor plating. The skeleton emerged, a robust frame designed to withstand the trials of battle. Wires and cables wove through the frame, connecting the core to various components and ensuring efficient energy transfer.
Next, armor plates adorned the mech, engraved with ancient runes that glowed softly with fiery and windy energy. The system continued, adding gears and energy transfer tubes that interconnected the internal mechanisms. The final stages of the construction saw the creation of the pilot's deck, where Kalki would interface with Tempest Inferno.
Kalki carefully integrated the Berserk Sigil into the core, watching as the sigil's energy merged with the core's power. The sigil, a purple stone with red veins, glowed with a dark, intense energy that amplified the mech's abilities. The construction of Tempest Inferno was nearing completion.
The mech stood tall, a two-story colossus with a sleek, aerodynamic design. Its armor was adorned with glowing red and silver plates, and massive turbines on its shoulders and back emitted a continuous stream of wind. The gauntlets and legs were equipped with vents that released bursts of flame, giving the mech a fearsome appearance.
Tempest Inferno Specifications:
Name: Tempest Inferno
Appearance: Standing at a towering height of two stories, Tempest Inferno has a sleek, aerodynamic frame. Its armor features glowing red and silver plates, intricately engraved with runes. The head has a streamlined visor with advanced sensors, while turbines on its shoulders and back emit wind. Gauntlets and legs have flame vents, creating an intimidating inferno effect.
Core: The Elemental Nexus Core glows with a blend of blue and orange, harnessing the pilot's elemental essence for immense power. Prolonged use drains the pilot's energy and requires focus.
Weapons and Abilities:
Tempest Flamesword: A massive blade that channels fire and wind, with a glowing edge capable of cutting through tough materials.
Inferno Cyclone Cannons: Forearm-mounted cannons generating vortexes of fire and wind for both concentrated and wide-area attacks.
Gale Laser Beams: Shoulder-mounted lasers using wind technology for precise, high-range attacks.
Blazing Missile Barrage: Missiles from the chest and thighs, targeting weak points with explosive, fire-infused warheads.
Essence Dome Defense: A barrier combining wind and fire elements to deflect projectiles and neutralize energy-based attacks.
Hurricane Pulse Cannons: Back-mounted cannons that release powerful wind energy blasts, creating shockwaves and knocking back enemies.
Vehicle Mode: Transforms into a high-speed jet with blazing boosters, cyclone wings, and flame-trail missiles.
Facilities:
Auto-Targeting System: Locks onto multiple enemies, optimizing attack strategies.
Elemental Scanners: Detects elemental energies and weaknesses.
Repair Drones: Miniature drones for quick repairs.
Pilot Interface: Provides data on energy, weapon status, and environment.
Mega Weapon:
Mountain Eradicator: A colossal cannon that channels the core's full power for a devastating blast capable of destroying entire mountains.
Berserk Ability:
Inferno Rampage: When activated, the Tempest Inferno enters a berserk state, drastically increasing its attack speed, strength, and agility. This state taps into the Berserk Sigil's power, making the mech a whirlwind of destruction. However, this immense power comes at a cost: prolonged use can cause damage to both the mech and its pilot, requiring precise control to manage its duration effectively.
With Tempest Inferno completed, Kalki took a moment to appreciate the mech's imposing form. It was a symbol of his progress and a powerful tool for the challenges to come.
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Kalki stood before his newly constructed mech, Tempest Inferno, marveling at its towering form and intricate design. The system prompted him to initiate the final setup procedures. The mech could transform into a high-end, tip-topped flying car with the sharpest aerodynamic shape, making it a formidable machine both on land and in the air.
The AI of the mech asked for various security inputs:
**AI:** "Please provide your voice, thumbprint, aura, and genetic lock to activate the security protocols."
Kalki placed his thumb on the scanner, spoke clearly, "Kalki," and allowed the AI to scan his aura and genetic code. With each input, the system acknowledged the successful registration.
**AI:** "Voice, thumbprint, aura, and genetic lock verified. Security protocols activated."
Kalki noticed the voice of the AI was not to his liking. It lacked the personality and familiarity he preferred. Turning to Yaksha, he asked, "Yaksha, can you take over the mech's AI?"
Yaksha's form shimmered as he integrated with the mech's systems. "Consider it done," Yaksha replied with a hint of satisfaction. The mech's AI voice shifted to Yaksha's tone, making it feel more personal and reliable. Yaksha was very happy for getting a body for him.
Kalki needed to open the mech or the car using the multiple security locks he had set up. He touched the mech, and with a combination of his voice command, thumbprint, and aura, the locks disengaged with a series of satisfying clicks.
The mech had two pilot modes: one controlled by Yaksha and another directly by Kalki. In Yaksha-controlled mode, the AI could operate the mech independently, following strategic commands and handling complex maneuvers. In Kalki's mode, he could control the mech with his thoughts, thanks to the advanced neural interface linked to his essence.
The neural interface allowed Kalki to control the mech with his thoughts by creating a direct link between his brainwaves and the mech's systems. His essence fueled the mech, channeling his elemental energies into powering the various functions and weaponry of Tempest Inferno. This essence-based control allowed for fluid, intuitive movements and responses, making the mech an extension of Kalki himself.
Kalki commanded Tempest Inferno to transform into its high-speed car mode. The mech's structure shifted seamlessly, panels folding and rearranging until it took the form of a sleek, aerodynamic vehicle. The car's design was a marvel of engineering, with sharp, clean lines that minimized air resistance.
Kalki climbed into the pilot's seat, feeling a rush of excitement as he prepared to start the car. He initiated the startup sequence with a thought, and the engine roared to life, fueled by his essence.
The car accelerated rapidly, crossing the sonic speed threshold and producing a controlled sonic boom. The aerodynamics of the vehicle allowed it to slice through the air with minimal resistance, and the powerful essence-fueled engine propelled it forward at incredible speeds.
Kalki's heart raced with exhilaration as the car zoomed through the air. The landscape blurred beneath him as he navigated the skies with ease, the car responding to his thoughts almost instantaneously. The combination of speed and control was intoxicating, filling him with a sense of freedom and power.
In no time, Kalki reached his building complex. He landed smoothly, the car transitioning back into its mech form with the same seamless grace. With a final command, he stored Tempest Inferno in his pocket dimension, ensuring it was ready for use whenever he needed it.
Kalki couldn't contain his excitement. The experience of traveling in his new car-shaped mech had been thrilling beyond his wildest dreams. He felt more prepared than ever for the challenges that lay ahead, eager to test Tempest Inferno in the upcoming competition.
The future looked promising, and with Tempest Inferno at his side, Kalki was ready to face whatever came next.