Chapter 45: The Grand Competition
The sprawling structure stretched for three kilometers, a monolithic edifice that housed the annual Mech Competition at Nexus University. Its six-story height loomed over the gathered students, each mech standing as a testament to their creators' skill and ambition.
As Kalki surveyed the competition, he couldn't help but marvel at the diverse array of mechs. They were covered with large cloths bearing the emblems of their factions, concealing their designs from casual observers. However, with his system's analytical skills, Kalki could see past the veils, assessing each mech's strengths and weaknesses with precision.
Some were sleek and modern, gleaming with advanced technology, while others showed signs of wear and improvised repairs. Among them, Rook's mech stood out—a masterpiece of engineering, meticulously crafted with no frills but pure functionality.
Kalki, dressed in his tailored uniform, wore a smug smile as he took in the sight. His own mech, Tempest Inferno, stood tall and imposing, its design both elegant and powerful. It was a stark contrast to Alex's creation, a mech pieced together from outdated parts, evident by its makeshift appearance and patchwork repairs.
Before the competition began, the Vice Principal made a grand entrance, his presence exuding an aura of authority that seemed to weigh heavily on the other students. Kalki, however, remained unaffected, his resolve unwavering as he listened to the rules: inspection and then battle royale.
Amidst the preparations, Kalki spotted Rook and Alex. Rook's mech was a marvel, streamlined and efficient, lacking any unnecessary embellishments. In contrast, Alex's mech showed signs of neglect, its frame adorned with mismatched parts and aging technology.
Rook's frustration was palpable as he chastised Alex for not investing in better parts, offering financial assistance that Alex stubbornly refused. Kalki observed quietly, knowing the value of superior craftsmanship in such competitions.
As the competition commenced, students unveiled their mechs, revealing them in their full glory. Each mech bore the emblem of its creator's faction, a collage of logos that spoke volumes about their allegiances and abilities, visible to Kalki through the system's analytical lens.
Kalki's mech drew gasps from the crowd—its design was not just functional but exquisite, a marvel of modern engineering. The first and second-year students looked on in awe, their mechs paling in comparison to the craftsmanship displayed by the third-year contestants, including Alex and Rook.
Throughout it all, Kalki's anticipation for Amber's presence went unfulfilled. He had expected her to observe his competition, but she remained absent, leaving him to focus solely on the challenge at hand—proving his prowess in the arena of mechs and engineering excellence.
The Vice Principal's voice echoed through the competition arena, authoritative and clear. "Welcome to the Mech Competition," he announced. "First, meticulous mech inspections. Second, a battle royale to showcase your skills. Push the boundaries of innovation and excellence. Show us what you've got!"
With those words, the competition began, filled with anticipation and determination as students prepared to demonstrate their prowess in mech engineering and combat.
Kalki listened intently. His expectations for the battle royale were high; he anticipated a challenging and thrilling display of skill and strategy.
As the students gathered, the atmosphere was charged with excitement. Among the crowd, a particular third-year student stood out with his strikingly handsome features and disdainful gaze directed at Rook. To him, Rook was nothing more than a waste fellow, undeserving of any recognition. His sharp, calculating eyes and smug friends' laughter made his contempt evident.
Rook, feeling the weight of the disdainful stare, clenched his jaw and burned with fierce determination. Anger simmered beneath his composed exterior, fueling his resolve to prove himself. Kalki observed this tense exchange, noting that Rook's anger, when harnessed correctly, could become a formidable force in the competition.
The third-year student, however, regarded Rook with disdain, seeing him as a mere waste fellow unworthy of the competition's stage. This perception only fueled Rook's anger, visible in the intensity with which he worked on his mech. His hands moved with controlled fury, each adjustment a testament to his determination to silence his critics.
Kalki, watching from a distance, noticed the third-year senior and his friends sharing a private joke at Rook's expense. A subtle shift in Kalki's aura darkened momentarily, his demeanor taking on a hint of menace. His eyes gleamed with a devilish amusement, though his true intent remained hidden from all but Alex.
Speaking in a low, chilling tone that only Alex mistakenly overheard, Kalki remarked on the situation, "Interesting, isn't it?" Alex, caught off guard by the sudden change in Kalki's demeanor, felt a chill run down his spine. The momentary transformation of Kalki into a figure of eerie calm and subtle threat left Alex questioning reality itself.
[ Due to the sudden death of my brother, I cannot write for 2 days, please understand]