Year 2198.

Xingyu Federation.

Mars Base No. 11.

"Applicant Li Yi, tell us why you want to become a mecha pilot." 

"Because it pays well. And I can become an Evolver."

Lin Guotao tapped the desk, reviewing the detailed résumé provided by the AI while scrutinizing the tall, lean teenager in front of him. The youth's face was clean and striking, exuding an air of quiet determination.

The evaluations from the first five rounds were excellent. His physical aptitude was above average, with no history of misconduct. Furthermore, his background as a member of the impoverished class and his low family income indicated strong motivation to improve his circumstances.

All in all, he seemed like a promising candidate.

But there was one issue…

His mecha compatibility rate was exceedingly low.

This meant that most mechas would be incompatible with him, leaving only rare or niche models as viable options. In other words, investing resources in his training carried a high risk of waste.

However, rejecting someone outright for this alone wasn't Lin Guotao's style. After some deliberation, he spoke:

"Your overall performance places you in the upper tier of applicants from Base 31, but far from the top. Moreover, your low compatibility rate significantly undermines your potential value."

"We're not a charity, but we're not heartless either."

"Here's your chance to convince me. If you can make a compelling case, I'll grant you a spot on the ship."

Several other interviewers looked at Lin Guotao in surprise. Why not just reject him outright? Still, none of them voiced their objections. Lin's authority was not something to question lightly.

Li Yi responded calmly:

"My combat skills are exceptional. With the right mecha, I can achieve a one-hundred-percent performance increase."

"One hundred percent increase?"

One of the interviewers chuckled. "Combat techniques that enhance mecha performance are impressive, but achieving a one-hundred-percent boost is top-tier. Are you certain you can back up such a claim?"

"I can demonstrate," Li Yi replied evenly.

Another interviewer flipped through his detailed résumé, frowning. "You have no records of spending time at any combat arenas or martial arts halls. Where did you learn these combat techniques? Do you understand that attempting to deceive an interviewer could result in permanent disqualification?"

The last few words boomed with authority, causing the water in the cup on the table to ripple visibly. This was a kind of intimidation technique.

Yet, to their surprise, Li Yi remained unaffected. He smiled slightly and replied,

"Virtual reality technology is so advanced nowadays. Isn't it reasonable that I might have learned from online resources? Besides, whether I'm lying or not will become clear once I demonstrate. Wouldn't that be a fairer judgment?"

The interviewer who had used the intimidation technique stared at Li Yi for a long moment before offering a rare nod of approval. "Not bad. Your mental resilience has raised your evaluation score in my book. But it's still not enough. How do you propose to demonstrate your combat skills?"

Lin Guotao smirked.

"Luo Cheng, since you've raised his evaluation, why don't you test him yourself?"

The authoritative tone left Luo Cheng with no room to refuse. He hesitated briefly, then agreed, "Fine. We still have some time before the interview session ends anyway."

Rising from his seat, Luo Cheng casually removed his black leather jacket, revealing a massive frame that seemed to radiate raw power. At 1.99 meters tall, he towered over Li Yi, who stood at 1.82 meters. His face was stoic, his gaze piercing, and his presence exuded an aura of blood and iron that made it difficult to meet his eyes.

As he walked forward, the air grew heavier. Li Yi could feel the pressure.

Luo Cheng rolled up his sleeves, exposing rough, scarred hands that looked as if they had been tempered by steel. He stopped five meters from Li Yi, smiled faintly, and said,

"I am Luo Cheng, a Tier Four fighter of the Iron Crane School. Out of respect for your courage, I'll give you one last chance to back out."

"Otherwise, I can't guarantee I won't accidentally kill you."

Li Yi didn't reply. He took a step forward, closing the distance between them.

Two interviewers to the side sipped their tea with amused expressions, whispering to each other:

"Lin wants to teach this arrogant kid a lesson, huh? Sending Luo Cheng, a true top-tier fighter, against him?"

"Exactly. Li Yi's boasting about a one-hundred-percent performance increase is absurd. Even seasoned mecha pilots struggle to achieve that. A poor kid with no mecha experience claiming such a feat? Ridiculous."

Their conversation ended abruptly when Lin Guotao tapped the table, silencing them with a glance.

At that moment, Li Yi moved.

In the blink of an eye, he accelerated, closing the distance to Luo Cheng in a single explosive step. His opening punch was so fast it was almost invisible to the naked eye.

Then—

Bang!

Luo Cheng's massive frame flew backward like a rag doll, slamming into the metal support column of the desk. The column vibrated violently, producing a hum like a tuning fork.

The interviewers stared in stunned silence at Li Yi, who stood as if nothing had happened. This slender youth, previously dismissed as arrogant, had just effortlessly sent a top-tier fighter flying.

"What just happened?"

"Is this kid a monster?"

Li Yi tilted his head, seemingly puzzled. "I thought Instructor Luo would easily dodge that punch. I didn't even use my full strength."

His apology only made their expressions more complicated.

Luo Cheng, coughing violently, struggled to his feet. Despite his embarrassment, no one doubted the truth anymore: Li Yi's combat skills were the real deal.

Lin Guotao studied Li Yi intently before breaking into a smile.

"Li Yi, your combat skills are indeed impressive. You've earned your spot. Report to the ship in three days. The specifics will be sent to your personal communicator."

"And one more thing—after boarding, there will be a martial tournament among the mecha pilot trainees. Prepare well. If you achieve a high enough rank, you may get the chance to choose a Divine Mecha. Don't waste this opportunity."

Li Yi's heart raced. A Divine Mecha?

It was far earlier than he had expected to encounter such a chance. This was what he had been preparing for all along—the opportunity to pilot a Divine Mecha and step onto the path of evolution.

After leaving the interview room, Li Yi walked back to his makeshift home in the tree shelter district, thinking about his next steps. Despite the harsh environment and uncertain fu

ture, his resolve remained unshaken.

"To the stars," he murmured to himself, a rare smile crossing his face.