After Winning The Esports Championship I’m Going To Pilot A Mecha: Chapter 137

137. New King And Old King.

Facing Zuo Quanzong’s question, Ji Mingzhu was unusually silent for a moment.

What kind of world did he wish for?

This question was actually too broad, and Ji Mingzhu didn’t know how to answer it. In fact, he had been pushed along this path by various forces, driven by the need for survival and the search for some answer or truth. Ji Mingzhu had never thought about what decisions he would make if one day he stood in a position to influence the world’s direction.

Saving the world, saving all living beings… Ji Mingzhu didn’t harbor such lofty ideals. In reality, those who held such thoughts often only pushed everything toward worse outcomes.

But to do nothing and simply watch everything from the sidelines would be too selfish. Ji Mingzhu had the ability to do something, and he should do something.

Zuo Quanzong quietly observed Ji Mingzhu as he fell into deep thought.

Ji Mingzhu resembled Zuo Quanzong when he was young, yet he was also different. Although Ji Mingzhu always appeared indifferent to everything, he consistently made the right choices at critical moments, perhaps without even realizing it himself.

During the battle against the Aberrations in Shangjing City, Ji Mingzhu piloted the Titan. One could argue he did it to infiltrate the Calamity Control Bureau and become a Titan pilot. However, in the battle against Yangyuan City and Zhu Rong, which originally had nothing to do with Ji Mingzhu, he still chose to step forward and face the towering Titans, like a mortal daring to challenge the deities.

Witnessing all of this, Zuo Quanzong believed Ji Mingzhu was rare—a person who possessed both capability and a compassionate heart in just the right measure.

He was waiting for Ji Mingzhu to give an answer.

After a long while, Ji Mingzhu shook his head.

“I don’t know, Red Guard Commander,” Ji Mingzhu said. “I don’t know what kind of world I wish for, but at least…”

“I just hope it’s not so bad.”

Upon hearing this answer, Zuo Quanzong raised an eyebrow.

“Follow me.”

After a moment, Zuo Quanzong turned around and said to Ji Mingzhu.

Puzzled, Ji Mingzhu followed him.

When the two arrived in front of the two L-level mechas, Ji Mingzhu finally saw the full appearance of the L-level mechas.

These two mechas are extremely massive in size. Even in their current half-kneeling posture, they reach a height of nearly twenty meters, almost touching the dome of the mecha warehouse. To clearly see their appearance, one needs to look up and gaze upward. It’s conceivable that when the L-level mechas stand fully upright, their height would easily surpass fifty meters, larger than most S-level mechas.

One mecha is blue as the sea, and the other is bright red like fire, forming a vivid color contrast. They have slender figures, presenting a standard nine-head height, with smooth mechanical lines that exude a captivating beauty, akin to two divine artworks. Even without being activated, just kneeling there silently, they impart an indescribable sense of pressure and majesty.

The outer armor on them is of an unknown material. Although the power cores are inactive, upon closer inspection, one can discern that the outer armor seems to be constructed from tiny, dense scales, almost like they are slowly breathing, giving an impression as if they are alive. Besides the main body of the mechas, these two L-level mechas also carry floating cannons on their backs, resembling four gigantic mechanical wings hovering behind them.

“What are their names?” Ji Mingzhu couldn’t help but ask, looking up.

Any pilot would find it impossible to resist such mechas, filled with a strong sense of mechanics and destructive power almost palpable. Unlike when Ji Mingzhu first saw the Titans, which seemed more like weapons of the deities, just as the Titans’ nickname “Divine Beings” suggests, they were filled with a sense of divinity and transcendence separate from the world. The L-level mechas, on the other hand, seemed more like products of technological development pushed to its limit, every part and detail brimming with artificially crafted artistic sense.

“The blue one is named [Rainstorm], and the red one is named [Dawn],” Zuo Quanzong said. “I named them both.”

As he spoke, a group of people approached them.

Mostly young people, looking around fifteen or sixteen years old, radiating youthful vigor, all dressed in snug-fitting mecha suits.

“Red Guard Commander!”

“Hello, Red Guard Commander.”

“Miao Ge, hello!”

These young people greeted Zuo Quanzong and Miao Feiyan respectfully, then cast curious glances at Ji Mingzhu standing beside Zuo Quanzong.

Zuo Quanzong nodded at them and turned to Ji Mingzhu. “These are all young people I’ve discovered from various satellite cities, gifted in piloting skills. Like me, most of them have talent but lack good backgrounds and access to resources. I’ve gathered them here to train their piloting skills, hoping that one day, they can become true warriors.”

The examination for mecha pilots is extremely rigorous. Whether it’s the Calamity Control Bureau or the major conglomerates, they all essentially place great importance on one’s background. Children from ordinary families lack favorable conditions and have almost no chance to come into contact with real mechas. Even if they possess talent and aptitude, they are quickly buried. People like Zuo Quanzong are rare; even with his terrifying talent, the path to becoming a Titan pilot was filled with obstacles.

He was ostracized by his peers, looked down upon by the offspring of the conglomerates, and even seen as a roadblock by some aristocratic children due to his outstanding talent, facing difficulties at every turn. Having reached his current position, Zuo Quanzong truly understands the difficulties an average person faces in realizing their dream of becoming a mecha pilot.

Zuo Quanzong has always been striving to realize his vision. He established this research institute to train talented young pilots outside the Calamity Control Bureau, research L-level mechas, and change the Calamity Control Bureau from within. Unfortunately, his ideas did not receive enough support.

Ji Mingzhu couldn’t help but feel a bit regretful. He glanced at the group of young people nearby and asked, “Are the pilots of the L-level mechas also being trained from among them?”

“That was my original plan.”

 Zuo Quanzong nodded, then shook his head. “But the actions of the Netherworld Organization have accelerated our confrontation with Sky City many times over. We no longer have the time to change things slowly.”

The young people were curiously observing Ji Mingzhu.

They thought Ji Mingzhu was just like them, a pilot discovered and cultivated by the Red Guard Commander. They spent most of their time training here and had little contact with the outside world, so they hadn’t heard of Ji Mingzhu’s name. Ji Mingzhu had only become a Titan pilot a few months ago, making his name entirely unfamiliar to this group of young people.

“Who is that…”

“He seems to be very familiar with the Red Guard Commander. He’ll probably become our classmate soon, right?”

“He looks weak. Can he really pilot a mecha?”

“The Red Guard Commander is treating him very well. It’s rare to see him being so gentle with someone…”

Ji Mingzhu sensed the hidden meaning in Zuo Quanzong’s words and asked in surprise, “What do you mean?”

“You didn’t come to the research institute just to visit me, did you?” Zuo Quanzong smiled. “If I’m not mistaken, your initial goal was the L-level mechas.”

Obtaining the special combat-type mecha Void Rift from the black market in Jiusheng City and then sneaking into the research institute, the answer was obvious.

Ji Mingzhu did not hide anything and nodded, “Yes.”

“L-level mechas are my life’s work and the only achievement of this research institute over the years,” Zuo Quanzong said as he looked at Ji Mingzhu. “Wanting my L-level mechas is not a simple matter. Even you, Ji Mingzhu, need to pass my test.”

Upon hearing Zuo Quanzong’s words, Miao Feiyan’s face changed slightly, “Red Guard Commander…”

Zuo Quanzong waved his hand, stopping Miao Feiyan from continuing, and fixed his gaze on Ji Mingzhu’s face, waiting for his response.

“What test?”

“The first test has already ended,” Zuo Quanzong hinted, then continued, “If it were anyone else, the only outcome would be being thrown out of the research institute. But if it’s you, I will give you a chance, provided you prove to me that you are stronger than anyone else and deserving of piloting this mecha.”

Ji Mingzhu looked at the group of curious young people behind Zuo Quanzong. “You mean them?”

The young people also heard Zuo Quanzong’s words and immediately became excited.

“Red Guard Commander, let me do it!”

“I should do it. I was the top scorer in the last assessment!”

“Me, me…”

In a way, they were all Zuo Quanzong’s students. Under his guidance, their piloting skills surpassed most pilots outside, and piloting the L-level mechas was also their dream. Hearing Zuo Quanzong’s implication, they eagerly volunteered.

Ji Mingzhu glanced at them and raised an eyebrow, “You mean them? That seems to underestimate me a bit. Or do you mean I have to take them all on at once?”

Miao Feiyan twitched the corners of his mouth nearby.

You’re quite arrogant…

These words also angered the young, proud group.

“Hey, what did you say!”

“I can’t stand it, this is too arrogant!”

“F*ck, that smug look… Come on, let’s see what you’ve got!”

Although Ji Mingzhu was merely stating the truth, the proud young people felt insulted.

Even Miao Feiyan wouldn’t dare to claim he could take on everyone. Who do you think you are?

“Not them,” Zuo Quanzong shook his head. “Your opponent is me.”

Ji Mingzhu was stunned for a moment. The young people who were previously full of excitement were even more shocked.

The Red Guard Commander is going to personally step in? My god…

Who is Zuo Quanzong? He was once the strongest Titan pilot, the universally recognized king in the field of piloting, and the most experienced Titan pilot in the world. In the era when Zuo Quanzong was still an active Titan pilot, even pilots outside Shangjing City dared not face him directly. He alone almost guarded an entire era, and the Titan he piloted slew countless Calamity-level Aberrations. During that period, the satellite cities did not experience any Calamity-level Aberration invasions for over ten years.

In terms of skills, Zuo Quanzong was a god in the field of mechas. He created countless combat techniques and high-difficulty micro-manipulation techniques for mecha swords. After Ji Mingzhu woke up, he learned many piloting skills developed by Zuo Quanzong within the Calamity Control Bureau. Previously, when battling the Sand River Annelids in the wilderness, Ji Mingzhu used the Zuo Clan’s Three Courts Springing Blade, a technique created by Zuo Quanzong himself.

Although Zuo Quanzong is no longer a Titan pilot and his body can no longer withstand the corruption of the Titan, it does not mean his skills have dulled. Even now, Zuo Quanzong remains an unbeatable presence in the hearts of all pilots.

And now, Zuo Quanzong has actually challenged Ji Mingzhu?

All eyes turned to the young man in the field, filled with shock, disbelief, confusion, curiosity, and sympathy.

“If I defeat you, can I pilot the L-level mecha?” Ji Mingzhu asked.

Zuo Quanzong noticed the confidence in Ji Mingzhu’s tone and smiled. “If you can do it.”

Ji Mingzhu nodded, “Alright, I accept.”

Miao Feiyan felt his scalp tingle from Ji Mingzhu’s arrogance.

Are you serious?

Although he had lost to Ji Mingzhu and knew Ji Mingzhu was strong, if the opponent was Red Guard Commander Zuo Quanzong, Miao Feiyan truly didn’t believe Ji Mingzhu would win.

“Follow me.”

Zuo Quanzong gave Ji Mingzhu a deep look and then turned to lead the way.

The two of them arrived at the other side of the mecha hangar, where several simulation machines were stationed. Zuo Quanzong instructed Miao Feiyan to connect the simulation machines to the two L-level mechas and transfer the mechas’ data into the simulators.

Soon, a prompt appeared on the simulation machines: **[Data Connection Successful]**.

L-level mechas are extremely valuable, and using them directly in combat would be too extravagant. Moreover, Zuo Quanzong was middle-aged; in an actual battle, his physical fitness would definitely not compare to the youthful Ji Mingzhu. But in a simulated battle, there would be no such limitations. The two could fully test their skills without holding back.

They stood by the simulation machines.

One was an old veteran past his prime, the other a rising star. The two locked eyes from a distance, each seeing the fierce determination in the other’s gaze.

It was as if they each represented two different eras, finally converging and clashing here.

Zuo Quanzong touched the cool surface of the simulation machine’s cabin, his eyes reflecting a hint of nostalgia.

“Don’t hold back,” Zuo Quanzong said to Ji Mingzhu.

Ji Mingzhu smiled, “I won’t.”

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