Genius Mechanic: Chapter 245

Asta Contaminated Zone(Star Domain Tournament: Start)

245. KID vs YOU

Proofread by Cloud Chip Cake

Above the sandstone, a special stealth magnetic field provided complete invisibility. A transparent light screen enveloped all the YOU mechas, blending seamlessly into the surrounding environment. There wasn’t the slightest sound from the engines of the mecha thrusters, all completely muffled by that invisibility weapon.

Jiang Simiao paused mid-sip of his water when his gaze swept over that weapon.

Beside him, Gu Xiaotian, already adept at the routine, pulled out a data pad and brought up YOU’s information. “…This is YOU. We researched them before, and they seem like—”

“—among the top four teams, the most troublesome aside from Aegis.”

Jiang Simiao put down his glass of water and took the data pad Gu Xiaotian handed over. “Their data doesn’t mention this weapon.”

The livestream audience, originally engrossed in watching the Star Domain Tournament’s outdoor live broadcast, was drawn in by YOU’s sudden stealth tactics. They watched as six YOU mechas used the invisibility to stay perched atop the sandstone for five or six minutes. Then, all the mechas, directly above KID’s Stealth mecha Qingf’s location near the transport entrance, quietly moved into the mining area of the third pit, following the conveyor belt inside.

“YOU didn’t launch a direct attack on KID—they’re opting to infiltrate!” The commentator’s eyes widened slightly. “YOU is setting up an ambush for KID! Wait?! None of YOU’s mechas are exposed? That weapon can fully cover all their mechas? Even on a conveyor belt?!”

The god’s view revealed details invisible to the mecha pilots engaged in battle. In just a few minutes, Jiang Simiao had already discerned the unique characteristics of the weapon. “It’s stronger than regular stealth weapons; the coverage area can change.”

The special weapon carried by YOU’s Control created a large-scale stealth magnetic field. It didn’t just conceal the mechas’ appearances and movements—it also eliminated radar signal responses. The key was that this weapon’s coverage range could adapt and change. Normally, magnetic field or domain-type weapons had fixed square or circular coverage areas… but YOU’s weapon adjusted its coverage based on the terrain.

When the YOU mechas entered the conveyor belt, the weapon’s coverage bizarrely transformed into an elongated shape, encompassing all the moving mechas in front and behind the Control, leaving none exposed.

【Fuck, this weapon is insane!】

【A weapon like this means they can hide from any angle, with complete camouflage.】

A weapon research expert in the livestream chimed in, “The mecha weapon forging technology in YOU’s galaxy is top-notch. To my knowledge, YOU hired the renowned weapon designer, the First Star Domain’s Master Xiong, during the Star Domain Tournament. This weapon is likely one of Master Xiong’s designs.”

Master Xiong, a highly esteemed weapon designer from the First Star Domain, was sought after by countless admirers. His designs were notoriously hard to obtain, even for exorbitant prices.

“Is he very skilled?” Gu Xiaotian asked.

Jiang Simiao replied in a deep voice, “Extremely skilled. I heard from Old Zhang before that Ke Lin’s Conduction Chain Spheres and Qi Sicheng’s Heavenly Thunder Cannon were both designed by his team.”

The third mining pit was equipped with a destabilizing system, rendering flight for mechas impossible. Maintaining the stability of a small number of mechas was manageable, but synchronizing with the actions of a large number was much more challenging. For ordinary stealth weapons, the conveyor belts served as the first major obstacle… but not for YOU’s weapon. This weapon was unaffected by the unique terrain of the third mining pit, which could otherwise disrupt the inertia judgments of mecha pilots.

—KID might have no way of detecting their infiltration.

At this moment, it had only been two hours since the last round of coordinate exposures. YOU had deliberately calculated the timing before heading to the third mining pit. This meant that with proper use of their weapon, YOU could remain undetected for the next ten hours, even potentially using the weapon to lurk throughout the mining pit.

【They went in right under Qingf’s nose.】

【Wait, they’ve fully entered the mining area—doesn’t that mean they know KID’s position, while KID doesn’t know theirs?!】

【The situation has completely reversed!】

Inside the venue, YOU did not alert KID’s Stealth mecha Qingf, nor did they suppress Qingf. After bypassing Qingf’s foremost reconnaissance line, YOU’s mechas infiltrated the empty mining factory. Leaving one mecha behind, the rest of the YOU mechas used the Control’s stealth weapon to further infiltrate various areas of the third mining pit. Their movements were incredibly fast—each mecha, upon leaving the stealth magnetic field, immediately reduced its energy output to hide its radar signal and fell behind KID’s mechas.

【There are people behind both Qingf and Lucy now.】

【Doesn’t that mean a sneak attack would give them a direct upper hand?!】

Within the third mining pit, the YOU Control’s group stealth capabilities allowed for an exceptionally strong infiltration. After placing mechas behind Qingf and Lucy, they continually relayed information to YOU’s tactical commander, particularly details about KID’s weapons.

“A binding-type wood attribute weapon, and a displacement hook, is it?” YOU’s tactical commander reviewed the intelligence and focused on Sink nearby. Watching the other party cautiously, he chose to change directions when approaching. “Everyone else, avoid Sink. He used to be an Individual Soldier, so his sensitivity to mechas is extremely high. Go through the route near their Artillery’s position.”

Following the instructions, YOU’s mecha pilots maneuvered the several dark green mechas into the mining factory, transferring to other conveyor belts to steer clear of the transport line where KID’s Medical, Sink, was stationed. They maintained a significant distance to avoid Sink’s line of sight and approached KID’s Artillery pilot, Trace, from another direction.

“We need to get past the conveyor belt,” a YOU mecha pilot noted. “There are a lot of pollutants up there.”

YOU’s commander scanned the array of pollutants and confirmed that KID was in the middle of pollutant disposal. “Use Trace’s attack intervals when clearing the pollutants and move across. Don’t get detected. Observe Trace’s attack rhythm and landing points.”

【They’re about to cross the conveyor belt!】

【That section of the conveyor belt is in Trace’s blind spot and has few pollutants.】

“YOU is now crossing the conveyor belt. Their Stealth mecha is carrying a control weapon that immobilizes targets, and is using the stealth cover to control the pollutants.”

The commentator focused on YOU’s perspective, clearly observing one of the three moving YOU mechas. The Stealth mecha pulled out an area immobilization weapon, and as YOU activated the stealth magnetic field to conceal their figures, the area immobilization weapon used by the Stealth mecha managed to control the pollutants within the stealth’s range, allowing them to cross the conveyor belt where pollutants were moving.

The three YOU mechas advanced cautiously, seemingly having studied Trace’s attack rhythm. Every step forward was synchronized with the sound of his cannon fire. They only released the control of the immobilization weapon during Trace’s firing intervals. With this rhythm to their advance, it became difficult for KID to notice anything unusual on the conveyor belt. Even if a few pollutants fell off, KID would assume it was caused by Trace’s cannon fire.

YOU, the third-ranked mecha team in the Star Domain Tournament, were exceptionally skilled in wood-element control and pulling tactics.

In the current Zone C combat rankings, YOU ranked third, just behind KID and ZUOY. The wood-attribute area immobilization weapon used by YOU’s Stealth mecha could immobilize multiple opponents within a certain range, forcibly locking them in place, and then rapidly closing the distance. Combined with their close-combat short blade weapon, they excelled in close-range control and aggressive attacks, showcasing strong killing capabilities in the arena.

This kind of Stealth mecha, once it confronts long-range artillery, can take them out with a single set of moves.

The livestream audience became increasingly excited. Dawn’s fans were incredibly nervous, their hearts in their throats since the moment YOU passed Ji Qingfeng. The earlier mechas were support units, but now they were approaching Sink and Trace, these were core positions. KID had not yet noticed YOU’s presence, demonstrating the high concealment capabilities of YOU’s weapon. If YOU’s mecha really managed to sneak behind Trace, KID’s only long-range output core would be eliminated by YOU.

The nearby pollutants were falling neatly onto the conveyor belt. Ying Chenlin stood at a transport opening, his mecha’s functions deactivated except for the vision system. His constantly shifting field of vision locked onto the pollutants on the conveyor belt, watching as You Su’s Steel Wind Cannon accurately blasted a few valuable pollutants. At this moment, he suddenly caught sight of an ordinary pollutant falling from above.

Ying Chenlin paused slightly, his gaze sweeping toward the mecha pilot on the lower level. “You Ge?”

You Su, who was refueling, replied casually, “Here.”

Ying Chenlin: “If you’re tired, let me know. I’ve rested enough.”

Theo, who was already exhausted from fighting pollutants, chimed in dramatically, “See? Chenlin’s already saying you’re done. He says you’re not up to it. We should go out and fight mechas to prove we’re not tired.”

You Su couldn’t figure out what had caused Ying Chenlin to misunderstand. After finishing the refueling, he fired another shot upwards. “What?”

The Energy Cannon shot scattered, knocking a few luxurious-looking pollutants off the conveyor belt in just a few strikes. When they fell onto the conveyor belt, they brought with them an ordinary B-Level pollutant.

Ying Chenlin: “You targeted the wrong pollutant; that was just a B-class—”

You Su frowned slightly: “That wasn’t my shot.”

Before the words had fully landed, both of their expressions turned sharp.

Ying Chenlin’s mental power swiftly covered the entire mecha. In just two seconds, all mecha functions were activated. At the same time, You Su, positioned diagonally below, activated his targeting system, quickly scanning his field of vision and locking onto a specific gap.

Theo, observing the situation, commented, “It’s not on the left—shoot the one on the right.”

You Su’s eyes turned razor-sharp, and in an instant, his cannon adjusted, firing fiercely at the slightly open section of the conveyor belt to the left. The charged Energy Cannon shot struck the gap, and instead of passing over the conveyor belt as expected, it hit something unusual. Beneath the sand and gravel, something twisted rapidly—

The sound of a 100% Energy Cannon shot differed from that of an ordinary Energy Cannon shot. The moment You Su fired, KID’s mecha pilots across various locations immediately turned their attention to the explosion in the sand. Three dark green mechas flickered in and out of view amidst the dust.

Lin Yao lowered his staff and looked up. “What’s happening?”

From a higher vantage point, Ji Qingfeng had a clearer view. “What the—! When did those three mechas get there?”

KID’s entire team sprang into action. Nearby, YOU’s commander issued a swift order: “Move.”

Under attack, YOU’s three mechas rapidly withdrew from the conveyor belt. They abandoned their stealth, locked onto You Su’s position, and charged quickly down the conveyor belt. Simultaneously, the mechas that had been lurking behind Ji Qingfeng and the others charged toward KID’s three mechas at high points. Ying Chenlin’s thrusters propelled him backward, evading an attack from behind. Focusing, he saw YOU’s Tank.

The YOU Tank moved with exceptional speed. Wielding a cannon-like weapon, it didn’t fire ordinary shells but unleashed countless formed chains. The chains connected and attacked Sink in quick succession, driving him back from the transport opening. As Sink retreated, YOU’s Tank swiftly seized the transport opening. When Sink attempted to fire in retaliation, the Tank quickly switched to a shield, rendering Sink’s control attempts ineffective.

Ying Chenlin’s gaze sharpened as he called out to the high ground, “Lu Xi!”

Lu Xi was about to leap directly from the conveyor belt to assist You Su when a sudden cannon shot struck from the front. The shot carried immense destructive force, scattering countless chaotic leaves upon impact. She dodged the cannon’s blast but found her vision entirely obscured by the swirling leaves. Unable to perform a blind jump with her vision blocked, she fired an Enhancement Cannon shot into the swirling leaves.

The Enhancement Cannon blast cleared the swirling vortex, revealing the YOU Artillery standing at a transport opening on the other side.

The opponent seemed to be familiar with Lu Xi’s control weapon. Just as she dispersed the swirling sand, a Sniper Cannon shot pierced through it, forcing Lu Xi back into the transport opening and cutting off her ability to provide support.

【Lucy is under suppression fire!】

【Using a Tank against Sink???】

Not only were KID’s two controls suppressed, but even KID’s Stealth, Qingf, who had no offensive ability at all, was included in YOU’s attack range. The one targeting Ji Qingfeng was YOU’s Guardian. This Guardian, acting unusually, used a hook-and-lock type weapon, a melee blade hook with extremely strong offensive and charging capabilities. He focused solely on Ji Qingfeng, and whenever Ji Qingfeng moved, he would follow with the hook-and-lock.

YOU’s Guardian pursued KID’s Stealth, YOU’s Artillery suppressed KID’s Control, and YOU’s Tank blocked KID’s Medical.

A one-on-one containment had already formed as soon as the conflict began. YOU’s commander scanned the area around Trace and found no support nearby, immediately ordering the Control and Stealth mechas to advance together with a clear goal: to take out KID’s Artillery.

Ji Qingfeng reported while running: “It’s YOU. Damn it, I’ve run into a stalker.”

“I’m heading over to support!” Lin Yao charged up from the bottom of the pit. “Four minutes, no one’s intercepting us on this side.”

Huo Yan said, “You Su, jump down. We’ll support you from below.”

Theo shouted excitedly, “You Su, You Su, they’re all here to beat us up!”

You Su frowned slightly. “Didn’t I tell you to shut up?”

Theo: “Hmph, go ahead, try forcing me to shut down.”

Forced engagement was not an option. You Su didn’t intend to jump to the bottom of the pit immediately. Entering the bottom was a last resort. Artillery mechas required sniper positions the most, and being pushed back from the middle layers of the pit would mean surrendering those positions to YOU.

Attacks from above rained down like a storm. YOU’s Control switched to a wood-attribute weapon, firing shells that turned into leaf needles. Invisible threads formed a dense web between the leaves, and as they fell, they resembled an enormous invisible net aimed directly at enveloping Trace.

The red-and-white mecha, backed by the Steel Wind Cannon, abruptly retreated in the gaps of the falling net, managing to quickly open up distance even under the dual suppression of YOU’s Control and Stealth. However, it was an extremely tight maneuver. Retreating along the conveyor belt to avoid battle only made the path narrower and narrower.

The pace of the battle was incredibly fast, and KID’s disadvantage became visibly apparent.

“They’re here! YOU’s Control and Stealth duo.” The commentator observed, “The terrain of the third mining pit is very complex. Coupled with the loss of flight capabilities, all mechas face significant movement restrictions. YOU is the team least affected by terrain limitations; they excel at the wood-attribute control flow.”

【All controls…】

【During an interview, Aegis once said that YOU is the opponent they least want to face.】

【Yes, YOU’s control flow is very famous in the Star Alliance Tournament.】

“YOU’s Tank is a shield-control type Tank, fully equipped with both defensive and control capabilities. The Control mecha’s wood-attribute Giant Net can slow and immobilize targets, providing both a sealing and control effect. It’s operated by a top-tier Control mecha pilot.”

YOU was a veteran team in the Star Domain Tournament. Seeing this separated containment and fast-paced combat strategy, the commentators quickly shifted to YOU’s perspective: “Half of the weapons YOU brought to this Star Domain Tournament are new. Securing the offensive advantage early on in a 4v6 situation places KID’s Artillery in extreme danger, given their lack of effective control-breaking options.”

YOU had almost no combat core purely focused on offense. This mecha team’s strategy in their home galaxy competition was to equip every member with control capabilities, using continuous containment to suppress their opponents and eliminate the core members of the enemy team. Their damage output wasn’t high, but the terrifying aspect lay in this containment-based elimination method.

Their Tank was equipped with a shield and a Combination Lock Cannon, serving as YOU’s frontline while also fulfilling a role in suppressing opponents.

The Artillery’s wood-attribute Flying Leaf Cannon provided both offensive power and the ability to obscure vision, while the Sniper Cannon featured rapid charging. The Guardian took on the role of a strong assault and battering ram. The Stealth focused on control and ambush, and combined with the mobility-focused positioning of YOU’s Control, this lineup was enough to give many opponents chills.

This sense of dread was keenly felt by the spectators watching the match. Whenever the perspective shifted to KID’s side, YOU’s all-encompassing suppression was on full display. They had preemptively studied how KID handled pollutants and were highly familiar with KID’s weapon systems. The two mechas sent to suppress Ji Qingfeng and Lu Xi were precisely the counters to disrupt their rhythm.

On the upper layer of the third mining pit, YOU’s Artillery and Guardian held positions at high altitudes, one attacking from a distance and the other close-up. With the Guardian relentlessly pursuing KID’s Stealth, YOU’s Artillery freely leveraged its long-range capabilities to suppress KID’s two mechas, preventing them from descending to provide support. Meanwhile, YOU’s Tank blocked Sink’s nearest transport exit. Its shield, deployed at the entrance, sealed off Sink’s optimal route to support Trace.

“We’re suppressing three mechas, KID will probably try to find a way to support Trace, but we’ll delay them as long as possible.”

YOU’s commander observed the situation on the battlefield and concluded, “Trace will have a 4-minute window of isolation—enough time for us to execute a suppression wave.”

Their objective was straightforward: to deny Trace any support for four minutes.

The coordination between YOU’s Control and Stealth suddenly surged in speed. The Stealth advanced along the direction of the conveyor belt, pressing forward, while the Control mecha, positioned at a level higher, tracked Trace’s movements precisely. YOU’s Control lowered its cannon, firing a massive net toward the area behind Trace at the exact moment he moved.

The red-and-white mecha seemed to anticipate this intent. When the wood-attribute net began to descend, the red-and-white mecha deliberately slowed its pace by half a second, narrowly evading the Control’s weapon.

Viewers in the livestream, expecting Trace to be trapped under the suppression, were stunned when he pulled off a feint, tricking YOU into wasting an entire set of control measures. He then reversed directions and ran against the conveyor belt.

【Trace’s reaction time is absolutely brilliant.】

【A minute has passed, and he hasn’t been controlled.】

Two probing exchanges went by in the blink of an eye, and a minute had passed.

However, the battle at the middle layers of the mining pit was extremely challenging. Three mechas were entangled between two constantly in-motion conveyor belts. After pulling some distance away from YOU’s Stealth, Trace consistently used the Steel Wind Cannon to force back YOU’s Stealth and Control. His exceptional control and firing skills didn’t waste a single shot.

【KID’s Artillery is something else.】

The livestream commentator locked onto Trace’s position. “Trace’s control over his cannon is exceptional. He hasn’t abandoned his position in the middle layers of the mining pit. Instead, he’s using this situation to contain the enemy and buy time for his teammates to assist. However, there’s no transport exit behind the conveyor belt he’s on. While he can hold his ground for now, he’s gradually moving backward to avoid YOU’s Control.”

The commentator continued, “YOU’s two mecha pilots are still increasing their speed. At this rate, Trace will be forced to the control zone in less than four minutes.”

“This is looking bad,” another commentator added, noticing KID’s overwhelming disadvantage. “Unless KID’s Guardian and Tank arrive to support him in time, Trace won’t be able to escape. Not only that, KID doesn’t have any control over the higher positions. The Guardian and Tank, as close-combat mechas, are fully exposed to the YOU Control’s line of sight.”

YOU’s Control had a significant advantage at higher altitudes, especially with KID’s two control mechas being held in check. The whole aerial view was effectively under the YOU Control’s range, which meant Trace had lost air supremacy, and YOU had seized the only high-altitude control position within the third mining pit.

Meanwhile, YOU’s Stealth was approaching Trace from the front, gradually closing the gap. Trace was still maintaining his distance and staying alert to the YOU Stealth’s movements, but if Trace retreated to the end of the conveyor belt, he would be simultaneously trapped in two directions by YOU.

【Is it just me?】

【Trace’s distance is shrinking.】

【It is shrinking, isn’t it? He’s being pressured from above and in front. He has to guard against control from both sides.】

“You Su, this stinky kid. He’s testing the range of the YOU Stealth’s control weapon,” Jiang Simiao muttered nervously while watching the match. Seeing You Su’s almost reckless actions, he felt his heart leap into his throat.

On the battlefield, the red-and-white Artillery mecha was being relentlessly suppressed by two dark-green mechas, retreating step by step. Several times, it was nearly controlled by the dark-green mechas. The conveyor belt Trace was on was about to reach a turn at the mining wall, which meant that in 30 seconds, he would face nearly 270 degrees of frontal suppression.

YOU’s commander spoke calmly, “Tank, keep an eye on Sink. He’s the closest.”

YOU’s Tank received the command, focusing intently on the Medical mecha in front of him, particularly on the long-range Energy Cannon in Sink’s hands. He noticed Sink moving backward, and caught sight of a small conveyor belt leading to an external passageway at the lower level of the mining facility.

He blocked Sink’s closest rescue route, leaving Sink with no choice but to find another transport exit to support Trace.

Suddenly, Sink switched out his long-range Energy Cannon.

YOU’s Tank noticed immediately. “Sink’s other weapon is a cannon-type weapon.”

YOU’s commander: “Keep an eye on him. Don’t let him leave.”

【Oh, right! They don’t know Sink’s weapons because he didn’t attack any pollutants earlier.】

【But Sink’s other weapon is a control weapon—it’s ineffective against a Tank ah!】

The red-and-white Medical mecha moved swiftly. The moment it switched cannons, the barrel aimed at the position of YOU’s Tank. Catching Sink’s movements, YOU’s Tank switched to his shield, then to his cannon, positioning his Combination Lock Cannon horizontally to intercept the incoming shell. However, just as Sink fired, the projectile abruptly changed directions—it wasn’t aimed at the Tank but instead shot toward the transport exit below.

YOU’s Tank froze for a moment, watching as the Combination Lock Cannon he switched to cut through the edge of the deep-blue sphere but failed to stop it. “A water sphere!?”

At the same time, Trace, who was nearing the turn on the external conveyor belt, suddenly halted his attack on YOU’s Stealth mecha. His Steel Wind Cannon aimed at the conveyor belt beneath his feet, unleashing a powerful propulsion blast downward. The force pushed his entire mecha upward through the narrow gap.

YOU’s Control caught this movement. As Trace surged upward, a giant wooden net was launched in his direction.

“Trace is using his Energy Cannon to propel himself upward!” The commentator was stunned at the sight. “Is he crazy? YOU’s Control is waiting to exploit his instability in mid-air!”

As the wooden net reached directly above Trace, a massive deep-water sphere suddenly shot out from a position diagonally above him. The large water sphere emerged from the opening of the conveyor belt, followed closely by a cannon blast that froze it into an ice sphere. The ice sphere collided with the wooden net from an oblique angle, shattering it instantly.

“An ice sphere!?” YOU’s Control froze momentarily, attempting to fire another shot to pin Trace down.

“The water sphere froze! One shot pierced through YOU Tank’s Combination Lock Cannon, and another froze the wooden net!”

The commentators were dumbfounded, exclaiming, “Sink actually managed to block YOU’s Control while in a blind spot—Trace has broken through!”

The red-and-white Artillery mecha seized the brief moment when the ice sphere shattered the net, grabbing onto the edge of the conveyor belt up ahead. With a burst of arm strength, the entire mecha leaped onto the upper conveyor belt. Now face-to-face with YOU’s Control, Trace aimed his Steel Wind Cannon at the Tank mecha behind him.

With a cold expression, You Su fired his Steel Wind Cannon the moment YOU’s Tank switched to his shield. The blast sent YOU’s Tank, shield and all, hurtling into the mining facility, clearing the transport exit for Sink.

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