Genius Mechanic: Chapter 249

Asta Contaminated Zone(Star Domain Tournament: Start)

249: KID’s Counterattack

Proofread by Cloud Chip Cake

In the mining factory covered with ice spheres, YOU’s Medical mecha was trapped in a corner of the layers of ice, with its damage reaching an irreparable 60% and still climbing under the relentless barrage of the Energy Cannon. This fast-paced battle sent chills down the spines of every viewer watching this perspective. Who would think such terrifying dominance could come from a Medical mecha? The relentless bombardment felt like a one-sided slaughter, leaving the opponent with no chance to counterattack.

【So strong…】

【Is this the strength of the former Individual Soldier King? My god, even a Medical mecha can be piloted like this?】

【Did Sink just say something?】

【The cannon fire was so intense, I didn’t hear anything.】

Many teams had investigated and confirmed Sink’s strength, but there was very little battle footage of him available online, leaving little data to analyze. Unlike other solo mecha pilots, Sink only used two weapons during his Individual Soldier League career: the Flowing Fire Sword and the Hellfire Cannon. The extent of his versatility was something most teams couldn’t fully grasp.

Switching from Individual Soldier combat to team battles, his injury, using a Medical mecha… none of these restrictions seemed to shackle this pilot.

“Can an Assault Medical really be piloted like this? The inherent low attack power of a Medical mecha doesn’t seem to affect him at all.”

“It’s not about the attack power of the Medical mecha. It’s that this mecha pilot can fully maximize the potential of an Assault Medical. Even so, his current level of operation isn’t as strong as it was during his solo days.”

Gale’s head coach had been studying Ying Chenlin since the Galactic Competition. Initially, he wasn’t sure about the KID command’s capabilities, but once it became clear that KID’s command relied on Sink, he knew not to view Sink as just an Individual Soldier mecha pilot. “When his strength isn’t equal to his opponent, he rarely engages in direct confrontations. But once he does, it means he’s confident of victory.”

The Assault Medical was indeed the weakest among all assault mechas. However, Sink was the kind of pilot that creates their own opportunities. For instance, when he faced YDS in Agaman, he carried a long-range Energy Cannon and maintained the greatest possible distance to maximize his attack range.

Now, equipped with a control weapon and an Energy Cannon, he prioritized creating favorable conditions for himself. For example, choosing a relatively confined mining factory inside the mine walls and using ice to block all of the YOU Medical mecha’s possible paths, turning his enemy into a sitting target with nowhere to escape.

Pilots like Sink weren’t just strong because of their operational skills, but also because of their strategic vision and ability to create advantageous conditions.

Gale’s head coach had once studied Ying Chenlin’s Individual Soldier combat footage alongside Qi Sicheng. In those recordings, Ying Chenlin’s combat prowess was higher than it was now, with his combat instincts and operational precision at their peak, sweeping through his enemies with unstoppable momentum. However, his current combat ability, though not matching his pre-injury phase, had become more stable and meticulous. Gone was the youthful recklessness of his Individual Soldier piloting days, replaced by calmness and composure.

And that was what made him truly terrifying.

Inside the arena, when YOU’s Artillery abandoned its vantage point higher up to rescue their Medical mecha, it still managed to suppress Lucy who was above them. However, without direct suppression, Lucy’s actions became relatively free. Seizing the moment, she jumped down—not to immediately assist her teammates, but to intercept the YOU Artillery’s rescue operation.

This counter-maneuver prevented YOU’s Artillery from reaching their captain before his damage level hit 60%, missing the optimal rescue window.

“YOU’s captain’s damage level has hit 60%! That’s irreparable damage, and their teammates are still on the way to assist.”

In the livestream, the commentators’ voices grew increasingly excited as Sink’s dominance in the mining factory further highlighted YOU’s disadvantage. “Wait a minute!? KID’s Tank and Guardian have broken through!”

While the audience was focused on Sink, a dramatic shift occurred on the conveyor belts of the mining factory.

【Don’t just focus on the interior! The fight outside is intense!】

【KID’s two melee mechas are insanely aggressive—they’ve broken through!】

YOU’s Control had just managed to break free from the ice layers. With a quick glance, they noticed the two red-and-white mechas disappearing into the conveyor system below. They immediately shouted, “Captain, KID’s Tank has broken through the perimeter—”

YOU’s Stealth: “KID’s Tank and Guardian are all over us.”

Without the suppression from YOU’s Artillery and Control from above, KID’s two mechas moved with greater speed. They continuously dismantled the green immobilization traps and infiltrated the conduits below the mining factory where KID’s Artillery was located. Once they passed through, they would effectively reach the mid-levels of the third mining pit.

YOU’s Stealth and their Tank had been kited by Trace for over ten minutes, and had finally managed to narrow Trace’s movement range to within their control, only for their rhythm to be shattered by the sudden intrusion of KID’s two mechas.

YOU’s Stealth had to retreat a few steps and quickly locked onto KID’s Guardian charging toward them with a staff. Activating the immobilization field, they pinned the KID Guardian down. “It’s now 3v2 here. Control, come help—we don’t have any ranged mechas.”

YOU’s captain, Su Jingming, heard his teammates urgently calling out in the communication channel. Trapped inside the ice layers, he had no view of the situation outside and couldn’t issue real-time commands. Just as he turned his gaze to the side, another cannon blast came from the front, pushing his damage level to 61%.

The red-and-white Medical mecha’s bombardment was relentless, giving him no opportunity to break through or link up with his teammates. The Energy Cannon fired shot after shot, each one precise and unforgiving.

With his damage level at 60%, Su Jingming had already entered the irreparable stage. He couldn’t allow his teammates to risk themselves to save him. He abruptly shifted his strategy, disregarding the energy drain that might affect him, and focused entirely on delaying Sink. “Artillery, take over command. Abandon me. Everyone, retreat from the third mining pit immediately—”

There was no chance for him to retreat anymore. All he could do was stall Sink and buy time for his teammates to withdraw.

In the live broadcast, viewers caught onto the changes on the field, and the commentator reacted immediately: “YOU has abandoned their Medical; their Artillery is switching directions—they’re planning to retreat.”

【? That decisive?】

【Captain Su being taken down by Sink is only a matter of time. Can’t you see Captain Su has started attacking without conserving energy? He’s stalling for time.】

【It’s reasonable to stall Sink. With Sink gone, there’s one less Control mecha on the field.】

【YOU’s Control has a stealth weapon. They need to regroup and then escape under the stealth.】

On the battlefield, YOU’s multi-point containment strategy had mostly collapsed. YOU’s Artillery took over command: “Guardian, clear the way above. Don’t let KID’s Stealth interfere. Once we regroup, we’ll retreat upwards immediately. We need to leave before Sink gets out.”

Hearing the instructions over the comms channel, YOU’s Control had no choice but to prioritize rescuing his two melee mecha teammates who were trapped. With assistance from YOU’s Artillery, he broke through the ice layer and headed toward the conveyor belt where KID’s Artillery was located.

However, before he could reach the spot, a red-and-white Tank mecha emerged from one of the transport ports, shield raised, and charged straight toward the Control mecha, pushing it onto the icy surface behind it. Shards of ice scattered everywhere. YOU’s Control couldn’t escape the pressure from the shield in time and was slammed heavily into the ice.

“KID’s Tank!?” The commentator exclaimed in shock upon seeing KID’s Tank emerge from the conveyor belt and send YOU’s Control flying. “Yan isn’t protecting Trace—he’s blocking YOU’s Control at the transport port!”

This tactic was recently employed by YOU, using their Tank to deal with Sink.

Now KID turned it around, using KID’s control-immune Tank, Huo Yan, to counter YOU’s Control mecha.

YOU’s Control shouted, “I can’t get through! KID’s Tank is here!”

YOU’s Artillery, positioned a level above, immediately spotted his teammate being completely blocked below. He adjusted his firepower and aimed at KID’s Tank. However, as soon as he fired, he realized something was off—KID’s Tank was equipped with a damage reflecting shield. While it couldn’t fully reflect the Control attacks, artillery shells were definitely reboundable.

“Fuck, I forgot their Tank has a Counter-Damage Shield!”

He narrowly avoided the reflected attack. As he looked up, he found himself staring directly at KID’s Control mecha, Lucy. The latter aimed a control cannon and fired straight at him.

“YOU’s Artillery evaded. He can suppress Lucy, but under these circumstances, it’s tough for him to handle both Lucy and Yan,” the commentator quickly explained. “Earlier, the distance between him and Yan was greater. Now, at close range, the threat from the Counter-Damage Shield is significantly higher. Unless he takes out KID’s Control, Lucy, first, it’ll be hard to pose a threat to the enemy—”

At that moment, YOU’s Guardian, who had been positioned above, leapt down. He abandoned his futile pursuit of KID’s Stealth and chose to jump down to protect his teammate and suppress Lucy.

“You chased me for half the day, and now you’re running just like that?” Ji Qingfeng, noticing YOU’s Guardian retreating, immediately followed in the same direction. “Xi Mei, I’m coming to help you!”

The field was littered with traps, but following YOU’s Guardian was undoubtedly the right choice.

As KID’s Stealth leapt down, it immediately activated its illusionary weapon, transforming the appearance of its mecha to resemble Lucy’s. Although its combat capabilities were limited, as a tool to confuse the enemy and shield his teammates, KID’s Stealth became even more effective.

【The upper levels are in chaos too!】

【YOU has the advantage!】

【KID’s two mechas are stalling for time, giving their teammates opportunities to reduce YOU’s numbers.】

The previously balanced situation on the upper levels shifted into a 2v2 battle once YOU’s two mechas abandoned their suppression efforts: the Guardian and Artillery against the tool Stealth and Control. From both weapon composition and combat strength, YOU had the upper hand. However, KID’s Stealth acted like a wrench in the works. From a distance, it transformed into Lucy’s appearance to confuse their attack vision. When YOU’s Guardian approached it for close combat, it morphed into the appearance of YOU’s Guardian, constantly changing forms. This greatly complicated the Artillery’s visual targeting amid the floating debris, causing repeated  one or two second hesitations before firing.

On the battlefield, even a one or two second delay could make a huge difference.

【This move is so devious!】

【Close combat already involves fast position changes. With it taking on the form of YOU’s Guardian at such close range, the Artillery can’t rely on coordinates to lock on immediately.】

【This kind of tool Stealth is really all about teamwork. The moment it spots a teammate, it takes off.】

【It’s not just about teammates. KID’s Control completely ignores it while targeting the enemy.】

Ji Qingfeng might lack offensive capabilities, but a pilot skilled in Stealth mechas wouldn’t have slow hand speed. He seamlessly switched between the illusionary weapon and Hook Claw, changing forms repeatedly. Agile and elusive, he was like an unkillable mosquito, persistently harassing YOU’s Guardian. Meanwhile, Lu Xi didn’t pay attention to Ji Qingfeng’s movements. Her control weapon focused entirely on suppressing the two mechas. Ji Qingfeng’s reaction speed to the artillery was swift, so she didn’t have to worry about him—he would adjust on his own.

【Is KID always this ruthless to their teammates?】

【They didn’t used to be. Not sure when this habit started.】

【…It seems to have started after Trace joined the team. Blasting teammates has become their norm.】

【Qingf can dodge Trace’s artillery fire. Why would he have trouble dodging anyone else’s!?】

The conveyor belt had limited footholds for mechas. Facing a Control mecha that disregarded its teammates, the challenge fell on YOU’s side.

“KID’s Stealth and Control are stalling for time,” the commentator remarked. “YOU wants to break through to rescue their teammates and retreat, but KID isn’t letting them leave.”

On the upper levels, YOU’s two main mechas were being delayed by KID, while on the middle levels, YOU’s Control was blocked by KID’s Tank at the transport port. Meanwhile, in the mining factory, the battle turned into YOU’s Tank and Stealth versus KID’s Artillery and Guardian.

【Look at the factory! YOU’s Tank has split the battlefield!】

“YOU’s Tank has forced KID’s Guardian back to the lower conveyor belt!” The commentator quickly shifted the view to the mining factory’s interior. “KID’s vision is now obstructed.”

YOU’s Tank wasn’t weak. Noticing the change in the situation, they immediately positioned themselves in front of their teammate Stealth, blocking Trace’s line of fire with a suppressive maneuver. With a swift counter, they used the Combination Lock Cannon to force Lin Yao into another corner. “I’ll block Trace’s artillery. Stealth, find a way to deal with KID’s Guardian. He doesn’t have any escape weapons, so you have the advantage.”

YOU’s Artillery added, “Guardian, head to the middle levels. I’ll keep the pressure on them; the captain’s traps are still active.”

Hearing this, YOU’s Guardian immediately understood their teammate’s intention.

As YOU’s Tank shifted positions, the higher up Guardian also made their move. Ignoring KID’s two mechas, they seized the opportunity provided by their teammate’s artillery cover to break into the dense trap zone alone. Lu Xi and Ji Qingfeng, caught slightly off guard, allowed YOU’s Guardian to escape. When Ji Qingfeng tried to pursue, he inadvertently stepped onto an energy-draining trap, forcing him to retreat. “What the heck! How many traps has YOU’s Medical scattered?”

Lu Xi replied, “A lot. I can’t get through from the inside; I’ll have to jump down from the conveyor belt.”

But jumping down wasn’t an option either. If she and Ji Qingfeng avoided the traps and descended, the YOU Artillery left behind would undoubtedly blast them straight into the third mining pit, forfeiting their advantage.

YOU’s team had a map of the traps’ locations, making it easy for them to navigate. Moreover, YOU’s Guardian had mobility weapons, allowing them to move quickly. While KID’s Control and Stealth were pinned on an upper-level conveyor belt by their Artillery, YOU’s Guardian traversed the trap zone and reached the chaotic melee on the middle levels. Upon arrival, they immediately charged toward KID’s Artillery mecha, Trace.

【YOU can still turn the tables!?】

【Don’t underestimate Star Domain’s third-place team. Their Medical may be a support role, but their resilience and adaptability in team battles focused on disruption are exceptional.】

YOU’s resilience was indeed impressive. Even with their captain unable to intervene, their formation didn’t completely fall apart. Their Artillery pilot shifted to a commanding role, quickly adjusting, and the mid-field situation transformed. Inside the relatively cramped mining factory, YOU’s three mechas launched an assault on KID’s two. YOU’s Stealth swiftly isolated KID’s Guardian from the core battlefield, while YOU’s Guardian and Tank worked together to attack Trace.

Trace blasted the advancing Tank mecha back with a powerful shot, but YOU’s Guardian used their mobility weapon to weave through the battlefield, dodging the Steel Wind Cannon’s range and launching another attack on Trace. However, KID’s Artillery wasn’t so easily countered. As the Guardian approached, Trace swiftly widened the distance and resumed a standoff with YOU’s two mechas.

【Wait, are they setting up YOU’s Stealth to deal with KID’s Guardian?】

【KID’s Guardian’s hand is quite short! He’s infamous for it.】

【I remember Yao doesn’t use cannons. All old fans know this.】

【Without cannons, there’s no way he can fight against YOU’s Stealth!】

KID’s Guardian, Lin Yao, rose to fame in the Dawn Galaxy, known for his exceptional strength in 1v1 Guardian duels. However, fans of KID who followed their matches closely all knew one thing: KID’s Guardian never equips artillery or control-based weapons. His arsenal always consists of two long weapons, relying entirely on close combat to carve out victories. Once a mecha steps into the KID Guardian’s domain, it’s usually crushed under his relentless assault—

But this time, his opponent was YOU’s Stealth.

YOU’s Stealth carried two weapons: a close-combat enhancement weapon and a weapon capable of immobilizing targets. When YOU’s Stealth activated their magnetic field, any opponent entering its range would be rendered immobile, essentially becoming a sitting duck. If KID’s Guardian had brought an artillery weapon, he could have used it to knock YOU’s Stealth back upon approach. Unfortunately, KID’s Guardian was terrible with artillery weapons and never brought one to a fight.

The most tense of the battles unfolded between YOU’s Stealth and KID’s Guardian.

In another corner of the mining factory, the two mechas clashed. YOU’s Stealth took the initiative, charging straight into the KID Guardian’s vicinity. As Lin Yao activated his spatial field, YOU’s Stealth decisively broke through it. With their enhanced blade, breaking the field took only seconds. Once cleared, YOU’s Stealth immediately rushed toward KID’s Guardian. Rebuilding the field required time, and the unique terrain of the mining factory made it extremely difficult to maneuver without mobility weapons.

Sure enough, as KID’s Guardian tried to move toward Trace’s position, YOU’s Stealth seized the opportunity, activating the immobilizing magnetic field to pin KID’s Guardian in place.

“YOU has identified KID’s Guardian as the breakthrough point!” the commentator exclaimed. “This is trouble. In this position, KID’s Artillery can’t provide direct support fire, and KID’s Guardian is likely to take a hit from YOU’s Stealth!”

【Help! Someone needs to back Yao up!】

【This weapon matchup is so disadvantageous! The immobilizing magnetic field isn’t just a threat to ranged mechas, but to close combat ones too!】

Close-combat battles relied heavily on continuous adjustments to positioning and angle to suppress opponents. Now that Lin Yao was pinned in place, other mechas could exploit his immobility to attack through his blind spots, and he would remain suppressed by the magnetic field, making his attacks half a beat slower than his opponent’s.

YOU’s Stealth closed in, striking with their enhanced blade. Lin Yao was forced to use his Spatial Staff to sweep at the opponent. But YOU’s Stealth had anticipated this move. As Lin Yao swung the staff, YOU’s Stealth leapt atop the staff’s length, slamming down at Lin Yao’s head.

“Xiao Yao, can you hold on!?” Huo Yan shouted, glancing back in concern.

The immobilizing magnetic field was incredibly troublesome. It not only restricted movement but could also pin down enemies attempting to retreat when in close range. It worked both offensively and defensively, making it a nightmare for close-combat mechas.

YOU’s Stealth was a formidable opponent, entirely different from those Lin Yao had faced in the Dawn Galaxy. Their attack rhythm and reaction speed were on a whole other level, far surpassing that of the Dawn Galaxy’s mecha pilots. In such a situation, ordinary methods wouldn’t be enough to deal with them.

Lin Yao seized the moment when the immobilizing magnetic field was lifted, quickly retreating: “I can hold on. My staff doesn’t seem to work well against him… but I’ve figured out his attack patterns. Let me try again. Don’t worry, even if I can’t beat him, I can definitely mess him up to death ¹.”

Lu Xi paused slightly as she aimed, puzzled. “Is there a difference between beating and messing up?”

Ji Qingfeng, out of breath, responded, “There’s a big difference. Yao Bao, words cannot be used randomly.”

Dodging another attack, Lin Yao asked in confusion, “Huh? Isn’t it pretty much the same? Fine, I’ll switch it. I’ll wreck ² him.”

Ji Qingfeng: “You might as well stick with ‘mess him up.'”

Ying Chenlin: “Oh.”

Ji Qingfeng: “All this talk about wrecking and messing is not suitable for children. Don’t use words recklessly, you young ones.”

You Su: “…”

Huo Yan coughed repeatedly and shoved YOU’s Control aside with a hit. “Focus on the fight! Why are you saying these things at your age?”

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Translator Notes

1. There is a double entendre here. The word Lin Yao used, 搞(mess someone up/make someone suffer), is also slang for fuck.[↩]
2. Another double entendre. 幹(trad) / 干(simpl) is slang for kill but also means to fuck.[↩]