Chapter 5: Training Day (2/2)
Ye Chong began to have a grasp of things. “Oh, so it’s like that!” Regardless, if Mu Shang said it is beneficial, then it must be so, Ye Chong’s inner voice concurred.
The pilot’s NR training centre was built by the Fal Association for Mech Pilots, and formed part of the available basic facilities in the virtual world.
Ye Chong advanced into the main hall, neatly lined with many pillars. Some people could be seen passing by the pillars and vanished into thin air after a burst of light, and others seemed to flash into existence.
The current Ye Chong was no longer an amateur – he casually walked to a nearby pillar, lightly tapped on the pillar with his finger, and a semi-transparent screen appeared before his eyes.
Mu Shang introduced, “There are three areas above where we stand – the basic training area, the mixed training area, and the battle area. Since this is your first time, let’s try out the battle area.”
Right after Mu Shang finished, the screen display altered, showcasing the opponents for each room, and the number of audiences. Ye Chong picked one of the occupied rooms at random.
*Swish* and he was in the room, standing before a black mech. Ye Chong immediately recognized this as a beginner’s common choice of the Blackbird model, due to its ease of control, gentle learning curve and affordable price.
However, its functionality was at par with its status as an entry-level mech, armed with only a magnetic sword, platinum shield and two alloy daggers, not to mention the two redundant heat ray guns on its shoulders, with such low effectiveness that Ye Chong could not possibly count on them (but in reality, it’s because Ye Chong did not really know how to shoot).
The Blackbird looked like a huge, black bird, with two horizontal wings that could extend out like a pair of real wings, allowing beginners steadier flight in the atmosphere. Below the wings were two rows of secondary engines, although their functions were limited. Beneath the Blackbird’s abdomen were two mechanical arms that could use the magnetic sword and alloy daggers. The heat ray guns were on the Blackbird’s rear, the elongated neck allowing a wider range of shooting from different angles, although with the gun’s power and Ye Chong’s skill, or the lack of both, this advantaged was wasted.
But even if this was just an ordinary low-level mech, Ye Chong was already very excited – compared to Winnie, this mech’s functionalities were much better.
Ye Chong entered the mech’s cabin eagerly.
When Ye Chong had a good look at his opponent’s mech, he could not help but felt greatly discouraged.
If his own mech was like an inconspicuous little bird, then the opponent’s would be a glorious king of the birds – a phoenix! Its long elegant lines were like an artistic masterpiece, its dazzling and colourful wings and tailfins were like the phoenix’s feathers, emanating an aura of great beauty. The flaming redness of the mech’s body was a suffocating zeal. Even standing still, the mech exhibited an indescribable calmness and pride.
Its name mirrored its appearance – Shadow Phoenix, as fast as the shadow, as magnificent as the phoenix.
The Shadow Phoenix II model, the considerable amount of time spent at Gutista had made Ye Chong very familiar with it. Compared with the Blackbird, the two mechs were not even at the same level. The Shadow Phoenix II was a classic long-range attack mech, with great speed and advanced shooting systems as its signature features. Besides that, its beautiful exterior made it a popular choice for members of the female community. However, to Ye Chong, those nearly useless wings were a burden, and what use was an attractive appearance if it became the constant attention of the enemy?
Without time for further pondering, Ye Chong received the signal to begin.