"I'm using seventy percent of my power for this strike!"
"Test blade!"
"Thunder Crescent Slash!"
Zhou Luo's voice merged seamlessly with Fire Thunder's as the three-meter-tall Mecha leaped eight meters into the air. The blade radiance of thunder and flames flickered intensely—even before the strike landed, its sheer pressure made the second-tier Mecha projection tremble.
"Is this Zhou Luo's Mecha's ultimate move? How terrifying!"
"Even the Adjudicator's projection is shaking under the pressure, electric arcs are sparking out!!!"
"Damn, if I had Zhou Luo's power, I'd be even more arrogant than him."
"So he wasn't being arrogant—we're just too weak."
"Facing a second-tier Mecha projection and still only using seventy percent of his power? Why don't you just ascend to heaven already??"
Everyone watched with rapt attention.
The roaring flames and thunder evaporated the air within the combat space, distorting the void itself. The terrifying energy unleashed was far beyond what a first-tier Mecha should be capable of.
No early-stage second-tier Mecha could withstand this strike.
After the single slash, the second-tier Mecha projection was annihilated—though unfortunately, no Combat Energy was gained.
[Challenge Cleared!]
[Rating: SSSR]
[Rank: 1]
[Title: Top of Canglan Base City!]
Zhou Luo's ranking instantly soared to first place, meaning he had surpassed all third-year Mecha Masters in the entire Canglan Base City.
With this rating, it was unlikely any future genius could surpass it.
No one had even heard of an SSSR rating before.
Not only was his combat rating leagues ahead of everyone else, but his actual combat prowess was this terrifying—was he even human?
At this moment.
Zhou Luo emerged from the testing tower.
He could feel the world looking at him differently now.
"Hahaha! Well done, Zhou Luo! As expected of Canglan Third High's super prodigy. With results like these, I doubt anyone in the entire nation can surpass you."
"You've really made me proud."
The upright figure of Chen Wentai approached quickly with his entourage, giving Zhou Luo a firm pat on the shoulder.
"You've done well, kid." Yu Wentong descended from the sky, giving Zhou Luo a meaningful look.
That afternoon.
Zhou Luo was summoned to the principal's office, where not only various Mecha University mentors were gathered, but even Adjudicator Yu Wentong was present.
Each was secretly calculating their own schemes.
"Zhou Luo, you probably know why we called you here. These are mentors from several Mecha Universities—just a few of them." Chen Wentai said somewhat awkwardly.
Many more top university mentors were rushing over at top speed after receiving the news.
Now they could only regret their tardiness.
"Child, I'm the grade director of Imperial Capital Star Sea Mecha University. If you choose our Star Sea University, we're willing to offer 50 billion in annual funding, three monthly solo sessions in the Gravity Tower, personal guidance from an eighth-tier mentor, and—"
"Enough with your blabbering. I'll say this straight—whatever Star Sea Mecha University can offer, our Star Sky Mecha University can match. And we can provide what they can't!"
"Li Wenli, are you deliberately picking a fight?"
"See? You're getting worked up again."
The two great Mecha Universities, Star Sky and Star Sea, shared deep historical roots. Rumor had it their founding principals were biological brothers—the elder brother had wanted to establish a Mecha University to nurture talent.
Meanwhile, his younger brother wanted to prove himself too, so he followed suit and established Mecha University.
"Ahem~ Our Jiangnan Mecha University might not have as profound a heritage, but we have plenty of stunning beauties. If you choose us, we guarantee job placements."
"Our Divine Mecha University is also willing to offer an SSS-tier training contract. As far as I know, Zhou Luo, your sister Zhou Yun is at our university, isn't she? Divine Mecha University welcomes you."
Upon hearing this, several sixth-tier powerhouses grew anxious inwardly.
Damn it, playing the emotional card, huh?
The teacher from Dawn Mecha University rolled his eyes.
I'll go even harder than you!
"Zhou Luo, if you choose me, I'll arrange for someone to bring your sister Zhou Yun here and offer her an SSS-tier training contract too!"
The moment these words were spoken, everyone was stunned.
"Have you lost your damn mind?! Zhou Yun is just—" He didn't finish the sentence, as it would have been disrespectful to say it in front of Zhou Luo.
"If you can't handle it, then quit. Why don't you just bow out? Git gud."
"Our Dawn Mecha University will exhaust every last bit of our heritage to nurture a peerless powerhouse. Do you dare do the same?"
The Dawn Mecha University teacher spoke fervently, his resolve unshakable.
"Hmph! Talking big—do you even have that kind of authority?"
"None of your business!"
The sixth-tier powerhouses argued fiercely in the office, their faces flushed red, none willing to back down—a rare sight indeed.
Yu Wentong, shrouded in a black trench coat, simply sipped his tea in silence.
"Our War God Mecha University also welcomes you. We can only provide the most basic safety guarantees. As for resources, you'll have to earn them with your own strength."
The man who had remained silent until now spoke calmly.
Hearing the War God Academy mentor's offer, the others couldn't help but scoff inwardly.
Offering nothing and still expecting such a genius to choose you?
Dream on.
"Alright, alright, let Zhou Luo make his own choice." Chen Wentai rubbed his temples in exasperation.
At this, everyone calmed down. They had already presented their best offers—now it was up to Zhou Luo.
"Thank you all for your esteem. The conditions you've proposed are indeed very tempting, but could I have some time to consider?"
"After all, this is a major life decision, and I need to discuss it with my parents."
"How about I give you all an answer tomorrow?"
"Very well, I shall wait one night then."
"Farewell, everyone."
After receiving Zhou Luo's reply, the other mentors gradually departed.
The Adjudicator and the War God Mecha University mentor also left.
Soon, only the principal and Zhou Luo remained in the office.
"Zhou Luo, you've brought great honor to Canglan Third High today. As the principal, I've prepared a gift for you—I hope it helps."
"Principal, I was just doing my duty. There's no need for a reward." Zhou Luo waved his hand dismissively.
"How can there be no reward? I already gave Liu Qingxue something—how could I not give you one?" Chen Wentai's tone brooked no refusal.
"Here is one of my ultimate Mecha techniques, now passed to you. And this is a fifth-tier Combat Suit, along with a fifth-tier Spatial Bracelet."
Before Chen Wentai floated a white crystal, a set of dark-red combat armor, and finally, an exquisite Spatial Bracelet.
These three items would cost at least a hundred billion federal credits to acquire.
The secret technique of a sixth-tier Mecha alone was astonishingly expensive.
"Thank you, Principal," Zhou Luo accepted the rewards.
"Hmm, whatever choice you make, I only hope that the students of Canglan Third High can go further. I'll be waiting for the day you stand at the peak!"
Chen Wentai adjusted his glasses with a faint smile, clearly holding Zhou Luo in high regard.
"As for the Fang Family, don't worry. I'll warn them. If they dare make any moves, you can act freely—I'll take responsibility."
"I still have some influence in Canglan Base City. At the very least, I have connections."