Mech: Shattering of the Galaxy Chapter 5 - 5 Lu Qingxue (Celebrating Alliance Hierarch Bai Yiduo with the 1st update!)

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Lu Qingxue's predicament had become extremely perilous. The three mecha positioned ahead were evidently coordinating their assault, and the relentless barrage of projectiles from their close-range Fire God Cannons, upon impacting the mecha's hull, would aggressively deplete its shield energy. The trio of mecha formed a loose encirclement around Lu Qingxue's white mecha, their suppressive volleys compelling her mecha's evasive maneuvers into a desperate frenzy. Behind her lay a dense tropical jungle, featuring ancient trees towering dozens of meters high, capable of interfering with radar scanning capabilities. As Lu Qingxue executed her retreat towards the jungle's cover, an unforeseen emergence occurred: a yellow-green mecha materialized from the foliage, its high-vibration particle blade held aloft, emitting a faint crimson glow. Equipped with a camouflage device and an invisibility function, it was unmistakably a reconnaissance-type mecha that had lain in wait within the woods for an extended period!! A direct, effective strike from that particle blade, renowned for its immense destructive power, would undoubtedly shatter Lu Qingxue's mecha shield in a single blow!

The designated survival combat zone was configured as a Demon Island encounter, specifically identified as Volcano Island. Above, a medium-sized escort starship intermittently unleashed indiscriminate attacks upon the mecha engaged on the ground. The system was programmed to compile combat statistics every ten minutes; combatants who survived each ten-minute interval would be awarded 3 points, while the destruction of an opposing mecha yielded 1 point. Following each ten-minute period, the island's operational combat area would undergo compression by the system, with any individuals situated outside the designated zone being forcibly ejected.

At this critical juncture, the allegiance or affiliation of the four mecha was of no consequence; Lu Qingxue found herself in an exceedingly dangerous situation!

"Ah, this is bad, Senior Sister Lu seems completely unaware of the danger behind her!" the young man with a crew cut exclaimed in palpable alarm.

Renault observed the holographic three-dimensional display, his lips, though thin, curved slightly upward, betraying a subtle amusement.

"Long Er, you imbecile!" a refined-looking boy sporting glasses interjected coldly. Without allowing the crew-cut youth time to retort, he continued, "Senior Sister Lu's mecha is a customized military-grade Mulan model, optimized for long-range engagements and ground combat. It boasts a 5.5 generation engine, standard specifications for a 165-caliber Gauss sniper rifle manufactured by Valpo Company, a 35-caliber Defender close-combat weapon, and 32 axle-type rockets. By interstellar standards, its rating is A for long-range capability, D for defense, D for melee combat, and C for maneuverability. Have you even noticed Senior Sister Lu's sniper rifle throughout this entire engagement, you simpleton?"

"You, Feng Yu!" The crew-cut youth's face flushed crimson with indignation.

"Observe carefully; the nozzle of Senior Sister's Mulan Modified, which is orange-red, is now emitting yellow flames, indicating the activation of a sixth-generation engine. Senior Sister presides over the academy's Swordsmanship Club. She selected the Mulan Modified and chose to paint it white purely for aesthetic preference, not to capitalize on Mulan's inherent long-range firepower! Pay closer attention to the high-frequency sword mounted on her back, you dolt!" Feng Yu, the refined young man with glasses, continued his sarcastic barrage directed at Long Er with a resolute lack of expression.

"Is that the Wave Jumping Flash?!" Long Er, momentarily pausing his anger, suddenly cried out, his face contorted in utter astonishment.

Within the visual feed, the white Mulan Modified, executing a series of stuttering, erratic movements, displayed a similarly white-hued alloy scabbard affixed to its back! The hilt of the sword, previously inconspicuous and firmly secured to the mecha's chassis, was at that precise moment swiftly drawn from behind. The mecha then crouched, building immense power, and the jet propulsion system beneath it surged with an overload of energy. Tilting backward at a severe 75-degree angle, the sword tip grazed the ground. In an instant, accelerating to over thrice its previous velocity, the mecha transitioned from a retreating posture to a parabolic arc moving backward, causing the concentrated firepower from the three attacking mecha to miss their target entirely. Simultaneously, the yellow-green mecha, gripping its particle blade with both hands, came to an abrupt halt. With a resounding crash, its engine ruptured and exploded – a decisive, one-hit kill! The white Mulan Modified, its back now facing the vanquished yellow-green mecha, deliberately withdrew the high-frequency sword it had just embedded into the enemy's energy core, and then... it slowly rotated to face forward.

"Isn't this the wave-jumping flash technique employed by the military for high-level tactical evasion? How is it even possible to execute such a maneuver with a mecha, integrate it with a sword strike, and achieve such a devastating result?!" Long Er's jaw hung open, his astonishment profound.

"Remarkable, truly remarkable. Qingxue is undoubtedly the Valkyrie of Dingchuan Academy's Swordsmanship Club! There's no need to analyze further. The military's A-level movement standards demand exceptionally high proficiency; she must have attained the initial stage of Spirit Lock activation." Renault's voice resonated, a hint of genuine amazement coloring his tone!

For individuals not entering through military academies, the Galaxy Federation's regulations stated that if they were under the age of 40, they could be exceptionally recruited as officers on the military's open assessment day, September 17th. This required consecutively executing three A-level or higher Fighting Skills. Candidates who passed a political review, regardless of their background, would be granted this opportunity. Even the lowest rank of Lieutenant represented a significant advancement for those struggling on the fringes of survival! The military had meticulously refined 379 A-level combat standards over nearly a century, each presenting an immense hurdle. Mastering just three was indicative of exceptional talent!

Indeed, the three Platinum One-Star contestants present noticed that fleeting chance and immediately halted their approach towards the Mulan Modified, becoming extremely cautious.

"Senior Sister's sixth-generation engine has just entered compensatory overload; it's about to unleash its power," Feng Yu remarked, his eyes gleaming behind his glasses.

One mecha prepared for evasion, while the other two directly activated their Fire God Cannons. The Mulan Modified had already engaged its sixth-generation engine at 150% overload. In this state, its mobility performance surged from C-class to 2C-class, granting it superior speed over the three mechas with C-class operational performance! Furthermore, piloted by Lu Qingxue, the Mulan Modified was a close-combat specialist masquerading as a sniper!

Target acquisition, evasive maneuvers, swift close-quarters engagement, a direct strike on the cockpit!

Advance, precise rocket targeting for incapacitation, a direct strike on the cockpit!

A leaping slash! The immense speed amplified its kinetic energy. Under the razor-sharp edge of the high-frequency sword, the final mecha, even with its assault rifle held horizontally, was bisected in a single, decisive blow!

Subsequently, ceasing all movement, sheathing the sword, and after confirming the immediate vicinity was secure, the snow-white Mulan Modified leaned against a colossal tree, awaiting the cooldown of its energy furnace.

"Time's up. Today's survival challenge concludes now. 276 individuals passed, while 724 were eliminated. Passing contestants, please prepare for rest and report to the arena at 20:00 tomorrow."

"Incredible... truly amazing!" A chorus of astonished exclamations erupted from behind Renault.

A HISS of releasing air pressure, followed by a click, and the canopy of Virtual Cabin No. 3 flipped open. A white-clad figure emerged.

Dressed in snow-white, wide-sleeved swordsman attire, she was instantly distinguished. Her shoulder-length hair was casually tied back with a black Martial Path Belt. Her lightly furrowed brows, clear yet icy bright eyes, and a sharply defined chin, free of any neck adornments, presented an image of ethereal beauty. Like a serene and solitary Snow Lotus, Ning Jing, yet distinct, she was the president of the Swordsmanship Club at Dingchuan Academy—Lu Qingxue.

"Senior Sister," "Senior Sister Lu," "Qingxue"...

"Mm," Lu Qingxue responded curtly, her articulation minimal. She then knitted her brows and turned her gaze towards Renault, a subtle hint of displeasure surfacing in her eyes.

"Ahem, Junior Lu, your strength has advanced once more," Renault said, touching his nose with a wry smile.

"Mm, I have unlocked the first stage of the Spirit Lock," Lu Qingxue confirmed with a slight nod. "I gained significant insights during this period; next, I intend to delve into Sword Dao."

"Ah, unlocking the first stage of the Spirit Lock! Prior to this, only Captain Renault had achieved it within the entire academy. Now, we have Senior Sister Lu as well," the youth nearby voiced, his gaze filled with evident envy and admiration. The Spirit level was directly correlated with the degree of brain development; higher levels signified clearer thoughts, greater processing capacity, enhanced resilience, and superior coordination with the Light Computer. Progressing from Level 1 to Level 9 was often the culmination of many individuals' lifelong potential. Level 10 marked the initial Spirit Lock, signifying a qualitative leap, unimaginable to those yet to achieve it, but those who succeed are invariably extraordinary!

"So, regarding tomorrow's battle?" Renault inquired softly.

"I will not be participating."

"Uh, Senior Sister?" Long Er's expression grew visibly anxious. The survival challenge offered numerous rewards, not merely honor, but also exclusive, limited-edition mecha components as prizes.

"Long Er, Junior Lu was invited by me. I wished to ascertain if genuine martial skills could yield a noticeable improvement in mecha combat. What we just witnessed with the Mulan Modified has provided the answer. Junior Lu has already surpassed the first stage of the Spirit Lock, and her aspirations lie elsewhere, so do not press the matter. Our focus should be on diligently preparing for next year's exchange match. I am nearing graduation; perhaps I will pursue further studies at the Capital Star or enlist in the military. Before my departure, I will dedicate my utmost effort! The future of the academy's Mecha Department rests upon all of you."