Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1707 - 542: Beginning

Right now, the female host addressed the entire crowd.

"Alright, time to lay out the duel rules. We're limiting this to Third Generation Mechas at most, with Nuclear Bombs strictly banned. Every team fields 5 main members plus 2 reserves, capped at 5 Mechas. It's full team battle format—repairs allowed between rounds, but no Mecha swaps. All fighters sign life-and-death contracts; fate decides the outcome, though surrender's an option if you can't continue. The ultimate victor claims a fresh Fake V Generation Mecha·Shadow Demon!"

"Wow! A Fake V Generation Mecha!"

"Heavens! That's a 200 billion Mecha!"

…

The on-site spectators burst into thrilled cheers.

Su Ming stayed utterly composed upon hearing the host reveal the prize.

Not that the reward lacked appeal—Fake V Generation Mechas ran into billions each.

Without their prior scavenging of battlefield ruins, Ankaga and crew might have piloted Fake V Generation Mechas themselves.

Just then, the female host swept her hand dramatically and announced with fervor.

"We've got 200 teams competing this round—the roster is up next!"

Whoosh!

A massive virtual display materialized, showcasing visuals of all 200 squads.

"Participants get one hour to prep, and folks can start betting freely now. Pick the champ and sweep the whole pot!"

At once, the audience dove into a betting frenzy.

Bets split into two kinds: champion wagers locked in pre-match, or single-round outcomes from the top thirty-two clashes.

Quickly, odds and payouts for every team skyrocketed.

Novlin approached then, offering popcorn and beer to Su Ming and Ankaga.

"Lord Su Ming, grab a snack. It'll keep things fun while you watch."

"Appreciate the effort."

Su Ming accepted the popcorn and replied to Novlin.

"No trouble at all."

Novlin shook her head promptly.

Hokas strolled up next, spotting the popcorn with Su Ming and grinning widely.

"Whoa, popcorn! You splurged on the fancy stuff—let me have some!"

As he spoke, Hokas lunged for the bucket in Su Ming's grip.

Bang~

Fia swatted his hand away sharply, scoffing.

"Big sis shelled out big for that—how dare you snag any?"

"Aw man, that's rough! Here I thought I'd sub in to help."

Hokas feigned deep hurt.

"Pull up a seat next door and dig in!"

Su Ming invited Hokas with a grin.

"Don't mind if I do."

Hokas dropped down beside Su Ming, snatching a fistful of popcorn and munching away.

Fia huffed, cheeks ballooning in frustration, yet she held back her ire.

Novlin paid no heed to Hokas's antics.

Three youths in outdated Second Generation Exoskeleton Armor appeared, alongside a freckled woman with flaxen locks.

"Who are these four?"

Su Ming inquired, eyeing them.

"Mato, Ba’an, Galliton, Mei Lu—they're on my squad."

Novlin presented them to Su Ming.

"You all look solid—best of luck out there!"

Su Ming encouraged the quartet.

"We'll pour everything into victory for big sis and that Fake V Generation Mecha!"

Mato declared earnestly.

"Exactly, it's a shot we never get otherwise—not even dreams of a Fake V Generation Mecha!"

Ba’an chimed in.

"Winning this Mecha lets us free our chained families and kin."

Mei Lu added with excitement.

"For sure—as long as we stick tight, triumph is ours."

Novlin assured Mei Lu and the rest.

"Yes!"

Mei Lu and others nodded firmly.

Su Ming grinned at Novlin and urged.

"Give it your all."

"Lord Su Ming, you might not realize—this duel means everything to us. Normal fights? No shot against the City Lord’s sons competing. But Third Generation Mechas only? Even with mods, gaps stay small, so we've got to seize it!"

Novlin responded resolutely.

"Got it."

Su Ming nodded.

"Lord Su Ming, time for us to gear up."

Novlin told Su Ming.

"Sure, good luck!"

Su Ming wished her.

Novlin spun and departed with her teammates.

….

------------------------------------

Lost City.

Within a shadowy factory.

Dark Star Empire troops in Exoskeleton Armor, rifles at ready, guarded the perimeter corners.

Prince Fergus conferred with two cloaked silhouettes—one towering, one squat.

"No need for chit-chat; success means your rewards are guaranteed."

"Lord Fergus, my master cares less for payoffs than feasibility—Otaine proves tough."

The shorter one voiced concern.

"Leave Otaine to others. Our real hurdle's seizing Lost Tower—to pin down his outer troops, we must claim it!"

Fergus shared his woes with them.

"Lord Fergus, our Lord City Master insists Lost Tower's handled—we've got plans!"

The taller one assured deferentially.

"Haha, perfect! Block the outsiders, leverage our inner numbers. Hit key spots on cue, and Lost City falls—then we encircle Lost Arena!"