The One Taking Shape

"Fifteen seconds! The Slaughter Beast has once again killed the game! Let's congratulate Yuelai Tavern on entering the Upper League. They will face new challenges. Will the Slaughter Beast be able to maintain his undefeated legend, or will any creature be able to last even a minute against him?"

The sound crackled repeatedly from the speakers, but at this moment, the video was not taken in a noisy bar or casino, but in a serious conference room.

"It's time to make a decision." The white-haired man at the head of the conference table spoke in a deep voice, while the middle-aged man to his left responded hesitantly.

"This is only the lower-level competition, and the participants are just some amateur groups. The pilots themselves are also experts who can fight against the Gold Knight while piloting unfinished mechs. Under these circumstances, it is not enough to prove the superiority of the mechs. It would be unwise to rashly abandon the system that we have been researching for many years."

"Research? You call reverse engineering outdated technology that's been updated three or four times from the Ideal Country' research'?" The oldest person in the meeting room spoke sharply, but the middle-aged man didn't retort; he simply stated the matter at hand:

"Even if it's outdated technology, at least the approach is correct, but with this machine, we can't even be sure if it's..."

"Route?" The old man interrupted the other person abruptly, slamming his hand on the table.

"Do you think the Ideal Country knew the right path was taken before the mechs were even developed? Scientific research is about trial and error. If you don't even have the courage to try and fail, how can you forge your own path? Now that we have excellent engine technology, why don't we use it as the core to find ways to unleash its potential instead of adhering to that so-called correct path? Or do you think that equipping mechs that are three generations behind the Ideal Country with an excellent engine will bridge the gap?"

"But the Ideal Country has already noticed us, and making too obvious a development could lead to sanctions from all sides." The middle-aged man seemed to agree with the old professor's words, but reality cannot be simply considered from the perspective of scientific research. In fact, what has limited Palin's development has never been just technology.

"That's why I said the Bailin Country's approach is better!"

The old professor held up the data sent back from Bailin Country. It contained not only information about orcas but also partial information about other lower-level racing mechs. He pointed to this "junk" and said:

"You definitely haven't looked at these machines closely, have you?"

"They're just toys, not even as good as our training machines." The middle-aged man realized he might have overlooked something, but still voiced his opinion. The old professor laughed.

"Sure enough, you think this is a toy, and I think so too. In the eyes of the Ideal Country, it's even more of a toy. But have you noticed the difference between the Bailin Country's mecha and the Ideal Country's mecha?"

"?"

The others, who had initially listened to the two technicians arguing with a sense of awe but were now looking on with confusion, pondered for a moment before replying:

"This is a well-worn topic. The Ideal Country's mechs possess the most advanced technology, emphasizing Fire Control System and maneuverability. This allows their mechs to be deployed in large numbers. Even new recruits who have only undergone a few months of training can unleash more than 70% of the Combat Power of veterans when piloting active-duty mechs, with no difference in firepower coverage."

"The Bailin Country's mechs are characterized by extreme specialization. The master-slave control system places high demands on the pilot. Even a top-tier pilot flying a low-end mech can easily defeat a newcomer flying a top-tier one."

"You seem to understand this very well, don't you?" The old professor shrugged, waving the pile of documents in his hand.

"The core of the Ideal Country route lies in the mecha, while the Bailin Country is the pilot. A pilot who can fly the low-end Ideal Country mecha may not be able to handle the high-end Ideal Country mecha, but a person who can fly the low-end Bailin Country mecha well will definitely be a master at piloting the high-end Bailin Country mecha!"

"We are limited in the development of mechs, so why not start with pilot training? Developing the 'Iron Armor Steel Fist' sport can cultivate a large number of pilot candidates, while displaying 'toys' in the open can greatly reduce the attention from the Ideal Country, and even stimulate the economy."

What started as a debate between two technicians about road issues suddenly changed when the words "boost the economy" were uttered.

"Boosting the economy? That's true. Gambling needs strict control, but it's not just about gambling. The demand for a large number of low-end mecha parts has low barriers to entry, which can support many small manufacturers, provide jobs, and major sporting events can also boost domestic demand, attract investment, and develop the tourism industry..."

Seeing the business manager suddenly launch into a long-winded explanation of the upcoming industrial plans, the others couldn't help but exchange bewildered glances. In truth, the Parlin Kingdom was not short of money. As a vassal state of the Ideal Country, they could obtain a steady stream of economic aid simply by confronting Budali and Pegasus.

But isn't this also a form of "being so poor that all you have left is money"?

After all, money is meaningless to a country if it cannot be used for development. Of course, there is a Versailles element to this, but as long as Dim Sum, no one wants to be a dog that bites wherever it is told.

Just as everyone began to ponder the many changes this might trigger and things were gradually moving in an optimistic direction, someone suddenly spoke up:

What should be done about Bailin Country?

Instantly, like a bucket of cold water poured over them, the group that had begun discussing taxes and legislation fell silent, but the person from the diplomatic corps let out a laugh tinged with schadenfreude.

"I remember, the Bailin Country, it seems, was an enemy of the Ideal Country?"

These words were a wake-up call. They, Palin, had been dogs of the Ideal Country for so many years, and now that they had bitten an enemy, they were being targeted. Naturally, their master had to step in!

Besides, organizing a tournament isn't a matter of fundamental interest. The closest territory between the Parlin Kingdom and Bailin Country is separated by two large provinces of Ideal Country and a vast ocean. What's there to be afraid of?

"They could even say this is to cripple the economic lifeline of Bailin Country's industrial province and demand economic support from the Ideal Country!"

"Right, right, isn't the Ideal Country holding them accountable for the Sea Monster Core? Let's just say we have no ability to replicate it. That machine used the Sea Monster Core, and it's already been stolen by a spy from the Bailin Country. Then we can use this as an opportunity to tell the Ideal Country that we're on their side, and it doesn't matter whether they think it's a sign of weakness, a concession, or a show of loyalty..."

"That's a good idea, but we need to make it seem reluctant. Here's what we'll do: you take the blame, leak some information, and say that in order to improve relations with the Ideal Country, you voluntarily promised to antagonize the Bailin Country... cause some commotion down there, and then have the propaganda department 'try their best' to block the news, creating the impression of manipulating public opinion. Finally, under pressure from public opinion, you'll shift from a direct confrontation to an economic struggle..."

"Alright, alright, anyway, my 'Parlin Traitor' persona is just for taking the blame. Hmm, this time, give me a secretary who keeps her mouth shut, otherwise I'm changing secretaries way too often..."