The Orca Was Charging Ahead

Even in the capital, few venues could rival this magnificent national stadium. Amid the thunderous cheers and dazzling, almost blinding lights, flamboyant lettering flashed across the giant screen.

Golden bars representing the odds rose and fell. As two beams of light crossed, pictures of the two mechs appeared in the center of the screen, along with their odds. The host's near-voice-cracking roar boomed through the speakers, drowning out all other noise—

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Iron Armor Steel Fist's Upper Division! Today, we have a new contender joining us. He's been competing for just one month, yet he's charged through the ranks without a single loss. Today, he faces the challenge that could earn him a place in the Upper Division. Let's welcome the Slaughter Beast from Yuelai Tavern: the Orca!"

The host drew out the final syllables, letting them echo around the stadium. The tempting odds of four to one sent everyone who had placed a bet into a frenzy of cheers.

The black-and-white mech stepped onto the field. Its slender frame, with long arms and a narrow waist, stood out among the competitors, most of whom had barrel-shaped or even broad, triangular builds. At that moment, the host's drawn-out introduction finally ended as he ran out of breath. After a brief pause to catch it, he launched into the next announcement—

"On the other side, standing as his gatekeeper, is the ace from the Creya Club. With his unpredictable attacks and extraordinary reflexes, he's secured a place among the favorites to win the Upper Division. The predator: the Giant Snake!"

The odds on him were slightly lower, but the cheers and shouts that erupted now far surpassed those from before.

The gray-green mech, a head taller than the Orca, entered from the other end of the field