Battle Armor Explained

The academy gave them one day to recover. Starting the next day, Zero Class of the first grade officially began classes.

Of course, even now that classes had begun, they could not proceed normally. After all, three of the six were injured, and all of them had fractures. For the time being, they could only attend theory classes.

Zero Class's first-grade classroom felt somewhat empty. It was no different from an ordinary classroom, but with only six students—Nan Fusheng and the others—it seemed exceptionally spacious.

Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi sat on one side, while Nan Fusheng and the other three sat on the other. The six were clearly divided.

Zhang Yangzi had his legs propped up on a chair, his face dark with displeasure. Wang Jinxi remained as taciturn as ever, though his gaze occasionally landed on Tang Wulin without him noticing.

Wu Zhangkong entered the classroom with a cold expression and stopped in the center, his gaze sweeping across the six of them.

"Starting today, your curriculum will change somewhat."

His words immediately drew all six students' attention. Even Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi greatly admired this powerful, aloof male idol. They had both watched Wu Zhangkong's battle against Guang Biao.

Wu Zhangkong said, "Given your current physical condition, your cultivation will be postponed for a while. We'll begin with theory classes. Today, we'll discuss mecha."

Mecha?

Upon hearing those two words, the six of them could not help looking at one another.

The darkness on Zhang Yangzi's face seemed to lessen a little. Unable to hold back, he asked, "Teacher Wu, isn't mecha taught only in the Advanced Division? We've only just started first grade! Isn't this too early?"

Under the traditional teaching method, the Primary Division of an Intermediate Soul Master Academy spent six years laying foundations. Only in the Advanced Division did students begin studying mecha-related knowledge. After graduating from the Advanced Division, they would apply to different advanced academies according to their chosen fields of study,

where they would pursue further education. Anyone capable of graduating from an advanced academy was among society's highest-tier elite students.

The Primary Division of an intermediate academy lasted six years, yet they had only just entered their first year. And they were already going to study mecha-related knowledge? Wasn't that like pulling up seedlings to help them grow?

Wu Zhangkong said, "Your mecha lessons will only cover knowledge about mecha, giving you a general understanding of them. There will be no practical instruction.

So there will not be many classes. Among you, is there anyone who doesn't want to become a Mecha Master in the future?"

All six fell silent at once. Mecha Masters had already become synonymous with the strong; they were the mainstream of the modern era.

Wu Zhangkong said, "Since that is the case, listen carefully." He glanced at Zhang Yangzi, who immediately felt a chill run from head to toe and did not dare make another sound.

"The development of modern mecha began ten thousand years ago. At that time, after several thousand years of development, Soul Tools had become increasingly widespread in their use.

"All technology is initially researched for the sake of war. Soul Tools were no exception. Only after Soul Tools saw widespread use in warfare did they gradually transition into civilian applications."

"The Soul Engineers of that era wondered whether Soul Tools could comprehensively enhance Soul Masters, making them even stronger. They began attempting to research mecha through various methods."

"In the ancient era tens of thousands of years ago, Soul Masters were the most mainstream profession. Yet not only were Soul Masters few in number, the vast majority could only remain at very low ranks and could not become strong.

"The emergence of Soul Tools gradually changed that situation. They allowed some low-level Soul Masters—especially support-type Soul Masters—to gain combat ability through the combination of their Soul Power and Soul Tools. The emergence of Soul Guidance mecha made this transformation even more apparent."

"Soul Guidance mecha used Soul Power storage devices to inject Soul Power, allowing users to wield strength far beyond their own. The earliest Soul Guidance mecha developed in the direction of greater size.

"Because the larger the volume, the more Soul Power storage devices and various weapons and equipment it could carry, or so Soul Engineers of that era believed."

"As technology advanced, even ordinary people could pilot Soul Guidance mecha so long as their bodies were strong enough. This allowed Soul Guidance mecha to become the mainstream of modern armies."

"The history of Soul Guidance mecha developed from initial miniaturization to enlargement, then gradually toward medium-sized forms, eventually becoming the mecha you commonly see today. That is a brief account of mecha's development.

"The entire process involved constant testing and change, including improvements to Soul Guidance arrays, all kinds of innovations, and leaps in technology. Mecha's importance in warfare continued to rise."

Nan Fusheng listened very attentively. This was his first time systematically studying knowledge related to mecha. Since his offensive capabilities were currently somewhat lacking, mecha was also a decent option for him.

It was just a little expensive. Although Nan Fusheng did not yet know how much it cost to build a mecha, it was definitely not something a poor bastard with only a little over a million Federal Coin could afford.

Nan Fusheng was currently extremely short on resources, and he did not have some miraculous method of becoming rich overnight like the protagonists in certain stories.

The more he thought about it, the more tears of poverty Nan Fusheng shed. Given the chance, he absolutely had to use Parasitism on a high-level Blacksmith, Soul Engineer, or some other profession that could easily make him rich.

At that moment, Wu Zhangkong said from the front of the classroom, "A true powerhouse will not make their body larger. Mecha exists to enhance one's abilities, not to turn one into a bigger target.

"Therefore, all mecha above the purple grade are developing toward miniaturization. Because they have become as small as armor, they are called Battle Armor!"

When Nan Fusheng heard Wu Zhangkong mention "Battle Armor," his wandering thoughts immediately returned. Battle Armor—an alternative type of Soul Tool that could directly enhance a Soul Master's strength.

The other five were likewise drawn in by the novel term Wu Zhangkong had introduced: Battle Armor! This entirely new concept easily captured their attention.

Mecha that resembled armor were the most supreme kind.

"As everyone knows, aside from Mecha Masters who control mecha, there is also the profession of Mecha Manufacturer, which holds an important position in the human world.

"Mecha Manufacturers are divided into three categories: mecha designers, mecha manufacturers, and Mecha Repairers. Beginning today, as I explain knowledge about mecha to you, one very important point will be for you to choose the direction of your future second profession.

"I suggest that you choose one of these three as your second profession. This is a necessary path to becoming strong."

Gu Yue asked in surprise, "Teacher Wu, shouldn't we focus our energy on cultivation, at most adding mecha control training? Why do we need to choose a second profession?"

Wu Zhangkong said, "If you want your Battle Armor to become powerful, it must suit you. Therefore, truly top-tier Battle Armor Masters must have an extremely close relationship with their mecha.

"Either they design it themselves, make it themselves, or repair it themselves. Only then can they gradually become one with their Battle Armor.

"If you do not study a second profession, you will never be able to create Battle Armor that truly suits you, nor will you ever be able to ascend to the divine altar."

"The establishment of Zero Class has only one goal: to push you toward the divine altar. This process will be difficult and long. Perhaps you will spend your entire lives striving in that direction. What I must do is ensure that, in the earliest stage, you take fewer detours and recognize the right path."

"How you choose your second profession is not something you need to rush. You still have plenty of time to think. But by third grade at the latest, you must make your choice. Given your talents, you must also be ahead of ordinary people in this regard. The earlier you begin, the earlier you reap the rewards. Therefore, give me your answer within three years."

"Of course, the three options I have given are merely what I consider the best choices. They are not absolute. There are also other professions related to mecha that can serve as your second profession. In fact, someone among you has already chosen one."

As he spoke, his gaze fell on Tang Wulin.

A second profession? Tang Wulin immediately understood. Teacher Wu was referring to his Forging.

"Wulin chose Forging. He chose his second profession very early, so I believe he should possess a special talent in that regard. Forging is likewise a second profession I suggest you consider.

"Because all mecha above the purple grade are inseparable from Forging. No matter which second profession you choose, if you can reach five stars or above, it will provide you with sufficient resources for cultivation."

Tang Wulin was the most settled of them all. He had already made his choice and certainly would not consider changing it. He was now a three-star Forging Grandmaster and highly valued by the Blacksmith's Association. Moreover, the deeper he delved into Forging,

the more he felt the vast profundity of the craft. His father had taught him from a young age that no matter what he did, he had to devote himself wholeheartedly and could not be half-hearted.

The other five said nothing. Clearly, making a choice for one's second profession was not easy.

They were all still young and could not yet decide what they truly liked. Fortunately, they still had more than two years to think it over, so there was plenty of time.