First Clash

"Hmm, a mech company that made it into the top 71?"

Jika immediately became interested. His short, fat, bloated body turned around as he looked up toward the source of the voice at the edge of the crowd, where a tall young woman stood.

Jika came from the Xinqiluo Business Alliance and was not a Federation human. He stood under 1.6 meters tall, yet his weight visibly exceeded 120 kilograms.

However, judging by the expressions of everyone around him, including Wang Nuonuo, no one found anything unusual. Those who frequently dealt with interstellar affairs had long since grown accustomed to such sights.

"Respected Chairman Jika, hello." The young woman gave a remarkably poised bow.

But the bearded Jika ignored Wang Nuonuo's greeting and asked with interest, "I have information on every mech that made it into the top 71. Which company did you say you were from? What mech do you have?"

Seeing the major financier actually show interest, everyone grew tense and pricked up their ears.

"Luoqi Heavy Industries. We only have one competing mech, called the Extreme Soldier GE-Z. Have you heard of it, Mr. Jika?"

Jika raised a thick finger and scratched his chin. Then his eyes widened, and his broad palm slammed onto his thigh as his tone immediately rose.

"I know it! Is it that black mech with a beam weapon in its hand?!"

Jika asked excitedly, his eyes wide.

"Yes, Mr. Jika, but that is our prototype. Our mass-produced units are not equipped with that weapon." Nuonuo felt that the bearded chairman opposite her seemed even more excited than she was and hurriedly clarified.

"Are you certain you can meet the requirements I just mentioned? I need 700 mechs ready for immediate delivery, because my caravan cannot afford delays."

"I'm certain, Mr. Jika."

"Good.