Anyone who had heard of Professor Idis harbored immense interest in this genius mechanic and wanted to ask more about him.
Xie Jianxun pressed, “I’ve heard of Idis. Isn’t he a senior mechanic engineer with the Mechanics Association and also an advisor to the City Lord’s Mansion? Does he teach here too?”
He already knew the man was a professor at Silver University, but he wanted to see if he could pry more information out of Emory.
Emory immediately regretted his words and wished he could swallow them back.
He reluctantly said, “Yes, he’s a specially appointed professor at Silver University, teaching a specialized course on integrated mechanics…”
Xun Jia, seeing his curiosity, chimed in, “Can we meet him now?”
This was bad—the distinguished guests were even more interested in the already famous mechanic!
Emory quickly changed the subject to dampen their interest in Idis. “Professor Idis is probably still in class. It’s not a good time to disturb him.”
Xie Jianxun nodded understandingly. “That’s true, after all, he’s a professor.”
His mind turned, and he planned to let Xun Jia handle Emory alone later while he slipped away to find Idis. After days of special training and with Seles there, nothing should go wrong on his end.
He tried to signal Xun Jia with his eyes, but Xun Jia just looked back confused.
No message got through…
It was clear that “reading the room” wasn’t something just anyone could do.
As they walked, they arrived at the base of a silver-gray teaching building, where booming voices echoed from inside.
Emory perked up—this was his chance to shine.
“The Mecha Comprehensive Tournament is inside. Shall we go in and take a look, everyone?”
He led the way into the building and pressed the elevator button for his distinguished guests. “To be honest, I’m also a mecha team member for the college and a participant in this comprehensive tournament. I might have to step away for a bit later—the team needs me for the next match.”
Half proud and half boastful, he revealed his status, hoping for special treatment from Mr. Xie.
See, he wasn’t just any ordinary student—his achievements in integrated mechanics were impressive too!
To his disappointment, the other man might not have known the prestige of being on Silver University’s mecha team and merely hummed casually in response.
Emory: “…”
He quickly added, “Members of Silver University’s mecha team get priority to take the Advanced Mech Engineer certification after graduation—several steps ahead of others.”
Xun Jia nodded, missing the implication. “Looks like you’re busy, Mr. Emory. Don’t mind us—go do your thing.”
Emory choked, at a loss for words.
The elevator doors opened, and the noisy, youthful clamor rushed in like boiling steam. A vast open hall stretched before them, packed with students on the sides who all turned to stare in unison.
Emory basked in the attention as he grandly led Xun Jia’s group to the best viewing seats in the center.
Some looked puzzled; others shouted, “Emory! We’ve been calling you to come early—you know you’re late?!”
Emory politely bid Xun Jia farewell. “Mr. Xie, I’ll head out now.”
Seeing Xun Jia nod, he rolled up his sleeves impatiently and hurried toward his team. “I told you I had something to do and would be a bit late. What’s a few minutes?”
“Is this just ‘a bit late’? It’s been twenty minutes! What if we get disqualified?!”
“It’s fine, it didn’t happen, right? What’s there to worry about?”
Emory waved dismissively, glanced up at the audience seats to meet Xun Jia’s gaze, then struck a pose of serious competition and respect for his opponents.
Just wait and see his victory—Emory smiled.
With the last team member finally arriving late, the long-delayed Mecha Comprehensive Tournament began.
Emory was the main force of his team. The Firebird Mech he deployed had impressive attack power, so even if the others couldn’t stand him, they couldn’t kick him out and had to tolerate him for the win, prioritizing his mech’s integrity.
His pride wasn’t unfounded—he was skilled at piloting.
Even if his repair skills were utter garbage, the teammates endured for the sake of victory.
Xie Jianxun had seen the explosive matches at the Central Stadium; this small tournament in the Central Hall felt lacking by comparison.
His attention wandered, his gaze scanning the audience seats.
The Mechanical College professors sat in the front row, backs to him. Xie Jianxun searched back and forth, unwilling to give up, then lifted his head to check other areas.
Mr. Idis, as a young mature adult male with highly distinctive features, should have been easy to spot.
Disappointed, he withdrew his gaze. In the packed hall, the man he sought was nowhere to be found.
Xun Jia noticed his expression and leaned slightly toward him, whispering, “What’s up?”
Xie Jianxun lowered his voice too. “I’ll slip out alone later. You talk with Seles and Emory.”
Xun Jia: “Hey!!! Just us two? You sure that’s okay?! You know I’m as dumb-mouthed as a cow!”
Seles, on the other side, leaned in and whispered, “Same here.”
Xie Jianxun: “…”
He said solemnly, “I have complete faith in both of you.”
Xun Jia turned his head away, muttering under his breath, “Why do you trust me so much? I don’t even trust myself… What skills do I have? I’d die for sure if I went up…” He kept grumbling nonstop.
Just then, Emory’s team decisively defeated their opponents two to one. Applause erupted, and even the professors in the front row nodded slightly.
Emory strode confidently to the audience seats and stopped by Xun Jia, smiling. “The underclassmen were pretty capable—I almost couldn’t hold on. But mission accomplished.”
Xun Jia nodded, genuinely praising him for once. “Impressive.”
Emory couldn’t hold back his grin. He knew dazzling mecha matches drew eyes, and victors shone brightest.
After his dominant win, Mr. Xie would surely look at him differently.
Thinking this, he nearly burst out laughing but restrained himself, humbly saying, “Nah, it’s thanks to the professors’ great teaching. Who knows which team is next—maybe we won’t hold the stage and get toppled by the new blood.”
“…Next up is the team of Gu Xuning, who took the championship in this Mecha League!”
Emory’s smile froze on his face.
He whirled around in panic and saw the young man entering the hall entrance with two others, waving to the crowd.
“He didn’t bring his full roster. For this intramural mini-tournament, he handpicked three teammates including himself to give the underclassmen a spectacular show!”
“…Isn’t he in class right now?!”
Emory blurted out. “How is he here!!!”
Xun Jia glanced at him puzzled. “He’s that good?”
Emory: “He’s not that great, he’s… uh, I mean, Gu Xuning himself is pretty good. Captain of this year’s Mecha League champions. But he’s still an undergrad. Rumor has it his future mentor is Professor Idis—maybe his mecha got some mods from him.”
Xun Jia had a sudden realization. “This Idis guy is that amazing? We really need to meet him.”
Emory took a deep breath, questioning his own decisions.
He knew his level: beating intramural scrubs was like bullying noobs—easy and flashy.
Outsiders wouldn’t spot the difference; as long as he looked effortless in Mr. Xie’s eyes, it was fine.
But facing a top student like Gu Xuning, who finished credits early and got direct grad admission—even without his tourney lineup, crushing him would be a breeze.
If he lost, his easy-victory image would be ruined!
Emory stood frozen, his expression shifting.
His teammates below discussed tactics and, seeing him gone, yelled up, “Emory! What are you doing standing there? Get down here—we’re facing Gu Xuning! Gu Xuning! Tournament champ!”
I know, shut up, you broke-ass losers with your secondhand mechs…
Xun Jia: “You going down?”
The cool remark snapped Emory back. He cursed inwardly, forced a smile. “No, Mr. Xie. I’m just thinking strategy too—that’s the tourney champ, after all.”
Then he slowly descended from the seats.
This round showed Gu Xuning’s team played seriously, with no slacking despite the opponents’ level.
Emory’s plan had been to bait underestimation, then solo charge to break their formation and showcase his prowess.
But they didn’t slack—they were extra focused!
It made him look reckless, charging wildly instead of following the team huddle strategy. His lone mech got isolated and picked off piecemeal!
The victors stood on stage, nodding lightly to the crowd and professors.
The losers weren’t discouraged, rushing over joyfully to shake hands while shouting, “We fought Gu Xuning!” “We lasted a full fifteen minutes!”
Only Emory stood there, staring at his mech’s integrity at 20%, unable to believe what he’d just done.
Not a total wipe, but close to a total rout.
“A fine match.”
He didn’t know when “Mr. Xie” had approached, trailed by the tall bodyguard and the handsome, expensively dressed young master. The trio stood out sharply amid the students, drawing frequent glances.
“Mr. Xie” said coolly, “However, Mr. Emory, your skills could use more practice. It’s getting late—I think we should head back…”
“Mr. Xie! Wait!”
Emory blurted. He couldn’t let “Mr. Xie” leave disappointed now!
If worst came to worst, he’d… bleed out big time!
Today’s investment was for future gains… Whatever he gave today, he’d double back later!
Gritting his teeth, he sidled up and whispered to Xun Jia, “Mr. Xie, the mecha matches are just back-and-forth brawls—nothing special. I have a private warehouse with brand-new semi-automatic mechs not on the market yet… If you’re interested, I can take you to see?”
“See”? Anyone saying that meant gifting it for “Mr. Xie” to play with.
This was a huge hemorrhage—that mecha was bought through his dad’s big connections and cash, meant to forge ties for the family.
