Ouyang Tao had never thought fighting would have anything to do with him.

Now, he faced his first battle almost completely unprepared. What a ridiculous situation… He even felt like roaring in frustration.

Looking back, his mentor had clearly avoided mentioning this on purpose.

But it was too late now. Forced into the spotlight, he had no choice but to fight someone.

Still, fear wasn’t all he felt—*Bring it on. Who’s afraid of who?* That reckless determination surged within him too.

They say last-minute cramming still shines. In the remaining distance, Ouyang Tao pressed his mentor for any scrap of advice: "Professor Lu, I don’t know anything! How could I possibly win?"

"Tsk, why so tense? I told you—it’s a practice match against a senior. Losing’s normal. It’s just to give you real combat experience."

Ouyang Tao knew fighting couldn’t be learned overnight, especially against someone trained since childhood. But he still wanted to try—not to lose too badly. "At least tell me the rules, Professor?"

"Hmm, fair enough. I’ll explain once we arrive."

The arena featured a football-field-sized clearing inscribed with a Magic Array, surrounded by empty stands. Only Ouyang Tao and Professor Lu Yun sat there, while staff hauled mountains of materials below.

An ambulance stood ready, medics on high alert. Remembering his mentor’s mention of "casualties," a chill ran down Ouyang Tao’s spine—*They’re serious!*

"Wear this amulet during your match," Lu Yun said, handing him a charm. "It holds a protective spell linked to the arena’s Magic Array. If you face mortal danger, it’ll teleport you out—meaning you lose."

"What if I refuse to surrender? Or… go all out?"

"Oh?" Lu Yun raised an eyebrow. Minutes ago, he’d been terrified. Now he spoke of desperation? "Since you said losing’s normal, I’ve got nothing to fear. I just want to fight with everything I have."

"Good spirit." Lu Yun nodded approvingly. "Rule reminder: Tap the amulet three times to disable teleportation—switching to pure defense. Snap its chain to surrender. But know your limits."

This caution wasn’t just for Ouyang Tao’s debut. His opponent was dead set on victory.

"Understood. I’ll be careful."

Lu Yun pointed at the materials being unloaded. "That’s universal alloy—refinable into nearly any building element. Those are crude Magic Stones. Your resources."

"Plenty of supplies."

"It’s a practice match. Ample materials. Upperclassmen face restrictions: max six active mechs, no units or weapons above Tier 5, and a five-minute limit. Real tournaments use limited resources with no time cap."

"Got it." But a new panic struck Ouyang Tao—he’d never built a combat mech before.

No time to ask more. Other Mechanical Department students arrived with their mentors.

"Early as always, Professor Lu?"

"Just helping my student get familiar."

"Heard you personally requested today’s first match?"

"Haha, an old student’s wish. Why not indulge him?"

Lu Yun exchanged pleasantries, but Ouyang Tao sensed hidden malice beneath the smiles—like they awaited his humiliation.

"Ouyang Tao, take your place at the prep station. You’re first."

"*What?!*" His jaw dropped. Not only his debut, but leading off? He’d hoped to watch others first.

"No arguing. Go prepare."

*Prepare what?* He sighed. Nothing to prepare. Better to get it over with.

"Haha, Professor Lu—your student looks terrified!"

"Never had real combat experience, has he?"

The professors’ mocking whispers cut deep. Ouyang Tao realized: his mentor faced pressure too, defending a commoner like him.

*I won’t shame him.* He clenched his fists. But raw spirit wouldn’t win fights. *What can I actually use against them?*

Hunched in his seat, he raked his hair, scrambling for a plan.

A voice cut from above: "You’re the commoner, Ouyang Tao?"

He looked up. The Mechanical Department’s only female student—Prime Minister’s daughter—glared down imperiously. "Ah, the Prime Minister’s daughter."

"Deya Zakoin. Remember that name." Her tone crackled with hostility. A challenge. *Wait—is she my opponent?*

Yesterday, Monster Girl mentioned Deya was a Mechanical Master—six tiers above his novice rank. *Why must my first fight be against her?*

But he couldn’t show weakness. "What do you want?" he shot back, matching her steel.

"Hmph. Confident, aren’t you?" Deya raised three fingers. "Survive three minutes. I’ll call it a loss."

"You—"

"See you in the arena!" She turned sharply, dismissing him.

"Tch. So full of yourself," Ouyang Tao muttered. Then—inspiration struck. *Ample materials. Time limit. Three minutes…*

He had a plan. This match? He’d already decided: he wouldn’t try to win.