Lu Yun on the stands felt his new student’s performance went beyond mere satisfaction.

This boy had zero combat experience—not even basic standardized Mechs or weapons could he craft.

Yet sheer will to never yield and self-taught defenses carried him this far. Lu Yun sensed this youth might forge a unique path.

As for his other student…

Deya was undoubtedly an exceptional Mechanical Mage and warrior. In sheer stubbornness, she mirrored this new student—reminding Lu Yun of last night’s banquet…

When Deya specifically challenged the new commoner trainee, Lu Yun’s first reaction was surprise. “Why?”

The freshman guidance match was an Augustus College tradition: every newcomer fought a senior, a subtle show of dominance.

Choosing an opponent meant one thing—teaching someone a lesson.

Deya, a second-degree student and Mech Master with an undefeated record, challenging a freshman? It bordered on bullying the weak.

Her reason: “I’m deeply dissatisfied with his attitude.”

“Attitude? What attitude?”

“A declaration of defiance.”

Ah. So she interpreted it that way. Ouyang Tao’s banquet behavior *had* carried defiance—but born of helplessness, not war.

Besides, Lu Yun had his own concerns. He didn’t want his new student crushed in his first battle. “Heh, Deya, isn’t that excessive? Feels like picking on a newcomer.”

Deya stood firm. “No. He provoked first. His arrogance *was* the challenge.”

“Arrogance? Why see it that way?”

“I heard he’s the first commoner student admitted in fifty years. Correct?”

“Yes.”

“And Professor, historically, only two commoners ever joined the Mechanical Department: the late former dean, and Professor Lin Shixiong—the titan of Lost Technology research. Right?”

“Yes.” Mentioning his mentor visibly moved Lu Yun. “Deya… what’s your point?”

“So I wonder—if this commoner earned admission, does he possess strength like those two legends?”

Lu Yun understood now. Deya didn’t just want to humble a brat—she craved a worthy rival.

But the timing was wrong. He hedged carefully. “Ah… heh. Deya, you might overestimate him. For now, he lacks that caliber.”

“If he lacks that strength, Professor,” Deya insisted, “then he must learn respect and reverence!”

Lu Yun hesitated—other professors were already listening.

“Professor Lu, what’s wrong with this?” Professor Colon cut in. Deya’s second-degree advisor—and the one who’d opposed Ouyang Tao’s admission. “Both are your students. A friendly exchange between old-timers and newcomers? Perfect.”

“After all, it’s just a guidance match.”

“We’re quite eager to see this commoner’s abilities too.”

Other professors chimed in.

Polite words, but Lu Yun knew their game: they wanted him embarrassed. Refusal was impossible now.

Yet Deya’s words sparked his own curiosity. *Just how capable is this commoner trainee?*

“Fine,” Lu Yun conceded. “Let them fight.”