"Frodeon is all powered and set for takeoff," the engineer said, its synthesized voice devoid of emotion.
In a hangar bay below, Venku sat in the cockpit of Frodeon, his hands hovering over the complex controls. "So this is a Royal Mech Fighter," he said, his voice a mix of awe and wonder. "It's nothing like the basic Deputy mechs we learned in class. It's even better. The controls seem lighter, easier to memorize."
He pulled a lever, and the mech hummed with power. "Frodeon, can you hear me?" he asked.
A calm, computerized Japanese woman's voice replied from the mech's internal system. "Yes, Master Venku. How shall we proceed?"
"We're entering a simulated battlefield," Venku said, trying to sound confident. "This is my first time piloting a Royal Mech Fighter outside of classroom simulations."
"Judging by your test scores, you should perform exceptionally well," Frodeon replied. "Even though you performed only in simulations, the controls to use a Royal Mech are just the same."
"Alright, Frodeon. Launch!"
Frodeon's boosters ignited with a roar, and the mech shot out of the hangar, leaving a powerful gust of wind in its wake.
From the viewing room, Sephiss's eyes narrowed. "Let's see what you're made of, Venku."
Frodeon charged through the simulated battlefield. "Master Venku," the mech's voice stated, "your mission is to eliminate all threats on the battlefield. This is a common objective of the Elda Knights in their mission to reclaim El territory."
"Got it," Venku said.
Simulated bacteria and enemy mech machines appeared, swarming toward the Frodeon. The mech machines fired laswer while the bacteria rushed in to devour the royal mech fighter with thier razor teeth.
Frodeon evaded the lasers.
Venku pressed a button, and Frodeon's cannons erupted, firing a volley of electro-bullets that reduced the swarm of Bacteria to digital dust. More bacteria monsters emerged, and Venku continued to unleash an onslaught, his movements becoming more fluid with each kill.
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Sephiss watched, visibly impressed. "This is too easy for him," he said to the instructor. "Increase the simulator trial to the hardest trial: V-mode." The instructor nodded and turned a dial on the control panel to the highest setting.
Suddenly, the battlefield changed. More bacteria appeared, but they were different. They were faster, more ferocious, and more precise with their movements, coordinating their attacks to overwhelm Frodeon. They latched onto the mech, restricting its movements.
"Frodeon, I'm stuck!" Venku shouted. "What can I do?"
"Activate Royal Spear," the mech's voice calmly instructed.
Venku activated the function, and in an instant, a massive, glowing spear materialized in Frodeon's hand.
With a swift, sweeping motion, Venku sliced and cut down all the bacteria surrounding him. He then rushed through the field, cutting down one monster after another with a newfound ease.
In the viewing room, Sephiss began to applaud slowly. "This young man will prove to be a great asset to the King."
After the battle was over, Venku entered the Lounge room where all Mech fighters go. The room was full of radiant voices of other deputy pilots. . There, standing beside Sephiss, were the legendary Elda Knights, France and Dakota.
"That was quite impressive, rookie," Dakota said, a hint of admiration in his voice. "Your movements were not like anything I've ever seen in a rookie in a long time."
Venku's face lit up with shock and gleeful excitement. "Oh my gosh, I can't believe it's you, Dakota! You're a legend!"
France rolled his eyes.
"These two, as you know them, you will work under," Sephiss said. "They will teach you everything you need to know about Royal Mech Fighters. Your skills are sharp, but they lack experience."
Sephiss walked off, leaving the three of them alone. "I'll be expecting great things from you."
"Yes, sir," Venku replied.
France leaned in close to Venku's face, making him uncomfortable. "Don't think you're cooler than me just because you scored higher on that stupid exam."
Venku immediately bowed. "Absolutely not, Senior France. I would never, ever assume myself to be a higher position than you. In fact, I admire you."
France's eyebrow raised in surprise.
"I've always been a fan of you since I was a child," Venku continued. "I collected all of your France action figures. I even have some of the original, first-edition cards."
France's scowl turned into a wide smile. He looked over at his brother. "You hear that, big bro? He's got first-edition cards of me!"
Dakota sighed, a small smile on his face. "Guess I won't hear the last of this one." He looked at Venku and extended a hand. "Welcome to the team, Venku. You're officially an Elda Knight."