The System Mecha is so unscientific

The streets of Greenland City bustled with life as Da West prepared to embark on his quest for Mystic Ether. Despite his earlier excitement, an unsettling tension hung in the air. He couldn’t shake the feeling that trouble loomed just outside the gates of the Awakener Association.

After parting ways with Mirra, who was busy preparing for her own training session, Da stepped out of the office and took a deep breath, ready to face whatever lay ahead. The morning sun was bright, but shadows lurked near the corners of the busy marketplace, and it was those shadows that caught his attention.

As he approached the entrance of the Association, he noticed a group of familiar faces lingering close by—Paul's lackeys, a trio of troublemakers known for bullying weaker Awakeners and flaunting their allegiance to Paul, an influential figure in the local underbelly. They loitered near the steps, exchanging hushed words, their eyes glinting with mischief and menace.

Da clenched his fists as he recognized Rico, the burly enforcer, known for his brute strength; Tina, a cunning strategist with a sharp tongue; and Zed, the elusive troublemaker whose affinity for illusions made him a dangerous wildcard. Having dealt with Paul’s thugs in the past, Da knew he had to tread carefully.

“Look who it is,” Rico’s voice boomed as he noticed Da. “The little mechanic thinks he can play with the big boys now. What are you doing here, Geek?”

Da ignored the bile of anger rising in his throat. Instead, he kept his focus sharp and his composure intact. He took a step closer, eyes locked on them. “I’m looking for something that matters more than your petty games. Why don’t you move along?”

“Oh, we can't do that, now, can we?” Tina chimed in, her tone mocking. “After all, it would be boring without someone to play with.”

Zed laughed sinisterly, his form flickering slightly as if he was shifting in and out of reality. “Let’s see what you’re made of, mechanized marvel. Paul’s been looking for fresh talent. You can either join us or find yourself in a world of hurt.”

Da had known this moment would come—an inevitable encounter fueled by their jealousy and intimidation. The air crackled with tension as passersby stopped to witness the unfolding drama. Whispered conversations filled the atmosphere, and Da felt the weight of their eyes weighing on him.

“Not interested.” Da’s voice was steady, but the pounding of his heart was relentless. “I’m not a tool for Paul or anyone else.”

At that, Rico stepped forward, his bulk looming over Da. “That’s where you’re wrong. You don’t get to choose. You should be flattered that we want to bring you into the fold. Consider this an invitation… or a warning.”

“Or a threat,” Da shot back, refusing to back down. He could feel energy swirling within him, a familiar warmth that surged whenever he was challenged. There was a lingering tension that hinted at a brewing confrontation.

“Let’s show him what it means to refuse an offer,” Tina said, her clever smile twisting into something far more dangerous.

Without warning, Rico charged forward, fists swinging with brute force. Da sidestepped, narrowly evading the attack, and felt the rush of adrenaline hit him. He could not let fear dictate his actions.

“Is this what it means to be strong?” Da retorted, taking advantage of the opening to deliver a swift kick to Rico’s side. The enforcer grunted in surprise and staggered back, the wind knocked out of him.

“Nice moves!” laughed Zed mockingly, but Da could see the edges of reality shimmer as he conjured an illusion—two phantom duplicates of himself, identical in every detail, ready to confuse and disrupt their opponents.

Tina narrowed her eyes, instantly recognizing the similarity of Da's techniques. “Illusions? Weak! Let’s see how well you handle—”

Before she could finish, Da moved with the grace of a dancer, directing one of his duplicates toward Tina while launching an energy blast from his palm at Rico to keep him at bay. She barely had time to react before the phantom clone barreled towards her.

Tina quickly countered with a defensive spell, but the distraction was enough. Da’s kick connected, sending her crashing into the nearby wall. Gritting his teeth, he redirected his focus toward Zed, who was flitting between shadows while summoning further illusions to confound him.

Da believed in his skills. He could enhance his combat capabilities, weaving energy with his attacks as he unleashed blasts from his hands, striking at the ground around Zed to force him into the light. The illusionist faltered, the shimmering figures flickering wildly.

“Pressure him!” Da commanded his duplicates, and in a moment, three versions of himself charged toward Zed, forcing him onto the defensive.

“But this is impossible!” Zed yelped, his illusions collapsing as he strained to keep up with the onslaught. “You’ll pay for this!”

The thrumming energy rising in Da blossomed, and he beckoned it forth. With a swift surge, Da launched a concentrated wave of energy—a Mystic Burst, honed from his recent experiences—toward Zed, who yelped as he was propelled backwards, colliding against a nearby lamppost.

With Zed incapacitated, Da turned his attention back to Rico and Tina, banishing his duplicates. The heavyset enforcer was struggling to rise, while Tina attempted to regain her footing, a furious glint seething in her eyes.

“Is this really how you want this to end? Three against one? You’ll find that unfair games don’t last long,” Da challenged, planting his feet firmly, adrenaline still pulsing through him.

Tina hesitated, conflicted between pride and practicality. “This isn’t over! Paul won’t let you go after this. We’ll be back, and we’ll bring more!”

Da’s heart raced with a mixture of triumph and caution. “Then I’ll be ready. But for now, you should consider this as your only warning. Stay out of my way, or you’ll find out just how much stronger I can get.”

Before she could respond, Da turned away, striding past them, confident waves of energy still radiating from him. The onlookers around them erupted in quiet applause, support echoing through the street.

As Da moved away from the scene, adrenaline began to ebb, a mix of relief and exhilaration coursing through him. He knew this confrontation wouldn’t be the last; Paul would see this defeat as a challenge. But instead of fear, it reinforced Da's determination to pursue strength—his own path of awakening.

With the ancient ruins ahead, he was ready to gather what he needed for crafting the Azure Bronze Iron Warden. Whatever awaited him on this journey, he was prepared to confront it head-on—power, purpose, and newfound allies at his side.

And as the sun continued its ascension in the sky, Da stepped forward, unyielding and resolute, ready to carve his destiny within the heart of Greenland City.