From Scrap Mecha to Sci-Fi Heaven

"Cough, just average."

Seeing the boy's adoring gaze as if he were looking at an idol, Lin Yu couldn't help but cough lightly a couple of times.

Although he indeed possessed knowledge in Mech Engineering and could be considered a proper Mech Engineer, it was all thanks to his special abilities.

Being praised face-to-face by someone, especially a boy of such a young age, still made him feel a bit awkward.

Fortunately, as the convoy officially set off, Xiao Liu's excitement gradually faded due to the need to lead the way.

As the guide, Lin Yu naturally took the lead in his fully enclosed cargo truck, with Qiao Wa (Jova) and his teammates driving their jeep alongside, followed by the vehicle of Young man Zhao.

The wasteland was barren, with no proper roads; sometimes it was pockmarked with waterlogged areas, and other times it was dry mud with sparse, yellowing weeds. As the vehicles sped along, dust filled the air.

"Brother Lin, I heard that Mr. Zhao is also a Mecha Pilot, and he uses a Second Generation Mecha. Do you know what a Second Generation Mecha is like?"

During the dull journey, after a while, Xiao Liu couldn't help but ask questions out of curiosity.

"The main difference between Second Generation Mecha and the first generation lies in the interaction mode. The first generation Mecha primarily uses Somatosensory Interaction, while the Second Generation Mecha employs neural signal interaction."

Lin Yu didn't need to focus too much on driving, so he casually explained to the boy:

"Because it uses faster and more precise neural interactions, pilots can perform more subtle and agile operations on the Mecha. The design of the mecha often tends to favor a humanoid bionic structure.

With neural interaction combined with a bionic body, various combat techniques and tactical movements can be executed perfectly, even allowing for counter-joint movements that defy normal human capabilities.

Moreover, neural interaction technology is also fundamental for medium to large Mechs. It is through reverse transmission of neural signals that sensations of pain and impact can be created, allowing the pilot of a large Mech to immediately realize they are under attack and identify the location of the hit.

Don't think that our evolved sense of pain is purely a negative aspect; organisms develop it not to suffer but to better recognize and assess dangers.

Whether one is hit, the location of the hit, the degree of damage, and so on, all rely on the sense of pain for timely feedback. Without it, one might be stabbed in the back and bleed to death without even realizing it…"

Lin Yu's explanation was detailed and easy to understand, and Xiao Liu listened with increasing admiration and longing.

As technology advances, it becomes more specialized. Even among Mech Engineers, some may focus solely on engines, others on transmission systems, and others on sensors or various mechanical theories.

However, the advantage of having upgraded through that light blue panel is its comprehensiveness. Being a Level 4 Mech Engineer means encompassing all aspects of Level 4 Mech Engineering, being proficient in everything.

This is something even other Level 4 Mech Engineers cannot compare to, and it is also the main reason he can single-handedly create Mechs, with one person equaling an entire team.

With Lin Yu, a Level 4 Mech Engineer who can oversee the big picture, breaking down and explaining various Mech design theories and key points, combined with Xiao Liu's exceptional talent, the benefits he gained were far beyond substantial.

The richer the rewards, the more entranced he became, and his respect for Lin Yu soared.

"Brother Lin, if that's the case, isn't the Second Generation Mecha completely crushing the first generation?"

After finishing the lesson, Xiao Liu couldn't help but ask thoughtfully.

"Otherwise, why would it be called first and second generation? It's simply a difference in era and version."

Lin Yu smiled as a matter of course and reassured him, "Of course, it's not entirely so. There are also differences in skills, mindset, timing, and other aspects among pilots. Combat isn't just about comparing numbers like in a game; with the right timing and conditions, it's possible for the weak to overcome the strong."

"Well, that's only a possibility, and the probability should be quite small, right? Unless there's a significant gap between the pilots."

Xiao Liu was clearly not satisfied with this answer, feeling a bit disappointed and disheartened.

The young man, still somewhat naive, yearned for stories of reversal and the triumph of the underdog over the powerful.

After all, many times, stories often reflect one's own life.

Lin Yu's mindset, however, was different from that of a young person. He simply chuckled, "Then why get stuck on the idea of the weak overcoming the strong? Accumulate your foundation, improve your skills, and always keep yourself at the forefront of technology; you will be the pinnacle yourself."

"So it can be thought of that way."

After a little prompting and a change in perspective, the boy suddenly felt the world open up, and his dimmed eyes sparkled once more.

Looking back, he felt the difference between them even more keenly, and his admiration grew.

...

The convoy sped through the wilderness all day.

During the season of short days and long nights, the weather in the wilderness was also unpredictable. As the sky darkened early, the group had no choice but to set up camp on the spot.

With a mobile home in tow, Zhao Xing even brought along a chef, so there was no need to worry about meals. The group gathered firewood and set up a bonfire, which added a unique flavor to the experience.

Unfortunately, Lin Yu still felt somewhat detached from the others.

Qiao Wa (Jova) and his five teammates were mercenaries, while Zhao Xing and his logistics team were part of the Mech group. Both were independent and familiar circles, making it difficult for Lin Yu to integrate into either in such a short time.

It wasn't a deliberate isolation; he exchanged smiles and greetings, but there was still a sense of distance. He could only share a few jokes with Xiao Liu, who was in a similar situation.

During the entire dinner time, Qiao Wa (Jova) and the others took turns guarding and checking the surroundings, while Zhao Xing kept circling around Old Zhang.

"Hey, Lin kid, come, come, let's have a chat."

Perhaps tired of Zhao Xing's constant circling, Old Zhang instead left the mobile home and approached Lin Yu, who was hiding in a corner by the bonfire, seeking some peace.

"What do you want to talk about?"

Lin Yu was somewhat puzzled by Old Zhang's attitude.

He seemed annoyed by Zhao Xing but approached Lin Yu with a friendly demeanor.

Upon reflection, he realized he hadn't had much interaction with Old Zhang, let alone any friendship or closeness.

"Let's start with you. Do you know why Zhao Xing, being a Mecha Pilot, doesn't seem to value you much?"

Old Zhang had a wise look, chuckling.

"Probably because he doesn't see me as a pilot but as an engineer."

Lin Yu shrugged, somewhat aware of Zhao Xing's thoughts.

Mecha Pilots are the core of the Mech group, while Mech Engineers are merely technicians. Naturally, in the eyes of the Pilot Association, the former is more valuable.

And in reality, that is indeed the case.

The production and development of Mechs have already become a mature industrial system.

Compared to a designer, truly elite pilots or those who can develop new technologies are clearly rarer.