Mech: Shattering of the Galaxy

Watching the calm yet serious expression on Mu Fan's face, Crock's face revealed a mocking smile. Among the new students every year, there were no shortage of those filled with dreams. However, reality often proved to be far crueler than their dreams.

"Although you're overestimating your capabilities, I wish you success. Your processing is complete," Crock said, handing the metal Identity Card and apartment access card to Mu Fan without much inflection in his voice.

"Thank you, senior." Mu Fan took them and expressed his thanks without losing his manners.

As he watched the group move off towards another area, Crock's eyes narrowed.

"Senior, Taber is coming over."

"Oh? What's he doing here?" Frowning, Crock asked.

"I came to see this year's new Mecha Academy students. By the way, I'll adjust them a bit, so that from the moment they enter, they learn to always have respect and fear for their seniors."

An indifferent voice sounded just as Taber appeared, and the other second-year students automatically made way for him.

Taber had a much more volatile temper than Crock; he'd gotten into many fights due to disagreements during his time at school.

And what was key—he was very strong.

How strong? Many Mercenary Groups were already inviting him to join their missions for a high price.

As a master of both range and close combat, Taber truly lived up to Crock's words—arrogance was justified by his strength.

Therefore, hearing Taber's words now, Crock unusually did not get angry but said with a displeased expression, "While I do agree with your perspective to a certain extent, it is registration period right now, and you know the unpredictability of your foul temper."

"What's more, it's a pity, but just now some kid amusingly told me his first goal is to defeat his Mecha Academy competitors; these newcomers nowadays are truly like fearless calves."

Taber, undeterred, walked right up beside Crock, looking down at the Light Computer screen.

"How could I miss such a thrilling matter! Who's this kid who dares to say such words before Ghost Tiger? I wouldn't mind teaching him a lesson for you."

"Army Reserve special recruit," Yijin whispered, as Taber heavily patted his shoulder.

"Hahaha, those special recruits? You don't know yet? A month ago, I was the one in charge of receiving them. An elite student tried to act tough in front of me and I beat him into a pig's head; it wouldn't be that same kid coming to register now, would it? Hahahaha." Taber's wild laughter made the new students nearby, who were in the middle of their registration process, quicken their actions in fear.

"Oh?" Now Crock was interested. He opened the list, casually pointed to Mu Fan's name, and said, "Is it this person? I'm looking forward to it."

Mu Fan's portrait and name instantly entered Taber's eyes.

"..."

Crock did not look back at Taber behind him; he was waiting for the "Fierce Wolf's" response.

If it weren't for his own Mecha level being able to compete with Taber, Taber probably wouldn't bother with himself as a senior.

But after two or three seconds, Taber had yet to speak.

Hmm?

Only then did Crock turn his head for a glance and saw an unusual ferocity on Taber's face, devoid of any mockery but filled with... solemnity?

"What's wrong?"

"I know this kid," Taber licked his lips, no humor in his tone, "Mu Fan, the core student of this term's Reserve special recruits."

Core student!?

This term made Yijin and the others turn to Taber in shock.

Even the weaker students knew what being a core student signified!

It was the one spot Dingchuan Academy allocated each year, recognized as the presence of the strongest capabilities among the current students!

Legendary seniors like Qi Longxiang, the Golden Lion King Renault, and Valkyrie Lu Qingxue—all came from being core students.

But traditionally, core students emerged from among the general recruitment.

And this year, a Reserve special recruit is the core student?

This indicated that, in the high-level evaluation, a student relying purely on muscle and fighting surpassed all other new students of the year!

Crock's face now showed a hint of emotion; no wonder the kid had the confidence to speak like that just now.

"How strong is he?"

A fierce look crossed Taber's face, "Strength... very strong. I'm destined to have a fight with him one day."

Taber's words genuinely surprised Crock.

Was this the fearless Fierce Wolf Taber?

"Don't look at me like that. Don't you think this is interesting? If possible, I'll beat him into a pig's head as soon as I can, and that will be a bold mark in my glorious record, hahaha." That wild laughter marked the return of Taber's fiery spirit.

"Interesting, interesting! So he actually came to the Mecha Academy. Fine, you guys continue with the recruitment, I'm off to the training gym." He twisted his neck, producing a series of crackling sounds.

With a fierce presence, the others automatically cleared a path for Taber, watching as the craziest sophomore left.

Crock pursed his lips, rhythmically tapping his fingers as he looked at Mu Fan's avatar on the screen: "So he's actually a genius. Interesting."

...

"Big Barbarian Bear, why be so cold and aloof toward that guy? Why give him the light of day!" huffed Wang Nuonuo, her round face getting rounder in indignation. She just couldn't stand it—why was a senior in charge of recruitment putting on airs?

The chubby one was also indignant, however, his face was filled with admiration and excitement: "Boss, do you realize just how cool you sounded just now?"

Watching as his group continued toward the Ship Command Department, Mu Fan turned and asked, "Which words?"

"Then I'll just take defeating them as my first goal."

After speaking, he tried to pull off an indifferent look, but the shiny greasy face of a chubby boy was too comical.

"Ah, really? I did take that as my first goal," Mu Fan said, scratching his head.

White Hair gave a silent thumbs up.

In this academy, you're the only one I respect!

Although very passionate, White Hair didn't say anything. In his view, the senior, who acted like a showoff, may have been harsh, but his words were truthful.

Without strength, you can't stand your ground anywhere.

Dreams... are the reality that only those with strength can discuss. When going to Hinchlo, those Outer Domain residents lacked a unified legal restraint.

You think you can go over there and pull off a White Wolf?

Heh, you wouldn't even know how you died in the end.

Strength comes in many forms: family, individual, money, force.

In Yin Shuai's eyes, Mu Fan had already taken on two factors.

An overpowering yet unaware personal charm, an unprecedented potential for growth.

Thus, since the first day of school, White Hair started seeing Mu Fan as his prime investment for the next few years.

However, later on, White Hair really found that Mu Fan inadvertently always managed to influence others.

And now?

He was trying hard to shift from a good buddy to a close brother, still owing him his life.

Thinking about it, White Hair's face broke into a mystifying smile, which scared Chuchu, who accidentally glanced back, and she quickly turned her head away again.

"Hahahaha."

Seeing White Hair laughing like a madman, Mu Fan asked with concern, "What's wrong?"

"I'm in a good mood today and feel like spending money. Let's meet up after we've checked in and found our dorms. My treat~~" White Hair stated, laughing with his hands behind his head, looking up at the sky.

All this while, Mu Fan had maintained a normal appearance until suddenly, a rumble like thunder came from his stomach.

"Great!"

"What are we eating?"

"Where are we going to eat?"

Several people asked at once, but each question was different.

"Hahahaha~"

As they spoke, the registration desk for the Ship Command Department appeared right in front of them.

As soon as Mu Fan and his eclectic group of various heights, sizes, and appearances arrived, several handsome men and beautiful women in crisp unranked Ship uniforms looked over.