Chapter 38: Chapter 38: Talking About Battle Armor
Chapter 38: Talking About Battle Armor
The academy granted them a day to settle in, and the first-grade Class Zero officially began the next day.
Of course, even with the official start, things weren't quite complete. After all, three of the six members were injured—fractures, no less—so they could only begin with theory classes.
The classroom for Class Zero felt a little empty. Structurally, it wasn't much different from any ordinary classroom, but with only six students—Nan Fusheng and the others—it felt especially spacious.
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi sat on one side, while Nan Fusheng and the other four sat on the opposite side. The division between the two groups was obvious.
Zhang Yangzi sat with his legs up on a chair, a gloomy expression on his face. Wang Jinxi remained silent, though his gaze would occasionally drift toward Tang Wulin.
Wu Changkong entered the classroom with his usual stern expression. He stood at the center and swept his eyes over the group.
"Starting today, your courses will undergo some changes."
His words immediately caught everyone's attention. Even Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi, who had conflicted feelings, still admired this powerful, unyielding Spirit Master. They had all witnessed Wu Changkong's battle with Guang Biao.
Wu Changkong continued, "Given your current physical condition, training will be delayed. We'll begin with theory. Today's topic: mechas."
Mechas?
The six exchanged surprised looks.
The gloom on Zhang Yangzi's face lessened slightly, and he couldn't help but ask, "Teacher Wu, isn't mecha knowledge usually taught in the senior division? We're just in first grade—aren't we starting a bit early?"
Traditionally, the junior division of the Intermediate Spirit Master Academy lasts six years and focuses on building foundational strength. The senior division begins introducing content like mechas. Upon graduating from the senior division, students would apply to different advanced academies depending on their specialty. Those who graduate from senior academies are among the elite of society.
And yet, here they were, still in first grade, already being introduced to mechas? Wasn't that a little excessive?
Wu Changkong replied, "This mecha course is only to give you a general understanding. There won't be many classes on it."
"Now—who among you doesn't want to become a mecha master someday?"
None of the six responded.
Becoming a mecha master was synonymous with being strong—dominant. It was the mainstream path for powerhouses now.
Wu Changkong said, "In that case, listen carefully." He glanced sharply at Zhang Yangzi, who immediately felt a chill and dared not say another word.
"The development of modern mechas began over ten thousand years ago. At that time, spirit guides had already been developed for thousands of years and were widely used.
Originally created for war, spirit guides were eventually transformed into tools for civilian use.
Spirit Masters of the time envisioned using spirit guides to amplify their abilities—making themselves even stronger. That's how research into mechas began.
Tens of thousands of years ago, Spirit Masters were the mainstream profession. But Spirit Masters were rare, and most couldn't become truly powerful.
The rise of spirit guides changed this. Low-level Spirit Masters, especially auxiliary-type, could use spirit guides and their own soul power to gain combat effectiveness. The emergence of spirit-guided mechas made this transformation even more significant."
"Spirit-guided mechas use spirit power storage devices, allowing users to unleash power beyond their limits. Initially, these mechas were massive—because larger frames could carry more storage and weapons."
"As technology advanced, even ordinary people could operate mechas if they were physically fit enough. So mechas became the mainstay of modern armies."
"The history of mechas evolved from miniaturization, to large-scale designs, to medium-sized, and finally to the standard forms you're familiar with today. Throughout this development, spirit arrays were improved, new innovations were made, and mechas became even more crucial in warfare."
Nan Fusheng listened closely. It was his first time receiving structured education on mechas. For someone like him—currently lacking offensive power—mechas were an appealing path.
But… expensive.
Nan Fusheng didn't know the exact cost of building a mecha, but he was sure that with just a little over a million federation coins, he couldn't afford one. Not even close.
He was resource-starved now. But he wasn't hoping for some storybook miracle to get rich overnight. He figured his best bet was to parasitize a high-level blacksmith or spirit guide in the future—that was a solid path to wealth.
Just as he was daydreaming, Wu Changkong said from the podium:
"A true powerhouse doesn't grow larger. Mechas are meant to enhance, not make you a bigger target. That's why, once you reach purple-grade, mechas begin to shrink in size—until they resemble armor. These are called: Battle Armors."
The moment he mentioned "battle armor," Nan Fusheng snapped back to attention. Battle armor was a unique type of spirit guide, one that could directly enhance a Spirit Master's combat power.
The rest of the class was also captivated by the term—battle armor. It was a brand-new concept that seized their imaginations.
Armor-like mechas were at the very top of the hierarchy.
"As you may know," Wu Changkong continued, "aside from mecha masters, there are mecha designers, manufacturers, and repairers—essential professions in the human world.
From today, I'll not only introduce you to mechas, but also help guide you toward choosing your second profession. I strongly recommend that each of you consider taking on one of these three roles. That's the only path to becoming truly powerful."
Gu Yue asked curiously, "Teacher Wu, shouldn't we be focusing on combat training and, at most, learning how to control mechas? Why pick a second profession?"
Wu Changkong answered, "If you want your battle armor to be truly powerful, then it must be tailored to suit you. That means—design it yourself, build it yourself, repair it yourself. Only through that level of involvement can you become one with your armor.
If you don't pursue a second career, you'll never create the perfect battle armor, and you'll never reach the top."
"Class Zero was created with one goal: to push you toward that summit. The road is long and grueling—perhaps it will take your entire life. My job is to help you avoid detours and find your path early on."
"There's no rush to choose right now. You still have time to decide. But by the third grade, you'll need to pick. Given your talent, you should start earlier than others. The earlier you begin, the faster your returns. So—I want your final decision within three years."
"Of course, the three professions I mentioned are simply my recommendations. There are other spirit-guide-related paths worth exploring. In fact, some of you have already made your choice."
As he said this, Wu Changkong looked at Tang Wulin.
Second profession? Tang Wulin instantly realized Teacher Wu was referring to his forging.
"Wulin has chosen forging as his second profession—very early, in fact—and I believe he's especially gifted in it. Forging is another career I recommend highly.
All battle armor above the purple grade relies on forging. And in any second profession, once you reach five stars or higher, the resources available to you for cultivation will increase dramatically."
Tang Wulin had already made his decision. He was now a three-star blacksmith, highly valued by the Blacksmith Association. And the more he learned, the more he appreciated the depth of forging. His father had taught him from a young age: no matter what path you take, be focused. Never be indecisive.
The others said nothing. Choosing a second career was a heavy decision.
They were still young. They didn't yet know what they loved. Fortunately, they had over two years to think it over—plenty of time.
---
Read 20+ Advanced Chapters at P@ Tre On
FictionTimeo
(End of this chapter)