Brief:
After successfully passing the examination and being chosen by the legendary mech WX-8R, Wei la has officially become a cadet under the Guardian force. Now he must learn the basics of mech piloting, understand the training that he needs to go through to stand equal with his new friends as a member of the special team - Unit Vasila, who visited wei la in the caring unit and told that He'll be discharged tomorrow. His journey as a mech pilot begins.
Main story:
The next morning, I was awakened by the sound of metal clanging against metal in rhythmic patterns. Through the small window of the medical quarters, I could see cadets already training in the grounds below. Some were running with heavy equipment strapped to their backs, while others were engaged in what appeared to be combat drills with dummy weapons.
"Rise and shine, Wei Wei!" Korvet burst through the door with his usual enthusiasm, carrying what looked like a leather uniform similar to his own. "Time for your first day as an official cadet! And before you ask, yes, you won't be required to just sit around eating stale bread no more. get this, you will actually eat real meals after duty! sounds good, yeah?"
I sat up, still feeling the residual effects of yesterday's examination. My body felt different somehow, like there was an energy coursing through me that wasn't there before.
"How are you feeling?" Vasila entered behind Korvet, her usual stern expression softened slightly with what I assumed was concern.
"The mech bonding process can leave lasting effects on new pilots. Some experience enhanced energy, others might develop severe fatigue for a couple of days."
"I feel... different," I replied honestly, flexing my arms and legs, noticing that i seemed more stronger than before. "It's like I can do things that I couldn't before."
Melvin came in and took that opportunity to explain the things he knew.
"That's the neural link establishing in your body," Melvin said from the doorway, holding what appeared to be a stack of manuals. "WX-8R is integrating itself with your nervous system. I-It's completely normal, though.. the extent varies between pilots."
Fahad pushed past Melvin, rolling his eyes. "Great, but no one asked you to lecture, nerd!" He yelled at Melvin, who cowered behind Vasila. "Can we just get moving? Yiovali wants the newbie in the training bay in thirty minutes."
Cal appeared behind them, adjusting something on the holographic screen in their palm. "These readings from yesterday's examination is off the charts.. I've never seen a first-time pilot achieve such synchronization rates with an ancient mech model before."
"Enough chatter," Vasila commanded, her authority cutting through the group's banter. "Hey, get dressed and follow us to the training bay. Today you learn what it actually means to be part of Cadet under my team."
I changed into the black uniform and a long leather coat, which felt comfortable for the cold climate of this region. Back in the shells, It was always normal temperature so i never had to wear thick clothes. The material was flexible yet protective, with reinforced sections around the joints and chest.
There were ports and wires built into the fabric that I assumed it was there for troopers to connect with mechs. I think, They just made it standard for human uniforms as well to cut costs. Either that, or Korvet forgot to bring the right uniform for me..
As we walked through the corridors, Korvet began explaining the basics. "Wei Wei, you might've thought that mech piloting is just about sitting in a cockpit and pushing buttons. *loud incorrect buzzer noise*, you are wrong! These machines are extensions of your body and mind. The better your physical condition, the better you'll pilot."
"That's why it's important that you build stamina and power," Vasila added, gesturing to her iron bangles. "Not just for strength training, but to maintain the neural pathways that keep us connected to our mechs even when we're not piloting."
We entered a massive hangar that took my breath away. Dozens of mechs stood in organized rows, each one unique in design and configuration. Some were sleek and humanoid like WX-8R, others were bulky and heavily armored. A few had multiple arms and unusual appearances, I'm not sure if they could be called as mechs.
"Welcome to the Training Bay, New cadet," Yiovali's voice echoed from above. I looked up to see him, wearing the black officer mask, standing on a platform overlooking the entire facility. "This is where all the Units keep their mechs and participate in friendly-battles."
He descended via a mechanical lift, accompanied by several cadets wearing the same green goggles I'd seen before. "Today, WL-591, you begin your formal education in mech piloting and the power systems that make these machines possible."
Someone walked behind us, i turned to find a tall woman wearing a leather coat, which seemed more royal than the uniforms we wore. She had short silver hair and had multiple floating holographic screens surrounding all around her. She pushed one of them away to address us. "I'm Chief Engineer Zela, head of mech maintenance and power systems research under the supervision of wokan corporation. If you would follow me, please."
She gestured toward a cutaway model of a mech's chest plate and other components that was mounted on a nearby wall. "All Guardian Force mechs operate on Wokan Energy Cores, power sources derived from technology blessed by our god and emperor. These cores don't just provide power—they create a field that enhances human neural activity and allows for the connection between the pilot and the machine to work seamlessly."
"The cores are classified into two power levels," she continued, pointing to different colored crystals embedded in the display. "White Cores are for mechs that work in space, Blue Cores are for most combat mechs, Advanced Red Cores are for specialized operations, Elite Black and Red Cores are for mechs used by Higher ranked Officers with some notable exceptions, and lastly, the Blue and Red Cores which were used by ancient machines like WX-8R."
My eyes widened. "ancient?"
"That core is the last one in existence," Chief Engineer Zela confirmed. "This mech was revived from the dead, specially for your weak body and genetics. You wouldn't stand a chance with modern mechs. But, Blue and Red Cores are not inferior either. Unlike modern cores—Blue and Red cores directly alter the pilot's body permanently. You'll notice increased reflexes, enhanced spatial awareness, and eventually, limited precognitive abilities in combat."
Fahad scoffed. "Don't sugar coat it with only good things.. It comes with a cost. You would slowly lose your mind like those early mech pilots did in the past."
"I believe he can handle it," Vasila shot back, though I caught a hint of pride in her voice.
Yiovali clapped his hands. "Enough theory for now. Time for practical application. Unit Vasila, present yourselves for formal introductions."
The five members of Unit Vasila formed a line in front of me. I realized this was the first time I was seeing them in a resemble a degree of team cooperation and sincerity.
Vasila stepped forward first, A holgram screen came forward from her coat badge. That read the following out:
"Cadet Code:VS-6355
Callsign: Vasila Of The Undying Iron, Leader of Unit Vasila.
Speciality: Close-quarters combat, Mass destruction, Strategic co-ordination.
Power class: All rounder.
Mech contract: Legendary mech 'Crimson Moon,' uses an Elite Black and Red Core and specializing in maximum damage output through raw physical power. Inherited from Master Ranked Officer YL-3490 (Yiovali)"
Korvet was next, his usual playful demeanor replaced with strict look in his eyes, but i tried to not laugh.
"Cadet Code: KV-3788
Callsign: Korvet 'Speed Monarch.'
Speciality: High-mobility in warfare and reconnaissance.
Power class: Speedster
Mech contract: 'Speed Monarch V-09' uses an Standard Blue Core configured for speed and aerial maneuvers."
Melvin stepped forward nervously.
"Cadet Code: MN-9033
Callsign: Melvin
Speciality: Tactical Analysis
Power class: Support
Mech contract: None. Cadet operates through electronics from a higher ground, a crucial member for battlefield coordination."
Cal moved forward with a smile.
"Cadet Code: CL-6599
Callsign: Cal, Rising Storm
Speciality: Defensive Push, Destabilizing Enemy forces
Power class: Defense
Mech contract: 'Rising Storm - 43E,' uses a modified Advanced Red Core that handles heavy damages during battle against multiple enemies and infiltration."
Finally, Fahad stepped forward with barely concealed aggression.
"Cadet Code: FD-1211
Callsign: Fahad, Second-In Command of Unit Vasila
Speciality: Precise shooting skills, Flight, High-mobility, and High-damage
Power class: Attacker
Mech contract: 'Demon Of The West 01,' uses an Standard Blue Core focused on long-range sniping and explosive close combats."
Yiovali nodded. "And now, our newest member."
I stepped forward and joined the line.
The Wokan symbol on my coat opened hologram screen.
"Cadet Code: WL-591
Callsign: Wei La, The First One.
Speciality: None. Training in progress.
Power class: Yet to be analysed.
Mech contract: Pilot of the classic model mech, WX-8R, 'Wokan's Strongest Soldier,' powered by the ancient Blue and Red Core because of the frail body of the cadet."
I felt the weight of their stares, the significance of how far i have come was settling in on me.
"Your first lesson," Chief Engineer Zela announced, "will be basic mech startup and shutdown procedures. Then we'll move on to movement calibration and systems familiarization. The rest of the training and battle will be handled by your Unit leader."
I looked at Vasila for approval, she gave a thumbs up. I learnt that she does that gesture whenever she approves or wishes me well.
Zela led us to a training mech, "Every pilot must master the fundamentals on standard equipment before advancing to their personal machines. The principles are the same regardless of power class and speciality. This training mech's core was weakened enough for you to start, Cadet WL-591. You can only start and move for awhile so don't try anything complicated."
As I climbed into the training mech's cockpit, I was struck by how different it felt from WX-8R. Where my assigned mech felt alive and responsive, this training mech felt rusty and distant.
"The first step," Zela's voice came through the communication system, "You don't need to do a lot for establishing connection with training mechs. This will be straight forward. Place your hands on the control interfaces."
I followed her instructions, and immediately sensed the difference. The Standard Blue Core's energy was weak compared to WX-8R's overwhelming power. It took 5 seconds to establish the connection.
"Excellent," Yiovali's voice joined the communication channel. "Now, the most important lesson any mech pilot learns: power management. Your core's energy isn't infinite. Every movement, every weapon discharge, every system activation draws from that pool. Learn to fight efficiently, or you'll find yourself exhuasted in the middle of battle."
Over the next several hours, I learned the basics of mech controls. Walking was simple but the training mech was dragging its feet all the time so it wasn't that great—the neural connection translated my intentions into mechanical movement. But running, jumping, and more complex maneuvers required conscious effort and practice.
"The key," Korvet explained during a break, "is to stop thinking of the mech as a machine you're controlling. It needs to become a extention of your body. When you want to lift your arm, you don't think about which individual muscle to move—it just happens, right? Piloting Mechs are the same."
Vasila demonstrated by activating her own mech, the Red and black, glowing monster - The Crimson Moon. Despite its size and obvious weight, she moved it with fluid grace. "Watch how the power flows," she said as a chart appeared in my control interface, showing the energy distribution throughout her machine. The Synchronizing rate was above 100%.
As the day progressed, I came in terms with the complexity of what i have committed to.
"Tomorrow," Yiovali announced as we concluded the day's training, "This week you'll begin weapons training and combat scenarios. But for now, reflect on what you've learned."
Unit Vasila walked back to the quarters, I felt a closer bond with them. These people who had given up their pleasures to train against threats for years, I was only beginning to understand it now.
"Not bad for a shell kid," Fahad grudgingly admitted as we reached our quarters. "You didn't completely embarrass yourself. Keep training the same way."
"High praise from Fahad," Cal added which pissed him off like he usual does.
"Tomorrow's going to be harder," Melvin warned. "Combat training doesn't allow for the same margin of error as basic movement.."
"He'll do fine," Vasila said firmly. "Yiovali trusted him to give a chance. We just need to make sure he's worthy of that choice."
That night, as I lay in the middle bunker bed on the right side, listening to the sounds of around me, I thought about how far I'd come from the shell chamber where I'd spent my entire life. Kyle had died to give me this opportunity, and I was determined not to waste it.
But questions still plagued my mind. Who had really killed everyone in my shell? Why was I the only one allowed to survive? And what role was I truly meant to play in this conflict between humans and metal souls?
The neural link with WX-8R pulsed faintly in the back of my consciousness, and for a moment I could swear I heard a voice: "Patience, First One. All answers come to those who prove themselves in battle."
Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new lessons, and hopefully, new clues about the truth I was seeking. But for now, I was content with myself.
Korvet and Fahad are snoring too loud.