Chapter 44: The Obsessed Rival
The challenge came during lunch on Tuesday, one week after Lin Feng completed Analysis Protocol v0.5.
Lin Feng was sitting with Chen Hao and Tang Yue in their usual spot near the cafeteria windows when Li Xin approached their table. The assault-type pilot's expression was tight with barely controlled anger, his jaw clenched as he stopped directly across from Lin Feng.
"Lin Feng," Li Xin said, his voice loud enough to draw attention from nearby tables. "I'm challenging you to a formal duel. Saturday afternoon, Training Yard Three. Public observation allowed."
The surrounding conversations quieted as students turned to watch. Formal duels weren't uncommon at the academy, but they carried weight—official records, faculty supervision, and implications for rankings and reputation.
Lin Feng set down his fork and studied Li Xin calmly. They'd been on the same team for the Gauntlet challenge weeks ago, but since then Li Xin had grown increasingly hostile. The previous tensions from their team's early days had clearly never fully resolved.
"What's the reason for this challenge?" Lin Feng asked.
Li Xin's expression darkened. "You know exactly why. You were ranked forty-seventh when the semester started. I was fifteenth. Now you're twenty-third and I've dropped to nineteenth. You've passed me through some kind of trick system instead of real skill."
Several students murmured at that accusation. Lin Feng noticed a mix of reactions—some looked interested in the drama, others appeared skeptical of Li Xin's claim, and a few nodded as if agreeing with the assessment.
"My Analysis Protocol isn't a trick," Lin Feng said evenly. "It's a tool I developed myself using my unique abilities. The academy has already verified its legitimacy."
"Then prove it works in real combat," Li Xin shot back. "Not in team scenarios where you hide behind Chen Hao's defense and Tang Yue's support. Face me one-on-one, and we'll see if your 'system' can beat actual combat power."
Chen Hao started to stand, his face flushing with anger at the insult, but Lin Feng raised a hand to stop him. This wasn't worth fighting over—words were just words. But the challenge itself had merit.
Lin Feng had been planning to test his upgraded Analysis Protocol against stronger individual opponents anyway. Li Xin was Tier 1 with seven hundred fifty units energy capacity and aggressive assault-type training. He'd make a useful benchmark.
"I accept," Lin Feng said calmly. "Saturday at two o'clock, Training Yard Three. Standard duel rules—first to energy depletion, knockout, or surrender."
Li Xin's eyes flashed with satisfaction. "Good. Don't expect me to go easy on you just because we were teammates once."
"I wouldn't want you to," Lin Feng replied.
Li Xin turned and walked away without another word. The cafeteria's noise level gradually returned to normal as students processed what they'd just witnessed.
Chen Hao leaned forward once Li Xin was out of earshot. "That guy has completely lost it. What's his problem?"
"Pride," Tang Yue said quietly. "He's been sliding in the rankings while watching you rise. Some people can't handle that kind of ego damage."
Lin Feng nodded. "He sees my success as diminishing his own worth. It's a common psychological response—zero-sum thinking where someone else's gain feels like your loss."
"But you didn't do anything to him," Chen Hao protested. "You just trained hard and improved."
"That doesn't matter to him. He needs to prove—to himself and others—that his strength is legitimate and mine isn't." Lin Feng resumed eating. "The duel will settle it one way or another."
"You're going to win, right?" Chen Hao asked. "I mean, your system is amazing. You coordinated all of us through the Gauntlet."
"Team coordination and individual combat are different skill sets," Lin Feng said. "Li Xin is Tier 1 with higher energy capacity than mine, and he specializes in assault combat. He has advantages."
Tang Yue frowned. "But you have Analysis Protocol v0.5 now. Can't it predict his energy consumption?"
"It should, if the system performs as designed. But this will be the first real test against a motivated opponent who knows about my analytical approach." Lin Feng considered the challenge thoughtfully. "Li Xin will likely try to overwhelm me quickly with aggressive assault tactics. If he can end the fight before my system gathers enough data, he wins."
"And if he can't?" Chen Hao asked.
"Then I win by forcing energy depletion. He's an aggressive fighter—high energy consumption is built into his style. If I can survive his initial assault and drag the fight longer, my energy efficiency advantage will decide the outcome."
News of the duel spread through the academy rapidly. By dinner that evening, it seemed like every student knew about the challenge. Several approached Lin Feng offering advice or support, while others made clear they expected Li Xin to win easily.
The betting pools started by Wednesday morning. Lin Feng heard students discussing odds in the hallways—Li Xin was the heavy favorite at three-to-one. Few believed a balanced-type Tier 2 pilot could defeat an assault-type specialist, even with their current tier difference.
Lin Feng didn't mind the low expectations. Underestimation was tactically useful.
Thursday's coaching session with Instructor Liu focused specifically on fighting against aggressive assault-types.
"Li Xin's style is predictable," Instructor Liu said bluntly. "He commits fully to offense and accepts damage to deal damage. Against most opponents, that works—he's strong enough to win through attrition. Against you, it's his weakness."
"Because of energy consumption," Lin Feng observed.
"Exactly. Every fully-committed power attack costs him twenty-five to forty units. Your defensive deflections cost eight to twelve units. Simple mathematics—you can outlast him if you don't make mistakes."
Instructor Liu pulled up tactical diagrams showing optimal defensive positioning against assault-types. "The key is never letting him corner you. Assault-types want to trap opponents, force them to block instead of deflect, and overwhelm defensive capacity. You maintain mobility, keep distance, and only counterattack when opportunities present minimal risk."
Lin Feng absorbed the instruction, integrating it with his Analysis Protocol's tactical database. His system would identify the specific patterns Instructor Liu described, then recommend optimal responses in real-time.
"One more thing," Instructor Liu said. "Li Xin will be emotionally charged. Anger makes fighters aggressive but sloppy. Use that. Let him waste energy on attacks that miss or get deflected. Stay calm, stay efficient, and let him defeat himself."
Friday evening, Lin Feng entered his soul space for final preparation. Logic Frame stood in the infinite white void, and he manifested his programming interface.
Analysis Protocol v0.5 was ready, but he wanted to review Li Xin's specific combat data one final time. His system had recorded extensive information during their team missions together—attack patterns, energy consumption habits, tactical tendencies.
Lin Feng pulled up the compiled profile.
LI XIN - COMBAT PROFILE
Tier: 1Energy Capacity: 750 units (estimated)Mecha Type: Blazing Fury (Assault)Equipment: Blue-tier weapons, White-tier armor
Fighting Style:- Aggressive offensive pressure (89% time in active attack)- Power-strike preference (73% of attacks)- Poor energy management (depletes to <20% in 4-5 minutes)- Limited defensive technique- Emotional fighter (performance degrades under frustration)
Energy Consumption Patterns:- Average attack cost: 32 units- Average defensive cost: 18 units (inefficient blocking)- Sustained combat consumption: ~145 units/minute- Critical energy threshold reached: ~4.5 minutes
Tactical Weaknesses:- Over-commits to attacks- Poor recovery positioning- Predictable combination sequences- Struggles against mobile opponents
The data painted a clear picture. Li Xin was powerful but inefficient. His aggressive style created openings, and his poor energy management meant longer fights favored Lin Feng dramatically.
Lin Feng programmed Li Xin's specific patterns into his Analysis Protocol as a priority reference profile. When the duel began, his system would immediately recognize Li Xin's style and load appropriate tactical recommendations.
LI XIN COUNTER-STRATEGY - PROGRAMMED
Phase 1 (0-90 seconds): Pure Defense- Gather energy consumption data- Achieve 75%+ prediction confidence- Minimize energy expenditure- Stay mobile, avoid corners
Phase 2 (90-180 seconds): Efficient Counter- Maintain defensive priority- Counter only high-probability openings- Force Li Xin to maintain aggression- Monitor his energy depletion rate
Phase 3 (180+ seconds): Calculated Aggression- Increase offensive pressure when Li Xin drops <40% energy- Exploit fatigue-induced errors- Force defensive responses (his weakness)- Victory through energy depletion or forced surrender
Lin Feng reviewed the strategy multiple times, ensuring every detail was clear. The plan relied on discipline—resisting the urge to counterattack early, staying patient through Li Xin's aggressive assault, and trusting his system's predictions.
Saturday arrived with unusual tension in the air. Word had spread far enough that even third and fourth-year students planned to watch the duel. Training Yard Three was the academy's largest outdoor combat arena, with observation stands capable of holding five hundred spectators.
Lin Feng arrived at one-thirty, thirty minutes early, and found the stands already filling. Chen Hao and Tang Yue had saved him a seat in the preparation area, but he wouldn't join them until after equipment checks.
Academy officials verified his mecha synchronization and confirmed his energy capacity. A referee explained the standard rules—five-minute time limit, victory by surrender, knockout, or energy depletion below five percent. Medical staff stood ready for any injuries.
Li Xin arrived at one forty-five, his expression a mixture of determination and barely-suppressed anger. He completed his equipment check without acknowledging Lin Feng's presence.
At two o'clock precisely, the referee called both fighters to the center of the arena.
"Standard duel rules apply," the referee announced, his voice amplified to reach the crowded stands. "Fight with honor. Begin on my signal."
Lin Feng and Li Xin faced each other across ten meters of packed earth. The afternoon sun cast sharp shadows across the arena. Lin Feng could hear students cheering and calling out predictions from the stands.
He synchronized with Logic Frame, feeling the familiar mental connection solidify. His mecha materialized around him—fifteen meters of blue-silver armor with modular design points visible across the frame.
Li Xin's Blazing Fury appeared opposite—a crimson and gold assault-type mecha, slightly smaller at fourteen meters but heavily armed with blade weapons and reinforced striking surfaces.
ANALYSIS PROTOCOL v0.5 - ACTIVESystem Overhead: 66 unitsAvailable Combat Energy: 784/850 unitsOpponent Profile: Li Xin (Loaded)Energy Prediction Module: STANDBY
The referee raised his hand. "Fighters ready?"
Lin Feng nodded. Li Xin's only response was to shift into aggressive forward stance.
"Begin!"
Li Xin exploded forward immediately, closing the distance with a powerful dash that left scorched earth behind his mecha's feet. His opening attack was a massive overhead strike aimed at crushing Lin Feng's defensive position.
Lin Feng sidestepped with minimal movement, letting the blade crash into the ground where he'd stood a moment before. The impact crater showed the attack's devastating power—taking that hit directly would have cost him over a hundred units just to block.
ENERGY PREDICTION MODULE - INITIALIZINGOpponent Action 1: Power dash + overhead strikeEstimated Cost: 58 unitsLi Xin Estimated Remaining: 692/750 units (92%)Confidence: 31%
Li Xin recovered quickly and launched a horizontal sweep. Lin Feng deflected with an angled guard, redirecting force rather than opposing it directly. The deflection cost him nine units to Li Xin's twenty-eight.
ENERGY PREDICTION MODULE - UPDATEObserved Actions: 3Li Xin Estimated Remaining: 664/750 units (89%)Confidence: 48%
The assault continued relentlessly. Li Xin pressed forward with combination after combination—overhead strikes flowing into horizontal cuts, power kicks, shoulder charges. Every attack carried maximum force, trading energy efficiency for immediate damage potential.
Lin Feng maintained pure defensive tactics, implementing Phase 1 of his strategy. Dodge when possible, deflect when necessary, never block directly. Stay mobile, maintain distance, gather data.
His Analysis Protocol tracked every movement, building Li Xin's energy consumption profile with increasing accuracy.
Forty-five seconds into the match, Li Xin had executed eighteen attacks. His breathing was already slightly elevated—a sign of sustained high-intensity effort.
ENERGY PREDICTION MODULE - UPDATEObserved Actions: 18Total Consumption Detected: 547 unitsLi Xin Estimated Remaining: 203/750 units (27%)Confidence: 71%
The crowd's noise changed. Some students were shouting encouragement to Li Xin, others commenting on Lin Feng's defensive skill. Instructor Liu's voice carried from the faculty observation area: "Good discipline, Lin Feng!"
Li Xin's frustration was becoming visible. His attacks grew slightly wilder, commitment increasing as he tried to break through Lin Feng's defense. But every additional attack depleted his energy reserves further.
At ninety seconds, Lin Feng's system achieved sufficient prediction confidence.
ENERGY PREDICTION MODULE - RELIABLE DATA ACHIEVEDObserved Actions: 34Li Xin Estimated Remaining: 184/750 units (25%)Confidence: 78%ALERT: Opponent energy below 30% thresholdRecommendation: Transition to Phase 2 - Efficient Counter
Lin Feng shifted tactics subtly. He still prioritized defense, but now he countered when Li Xin's attacks created clear openings. A deflected overhead strike left Li Xin's flank exposed for point-three seconds—Lin Feng's blade flashed out, landing a precise strike that cost him eighteen units but forced Li Xin to expend thirty-two units recovering defensive position.
The counter surprised Li Xin. His eyes widened behind his mecha's visual interface.
"Stop running!" Li Xin shouted, frustration breaking through. "Fight me properly!"
Lin Feng didn't respond verbally. He continued his systematic approach—defend efficiently, counter precisely, maintain energy discipline.
The crowd's reaction shifted. Students who understood combat tactics were starting to realize what was happening. Li Xin's aggressive assault looked impressive, but Lin Feng's measured responses were winning the energy war.
At two minutes thirty seconds, Li Xin's movements showed visible fatigue. His attacks came slightly slower, recovery positions were less tight, and his breathing was heavy.
ENERGY PREDICTION MODULE - CRITICAL UPDATELi Xin Estimated Remaining: 97/750 units (13%)Confidence: 84%ALERT: Opponent energy criticalRecommendation: Transition to Phase 3 - Calculated Aggression
Lin Feng pressed forward for the first time in the match. His attacks weren't wild or overpowered—they were precise, targeting specific openings his Analysis Protocol identified. Each strike forced Li Xin to defend, reversing their combat dynamic.
Li Xin tried to maintain his aggressive style, but his depleted energy made it impossible. Blocks became sluggish. Counterattacks lacked power. The assault-type pilot who'd dominated the first two minutes was now struggling to maintain basic defense.
"This isn't... you're just..." Li Xin's words came between heavy breaths. "You're not even... fighting fair..."
"I'm fighting efficiently," Lin Feng replied calmly, landing another precise strike on Li Xin's shoulder joint. "You're the one who challenged me."
At three minutes fifteen seconds, Li Xin attempted one final desperate offensive surge. He gathered his remaining energy for a massive combination sequence—the kind of overwhelming assault that had won him victories against most opponents.
Lin Feng's Analysis Protocol predicted the sequence before it began.
TACTICAL PREDICTION - HIGH CONFIDENCEPredicted Sequence: Triple overhead combo + finishing chargePredicted Energy Cost: ~72 unitsLi Xin Estimated Remaining: 51 unitsALERT: Predicted energy depletion during executionRecommendation: Full evasion, allow self-defeat
Lin Feng dodged backward in a smooth arc, staying just outside Li Xin's attack range. The three overhead strikes hit empty air, each one consuming energy Li Xin couldn't afford to spend. The finishing charge began but cut off halfway through as Li Xin's energy reserves bottomed out.
ENERGY PREDICTION MODULE - FINAL UPDATELi Xin Remaining Energy: 8/750 units (1%)Status: CRITICAL - Combat capability lost
Li Xin's mecha wavered, barely maintaining standing position. The crimson armor's glow faded as energy levels dropped below combat-functional thresholds. Li Xin himself was gasping for breath, the physical and mental strain of complete energy depletion overwhelming him.
The referee raised his hand. "Match concluded! Victory: Lin Feng by opponent energy depletion!"
The crowd erupted in mixed reactions. Some cheered Lin Feng's tactical victory. Others seemed disappointed that the match hadn't included more dramatic combat. A few looked genuinely shocked that the underdog had won so decisively.
Lin Feng's remaining energy: 612/850 units—seventy-two percent of capacity.
He desynchronized from Logic Frame and walked toward Li Xin, who was still breathing heavily, his face flushed with exhaustion and humiliation.
"Good match," Lin Feng said, extending his hand.
Li Xin stared at the offered hand for several seconds, his expression cycling through anger, frustration, and finally grudging acceptance. He took Lin Feng's hand briefly.
"You... played me," Li Xin said quietly. "Let me waste energy while you conserved yours."
"I fought to my strengths against your style," Lin Feng replied. "That's what tactics mean. Your raw power is higher than mine, but combat isn't just about power."
Li Xin nodded slowly, the anger draining from his expression. "I... I get it now. You weren't cheating or using tricks. You just understand combat at a different level than I do."
"You'll get there," Lin Feng said. "You're strong, Li Xin. You just need to develop energy management discipline to match that strength."
Medical staff approached to check on Li Xin, whose energy depletion bordered on concerning. Lin Feng stepped back to give them space.
Chen Hao rushed down from the stands, grinning widely. "That was incredible! You didn't even look like you were in danger!"
Tang Yue followed more calmly but with clear pride in her expression. "The way you controlled the entire fight... I've never seen anything like it. You knew exactly when he'd run out of energy."
"Analysis Protocol v0.5 worked perfectly," Lin Feng confirmed. "Prediction accuracy exceeded eighty percent by ninety seconds. After that, it was just execution."
Instructor Liu approached from the faculty area, accompanied by Professor Zhang. "Textbook energy management victory," Instructor Liu said. "You implemented everything we discussed perfectly."
"The discipline required for that strategy is exceptional," Professor Zhang added. "Most pilots would have been unable to resist counterattacking during his initial assault. You trusted your system completely."
"The system is only as good as the pilot using it," Lin Feng replied. "I still need to execute the tactics it recommends."
The crowd began dispersing, students leaving in small groups while discussing what they'd witnessed. Lin Feng noticed several qualified tournament participants watching him thoughtfully—they'd just seen a demonstration of his analytical combat method and would be preparing counters.
That was fine. Let them try. His Analysis Protocol would adapt to whatever strategies they developed.
Over the next few days, the atmosphere around Lin Feng shifted noticeably. Students who'd previously dismissed him as a mid-tier fighter now regarded him with cautious respect. Several approached him asking questions about energy management and tactical thinking.
Li Xin himself underwent a transformation. The hostile edge disappeared, replaced by grudging but genuine respect. They weren't friends, but the antagonistic rivalry had ended. Li Xin had gotten the one-on-one proof he needed that Lin Feng's success was legitimate.
Wednesday evening, as Lin Feng worked on Analysis Protocol refinements in his soul space, he reflected on what the duel had proven. Version 0.5 worked exactly as designed. The energy consumption prediction gave him decisive tactical advantages. Against aggressive fighters like Li Xin, he could win even when outmatched in raw power.
But the duel had also revealed limitations. Li Xin's straightforward assault style was relatively easy for his system to analyze. Tournament opponents from other academies would bring more sophisticated techniques—unpredictable patterns, deceptive feints, and tactical complexity his current algorithms might struggle with.
He'd need to continue refining and testing, pushing the system further before the tournament began.
Three and a half weeks remained. The duel against Li Xin was just one data point in his preparation. Many more challenges awaited.
But for now, Lin Feng allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. He'd proven his systematic approach could defeat raw power through superior tactics and energy management.
The tournament would show whether that advantage extended to the nation's best student pilots.