This Setup Is Broken - This Setup is Broken Chapter 12: Mech

This mecha is almost white, with bright golden patterns on its shoulders and limbs, standing solemnly before him. Even without being activated, it emanates a cold and heavy aura, exuding an intimidating presence.

A breeze stirs in the mountains, rustling the surrounding leaves in layers and mixing with the scent of early spring, as it sweeps in from afar. Bai Shi stares at the mecha without blinking, his heart racing. He has seen mechas before, but that one didn’t leave him as shaken as this one does now. The mecha in front of him seems so powerful that just a glance makes him aware of its strength.

Suddenly, he has a strong intuition: It is likely not a low-level mecha. He silently observes Chi Haitian, feeling particularly moved. This old man is a huge help, not only has guided him through the story, but he has also brought a mecha—truly a living Bodhisattva. Bai Shi resolves to treat him well in the future.

Chi Haitian stands quietly nearby, also gazing at the mecha. When he notices Bai Shi looking at him, he returns the glance. He remains calm despite the strange look Bai Shi sometimes gives him and asks: “How is it?”

“It’s great! What level is it?”

“Low-level, second tier.”

Low-level? Bai Shi is momentarily stunned, deeply feeling that it can’t be true. He steps closer and walks around the mecha. Although he hasn’t seen many mechas, he knows the differences between the three ranks of low-level mechas aren’t significant. The one he snatched from the kidnappers felt like just a combat tool. But this one has an impressive presence. If it’s only one rank lower, it shouldn’t feel this different.

Thinking this, he opens the hatch and strides into the cockpit. Chi Haitian assumes he is excited to try the mecha, he also wants to see Bai Shi’s piloting skills. Chi Haitian follows him inside and sits in the co-pilot seat, looking at the slightly old cockpit. He adds: “It’s second-hand.”

Bai Shi acknowledges this with a hum. He has already noticed that the mecha has not really obvious scars, so it is not new. Then he glances at the symbols on the control panel. Not ready to give up, he powers it up to check the system’s markings, confirming it really is low-level, second tier. He finally believes it.

He can’t help but ask: “Where did you get it?”

“From a friend. He didn’t want it anymore, so I had someone refurbish it. Test it out.”

The control panels for low-level mechas are pretty similar. Bai Shi quickly familiarizes himself with the operations. After a few actions, he finds it much smoother than the third tier mecha. He grows to like it even more, firmly believing that although it’s only a low-level second tier, it is definitely the best among its peers.

He flies around in the air for two laps when he suddenly remembers something. “Grandpa, do I need to take the mecha pilot’s exam?”

He has read about this before, it’s similar to getting a driver’s license. Without it, you’re driving illegally and would face fines. Those with licenses must follow certain regulations, and violations can lead to their licenses being revoked. After all, the destructive power of mechas is immense. Without restrictions, the consequences could be catastrophic.

The mecha pilot’s license has three levels: low, middle, and high. As the names suggest, to pilot a mecha of a certain level, one must obtain the corresponding license.

Seeing Chi Haitian nod, he asks, “Is there no age limit for the exam?”

There are certain requirements for genes and mental power, which disqualifies some individuals, so there are no age restrictions. This leads to a record: the youngest successful applicant for a low-level mecha pilot’s license is 14 years old, a record that hasn’t changed for four years. 

Bai Shi feels he can break this record. After all, in a world like this, records are either meant to be set by the protagonist or to let the protagonist slap the faces of the rich and powerful people.

Without waiting for Chi Haitian’s response, he continues, “Can I go take it?”

“You only know the basics and need to practice more.” Chi Haitian replies, glancing at the time and reminding him that it’s time for training.

Bai Shi pauses, realizing he can’t escape what’s coming. He resigns himself to controlling the mecha back to the ground, stepping out of the cockpit and looking up at it. He feels that no matter how he looks at it, it seems perfect. He reaches out and touches it. “Did you really give this to me?”

“Yes, it’s yours now. Take care of it.”

“My mecha.” Bai Shi silently repeats this phrase, feeling a rush of excitement. Then he pauses, He pauses, remembering that the protagonist will eventually own a top-tier mecha. He looks at this one again and feels an attachment. Even if he gets a better one later, he won’t disregard this first mecha.

He suddenly recalls Chi Haitian mentioning refurbishment and begins to imagine that this mecha might have been powerful once but became like this due to severe damage. He imagines that it can return to its former glory and become that top-tier mecha one day.

However, he knows that’s not entirely possible. High-level mechas possess certain emotions and intelligence, while this one’s core is only low-level. No matter how it changes, it won’t reach a high level unless he swaps out the core. But the core is the heart and brain of the mecha,  matching its level’s materials. If he replaces it, the entire mecha would need to be rebuilt, losing its original form.

But in a world like this, especially for a protagonist’s mecha, maybe there are exceptions? If this one is a top-tier mecha, then that would be… Bai Shi touches it gently again. Thinking about how he, a flawed being, meets this unfortunate mecha. This is fate, little mecha.

Chi Haitian stands beside him, noticing that he suddenly becomes emotional. His lips twitch slightly, finding children so hard to understand. He frowns and says: “What are you daydreaming about?”

Bai Shi snaps back to reality, quickly tidying up and hanging the space button around his neck.

The high-intensity physical training has ended, and Chi Haitian retains just one or two tasks for future daily routines. Once Bai Shi completes them, they head back. Following him, Bai Shi walks into the largest room in the manor, looking around at the equipment while waiting for Chi Haitian to give orders.

The young man who initially greeted them also loves mechas. He bought many modern high-tech products for practice. But as he got busy with business, he gradually couldn’t find time. Now that he knows Chi Haitian is training Bai Shi, he generously leaves the key to the room before he departs.

Chi Haitian selects several targeted subjects to serve as daily tasks, then opens the network and enlarges the three-dimensional images. He says in a deep voice: “Starting today, you will learn combat.”

Bai Shi takes half a second to respond, “Self-defense?”

“That’s just one aspect.” Chi Haitian replies, looking at him. 

“You need to learn combat to control the mecha effectively for close-quarters fighting.”

Bai Shi understands and obediently follows his instructions, diving back into intense training. In addition to his daily tasks and combat training, he spends time in the simulation pod learning more complex moves or completing challenges. Once he becomes proficient, he switches to the mecha to practice, continuing until he masters the maneuvers.

Time passes quickly, and before long, six months have gone by. Bai Shi has solidified his foundation, completing all subjects beautifully with obvious progress. Chi Haitian feels it’s about time to change the content, pulling out a testing device. For the first time in front of Bai Shi, he applies the metallic sensor to his temple to show him the test results.

“B grade. This is your mental power level. Unlike genes, it can be improved through targeted training.” Chi Haitian explains slowly. 

“The biggest difference between high-level mechas and mid-low-level ones is the neural network. It connects the mecha’s core with the human brain, allowing mecha pilot to give commands directly through mental power. Therefore, low-level pilots operate the mecha manually, while high-level pilots use both their hands and brain. A few skilled mecha pilots can even operate entirely through mental power.”

He pauses briefly, shifting to a serious tone. “It takes time for brain commands to reach your fingers, but using mental power directly avoids that process. This is why mental power is important. Do you understand?”

Bai Shi listens with a blank expression, glancing at the device in front of him and then back at Chi Haitian, feeling almost numb. He is not a fool, while Chi Haitian’s various training methods could previously be justified with books, he now realizes that this man knows a lot and feels incredibly profound.

Especially during combat training, Chi Haitian has guided him step by step. Although videos are available, Bai Shi thinks he wouldn’t have reached his current level without a good coach. So, he starts to suspect that Chi Haitian might be the owner of the red mecha. However, he wonders why this formidable old man would send Chi Zuo to the youth academy—what is he thinking?

Noticing Bai Shi’s silence, Chi Haitian asks: “What’s wrong?”

Bai Shi points at the translucent screen. “Where did you get this?”

Chi Haitian replies nonchalantly: “It’s in the book. I had a friend buy it for me.”

Bai Shi: “……”

“Flip the table! Using that ridiculous book as an excuse again? Is he trying to fool a child?!”

“Wait a minute, I am technically a child right now.” He falls silent for a moment, thinking that since the old man doesn’t want to say more, it’s pointless for him to ask. He softly hums in response and drops the topic. Chi Haitian doesn’t notice Bai Shi’s expression and quickly moves on to mental power training.

Bai Shi spends his mornings exercising physical and mental power, practices combat in the afternoons, and immerses himself in the simulation pod at night, leading a highly structured life. Three more months pass in the blink of an eye. One day, Bai Shi wakes up early and follows Chi Haitian up the mountain. As they walk deeper, he can’t help but ask: “Where are we going?”

“Your combat training is nearly complete, I want you to do some real combat.”

Chi Haitian replies. He activates a wrist communicator from the young man and pulls up an image of a wolf about half his height, instructing: “This is your target. Kill it.”

Bai Shi: “……”

“Kill it? Is that something I can just do?! What kind of joke is this?! Old man, you’re absolutely out of your mind!” With a blank expression, Bai Shi innocently asks: “With the mecha?”

“No, with this.” Chi Haitian says, tossing him an object.

Bai Shi looks at the small dagger with no expression. Everything goes dark for a moment. “Dang it, this life is impossible to live! Can I stab myself?”