This Setup Is Broken - This Setup is Broken Chapter 5: Training

Chi Haitian finally takes Bai Shi to his workplace.. The place, while labeled a recycling station, also handles repairs and has five workshops. Bai Shi enters one of them. The area is large, with several machines in the center and shelves against the walls filled with tools, metal materials and parts, making it all seem overwhelming. Chi Haitian leaves him there and walks away.

Bai Shi patiently waits for a bit before seeing him return with a tall man. The man looks about 30 years old and is also a mechanic. Both Bai Shi and Chi Zuo call him uncle Xiao. Uncle Xiao has a cheerful personality, unlike the serious Chi Haitian. He ruffles Bai Shi’s hair and laughs, “You really don’t let your grandpa rest easy, do you!”

Bai Shi brushes his messed-up hair, expressionless, and looks at Chi Haitian in confusion. Chi Haitian hands him a toolbox. “Starting today, you don’t have to work. You’re here to learn. I’ve already talked to the boss, just don’t cause any trouble.”

The small flame of hope in Bai Shi’s heart, wishing to meet a master, is instantly extinguished. He quietly carries the toolbox. “Learn what?”

“Parts, circuits, repairs. Whoever has time will teach you. The rest of the time, you’ll learn about mecha knowledge from Uncle Xiao.”

Chi Haitian says, looking at him. “He’s a retired mecha soldier, so pay attention.”

A mecha soldier! Bai Shi can’t help but look over, trying not to let his eyes shine too brightly. “Brother, can you share your thoughts? How does it feel to pilot a mecha? Have you fired energy cannons or beams? Do mechas talk to people? Can they transform? Can they beat Ultraman?”

Every man seems to have a hero’s dream. Even though Bai Shi is unhappy about being inside a novel, he can’t help but feel excited at the thought of becoming powerful in the future. Uncle Xiao smiles and ruffles his hair again. “Don’t look at me like that. I’m just a regular soldier, can’t teach you much…”

“Who says that? You teach him is more than enough” Chi Haitian interrupts his modesty and tells Bai Shi to get his work clothes.

As Bai Shi walks away, Uncle Xiao speaks up: “He’s still too young. Can he really learn this stuff now?”

Normally, students don’t encounter mecha mechanics until college. Although students in the Youth Academy start earlier than their peers, the first two years focus mainly on basic knowledge and physical training. Piloting a mecha requires a high level of physical fitness, which children might not be able to handle.

“I think it’s unreliable.” Uncle Xiao continues. “What child doesn’t go to school? Before, both he and Xiao Chi refused to attend classes and insisted on aiming for the Youth Academy. Now that the tests are over, he should be going, right?”

Chi Haitian understands Bai Shi is young, which is why he previously only focused on physical training. But he has given all the advice he can. Given Bai Shi’s stubborn personality, he will likely run away if forced into school. He waves his hand off. “Let him do what he likes. We’ll see how far he can go. If he can’t handle it, I’ll send him to school. He’ll just be two years behind the others.”

Uncle Xiao nods in agreement. When Bai Shi returns, Uncle Xiao has just left. He hands Chi Haitian the work clothes, picks up the new toolbox. He suddenly pauses, recalling something important. “Grandpa, I need to go wander.”

“Learn some repairs first. Get a skill so you can survive outside.” Chi Haitian says, looking at him.

“Uncle Xiao has a mecha simulation pod. When you get the chance, try it out to see if you’re up to it.”

Bai Shi isn’t sure how the plot will unfold. Hearing the words “simulation pod” makes him remember that the three said the protagonist should learn some basics, ideally by trying the simulator. “Could it be that the original protagonist ran away from home and ended up at the repair shop? And because he changed identities, leading this repair shop to be near home instead?? Is this part of the storyline?”

He hesitates for a few seconds, Bai Shi decides to stay since his ID card has been confiscated. “Alright, I already know a lot of parts, so it should be easy to learn.”

Chi Haitian dampens his spirits. “Those in your room are all electrical parts. I want you to learn mecha parts.”

“There are mecha parts too! Not just agricultural ones, but also combat mechas, and I’m familiar with them!” Bai Shi puffs out his chest with confidence. With this body’s memories, he feels sure of himself.

Chi Haitian cools his enthusiasm. “Those aren’t real combat ones, they’re just toy replicas.”

Bai Shi: “……..”

The word “toy” echoes in his mind. He recalls the things he treasured in his room, squats in a corner with a blank expression. Feeling frustrated with this unreasonable world.

Chi Haitian changes into his work clothes. “Get up, it’s time to work.”

Bai Shi hums in response and follows him to the workshop.

The workshop is filled with items that need repairs, and the workers are busy. The smell of oil is strong in the air. Bai Shi finds a spot to stand and observes closely. He has no foundation, so although the workers explain a little, he still finds it confusing. Still, his understanding is better than a child’s, so he learns something.

Seeing Bai Shi quietly observing, uncle Xiao activates the communicator on his wrist. He pulls up a beginner’s guide to mechas from his collection, handing it to Bai Shi. “Switch to voice mode and listen first. Ask me if you don’t understand anything.”

High-tech! Bai Shi’s eyes light up as he grabs it, looking up at Uncle Xiao. “Have you controlled a mecha?”

“Yeah, but I’m just a low-ranking soldier with C-level genes, so I’ve only controlled low-level mechas.” Uncle Xiao pauses, remembering that Bai Shi is also C-level.

Currently, most people have C-level genes, followed by D and B-level genes. The weaker E-level and the strong A-level genes are the least common. Although A-level individuals often hold high social status, those with other gene levels can excel in areas that don’t require specific genetic traits. If Bai Shi chooses to develop in this direction, his determination could lead him to success. However, he insists on becoming a mecha soldier, a path that demands high genetic potential, leaving people feeling helpless.

C-level physical quality is lower than B and A-level genes, leaving little room for promotion opportunities in the military. This is one reason why the Youth Academy is reluctant to accept C-level students. However, seeing the determination in Bai Shi’s eyes, uncle Xiao encourages him, saying: “You’re starting early. Work hard, and if you get selected for one of the five elite mecha units in the future, it will all be worth it.”

Bai Shi is surprised. “Five elite units?”

“Yeah, out of all the military districts in the Empire, there are five elite ones. Each led by an S-level general, two lieutenant generals, and three major generals. Their strength is beyond human comprehension.”

Bai Shi clenches his fist. Based on his experience writing novels, there’s a high possibility that one of these S-level people is his relative—his father, perhaps?!

Uncle Xiao, seeing the admiration in Bai Shi’s eyes, chuckles and ruffles his hair, unknowingly sharing some of that excitement. “Those are S-levels! Out of all the galaxies in the empire, there are only five of them. Who knows when the next one will show up?”

Bai Shi stands proudly, thinking: “It won’t be long because I’m one of them! Not just that, I’ll be the best combat S-level—tremble before me!”

Uncle Xiao misinterprets his posture as high determination and smiles approvingly. The afternoon passes quickly, and Bai Shi feels he has learned a lot as he obediently follows Chi Haitian home. Suspecting he might be playing out the story, he carefully reviews the pitiful amount of information in his mind.

He notices that the group mentions the butler frequently, stating that the butler treats the protagonist well. It’s possible that in the original story, the protagonist’s learning at the repair shop is also thanks to the butler’s introduction. So, once he completes his training, will Chi Haitian offer some clues? Bai Shi looks at the loyal “butler” who has suffered because of him: “Old man, I’ve decided to treat you better from now on!”

Chi Haitian is unaware of Bai Shi’s thoughts as he enters the courtyard and orders, “Starting today, add weight to the sandbags and go for a run.”

Bai Shi: “……”

Evening temperatures in summer are still high. Bai Shi runs until he is drenched in sweat and heads straight for the shower. After finishing, he finds uncle Xiao has arrived, smiling as he asks if Bai Shi wants to try the simulation pod at home. Bai Shi’s spirits rise, and he immediately agrees. Chi Haitian also wants to see, so they quickly finish dinner and follow uncle Xiao.

The simulation pod is for low-level mechas. Bai Shi listens carefully to the instructions before eagerly climbing inside. Uncle Xiao feels a bit worried, Bai Shi is still very young, and his physical ability might not be enough for the challenge.  He initially didn’t want Bai Shi to start training in the simulation pod so early. But Chi Haitian said he needed to give Bai Shi a wake-up call and stop being so naive. That’s why uncle Xiao came to find them after work. He connects the visuals to a display screen and watches along with Chi Haitian.

Bai Shi sits in the cockpit, looking ahead. The scene is a barren land with several large rocks, at the far end stands a small flag. The task is simple: Maneuver the mecha through the obstacles and reach the flag to pass the test. He silently clenches his fist, ready to leap over the rocks with the mecha, drawing the giant sword from his back to slice through the large rock at the finish line. Then he’ll use the sword tip to lift the small flag—he plans to do it as impressively as possible with maximum coolness!

His idea is good, but reality is harsh. The mecha’s structure is very complex, the angles of the ankles and knees need precise coordination for movement, which affects the mecha’s movements. Because he can’t control the force well, after just two steps, he loses balance and crashes to the ground.

Bai Shi: “…”

Uncle Xiao: “…”

Chi Haitian: “…”

“This can’t be happening!” Bai Shi quickly inputs commands, and the mecha wriggles on the ground for a moment before slowly rising again. But just as it stands, one leg malfunctions, and the mecha tilts once more.

“Am I going to fall again? No, no way! I’m the main character! I can’t embarrass myself like this! At least try flying, you stupid machine!” He frantically presses the controls. The mech, still in a falling posture, glides forward just above the ground before crashing headfirst into a rock, sending up a cloud of dust.

“Mission failed.”

The cockpit opens automatically, Bai Shi bumps his forehead on the control panel, dazed as he stumbles out. Uncle Xiao is already laughing on the side, and Chi Haitian, with a smile in his eyes, reassures him, “It’s fine, just practice more.”

“Just let me be for a moment.”

Chi Haitian: “…”

Bai Shi realizes that being a protagonist isn’t just about looking cool. From then on, he dedicates himself to studying and training hard, without the impatience of others his age. The workers at the repair shop are impressed and teach him with increasing dedication. Half a year passes in the blink of an eye.  During this time, Chi Haitian keeps increasing Bai Shi’s training intensity. He gradually notices that, even though Bai Shi has C-level genes, his stamina surpasses even those with A-level genes. Suppressing his surprise, Chi Haitian increases the intensity again.

Bai Shi stares at the new training schedule, silently enduring. “Being the main character means enduring trials that ordinary people cannot bear, overcoming dangers that others cannot face, possessing talents that others do not have, and reaching heights beyond normal. The main character is lucky, cool and beyond normal humans.”

As he suffers through physical training, his thoughts become chaotic. He finally concludes: “As long as I don’t see myself as human, he’ll be fine! Yes, I’m not human!” He wipes his face, feeling fearless, yelling: “I’m not human!”

Uncle Xiao is also surprised. During a break, he looks at Bai Shi, about to remind him to speak up if he can’t handle it. Just then, a colleague rushes in, shouting: “Quick, there’s something awesome!”

Uncle Xiao raises an eyebrow. “Is it a combat mecha?”

“Correct, but just part of it. Hurry and take a look!”

Uncle Xiao’s eyes light up, and he quickly heads outside. Bai Shi starts to follow but suddenly freezes as a memory flashes through his mind—

“It’s time for him to see the mecha, even if it’s just a part.”

“How about the arm and the energy cannon? Pretty cool, right?”

“That works. Actually, I want to write about the cockpit… What do you think, advisor?”

Bai Shi: “Chrysanthemum.” (菊花)

(Uhm this is embarrassing but, the “Chrysanthemum” in chinese danmei means bums/bottom, it’s called that for delicate purposes XD)

Everyone: “……”

Bai Shi: “……”

“No way, it can’t really be a bum, right? He’s the main character—so cool and destined to stand at the top of the universe, to conquer galaxies, to command the world and amaze everyone. How could they make him look at a bum?!”

“Ah Bai, hurry up!” A colleague urges excitedly.

Bai Shi steps out of the workshop, trembling.

“This can’t be real! A mecha’s bum can’t get someone this hyped up, right?! By the way… do mechas really have a bum? That makes no sense at all!”