Translator: Abyssruler Editor: Lucas
Elite Academy’s grouping committee announced the matchup for the second round:
First Match: Asura Battle Team vs Dynasty Battle Team
Second Match: Saruman Snake Battle Team vs Eagle Battle Team
Third Match: Star Lya Battle Team vs Dark Wolves Battle Team
Fourth Match: Imperial Glory Battle Team vs Icefire Battle Team
Because of the good showing in the first round, the school administration had decided to arrange the competition within usual hours, and not the weekend. It would allow more students to learn from it.
The stimulating effect was working well. The mecha research lab, battle tactics research lab, and archives were usually empty, but now they were reasonably crowded. Elite Academy students loved studying no more than the average student. At this age, they might be more focused in some aspects, but their overall grasp of systems was not strong, and there were many aspects involved in Battle Team battles. This needed a mature view of the big picture.
This effect was something that neither teachers nor students realized. At the same time, the other Battle Teams had strongly campaigned for an elimination system, which the school had acquiesced to. The bottom ranking two Battle Teams would be eliminated, and new Battle Teams would be inserted. Whether this process would be one semester or half a semester was still in discussion. But the school had no plans to increase the number of Battle Teams. In the end, the important thing was quality, not quantity.
This also meant that the other Battle Teams now had a glimmer of hope, and therefore they worked even harder than before. After all, it was easy to gather intelligence about those on stage, and they could constantly learn and improve themselves while maintaining their specialization. It was rumored that there had been a suggestion for a Challenge Day every month, allowing the lower ranked Battle Teams to challenge the higher ranked Battle Teams. A victory would mean instant qualification.
If this suggestion was accepted, then the pressure on those selected would be huge.
At the same time, the other countries’ military schools had also sent requests for an exchange.
An exchange meant they were not satisfied!
Although Elite Academy had demonstrated superb power, but these schools were not weak as well. If they could beat the elite Battle Teams from Elite Academy, then it went without saying that their own school would be very motivated. Besides, as military people, they would always be chasing the highest pinnacle!
Wang Zheng and the rest would soon meet their old rival and next opponent, Eagle Battle Team. This time would be very different. Dendi would make an appearance. Besides, in the last match Eagle Battle Team had lost to the strongest Asura Battle Team, and their loss could not be helped. Olivios was quite ‘BUG’. This battle was the time to redeem themselves.
Saruman Snake Battle Team’s members were fairly energetic. Now they must not only master their own specialization, but there was a need to analyze the opponent’s situation. Eagle Battle Team’s strengths and weaknesses. In the last battle, besides understanding more about some of the Eagle members, but it was of not much help. Olivios had defeated them in unreasonable fashion. At the same time, he demonstrated that discipline in the madness that was characteristic of the Arbiters. On this point, Saruman Snake Battle Team was far from reaching his level, but it was important for them to find their own rhythm. One could learn, but not copy them wholesale.
Besides class, they were busy with Battle Team training. Wang Zheng’s life was incomparably fulfilled. Xiao Fei’s message had left him exasperated. Apparently Gu Te had flipped, and he was supposed to destroy the opponent thoroughly, or not come back. They had had their exchange of blood many times now. If they met Dynasty Battle Team, Wang Zheng would collect all debts, new and old.
He had many grudges and grievances with Lear as well. Back in the day, they would not have made it that far in IG without cooperating together, but too many things had involved Lear, although he did not have concrete evidence. But both parties mostly understood. This time round, Saruman Snake Battle Team and Dynasty Battle Team were the same thing. It had to be said that some people were just fated to cross. This was karma. This time round, Lear could not run. He would have to fight a straightforward battle. Of course, he had no need to run now. Dynasty Battle Team’s ability was very strong, and they had no need to be afraid of Saruman Snake Battle Team.
After two days of review, Wednesday saw the commencement of two battles. Dynasty and Asura, and Saruman Snake and Eagle. Elite Academy students had an unprecedented and magnificent turnout. Besides the usual popular streams, some of the students from the niche specializations had made an appearance as well.
Within Elite Academy, there were some rather niche specializations. The students and study approach were all extraordinarily strange, and they were often not on campus as well, travelling all over the galaxy. Xie Yuxin’s stream was one such example. His appearances were even more erratic. Although he was not battle oriented, but Xie Yuxin was considered a talent in management, and it would be difficult for him to return to Earth even if he wanted to.
Asura Battle Team had many fans who were attracted to the charisma of Olivios. Although Olivios detested these people, but he could not help being admired. Being strong was the ultimate logic, and staying unfeeling was an enduring strength.
Dynasty Battle Team was emerging as a new force as well. Their popularity was fairly high, and the two Battle Teams’ unique points were fresh. Besides, in the first match, they had both easily achieved victory, but now there would be a loser amongst them.
The full line-up in its glory:
Asura Battle Team Dynasty Battle Team
Scout: Sweeney (Soul Soul Reaper) Luo Fei (Wind God)
Tank: Beo (Ox Demon) Lie Xin (Flaming Waltz)
Free fighter: Briston (Overlord) Lear (Everlasting α)
Offensive fighter: Olivios (Slayer) Giroud (Heavenly Crystal King)
Offense: Simba (Annihilator) Subaru (Maya’s Mantis)
This… what way would they play it?
Dynasty Battle Team had unquestionably sent out their strongest lineup. They had forsaken the tank in lieu of the strongest offensive combination. Luo Fei’s scout had already proven its strength, in taking MVP. Even against Arbiter, this wily fatty was not too disadvantaged. If he could not fight, he could run.
The two Mayans’ super offense. Giroud and Subaru would definitely bring out their full power. And for some reason, both Giroud and Subaru’s eyes were filled with murderous intent, as though they were not too thrilled with the Arbiters.
Lear was very calm. This battle would not need any motivation. During IG, Olivios had directly killed the Mayan Battle Team captain, and unfeelingly crushed the Mayans’ hopes of glory under his foot. It would be strange if the Mayans did not hate him. Their crystalline bodies did not make them gods afterall.
Under such a situation, Lear had no intention of using a tank. Against the Arbiters’ self-confident attack, he would put forth an even stronger offense and teach them a lesson.
If Lie Xin had not been in his Battle Team, Lear would have been a little troubled. But now his lineup had nothing to fear. Heavenly Overlord Stream? In terms of physical ability, Solar System was the OG!
And Lear had suspected that Olivios was hiding another part of himself, but with his current showing, it seemed unlikely for him to be able to uncover those secrets.
Dynasty Battle Team’s lineup was fairly impressive. This lineup was something that everybody agreed with. Against Arbiter, defense was indeed futile. And once one used a defensive lineup, one would lose all control over the battle. Once Arbiter completely controlled the field, then they would be doomed. All that stuff about losing steam by the second and third attacks did not apply to these Arbiter freaks.
In comparison, on this side, was Olivios being stubborn?
Everyone was doubting their vision, because Olivios had chosen the Slayer. He had never used the Slayer before. All the while, Olivios gave off an impression of domination, overwhelming strength, and surging forward. Slayer?
This needed evasion, to keep one’s distance. It could be considered a mech that bent with the wind, using softness to counter strength. Olivios?
One must know that a mecha like Slayer was completely unsuited for a closeup fight. Once the distance was closed, anyone could take it, regardless of scout or tank or fighter could take it. Although Slayer was equipped with beam sabers, but it was mostly for show.
The participating members had not changed, although Briston had chosen Overlord in the free fighter position. This…
Since they had just come off a win, there was no real need to change. Weren’t they taking things too lightly?
And Marzu was still comfortably sitting on the fishing platform, paying not the slightest heed to Dynasty Battle Team.
“Asura Battle Team is taking Dynasty Battle Team too lightly. If Marzu isn’t going up, so be it. Why did Olivios choose Slayer? Is he so sure that his other members can break open their formation?”
“No idea. Olivios has always been someone who uses his fists more than his brain. It’s good for them to lose a match as well. Dynasty Battle Team’s lineup is pretty scary. They’re most afraid of Olivios’ advance. Like this, they have no worries. In truth, I don’t think that Dynasty Battle Team is behind as well, if you compare each individual position.”
Everyone was discussing fervently. Dynasty Battle Team’s lineup was a full 10 points, while Olivios’ lineup was a failure.
They were insulting their intelligence.
Even the other Battle Teams’ members were speechless. Was Marzu really going to allow Olivios to do as he wished?
Honestly, even in the unlikely case that they won, it was too flashy. Was there a need to do this?
Ai Xiaolu, Snow Li, and a few other girls were speechless. Did this Olivios even use his brain to consider this?
Wang Zheng and Achilles exchanged a look. They did not think that this lineup had much of a problem. Although it did walk on a knife’s edge, but all in all it was good.
In this lineup, if Olivios had chosen Overlord, and aimed for a repeat story, he would be doomed. Lear and Lie Xin would definitely welcome him. Olivios’ physical strength was impressive, even at an advantage. But to deal simultaneously with both Lear and Lie Xin, that would mean that the millennia of civilization of the Solar System was trash.
Given the current standard of Lear and Lie Xin, they were definitely not afraid of Olivios. And anybody could delay Olivios for some time.
Not forgetting the Mayans. Presently, both Mayans were raring to go. They would cruelly pulverize the Arbiters.
From an outsider’s view, Olivios seemed to be looking down on Dynasty Battle Team, but only Wang Zheng and Achilles understood that this was no such thing. But how would he turn the tables with Slayer?
Arbiter’s mechas had very unique strengths, and also a high operational difficulty. But these unique points paled in comparison to the Mayans’ mecha.
Both sides were full of confidence. Perhaps victory could only be decided on the battlefield.
