Tribute to the classics

In this moment of shock, Kenny stared blankly at the broadcast screen, lost for words. The director, too, seemed to forget to switch the camera angle, with the close-up fixed on the Mammoth and the Demolisher, so much so that no one noticed the Red Dragon successfully capturing the flag.

LCH stood frozen, staring at his opponent, not making any further moves. The entire world seemed to pause in that instant. Even Thomas subconsciously glanced at the cable plugged into the control panel, pondering if being electrocuted might feel less painful compared to witnessing the sheer power of the Pseudo Python.

It wasn't until the final buzzer of the match sounded that everyone seemed to snap back to reality, gasping for air like a person who had just climbed back to shore from drowning. The live chat exploded with comments.

"Am I seeing things? Was that the kind of destruction an energy gun can cause?" wondered Brutal Mary in disbelief.

"Did you guys see that rate of fire? The intensity of the gunfire was so dense it blended into one continuous sound," commented Star Beast Surgeon.

"That's impossible! Absolutely impossible! An E-class energy firearm can't have such lethal power. That Mammoth's pilot must have cheated, using overpowered weaponry!" exclaimed Kyle Ken.

"It doesn't seem like cheating. The commentator was right; it's a basic model E-class heavy energy gun. I remember the manufacturer too, and I can't be mistaken. This type of gun can't exceed the E-class limit. Let me explain the principle..." began an anonymous mechanic, trying to make sense of the situation.

Then, abruptly, the live stream stopped. Billions of online viewers, a high frequency of comments, and the sheer volume of discussion overwhelmed the dark web's live streaming server, plunging the chat room into darkness and causing the chatting system to crash, leaving countless viewers in a state of frustrated bewilderment.

The sudden crash of the livestream at such a crucial moment left viewers in disbelief and frustration. "Couldn't it have crashed later? Fix it! Fix it now!"

Thankfully, the advanced technology of the interstellar universe didn't disappoint. In just a few seconds, the dark web's issue was resolved, and the livestream resumed. However, the focus had shifted from the battlefield to the studio, centering on commentator Kenny.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Death Star Flag Capture Battle has come to a close. The victor is our own Hu Ke, piloting the Red Dragon..." Kenny's professionalism shone through as he calmly narrated the outcome of the match, despite the shock he had just experienced.

Understanding the viewers' real point of interest, Kenny quickly moved on from the results and analysis to the topic of the Pseudo Python. "The biggest surprise of this match was undoubtedly Disen, whose energy gun wielded by the Mammoth mecha left us all astounded and even surpassed this commentator's understanding."

"We are aware that many are questioning whether Disen's energy gun exceeded the standard limits. I can assure all viewers that every mecha and weapon in the Death Star Flag Capture Battle undergoes rigorous inspection. The output level of this gun was entirely within the established standards."

"The reason for its terrifying firepower is solely due to its violent modification by a highly skilled mechanic. As we saw, the energy furnace couldn't withstand such extreme output and self-destructed. As for the identity of this talented mechanic... we are not at liberty to disclose that."

"Even with a violent modification, an E-class energy gun shouldn't be able to achieve such power, should it?" In the Carl Star Kingdom, Mane Star, Rui and Becky exchanged incredulous glances, their faces reflecting the astonishment shared by viewers across the universe.

Compared to other viewers in the livestream, Rui and Becky could certainly be considered professionals. Having piloted mechas from the lowest corporal level up to the dominant class, they had extensive experience with various grades of weapons. In their understanding, an E-class weapon, especially an E-class energy gun, simply couldn't produce such output.

Energy weapons were typically used for clearing out minor forces; their suppressive power was often insufficient to make a mecha retreat, let alone penetrate the renowned defensive armor of military-grade mechas.

"Why don't we buy one and try it out?" Becky suggested to Rui, remembering the manufacturer and model mentioned by the commentator.

"I was thinking the same," Rui agreed, already pulling up her communicator to search for the weapon online. As a star player and a dominant-level Tie Yu, the cost of an E-class basic weapon was trivial for her. She was genuinely curious to understand why such a gun could have such terrifying lethality.

As for the issue of modification, that was even simpler. Their Sea Cucumber Club was one of the largest racing clubs in the Carl Star Kingdom, with numerous high-level mechanics, at least at the Vanguard level. Modifying a gun would be a piece of cake for them. After all, how could a mechanic from a prison be superior to their club's mechanics?

"Bro Thomas!" Back at the Death Star, just outside the arena, LCH had just jumped out of his mecha and ran straight to Thomas, giving him a big hug. If Thomas hadn't stopped him, LCH might have even planted a kiss on him in his excitement and gratitude.

"Bro Thomas, from now on, you're my brother, my own brother!" LCH was exceptionally excited.

Although they didn't win the match, the terrifying output of that energy gun showed him Thomas's capabilities.

If Thomas's mechanical creations all maintained this standard, they could completely compensate for the mecha's weaknesses with external equipment, greatly increasing the likelihood of his success in capturing the flag.

"Don't call me Bro Thomas." Thomas pushed LCH away with some disdain, brushing the dust off himself: "It feels strange."

"Then, should I call you Jie Ge? From now on, I'll call you Jie Ge!"

"You might as well stick to calling me Bro Thomas."

Thomas, LCH, and Simon chatted while boarding the transport ship they had arrived in…

That evening, in high spirits, Simon opened another bottle of expensive wine and sat down with Thomas and LCH.

"LCH, you played brilliantly today, especially almost taking down Jet Lee. Hostr's face must be quite sour right now, worth celebrating."

Simon, one hand caressing his bald head and the other pouring wine for LCH and Thomas, grinned from ear to ear.

Hostr was Jet Lee's boss and Simon's nemesis.

LCH's direct defeat of Jet Lee was, to Simon, more satisfying than a victory.

"Boss, I was just pushed to the limit. Also, it was all thanks to the energy gun modified by Bro Thomas. Without that gun, I might be the one whose fate is unknown right now," LCH said, not taking all the credit but telling the truth.

"Yes, Thomas also helped me a lot. You..."

Simon turned to Thomas with a smile, about to say he could make any request and it would be fulfilled, but then he suddenly remembered something and changed the subject: "Thomas, that energy gun is completely destroyed. It's unlikely to find another similar one in the junkyard. Can you modify other machines to achieve the same effect?"

"Of course, if the Rubik's Cube is powerful enough..." Thomas rolled his eyes inwardly and said, "It might not be as strong as this gun, but it will definitely be powerful."

"Great, that's fantastic!" Simon was clearly very satisfied with Thomas's response. His entire demeanor changed, and even his bald head seemed to shine a bit brighter.

Seeing LCH and Thomas sitting on either side of him, he seemed to already envision the day when he would regain his freedom.

Growing happier with the thought, he soon picked up his glass, first gesturing to Thomas: "Thomas, cheers to your heights!" Then, he turned to LCH with his glass: "LCH, cheers to your strength!"

Such familiar lines… Thomas and LCH exchanged glances and raised their glasses in a toast to Simon.

"To the boss, both high and strong!"