Chapter 208: Registration Woes

Words : 1310 Updated : Sep 23rd, 2025

Chapter 208: Registration Woes And that might be a good call considering this generous chipmunk’s current trials in parting with his reserves. Maybe he’ll feel better after being thanked for his generosity. But why was this even a problem? It was because a huge expense was about to drain his current stash. Well, technically, it was the group’s stash of 779,100 CP that everyone’s been working on for the past few days. That was why he felt a little bit guilty; it wasn’t something that he had earned himself. This all started after learning about mecha registration. The main objective was to ensure that when a pilot was missing, they could be identified by more things, such as the mechas they were using. Especially with the current death tolls, the risk was too high, and sometimes, all that was left were wreckages. And this was eye-opening knowledge for the newbie who had just gotten his combination license. However, the problem actually arose when the staff discussed the positive aspects of mecha registration, which included the accolades that would be given to a pilot’s mecha. In fact, Luca was shocked to learn that there was a whole ranking dedicated to the mechas alone. Obviously, this attracted a watchful system because mechas only started getting points and recognition once they were registered. And Luca wondered about Sid, only to learn that Sid couldn’t be registered until the Imperial Crown Prince revealed his identity. But as a holder of many ancient titles and the receiver of the point accumulation award from before, Sid had no complaints. The reward was apparently something that could push the mechas to graduate into full-on guardian mechas. And many of Sid’s brethren were actually awakened by winning these. It was just that these mechas had long sacrificed themselves for the sake of the people, and no new guardian mechas had emerged because they couldn’t handle that unique prize. Now, If a system could twitch, then D-29 would probably be experiencing that, as the little system wanted in on it and has learned to use animated tears for the sake of pleading. And that was how Luca sat in front of the mecha materials lab while trying to figure out what to do with D-29, who handed him a mecha design. To be fair, Luca was actually thinking about what to do with the blueprint they had since it was just a framework that could be used to build upon a personal mecha. Only to be handed one, which was more like a conceptual drawing. But it was just a design without an actual shop drawing or detailed schematics. And this was the source of the problem. When D-29 estimated half a million CP, the hopeful system still could not factor in other components beyond those described in the tooltip. However, after recalculating the estimated costs after unlocking the blueprints, even D-29 glitched in panic. For even Luca could do an estimate, given that the Synapse Reactor alone, sans the blueprints they already own, costs 109,000 CP. Then what more for the entire thing? Apparently, a staggering 724,000 CP without the cosmetics upgrades of roughly 68,000 CP. If Luca’s estimates were correct. If. And that makes what of the grand total? 792,000 CP. This meant he would be short 12,900 CP if he delayed the need for a weapon other than his precision tools. Sigh. Luca mulled over this problem. In his opinion, D-29 deserved all the good things, but they were limited by time and financial constraints. Also, when he attempted to convince the system to temporarily alter the design, the penny-pinching mechanic received a vehement no that bordered on alarm, considering all the pings he received. And all through this, Sid actually remained silent as he figured this was Karma finally working its way around the Empire, albeit late. But then again, the guardian mecha figured that Master Luca would try his best to accommodate D-29’s request, and so he contemplated solving the issue for them. At least in this way, the bully would be the first to experience a major cosmetic change and can be the gauge for the guardian mecha’s future. So, Sid decided to help by calling on the resident problem solver. Current capitalist Xavier, who was also the husband of the rolling mechanic who currently had CP problems. And this was how Xavier witnessed the live wilting of a golden dragon. Luca sat there, his normally bubbly presence visibly deflating, as he stared at the estimated costs again, as if sheer willpower could shrink the numbers. Not because he wanted to shortchange D-29, but because he knew he was bound to make mistakes as a first-time mecha maker. So, how would he be able to finish the build considering such likely expenses? And the little system understood as it had calculations for the probability of failure but opted not to show the Host who already looked like a sheet of ancient paper. So, all it could do was ping every few seconds like a guilty pet that had accidentally destroyed a shoe. And this was Xavier’s view when he walked in. "Alright. What happened?" He leaned against the nearest desk, trying not to intimidate the already despondent mecha maker. Luca gave him a hesitant look, torn between explaining and pretending like everything was fine. Unfortunately, D-29 had no such reservations. Especially not when its body was on the line. [ERROR: CRITICAL CP SHORTAGE] The system’s projection flashed in bright, bold letters, accompanied by a sad little sound effect. Xavier’s eyes flicked to the projection before returning to Luca. He didn’t say anything, just waited. Luca sighed and finally explained. "The biomecha..." "The calculations were wrong by a lot. And with a perfect build, we’d still lack a minimum of 12,900 CP." Which was really a shame considering the effort it took for everyone else to gather their current reserve. "I should’ve double-checked sooner." His voice dipped lower. Xavier didn’t react immediately. Then, only after a moment did he reach out and lightly tapped Luca’s forehead with his finger. "!" Luca blinked up at him, startled. "Don’t worry about it." Xavier’s voice was calm. Steady. And, as usual, devoid of any indicators of annoyance. "I’ll get you the CP." "But—" A hand landed lightly on Luca’s head. Xavier’s fingers barely applied any pressure, but the coolness there made the panicked leader’s breath catch. "It’s not a problem." A pause. Then, softer, "You’ve never built a full mecha before, and mistakes are expected." The little dragon swallowed. "But you’re busy with—" Xavier shook his head once. "Not more than you." Then, as if sensing Luca’s lingering doubt, he added, "Focus on building it. I’ll handle the rest." The worried penny pincher opened his mouth, only to close it when he saw the way Xavier was looking at him—steady, patient. Like this was never a question, to begin with. Because it really wasn’t. "...Okay." Xavier nodded, pulling his hand away. Then, after a brief moment, he reached out again—this time fixing the collar of Luca’s slightly rumpled school jacket with precise fingers. "Don’t think too much." His voice was quiet, a rare moment of something like fondness slipping through his usually detached tone that would’ve scarred Kyle’s ears. "Just build it." Luca’s face warmed slightly, but he nodded. It was an odd feeling, having to depend on others and having someone say that they’ve got it. But by now, even when his brain could not wrap around the still unusual concept, his heart seemed to feel better. For just like that, the weight on his chest felt a little lighter. But more importantly, D-29, who had been silent until now, immediately switched to celebratory mode after realizing that it won’t have to walk ’naked’ without that cool golden trim!

Chapter 208: Registration Woes

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