A simple inspection was not enough to determine whether the dueling mechs were truly proper.
What if someone better than Ves fabricated these mechs?
What if an unknown Senior or Master secretly ’assisted’ in the preparation of Ves’ machines?
This was one of the many ways in which mech designers could cheat.
That was what the Seniors were for. Their connection with mechs and their sensitivity towards them granted them a good sense of judgement of whether others were involved.
While the mechs that Ves presented were all based on collaborative mech designs, this was nothing unusual. Many mech were designed in collaboration.
The point was that the mechs had to be representative of Ves. The mech designs had to conform to his design philosophy and no one stronger should have covertly or overtly improved any aspect.
Of course, there were still other ways to cheat. For example, a Master Mech Designer could point out several problematic aspects to one of the participants of the duel.
Ves could think of several other ways to gain an unfair advantage.
This was why it was important for someone like Professor Tawin to evaluate the dueling mechs in person and develop an overall judgement by relying on his feelings and judgement.
Since Ves hadn’t actually done anything improper according to the letter and spirit of the rules, he never showed any concern. As an innocent mech designer, he knew his work would pass this test with flying colors.
Of course, he also didn’t think it was wrong to take advantage of a very obvious loophole and substantially upgrade the spiritual design of his dueling mechs.
Ves temporarily said goodbye to them as the assistant director guided him, his wife and the rest of his entourage to a different underground area.
They eventually entered a large lift that took them upwards. It soon became clear from the winding path that they were ascending one of the winding tree structures that surrounded the main arena.
The lift stopped just as it almost reached the top of the giant tree structure. The director all led them to a fortified exit that was manned by lots of armed guards.
"Dr. Navarro and a gathering of distinguished guests are inside." She told Ves as everyone went through an extensive security check. "While your guards are allowed inside, they will have to remain in the back and under restriction."
Ves frowned. "Why?"
"The other dignitaries have all brought their own guards. The viewing platform will become too crowded if all of the guards are mingling with our honored guests. There is no need for concern. The security measures of this viewing platform are the highest and we have even upgraded it further in order to prepare for this occasion."
He had no choice but to consent to this measure. If the others in the viewing platform agreed to this measure, then Ves obviously wouldn’t be able to secure an exemption.
He quickly turned to Nitaa. "Please remain alert."
His tall bodyguard silently nodded.
What reassured Ves quite a bit was that his pets were also allowed to accompany them. The security personnel also allowed them to keep any small arms and other gadgets as long as they weren’t too destructive.
Evidently, the security personnel were very confident in their ability to control the situation. The entire viewing platform along with the rest of the artificial structure was completely under their control.
When the group finally stepped into the large balcony-like platform, a lot of guests immediately turned their attention to the new arrivals.
Gloriana hitched her breath. She not-so-subtly bumped her elbow against his side. "How many Masters are there?!"
"At least six." Ves replied. He could feel their powerful spiritual presence from this distance. "There’s also a bunch of Seniors and other important-looking people in this place."
Over a hundred dignified-looking people had gathered on this platform. It was clear that they were all the most important VIPs who decided to witness the design duel.
Ves felt a bit worried at the concentration of so many important people. Then he relaxed as he realized why this was a clever move.
All of these important Masters and Seniors were indispensable treasures to the LRA. The state would never allow anything to happen to them. Ves even bet that each of the Masters and other officials belonged to different factions. By tying all of them to a single place, any provocateurs would think twice of attacking someone in their midst. Their attacks could easily kill the wrong person and piss off a bunch of new enemies!
Soon enough, Venerable Joshua and Venerable Orfan moved away. They became attracted to a gathering of Lifer expert pilots.
When Ves glanced in their direction, he could feel the tension between their clashing force of wills. No one would feel comfortable staying in their midst. Despite their smiles and polite conversation, it was clear to him that the expert pilots didn’t mind a bout in order to prove their strength!
"Mr. Larkinson. I am glad to see you again." Dr. Navarro smiled as he and his young protégé approached. "Our duel has taken quite a different meaning since we have last met. I hope that the changes hasn’t affected your battle spirit."
Ves kept his smile, though inwardly he felt quite upset at the other Journeyman.
"I am not an easily-distracted mech designer. Don’t worry. I did my best to prepare my dueling mechs for our upcoming confrontation. I hope you have done the same."
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