The Mech Touch novel Chapter 4176

Chapter 4176 Future in Mechs

Ves was frozen in shock.

Calabast had just presented him with a question that could potentially shake the foundation of his belief in mechs!

As much as Ves didn't want to think about this difficult topic, the spymaster did not intend to let him off this time.

"Nothing lasts forever, Ves." She said in a matter-of-fact tone. "In the past, humanity fought with spears and bows, but where are they now? Once upon a time, infantry was actually formidable in battle, but that has no longer applied for several millennia. Obsolescence can apply to everything, even the mechs that you value so much."

"Mechs are not weak!"

"While I admit that they are fairly powerful at the moment, and they even show a trend of catching up to warships with the help of phasewater technology. However, what if other technological advances are made that grant enormous advantages to warships? What if vehicles that can be controlled by ordinary people such as starfighters and tanks have made so much progress that they can defeat mechs in a cost-effective manner? Do you really think you will retain a future as a mech designer?"

These were all plausible scenarios. Some of them even sound rather likely. While warship development had slowed down to an extent due to how few people were involved in this field these days, that could always change in the future.

Once warships became legal again and made a resurgence, what would happen to the demand for mechs? If warships proved to be extremely effective at demolishing large amounts of mechs from a comfortable distance, how well would the mech industry be able to withstand the decline?

Ves forcibly tried to calm his roiling emotions.

"Mechs are not hopeless. New tech always comes out, and the need for better solutions against trending war machines will ensure that those who remain involved in the industry will fight tooth and nail to lessen the disparity. I will definitely be part of the effort to keep mechs as relevant as possible."

"Are you sure you want to stick to that commitment when the Age of Mechs has long passed and humanity has moved on to the next mode of war?"

"Yes." Ves said with growing conviction. He may have been struck by confusion earlier, but his inner mech designer had made sure to put him on the right track again. "My entire life centers around mechs. Perhaps it may be foolish for me to continue to stick with them even if they become outdated today, but I really can't imagine switching to anything else. If no one wants to use mechs anymore, then I will continue to work on them and try to make them good enough to revive at least some demand for my products. I am all-in on mechs no matter how many changes occur in the future."

Calabast might not agree with his stance, but she respected his conviction.

"Well, I suppose I shouldn't have expected any other answer from a mech designer." She said. "If this is the case, then you should put your money where your mouth is and commit to a choice that maximizes your use of the mechs you are able to develop. Personally, I would choose either Mech Pilot Cultivation or Personal Piloting Cultivation."

"Between the two of them, which one would you choose over the other?" Ves curiously asked.

"That is hard to say. There are arguments to be made for either of them. If I truly have to make a choice, then I would opt for Personal Piloting Cultivation."

"Truly?"

"I'm not kidding. Don't you think it would be the ultimate surprise if a weak and harmless mech designer turns out to be a formidable ace pilot or something? None of your enemies will be able to predict that you can defeat any opponent as long as you are in a mech. Even if this secret leaks out one day, you will still be in a stronger position than normal."

"I don't know, Calabast. It sounds too selfish. I also don't have the time to excel in two professions at once."

The spymaster shook her head. "That isn't necessarily true, Ves. Look at Ketis. She's still improving her swordsmanship even though she keeps designing great swordsman mechs. Hasn't the System allowed you to cut short the time you spend on improving your design skills? If you go for this upgrade route, I bet it can do the same with regards to mech piloting. If you are so worried about splitting your time, then just treat it as a minor. What I mean by that is that you should just proceed with designing mechs as you have always done. However, when a threat barges all the way up to your doorstep, instead of squirming like a defenseless pig, you will always have the option of hopping into your personal supermech and fight back when every other line of defense has failed."

Ves had to admit that this scenario sounded attractive.

How many times in his life had he relied on the protection of others, only for him to be left in the cold?

There were so many instances where he was forced to watch others fight on his behalf without being able to contribute to the battle himself.

He could change all that if he chose to become a mech pilot himself.

Ves suddenly shook his head. "While you make a lot of sense, I don't think I would be able to concentrate on two completely separate professions at the same time. Ketis is one of a kind. I don't think I will be able to imitate her, not when I have decided to forgo fighting entirely in order to completely dedicate myself to designing mechs."

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