Chapter 6173 Solo or Team Player

Chapter 6173 Solo or Team Player

As much as Saint Tusa wanted to have it all, it was impossible for his Dark Zephyr to excel in every area.

The closest the living mech could come to performing like a mythical omnimech was the distinctly boring Multipurpose Edition.

Compared to a theoretical omnimech that possessed all of the advantages of every mech archetype with none of the associated weaknesses, the Multipurpose Edition was too lacking in hard power!

Tusa hated the indecisive nature of a multipurpose mech. Every machine that carried 20 different miniaturized modules could seemingly do everything, but never managed to excel in anything.

This was why he rejected the Multipurpose Edition despite how tempting it sounded to possess very little weaknesses. He believed he could do more for his clan if he became overwhelmingly strong in a single function.

He already ruled out the Demolisher Edition as well because it tried too hard in forcing him to become a different ace pilot. As much as he didn't like it, Tusa already accepted the fact that his piloting style would never be good at inflicting mass destruction.

The more concentrated and surgical nature of the Duelist Edition appealed to him a lot more, but the overreliance on Sunder Metal made him hesitate.

It was a powerful resonating alloy for certain. He preferred it over B-30 Shattersteel as Sunder Metal could breach enemy defenses in an instant.

However, he also recognized that the effectiveness of Sunder Metal was heavily reliant on his resonance strength. As a material designed for use by senior ace pilots, Saint Tusa would struggle to use it to its full effect for many years. Activating the associated resonating ability to the fullest extent several times in quick succession would quickly drive him to exhaustion!

"Hmm..."

While Tusa was still attracted by the powerful long-term prospects of Sunder Metal, he did not consider it appropriate to sacrifice so much immediate combat power to fully make use of its power.

Certainly, Tusa fully believed that as long as he continued to practice and familiarize himself with Sunder Metal over the span over decades, he could one day become so powerful at freeing parts and limbs from his most formidable enemies that even phase whales would run away in terror after encountering his Dark Zephyr on the battlefield!

However, Tusa couldn't wait that long. The Larkinson Clan's position in society was still too precarious. If his Dark Zephyr remained underpowered in the coming years, he wouldn't be able to protect his fellow clansmen during a period where they were lacking in high-end combat power!

"What will happen if I pick the Duelist Edition?" The ace pilot asked.

"The Premier Branch of your clan will depend heavily on your mech to protect its forces against phase leaders and particularly powerful warships in the coming years." Master Benedict answered.

"So I need to be ready to fight as hard as I must, is that what you are saying?"

"First-class mechs are expected to take part in a higher level of warfare than you are accustomed to. The Premier Branch will not be fighting against the rabble that our expeditionary fleet is accustomed to thrashing. The warfleets of the 13 major alien races of the Red Ocean are truly formidable to the point where they can give the Red Two a run for their money. These are the enemies that the first-class mech pilots of your clan are expected to fight. Aside from your Dark Zephyr, the most your clansmen can count upon are the handful of warships your clan is permitted to field."

Tusa frowned. Once his Dark Zephyr got upgraded to a first-class ace mech, he would no longer be allowed to fight alongside the soldiers of the expeditionary fleet.

He didn't like it. These were his brothers and sisters in arms. They could never enjoy enough protection, especially now that the Red War was about to escalate.

Tusa looked relieved. "That... is a good suggestion. I will spend a few days exploring my options."

He truly needed the break. Once he left the Cyclical Engine, he began to contact numerous Larkinsons in person or by remote order to hear what they had to say.

"There are merits to both the Base Edition and the Banisher Edition." Venerable Jannzi Larkinson thoughtfully said. "From the perspective of our clan, the Banisher Edition is much more useful to us. It is not necessarily a configuration that will earn you a lot of personal glory, but it is easier to tip the balance in our favor during pitched battles. We have other high-tier expert pilots that can do frontal combat much better as long as they break through."

Saint Tusa should have known that he would hear this kind of answer from Jannzi.

"What if I go for the Base Edition instead?"

"I would respect your choice, Tusa. You should always choose what is best for you. I am simply telling you what is best for our clan if you care about that. If you want to manipulate the battlefield and ruin the plans of our enemies, then pick the Banisher Edition. If you want to become a versatile high-mobility troubleshooter, then go for the Base Edition. I know what I want, but my goals do not necessarily align with yours."

Jannzi gave Tusa a more measured response than he expected. He felt glad that she would not condemn him if he ended up picking the Base Edition.

Tusa decided he needed to hear an opinion from the opposite side of the spectrum. He knew exactly who to approach.

Venerable Vincent Ricklin scratched his head in confusion.

"I didn't expect that a bigshot ace pilot like yourself can be so indecisive. If you want my honest opinion, I think you are overthinking this issue way too much. Why don't you listen to your heart? Neither the Base Edition nor the Banisher Edition appeals to me, but if I had to make a choice, I would pick the former. You can't go wrong by sticking to the classics. Besides, I know you well enough that you love to duel against powerhouses. The Banisher Edition is much more useful to a team player."

"You think I am unable to be a team player?" Tusa doubtfully asked.

Vincent chuckled. "Tusa, Tusa, Tusa. I am not saying you don't care about the rest of us, but... you're a man. It is in your nature to pursue glory and defeat powerful enemies. Picking the Banisher Edition will only make you suppress your aggression and turn you into a meek pilot that thinks about retreat at the first sign of serious resistance. A real ace pilot shouldn't be like that! A real ace pilot needs to possess the unflinching confidence that they can defeat any enemy no matter how much the odds are stacked against them! Don't be a coward. Be a hero. Make the right choice."

Despite the fact that Vincent was still a 'mere' expert pilot, he had an uncanny ability to inspire Tusa's sense of manhood.

The ace pilot couldn't help but become affected by Vincent's emotional appeal.

What was Tusa's true nature?

Was he a trickster, or was he a saboteur?

Did he prefer to dance on the edge of the knife by dancing around powerful opponents, or would he rather spoil their plans by banishing them or their key war assets into another dimension?

The more Tusa thought about it, the more he came closer to an answer.

He only wanted to seek out one more opinion before he locked in his choice.

"Ves. I need your advice."

The physical projection of the mech designer smiled. "I have heard about your little inquiry. You are indeed facing a big decision. Let's explore what is holding you back."