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“Look, there’s a sliding mechanism here. You have to push this piece in, then lock the component underneath into place. That should do it.”
Professor Alan Shaw, the instructor for Section 1, patiently explained the solution to my problem. The light bulb went on in my head. I followed his
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instructions, and the assembly clicked together perfectly.
“Thank you, Professor Shaw!” I beamed.
He waved it off. “It’s a common mistake. Most students overlook that detail and fail the assembly. The fact that you noticed it on your first try is
impressive.”
I lifted my chin proudly. I was, after all, the top–ranked student in the Mech Engineering department. It wasn’t just for show. But according to the feed, I wouldn’t be number one for long. My grades were about to plummet because I’d become so consumed with envy and hatred for Seraphina
that I’d forget to improve myself.
As if, I thought. I’m not stupid enough to waste my time trying to sabotage her. Why would I target another talented woman over a man with ques-
tionable professional ethics? Was I insane?
Speaking of which, how did she create that higher–performance component? Was it possible that this assembly didn’t actually require all these
materials?
With that question burning in my mind, i started disassembling the part I had just completed.
Professor Shaw looked puzzled. “That was a solid build. It would have tested above 90% efficiency. Why are you taking it apart?”
Mechs are graded from Level 1 to 10, with each level having low, mid, and high–tier classifications. Components are the same. A part needs at
least 80% performance data to be usable. Below 85% is low–grade, 85-90% is mid–grade, and above 90% is high–grade.
The Part Six we received today was for a Level 2 mech. The current market record for it was 96.8%. But in the novel, Seraphina’s version reached
an astonishing 98.91%.
I don’t deny that geniuses exist. But I’m one of them. If she could do it, so could I.
I pressed my lips together. “I want to see if I can do better.”
A smile of appreciation spread across Professor Shaw’s face. “I like your spirit. That’s a great attitude to have.” His tone then became a little wistf-
- ul. “Why did you transfer to Section 7, anyway? With your grades, Section 1 is a much better fit.”
I was originally in Section 1.I only transferred because of Julian Pierce. Three years ago, my family was taken hostage by star pirates during a
vacation. Julian, a mech pilot at the time, led the rescue team that saved us. He fulfilled every fantasy I ever had about a hero. I worshipped him.
As I got older, that worship blossomed into a crush. When I found out he was teaching at my academy–in Section 7-1 immediately requested a
transfer to be closer to him.
It had only taken one week to shatter that perfect image.
“Professor Shaw, you’re right,” I said. “Section 1 is a better fit. Can I apply to transfer back?”
