Wow! The item-dropping rate is really high!-Chapter 1043 - 715: Targeted Maneuvers 2

This remark plunged the room into silence once again.

Indeed, to easily overcome the technical barriers they set up and present a mecha that exceeds standards within a month, such organizational strength and technical foundation surpass the perception of a typical "upstart" or "mercenary group."

"Moreover…" A technical observer from the Foundry World Union, who had been silently listening, slowly spoke, pulling up a freshly received data analysis of the "Dawn's Edge" mecha in combat.

"Everyone, look. These mech pilots' performance is certainly astonishing, but the mecha they are piloting has performance data, energy utilization efficiency, and structural stability that have reached an astounding level. Especially in terms of micro-control under high mobility and high load, and adaptability in special environments, it far exceeds our previous estimations of that 'prototype.' This is a gap that cannot simply be bridged by personal abilities of the pilots. The mecha technology mastered by the New Bauhinia is probably more advanced than we imagined. That Bai E is not only a formidable warrior but may also hold the key to a unique technological source."

This analysis sent a chill through everyone's hearts.

If their strength lies not only in personal martial might but also in core technology capable of affecting future dynamics, then the threat level needs to be raised several tiers.

"Discussing this now is somewhat meaningless." The Priest of the Holy Silver Church Country finally said in a deep voice, a sharp glint in his eyes.

"Their momentum in the point race is soaring, and conventional means are difficult to curb. We can't let them continue gaining ground and ultimately encounter our top teams in the elimination rounds or finals, as the variables would be too great."

His gaze swept over everyone present: "Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to employ some 'unconventional' means. Each of us holds a 'trump card' reserved for this very occasion, those reputed monsters qualified to vie for the title of 'strongest' in this tournament. We can't let that Bai E sit leisurely in the back. We must force him to act during the point race phase, let our 'trump cards' have a go at him! Discover his bottom line, better yet… make him expose all his strength upfront, or even suffer a setback!"

"You mean… deploying our hidden cards in the subsequent matches to proactively challenge the New Bauhinia, specifically pitting them against Bai E?" The consultant from the Golden Federation raised an eyebrow.

"Why not?" The Priest replied coldly, "The tournament rules do not prohibit participants from, after matching, using public channels to issue an 'invitation match' or 'challenge match' request to specific opponents. As long as both sides agree, the Competition Committee usually arranges it, which is also part of the spectacle. As long as we handle it properly, having our people issue the challenge, given the current aura of the New Bauhinia and Bai E's status as leader, he would find it hard to refuse. Otherwise, it would mean cowardice, critically damaging the morale of their team."

"So, who do we send?" The representative from the Steel Alliance asked, "Those true 'aces' from each of our families, are all proud individuals, they may not be willing to heed such arrangements."

"No need for 'arrangement.'" The Priest's lips curled into a cold smile, "We just need to slightly process the vague assessments we've collected of Bai E's strength and the current momentum of the New Bauhinia, disregarding the 'Sons of the Empire' in public opinion, and reveal this to those most combative and arrogant 'monsters.' I believe, they won't be able to contain themselves."

"Such as... Astra, the 'Child of Destiny' from 'Shining Star'?"

"Such as... Grom, the 'War Dog' of 'Blood Fury Battle Group'?" 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"And... that genuinely 'Faceless' one from 'Ghost Walker'?"

"We might even attempt to contact our 'Executor' from the 'Holy Silver Church Country,' or the 'Steel Soul' from the Steel Alliance…"

Mentioning these names, everyone in the room became solemn and wary.

These individuals are the true elite within the Galactic Empire, cultivated with all strength by their respective forces, prepared to awe the universe as the "ultimate weapons" in this tournament.

Each of them possesses incomprehensible talent, experiences, and strength, regarded as capable of equaling those legendary mech pilots in history, and potentially leading human civilization in the future as "seeds."

Using them to probe, or even target Bai E, is undoubtedly a huge gamble.

Winning would naturally suppress the New Bauhinia's swagger and uncover Bai E's cards.

But if they lose... the blow to the reputation of the "Sons of the Empire" would be devastating.

"The risk is substantial." The consultant from the Golden Federation pondered, "But... there seems to be no better alternative. We can't allow Bai E to keep hiding in the back, watching his men sweep through our teams, and then deliver a fatal blow at a critical moment. At the very least, we must force him to reveal his fangs."

"Agree." The Steel Alliance representative finally nodded, "I will find a way to 'accidentally' leak the information to 'Steel Soul.' He has always had an interest in strong opponents."

"The same goes for us; Grom is probably already impatient to shred the next prey that catches his interest." The Flame Republic representative grinned, though the smile was somewhat sinister.

"Then, it's decided." The Priest of the Holy Silver Church Country concluded, "Secretly guide our families' 'aces' in the upcoming matches to actively 'hunt' Bai E. Who will encounter him will depend on luck. Regardless of how, we must tear through the strongest point of the New Bauhinia during the point race phase! Let the entire universe see who the true master of this stage is!"

…

The first day of the point race concluded with New Bauhinia winning all five matches, temporarily ranking first in the group.

In the headquarters of the seventh zone of the International Pavilion, the atmosphere did not become arrogant due to the major victory.

Members of Bai E's team gathered in the tactical discussion room, with the holographic projection replaying key episodes of today's five matches. Each had focused expressions with a trace of relaxation after barely detectable fatigue.

"Well done." Bai E's voice was calm, his gaze sweeping over Kuang Xin, Rose, Catherine, Gu Lan, and all companions involved in logistics and technical support.

"Today's victory demonstrates our preparation and strength, but this is merely the beginning. The point race is still long, and each upcoming battle will be more challenging. Go back, rest well, review today's gains and losses, and continue tomorrow."

No fervent celebration, only pragmatic division of tasks and reminders.

The crowd received the orders and dispersed, each returning to their rooms for personal reflection and rest.

The headquarters quickly regained tranquility, with only necessary sentries and personnel on duty patrolling the perimeter.

However, outside the headquarters, in "Star City" and throughout the network world interested in the Star Alliance Championship, things utterly heated up due to the stunning debut of the New Bauhinia black horse team, with public opinion fermenting overnight, displaying a polarized attitude.

Support and amazement were natural, especially after witnessing the contrasting yet equally splendid combat styles of Kuang Xin, Rose, and others. Many spectators and independent commentators began to cheer for the New Bauhinia.

"Five matches, five wins! The New Bauhinia is too fierce! Five different combat styles, each top-notch!"

"Who previously claimed it was luck? This strength is genuinely earned!"

"The 'Dawn's Edge' mecha looks really cool, and the performance is strong; I wonder if there's a chance for civilian use?"

"Bai E hasn't even made a move! How strong is their leader?"

Yet, simultaneously, a more turbulent and clearly guided wave of negative public opinion began to emerge on major star network platforms, professional analysis forums, and even in some corner reports of mainstream media.

The source is self-evident…