The Undying Mecha Emperor

"This Mecha Element exists in different amounts and in different purity levels in all those people.

After several long years of experiments and quantifying the different effects of the Mecha Element within them, the scientists finally came up with a comprehensive measure and explanation of the phenomena.

What is resonance?

Resonance grants pilots the ability to extend their senses into metals as well as increase their ability to exert control over said metals."

My jaw dropped at that point.

That was exactly what I had! Resonance!

"Damn it." I thought. "So I am not that special after all!"

"How is resonance measured?" Emma continued.

"Resonance is affected by two main factors. The purity of the Mecha Element within you, and its amount.

The purity of the Mecha Element is fixed upon birth and is measured by the Resonance Purity Level. The higher the purity level, the higher the sensitivity and control limit that you can achieve with metals.

For example, if you have an RPL of seventy, then theoretically, the highest level of sensitivity and control you can achieve with a mecha is seventy percent. You basically can receive 70% tactile feedback from the mecha's exterior as well as exert 70% granular control over the mecha. Do you understand the significance of tactile feedback and granular control over a mecha?" Emma asked me.

"Yes. Tactile feedback simply allows the pilot to respond faster and better. For example when you're parrying a sword strike. Having tactile feedback would tell you how much power your enemy is using and whether or not you have enough reserve to push back and overpower him. Without tactile feedback, all you know is that you've successfully parried, and you will not know just how much power behind the enemy's strike that you've actually parried."

Emma nodded in approval.

"Granular control is basically fine motoric control. You will be able to make even the smallest movements with your mecha. The best example would be in close combat. If you're able to make small movements, you would be able to maximise efficiency in dodging and most importantly, aim for much smaller openings in the enemy's defense."

"Excellent." Emma replied. "That's Resonance Purity Level for you. The higher, the better.

The second factor that determines Resonance is the Resonance Volume. It refers to the amount of Mecha Element you have in your body.

The more Mecha Element you have in your body, the more you will be able to reach your theoretical maximum set by your RPL.

The Resonance Volume is quantified into numbers which refer to the physical range that a 100% RPL pilot can exert resonance over.

For example, if the 100% Resonance Purity Level (RPL) pilot has a Resonance Volume (RV) of 10 meters, then he would have a range of 10 meters in which he could exert his Resonance over.

However, if it was a 90% RPL pilot with an RV of 10 meters, then he would have a range of (90% of 10 meters) which is 9 meters.

An average blue mecha is around 10 meters. And the average pilot has an RPL of 40. That means for the average pilot to be able to exert his full 40% resonance over the average mecha, he would need an RV of..."

"10 meters is 40% So 100% is 25 meters!" I replied easily.

"Yes. For a 40% RPL pilot, he has to train his RV to 25 to merely be able to exert a 40% Resonance over his mecha.

Contrast that to the extremely rare 80% RPL pilot. He merely needs to train his RV to 12.5 meters to exert a whooping 80% resonance over his mecha!

That is why RPL is so important. However, a high RPL needs to be matched with sufficient RV for the pilot to achieve his full potential.

Resonance Volume will grow over time. The more you are exposed to the Mecha Element, the more your RV will grow. So even geniuses will need to train hard to grow their RVs!"

"I understand." With my enhanced brain, understanding it was simplicity itself.

"The old man told me that I had an RPL of NINETY TWO! That must be the effect of the red mecha core. And Emma said that an 80% RPL pilot is "extremely rare"! Awesome! I am still very special after all." I grinned happily to myself.

"The Black Salamander Company members are all elites. This means that they all have RPLs of between 70 - 79. They are going up against the Giant Pegasi Company, which is a lower grade company with an average RPL of 50. Even with heavy mechas, they would find it difficult to win against the Black Salamanders."

"Really?" I replied doubtfully. "I understand that tactile feedback and granular control are extremely important. But it does not change the fact that their armor and firepower are much, much lower! I do not believe that resonance can make that much of a difference!"

"Resonance alone won't guarantee victory. But if two teams with similar skills battle against each other, the team with the higher average resonance will usually win." Emma said.

"Even when their mecha grades are so different?" I frowned lightly. "I don't think so."

"Wanna bet?" Emma smirked at me.

"Hmmmm. Let me think." I switched on my screen and opened the team members' details to get more information, and hopefully find an X-factor somewhere.

I was sure that the Giant Pegasi and their heavy mechas would win, but I needed to be sure. I didn't want to lose to Emma!

"Huh?" I noticed something interesting in the Giant Pegasi Company's information page. "Interesting! Alright Emma. Let's bet!"

"Awesome! Let's bet one hundred- no wait. ONE THOUSAND academy credits then!" Emma smiled sinisterly and looked at me as though I was a delicious crispy piece of fried chicken.

"What's that? I don't have academy credits!" I protested.

"Don't worry. You'll get academy credits later when you go to school. So? Do you dare to bet or not? If you're so confident, you shouldn't worry about what you're betting. Unless of course you're all bluster and no act." Emma taunted me.

"Fine! 1000 academy credits it is!" I shouted.

"I'm not going to school, so there's no harm betting 1000 credits." I smirked inwardly.