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Just as Melua had said, the three severely damaged Löwe units from Burning Blaze had been brought into the university’s Mecha Soldier Workshop.

Heath’s unit, which had its arms and head severed, and Amelie’s unit, which had suffered extensive damage, were apparently still salvageable. Both were now being lifted by cranes onto fixed repair hangers.

Inside the workshop, I could already hear the voices of the repair staff and Nile echoing through the space, and even before getting close to the machines, I picked up on bits and pieces of their conversation.

Nile’s unit, which had been sliced through at the connection between the torso and waist, might still be repairable if it were sent back to the manufacturer.

“I get that you’re attached to it, but considering that Estea’s attacks were delivered with no mercy in a proper match, maybe you should see it as a fitting send-off…”
“But it’s not like it’s impossible to fix, right?”

Nile’s voice, edged with frustration, rang out as he resisted the implied advice to give up.

“Manufacturer repairs prioritize the military. Student machines come after that. If you plan to compete in next season’s league, you’re better off putting in a request for a replacement Löwe. With your track record, you’ll have no trouble getting a machine just as good.”
“…”

Despite the repairman’s words, Nile remained silent, unable to nod in agreement.

“Take a proper look at your machine,” another technician chimed in. “It might look like a clean slice through the torso, but the sword that cut it was wreathed in wind blades. The inside’s a mess. Especially the torso and waist—they’re wrecked. All the magic-contracted muscles need replacing. If the only things you can salvage are the armor, frame, and magic reactor, you’re better off customizing a new unit from scratch.”

Even with the two repairmen working together to convince him, Nile’s expression stayed dark. If his unit really did end up classified as junk, we’d likely be the ones to receive it. But… how exactly was I supposed to bring that up?

“Want me to handle the negotiations?”

Seeing me hesitating, Melua offered considerately. It was a kind offer, but I shook my head.

“No, I want to use it, so I’ll talk to him myself.”

Right now, Nile was still struggling to come to terms with letting go of his beloved unit. At times like this, it wouldn’t mean anything unless I explained it to him properly in my own words and got his genuine consent.

“Hm? Who’re you guys?”

As I stepped forward, Nile noticed us and looked up.

“…Mr. Nile, would you be willing to let me have this Löwe?”

I wasn’t sure how best to approach it, so I simply stated my request as plainly as possible.

“…You heard what we were talking about, right? This machine’s done for.”

Even though he understood it wasn’t usable anymore, he probably didn’t want to outright call it junk. Biting his lip, Nile stared at his beloved unit with regret.

“It’s still usable.”
“I don’t need your pity… I get it. I know better than anyone that my partner’s beyond saving.”

Thanks to the armor, the internal frames of both arms and the legs were still intact. Honestly, that alone was a huge relief for me.

“That’s more than enough. I need that internal frame to compete in Zersteller.”
“You’re entering?”

At my words, Nile leaned in a little, looking surprised. Well, given how I looked, I couldn’t blame him. Even if he mistook me for a halfling or something, it wasn’t worth making a fuss about. I decided to just let it slide here.

“I’ll be entering, but I won’t be the one piloting the machine. I want to use this frame to build a new Mecha Soldier—for an important teammate.”
“A new Mecha Soldier, huh…? Then just go get yourself another Löwe.”

Nile clicked his tongue in frustration and turned away from me. I knew I hadn’t said enough to make him understand our situation, but I didn’t need his sympathy either. I decided to stick to my own words and press on.

“I have to build it myself. That’s the only way to surpass Estea.”
“…Estea…?”

At the mention of Estea’s name, Nile’s expression shifted, and he spun back toward me.

“You… you saw that match, didn’t you?”

With a complicated look that was somewhere between anger, sorrow, and resignation, Nile let out a sigh and asked.

“Of course I saw it.”

And knowing that, I still seriously wanted to surpass Estea. Saying it outright would have just sounded like empty words, so instead, I simply met Nile’s gaze with one of my own, filled with determination.

“…Doesn’t look like you’re lying. You’re small, but you’ve got guts, I’ll give you that.”

Maybe he saw something in my eyes. Nile’s tense expression suddenly softened, and he gave a small nod.

“…Alright. I’ll entrust my partner to you. No matter what form it takes, make sure you bring it back to life.”

Turning back toward his battered machine, Nile placed a hand on the scarred crimson armor.

“Thanks… for everything…”

I couldn’t quite catch all of what he said, but I was sure those words were his final thanks to his beloved machine. Knowing how much this Löwe had meant to him only strengthened my own resolve.

“Just so you know, don’t you dare waste it. I’ll be checking for myself in the match whether you really made a new Mecha Soldier.”
“I’ll do my best to exceed your expectations.”

I would complete this machine—and defeat Estea and the Student Council team. That was the towering wall I now had to overcome.

“Heh, you really seem like you might pull it off. I’m looking forward to it, kid.”

Having accepted my resolve, Nile grinned and officially entrusted his partner to me.

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