The First Mortise-and-Tenon Mecha Engineer

[Under revision. Please don't read yet.]

Blurb:

1

The last carpenter from an apocalyptic age of clockwork steampunk is transported into the body of a boarding student at a military academy in the mecha era.

Competition Sprite: "To build a mecha, you must use precious adhesive to connect different armor plates. Level-one armor plates are provided for free. Adhesive must be redeemed with points."

Qi Tian, with 0 points: Oh?

The next day, without using a single drop of adhesive, a white mechanical city built chiefly with mortise-and-tenon joints and bracket sets appeared on the competition grounds.

The other contestants: 0.0? What is this thing? A new map?

Then they discovered that something was seriously wrong with this competition. They couldn't find any star beasts to kill! Without star beasts, they couldn't earn points! Were they supposed to take their basic weapons and fight their way to the final round by chipping away at each other's health?!

An upperclassman stepped forward to analyze the situation. "Stay calm. It may be a new competition format."

Everyone: "The upperclassman knows best!"

Just then, a dazzling name suddenly shot to the top of the rankings:

Qi Tian 10,000,000 points [Rich Tycoon's Crown]

Upperclassman: "...Is this even legal?"

With a trembling hand, the upperclassman clicked on Qi Tian's profile, unwilling to believe it:

Name: Qi Tian

Profession: Mecha Engineer

Teammates: 3 infantry [eliminated]

After the competition, people remembered Qi Tian, the lone mecha engineer with HP comparable to a boss.

2

The strongest infantry squad was struggling because they didn't have a mecha engineer who could keep up. They heard that this year's traveling university had an impressive one, so the teammates urged their captain, You Zhuzhou, to recruit her.

You Zhuzhou opened Qi Tian's profile and frowned. "I've met this person. Her skills are excellent, but her stamina is too poor. She isn't a good fit for our team."

Later, at the competition, a teammate pointed at the lone mecha engineer sitting calmly at the finish line and asked, "You Zhuzhou, did you say her stamina was poor?"

You Zhuzhou: "..."

Another teammate was focused on something else. "Does she bring bad luck to her teammates? Why have all the infantry on her team died again?"

After the competition, Qi Tian earned a new nickname: "Death-Dealing Mecha Engineer."

They say she specializes in ending infantry lives, whether they're on her side or the enemy's!

New story in my collection: The Crown Princess's 996 Workday. Please add it to your collection~

Upcoming Story:

1

Ji Hua is the crown prince's twin sister.

This year,

her father took up alchemy and cultivation,

her mother began ruling from behind the curtain,

and the crown prince and crown princess eloped.

Ji Hua was forced to put on the crown prince's robes and attend court every day as regent.

Being regent isn't easy.

By day, Ji Hua debated the scholars and ministers.

At night, she worked overtime reviewing memorials.

Just as she closed her eyes, General Xie Yanzhi dragged her up to train her body...

All in the name of: "Your Highness is still a little too frail."

Ji Hua held a horse stance, her heart utterly resigned. "Oh, mother, who let this terrifying demon in again? π_π"

2

(Includes the male lead's point of view)

The imperial authority was declining, and the great clans each had their own agenda.

The crown prince was diligent and cared for his people, and whenever he discussed politics, he reminded people of the Grand Tutor from years ago.

But the boy had the look of someone destined to die young: a pale face, dark circles beneath his eyes, and skinny arms and legs.

He needed proper training.

General Xie Yanzhi's gaze was dark and thoughtful. The time wasn't right yet. He had to make sure the prince lived a few more years, no matter what.

Several years later,

when the great clans rebelled and the realm stood on the verge of collapse,

Ji Hua sighed with affected sorrow. "It seems that for the sake of peace across the land, I shall have to do my best to live a few more years, Minister Xie."

Xie Yanzhi smiled suddenly.

Later still, when the empress ascended the throne,

the general worked hard every night,

and Ji Hua woke each day with an aching waist.

Ji Hua pushed him away and reminded him, "Minister, for the sake of the realm, I still want to live a few more years..."

Xie Yanzhi chuckled into her ear. "Your Majesty is still a little too frail. I will serve Your Majesty with all my strength."

[Diligent, people-loving fake crown prince x ruthless, taciturn general]

1. Both are inexperienced, one-on-one, happy ending.

2. Fictional dynasty, no need to check historical details.

Message: To the traditional cultural treasures that are on the verge of disappearing.