Overdrive

The Overdrive Corporation has announced another Selection, the exclusive tryout process for aspiring Fortress Masters. Designing maps for the Mech-battling virtual-reality RPG is Julian's dream come true, but a brutal defeat against superstar sniper called Dynamic has destroyed his confidence. Hoping to find a stronger machine, Julian enters an immensely challenging map that promises ultra-rare Mech frames. During the ill-fated mission, he finally learns what it takes to get better. It's not the strength of the machine that matters most, it's the skill of the pilot.

After Julian qualifies for the Selection, he soon discovers the dark underbelly of professional Overdrive. The company CEO is an egotistical bully who eagerly encourages an atmosphere of backbiting and constant surveillance. The Heaven's Boxer resurfaces, but the noble Mech is used to sabotage the player-created training system, driving countless beginners out of the community. The game administration does nothing. The only way Julian can reclaim the Heaven's Boxer is hacking the server and disguising himself as a beginner.

A mysterious new player has entered the competition, claiming to be Julian's friend Emma. It takes Julian only a single match to see the new pilot's skill. The imposter is capable of imitating any pilot, even masters of the game like Vile and Vermillion Angel. Julian had hoped he and his friend could fight side by side. Instead, she sold her spot to a competitor. It's the aspiring professional pilot's first taste of the ruthless business world of Overdrive.