From Militia Man to Battle Mech Pilot: My Journey of Steel and Fire

Growing up in Russia, near the Finnish border, wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. The tensions between our nations ran deep, and as a young man, I found myself drawn to the local militia groups. We called ourselves ‘The Western Brothers,’ and our mantra was simple: defend our land at all costs. Those were wild days - sneaking across borders, engaging in skirmishes, and learning how to survive on nothing but raw instinct and adrenaline. But it was during those chaotic nights, huddled around campfires swapping stories of our exploits, that I first heard tales of the Battle Mech Arena on Karkern. The idea of giant steel monsters clashing in a spectacle of fire and steel captivated me. Little did I know, my life was about to take a drastic turn in that very direction.

My father, seeing the writing on the wall - or perhaps just wanting to keep me out of trouble - sent me off to Karkern for a job in vehicle maintenance. It was supposed to be a fresh start, but my heart remained with the thrill of combat. I’d often sneak away from my duties to watch the battle mech pilots in action. Those were men after my own heart - fearless, proud, and living for the rush of victory. Before long, I’d adopted the moniker ‘Bear,’ a nod to an old militia nickname that seemed fitting for this new chapter in my life. And then, like fate intervening, I was approached by a mysterious figure known only as ‘The Baron.’ He offered me a deal too good to refuse: a battle mech of my own, entrance fees covered, and a chance to become a champion - all for half the prize money. I didn’t hesitate; this was my ticket into the arena.

Now, as I stand inside my mech ‘Behemoth,’ feeling its immense power at my fingertips, I realize just how far I’ve come. The rush of adrenaline hasn’t changed - it’s still there with every clash of steel and burst of flame. But now it’s not just about survival; it’s about dominance. The crowd roars as Behemoth charges forward, its copper and brown hull gleaming under the arena lights. For a brief moment, all that matters is this: the mech, the fight, and the unyielding desire to emerge victorious. In that instant, I am unstoppable - a force forged from the rough edges of my past and tempered in the fires of my present.