| Overview | Status | Design Evaluations | Mech Design System |
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Ves Larkinson, the protagonist of The Mech Touch, was a young promising Mech Designer, founder of the Living Mech Corporation and part of the Larkinson Family, a Military Dynasty with strong roots in the Bright Republic. He was a nominal disciple of Master Olson of the Friday Coalition and shares ties with the Sword Maidens of the frontiers. His speciality in Mech Design is Spiritual Man-Machine Symbiosis, in which he uses a metaphysical quality known as Spirituality. His speciality affects the interaction between human and machine and imbues life into his mechs. He has a mechanical pet cat Lucky. He also has a Wife named Gloriana Wodin-Larkinson from the Hexadric Hegemony.
Ves Larkison is nominally neutral with a cynical outlook in life after being thrust into numerous situations out of his control and at danger to his morals and life. He pursues rationality in decision-making and will not hesitate to skirt the rules and laws to achieve a favourable outcome. A prudent yet naive business owner, Ves Larkinson has many challenges in both growing his company and polishing his skills in design, all the while facing unseen threats to his life by forces larger than him.
Ves can speak with cats, and he also has a twisted love for human experimentation, which seems to excite him greatly. He has shown, for lack of a better word throughout the story his descent into "madness" which he angrily insists he is just "a little eccentric" even though everyone can see it. He even went as far as to sacrifice half of his clan just to ensure his goal. His greatest secret is the Mech Designer System in his possession which can enhance his abilities to design mechs. Done through numerous miraculous abilities beyond the range of what should be possible in ordinary reality. Arguably the most essential asset to Ves's career, otherwise he will in every sense just be talentless trash. He is in every which way an effing nutcase with an untreated bipolar condition.
Early life[]
As a child, Ves wanted to become a mech pilot, much like his father and as a scion of the Larkinson Family. Regretfully, his genetic test aptitude score quickly proved his inability of fulfilling his dream. Downcast from his results and the military family's indifference, Ves decided to take his chances at becoming a Mech Designer instead. Though scorned, his father supported him in his journey towards becoming a Mech Designer and left him the "System" before his disappearance. Ves is now left with a debt that needed to be paid or the workshop his father bought for him would be taken away by the bank.
Development[]
This section contains major spoilers. Proceed at your own risk!
Starting as a Mech Designer[]
Novice Mech Designer (Chapter 1-105)[]
Ves embarks on the way of a mech designer and starts his career by designing virtual mechs and selling his first variants.
Apprentice Mech Designer (Chapter 106-415)[]
After becoming a nominal disciple of Master Carmin Olson, he sets out to design his own mechs and carries out missions for the Clifford Socciety and the System, where he makes contact with the Five Scrolls Compact for the first time.
Getting drafted by the military[]
The Vesian Skirmish (Chapter 416-570)[]
With the outbreak of the Bright-Vesia War, Ves is stationed with the Flagrant Vandals. As a much bolder and worse financed mech corps of the Bright Republic, he sets of to a risky endeavor deep in Vesian territory.
Frontier (Chapter 571-764)[]
After traversing the Vesia Kingdom, the Flagrant Vandals link up with the Swordmaidens and continue on their flight into the Frontier. But they are not alone.
Aeon Corona VII and Starlight Megalodon (Chapter 765-970)[]
The race for the Starlight Megalodon continues. Not just the competition, but also the natives and the unhospitable Aeon Corona System itself challange the partners. After getting access, only the Vesians and the Brighters led by Venerable Relia Foster and Ves respectively are in the race. But trouble arises, as Calabast pursues her own goals.
Flashlight Operative (Chapter 971-1133)[]
Back in Brighter space, Ves becomes entangled into political struggles thanks to Senator Camden Tovar. After brushing by death, Ves becomes part of the entourage of the senator to have peace talks with the Vesians.
First business travels[]
Journeyman Mech Designer (Chapter 1134-1254)[]
After breaking through to Journeyman, Ves still has not fulfilled the requirements set by the MTA. He embarks to the Ylvaine Protectorate, to design his fifth original design, but his habits get him into trouble once again.
Centerpoint and Star Sector Tour (Chapter 1255-1541)[]
After officially registering as a Journeyman Mech Designer, Ves joins the Rim Guardians and meets Gloriana for the first time. Her advances cause him considerable trouble with the Friday Coalition, so he decides to travel through the states bordering the Hexadric Hegemony instead. But the new route brings him close to the Nyxian Gap.
Sand War (Chapter 1485-1805)[]
Sigrund starts a war with humans in the Komodo Star Sector in earnest. Ves links up with Gloriana and rushes home, to design specialized mechs against the sandman threat that will make him famous. But danger approaches from an unexpected side.
Traveling to the Boyonder Gate[]
Larkinson Clan (Chapter 1806-2156)[]
Ves rallies his likeminded relatives and founds the Larkinson Clan around the Larkinson Mandate, but the ire of the Fridaymen is rused. Gloriana and Ves complete some designs and garner the interest of MTA Master Moira Willix, much to Ves' dread.
Nyxian Gap Campaign (Chapter 2157-2475)[]
In an attempt to earn MTA merits for his Beyonder Ticket to the Red Ocean Galaxy, Ves sets of into the Nyxian Gap with Task Force Predator while Gloriana prepares for the wedding. But the Gap has its own rules, disasters and pride.
Departure from Komodo (Chapter 2476-2715)[]
Ves and Gloriana tie the knot and the Larkinson Clan form the Golden Skull Alliance with the Cross Clan. After receiving their new ships and mechs, everyone is ready to depart for the Beyonder Gate. Meanwhile the Fridaymen are getting desperate to free themselves from the influence of glows.
Life Research Association (Chapter 2716-2959)[]
While Ketis and the Swordmaidens travel to the Heavensword Association to take part in the Great Omanderie Festival to attract new recruits, Ves visits the Life Research Association in Majestic Teal. Unbeknownst to him friction has accumulated in the peaceful state that just needs a spark to start a fire.
Expert Mech Production Run (Chapter 2960-3420)[]
The design department starts designing the expert mechs for their six expert pilots while Gloriana is involved in designing a seventh one for her brother. The Larkinsons save and absorb the fallen Purnesse Family, which starts a reshaping of the internal structure of the clan. Drawing near to Smiling Samuel Star Sector Ves tries to fulfill his mission of the System. After his daughter Aurelia is born, the fleet finally reaches its destination.
Introduction into the Red Ocean[]
Getting Started in the Red Ocean (Chapter 3421-3663)[]
Having sold every ship that is lesser than capital, the Golden Skull Alliance embarks in creative ways to bolster its strength in the human hub Chance Bay. But time is limited and they leave for the Davute System and establish the Open Consortium. Taking advantage of the situation, the Polymath casts her gaze towards Ves.
Garimel System (Chapter 3664-3957)[]
Having accepted a mission to scout the Garimel System, the Golden Skull Alliance sets out to uncharted stars and stumbles upon remnants of the Pakklaton Race. After reaching their destination, the marks of a Phase Whale and Ves opening a portal lets the mission to derail.
Davute System (Chapter 3958-4213)[]
Returning with great fortune, the Golden Skull Alliance has to take their time to convert it into assets and settles down for five years to start a period of accelerated growth.
Operation Saturday Market (Chapter 4214-4364)[]
Taking advantage of an intelligence leak from the warstricken coalition partners, Ves reclaimes 14% of the LMC's stocks and the Hex Army teams up with the Golden Skull Alliance to attack the port system Pima Prime of the Gauge Dynasty.
Trailblazer Expedition[]
Lord Pearian Yorul-Tavik (Chapter 4365-4674)[]
Having geared up with last-minute purchases and repairs in full swing the Golden Skull Alliance sets off to the much awaited Trailblazer Expedition in the contested frontier region of the Red Ocean. They first task they choose to pursue is the trail of Lord Pearian Yorul-Tavik. But the competition is numerous.
Operation Lighthouse (Chapter 4408-4539)[]
The Gimini Family with an offer to participate in a raid of an alien pirate base, but they don't share all information they have on the target. After a tribulation involving the truth of the universe his works generate a lot of interest from the temporary coalition.
Gearing Up (Chapter 4675-4888)[]
After filling up their cargoholds with loot, the Golden Skull Alliance is forced to return to free some space again and upgrade themselves. They return just in time for the founding ceremony of the Davutian state. But even with forsight the events go haywire.
Senior Mech Designer (Chapter 4889-5016)[]
After the turbulent events surrounding the founding ceremony Ves meets the heavy mech designer Master Decimus Horst. After a mastery experience he challenges his boundaries and advances to Senior Mech Designer. Meanwhile the native aliens of the Red Ocean counterattack by initiating a plan of insane consequences. After the forced displacement of the galaxy to the outskirts of Messier 87, the Red Two declare the saparation of Red Humanity from its parent galaxy and usher in the Age of Dawn.
Resuming Trailblazer Expedition (Chapter 5017-5160)[]
After humanity has been split in two, the reinforced Golden Skull Alliance sets of to hunt phase whales and lords for precious tokens. With Red Humanity weakened, the native aliens hope to crush them swiftly. Likewise, Ves' first semester starts as a professor at the Terran Eden Institute of Business & Technology and he himself gets numerous teachings from his mother about cultivation.
Survivalist Conference (Chapter 5161-5252)[]
With Red Humanity in peril, the upcoming conference of the Survivalist Faction of the Red MTA is more crucial than ever. With his contributions Ves not only ascends to a Tier 3 galactic citizen but is also confronted with questionable plans of Star Designers and God Pilots.
Third Order Living Mech Release[]
Diandi Base (Chapter 5253-5440)[]
With rumors about his deeds during the conference spreading, Ves cannot remain a second-rater anymore and sets up the first-rate Premier Branch of the Larkinson Clan. Meanwhile Ves wrestles with his own Iron Resonant Crucifix Crown, completes numerous running projects and is approached by Axelar Streon. While the Golden Skull Alliance continues to fight the native aliens, numerous clan members get to enjoy EdNet quotas, his expert pilots challenge the A7-KE1 elixir and Gloriana leaves to receive for an upgrade to her cranial implant.
Start of the Hyper Generation (Chapter 5353-5591)[]
The Red Two usher in the Hyper Generation with a simultaneous raid on four Tide Stations of the native aliens. Inspired with new knowledge, Ves constructs the expert mechs for his uncle Ark and grandfather Benjamin. Assisted by his first direct disciple Alexa, he triggers a tribulation with the Elemental Lord. After a short but intense holiday the product reveal of the Fey Fiana teaches Ves that the bounty for his head set by the native aliens is not only for show.
Heavy Firepower (Chapter 5592-5712)[]
After learning about the Major Cultivation Ranks, Ves sets out to finish his two heavy mech projects, that have been reinforced by Emma. Meanwhile pressure on Red Humanity is mounting and the RF sees fit to give second- and third-raters limited access to warships. Alexa's breakthrough to Journeyman with an unconventional design philosophy is both a happy and concerning occasion.
Public Inquiry (Chapter 5713-)[]
Month after the release of the Fey Fiana and Ultimatum, more and more third order living mechs emerge, worrying the AI-averse population. Ves has to respond to a public inquiry in the Ector System if he doesn't want his mechs to become banned in Red Humanity's space. After that Ves plans to sell 25% of his LMC shares to get his hands on a first-rate shipyard.
Awards and Accolades[]
Bright Republic[]
| Name | Description | Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Darkness Eater | The second-highest award recognising individual merit in the Bright Republic, usually only given to exemplary Mech Pilots and combatants. | 966 |
| Torch Bearer | The Torch Bearer award by the Bright Republic signifies an individual's direct action which saved a lot of lives. Ves Larkinson received the award specifically for the initiative he showed in saving and assisting the remnant of the ground forces aboard the Starlight Megalodon and his legendary feat of defeating the Blind Men pirate gang using words alone. | 966 |
| Golden Mech | An award specifically reserved for Mech designers that have performed a supreme service to the Bright Republic and usually only given out to Senior Mech Designers. | 966 |
| War Saint | An award to every active participant of the Bright-Vesia Wars. | 967 |
| Frontier Service Medal | The Frontier Service Medal signifies that the individual has served on behalf of the Mech Corps while deployed to the perilous frontier. | 967 |
| Mech Corps Commendation | A Unit award that gave supreme honour to the whole mech regiment. Ves Larkinson received this award as part of the 6th Flagrant Vandals. | 967 |
| Mech Corps Distinguished Service Medal | For Ves's meritorious service on Bentheim the Mech Corps decided to bestow the medal on him. | 1006 |
| Vermillion Heart | Ves was awarded this medal for his injuries he suffered in the line of duty during his time as a 'liason for the MTA' for the KNG Corporation. | 1006 |
| Plasma Spark | The third-highest medal given from the Mech Corps. Awarded to Ves for the merit he earned during his assignment as atachè to Senator Tovar's Delegation. | 1063 |
MTA / RA[]
| Name | Description | Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 12 Galactic Citizen | Entry level of Galactic Citizenship, not hereditary. Aside numerous rights and privileges, the Big Two will let murder of ordinary space peasants slide in most cases. Awarded for reaching Journeyman. | 1258 |
| Masterwork Mech Certificate (Quint) | Ves and Gloriana first recieved this certificate for creating the Quint (Bright Warrior). Every new certified masterwork will be rewarded with a new certificate. It represents their affinity towards mechs and can be an indicator for their future progression. | 1900 |
| Masterwork Mech Certificate (Little Angel) | Ves and Gloriana recieved this certificate for creating the Little Angel (Blessed Squire). | 2148 |
| Contributor of Restricted Technology | Ves was registered as a contributor of restricted technology for providing the MTA knowledge to create Luminar Cristals, that are especially effective against resonance shields. | 3137 |
| Masterwork Expert Mech Certificate (Amaranto) | Ves, Gloriana, Ketis and Juliet recieved this certificate for creating the Amaranto (Sentry Project). As an expert mech, details were not made public. | 3176 |
| Tier 10 Galactic Citizen | Equals average citizenship of any first-rate state. Has rights to access greater range of services and knowledge. Awarded for creating a masterwork expert mech. | 3176 |
| Masterwork Expert Mech Certificate (Shield of Samar) | Gloriana, Ketis and Juliet recieved this certificate for upgrading the Shield of Samar (Bulwark Project). As an expert mech, details were not made public. | 3418 |
| Masterwork Expert Mech Certificate (Everchanger) | Ves, Gloriana, Ketis and Juliet recieved this certificate for creating the Everchanger (Chimera Project). As an expert mech, details were not made public. | 3418 |
| Masterwork Expert Mech Certificate (Minerva) | Ves, Gloriana, Juliet, Sara and Professor Benedict recieved this certificate for creating the Minerva (Minerva Project). As an expert mech, details were not made public. | 3724 |
| Senior Contributor of Restricted Technology | Awarded for contributing technology that allows higher rate of breakthroughs through glows. Facaded as a massive contribution towards Luminar crystals. | 3935 |
| Tier 6 Galactic Citizen | Allows the MTA to classify portions of his public information. Gives more access to restricted technologies, MTA products and exclusive marketplaces. Gives greater protection from the MTA. | 3935 |
| Masterwork Expert Mech Certificate (Mars) | Professor Benedict, Ves, Gloriana, Juliet and Sara recieved this certificate for creating the Mars (Mars Project). As an quasi-ace mech, details were not made public. | 4130 |
| Masterwork Expert Mech Certificate (Phobos) | Ves, Gloriana, Master Benedict, Miles and Cormaunt recieved this certificate for creating the Phobos (Ghost Project). As an stealth expert mech, details were not made public. | 4989 |
| Tier 3 Galactic Citizen | Ves becomes honorary member of the RA. Gives high-level access to a lot of restrictive and powerful high technologies. Has right to be protected by an escord fleet either from the RA or RF. | 5225 |
| Masterwork Expert Mech Certificate (Lionheart) | Ves and Gloriana recieved this certificate for creating the Lionheart (Jupiter Project). As an expert hyper-mech, details were not made public. | 5396 |
| Tribulation (Elemental Lord) | Ves created the Elemental Lord (Fey Project) perished in its 31st Tribulation wave and revealed information about M-87's low-level combatants. As an five-elemental hyper-mech and because of ensuing alien encounter, details were not made public. | 5432 |
Unlawful Conduct[]
Ves himself has described his moral compass as follows: "As long as I get to reach the pinnacle of mech design, I'll commit any number of war crimes if I have to." His adventures compelled him to slowly shift his design philosophy and morals to be more flexible and adaptive.
As a result, he has performed various criminal acts and broke many taboos during the story.
| Deed | Chapter |
|---|---|
| Constructed a graser rifle firing gamma rays for the physics upgrade mission from the system. | 354 |
| Ves modified the Evaporating Spear mech for the Church of Haatumak to participate in a redemption duel that was supposed to torture its pilot. | 700 |
| Modified the code of the neural interface of the simulator pod and Pale Dancer of Karol Xie to brainwash him. | 757 |
| Proposed the later implemented plan to turn three power reactors into improvised nuclear weapons to attack Qilanxo. | 818 |
| Performed human experimentation with dwarfs and mech pilots of the Vandal Swordmaidens on the design of neural interfaces on Aeon Corona VII. | 840 |
| Asked Calabast to assassinate Karol Xie, resulting in his early death. | 879 |
| Releasing the rogue AI Sigrund from the Starlight Megalodon, which led to the Sandman wars, and not reporting it. | 931 |
| Spititually attacked neutral expert pilots to obtain spirit fragments of their selfs. | 1060, 1506 |
| Stealing CFA equipment. | 1076 |
| Designed a mech with pirated licenses and tinkered with the neural interface to harm its pilots. | 1436 |
| Designed a doom crawler variant armed with various weapons of mass destruction. | 1474 |
| Performing human experimentation on William Urbesh in an attempt to turn him into an expert pilot. | 1562, 1838 |
| Performed human experimentation on pirates in the Nyxian Gap and used the barely tested knowledge on the Penitent Sisters. | 2230, 2365 |
| Killed or helped kill the expert pilots Ghanso Larkinson and Relia Foster outside of combat and harvested their spirits for human experimentation. | 2687 |
| Performed human experimentation on unlawful citizens of Life Research Association. | 2870 |
| Performed human experimentation on captured military personel of Vulcan Empire. | 3308 |
| Sparked the religious civil war of the Vulcan Empire by supplying both sides with figures of worship. | 3321 |
| Helped the creation of the Anima Order, a governing structure of sentient maschines. | 4585 |