As a combat record, the main control AI only objectively documented the fleet's engagements and key tactical decisions at critical junctures; it did not record every trivial detail. Unfortunately, however, the two most pivotal decisions made by the First Legion’s fleet bore the unmistakable shadow of a certain master-manipulator student. It was impossible to hide.
Thus, with the Grand Marshal’s tacit approval, the entire assembly of soldiers witnessed this "spectacular" combat record, including the full process of Captain Xu being utterly hoodwinked.
After watching the playback, the other seven captains wore expressions of sudden realization. So, the primary reason they lost wasn't that they weren't smart enough—it was that they weren't "stupid" enough. Lesson learned; they would certainly fix that next time.
Captain Xu: "..." *Don't anyone talk to me right now.*
Watching the footage of the "little brat" transforming into a grand deceiver once more, the Grand Marshal still found it hilarious. He watched with great relish as the "lively" and "spirited" youngster talked circles around his superiors. His eyes were full of smiles, carrying the gratified air of a patriarch watching a talented scion finally come into his own.
Indeed, the Grand Marshal hadn't come here for any strange or complex reason; he was simply there to show off "his kid."
*Come and see, this is the kind of child who can graduate from the Interstellar Combat Command major at the Ben-En Military Academy,* the Grand Marshal thought smugly, enjoying his private triumph. The appearance of these two children meant he might finally be able to retire early.
He didn't care if they were from the Lanli Research Institute or the Interstellar Federation Oversight System; as far as he was concerned, they were now people of the military. Having made up his mind to "snatch" the children, the Grand Marshal beamed, looking every bit the kindly, amiable grandfather.
Then, after the combat records were concluded, the old gentleman leisurely announced a special decision. In light of the "outstanding performance" of the soldiers during the suppression of the pirates in the Gamma Galaxy Corridor—which fully demonstrated the harmony, friendship, and indomitable spirit of the Interstellar Federation’s military—he and the eight Legion Commanders had jointly decided that every soldier who participated in the exercise would receive a medal of honor.
As for the two "exceptionally prominent" youngsters, the Grand Marshal announced with a smile that the Federation Military had decided to grant the two students a special reward: the opportunity to study at the General Staff Headquarters.
Two military academy students who performed well weren't given ranks, but were instead given the chance to study at the General Staff Headquarters? This unique reward left many people confused at first.
Normally, if students performed exceptionally in a joint exercise, they would be commissioned early as formal officers. Those with good luck might even be taken directly under the wing of a high-ranking official.
But clearly, these two standout youngsters hadn't been recruited by any specific commander. Instead, they were sent to the General Staff. What was going on?
While some were confused, others were sharp. Those with quick wits immediately realized what this meant: the Grand Marshal had taken a personal interest in their abilities. This so-called "study opportunity" was clearly a move to bring them into the Marshal’s direct line of succession!
The military was a place that revered the strong. The Grand Marshal had first publicized the First Legion’s combat records and then announced the special reward for the two youngsters. Such a decision was both logical and enviable. For a moment, countless gazes fell upon the two students—eyes filled with admiration rather than jealousy, a sign of respect for the powerful.
The only exceptions were Ji Wei and Hill, hidden in the crowd, feeling as though something that belonged to them had been stolen.
*No rush,* Hill thought, lowering his head slightly. He told himself that his goal was never the military, a place where barbarians gathered. He had been away for too long; the Lanli Research Institute was where he was meant to shine!
In the crowd, Ji Wei narrowed his eyes. Once he finished off that eyesore of an old beast, this little brat wouldn't be gloating for much longer!
In certain respects, this Alpha and Omega pair were truly a match made in heaven.
Soon, the commendation ceremony concluded in a peaceful, beautiful atmosphere.
The nine big shots, having seen their fill of the excitement, left satisfied. In any case, the steady and reliable General Ji would handle the aftermath. They could just enjoy the show. How delightful.
The "steady and reliable" General Ji: "..." *If only the big shots hadn't left me with a massive headache before they vanished.* What did they mean by "he was responsible for delivering the two brats to the General Staff Headquarters on time"?
Did those two look like the type to behave and follow orders? And why did he have to take the fall for the Marshal’s attempt to kidnap talent?
General Ji’s premonition was soon proven correct. Not long after he had "packed" the two youngsters onto a transport ship, and before the Federation vessel had even cleared the Gamma Galaxy, the adjutant in charge of the escort contacted him in a panic. He reported that the two students had mysteriously vanished.
*They ran away, as expected.* Facing the frantic adjutant, General Ji remained perfectly calm on the surface. While thinking to himself, he decisively contacted a certain person.
Thus, Chairperson Ye, who usually didn't see General Ji once a year, received her third message from him in a single week.
Upon opening the communication, Chairperson Ye heard General Ji’s icy voice: "Your son took someone and ran." The implication was clear: Chairperson Ye was responsible for catching the brat and bringing him back.
Receiving the news, Chairperson Ye fell into deep thought. She couldn't quite understand—the brat hadn't slipped away under her watch, so why was she responsible for cleaning up the mess? Furthermore, had her little brat been wandering around outside for too long? Why was even the military trying to snatch him away?
Chairperson Ye wasn't the only one with such thoughts. Another patriarch—the old Dean of the Lanli Research Institute—also fell into contemplation after reading the message he had just received.
Had their little Chief been wandering outside for too long? Why was everyone trying to steal him?!
Fearing that if the little Chief continued to roam, he would truly become a permanent fixture of the Federation Military, the old Dean, after much deliberation, decided he had to activate his recruitment methods.
***
Meanwhile, where were the two youngsters who had slipped away without a trace?
In the skies above Planet M88, the view was a dreamlike pink—a cloying color filled with romantic bubbles. This was the honeymoon planet known as "Heaven's Kiss." After sneaking off the transport ship, Feng Zhixi and his companion had once again returned to this planet of terrifying hues.
Feng Zhixi: "..." *Seeing it a second time, my eyes still hurt.*
Arriving once more at the romantic M88, the familiar starport, the familiar scorching gazes from the surroundings, and the chaotic, uninhibited pheromones—this time, the experienced Warden casually took the hand of the person beside him. Their fingers intertwined, and the pheromones of a top-tier Alpha boastfully and aggressively enveloped Feng Zhixi. That terrifying, almost tangible pressure instantly created an unobstructed vacuum zone around the two of them.
Enveloped in the sweet and sour scent of green plums, the Omega subconsciously looked toward the distance. At the far end of the horizon, something special was calling to him.
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
--- | --- | ---
总参谋部 | General Staff Headquarters | The high-level military planning and command center.
蓝礼研究院 | Lanli Research Institute | The prestigious research institution Feng Zhixi is associated with.
星际联邦监察系统 | Interstellar Federation Oversight System | A high-level regulatory/intelligence body in the Federation.
M88星球 | Planet M88 | A planet known for its romantic atmosphere and pink aesthetic.
天堂之吻 | Heaven's Kiss | The nickname for Planet M88.
叶理事长 | Chairperson Ye | Ji Yeran's mother and a high-ranking official.
本恩军校 | Ben-En Military Academy | The elite military school the protagonists attend.
