Chapter 6

At this moment, an unfamiliar synthetic voice echoed inside the helmet: "Bastard! What are you pulling me for? Shoot! Hurry up and shoot!"

Not long after, with a loud bang, the battleship shook, knocking Tang Long to the ground. As Tang Long clumsily got back up, the red alarm sounded, and the loudspeaker announced: "Left Wing Zone D is damaged, immediate repairs are required. Fighter jets, deploy; landing troops, prepare!"

Tang Long, enduring the pain, slowly followed the helmet's guidance towards the nearest landing craft. Upon boarding the landing craft, he discovered that the seats, originally capable of accommodating 50 people, now held only a little over 10 dismembered robots. The exposed wires at their severed limbs sparked continuously, creating an especially eerie atmosphere in the dimly lit cabin

At this moment, the remaining lieutenant robot waved to Tang Long and walked towards the interior of the warship. Tang Long realized he could not leave and had no choice but to follow the robot anxiously. No matter how much Tang Long tried to ingratiate himself along the way, the robot remained silent and continued walking. It was only when they arrived at a doorway that the robot stopped and waved to Tang Long.

The instructor, noticing Tang Long's puzzled expression, continued coldly: "This training is designed to teach you how to preserve yourself while effectively eliminating the enemy in a complex environment. I will reiterate once more, this training is not taking place within the base, and any slight carelessness on your part will result in immediate death"

At this moment, the sense of superiority that Tang Long once possessed in the virtual world completely vanished

Upon entering, Tang Long was once again taken aback, for inside was actually a small port! This port was not the one he had seen before, as it was a military port! Tang Long's gaze was drawn to a warship docked at the port. Although the warship was not large and appeared somewhat old, it seemed to accommodate more than 5,000 personnel at most. However, the aircraft bays were astonishingly numerous, with hundreds of them, and the missile launch bays numbered in the thousands. The variety of main and secondary armaments equipped on the ship left Tang Long speechless in amazement. This small vessel, classified as a D-class warship in war games, surprisingly possessed aircraft bays typically found on aircraft carriers, as well as firepower comparable to G-class warships. What kind of warship is this?

Tang Long was astonished, his mouth agape. Previously, he had only undergone virtual training, and even during live-fire exercises, the instructors had never targeted his vital areas. Moreover, any injuries sustained would be immediately treated. Now, according to the instructor, this training was a matter of nine deaths and one survival. Over the past few months, Tang Long had not been idle; after a brief shock, he quickly regained his composure and immediately began to consider where else he could train if not at this base.

Tang Long stared blankly, a strange feeling surging in his heart. He brought his legs together and performed a standard military salute towards the screen. After a while, he suddenly realized that in the command room, including the second lieutenant beside him, several robots had already stood up to salute. However, apart from these few robots, the others were busy with their own tasks, showing no reaction to the scene before them.

"Tang Long, we will now proceed to the final training, which is the survival crisis training." Upon hearing the instructor say this, Tang Long began to speculate about what the instructor would come up with next to train him, and he also felt a sense of relief that it was finally coming to an end. However, upon hearing the instructor's next words, Tang Long felt a bit of a chill run down his spine.

The second lieutenant did not look at Tang Long again, but turned his head towards the screen and coldly said: "Look at this communication, and you will understand what this war is for." With a wave of his hand, two images appeared on the screen. Tang Long immediately stared wide-eyed in surprise, for they were two young men, both wearing the insignia of major general.

Tang Long shouted, "Wait a moment, there's one more!" As he shouted, he prepared to pull the robot, but unfortunately, the hatch door closed without hesitation, and a section of a sparking robotic arm fell at Tang Long's feet

Tang Long no longer paid attention to the departure of the instructor, as he was fixated on the shoulders of the dozens of robotic soldiers. The highest rank among them was a lieutenant, while the lowest was also a second lieutenant, yet their uniforms were not from any country; they were purely black. The thought of joining them as a private meant that his previous leadership status in the game would no longer be restored.

The energy magazine has been exhausted, and the grenades have long since run out. Tang Long can only wield the laser knife desperately. Although the robots in red military uniforms are made of metal, they still cannot withstand the laser knife. Unfortunately, when the energy of the laser knife also runs out, several red robots have already raised their guns, aiming at the unarmed Tang Long

Just as Tang Long could no longer endure the silence and was about to shout loudly, the voice of the control tower came through the helmet's earpiece: "Entering the combat zone, enemy detected, battle begins!" No sooner had the words been spoken than Tang Long heard countless loud explosions, followed by the uncontrollable shaking of the warship. From the sounds, Tang Long knew that the warship had opened fire.

Especially with comrades beside him being nothing but cold, metallic robots, Tang Long felt increasingly worried, as these robots did not evoke the sense of facing an instructor. It felt as if he were the only living person in this squad, while all the comrades he had to accompany into life-and-death situations were lifeless machines

Tang Long saw that these robots were sitting quietly, completely ignoring their wounds, and he could only endure his own pain. Fortunately, he had received the perverse training from the robotic instructor; otherwise, he certainly would not be able to endure this suffering now. Moreover, he was grateful that the two robots had pushed him; otherwise, he would have turned to dust long ago

Upon entering, Tang Long immediately realized that this was a ship's cabin, likely the landing craft for his team. Seeing that his teammates had all found seats and sat down, he quickly took a nearby seat and pulled down the brace to secure himself. Tang Long had learned his lesson; since he was on this pirate ship, he might as well adapt quickly. Otherwise, that old sergeant who kept an eye on him would surely kick him again at the slightest sign of discontent.

Tang Long's feelings towards the warrant officer suddenly changed; it turned out that these robots also had programs to protect their comrades. Seeing that the warrant officer was covered by dirt up to his waist, Tang Long hurried to pull him out. Upon doing so, he could not help but collapse onto the ground, for the warrant officer was left with only his upper body.

Tang Long looked around, but apart from the green glow of the instructor's eyes, he could see nothing but darkness. "Fortunately, I'm not afraid of the dark anymore; otherwise, coming to a place like this would have scared me to death," Tang Long thought to himself. "It's really strange; how does this base have so many peculiar places? I have touched the walls of this base dozens of times, yet I never discovered this area. Moreover, the floor keeps moving; where on earth is it taking me..." Before Tang Long could finish his thought, he was startled by the scene that appeared before him.

Tang Long stared blankly at the mechanical arm that had fallen in front of him, but soon he gritted his teeth, got up, raised his gun, and charged forward with a loud shout

Upon arriving at the bridge command room, there were dozens of robots busily working at the consoles. However, Tang Long's attention was not drawn to them; all his focus was captivated by the scene on the large screen. Looking at the yellow land billowing with black smoke and the scattered metal debris across the fields, Tang Long knew that this was the very place where he had nearly lost his life

Upon hearing Tang Long's words, the green light in the eyes of all the robots standing and saluting suddenly brightened. However, this brilliance quickly returned to calm, and they each sat down to attend to their own matters

Tang Long jumped around and returned to the door of the instructor's lounge. He turned his head and spat again, but this time the tightly closed door surprisingly opened, revealing a mechanical instructor standing at the entrance. The saliva that flew out of his mouth landed precisely on the instructor's military pants.

Upon seeing the complete set of light weapons inside, Tang Long realized that this box was his armory. At that moment, the horn on the wall sounded: "Set sail, we will enter the combat zone in 60 minutes, please prepare all officers."

When Tang Long ran over, the door was opened, and a similar robotic soldier stood at the entrance. The lieutenant robot did not speak, while the robot with the sergeant rank saluted and turned to enter. Tang Long, curious, wanted to go and see what was inside the door, but the sergeant robot had already returned to the entrance and handed a pile of items to Tang Long. It then went back and closed the door. Tang Long, curious, wanted to go and see what was inside the door, but the sergeant robot had already returned to the entrance and handed a pile of items to Tang Long. It then went back and closed the door

At this moment, two robotic soldiers marched up to Tang Long, and before he could react, they seized him and began to carry him towards the warship. Frightened, Tang Long struggled desperately and shouted, "No! What are you going to do? Let me go!"

The troop compartment of the landing ship is sealed, and Tang Long can only hear the continuous loud noises outside, unable to see what the battlefield looks like or who the enemies of these robots are. Suddenly, the landing ship shook violently several times, and the alarm lights inside the cabin began to flash incessantly. Tang Long felt that the landing ship had been hit from the tremendous impact just now. The fear in his heart surged uncontrollably, "I don't want this! Oh God, all the deities of the universe, please bless this poor private not to die so young. Woe is me, I haven't even gone on a date with a girl yet; I don't want to die like this!"

Seeing this, Tang Long was astonished, as it indicated that there were at least thousands of warships in space. Without such a large number of warships, it would be impossible to deploy so many landing ships and soldiers. Tang Long ran forward accompanied by tens of thousands of robotic soldiers alongside giant tanks

Countless machine soldiers dressed in identical black military uniforms densely covered the ground. Moreover, the sky was filled with numerous exploding sparks, indicating that a fierce battle was taking place in space

Upon hearing Tang Long's crisp salute, the several saluting robots turned to look at him. The second lieutenant lowered his hand and coldly asked, "Why are you saluting? They are merely a pile of scrap metal."

Tang Long stared blankly at the robots on the battlefield, slowly walking back to his own position. At this moment, even if they saw robots of different colors, they would not launch an attack. "What is going on?" Tang Long exclaimed, and a command came through his helmet: "Battle is over, landing troops must return to the ship within 30 minutes."

At this moment, the door to the hall was opened, and the lieutenant who had brought Tang Long here walked in carrying a small box. Tang Long was taken aback, as he noticed that the box bore a symbol indicating it was a first aid kit. "The robots here do not use this, so is it for me?" Tang Long's thoughts were confirmed when the lieutenant handed the box to him

Tang Long instinctively reached out, but he had not yet examined what was in his arms when the lieutenant robot waved his hand and continued to move forward. Tang Long had no choice but to walk while inspecting the items he was holding, discovering a set of black space combat gear and a safety helmet for space warriors. "Oh no, does this mean I have to become a soldier? And a combat soldier at that. What on earth is this training for?" Tang Long muttered with a mournful expression.

Tang Long saw that the young lieutenant did not wave to him, so he could only stand there blankly holding his clothes, watching the robots in front of him. Each of these robots was fully armed; apart from not wearing space suits, they were almost covered with weapons such as laser rifles, laser knives, and explosive grenades.

Tang Long was momentarily stunned. At that moment, a robot from his side approached and aimed its gun at the sergeant's skull. With a pull of the trigger, the entire metallic head was instantly shattered. Tang Long immediately raised his gun and aimed it at the soldier, angrily shouting: "What are you doing!"

What on earth is this war? Is there still such a brutal ground battle in modern warfare? Who exactly is the enemy? They are able to survive on such a planet and resist so many mechanical soldiers! Tang Long cursed as he ran, having been influenced by the atmosphere of this war, he was no longer afraid that this was real warfare. Moreover, the habits he developed while playing games resurfaced, and he now yearned to shoot at the enemy.

After Tang Long hurriedly saluted, he took over and, seeing the second lieutenant about to leave, quickly shouted: "Commander! What kind of battle is this? Why don't the landing ships wait for the late-arriving soldiers?" The scene of the landing ship's hatch severing the robot's hand was deeply etched in Tang Long's mind

After they stood still, the white wall suddenly split open to reveal a large door under Tang Long's astonished gaze. Moreover, the floor, which was originally immovable, began to shift, ushering all of them inside. The split wall immediately closed back up after they entered

Suddenly, a number of robots on our side fell, and dozens of tanks were destroyed. Tang Long hurriedly gripped his laser gun and cursed, "Damn it! Why think so much? Staying alive is the priority now!"

Accompanied by the silent second lieutenant, Tang Long arrived at a hall, a hall filled with dozens of robotic soldiers. The second lieutenant saluted a warrant officer who approached him, returned the salute, pointed at Tang Long, then saluted once more before departing.

Tang Long had not yet reacted when he was suddenly pushed hard by someone. Following that, a loud explosion occurred, leaving Tang Long in a daze. Just as he was about to curse at the person who had pushed him, the words caught in his throat and were swallowed back. This was because the one who had pushed him was the warrant officer, and the spot where he had been standing moments ago had been blown into a large crater. Seeing the darkness and smoke in the crater, Tang Long shivered; had he not been pushed aside, he would surely have been reduced to dust.

Tang Long stared blankly at the metallic arm, then continued to gaze vacantly at the motionless robotic soldiers. After a long while, Tang Long sighed and sat down on the ground, falling into silence.

Returning to his increasingly dilapidated warship, Tang Long found that only a few robots remained in his squad. They were all silent, quietly using tools to repair themselves. Unable to find any medical supplies, Tang Long could only tear off a piece of his 23rd regiment training uniform to loosely bind his wounds. At that moment, he gazed quietly at the exposed robots and suddenly realized that their structures were not as refined as those of the robotic instructors, and their wiring was not as complex. Compared to the robotic instructors, they resembled poorly made products.

Why would a robot save itself? If they have a program to protect their companions, then why don't they save other robots? Tang Long recalled how that soldier had unhesitatingly destroyed the immobile lieutenant, realizing that robots do not care about their companions. "But why am I an exception? And how should that statement about becoming one of them be understood? Does it mean that they would modify the program of a captive to turn them into one of their own?"

Tang Long, holding a laser rapid-fire gun, walked anxiously around the hall. His training had always been virtual, so although the scene was intense, he knew deep down that he was not in any real danger. But now, as he was clearly about to enter actual combat, he truly felt the palpable threat of real war.

So this is the battlefield... Tang Long covered his bleeding arm, lost in thought. Although this battlefield involved a fight between robots, it imparted a sense of tragedy. Unlike the war games he had previously indulged in, death here was certain. Tang Long sighed, closed his eyes, and realized he was about to die here. He couldn't help but mock himself, thinking: "I still wanted to be a marshal, yet I didn't expect that I wouldn't even survive this last training session." Tang Long sighed, closed his eyes, and realized he was about to die here. He couldn't help but mock himself, thinking: "I still wanted to be a marshal, yet I didn't expect that I wouldn't even survive this last training session."

As Tang Long maintained his squatting position, feeling uneasy under the piercing gaze of the instructor with green eyes, the instructor spoke: "Tang Long, you must possess the demeanor of a commander; how can you still be so unruly?" Although the tone remained cold, there was a hint of concern that could be felt within it

At this moment, there is no fighting on this land. Dozens of giant spacecraft, each with a large circular base, are flying at ultra-low altitude. Seeing the metal pieces being drawn to the circular base, Tang Long realizes that the spacecraft are collecting metal fragments. The camera follows one of the spacecraft, and the close-up image allows Tang Long to see the struggling robots shaking on the chassis.

At that moment, the horn sounded with the command: "Landing troops, advance!" Upon hearing this, Tang Long felt a jolt in his body, a roaring in his ears, and then he felt as if his body had become lighter; without the protective frame securing him, he would surely have floated away. It seemed that the landing craft had detached from the warship

At the moment when Tang Long was earnestly praying to heaven and earth, the spacecraft suddenly experienced a greater tremor. Just as Tang Long thought he was done for, the protective frame securing him automatically rose. Following that, the hatch opened, and a wave of robotic soldiers armed with guns surged out. Tang Long, who was hesitating, was glared at by the warrant officer and quickly jumped up, running out of the landing craft

Tang Long stood at attention and said loudly: "Report, sir! It is merit! Only outstanding merit can lead to becoming a marshal"

A faint light appeared in the darkness. As it drew closer, it became evident that it was a door. At that moment, the floor ceased to move, and the door opened automatically, a beam of light shooting out from within. After adjusting to the brightness, Tang Long noticed that the instructors had already entered, and he hurriedly followed suit.

This training is not conducted at this base, nor is it a virtual training. If you fall in training, you will truly be dead. You are an infantryman, and your aspiration is to become a marshal. Ideals are commendable, but what is the most fundamental requirement to become a marshal

"Are they being sent for repairs?" Tang Long asked in a low voice. However, the lieutenant did not respond, merely gazing quietly at the screen. As the camera panned, the spaceship arrived at a vast, artificially constructed place resembling a furnace. The spaceship hovered in the air, and as Tang Long had surmised, those metal blocks fell into the fiery molten mass, only causing a brief splash of sparks before returning to calm.

Tang Long jumped up and shouted, "There is!" Then he quickly ran in front of the instructors, stood at attention, turned around, raised his hand in salute with both legs together, and said, "Good day, officer!"

At that moment, an alarm sounded in the helmet: "Enemy encountered!" Tang Long hurriedly opened his eyes and looked out, seeing the enemy that had appeared. He couldn't help but widen his eyes and forget to blink. The enemy before him was actually a robot, but it was a robot dressed in a red military uniform!

When did such a massive robot army emerge in the universe? Who exactly are they facing as their enemy? This thought had just arisen when countless laser beams swept in, accompanied by numerous ground-to-ground missiles

Tang Long was immediately stunned by the scene before him. Before him lay a desolate expanse of yellow wasteland, and seeing the storm filled with swirling yellow sand, Tang Long realized that he was in an uninhabited star, as such a sight could not occur in a place where people lived. On both sides and behind him, countless landing ships were parked, along with the wreckage of landing ships sparking with fire.

Tang Long stared blankly as the machine instructor walked past him, then continued to gaze at the other instructors as they emerged. After those instructors formed a neat line in the center of the hall, a cold snort came from them: "Private Tang Long, fall in!"

Just as those red robots were about to pull the trigger, a loud voice echoed in the air: "The battle is over! The black side wins!" Upon hearing this, the red robots relaxed their grips on their guns and turned to leave

Unfortunately, those robotic soldiers seemed to lack any verbal communication abilities and completely ignored Tang Long as he entered the warship one by one. Once inside, Tang Long forgot his struggles, as all the soldiers present were robots. At that moment, the boarding hatch closed, and the robot that had restrained Tang Long immediately released him and left with the officer robots.

The instructors also stood at attention with a sharp sound and returned a salute. The instructor in the middle spoke up, saying: "At ease!" As soon as these words were uttered, all six individuals simultaneously lowered their hands, spread their legs apart, and placed their hands behind their waists

Tang Long was rendered speechless upon hearing these words; in his memory, he had never heard the instructor express such concern. "Could it be that this guy has a short circuit in his brain? How could he say something like this?" These thoughts were, of course, what Tang Long muttered to himself, as he could not voice them out loud

The low-altitude aircraft of both sides have already engaged in combat overhead, and Tang Long has advanced several dozen kilometers with the troops. There is no sign of the enemy; all that can be seen are the tanks destroyed by friendly forces ahead and countless metal fragments scattered across the ground. It seems that our side is achieving victory step by step.

The Tang Long, who maintained the rabbit's jumping motion, was startled, but being quick-witted, he swiftly reached out to wipe away the water stain and said with a flattering smile: "Sir, it's dirty here; allow me to help you clean it up."

Tang Long, filled with trepidation, stole glances at the warrant officer standing behind him. Just as he was at a loss for what to do, the warrant officer walked ahead of him. Watching him walk away, Tang Long felt a slight sense of relief. At that moment, he realized that he and the others were lined up in a corridor, and the hatch door behind them had already closed. What were they doing here? As he was lost in thought, a door appeared ahead, and the people in front began to enter one by one. Tang Long, passing by the warrant officer, lowered his head in guilt and did not dare to look up.

"No way? I just arrived, and I have to fight in an hour!" Tang Long exclaimed in shock. However, upon seeing the robots begin to check their weapons after hearing the broadcast, he hurriedly put on his combat suit, donned his helmet, and clumsily started to equip his weapons. Naturally, Tang Long selected his gear by referencing the equipment worn by the robots.

The second lieutenant halted his steps; although he did not turn around, it was the first time Tang Long heard his voice. It was a synthetic voice, devoid of any emotion: "If you want to know, come to the command room after dressing your wounds."

As Tang Long dazedly followed the instructor towards the warship, the landing bay of the ship opened. With a series of clicking sounds, about ten soldiers descended. Upon seeing the faces of these soldiers, Tang Long couldn't help but rub his eyes, for he realized that all these soldiers were robots dressed in military uniforms

Tang Long was momentarily taken aback upon hearing this, and began to ponder in his heart: "Is the instructor preparing to teach me how to be a deserter?"

Tang Long quietly gazed at the screen and said in a deep voice: "No matter what they are, I only know that they have fought alongside me in battles and have protected my comrades. I believe that honoring one's comrades requires no reason."

As Tang Long was pondering the matter of these robots and the battle, a voice echoed within the cabin: "Time's up, take off immediately!" Upon hearing this, Tang Long involuntarily glanced at the hatch that was about to close, and suddenly noticed a robot grasping the edge of the door, attempting to climb into the already departing spacecraft.

Upon hearing this, Tang Long immediately opened the box and began to tend to his wounds. After finishing, he noticed that the second lieutenant had not left and was still quietly facing away from him. Tang Long saluted his back, saying, "Sir! I have bandaged my wounds!" The second lieutenant said nothing and started to walk outside. Naturally, Tang Long smartly followed him.

At that moment, a warrant officer dragged a box measuring one meter long and half a meter high and wide in front of Tang Long. He pointed at the box and then turned to leave. Tang Long knew that these robots were reluctant to speak, and it would be futile for him to say anything. He could only sigh and open the box, which was marked with the number 23.

Tang Long. Seeing that Tang Long had already become accustomed to standing at attention when the commander spoke the first words, the chief instructor seemed quite satisfied, nodding his head and signaling for Tang Long to stand at ease

Although he cursed inwardly, he had no time to think. The command skills he had learned before were of no use at this moment, nor did he need to worry about them. He realized that he was merely a private, a soldier who would be shot immediately if he retreated in battle. The scenes of commanding millions of troops in the game could never occur; his once lofty position was no longer attainable. He was just a private in the real world.

The instructor perhaps sensed Tang Long's psychological changes and coldly snorted: "A deserter can never become a marshal. Moreover, in modern warfare, an individual cannot possibly be a deserter."

"Wrong!" the chief instructor said coldly, "Only by preserving your own life can you have the opportunity to become a marshal. Even if your achievements overshadow the entire universe, without your life, there is nothing! All your previous efforts will vanish into thin air once you lose your life!"

The instructor certainly knew what Tang Long had just done and understood why Tang Long suddenly appeared so humble and respectful. Upon seeing Tang Long's demeanor, the instructor's intelligent computer couldn't help but evoke the phrase 'crying and laughing.' The instructor's skeletal face could not possibly reveal any expression, so Tang Long looked at the instructor with great concern. He knew he could not deceive these instructors at all, and it seemed he would definitely have to face severe punishment soon.

Tang Long stared blankly at his teammates who had not fallen, and quickly ran towards a hatch. The warrant officer, seeing that Tang Long was still dazed, approached with his piercing green eyes, first kicking Tang Long in the stomach, then lifting him and throwing him to the entrance of the hatch. Now, disregarding the pain, Tang Long saw the warrant officer aiming his gun at him, and hurriedly scrambled and rolled into the hatch.

The robotic soldier moved its mouth slightly, and a cold metallic voice reached Tang Long's ears: "If captured by the enemy, we will become their people." Just as the robotic soldier finished speaking, it suddenly pushed Tang Long away, and a grenade fell. With a loud bang, the robotic soldier was reduced to a pile of scrap metal

Tang Long understood the meaning of the instructor's words. Modern warfare is a battle of warships exchanging fire. Soldiers aboard the warships, even if they wish to escape, cannot do so unless the captain is willing to flee. If the captain is a fool who does not know when to advance or retreat, then the soldiers on board can only pray for divine protection. Just think about it; how can a soldier escape in space? To board a lifeboat, one must rely on the discretion of those in charge. Moreover, it is highly likely that the moment they enter the battlefield, they could be obliterated by the enemy, making the thought of escape impossible, perhaps even before the idea has a chance to form.

They all saluted in unison, and Tang Long hurriedly returned the salute to the instructor. At this moment, the chief instructor said to Tang Long: "Tang Long, you will join this warship as a private. From now on, you will undergo final training with these officers." After saying this, he left with the four instructors beside him

After hearing Tang Long's question, the machine instructor did not say anything. With a wave of his hand, he led the robot towards a corner of the wall. Tang Long was momentarily taken aback, unsure of what the instructor intended to do, but the robot glanced back at him, indicating that he should follow. Thus, he had no choice but to follow them to the corner, where he stood in a daze, staring at the white wall.