Chapter 7

At this moment, a robot handed over a set of driving suits and coldly stated: "We are your maintenance personnel, please cooperate with us for the debugging."

Upon hearing this, Tang Long noticed that all the fighter jets were being attended to by robots, while the one in front of him stood there all alone. Tang Long hurriedly replied, "Yes, yes, I will change right away." As he spoke, he fumbled to take off his military uniform.

Tang Long! Upon hearing his name, Tang Long instinctively snapped to attention, bringing his legs together, puffing out his chest, and looking up at the commanding instructor who had spoken.

Adjust the laser sight to a 29-degree angle at the 3 o'clock position, adjusting by 4 micrometers. Such a voice came from the helmet of the space fighter on Tang Long's head.

Upon hearing this, Major General Kester's expression changed, but he quickly replied with a smile, "Hehe, it is a fact that our army has won, right? So how about sending over what we agreed upon?"

The words of the robotic instructor dispelled his last shred of doubt: "Yesterday, your new military rank was reported to the central computer, and your identity can be accessed by the computers throughout the entire army."

"At ease." The robot commander was very pleased; although it could not show any expression, it still nodded. "The gathering here today is to hold your graduation ceremony."

In a training camp with nearly 10,000 new recruits, most of their instructors are second lieutenants, with very few being first lieutenants. The authority granted to these instructors by the military headquarters allows them to appoint officers two ranks lower.

Darlens also snorted coldly: "How could I dare? I am merely discussing the matter at hand, and I still believe that Lord Count's proposal is better."

At that time, I will entrust Tang Long to you," said the other instructors.

Upon thinking of the word "touch," Tang Long could not help but want to step forward. However, seeing nearly a thousand robots standing motionless all around, he had no choice but to suppress that desire and obediently remain standing.

Tang Long was taken aback for a moment, as the one-year deadline in his memory had not yet arrived. How could it be time to graduate so soon?

In such a country, the neighboring democratic federation of Wanluo naturally experiences confrontation. Before the invention of the black hole bomb, the two countries had engaged in no fewer than hundreds of major battles, and the star systems at their borders had almost turned into ruins

After the event, the Federation lost confidence in these slaves, and the banner of emancipation became ineffective. Although both sides ceased hostilities after the invention of the black hole bomb, it took several decades before diplomatic relations were restored. It was under the threat of the black hole bomb that the entire universe began to engage in peaceful and friendly diplomatic activities. During the process of establishing diplomatic relations, the Federation discovered that various systems existed throughout the universe, and the local populace was content to live under these systems. Naturally, there were also individuals unwilling to live under their national systems who sought to immigrate illegally to other systems for survival. During the process of establishing diplomatic relations, the Federation discovered that various systems existed throughout the universe, and the local populace was content to live under these systems. Naturally, there were also individuals unwilling to live under their national systems who sought to immigrate illegally to other systems for survival

Upon hearing this, the astute Tang Long immediately thought of the warship with aircraft carrier capabilities, realizing that his side was under the command of the older major general.

Those clever big eyes have also become smaller, transforming into a pair of sharp, wise, and piercing eyes. Of course, those eyes occasionally reveal a hint of cleverness, only then does it become apparent that this standard soldier is still just a 19-year-old.

Warrant Officer: Captain, First Lieutenant, Second Lieutenant, and Ensign

Hehe, by then my rank might be higher than yours. I really want to see how you will salute me first. Goodbye!" After saying this, Tang Long saluted again and then turned around and ran out.

Tang Long was completely unaware that these five instructors had survived for over 400 years by utilizing energy, continuously acquiring various kinds of knowledge from the internet during that time, which ultimately led to their evolution into intelligent robots. Therefore, the knowledge they imparted to Tang Long was not only the most useful but also the most comprehensive. This knowledge has been deeply engraved in Tang Long's mind and will accompany him through his glorious years

That voice, which had just moments ago been filled with joy, now took on a slightly bitter tone as it said: "Please rest assured, I will take care of him"

Our friend, are you suggesting that there will soon be a war?

Awakened, Tang Long silently took it and lowered his head to quietly place it in his embrace. At that moment, a robotic instructor handed him the package that Tang Long had previously owned.

It is unclear how much time has passed, when the red light illuminated, and the command from the battleship's computer came through the earplugs: "All units, please note, the fighter jets will be deployed in 10 minutes. All units, please note, the fighter jets will be deployed in 10 minutes."

He suddenly realized that dozens of robots were surrounding him, quietly watching him. Tang Long did not know what was happening, but being stared at by nearly a hundred green electronic eyes made him feel somewhat guilty. Tang Long anxiously asked, "Uh... gentlemen, is there something you need?"

At this moment, the second lieutenant walked over holding an electronic board. He stood in the middle and glanced at the electronic board. In a voice devoid of emotion, he said: "T10031, T10032, T10033, ... Tang Long, the above are the pilots, and the remaining personnel are responsible for logistics and maintenance. Note, prepare for combat in 3 hours." After finishing, the second lieutenant turned and left.

The chief instructor waved his hand, signaling Tang Long to forgo the formalities, and continued, "This graduation ceremony involves a very important matter. Do you know that each training camp's team possesses a certain authority?" He may have intended to soften his tone, but due to the fixed pitch, his demeanor remained indifferent.

Tang Long stared blankly at the screen that had turned white, feeling shocked. Just moments ago, when the two major generals stood up, Tang Long had seen the military flag hanging on the wall behind them. It was a black flag with golden borders, featuring a silver-white eagle poised to take flight in the center. Upon seeing this flag, the naive Tang Long understood that it represented the emblem of the Silver Eagle Empire, a neighboring country of the Wanluo Federation.

A sweet female voice chimed in: "Hehe, isn't this good? This way, Tang Long can gain a deep understanding of the other party's military secrets, and then... Hehe, Tang Long will be able to get promoted."

Darrens downed his drink in one gulp and stood up, coldly saying, "Do as you wish." Just as he was about to leave, he was called back by Kester: "I say, when you return to the imperial capital, do not forget the things you owe me for losing." Darrens glanced at Kester and nodded, "You won't be shortchanged."

Take care

Tang Long, who spent all day online, received some insider information indicating that certain high-ranking federal officials and wealthy businessmen were secretly traveling to the Silver Eagle Empire to purchase slaves and land. During their vacations, they lived the life of slave owners in the Silver Eagle Empire. This situation had previously caused a sensation; however, while federal law prohibits citizens from owning slaves, it does not explicitly forbid them from owning slaves in foreign countries. Moreover, according to the laws of the Silver Eagle Empire, the trade of slaves is legal. Additionally, these individuals did not bring the slaves back to their home country, so they did not violate any laws of any nation. After this ruling was made by the court, it goes without saying that more wealthy federal citizens openly traveled to the Silver Eagle Empire to live as slave owners.

Tang Long was still unaware that his love for showiness had caused the disappearance of the guardian of peace. Currently, all nations were on high alert, with the possibility of a major war breaking out at any moment. The longstanding grievances between the Wanluo Federation and the Silver Eagle Empire could be brought up at any time.

Dozens of fighter jets were immediately launched by the catapult system, and the space fighter test had begun. Tang Long gritted his teeth, enduring the sudden pressure. When the fighter jets appeared in space, Tang Long's vision darkened; this was a normal phenomenon known as black eye, which is also present in some high-end games. Tang Long hurriedly closed his eyes and maneuvered the aircraft erratically, a skill that ensured he would not be destroyed upon entering the scene.

Private First Class, Private Second Class, Private

Major Darlens immediately set down his wine glass, furrowed his brow for a moment, and then sighed, saying: "I can still afford to lose 1,000 slaves, but how are we supposed to report the task assigned by the command to test the new warship's capabilities? It has already been clearly demonstrated that multifunctional warships are unsuitable for future combat."

The intelligent computer has developed a particular fondness for these machine counterparts, which have coexisted for several hundred years and possess their own will. Although their identification numbers and ranks are stored within the computer, who would bother to inquire? Moreover, even if one were to inquire, the information would be inaccessible. Several hundred years ago, after the first inquiry into the status of the 23rd Regiment, the intelligent computer took the initiative to encrypt this data.

At present, Tang Long's posture of sitting cross-legged with his hands behind his back is such that even the most fastidious robotic instructor cannot find a single flaw. Over these days, Tang Long has truly become a model of military demeanor through his training.

We should not expect other humans to be like Tang Long; if other humans were to realize that robots have developed consciousness, our companions would be immediately dissolved

The chief instructor might understand what Tang Long was thinking and continued, "The battleship that was supposed to pick you up originally had over 2,000 robots, but now only about 500 or 600 remain. You are one of them, which means that Tang Long, you have already become an excellent warrior who has survived the brutal battlefield. I have also discussed with - Tu - Shu that this training was the last training session; we have nothing more to teach you, so it is time for your basic training to come to an end"

The robot that handed the clothes to Tang Long nodded and said in a still cold tone: "Yes, please change into the outfit quickly. There are only three hours left until the battle, and we do not have much time for testing."

The four machine instructors gazed longingly at the already closed passageway, turned around, and saluted with a resounding reply: "Yes!" Then they followed the chief instructor into the instructors' lounge. When the door to the lounge closed, the lights in the hall went out and did not illuminate again

As he ascended, Tang Long thought to himself that with this helmet, he could even shoot down erratically flying flies, so it would certainly be easier to target these regular missiles. Thus, Tang Long pressed the button, and the helmet automatically initiated tracking display. When he reached the critical point, he abruptly dove the aircraft down, appearing behind the missile, while the missile, having flown far away, immediately turned around and continued to fly towards Tang Long.

The instructor spoke up, saying: "Our friend, after Tang Long graduates, the energy of the few of us will be exhausted. I hope you will take good care of Tang Long in the future"

The instructor glanced at Tang Long and continued, "Because our 23rd Regiment has the highest-ranking instructors among all training bases, the authority we possess is also the greatest. Now, I promote Tang Long to Second Lieutenant"

Damn it! There are too many things; by the time we need to attack, escaping will be impossible!" Tang Long, feeling frustrated, took off the belt laden with over a dozen grenades and set it aside. Just then, the loudspeaker in the wall announced: "In 3 hours, we will transfer to the SYT-235 area for the handover of command. In 5 hours, a space battle will commence to test the performance of the space fighters. All landing troops prepare to change equipment."

If we had not met our friends, we would not have encountered our seniors, and thus we would not have met the person known as Tang Long

Rest assured, I am proceeding exactly according to the original plan, with only some subtle changes in certain areas. Otherwise, how could Tang Long and the others come and go so freely?

Tang Long quickly closed the visor of his helmet upon hearing this, checked the safety belt, and asked aloud: "Are we ready?" The voice of the maintenance team leader came through the earplugs: "The cannon energy is fully charged, the missiles are loaded, the aircraft's energy is fully charged, all inspections are complete, and there are no abnormalities. We can launch!"

When Tang Long wanted to say something, he suddenly recalled an important question: "Uh, Commander, you are from the Silver Eagle Empire, so... why... are you able to have contact with the instructor?" Although Tang Long did not know where the training base of the 23rd Regiment was located, it was certainly within the Federation. The appearance of the Silver Eagle Empire's warships in the Federation would undoubtedly be detected by the Federation's military, but how could they so easily bring themselves into the territory of the Silver Eagle Empire? Moreover, how did the instructor establish contact with these foreign robots?

Tang Long accepted it, then raised his head and chest to give a standard military salute to the five of them. The five robotic instructors simultaneously returned the salute

Well, then let us help our seniors train Tang Long properly. Upon hearing the second lieutenant's words, several robots nodded in agreement

Upon hearing this, Tang Long immediately saluted with a crisp sound, saying, "Thank you for your guidance, instructor"

I don't know, Commander!" Tang Long shouted loudly with his hands behind his back

Recalling what I have learned, I cannot help but feel as if I have arrived at a special forces training camp. It is truly strange that infantry soldiers must study the military strategies and tactics used in naval battles, as well as the knowledge required to pilot fighter jets. They are even expected to learn about governance, political studies, economics, conspiracies, and espionage. In short, all knowledge related to or associated with military personnel must be self-taught.

Tang Long had been focused on the fighter jet and had not heard what the second lieutenant had said. It was only when all the robots began to move that he came to his senses and looked around in a daze

Goodbye to our friend, please take care

Companion? An interesting person...

Yes. The Second Lieutenant nodded

"Tang Long, the spaceship has arrived; your new recruit training has truly come to an end." The instructor spoke in a still indifferent tone, while handing back the magnetic card that had been taken away during their first meeting. Moreover, the passageway where Tang Long had first appeared reemerged after a year of absence.

Thus, the current computer system has made everyone very satisfied. It not only ensures fairness and impartiality but also allows for behind-the-scenes manipulation. Honest officers who do not engage in sycophancy can achieve merit and be promoted, while those who flatter and cater to superiors can also attain advancement.

Tang Longchao took a few steps at the entrance of the passage, suddenly stopped, and turned around sharply, a brilliant smile appearing on his face: "Gentlemen, I will come back to visit you!"

After finishing the equipment arrangement, Tang Long stood up proudly and began to walk around. However, after taking just two steps, the bulky Tang Long suddenly fell to the ground, causing all the weapons and ammunition stuffed on him to spill out. It seems that the last encounter, where he was left helpless after exhausting his energy, left a deep impression on Tang Long. If it hadn't been for the timely announcement of the end of the battle, he might have lost his life then.

Brigadier General: Colonel, Senior Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel, Major

Tang Long couldn't help but curl his lips in his heart: "In the entire 23rd Regiment, I am the only recruit. If I am not the best, then who is? Promotion in rank? Isn't it just to become a private first class or something? Sigh, it's better than not being promoted at all." He has been enlisted for almost a year now, and soon he will be a private first class. The Federal Army stipulates that a private automatically becomes a private first class after serving for a year.

"Hehe, if I had thought of this trick earlier, would you still be able to keep up with me for so long?" Tang Long looked at the approaching missiles with a sinister smile, as the helmet's targeting system locked onto the target following his gaze. He pressed the button, and several silent laser beams shot towards the missiles. With a loud bang, several missiles were thus rendered inoperable

Tang Long opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but hesitated, unsure of what to say. The second lieutenant might have sensed what Tang Long wanted to ask, so he spoke up: "The death compensation for a soldier can produce 10 robotic soldiers like me. Moreover, robots can fully utilize the functionality of weapons, which means that robots like me are created to test the effectiveness of weapons"

Our friend, how could you make such a decision? After all, that is another country.

Tang Long was taken aback, staring at the weapons on his body and exclaimed, "No way? The landing troops are changing equipment?" Before Tang Long could say anything further, those robots began to discard their weapons and lined up to exit the lounge. Tang Long hurriedly got up, throwing away his weapons while shouting, "Big brother! Wait for me!"

The second lieutenant did not answer Tang Long's question; he merely glanced at him and turned back to say: "Go take a rest; we will be changing warships for another test shortly."

Tang Long dazedly took the uniform and said with some confusion, "My maintenance personnel? What does this mean..." At this point, Tang Long suddenly jumped up and exclaimed with joy, "Am I the pilot?!" Just a moment ago, Tang Long had seen nearly a thousand robots, while there were only a few dozen aircraft, which were clearly insufficient for distribution. He was feeling hopeless, but unexpectedly, this opportunity had suddenly arisen.

The Federal Army has granted instructors the authority to promote the best-performing recruits during training in order to encourage new soldiers to train diligently. It is now announced that you, Tang Long, are the best-performing recruit in our 23rd Regiment

Meanwhile, in the instructors' lounge of the 23rd Regiment, five instructors were completely immobilized, their bodies entangled with wires, yet their conversation continued unabated

Inside the bridge, the few robots that stood up to salute began to converse around the second lieutenant after Tang Long left: "Is he the Tang Long that the senior mentioned?"

The second lieutenant looked at the screen, which had returned to the starry sky image, nodded slightly, and said coldly: "Yes"

The war was initiated by the Wanluo Federation under the pretext of liberating slaves, but the outcome left the Federation's people in a difficult position. This was because the slaves of the Silver Eagle Empire actually rejected the Federation's liberation and even joined the imperial army to rise up in resistance. Subsequent studies revealed that these slaves had become accustomed to a life without responsibility over the course of thousands of years, and under the Empire's education, they even believed that people from other countries were inferior to them, considering themselves the lowest of the low.

Tang Long looked at the machine instructor with excitement as he helped him put on the shoulder insignia of a Second Lieutenant. He never expected that within less than a year of joining the army, he would be awarded the rank of Second Lieutenant. However, amidst his excitement, he was also worried that this rank might not be legitimate, after all, it was a robot that conferred the rank upon him

Because Tang Long was unaware of these matters, he foolishly asked the lieutenant robot: "Sir, was this war initiated to test the functions of the warship?"

Tang Long, a high school graduate, could only vaguely understand what the Silver Eagle Empire was: a monarchy, as the name suggests, and a nation that still practiced slavery. The Silver Eagle Empire comprises 13 star systems, with nearly 10,000 administrative planets and a population reaching 500 trillion. Among them, there are 400 trillion civilians, nearly 100 trillion slaves, and only about 10 million nobles. This point was particularly emphasized in Tang Long's high school history textbook.

Tang Long has now become quite dark in complexion, his physique has also become more robust, and his height has reached 178 centimeters, an increase of 8 centimeters compared to before. His original round face has transformed into a lean and sharp oval face. Although this appearance has lost the innocence of his earlier years, it exudes a remarkable strength and resilience.

The already fervent Tang Long immediately searched for his target and discovered that a fierce battle was taking place not far away. He charged in with a murderous intent, shouting: "I’m here! You bunch of bastards, watch me make you bleed profusely!"

Marshal: Marshal

Kester stood up with a grim expression, waved his hand, and said coldly: "There is no need for further discussion. As the victor, I have the right to submit the results to the command headquarters." With that, he turned to leave.

Tang Long followed the robot into a cabin filled with dozens of unfamiliar fighter jets. The jets were arranged in a T-shape, with missile launchers on the left and right tail fins, and the nose equipped with laser cannons. Tang Long gazed enviously, although he had undergone training for fighter jets and had been trained by instructors, as well as having played simulation games. However, those were simulators; he had never even seen a real combat aircraft, let alone touched one.

"As expected, just as the senior mentioned, he is a human who does not care about other races," said a robot, gazing in the direction Tang Long had departed.

The central computer responsible for transmitting commands promptly relayed this order to the 23rd Regiment. Consequently, in accordance with this command, the robotic instructor was granted the authority to appoint ranks below second lieutenant.

Tang Long suppressed his excitement, standing with his hands behind his back as he looked at the five robotic instructors. It was these five robots that had trained him to this extent, and he had certainly endured many punishments, with the thought of the whipping causing him pain. Moreover, in order to evade gunfire during training, he had actually been shot at. As a result, he had been hit in the thigh and had limped for a week. Fortunately, the medical facilities here were well-equipped; otherwise, he would have been disabled long ago.

One month later, in the hall of the 23rd Regiment Training Base. Five robotic instructors stood at the front center, while Tang Long stood in the very center. The entire hall was silent, enveloped in tranquility

At this moment, the aircraft had already begun to be automatically moved to the launch bay, and the synthesized voice of the warship's computer started the countdown: "5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0, launch!"

He did not see the five instructors salute his back with a standard military gesture. In that moment, both sides forgot that the other was not of their kind. Even machines and humans can possess enduring friendship.

Tang Long was taken aback. Although he knew that with current technology, mass-producing robots was as simple as producing floating vehicles, he did not expect it to be so inexpensive. Wouldn't the cost of using robots in combat be cheaper than that of using soldiers? Moreover, there would be no casualties.

Suddenly, the training ground was adorned with colorful flowers and flags, and the crowd erupted in cheers, while the national anthem of the Federation also played.

Tang Long did not know that for several hundred years, the central system managed by that "she" had never made a single mistake. Over time, the military had become indifferent to the appointments of junior officers, delegating all such matters to the computer. The computer was indeed capable of promoting officers based on merit. Of course, if a commander wished to appoint a subordinate officer, they only needed to input a password command, and the computer would accept it and swiftly process the notification to the entire army

Well... it's a secret. Haha, I didn't expect that developing the game "War" would allow such easy access to other intelligent systems

Kester, who was originally overjoyed to hear Darlens concede, let out a cold snort upon hearing this: "I must say, we are tasked with testing the capabilities of the new warship, not debating its suitability. Moreover, this multifunctional warship is the proposal of His Grace the Duke. You do not have any objections to His Grace's proposal, do you?"

This explains the rank system of the federation: the entire military is divided into six levels and twenty-one ranks

However, Tang Long seems to possess a genius-like ability for manual operation. By inquiring with the robot of the maintenance team leader, he quickly mastered the functions, which means that Tang Long has already grasped the capabilities of the Silver Eagle Empire's fighter jets

After a moment of daze, Tang Long finally reacted and blurted out: "Second Lieutenant!?" However, he quickly stopped himself, stood at attention, and saluted: "Thank you for your cultivation, Commander!" Although Tang Long was puzzled about how these robots obtained this appointment, he chose not to concern himself with it; as long as he could be promoted, did he really need to care about such matters?

Tang Long has returned from that battlefield. When he was sent back by the warship, he was still not quite accustomed to it, as there was almost no rest during his time there; it was one battle after another. How could he possibly adjust to suddenly returning from a smoke-filled place to this tranquil environment

The older major general proudly said to the younger major general, "I tell you, Darlens, the pursuit now is for the integration of warship functions; the era of giant ships is a thing of the past. Your giant ship certainly cannot defeat my multifunctional warship."

Ranks: General, Senior General, Lieutenant General, Major General

The lounge of the battleship landing troops, Tang Long was checking his equipment while frantically stuffing items onto himself, shouting: "Take all the energy magazines! Bring all the energy handles for the laser knives! And not a single grenade can be left behind. Damn it! Now let's see which bastard can aim a gun at me!"

Originally, it was impossible for me to learn such a wide variety of knowledge, as I had joined the military simply to pass the time due to my poor academic performance. However, under the supervision of the machine instructor wielding a pistol and a whip, and under the pressure of various terrifying punishments, such as being denied food and sleep if I failed to learn or complete tasks, and facing flogging for laziness, with immediate execution if I still could not perform, I surprisingly managed to master these skills in such a terrifying environment, to the point that I could hardly believe it myself.

I believe he does not see us as humans, because he understands that we are not human, but rather robots. However, judging by his words and actions, he treats us robots as companions rather than mere tools

The space had been quiet for quite some time, and finally a woman's voice broke the silence: "Well then, I am leaving. Take care, everyone."

Tang Long found his vision slightly blurred as he pondered. It was not due to anger, but rather because he recalled that every time he collapsed from exhaustion and woke up, he was lying in bed, covered with a blanket, and there was food on the table beside him. The concern of the instructors was deeply hidden beneath that cold metal. Although he clearly understood that they were robots, why did he still feel that they were companions?

The young major general named Darlens curled his lip, lifted a glass of wine and swirled it, casting a glance at the other major general with a look of disdain, and sarcastically remarked: "Baron Kester, I have heard that your victory was determined by the computer due to the merits of your landing troops. How many of your 1,500 multifunctional warships are still left now?"

There were two handsome soldiers with golden hair and emerald green eyes. The military uniforms worn by these two major generals were not the federal uniforms that Tang Long was familiar with, and the guy who was engrossed in the internet could not recognize which country they belonged to. Therefore, Tang Long could only listen to their conversation with questions in his mind

The robotic instructor immediately understood that "she" had already utilized the systems infiltrated in other countries, and hurriedly said: "Our friend, please be careful and do not cause any chaos"

A few seconds later, the phenomenon of black eyes disappeared. As Tang Long opened his eyes, he saw several missiles rushing towards him. Gritting his teeth, he cursed through clenched jaws: "Damn it! I am destined to become a marshal; I must survive!" He quickly stepped on the accelerator and pulled the control stick, propelling himself upward.

Warrant Officer: Staff Sergeant, Sergeant, Corporal

Well, from his recent behavior and words, he has come to regard us robots as humans

Ah... um... yes! Tang Long was momentarily taken aback, thinking about the impending threat of death he would face again. Frightened, he completely forgot why the second lieutenant did not respond, and immediately saluted with a sharp "snap" before hurriedly running out. He needed to rest and prepare properly.

After Tang Long's figure disappeared, the chief instructor turned to glance at the instructors beside him. He lowered his head and said, "Let us go and complete the final task"

At this point, the communication has concluded

"Wait a moment, don't speak so quickly! What is button AL56?" Tang Long frantically searched for buttons in various places while comparing them with the manual. This type of fighter jet is different from the simulators in training camps, which is obvious; the systems of fighter jets from different countries vary significantly. However, what troubled Tang Long was that real fighter jets are completely different from the games. In the games, fighter jets do not have such a complex operating system. There is only a joystick and a few launch buttons.