Chapter 1, Graduation Ceremony
Is the character recognition still incorrect? I should have listened to Hines and filled it out more carefully. Zhang Songlan, frustrated, grabbed his hair, "Ah, this is so troublesome. May I ask if there is the recognition code P59L among the units coming to interview graduates today?"
"Don't be angry, don't be angry, it's just a hypothetical situation on paper." Zhang Songlan said innocently with a smile, "Decapitation is also a tactical means; sometimes, a dagger can outweigh a thousand troops. As for the reason I didn't write a counter-strategy for Abraham, it's quite simple—his data is too perfect, and I haven't had the opportunity to deal with him, so I can't find a strategy for now"
"Are you about to graduate?" Zhang Songlan smiled gently, "Thinking about how everyone will belong to different factions in the future, I took the opportunity to collect some data on everyone in my capacity as a school reporter. You never know when the opposing general might be a former classmate. Having a bit of intelligence on hand is always useful."
There are reasons for the two individuals being ranked last—during the graduation assessment, Zhang Songlan ranked second to last, while Hines ranked last. Fortunately, both passed with only a few points to spare. This combination of perennial underachievers is not favored by anyone at the military academy; they belong to the type that is neither cherished by their grandmothers nor loved by their uncles. Not only are they unattractive to girls, but even the teachers, who are generally inclusive, frown upon them.
"Our identification code is indeed P59I, but the code you provided is P59L, so we are very sorry, but we cannot allow you to board," the soldier said with a stern expression
Thank you for your guidance Zhang Songlan understood this point He bowed his head to accept the diploma and quickly turned to leave
Ah, I know it won't make a difference to say this, but I really dislike these insincere things. Hines waved his hand as if trying to drive away something unpleasant, "By the way, which class and library does that guy up there, who is putting on a serious face and giving a report, belong to? I don't see him around often."
If my future boss is such a pompous little brat, I would rather go to the grassroots and be a foot soldier!" Hines scoffed, "By the way, when did you start caring about school matters? I haven't seen you do any intelligence gathering work when we were together, either.
"Get lost, I can't wait to get rid of you, you big lazy bum." Hines responded with a teasing laugh, "Next time we meet, it will either be on the battlefield or at the negotiation table. Don't go easy on me just because we are classmates; otherwise, I will hate you for a lifetime"
I don't recognize you. You know I have always been face-blind and don't pay much attention to report cards. Hines was quite straightforward.
Is it really necessary to fight over such trivial matters? As long as one can graduate, that is sufficient. Zhang Songlan, not concerned with this vanity, waved his finger in a manner reminiscent of a life coach, saying, "This is called concealing one's abilities and biding one's time, do you understand? When the real battle occurs, the enemy might underestimate me upon hearing that I ranked second to last in the military academy."
Without military power, it is impossible to maintain peace; there will always be those who envy others' good fortune. Therefore, soldiers are still indispensable for peace. Moreover, even if what we learn is used for killing, we cannot openly declare it to the outside world; consider it a promotion for the honor of the academy.
Then... do I also have a share?" Hines pointed to himself
"Cut it out, what nonsense about hiding one's light under a bushel!" Hines scoffed, "After four years of being together, do I still not know you? You're just a lazy bum, pure and simple! If the final assessment allowed for voice input, you wouldn't be talking about hiding your light under a bushel at all."
Zhang Songlan adjusted the notes a few pages back and solemnly read aloud: "Heinz Roller Stuart, a refugee from the Greater German Republic, majored in Space Fleet Command. Final assessment scores: Strategic Assessment 31 points and Literature, Fleet Simulation Warfare 79 points, Ground Tactical Command 81 points, Intelligence Studies 10 points, Mechanical Operations 65 points, Personal Combat Skills 99 points. His combat style is grand and casual, with a commanding strategy that places extreme emphasis on offense. In the offensive segment of the fleet simulation warfare, he defeated the chief examiner within fifteen minutes, relying solely on cunning rather than brute force. It is recommended to adopt ambush tactics and execute decapitation operations at the earliest opportunity." Final assessment scores: Strategic Assessment 31 points and Literature, Fleet Simulation Warfare 79 points, Ground Tactical Command 81 points, Intelligence Studies 10 points, Mechanical Operations 65 points, Personal Combat Skills 99 points. His combat style is grand and casual, with a commanding strategy that places extreme emphasis on offense. In the offensive segment of the fleet simulation warfare, he defeated the chief examiner within fifteen minutes, relying solely on cunning rather than brute force. It is recommended to adopt ambush tactics and execute decapitation operations at the earliest opportunity.
What about the volunteer identification code? You didn't fill it out with your poor handwriting, did you? There's still time to change the application if you go back now. Hines still felt uneasy
Thank you, Brother Soldier. It is truly a pity not to have worked alongside such a good person like you. Until we meet again by fate. Zhang Songlan greeted the soldier and whistled as he strolled towards the designated parking spot indicated by the soldier
"Alright, alright, my dear mother, I swear I filled this out in the most meticulous handwriting of my life. If you can't bear to part with me, just say so; I have no objections to going with you to the Dingyuan Marquis's residence to hang out," Zhang Songlan teased in response to Haines's rambling.
On the large square outside the Peace Officer Academy, dozens of military aircraft dispatched by eager military organizations are neatly parked, awaiting the arrival of graduates for interviews
"Hey, have you submitted the volunteer application form? I really don't want to see you begging on the streets one day because you can't find a job." With one last glance at the familiar school gate, Hines elegantly swung his backpack onto his shoulder, which contained all the belongings of this dispossessed individual.
Soon, Hines received his diploma, and the somewhat exhausted old principal trembled as he descended from the podium. Next was the time for the student representative to deliver the graduation speech
"What the hell, this score... wait, what did you say this guy's last name is?" Hines suddenly realized the key point in the information mentioned by Zhang Songlan
Rest assured, I will defeat you without leaving a single soldier, and then I will capture you to drink. Zhang Songlan replied with a smile, walking in the opposite direction of Hines.
There is ... ... the second mhetushucomcom at the fourth parking position
"Second-generation authority." Zhang Songlan provided a term that Hines could understand, "Isn't your interview aspiration to go to the territory of the Dingyuan Marquis? You might even have to work under them in the future; how can you not be clear about your future superior?"
"Hey, I said you..." Zhang Songlan mechanically finished the last sentence, and even someone as thick-skinned as Haines was drenched in cold sweat. "Is this how you plan to deal with your college best friend? What was that last beheading operation all about? And why am I the only one who wrote a countermeasure? What about that Abraham guy?"
"I really have to hand it to you... With all this free time, you might as well practice your calligraphy. I know your capabilities all too well; I can't even outdo you in my strongest area, which is offense. You have too many tricks up your sleeve. If it weren't for your handwriting, which resembles a cryptic code that no one can decipher, the one giving the report in front wouldn't be that Abraham, but you instead. I, as your drinking buddy, would also benefit from the glory." complained Hines
In May 2024, at the renowned Peace Military Academy on the free planet Elanburg, a new batch of graduates has just been sent off. This institution, which is dedicated to "teaching knowledge for maintaining peace for all humanity," has seen graduates from various backgrounds: noble students from the only monarchic dictatorship in humanity, the so-called Millennium Empire of the Han Dynasty; exiled sons of fallen nations; strong-willed women who refuse to accept male dominance over the entire war machine; and seemingly inconsequential civilians who applied haphazardly for better living conditions. In this academy, which aims to impart knowledge for maintaining peace for all humanity, they may, in this era of peace, live out their military careers as the school motto hopes, and then lead a comfortable life relying on pensions, merely waiting for the end.
Did you just notice? Zhang Songlan displayed an expression of "you only just found out." This guy is the second son of the Duke of Dingyuan, Yang Xuan, and the young lady of the Duke of Zhenyuan, Trosha. He is the son of Xien. According to the inheritance laws of the Millennium Empire, he cannot inherit the title of Duke of Dingyuan nor the title of Duke of Zhenyuan. Perhaps he came to study with the peace officers to carve out a future for himself; otherwise, given his status, he could easily find a school within his family's territory and live comfortably. Why would he endure such hardship in someone else's domain?
That student representative indeed does not often make appearances, yet is quite well-known within the school. Moreover, the school only admits a few hundred students each year, so even with poor memory, after four years together, everyone should be somewhat familiar with each other.
"Alright, please wait a moment..." The soldier lowered his head to check the computer, "I’m sorry, your name is not on the login list"
Abraham Hien Yang, the top student of our cohort, majoring in Space Fleet Command. Final assessment scores: Strategic Assessment 97, Fleet Simulation Combat 95, Ground Tactical Command 83, Intelligence Studies 90, Mechanical Operations 88, Personal Combat Skills 85, with a total score ranking first in the entire cohort. He has a reserved personality but is quite popular among teachers, with rumors suggesting that the number of girls who have confessed to him only to face embarrassing failures is in the double digits. Zhang Songlan read those cryptic symbols as if she were a translation machine.
"It's pure nonsense! Soldiers work by killing, yet they ask us to contribute to peace, as if putting up a facade for a prostitute. " Hines casually tossed his diploma onto the chair and sat down heavily, clearly not new to complaining about his school's founding principles.
Of course, when it comes to my livelihood, I haven't forgotten to that extent yet. Zhang Songlan replied with a smile, and with his suitcase in tow, he appeared more like a tourist than an ambitious graduate officer
However, they were born into a transformative fault line, and regardless of their personal willingness to follow this trend, they could only be involuntarily swept into the whirlpool of history, experiencing a life filled with joys and sorrows, whether they welcomed them or not.
Graduation Number 2KL85410297, Name Zhang Songlan, has applied for an interview with the Ministry of Defense of the Harlan Free Federation. Zhang Songlan approached a soldier guarding a traditional-looking liaison boat, pulling a suitcase, and reported to him.
Of course
The soldier looked inexplicably at the cheerful figure disappearing into the distance, thinking to himself that it is no wonder this is the most renowned military academy in the Virgo constellation; indeed, there are all kinds of people here.
"Hmm? Isn't the volunteer identification code here P59I?" Zhang Songlan asked curiously
"You don't know him? He is from your class," Zhang Songlan said in surprise
"Zhang Songlan, as a preparatory non-commissioned officer, our school has conducted a thorough assessment and confirmed that you possess the qualities to become a qualified officer. We now grant you your graduation certificate, and we hope you will contribute to the peace of the universe." The elderly principal routinely handed the graduation certificate to Zhang Songlan. It is a tradition at the Peace Military Officer Academy to issue graduation certificates to each graduate, and having already conferred certificates to the previous several hundred graduates had exhausted the principal's energy and patience.
Alright, it's you then; this can be considered fate! Upon hearing this news, Zhang Songlan felt revitalized once again
"Hey, say whatever you want?" Zhang Songlan scratched his head, revealing a helpless smile
This is what is called ... ... what was that word again? Hines wanted to appear refined, but as soon as he opened his mouth, he forgot the word
Turning away amidst the skeptical gazes of other non-commissioned officers, he brushed past his close friend, Hines, who was also the last non-commissioned officer to be awarded a diploma. The two exchanged smiles and celebrated with a high five
"Alright... for the sake of our four years together, I'll introduce you. You might end up working under him in the future," Zhang Songlan said, rummaging through the wrinkled fabric of her gown to pull out a miniature electronic notebook. Hines curiously leaned over, noticing that it was filled with symbols that, apart from the author, no one else could comprehend.