Chapter 45

Chapter 45

His mental tendrils spread out, burrowing deep into the sand, continuously extending and dispersing.

A pair of pitch-black eyes also constantly scanned the surroundings.

Lin Fu was monitoring the movements of the insect race.

Although it was likely futile, since only that eighth-level insect in the higher echelons had noticed anything amiss, these mid to low-tier insects, devoid of any intelligence, would hardly possess a perception surpassing that of their eighth-level counterparts.

But there was always a chance.

Moreover, with such a large congregation of insects here, there might be one or two with exceptionally keen senses by accident.

Almost all the energy cores of this barren planet had gathered beneath the dunes, their allure immense. Even though the ownerless energy cores had found masters, the insects couldn’t halt their frenzied descent, becoming even more manic.

Their direction was incredibly uniform.

The dense swarm of insects, under the glaring light, caused a faint pain in the eyes after a prolonged gaze.

The reach and depth of the spreading mental tendrils continued to increase, yet still without yield.

To the viewers, it seemed like Lin Fu was foolishly standing in place, doing nothing but occasionally killing a few insects.

"What is he up to? I thought he was going to do something big."

"Me too. Looks like I thought too much [Clown]"

"Could it be he’s trying to slack off?"

"Cut the slack talk, would the kiddo jump into the lake alone to find energy cores if he wanted to slack off?"

"He’s moving! What’s with the noise, just watch and see!"

Lin Fu, who had been standing still, had already run quite a distance. He seemed to have suddenly discovered something novel, swiftly weaving through the insects. His progress was tough; when the swarm hindered his steps, he simply deployed his mech and kicked them aside to continue moving forward.

Fortunately, he was already at a lower position behind the dunes, deploying his mech without attracting the attention of the people on the other side.

As he neared the bottom of the dunes, he abruptly halted, his colossal body crouching down. The glossy, pitch-black mech almost blended in with the crawling black insects on the ground, reflecting the light in a way that made them almost indistinguishable.

The Tang knife sprang from the weapon bay into Lin Fu's grasp, who thrust it violently into the dune, sweeping it horizontally to blast a pit two to three meters deep in an instant.

His movements were unceasing, constantly deepening the pit, fueling the audience's curiosity about what he was actually doing.

Not just them, the council members were also intrigued, and the overhead cameras increased subtly and silently.

Lin Fu was aware of this and a flicker of irritation crossed his mind.

Under such surveillance, he couldn't reveal his unique method of mental power utilization, unable to erect a simulation barrier. Thus, he was vulnerable to the insects' harassment, slowing down his digging pace.

It was a pity he couldn't take down the cameras, or he would've left none intact.

Annoyed inwardly, his actions grew more aggressive.

*

Cheng Jiu watched Lin Fu’s movements and couldn’t help but laugh: "How can he dig himself into anger?"

Childish behavior.

But unexpectedly endearing on him.

Cheng Jiu leaned back against the soft chair, stretching his legs, crossed at the ankles on the table, eyes smiling as he watched the projection occupying an entire wall.

Although he had subscribed to the full channel, in reality, he only watched the group of cameras where Lin Fu appeared.

"Knock, knock!" The door was rapped.

Cheng Jiu, in his languid manner, said, "Come in."

Jing Cun, cradling his military cap, shut the door behind him and called out, "General, I've got the stuff." Saying so, his gaze fell on Cheng Jiu's face, unsurprised to see his smile.

Without diverting his gaze from the projection, Cheng Jiu gestured for Jing Cun to hand him the item.

Jing Cun retrieved a hard drive from the storage device and handed it to Cheng Jiu, then asked, "What are your plans next, General? I'll go prepare."

Cheng Jiu placed his index finger against his lips, "Shush." His eyebrows lifted slightly, the smile on his face blooming even more, "I'm watching the live broadcast."

Jing Cun glanced at the projection reflexively, then froze.

On the screen, a black mech's upper half was submerged in a sandpit, with the unsupported quicksand continually sliding down, burying it.

In another direction blocked by him, the sand in the deep pit turned dark brown, stained by the moisture in the air.

The mech, wielding a Tang sword, struck fiercely, sand splattering everywhere, revealing a huge carapace.

It was the shell of a dead beetle, its dark back shimmering iridescently under the light, pierced by the Tang sword.

Lin Fu split it open, and in front of the mech lay a small energy core, inconspicuous as a grain of sand, quietly resting where the insect's food sac used to be.

Lin Fu disembarked from the mech, his agile figure leaping into the pit, his fair cheeks revealing a smile as he picked up the energy core, lips curving.

Meanwhile, a system announcement echoed through both spaces.

The livestream room was flooded with the large characters "Desolate Star Race Ends."

In the deserts, jungles, plains, and coastlines of Desolate Star, wherever there were military academy students, cameras high in the sky broadcast the notice: "Energy cores collected, Desolate Star Race ends. All military academy students, please proceed to the safe zone and await return—repeat, Desolate Star Race ends, please proceed to the safe zone and await return—"

Cheng Jiu grabbed the hard drive, stood up, turned off the projection that no longer displayed Desolate Star, and strode out the door: "Prepare to go to Desolate Star, to welcome back the champions."

*

The announcement of the race's end caught everyone beneath the sand dune off guard.

No one understood why it had ended.

Lin Fu waited on the sand dune for people from the Artemis Military Academy, as Albert and a few others scurried to his side, whispering, "Was it because of you?"

Lin Fu was in a good mood, his eyes hinting towards the storage device, and they immediately understood, their eyes shining several degrees brighter!

This way, they had the most energy cores!

The group secretly restrained their excitement, to avoid premature celebration and potential ambush.

According to the rules, it was forbidden to plunder after the race ended; even if energy cores were taken by others, they wouldn't count.

But everyone was a military academy student, and there was no rule against beating someone up.

Caution was still the best approach.

There were too many insectoids here, so they piloted their mechs towards the edge of the desert. Only after the teams had dispersed considerably did they dare to feel a bit proud.

Albert gleefully informed Lin Fu, "The insect at the bottom of the lake, it swallowed two energy cores!"

Following tradition, the Artemis Military Academy and Hui Lion Institute split the spoils evenly, one energy core per academy.

Milton didn't hesitate, catching the energy core Albert tossed to him with a flick of his hand.

Lin Fu suddenly extended his hand, "I have one more here."

Milton's eyes widened in surprise, first glancing at the energy core and then sizing up Lin Fu, before pulling him into an embrace and patting his shoulder, "I didn't expect my sister to underestimate you, tsk tsk, impressive!"

Lin Fu: "..."

He quickly extricated himself from Milton's embrace.

Twirling a lock of his hair, Milton's eyes narrowed slightly upward, "This was your solo effort, so it's yours. Why are you looking at me?"

After pondering, Lin Fu handed it to Yan Yan, "I already have one, senior can decide how to allocate this one."

An energy core could promote a person to the rank of captain, and Lin Fu needed this privilege to ensure he had enough initiative. That was his goal for participating in the Desolate Star Race.

Artemis Military Academy had another core, and undoubtedly, it belonged to Yan Yan, whether for his abilities or his contributions to the team.

But the distribution of the extra core was a dilemma.

Albert was the first to speak up, "Don't consider me. As the head of the Harvey family, obtaining a captain's rank is easy." With that, he smirked smugly.

Yan Yan took it, speaking softly, "Let's decide the fate of this energy core once everyone has chosen their preferred legion."

Lin Fu nodded without hesitation.

Each legion was responsible for different areas, facing varying levels of danger. Determining the captain's position based on the legion seemed the best approach.

"Lin Fu, the Desolate Star Race is over, and everyone will soon decide their own path. Have you thought about which legion you'd like to join?"

Lin Fu: "?"

His eyes clouded with confusion, "Legion?"

Wasn't it supposed to be determined by the higher-ups?

Albert and the others watched him in silence for a moment before bursting into unrestrained laughter, clutching their bellies, "My goodness, I've always known you're less informed than a sentinel, but to think you're utterly lacking common sense! You're the most eager to go into battle, yet you don't know this basic fact?"

Lin Fu: "..." His thinking was a product of habit; he assumed that here, too, assignments were fully dictated by superiors. Who would have thought there was a choice?

However, being able to choose for himself aligned better with his preferences.

While waiting for the army to come for them, Albert took the time to fill in the gaps in Lin Fu's knowledge.

"Each major legion is backed by powerful families. For instance, the Fifth Legion is backed by Principal Karl's family. The First Legion belongs to the royal family, the Second Legion is supported by your Lin family and the Luo family, the Sixth Legion is backed by the Cheng and Casophiel families, and the Ninth Legion is under the Qi family."

"The strength of the major legions is also tied to the power of their backing families. Influential families can secure more speaking rights for their legions in the council and provide a wealth of energy stones. Currently, the strongest legions are undoubtedly the Sixth and Ninth, followed by the First. The Second Legion is weaker. The Fifth Legion has weakened considerably due to Principal Karl's departure from his commanding position, and it's so weak now that it's barely worth mentioning."

Lin Fu curiously asked, "What about the other legions in between these?"

Albert replied helplessly, "Legion names are a legacy, continually passed down. Once there's a First Legion, there can't be a second 'First Legion.' But over time, legions disband for various reasons, or are annihilated by the insect race, leaving their names vacant."

Albert added, "However, there's an exception. The Fourth Legion still exists, established around the same time as the First Legion. It's said that two hundred years ago, the Fourth Legion was the truly invincible 'First Legion'."

"Invincible?" Albert's words successfully piqued Lin Fu's intense curiosity. "What about now?"

"Now?" Albert shrugged. "The leadership was hereditary, but that family line has died out. The Fourth Legion refuses to recognize any new leader and won't follow orders. They're essentially self-sustaining now, given a small section of the frontline to defend. They've been surviving on energy stones supplied by the national treasury, and they're still holding on without disbanding. It's a pity, but if this stalemate continues, disbanding and merging into other legions is just a matter of time."

Lin Fu, chin propped in thought, was pulled forward by Albert and nearly stumbled upon hearing his next words.

Lin Fu declared, "I'll join the Fourth Legion then."

Albert turned around, his expression incredulous and his features twisted as he reached for Lin Fu's head, "Come here, let me see if you got water in your brain while you were in the lake."

Lin Fu swatted his hand away expressionlessly, "Haven't you heard the saying? A soldier who doesn't aspire to be a general is no good soldier!"

Albert shook his head earnestly, "Never heard it, you made that up, didn't you?"

He draped his arm around Lin Fu's shoulder worriedly, "What are you thinking? If my dad and brother were still alive, I could pull a few strings to get you guys into the Second Legion, which used to be under Harvey family control. But now the Harvey family has withdrawn from the legion struggle, without any spare strength."

With the pillars of the family gone, leaving behind only an ungraduated child, wolves circling around, competing for control of the legion would only invite unnecessary trouble.

Lin Fu smiled, "I wouldn't go to the Second Legion."

Albert paused, considering Lin Fu's relationship with the Lin and Luo families, and couldn't help but nod, "That's true."

Lin Fu stroked the cool ring on his finger. The best place he could go now seemed to be the Ninth Legion, where Cheng Jiu was.

But he didn't want to.

He had no desire to be entangled in any factional strife, to be used as their weapon, even if it meant defying Cheng Jiu who had shown him kindness.

Although it seemed a bit late to say this now, there was a world of difference between choosing to be a pawn and being forced to become one.

Tang Qian, who had been silent at his side, spoke up in a low voice, "I’ll also join the Fourth Army."

With two votes for the Fourth Army, Albert, fully aware of Lin Fan’s obstinate nature, could only sigh, "Alright, alright, can the head of the Harvey family really abandon you? Let it be the Fourth Army then!"

Zhou Si also nodded in agreement with a convinced expression.

The sound of the aircraft's thrusters roared overhead, growing louder.

The group looked up as flight packs were dropped from above; everyone caught one, quickly assembled it, strapped it on, and took off to board the aircraft. Within ten minutes, they had left the planet and entered the starship.

The military academy students, grimy and covered in dust, crossed the long bridge to the inspection gate, ensuring they hadn’t carried any bug eggs with them, and were allowed to pass through.

Bazhale stood not far away, at the very spot where he had originally sent them off.

His eyes fixed intently on the individuals emerging from the inspection gate, his lips moving unconsciously as he counted the numbers, relieved to confirm that everyone he had sent in had returned safely.

It’s good that they’re back, it’s good.

Everyone had spent half a year on the desolate planet in a constant state of high alert. Upon suddenly arriving at a safe place, their tense nerves abruptly relaxed, and overwhelming exhaustion dragged them down like a vortex. Many collapsed in the middle of their path, succumbing to a deep, dark slumber, unrousable even if they fell.

The teachers had no choice but to carry the students back to their rooms, resigned to the situation.

Lin Fan and his companions were no exception. They forced themselves to their assigned rooms, quickly showered, changed into clean clothes—all in less than five minutes—and then collapsed into bed.

When they awoke from this sleep, they would be just over a day's journey from the Imperial Capital Star.

Zhou Si was the first to awaken. After waking, he fetched nutrient liquids for all four of them, nearly retching after a sip.

Expressionless, he kicked Albert’s bed.

Then he kicked Tang Qian’s bed.

He was about to kick Lin Fan’s bed too, but reason halted his foot mid-air.

"Never mind, I dare not."

Albert rubbed his blond hair, murmuring, "What now..."

Tang Qian sat up from the bed, his expression tinged with the grogginess of incomplete sleep, his low-pressure gaze fixed on Zhong Si, his face inscribed with a silent threat: "Explain yourself, or face the consequences today."

Zhong Si retorted, "...A kick is all it takes for you to wake up, so you've had enough sleep! I'm starving, what's for breakfast?"

Upon hearing the question, Tang Qian's mood soured even more.

"Indeed, it might be better to just end it."

Albert closed his eyes, “Just drink some nutrient solution, and don't bother me. Don't even talk to me before we disembark from the starship, I want to sleep."

Zhong Si, with utmost grievance, insisted, "No, you'll know once you try it!" He thrust a tube of nutrient solution into each person's hand.

It was the peach-flavored nutrient solution they all had once unanimously praised and enjoyed.

Albert, with his eyes closed, gulped it down, but after a brief silence of two seconds, his eyes snapped open and he rose to spit it out: "Is this expired or what?!"

Zhong Si, squatting by the bed, said quietly, "I think we've become too finicky."

Albert: "..."

Albert softly muttered, "...I'm starting to understand why Lin Fu chose to drink the plain nutrient solution."

Tang Qian, who had silently attempted to swallow the nutrient solution, nodded in wholehearted agreement, though with difficulty.

"We can barely stomach it after half a year; Lin Fu always had the option to eat something else, it'd be odd if he actually liked these nutrient solutions!"

Albert sighed deeply, tilting his head back to down the nutrient solution in one go, an experience more bitter than any medicine he'd ever taken.

At this moment, Lin Fu opened his eyes.

Rubbing his neck, he got up to wash and then headed out, saying, "There should be a restaurant on the starship heading back."

The eyes of Albert and the others lit up, and they hurried to wash up. Meanwhile, Lin Fu crossed his arms, leaning against the doorway, waiting.

Suddenly, they heard the sound of footsteps.

The crisp sound of military boots echoed on the floor, the steps neither hurried nor slow, betraying a hint of nonchalance.

Lin Fu turned his head, surprised to see Cheng Jiu: "What are you doing here?"

Cheng Jiu grinned, "Well, of course, I came to pick you up. Hey, haven't seen you in so long, aren't you going to call me 'brother'?"

Lin Fu almost rolled his eyes.

He said indifferently, "You haven't changed one bit since six months ago."

Cheng Jiu moved closer, lifting his hand to pat Lin Fu's head, but Lin Fu, quick as a flash, blocked the gesture, accustomed to his annoying habit of being touchy.

Cheng Jiu withdrew his hand, feigning injury, "Brother is heartbroken."

Lin Fu scoffed, "As if I'd believe that."

The two interacted with the ease of old friends, seemingly unchanged despite the long separation.

Cheng Jiu's smile was lazy as he scrutinized Lin Fu, raising his hand again, which earned him a wary glance.

"Relax, not going for your head this time," he said, gesturing towards Lin Fu's head, "You've grown quite a bit in half a year, haven't you?"

Nearly reaching his eye level now.

The three companions inside, having just finished freshening up, rushed out excitedly. Albert, about to sling his arm around Lin Fu, made a sharp detour to the door frame upon seeing Cheng Jiu, sheepishly withdrawing his hand, not daring to be too presumptuous in front of the unfamiliar major general.

The other two were even more reserved.

Despite Cheng Jiu's seemingly approachable, smiling demeanor.

Cheng Jiu glanced at the trio, asking Lin Fu, "Heading out to eat? Take your brother along, will you?"

Lin Fu replied, "Let's go." As if he could stop him.

Cheng Jiu positioned himself next to Lin Fu, walking shoulder to shoulder.

The remaining three, eyeing the spot that was originally theirs, silently fell a few steps behind, stealthily exchanging glances, communicating wordlessly.

Lin Fu and this Major General Cheng were really too familiar with each other.

Although Albert had always known they were close, and Cheng Jiu had helped Lin Fu multiple times, he had no idea their private interactions were like this.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, as expected, there were chefs present.

Their attention was immediately scattered. Tong Si eagerly ordered a plethora of dishes, taking a bite full of anticipation, only to express disappointment, "This isn't tasty. Maybe you should try swapping with the chef, Lin Fu. Even your half-hearted attempts taste better!"

After his indignant remark, he suddenly realized the atmosphere had shifted.

Cheng Jiu's eyes curved as he asked Lin Fu, "Speaking of which, brother has yet to taste your cooking. I was quite surprised to discover your culinary skills during the live broadcast."

Lin Fu took a couple of bites and set down his utensils, "Wait here."

He stood up and made his way to the kitchen, actually swapping places with the head chef.

The table was immediately left with only four.

Three military academy students and a young major general.

Cheng Jiu tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his tone amiable, "When did you guys first taste his cooking? Before the competition, right?"

Tang Qian didn't like Cheng Jiu, always feeling that his attitude towards Lin Fu was too frivolous. If he was a suitor, such frivolity undoubtedly disrespected Lin Fu. If just a friend, it could still harm Lin Fu's reputation.

In any case, he found him quite annoying.

Despite Cheng Jiu being a major general, Tang Qian couldn't suppress his dislike. Not waiting for Albert to answer, he was the first to retort, "Yes, he often cooked for us back at the academy."

Tong Si's eyes widened in astonishment, "What? You guys ate his cooking so many times and never thought to invite me? After the school celebration competition, we were quite close!"

Tang Qian replied dryly, "You ate the most during the Wild Planet competition."

Tong Si sulked, "Alright, then."

When all was said and done, of the four seated, only Cheng Jiu hadn't tasted Lin Fu's cooking.

Lin Fu retracted his hand, touching his chin, "I see."

The brief conversation ended, and Lin Fu quickly returned with two plates of food.

The ingredients were prepped by the kitchen; he merely had to cook them, which he did swiftly.

"There are two more dishes. Go get them."

Albert immediately stood up, shooting Tong Si a look before he left.

Tong Si followed suit, returning with the dishes and also holding a glass and bottle of red wine.

Lin Fu reached for it, only to be stopped by Cheng Jiu, "Why would a child drink wine?"

Lin Fu: "..."

The three peers at the table: "..."

Lin Fu gave a slight smile, pushing the wine and glass entirely towards Cheng Jiu, "We're all still children here. The Major General can drink alone."

Was this a subtle jab at his age?

Leisurely, Cheng Jiu poured himself a glass, leaning against the table as he took a satisfied sip, "The wine onboard isn't the best. But your dishes? Brother is very pleased."

He picked up a bite with his chopsticks and put it into Lin Fu's mouth.

Lin Fu: "..."

Once the meal was done, Albert, pulling the still-hungry Tong Si, swiftly exited the dining area, leaving Lin Fu and Cheng Jiu alone.

It was quite unbearable. It was a wonder how Lin Fu tolerated such a smiling tiger.

Unaware of Albert's thoughts and seeing the trio disappear so swiftly, Lin Fu turned to Cheng Jiu, "What are you really here for?"

Cheng Jiu, a bit exasperated, responded, "I came to pick you up. Honestly, why won't you believe me?"

Lin Fu raised an eyebrow, "In that case, thank you?"

Mimicking Lin Fu's earlier demeanor, Cheng Jiu chuckled, "Calling me 'big brother' is much more effective than thanking me."

Lin Fu inquired, "Are the matters at the front lines settled? You seem to have the time to be here."

Cheng Jiu thought for a moment, retrieving a hard drive and handing it over, "I returned to the Imperial Star earlier than expected."