Chapter Sixty-Seven

Chapter Sixty-Seven

The official notification for the four-school selection was issued.

This joint military exercise between the Empire and the Federation would feature nine hundred participants from each side. Mech soldiers and mech masters would form the teams in a seven to three ratio—meaning each nation would contribute six hundred and thirty mech soldiers and two hundred and seventy mech masters.

As most of the Empire's fourth-year students were on the battlefield, candidates were to be chosen only from the first to third years. Upon hearing this, the Federation immediately agreed to the same conditions, sending students from only their first to third years.

This time, Tianquan Military Academy planned to send six hundred mech soldiers and two hundred mech masters for the four-school selection. Eight combat instructors and two mech master instructors would lead the team to Green Yen Star, the venue for the competition.

Qiu Yinzhao was one of the selected instructors to lead the mech master team from Tianquan Military Academy. As a distinguished mech master, he held high esteem in the department, with students spread across the Empire and many well-known mech designers among his trainees.

That afternoon, Qiu Yinzhao finished his lecture and headed to the white tower, planning to discuss with Jiang Gui about leading the team. The four-school selection was a significant event, and Jiang Gui, as the face of Tianquan Military Academy's Mech Master Department, would bring prestige if he joined. Qiu Yinzhao was eager to persuade Jiang Gui to co-lead the team to Green Yen Star.

However, he was prepared for rejection before his arrival—knowing Jiang Gui's tendency to work alone and his disinterest in handling such miscellaneous tasks, let alone leading a group of young students in a competition.

Qiu Yinzhao knew that Jiang Gui probably didn't think highly of the students at the military academy.

But he had already agreed that after the selection, he would join other top-level mech masters to help design mechs for the Empire's main team members. If not going to Green Yen Star now, he would still have to visit another planet in a few months.

Qiu Yinzhao sighed softly, straightened his front, and pressed the doorbell to Jiang Gui's office.

The metallic door opened with a hiss.

A person emerged, but it wasn't Jiang Gui.

"Professor Qiu Yinzhao," the tall girl holding an alloy wrench said, her sleeves rolled up high, revealing her smooth, glowing arms, "Are you looking for Professor Jiang Gui? He's not here, he went to the Mech Design Association."

Qiu Yinzhao was somewhat startled, recognizing the student upon closer inspection—the new noble student who enrolled in dual majors and topped the dual-major assessment. She had attended Qiu Yinzhao's public lecture.

"Bai Sha, what are you doing here?" Qiu Yinzhao asked, wide-eyed.

"I came to check for a couple of new parts we need in the manufacturing room."

Qiu Yinzhao noticed that Bai Sha actually had a spare access card to Jiang Gui's office!

She could freely enter and exit Jiang Gui's office!

Qiu Yinzhao's eyes widened slightly, his voice tinged with incredulity, "The manufacturing room you mentioned, is it the one Jiang Gui funded himself in the dormitory building?"

The teachers' dormitories were originally concentrated in the Yunshui District. But Jiang Gui had proposed to convert a space into a manufacturing room, so the school specially allocated him a spacious but remote old dormitory area.

Bai Sha replied, "...Yes, what's so strange about that?"

"Jiang Gui never lets us into his manufacturing room!" Qiu Yinzhao exclaimed, "What's your relationship with him? Has he taken you as his student?"

Bai Sha, looking puzzled, said, "Didn't the teacher mention this to you?"

Qiu Yinzhao: "..."

Indeed, it had been mentioned.

Jiang Gui had once emphatically declared in front of many colleagues, "I will never take on students."

And now, he had changed his mind so soon?

And it was Bai Sha, of all people!

Now, those in the Mech Master Department who had hoped to take Bai Sha as a disciple could give up their dreams.

Honestly, even Qiu Yinzhao had once entertained the idea of taking Bai Sha under his wing. But given her dual major and busy schedule, plus her recent elusive presence, it had been difficult to find an opportunity to know her better—only to find out now that she had already been taken under Jiang Gui's wing, receiving special training here!

Jiang Gui had even granted Bai Sha access to his manufacturing room.

To what extent had Bai Sha progressed now? She might already be approaching the threshold of an "Exceptional" mech. A renowned mech designer and a prodigious student... what a combination.

Qiu Yinzhao managed a subtle smile and said to Bai Sha, "It's nothing. I just came to discuss team-leading matters with Professor Jiang Gui."

"I think he might be too busy for that," Bai Sha shook her head, placing the wrench on the workbench, "He’s been really occupied with his experiments lately."

"Even if he's brilliant, without assistants, experiments can be quite restrictive," Qiu Yinzhao couldn't help but remark, "I only have four researchers working with me on projects, but the efficiency of a team is completely different."

Bai Sha: "The Professor modified the equipment in the manufacturing room himself, enhancing efficiency. Overall, it's manageable. Sometimes I help out with miscellaneous tasks."

"Alright then," Qiu Yinzhao conceded, "In that case, let’s not bother him with this matter anymore."

"Why don’t you ask him yourself? It's not really my place to say," Bai Sha suggested, sending a communication request to Jiang Gui using her light computer. Qiu Yinzhao, unable to stop her in time, watched as the call was answered. Bai Sha spoke up, "Professor, Professor Qiu Yinzhao is here to ask if you'd be willing to lead the team for the upcoming four-school selection."

"I can't lead the team; I'm one of the judges for this selection," Jiang Gui’s voice came through coldly, "After the selection, if you become a main member of our Empire's team, I can consider leading the team during the military exercises."

Bai Sha sounded surprised, "Professor, you have that much confidence in me?"

Jiang Gui: "Lack of confidence? Don't you always manage to stir things up? Use that energy on the battlefield."

Bai Sha: "Professor, I think you might have a misunderstanding about me. My goal is to become a legendary mech master like you."

"Oh? Are you simply willing to participate as a mech pilot?" Jiang Gui asked with a smile.

Bai Sha: "Well, I've already made plans to team up with my friends..."

Jiang Gui: "Then stop the chatter. Since you're dual majoring, excel in both."

With that, Jiang Gui ended the communication.

Bai Sha, somewhat helplessly, turned to Qiu Yinzhao, whose eye was twitching: "You heard everything."

"Heard it all," Qiu Yinzhao said wearily, "I guess I’ll look for someone else."

After Qiu Yinzhao left, Bai Sha closed the door, took off her gloves, and checked the latest data on mycetozoa materials at her light computer console.

Since Jiang Gui was willing to take time to be a judge in the four-school selection, it meant the research on mycetozoa materials must be at a pause for now.

Indeed, Jiang Gui had already organized the characteristics data and various experimental results of the mycetozoa materials into a paper, likely the reason for his visit to the Mech Master Association.

Bai Sha speculated that the Empire must have limited reserves of mycetozoa organisms, but not all of them could be with Jiang Gui. There were probably others in different fields researching mycetozoa organisms.

Qiu Yinzhao had a point—materials like mycetozoa that could potentially revolutionize the mech world couldn't all be handled by a genius like Jiang Gui alone. However, documenting these research findings early was crucial, in case of future disputes over patent technology.

Bai Sha briefly reviewed Jiang Gui’s upcoming experimental schedule: perfecting the dynamic upgrade mechanism of mycetozoa materials.

If this research succeeds, the Empire would birth mechs that truly grow in tandem with their pilot's psychic powers.

After a moment of reflection, she closed the console, packed the required parts into a box to carry away, and locked Jiang Gui's office before leaving.

At dinner time, she still went to the cafeteria with Xino and Cen Yuehuai.

"Let's first celebrate for Cen Yuehuai," Xino raised his glass, smiling and arching his eyebrows, "Congratulations on successfully passing the internal selection and earning the spot to compete in the four-school selection!"

Cen Yuehuai narrowed her eyes slightly, a touch of displeasure in her voice, "Are you mocking me? I may not be top-ranked like you guys, but I'm not that bad."

Cen Yuehuai's ranking was around the top ten among the freshmen.

However, her achievement didn't stand out much—because she was rated 3S. Tianquan Military Academy had many S and SS students, but being 3S signified something different.

Of all the new students at Tianquan Military Academy this year, only five were rated 3S, distributed in two leading classes, all within the top ten. This made Cen Yuehuai, a 3S outside the top ten, seem somewhat lackluster.

This time, for the four-school selection, there were over two thousand five hundred individual competitors, with only about six hundred chosen for the official team, making the selection rate roughly one in four. With such a rate, Cen Yuehuai was certain to be selected.

But whether she could become a main member of the Empire’s team was, frankly, quite uncertain.

Only twelve mech soldiers and three mech masters could serve as main forces.

These main members were to be grouped by grade to compete in the "Five-on-Five Elite Team Match."

The "Five-on-Five Elite Team Match" was an additional event agreed upon by both countries, to be held after the joint military exercises.

However, the students also understood that these main members would be the leaders of the overall team.

"You've already made rapid progress, but it's still not enough," Xino said, "After all, there are only four mech soldier spots for our first year, so we really need to strive for it."

Cen Yuehuai nodded.

"Moreover, for our grand plan, I've specifically teamed up with a partner—" Xino shifted his position to make room for someone beside him, "this person right here."

A lean and composed young man nodded to Bai Sha and Cen Yuehuai: "Hello."

It was Yu Yan from their class.

Rated double S, his psychic entity was a polar bear. He piloted the heavy mech "Surf" — though provided by the school, it was a bona fide double S grade mech. Yu Yan's compatibility with it was excellent, his skills even surpassing the two 3S classmates from the next class.

"Since there are four main spots," Xino said with a smile, "let's form a four-person team."

Cen Yuehuai's mouth twitched: "You're planning to have our Tianquan Military Academy monopolize all four spots, leaving none for the other three schools?"

Xino raised an eyebrow: "Is that a problem?"

Cen Yuehuai: "..." While confidence is good, Xino's level of confidence made her wonder if it bordered on arrogance.

"To be fair, Yu Yan is not bad at all," Xino said, "Didn’t he help you out when those two 3S from the next class were causing trouble? Our Class A needs this kind of collective pride. This includes competing for the main team positions."

Bai Sha looked curiously at Xino and Yu Yan, arm in arm: "When did you two become so close?"

"It's all thanks to sparring," Xino complained, "Your Highness, you're always elusive, so I never had the chance to spar with you. And as for Cen Yuehuai, well, whenever you show up, you're almost always with her... I had to find a battle partner to progress with."

"And what about your thoughts, Yu Yan?" Bai Sha asked.

"I'm willing to join you," Yu Yan nodded, concise and to the point, "If we need to synchronize our tactics, I'm always available."

Bai Sha slowly nodded in agreement.

"Your Highness," Xino blinked, his eyes filled with hopeful anticipation as he looked at Bai Sha, "Yu Yan and I are still in need of weapons!"

Bai Sha was taken aback: "Don't official team members get free custom mechs?"

"Mass-customized mechs? It’s unlikely that everyone’s design is exceptional," Xino stated bluntly, "I’m somewhat confident in securing a main team spot. But Yu Yan, already a double S, needs a more suitable weapon to increase his chances of winning... How about this: delay my weapon and transfer it to him, can you arrange something for him first?"

Once a main team spot is secured, a top-level mech master will customize or modify a mech for Yu Yan—such customization isn't mandatory, it depends on the student’s wishes and needs. Yu Yan surely wouldn’t refuse.

But he hasn’t secured a main team spot yet. All this is mere speculation.

Yu Yan's current mech, "Surf," isn’t that bad; Bai Sha just needs to make a weapon.

If Yu Yan’s weapon reaches exceptional quality, he would be “graduating early” in terms of weaponry—unless those top-level mech masters are willing to design a "legacy-class" weapon for him. But that possibility isn’t high.

Seizing the moment of Bai Sha's contemplation, Cen Yuehuai quietly leaned in and whispered in Bai Sha's ear, "There’s one more thing: the Han family sponsors Yu Yan’s education at Tianquan Military Academy."

The Han family?

Bai Sha cast a subtle glance at Yu Yan.

Meaning, even if Yu Yan couldn’t be at Bai Sha’s beck and call, he was at least on her side.

"You guys are rushing this," Bai Sha said, "It took me two months to design an exceptional class mech weapon last time. We're leaving for Green Yen Star for the selection next weekend; how can we make it in time?"

The Empire had prepared five top-level mech masters to design mechs for the main team members—although Xino might not need it.

His current mech, crafted by a top-level master, is the pinnacle among exceptional mechs. He has a custom weapon too, but he's not entirely satisfied with it. He just prefers Bai Sha’s design style. That's why Bai Sha agreed to modify Xino's design while participating in the selection, ensuring the weapon is ready before the military exercise...

All these are predicated on the fact that a weapon designed by Bai Sha isn't an urgent necessity for Xino.

And Yu Yan is in a dire hurry!

"So, what do we do now?" Cen Yuehuai sighed, "Ah, it's all because I've taken up too much of your time, Your Highness."

Xino/Yu Yan: "..."

If Cen Yuehuai hadn't used a tone that sounded like a sigh but was actually a subtle brag, they might have believed she genuinely felt guilty.

"Anyway, it’s too late for me to custom-make anything," Bai Sha waved her hand, "Shall we just buy ready-made ones? It’s better than nothing."

"That works...?" Xino blinked, "Seems like fate decided that Your Highness will help customize a weapon for me after all. Brother, you’ll just have to make do. Let’s visit the association’s auction and see what you like. I’ll buy it for you."

Yu Yan frowned slightly, "Won’t that be too expensive?"

"Not at all," Cen Yuehuai patted her chest, "Look at me, I used to be a nobody, but with the help of Your Highness and Xino, I’ve made significant progress."

"The first rule of joining our team is learning to spend money, and to spend big!" Cen Yuehuai declared boldly.

How much would an exceptional class mech weapon cost, anyway?

After dinner, the four gathered in the library, opening the Empire Mech Association's auction website to browse the mech weapons for sale.

Xino casually flipped through and frowned, "Why are some of these weapons more expensive than what I paid for a top-level custom design?"

"Because top-level mech masters have waiting lists, but these are readily available," Bai Sha explained, "When it comes to customizing mechs and weapons, the more urgent it is, the more expensive it gets."

Xino: "I didn’t notice that at the time."

Cen Yuehuai snickered, "Please, your father is Marquis Uss; of course, you wouldn’t realize how difficult it is to commission a top-level mech master. I did a lot of research myself." Pointing at some of the weapons, she quickly said, "Skip this one, this one too, and this one—these mech masters aren’t good enough, average quality, heavily overpriced."

Bai Sha glanced over them and found Cen Yuehuai’s assessment was mostly accurate.

There weren’t many weapons listed on the website, and they quickly browsed through them.

"Is that all?" Cen Yuehuai crossed her arms, "But I’ve heard that some mech masters and collectors keep their best works in private collections. Maybe if we visit a few top-level mech masters, they might have some stored works."

Bai Sha shook her head first: "My teacher said that his creations are always of a legacy class."

Cen Yuehuai gestured with crossed hands: "Master Jiang Gui is out of the question, we can't afford his designs!"

Xino looked at Bai Sha: "Should I contact some top-level or advanced mech masters known to my family?"

Bai Sha: "I know a few as well..."

Just as they were about to continue discussing this topic, Bai Sha's light computer started to flicker.

She glanced down at the communication display and saw it was Uriel!

Uriel had never used the light computer to call her before.

A wave of relief surged in Bai Sha’s heart, imagining that Uriel must have learned how to use the light computer to pass time during her absence.

She found a corner to answer the video call, and the angel's stunningly handsome face immediately appeared before her.

"Your Highness," Uriel spoke, "Are you planning to return to Youdu Star this weekend?"

Bai Sha paused: "There's a bit of business, so I might not go back yet... Wait, Uriel, why has your hair grown so long?"

The angel's golden short hair had grown past his waist, resembling softly curled strands of gold, complementing his warm, aquamarine eyes, radiating a divine and splendid aura.

Uriel had changed from his usual simple and lightweight battle attire to what seemed like noble clothing Bai Sha had arranged for him. Silver patterns and fine diamonds twinkled on the black fabric, and he even wore a set of cross-star ear bone clips, a glint of light gently swaying by his ear, drawing attention.

Bai Sha suddenly felt a sense of being struck.

Having been in the Empire for so long, seeing her uncle and Uriel, beauties of such caliber, she thought she had become immune to good looks.

Turns out, she was still susceptible...!

Bai Sha covered her chest with one hand: "What's with this sudden change, Uriel?"

The angel looked puzzled and asked back, "What's wrong, is there something amiss?"

"No, not at all," Bai Sha quickly denied, "You look great as you are."

Uriel slowly revealed a smile: "That's good to hear."

"By the way, Your Highness, if I may speak frankly, the Emperor has been in a poor mood lately. It seems to be because you haven't returned to Youdu Star for a long time," Uriel subtly reminded Bai Sha of her uncle needing attention, speaking in a gentle tone, "But if you're truly busy, I can inform His Majesty that your studies are demanding, urging him to understand your situation."

Bai Sha scratched her cheek: "Actually, the midterms are over, and I'm not that busy."

Uriel: "Then what's holding you back?"

Bai Sha: "It's about the joint military exercise between the Empire and the Federation. My classmates and I are about to participate in the four-school selection, competing for a spot in the main team..."

Youdu Star.

The Emperor stood not far from Uriel, carefully positioning himself so he could see Bai Sha's face without being seen in the camera.

Hearing Bai Sha say she wouldn't be returning this weekend, his expression darkened. Hearing about the "joint military exercise" and "four-school selection," he frowned even more.

He turned to Wei Li with a questioning look: Is it still possible to announce the cancellation of the joint military exercise now?

Wei Li subtly shook his head: Your Majesty, that's absolutely not possible.

Cecil Ronin: "..."

Hearing Bai Sha explain that she might be helping her classmates contact top-level mech masters over the weekend to inquire about spare mech weapon stocks, he couldn't hold back any longer.

"Do you know how many mech weapons are stored in Youdu Star's warehouse?" the Emperor said, "These have been accumulated over generations. Mech weapons like these don’t become outdated even in hundreds of years; it depends on how they're used. Besides, we've stored quite a lot over the last few generations..." He suddenly stopped.

"Uncle?" Bai Sha sounded surprised, "You're there? Why didn't you speak up earlier?"

The Emperor closed his eyes briefly, took a deep breath, and addressed the light screen: "Anyway, if you're looking for ready-made mech weapons, just come back to Youdu Star."

Bai Sha said softly, "Uncle, do you miss me?"

The Emperor turned his head away, scoffing coldly: "Come back or not, it's up to you."

Bai Sha: "..."

What else could she say?

Of course, she hurriedly returned to Youdu Star.

Two days later, she arrived back at Tianquan Military Academy with a huge box and summoned Yu Yan to show him what was inside.

Inside lay a silver-blue heavy lightsaber, resting quietly.

"This is the most suitable weapon I could find for you, and it matches your mech," Bai Sha, having reviewed the data of "Surf," the mech, and done some simulation calculations while choosing the weapon, explained, "It's an exceptional-class weapon named 'Jing Ni,' created by the late top-level mech master Zang Linhai... who also happened to be the designer of 'Surf'."

"You're lucky, classmate. This might not be the top-tier weapon, but it's the most suitable one," Bai Sha said, "And the important thing is, it was really affordable."

Bai Sha initially intended to gift it, but the Han family, upon learning about this, sent someone to pay for it directly to Bai Sha, presumably after being informed by the Emperor.

But of course, the credit went to Bai Sha.