Chapter 34

Chapter 34

"The assessment is divided into two days."

"Day one consists of the theoretical exam and the psychic energy test, while day two includes the solo combat evaluation and physical fitness test."

"The theoretical exam content is the same for all participating insects, and both the psychic energy test and physical fitness test are mandatory for all. As for the solo combat evaluation, although male insects are exempt from having their scores counted, they are still required to follow the entire assessment."

Seated in the grand hall of the Tulas mansion, despite having explained this once before, Zhousha repeated it once more as he faced Yi Jia Fa.

Today marked the first day of the Kalms Military Academy's freshman entrance assessment. Philo, escorted by his personal guard unit, had already boarded a private insect craft and flown straight to the academy to take the exam.

Unlike other institutions, military academies enforce ironclad rules that even male insects must adhere to. Thus, despite Yi Jia Fa's tentative request to accompany his son inside, the academy refused, on grounds of not disturbing other examinees.

Clenching his jaws in anger, the incensed male could only return to the Tulas residence and settle for Zhousha briefing him in detail what the military academy's entrance assessment entailed.

Though it had long been known that Philo intended to apply to the military academy, Yi Jia Fa—who had never had to strive for anything in his life of privilege—only truly witnessed his son's dedication to this goal in the weeks leading up to the exam.

No socializing, no banquets, no outings, no frivolous distractions.

For a male born to live in comfort, the young one had somehow adopted the spartan discipline typical of a struggling female's upbringing.

Seeing him so serious, not only the household Attendants but even Yi Jia Fa couldn't help but feel nervous about whether he would pass the assessment. If he failed, Yi Jia Fa feared the boy might be utterly devastated.

Honestly, if not for the military academy's notorious inflexibility, Yi Jia Fa would have long since used connections to secure his son's admission through special arrangements.

At this thought, the male frowned after listening to Zhousha's explanation and couldn't help but complain.

"How can males and females be tested on the exact same content? Where's the respect for hierarchy among these damned creatures? And what's this about the solo combat evaluation? If males aren't required to participate, why must they observe? What if Philo gets hurt? Can those stubborn old-timers at the academy even take responsibility?!"

Typical of Yi Jia Fa's usual rhetoric.

With a light chuckle, the female patted his arm, having anticipated his dissatisfaction, and calmly explained,

"If Philo truly wants to learn real skills, then if he can't pass this hurdle, he'd be disappointed even if admitted. Besides, since much of the academy's training involves teamwork, observing the solo combat evaluation will help him better understand his future peers—even if he doesn't participate directly."

"As for safety, there's no need to worry. The solo combat evaluation isn't live combat—it's conducted in a training simulator. However, after enrollment..."

At this point, even Zhousha hesitated briefly.

Yi Jia Fa, already frowning, looked up and urged impatiently, "After enrollment, what? Don’t tell me those bastards would actually let Philo get hurt?!"

A military academy—where graduates would eventually face star beasts on the frontier—required every student, even those in support roles, to possess combat skills. Injuries during training were inevitable.

Though Yi Jia Fa hadn't yet grasped this, Philo, currently seated in the Kalms Military Academy's theoretical exam hall, understood it all too well.

In fact, before the exam began, all candidates were required to review the academy's regulations. The very first rule read: *Sacrifice the self, defend the stars...*

His fingers paused just as he was about to start answering. Lowering his gaze, the male tightened his grip on the pen.

Unlike others of his era who might have breezed through, Philo, having crammed at the last minute, found the exam grueling.

Fortunately, the exam hall was vast, with each candidate isolated in their own enclosed holographic testing capsule. Even if some finished early and left, it wouldn't disturb the others.

Among the last batch to complete the theoretical exam, Philo managed to fill in every blank—regardless of accuracy.

Once candidates submitted their papers, the holographic testing capsules, equipped with psychic energy testing functions, swiftly conducted the aptitude assessments.

With that, day one of the exam concluded.

Rising from his capsule, Philo stepped out and thanked the monitoring insects who immediately surrounded him before making his way toward the academy gates.

Unlike other schools, the military academy prohibited all non-faculty vehicles due to confidential equipment and information on-site. Thus, even as a male, Philo had to walk to the gates before boarding his private insect craft.

Out of concern for his safety, the exam supervisor did offer to open a service entrance for temporary access.

However, knowing he'd eventually have to use the main entrance, Philo politely declined and chose to enter and exit through the front gates.

As a result, whether arriving early or leaving late, many examinees at Kalms Military Academy briefly wondered if they were hallucinating—or if their longing to see a male had conjured a mirage.

Unlike elite schools teeming with wealthy students, the military academy housed not only privileged offspring but also ordinary insects—some with exceptional psychic or physical abilities despite humble origins.

For many, this might have been their first real-life glimpse of a male. The only one they knew by reputation was the young master whose photos had recently gone viral across the Starnet.

But photos were photos. Though they'd seen his image online and knew he resided on the Capital Star, none had ever imagined encountering him in person!

Wealthy or not, high-scorers or strugglers—from the exam hall to the gates, females froze in shock before quickly falling in behind the silver-haired male, who walked at a steady pace wearing no concealment.

Unfazed by the growing crowd behind him, Philo continued calmly until, just before boarding his insect craft, an audacious onlooker stealthily snapped a photo.

*Click.*

The Capital Star's Starnet exploded. The top ten trending headlines read:

1. *The Silver Luminary of the Insectoids Returns to Slay Again!*

2. *Male Joins Up—Real or Fake?!*

3. *Kalms Military Academy Transfer Requests Skyrocket!*

4. *If Only We’d Met on Campus*

5. *From Insectoid Silver Luminary to Campus Silver Luminary*

6. *One Acceptance Letter Away from a Campus Courtship*

7. *His Uniform Look is Deadly!*

8. *Kalms Military Academy Comes Out on Top*

9. *Retaking Exams to Become His Battle Brother*

10. *Starnet Overload*

...

Philo Tulas, who had previously set the Starnet ablaze with his photos, now ignited fresh uproar—this time for applying to military academy.

Author's Note:

Heavy Monday schedule ahead—update might be delayed until 7-8 PM. Here’s a brief preview to hold you until then! [Heart]