Chapter 24

Chapter 24

As all officers of the 6616 Military Region ascended the review stand, the day's main event—the branch assignment ceremony—was poised to begin.

Throughout his walk past Bai Luming and onto the stage, Liang Deng frequently glanced back, his eyes conveying deep affection and a strong desire for Bai Luming to join his department.

During the final preparations, all cadets stood in orderly formations on the drill field, Bai Luming among them.

Once the formations were complete, the large central screen flickered twice.

Immediately, the display showing all exercise assessment rankings cleared completely. After another two flickers, it revealed the military emblems symbolizing the Four Great Legions.

The grand spectacle was breathtaking, eliciting a chorus of "wows" from the crowd.

The Red Feather, Azure Shadow, Golden Plume, and White Flame Legions were stationed in the Vermilion Bird, Azure Dragon, Black Tortoise, and White Tiger star regions, respectively. Established five years prior, they were the empire's most formidable founding forces and the ultimate aspiration for all cadets undergoing recruitment.

Amidst the stirring rhythm of the march, the emblems of the four legions were simultaneously displayed, subtly shifting the atmosphere of the entire scene.

Some were already excitedly discussing.

"Wow, they’re starting the assignment ceremony like this? I'm hyped already!"

"Ahhh, I really want to join the Red Army!"

"My dream is to join the Green Army. Look at my mechanical arm—I got it out of passion!"

"Yeah, right! You think a few cybernetic implants will get you into the Green Army? Dream on, with your skills, no chance."

"I heard the Red Army has a recruitment expansion plan this year. Not sure if it's true."

"I’m already dreaming of the day I wear a uniform from one of the four legions."

"That really is just a dream."

Bai Luming stood listening for a while, noting that discussions consistently revolved around the Red Feather and Azure Shadow Legions. He couldn’t help but frown.

Given their unique nature, it was understandable that the Golden Plume Legion—an elite, wealth-driven corps not easily joined—was rarely mentioned. But why was no one talking about the White Flame Legion? Was the White Army’s recruitment campaign so inadequate this year?

Thinking this, he couldn’t help but glance up again at the giant central screen. The familiar faces caught his eye, eventually eliciting a sigh in his heart: "...As expected, it feels incredibly cringe every time I see it."

Right below the glorious emblems of the Four Great Legions, a row of busts was neatly displayed:

Commander of the Red Feather Legion, Chi Yan;

Commander of the Azure Shadow Legion, Qing Yileng;

Commander of the Golden Plume Legion, Jin Wumian;

And the newly appointed Marshal of the White Flame Legion, Shen Yanfeng. However, below the White Army’s emblem was a blank space, with no photo of this marshal displayed, making it conspicuously out of place compared to the other three legions.

Bai Luming overheard someone nearby ask, "Speaking of which, why isn’t Marshal Shen’s photo displayed?"

No sooner had the words left their lips than an all-too-familiar voice chimed in: "You just don’t get it! The White Flame Legion’s tradition has always been to stay low-key in person but high-key in action!"

Chu Xiao seemed to possess a radar for certain topics, seamlessly interjecting without missing a beat: "Since the founding of the empire, Marshal Bai has never appeared in public. Now that the White Flame Legion is under Marshal Shen’s leadership, it’s only natural to continue his style of doing things!"

The words sounded reasonable, but upon closer consideration, others were still taken aback by the earlier description: "The White Army... stays low-key in person?"

If memory served, every folk rumor painted the legion raised by Marshal Bai as the most mischievous among the four!

"Of course they’re low-key," Chu Xiao declared, his fanboy filter fully engaged. "They only appear when needed and usually don’t participate in any military promotional activities. It’s like they keep a low profile!"

Bai Luming cleared his throat internally, guiltily averting his gaze.

Ahem, that was definitely an overstatement. The truth was much simpler—it was purely because they didn’t want to participate in those meaningless and uninteresting activities. In a word, it was laziness.

Besides, what was so great about having your photo hung all over the streets? If it were in black and white, people might mistakenly think those pictured had kicked the bucket before him, the retired Grand Marshal Bai.

Others were amused by Chu Xiao’s fervent defense: "What, it sounds like you want to join the White Flame Legion?"

Chu Xiao raised his chin proudly: "Of course."

Someone shook their head: "Forget it. After Marshal Bai stepped down, the White Flame Legion has gotten way weaker."

Chu Xiao held his head high: "That’s perfect. Wait for me to restore its glory!"

His words drew another round of laughter from those around.

Bai Luming hadn’t expected Chu Xiao to harbor such ambitions and couldn’t help but glance at him a few more times. Suddenly, he heard He Yilan’s voice from behind: "What are your thoughts on the four legions?"

The question was quite pointed, but Bai Luming didn’t evade it, casually responding: "The Red Army has always focused on systematic training and management—very standardized. The Green Army boasts the most skilled mechanization, with top-tier mecha and modification capabilities in the galaxy. The Gold Army, I’d say, is the most balanced of the four in terms of overall capabilities—after all, there’s no problem they can’t solve with money. As for the White Army..."

At this, he smiled leisurely: "Just as folk rumors say, they’re the most makeshift of the four. Their military discipline is a mess, their methods chaotic, their ranks mixed, lacking both technology and financial resources. On the battlefield, they rely entirely on wild, reckless tactics—pure opportunism at its finest."

This answer was almost entirely based on public impressions, sounding very official, except for the part where he criticized the White Army as utterly useless, which came across as genuinely heartfelt.

By the time He Yilan heard the latter part, he had subtly raised an eyebrow. Sure enough, after Bai Luming finished, he smiled and looked over: "What about you? Which of these four legions do you think most highly of?"

"I actually think the White Army is quite good," He Yilan replied without hesitation.

"Oh? Care to elaborate?"

Bai Luming was somewhat surprised by this answer and even suspected He Yilan was deliberately saying something nice to please him.

After all, given He Yilan’s status, it was well-known that All-Life Machinery was the biggest technical supporter behind the Azure Shadow Legion. From any angle, this man should be most supportive of the Green Army.

Could it be that the head of All-Life Machinery didn’t actually get along with Qing Yileng?

Was there some gossip?!

He Yilan seemed not to notice the gossipy interest overflowing from Bai Luming’s eyes and simply said, "I’ve seen Marshal Bai’s combat records from his time."

Bai Luming, failing to dig up any insider information, casually followed up with little interest: "What do you think?"

He Yilan looked up and met his gaze, saying measuredly: "Let’s just say, it’s fortunate he had no ambition to aim higher."

The air around them seemed to still slightly at these words, leaving only Bai Luming’s soft laugh.

Although such rumors no longer circulated, history most fears those whose achievements overshadow their lords.

Those who lived through the empire’s early years knew that among the four legions, the White Army enjoyed the highest popular support. Their style was rebellious and independent, and they never formed connections with various factions—this alone was enough to displease many politicians. At the time, many tried to stir up trouble between the White Army and the emperor, urging him to reclaim the White Army’s military power for the empire’s direct use.

Bringing this up now was really pushing it.

Bai Luming glanced at He Yilan and curiously retorted, "How do you know he didn’t?"

He Yilan looked at Bai Luming and also offered a faint smile, his tone still as calm as if discussing the daily weather: "If he had, the current commander of the White Flame Legion wouldn’t be Shen Yanfeng."

Bai Luming seemed to ponder this for a moment before nodding in agreement with this very careful answer: "True enough."

The melody of the march suddenly ceased, and the entire drill ground instantly fell silent.

Under the gleaming emblems of the Four Great Legions, everyone straightened their backs, their expressions solemn as they awaited the first crossroads of their lives.

The assignment ceremony had officially begun.

After the impassioned speech concluded, the department heads stepped forward and took their positions behind the registration tables.

The staff at the tables had already prepared the registration equipment, ready to welcome the new cadets.

At the signal, all cadets, holding their identity cards, began heading toward their respective tables.

According to the rules, department selection respected personal preference, but each department still had its own admission criteria. Performance during the initial training phase would determine the final outcome.

Cadets who were rejected could only accept automatic reassignment after the ceremony ended.

Chu Xiao was already antsy in line. He was about to rush out with the others when he caught sight of Bai Luming and He Yilan, both looking completely unhurried. He halted mid-launch: "Why are you two so relaxed? The Infantry Department is already packed. If we don’t hurry, what if they hit capacity?"

"Right, what if it fills up?" Bai Luming nodded in agreement. "So you should go ahead."

As he spoke, he glanced at Tang Ruyan, who also showed no sign of urgency, and asked, "You don’t seem to be in a rush either."

Tang Ruyan had pulled out a hair tie from somewhere and casually tied his hair into a ponytail: "Yeah, I applied for the Information Department. No need to rush."

After tying his hair, he tossed it back: "A face like mine would be wasted in the Infantry Department."

Chu Xiao, already annoyed by Bai Luming’s response, fell silent upon hearing Tang Ruyan’s words.

He had never seen someone so shameless, yet when he tried to retort, he found himself glancing at Tang Ruyan’s face and unable to form a single word—after all, it did seem like a waste.

Wait, is this really about looks right now!?

Chu Xiao finally realized his thoughts had been derailed again and snapped back to attention: "Bai Luming, aren’t you two going to the Infantry Department?"

Bai Luming: "No."

Chu Xiao was baffled: "Then where are you planning to go?"

Bai Luming glanced across the grounds. Compared to the always swamped Infantry Department registration area, the neighboring sections were also bustling. In stark contrast, several other registration counters were practically empty.

At one of them, Ji Xinghan stood alone, a conspicuous figure. But that was the Command Department, which historically only accepted internal transfers, so its lack of visitors was understandable. Next to it, however, was the dead-quiet logistics branch, with only a few figures present.

New recruits often joined with dreams of combat. The combat departments offered more opportunities for both performance and advancement—naturally, no one wanted to end up in the easily overlooked backline roles.

"Alright, you should go, or you’ll miss your shot."

Bai Luming urged Chu Xiao to hurry off, then glanced back at He Yilan: "Let’s go too."

"Yeah," He Yilan responded, and they both started walking.

Because the crowd was thinner on that side of the grounds, they stood out prominently.

The combat departments had long lines, and bored recruits quickly noticed their movement: "Wait? Are those two signing up for the Command Department too?"

Ji Xinghan had already completed his registration. Watching Bai Luming and He Yilan approach, he looked somewhat surprised.

However, the two didn’t stop when they reached him. Instead, they passed by and kept going inward, toward the deeper sections.

Further in were all logistics departments.

Just then, a sharp-looking officer in military uniform suddenly entered everyone’s view, striding confidently toward the two.

Bai Luming hadn’t expected Liang Deng to come greet them personally. The colonel was beaming: "Well, well, Xiao Lu, Xiao Yi! I knew you’d come! Trust me, this will be the best decision you’ve ever made in your lives!"

His enthusiastic attitude drew even more attention.

Ji Xinghan was undoubtedly the star recruit among this year’s cadets, but even he hadn’t rated a personal welcome from a superior before registration.

First Legrey from the Nawei Military Region, now Colonel Liang Deng from the Fortress—just what’s their deal?

But the excitement didn’t end there.

A stir broke out at the Infantry Department registration counter, and everyone watched as a figure burst out of the crowd and bolted straight for the Mecha Department’s registration area.

The weird turn of events made people rub their eyes in disbelief—the one who’d zipped over seemed to be Infantry’s Colonel Xiao?

Hearing the noise, Liang Deng naturally saw who was approaching and immediately ushered the two toward the registration counter: "Come on, let’s get you registered quickly. Later, I’ll take you to see the Mecha Department. Don’t let our remote location fool you—I’ve stockpiled some real gems there. I promise you won’t be disappointed."

Bai Luming shrugged to He Yilan, took both their identity cards, and handed them to Liang Deng: "Looking forward to it."

As Liang Deng was about to pass the cards to the registration staff, a hand suddenly cut him off: "Hold up. Maybe think it over."

Xiao Nuoya had swooped in at the last minute.

Liang Deng looked up and saw that gratingly smug face. Grinding his teeth, he said, "What’s left to reconsider? They’ve already decided to join our Mecha Department. Can’t you take a hint? Don’t you have enough to do in the Infantry Department? Why are you crashing our party?"

Xiao Nuoya: "The Infantry Department is definitely busier than your Mecha Department, but I can always squeeze it in if I need to."

After these two appeared, the number of eyes turning toward them had grown exponentially.

Not only Ji Xinghan in front of the Command Department, but even officers on the review platform were watching from afar, clearly loving the show.

Bai Luming: "..."

This really isn’t necessary.

Xiao Nuoya’s attitude toward Bai Luming was a stark contrast to his demeanor toward Liang Deng. His smile was perfectly measured: "Really, there’s still time to think it over. Bai Luming, I’ve seen your performance in the simulation exam. It was outstanding. I believe you’ll achieve even more once you incorporate mecha training."

His expression grew even more amiable: "Was there any particular reason you chose the Mecha Department? Actually, the perks and treatment we offer in the Infantry Department are at least as good, if not better. If you have any concerns, feel free to share them. If it’s within my power, I’ll help resolve them."

Bai Luming was touched by the other’s persistent sincerity but replied honestly: "You can’t resolve it."

Xiao Nuoya’s tone was earnest: "Try me. How will we know if you don’t say it?"

Having come this far, evasion would indeed be inappropriate.

Bai Luming looked at Xiao Nuoya and went straight to the point: "If I join the Infantry Department, can I opt out of training?"

"Of course..." Xiao Nuoya nearly blurted out before catching himself. "Opt out of training?"

Bai Luming nodded, confirming he’d heard correctly: "The reason I chose the Mecha Department is that the Infantry Department’s training intensity is too high. I don’t want to work too hard."

Xiao Nuoya: "..."

Don’t... want... to... work... too... hard?

Xiao Nuoya had never heard these four words within the fortress walls. Those words shut it down.

The surroundings fell into brief silence. A wind blew past, leaving only Liang Deng’s triumphant laugh: "Hahahaha, come on, let’s finish the registration! Welcome to the Mecha Department, both of you!"