Chapter 43 White Snake

Chapter 43: The White Snake

"Alright, everyone is now acquainted. As I stated when inviting or accepting you into the team, I will be commanding. If you cannot guarantee obedience to orders, please withdraw from the team. Now I ask again: can you guarantee complete obedience to command? If not, raise your hand."

No one in the room moved.

Qi Yanshen continued, "Since no one raised their hand, let me be blunt from the start. If anyone refuses to obey orders during the field assessment, I will directly expel them from the team. Don't complain later about me being heartless or lacking team spirit."

Obedience to command is a soldier's basic duty, an awareness they should have had the moment they decided to apply to military academy, especially for those who have gained admission.

No one raised any objections. Qi Yanshen began his formal briefing on the practical assessment.

"First, regarding this semester's final practical assessment. The school announcement states it will be held on a randomly chosen planet within the Federation's border star systems. Each team will be allocated identical supplies per person. Participants may bring their own mechs. Small starships are also permitted, but they must be light starships. All personal mechs and starships must be approved by the school and returned to students on assessment day."

"Now for some information I've gathered. There will be low-level Zerg on this planet. So, first question: those in our team who can proficiently pilot B-grade or higher mechs, please raise your hands."

A total of eight people raised their hands: Lu Yan and Jian Fuxu, along with Lilette and Luo Hai from the Mecha Combat Department, Zheng Mingyuan from the Mecha Design Department, the brothers Wen Jue from the Starship Combat Department and Wen Run from the Starship Design Department, and Harley from the Biology Department.

Apart from Luo Hai, all the rest were, without exception, alphas.

Qi Yanshen said, "Those proficient in operating A-grade mechs or higher, raise your hands."

Harley and Wen Run lowered their hands. Qi Yanshen noted their mech grades in his notebook.

"S-grade mechs."

No one lowered their hands. After noting it down, Qi Yanshen read the list aloud to confirm no mistakes were made.

After confirmation, Qi Yanshen summarized, "Our team has nine effective combatants. However, Wen Jue and Wen Run must remain on the starship, so we only have seven combat personnel we can effectively field. Compared to other teams, our combat strength is relatively low."

Everyone present was aware of this. Many other teams had twenty to thirty members, while theirs only had seventeen, indeed at a numerical disadvantage. However, they didn't believe they would lose. The battlefield situation changes in the blink of an eye; an advantage one second could become a fatal disadvantage the next. It all comes down to capability.

Qi Yanshen understood this too, but to stabilize "morale," he dropped a bombshell: "I am currently at SS-grade mech piloting proficiency, and my mech has pseudo-SS-grade capabilities. Combined with Lilette's quasi-SS-grade mech skills, we won't be at too much of a disadvantage in this aspect."

Luo Hai raised his hand to ask a question. Qi Yanshen nodded for him to speak. Luo Hai asked, "Will you be taking the field personally as the commander?"

Qi Yanshen nodded. Luo Hai expressed concern, "What if your signal as the overall commander is cut off?"

Qi Yanshen replied, "If my communications are severed, Lu Yan will assume temporary command. Once it's confirmed my messages cannot be received, if Lu Yan's orders conflict with my previous commands, Lu Yan's command orders will take precedence."

Luo Hai had no objections to Qi Yanshen's statement. Qi Yanshen looked at Ke Haocheng and Hua Zhongzi from the Logistics Management Department and said, "As the saying goes, warfare is about logistics. Logistics greatly influence the final outcome. So, when supplies are distributed, you two try to procure higher-quality supplies. Even if you can't get the best, avoid substandard goods, understood?"

Both replied in unison, "Understood."

Qi Yanshen continued to inquire about each person's capabilities, noting down their general strengths to properly assign each individual's role, as well as plan for emergencies and personnel allocation.

"Total energy allocation is per capita. Since our combat strength is low, we will have a surplus of energy. One-tenth of this will be allocated to Jian Fuxu. He can modify Energy Bombs, allowing us to inflict maximum damage with minimal energy."

They had no issues with this. They were well aware of Jian Fuxu's talent in energy matters and naturally didn't mind allocating some to him.

Then followed lengthy discussions on various topics. Although so-called discussions, Qi Yanshen spoke for about two-thirds of the time. He understood each person's general capabilities. Apart from some minor details requiring inquiry, he objectively outlined his overall combat plan and could precisely propose solutions when faced with doubts.

No wonder Qi Yanshen became the first-year chief of the Command Department. With this level of accuracy in intelligence gathering, analysis, and allocation, it's no surprise he defeated the fourth-year chief.

The omegas also listened attentively. Although the content pertained less to them, some information could determine victory or defeat at critical moments.

The discussion lasted nearly two hours, ending around 5 PM. Qi Yanshen adjourned the meeting, telling everyone to rest well and recharge, then promptly ushered everyone out.

Except for Na An'an and Chi Yan, everyone else left without delay. After all, alphas have strong territorial instincts, especially A-grade and S-grade alphas. Having been together so long, saying they weren't uncomfortable or agitated at all would be a lie.

The betas didn't feel uncomfortable, but they had other matters, plus this wasn't their dorm room, and there was no need for private conversations, so they left with the alphas.

After everyone else left, Na An'an and Chi Yan invited Ji Anzhi to go shopping. Ji Anzhi indeed needed to purchase some items he was running low on and gladly accepted.

However, the group heading to the trading city wasn't just Ji Anzhi, Na An'an, and Chi Yan. It also included the persistently hopeful Lu Yan, along with Qi Yanshen and Jian Fuxu, who were reluctantly dragged along.

Upon arriving at the trading city, everyone first went to official stores to buy their needed supplies. The practical assessment was scheduled for seven days. Apart from school-issued supplies, each person could bring half a cubic meter of personal supplies, which had to be inspected to confirm no hazardous items or equipment that provides an unfair advantage.

Na An'an and Chi Yan mainly purchased some potions and raw materials, storing them in the uniformly issued Space Bracelets. After allocating space for necessities, they inevitably wanted to treat themselves, so they also bought some fruits, cakes, and snacks.

Ji Anzhi had a bit of a soft spot for good food. Under permissible conditions, he certainly wouldn't shortchange himself. He also bought some fruits, high-calorie tasty snacks, and a box of concentrated nutrient solution for emergencies.

Lu Yan made a show of buying some snacks, spending the rest of his time vying for Chi Yan's attention. However, judging by Chi Yan's pale complexion, Lu Yan's presence seemed no different from torment.

Qi Yanshen and Jian Fuxu had purchased their needed supplies days earlier. Now, they were just going through the motions to cover for Lu Yan, casually picking up a box of concentrated nutrient solution before stopping.

After paying, Na An'an and Chi Yan took Ji Anzhi to browse the market's permanent stalls. Passing by a pet shop, Na An'an and Chi Yan's omega hearts raced wildly. Their eyes lit up as they walked in to pet the fluffy creatures.

As for why they didn't own a pet, they would answer they lacked the time. Not everyone has ample time to properly care for a pet.

But they loved fluffy animals, so this shop had become unexpectedly popular since opening two months ago. Most pets inside were furry mammals or birds. Perhaps to cater to omega aesthetics, the pets were all beautiful, gentle, and particularly bold, actively rubbing against people.

The shop owner, Lu Yan, would say: it's really profitable!

That's right, this shop was opened by Lu Yan's application. With his "shrewd merchant" bloodline, not finding ways to make money would be a disservice to his fabulously wealthy uncle!

Moreover, opening a pet shop not only made money but also allowed close contact with omegas—killing two birds with one stone. Why not? Lu Yan simply didn't dare reveal his alpha identity, so no one knew the shop was run by a male alpha.

Lu Yan thought his chance had finally come, but then he saw Chi Yan utterly enamored with a half-meter-long white venomous snake, even draping it over his own arm and giving it a kiss...

The little deer excitedly prancing in Lu Yan's heart was instantly shot dead, turning into a lifeless deer.

This kind of omega was beyond his ability to handle. For safety's sake, it was better to just remain classmates!

Not only was Lu Yan shocked and deterred by Chi Yan's actions, everyone present who witnessed it was utterly astonished.

Na An'an even stammered, "Ch-Chi Yan, you... you're not afraid?"

Chi Yan tilted his head in confusion, innocently asking, "Why should I be afraid?"

Na An'an was speechless. She could list many frightening aspects of snakes, but Chi Yan handling one proved he truly wasn't afraid.

Ji Anzhi reached out to stroke the little snake's head. It didn't bite, even nuzzled, showing it was not very aggressive. It was certainly suitable as a pet.

Ji Anzhi asked Chi Yan, "Do you like it a lot?"

Faced with Chief Ji's question, Chi Yan shyly nodded. Ji Anzhi casually checked the price—not too expensive, just 3000 points. Moreover, the snake's venom had been treated; even if accidentally bitten, provided antivenom serum was available. If Chi Yan wanted to keep it, he could buy it for him.

Since learning about Chi Yan's past, Ji Anzhi had been very concerned. Because Chi Yan had experiences similar to his sister's, Ji Anzhi always wanted to help Chi Yan break free from the shadows of his twelve-year-old self.

Chi Yan's fondness for snakes did surprise him. However, considering many alphas disliked snake-like creatures, it might help ease Chi Yan's fear of being approached by alphas. Moreover, pets could provide emotional comfort, which would be good for Chi Yan.

Ji Anzhi gently asked, "Chi Yan, would you like to keep it?"

Chi Yan looked up in surprise. He always knew many people disliked snakes, never expecting Ji Anzhi to ask without any hint of aversion.

Chi Yan hesitated, conflicted, unsure how to answer. He feared hearing words of disgust from Chief Ji.

"I... I don't really like it that much either, I just think it feels cool to the touch... And everyone dislikes snakes, and I don't have extra points..."

Ji Anzhi interrupted him, bending slightly to look Chi Yan straight in the eye. "Chi Yan, don't think too hard about it. I'm just asking you: do you like it? Do you want to keep it?"

Chi Yan instinctively avoided Ji Anzhi's gaze. He didn't want to lie to Chief Ji's face. Chief Ji was the first person who, after learning about his past, didn't look at him with pity or tell him to just protect himself better and run away if it happened again. Instead, Chief Ji was generous and kind, telling him how strong he was, gave him an Energy Bomb necklace (courtesy of Jian Fuxu), and secretly told him that if he ever encountered such a situation again, he should take the detachable part from the bottom and stick it on the other person. If the bomb moved more than ten meters away from the upper safety device, it would automatically explode.

Just in case, the Chief had also, somehow, gotten his hands on a bottle of medicine for him, saying that if an alpha ingested it, it would cause their gland to atrophy, potentially leading to death. If anyone bullied him, he shouldn't lose sleep over their lives; he had the right to choose, and even if it implicated the Chief, it didn't matter.

Chi Yan had been so shocked he couldn't believe it at first, but seconds later, he clung to Ji Anzhi and broke down sobbing.

After being violated by that scum, everyone around him had told him to protect himself. But they never let him easily access things that could be fatal to alphas, because those things were equally dangerous to him. This was the first time Chi Yan had met someone who would give him something that could decide an alpha's life.

So, after a moment of hesitation, Chi Yan said firmly, "I like it. I want to keep it."

Then he added softly, "But I don't have that many points..."

Ji Anzhi straightened up and patted Chi Yan's dejected little head, offering him a surprise. "I can pay for you, but on one condition: during the exam, I'll need your help with psychic stabilization. You know my situation—I can't use a Psychic Soother—so would you mind helping me?"

Chi Yan was stunned at first, not processing it immediately. After understanding Chief Ji's meaning, he was overjoyed and nodded eagerly. "No problem! Thank you, Chief Ji!"

With that, he rushed forward and threw himself into Ji Anzhi's arms, burying his face against Ji Anzhi's chest and saying happily, "Chief Ji, I like you so much!"

Chi Yan's words, which were no different from a confession, left the alphas present questioning their lives. Most omegas at the school were somewhat averse to contact with alphas, which meant many alphas' interactions with omegas were limited to casual conversations between classmates. Taking even a slight step beyond that would cause omegas to distance themselves.

And now, a sweet and adorable-looking omega was actually! Hugging a beta! And saying he liked him so much!

What the hell? This wasn't fair!

Especially for Lu Yan, who had just developed feelings for Chi Yan. Everything about Ji Anzhi grated on him. He had always known his beta roommate was popular with omegas and betas, but wasn't this level of popularity a bit excessive?

Particularly since Chi Yan was the first omega at the school to make his heart flutter, only for him to see the very next second that omega throwing himself into a beta's arms and saying, "I like you so much." It really made one wonder who the alpha was here...