Yu Lian truly hadn't expected that Psychokinesis, such a basic spiritual energy mental skill, would have such a miraculous effect on a dignified Moon People, an elite government official, and the Vice Principal of the General Staff.
Does this mean that the will of the famous former President of the Blueblood Brotherhood, a confidential military officer in a critical position, is, in some sense, similar to that of a wild animal?
…Hmm, but thinking about that guy's past behavior, it doesn't seem surprising.
In any case, encountering such a frustrating matter on the first day of the 830 National Day was truly unpleasant! Perhaps only his uncle's sauerkraut fish and aunt's dumplings could heal him.
As soon as he thought of this, Yu Lian quickly returned to his dormitory to pack his luggage.
However, what did Mr. Zhou, who never appeared in this timeline, say? Oh, right, bad luck doesn't exist by itself. But if you're unlucky once, it definitely means you'll be unlucky many times recently.
Just as he had packed a few changes of clothes and gifts for his family, and was about to go to the school gate to wait for Feifei, her call came first.
"Yu'er, there's something now, I just got the news from the Principal and General Schwartz… Of course, if you don't agree, you can completely refuse it."
"When you say it like that, I don't really want to accept it without even hearing it!" Yu Lian said helplessly.
"…Actually, it's not a big deal. July 12th this year, which is when we graduate, is the 50th anniversary of the Commonwealth Space Fleet's founding, you know that, right?"
Yu Lian thought to himself that if she hadn't reminded him, he really would have forgotten about it.
"So, the school has convinced the Defense Committee and the Central Government to combine our graduation ceremony with the Navy Day celebration. They're preparing to hold a large-scale celebratory event."
Yu Lian thought back carefully but had no memory of this.
Compared to the many major events that would occur in the next few years, concerning the rise and fall of the Commonwealth and the fate of the Milky Way Civilization, no matter how grand the celebration, it wasn't a historical event worth remembering.
"Hmm, that sounds quite interesting. What, do you want us students to perform? And you want me on stage? Let me make it clear, I absolutely cannot accept preparing any performances!" Yu Lian stated that he also had his dignity. In his previous life, he was a great hero, and in this life, he was a soldier. He couldn't possibly become an idol to save the Commonwealth, could he?
"You don't need to prepare a performance, this has nothing to do with us anyway. The Defense Committee has already invited a large number of celebrities, and there will be a very grand gala. However, there's a final highlight that requires us. After all, it's Navy Day, and soldiers are still needed to appear."
"You're not going to make us perform a skit, are you?"
"What nonsense are you talking about? Since you're a soldier, you must choose a soldier's way. So…"
"So, it's not that, is it?"
"Mm, Yu'er guessed correctly, it's a real ship combat exercise."
Yu Lian breathed a sigh of relief, thinking it was fortunate they weren't selecting a group of people to team up and fight in a ring or something.
After all, this was a Milky Way full of martial virtue; individuals with brute strength were always highly respected, especially in the military. Such a thing might indeed be possible.
Compared to that, the ship combat exercise, a custom that had been passed down for at least over a hundred years at the Central Defense University, sounded much more normal.
The most outstanding students from the graduating class would be selected to serve as intern ship captains. The crew on the ship, except for a small number of necessary safety, damage control, and supervisory personnel, would also all be students.
Their opponents would be an elite crew led by a veteran captain.
This probably symbolized a spirit of inheritance among soldiers. Additionally, it was also a way to humble these self-important elite high-achievers, making them understand that the world was not that simple.
Of course, such an event didn't happen every year; it depended purely on the quality of the students that year and whether the school had the budget for it. In fact, this very meaningful activity hadn't been held for ten years.
…However, an exercise is an exercise. What does a soldier's business have to do with a so-called grand finale performance?
"Because our actual combat exercise is the final program of the Navy Day celebration!" Feifei emphasized the word 'program,' and a hint of distress appeared in her smile as she continued to explain.
In short, the single combat between the two warships would not only be watched live by important figures but also broadcast nationally on television and the internet. At that time, perhaps tens of billions of people would watch.
This could, of course, also be understood as a demonstration match.
Of course, just like all actual combat exercises, everything would be real, except for the weapons!"
"…I probably guessed it, the captain must be Horatio Wien, right?"
"No, Mr. Wien is one of the captains."
"?"
"The rules have changed this year! It's not students against veterans, but students against each other. They say it's to let young people fully display their demeanor. Wien is the Blue Faction's captain, as for Hong Fang (Red Team)'s… Yu'er, the celebration organizers and the school have already discussed and decided, you've guessed it, haven't you?"
I've already guessed it without you even needing to recite poetry!
"But that's not logical? My grades aren't good, my current average is only 3.5. I'm not being humble, but how did I, an ordinary student struggling at the passing line, become the student representative?"
"With your internship grades, it's already risen to 3.8. Moreover, you're the first among us to receive the Silver Crown Sword Medal, who dares say you're not outstanding? General Schwartz just now conveyed Nishita Chairman's commendation for you to the school."
"Which one?"
"Keith Nishita, the Defense Committee Chairman!"
The Defense Committee Chairman, in the Commonwealth's administrative hierarchy, was the third most important figure, only after the President and Prime Minister, and was also the theoretical highest military and political officer, naturally a person of immense importance.
Logically speaking, the name of a mere student falling into the ears of such a great person would make others feel flattered and overjoyed, but Yu Lian curled his lip, not even bothering to hide his physiological aversion.
"…" Why are the names I don't want to hear today all coming out in a string like potatoes? Also, how did that guy notice me?
Feifei looked at Yu Lian, didn't ask further, and continued: "Chairman has carefully reviewed the entire Xiwei Star System campaign and repeatedly praised you as a pillar of talent, a brilliant young man who can lead the Commonwealth's army and defend the country in the future. He also said that our 830 class produced a group of upright, noble, and fearless national protectors, and the most suitable candidate to be the leader of this Knight Order is you."
Yu Lian really wanted to find a broom to brush off the goosebumps on his body.
"It is said that his praise made many people restless."
Yes, I am one of them. But Vice Principal Robnan must also be one of them. I'm suddenly looking forward to his expression.
"But that's not logical either! If we're talking about outstanding student representatives, aren't you, Feifei, also one? You be the captain, and I'll be your assault leader."
Do I need you to be my assault leader? Since childhood, when have you ever beaten me? Feifei's eyes curved into two crescent moons. Although she didn't speak, she conveyed the above meaning with a standard healing smile.
Yu Lian, who was a little proud for becoming a spiritual energy user, immediately dared not swell with pride anymore.
"I can't. On the day of the celebration, as one of the student representatives, I have to accompany the important leaders throughout the ceremony, responsible for explanation and hosting."
"Hosting?"
"Yes. Since it's a grand Navy Day celebration, the hosts can't all be civilians. In the end, of course, I had to step up. So, I'll be working with my idol, Ms. Laura, congratulate me, Yu'er!"
Ms. Laura seemed to be a very famous TV host in the Commonwealth, and Feifei vaguely seemed to admire her.
"…So, you're not planning to use this opportunity to enter the television industry, are you? But if Feifei were to become a news anchor, all the major media outlets would be fighting over you."
"I don't know, I haven't decided yet. Life isn't that easy to decide. But fortunately, we are still very young, and we have the right to waste time and take detours." Feifei pursed her lips and smiled, naturally changing the subject: "Anyway, Yu'er, think about it carefully. As I said before, if Yu'er doesn't want to do it, then don't. There's always Kent and Autumn Mountain and that bunch who can take over."
Yu Lian pondered for a moment and asked, "So, what do you think, Feifei?"
"What?"
"Do you hope I go?"
"…What I say might interfere with Yu'er's judgment, you know."
"But right now, I need someone to interfere with my judgment, and even strengthen my resolve."
Feifei covered her mouth and chuckled for a while before saying, "Yu'er saying that means you already have an answer in your heart. But if you want me to say it, I do hope you go. Heh, what are Wien and his gang? Yu'er should let everyone see who the true king of the 830 class is! You don't need to hide your talent, you should show your inherent dominance! I've never heard of a 21-year-old needing to hide their talent."
"Also, this exercise, aside from its performance nature, is truly real. Just treat the big figures watching as tomatoes and potatoes! If you become the captain, besides commanding on the spot, you'll need to recruit and match all the crew members yourself, and they can only be selected from current university students. Besides command ability, it can also test your organizational skills, recruitment skills, and even your network. How does that sound, pretty realistic, right?"
It's just 'realistic' in imagination. In a real battlefield, how extreme would the conditions have to be for a single ship to engage in a one-on-one duel? It feels less realistic than two captains riding horses and charging at each other with spears.
Despite this, Yu Lian still noticed the key point in Feifei's words.
"Current students, meaning it's not just our school, any school can participate, right?"
Feifei paused slightly, then nodded, "That should be the case, but I still need to confirm… From your tone, are you planning to accept?"
Yu Lian thought carefully and felt that before July, besides completing his thesis, drawing some diagrams, making some proposals, and hooking up with that black (cat) intelligence organization, there wasn't much serious to do.
Moreover, this also seemed like a good opportunity to build relationships with future SRs and SSRs!
"Hmm, it seems I can give it a try…"
"Then, I'll reply that way." Feifei smiled: "According to Nishita Chairman, this is the most important battle to decide who among you will be the leader of the Knight Order!"
"I want to crawl into a hole. That person is so old, how can he even say such things?"