Fortunately, Snowflake didn't really keep pestering everyone. After making a new friend and singing and dancing with everyone, she flew back to the blue star princess.
This big baby whale was, overall, still a child who liked excitement. The ship formation, with its colorful lights, probably suited her aesthetic taste better, didn't it?
Everyone watched the little whale, bathed in the glow of the sunset, and the people on the blue ship, looking disheveled, happily swim away, and a warm, aunt-like smile appeared on their faces.
Yu Lian coughed. Only then did everyone realize that this was still training and they needed to be serious!
The rest of the process went very smoothly. After completing the patrol training, the Red Faction also conducted artillery training—of course, not real shelling, but simulated artillery effects using electromagnetic rays with reduced power. This was also the shelling mode that everyone would adopt when the actual combat exercise officially began.
These electromagnetic rays, with their reduced power, were colorful and magnificent when fired, but they could not actually damage the battleship's armor and shields. They would only activate the various sensors mounted on the battleship to calculate the "damage" sustained by the hull. The exercise directorate would also adjust the performance of both sides' battleships through remote control based on computer calculations.
Of course, there were also missiles and torpedoes, but they were not equipped with warheads. Instead, they contained a pile of nanomachines that, when they hit an "enemy ship," could shut down some of its functions and simulate the effect of being hit.
All in all, to make this single-ship battle as close to actual combat as possible while still being spectacular, the exercise directorate had truly put in their best effort.
The period that followed was a very fulfilling time. Everyone was immersed in heavy training and study, unable to extricate themselves, occasionally gathering for a meal to relax.
Now that everyone was classmates and fighting together, even if there were minor conflicts, they easily disappeared under the pressure of Yu Lian, the old hand. Everyone naturally became more and more united.
Yu Lian and the girls from the student council would occasionally take everyone to the usual barbecue stall for a feast. Of course, they went in batches, otherwise, over 200 people squeezing in would exhaust the owner to death.
The owner, who was preparing to retire and return to his hometown, unexpectedly experienced the most vigorous business season in ten years, sweating profusely every day but feeling satisfied despite the exhaustion.
"My life has no more regrets!" One day, he even said this to Yu Lian.
Of course, while training was ongoing, other matters were also proceeding in an orderly fashion.
For example, the Blue Faction also had heavy training tasks, but the energetic Wien and his 830 Party companions were still able to squeeze out time to complete the personnel recruitment conditions and internal regulations for their new organization, the Lionheart Society.
Then came the official recruitment work. In the newly erected building, which he named "Lion's Den"—though Yu Lian always felt it sounded more like a restaurant—the Lionheart Society opened its doors wide, recruiting talented individuals from all corners of the world to work together on grand plans, and so on.
Vice Principal Rozes openly came to the door to invite Yu Lian to attend the celebration of the association's establishment. This man had always been a sincere gentleman, the most magnanimous, steady, and meticulous in his dealings among the entire 830 Party. In fact, historically, he had always played the role of a conciliator for all 830 members. He did not show particular sensitivity or talent in direct combat, but he possessed extremely excellent administrative, staff, logistics, and military-political capabilities.
Yu Lian felt that he did indeed need to give his old friend Rozes some face, so he not only went himself but also brought the student council.
In the new hall named "Lion's Den," Wien and Banner still didn't have a good expression for Yu Lian. However, the others were now quite willing to greet him and chat for a few words.
Although they would soon be opponents in the actual combat exercise, opponents are not enemies.
At the opening, Wien very frankly announced the next president of the Lionheart Society: a second-year student named George Isaac.
Yes, Horatio Wien's initiative was quite astonishing; he had already sent invitations to the junior students he had scouted. Of course, most of these junior students were commoners, with only a few from noble families who had no major issues in terms of academic performance and character.
Therefore, it was easy to imagine what kind of atmosphere this future campus club would have.
"Isaac is a good person! When we graduate, I hope the spirit of the Lionheart Society can be continued."
Yu Lian felt that these future generals were still very naive, for example, this current idea was particularly naive. If even you yourselves don't know what the spirit of the Lionheart Society should be, how can it be continued? Courage? Honor? Responsibility? Sacrifice? These are slogans, not spirit!
"Mikhail, I have a small suggestion that isn't quite mature yet." Yu Lian had just said this, but after thinking for a moment, he added, "Never mind, let's talk about it after this battle is over."
In any case, Wien was indeed working hard for his ideals, even if his methods were not very mature.
Therefore, I will be the one to teach you. Of course, that's after I've beaten all of you down! You hot-blooded youths, if you're not beaten down, you'll never listen to reason.
There were, of course, other good tidings.
First, the massive spelling game project was finally nearing completion. Moreover, thanks to the research during this period, his proficiency in Roan's secret script was already sufficient for him to find a job as an archaeology teacher at a university.
Eleanor from New Yumen was also progressing smoothly. The four Ranger cruisers—no, multi-purpose cruise ships—she acquired were also undergoing modifications.
The ships were easy to handle, but the crew was indeed a troublesome matter.
Yu Lian could only hope that the recruitment station Eleanor set up at Gibraltar Starport would actually make some progress! He also felt that it would be better not to reveal the treasure's clues to her too quickly, given that her forces were not yet strong enough.
However, her grand actions finally caused some controversy within the higher-ups. It was said that some people jumped out again to question whether such a borderline approach would provoke hostile reactions from the Empire and the Alliance. Furthermore, recruiting civilians and mercenaries into the military… even if it was just the colonial garrison fleet, would there be any repercussions?
Similarly, some people stated that piracy and privateering in the New World were becoming increasingly rampant, and military expansion was necessary. Colonel Elinore Bonaparte's approach perfectly circumvented the "New World Naval Limitation Treaty," so why not embrace it?
Thus, after a small-scale debate, the Defense Committee Chairman, who had just finished the "Nihita Grand Prison" and was in high spirits, dispatched a group of people from the Military Strategic Research Institute and the Inspection Department to form an investigation team, preparing to go to the New World to "inspect" the security and shipping situation there.
The head of the investigation team was none other than Marshal Paris himself.
"Anyway, I'm quite idle lately, and it's not bad to visit the Andromeda Galaxy again by way of a place I used to work. However, it's a bit of a pity that I can't watch your single-ship exercise up close," Marshal Paris even called to express his regret.
Yu Lian was truly a little overwhelmed this time.
"However, young man, do you think it's necessary to expand the garrison fleet in the New World?" The Old Marshal asked again.
Of course! Ideally, it would be accompanied by another Outer Rim fleet, and the Garrison Command would be upgraded to a direct military region, then at least 5 super-large Starports of the Gibraltar Starport β scale would be built.
"Is it appropriate, Your Excellency, to ask me, a student, about such matters?"
"Yes, why should I ask you? I've been back on Earth for a while now. I've heard a bit about your relationship with the Bonaparte girl." The Old Marshal looked deeply at Yu Lian, then sneered, "Forget it, before I get too old and muddled, I'll go and see the situation in the New World with my own old eyes."
Marshal Paris, accompanied by a 20-person investigation team, left Earth and began a six-month investigation into the "security situation" in the New World.
To be honest, although the Old Marshal had spent his life in the military, and the Star Gate he guarded led directly to the Andromeda Galaxy, he had never actually gone to see it himself, so he was naturally filled with anticipation for this journey.
Secondly, there were some personal matters.
Through Ash's connections, Yu Lian had already bought his uncle and aunt a beautiful villa in the suburbs of Nefi, with good security, and had also saved a sum of money for his younger siblings' overseas study tuition fees. He also learned that his old comrades from the military station, Youyou and Baka, had indeed come to the Alliance.
Ash found a reputable medical school affiliated university for Baka's daughter.
It was said that the medical institution was very curious about the little girl's condition. After some communication, they agreed to provide free treatment for the little girl, but she would have to be hospitalized for half a year annually to cooperate with the hospital for experiments. Of course, the hospital also promised that it would only involve X-rays, blood samples, and stem cells, and there would be no life-threatening risks whatsoever.
All of the above was formalized in a written contract.
The bear-man held a large sum of money and didn't know what to do with it. So, on Ash's suggestion, he bought an automated small farm in the distant suburbs, then a small apartment in Nefi, and finally, he simply applied for a security guard position at that medical school.
As for Youyou, Baka's apartment had a room for him. However, this big dark man left early and returned late every day. During the day, he attended a cram school to learn the Alliance language, and in the evening, he would set up a stall in the park to sing. It was said that he already had some regular customers.
Hopefully, he can truly achieve his dream.
In any case, whether it was his own situation or that of his companions, things were slowly improving. With such a mindset, Yu Lian was now able to face the upcoming thesis defense with the fullest confidence.
Time officially entered June, and the summer heat was gradually arriving. As the first person from the 830 batch to undergo a thesis defense, Yu Lian walked confidently to the classroom door and greeted Director Franz with a playful smile.
The latter seemed completely oblivious, looked at the time, and said indifferently, "You have five minutes to prepare, or you can go in now."
Yu Lian, of course, chose the former. After receiving an affirmative reply from inside the door, he pushed it open and entered.
Seven people were seated in the classroom.
Besides the expected Vice Principal Robnan, there was also Principal Maxell, who rarely appeared on campus. This Old Marshal was nearly eighty years old and usually didn't manage much, acting as if he was beyond worldly affairs, just waiting to turn eighty to retire with a general's pension.
In addition, there was a Professor Chang from the Strategic Studies course, with the rank of colonel. He was just a bookworm who taught in a methodical manner, with solid theoretical foundations and rich strategic knowledge, but that was all.
The Head of the Strategic Studies Department, also a Vice Principal but ranked after Robnan, Brigadier General Orwell, was also Present. He was also a strong Highlander. Looking at his physique and appearance, he should have been the principal of the Tiannan Armored Corps Academy, but he was precisely the head of the Strategic Studies Department.
Yu Lian didn't have much interaction with him, and their relationship was probably neutral.
There were also two staff officers, who should be members of the Military History Research Institute. This was completely consistent with the message Marshal Paris had given him.
However, what Yu Lian cared about the most was the only lieutenant general Present wearing a black uniform.
He was Lieutenant General Wang Jingyang, a Six Rings spiritual energy user Master, one of the leaders of the newly formed Blue Star Guard. And, an old friend of Yu Lian's parents, Uncle Wang from next door.
Although he wore a very imposing Internal Guard general's uniform, his face was filled with a smile that was out of place with the uniform. It was too broad, too benevolent, and even faintly silly.
"Lieutenant General Wang Jingyang is the Commonwealth Guard Commander and one of the most powerful active spiritual energy users in our military. Since your thesis, Comrade Yu Lian, involves the tactical application of spiritual energy users, I invited him to attend this defense. Is that acceptable?" Principal Maxell, with his face full of age spots, said in the typical unhurried tone of an aging man.
"It's my honor!" Yu Lian smiled.
Wang Jingyang also smiled: "Then, begin. I'm looking forward to it!"