The thesis defense at military academies is not significantly different from that at regular universities. First, it involves the student's own exposition of their thesis.
This part went very smoothly. Since it was a thesis that caused a sensation in later generations, even being considered to have sparked a revolution in spiritual energy tactics, its argumentation and logical structure were exceptionally clear. As for the evidence, it's the same old saying: once the topic is decided, in a universe of such vastness, how could one possibly fail to find supporting evidence?
"In summary, once such a grouping is implemented, the combat effectiveness of spiritual energy assault teams will definitely see a qualitative improvement!"
The "professors" mused for a moment, exchanging glances, all pondering their questions. Consequently, Professor Chang, the least distinguished person Present, could only ask first: "Yu Lian, changing from a three-person team to a four-person team means that more human resources will be allocated to the formation. Wouldn't this reduce the number of spiritual energy assault team units in our army? If so, wouldn't there be a shortage of troops when actual combat occurs?"
This question was truly uninspired, but Colonel Chang was simply making an opening statement.
Even so, driven by his perfectionist spirit, Yu Lian decided to answer seriously.
"I believe this is not a tactical issue, but rather a logistics and human resources issue, and thus not the content of this paper. However, according to preliminary international supernatural statistics, the number of registered spiritual energy users we have is already the fifth highest in the All-Galaxy. If we consider the population issue, our awakening rate is definitely not inferior to that of the Alliance and the Empire."
Seeing that several professors from the Military Research Institute had already shown smug, racist expressions, Yu Lian continued, "What needs to be done now is to strengthen the statistics and management of spiritual energy users. Therefore, spiritual energy users willing to serve must be ensured good treatment, and at the same time, their discipline and patriotism must be cultivated. In any case, the treatment of an active military spiritual energy user cannot exceed the cost of a destroyer."
Yes, increase my treatment quickly! Yu Lian thought. What about the promised annual subsidy of at least 500,000 and a luxury apartment with lifelong free use for spiritual energy users in the military system?
"In your paper, you proposed the development of existing supporting equipment for the Emblem Machine. Is this also based on this consideration?" a colonel from the Military Research Institute asked.
"Exactly. Once it becomes a four-person combat team, it can then function as an independent combat unit, capable of handling most battlefield conditions, rather than being limited to boarding assaults in coordination with shocktroopers. This means not only diversified weapons but also complete, varied special operations equipment, even including some independent special vehicles, dedicated preparation teams, and specialized intelligence and fire support teams."
Lieutenant General Wang Jingyang made no attempt to conceal the joy on his face; he wore a completely doting expression. He felt that with this paper, the independent spiritual energy unit currently being prepared could avoid many detours.
Frank should see this... I hope that guy gets over it soon. Dwelling on the Past only brings sorrow, but this young man is the future!
Subsequently, several people asked more questions, and Yu Lian answered all of them fluently.
Even Minister of Defense Maxell, who seemed so old he was about to fall asleep, posed a very constructive question.
Brigadier General Robnan felt a bit uneasy, but he truly hadn't expected the quality of this paper, which the guy had "temporarily" rushed out, to be so high.
He really wanted to find fault, but he was only a master of office politics, with no practical combat experience and even less understanding of spiritual energy. If he spoke, he would probably just expose his ignorance.
"So, does anyone else have any questions?" Minister of Defense Maxell asked unhurriedly.
Everyone looked at Brigadier General Robnan. He suddenly realized he seemed to be the only one who hadn't asked a question, so he mumbled, then slowly said, "I have no more questions."
Minister of Defense Maxell nodded, "Alright, Yu Lian, you can stand at ease and wait for the final results."
"May I include this in the internal publication for senior officers? Don't worry, there will be royalties," Colonel Dawn from the Military Strategy Research Institute said with a smile.
"That would be my honor!" Yu Lian replied with a smile.
The fact that they asked him was already a great show of respect; otherwise, what could he do if they just published it? Besides, a student's thesis appearing directly in an internal publication was also a kind of honor. As for the issue of secrecy... Heh, there's never been a secrecy problem in military theory. Only military technology leaks are truly major issues.
"Then, I shall take my leave!" He gave a standard military salute to everyone and strode out.
Vice Principal Robnan gritted his teeth, but ultimately dared not pull any tricks, so he drew a triangle (△) on the paper, which meant second-class.
He pressed down on the paper, covertly glancing around, and saw that Department Head Brigadier General Orwell had actually drawn a large circle directly on the paper, cursing him silently as an old schemer. This guy had always been like this; during the Pulan incident, when the Brotherhood and the student council were making a huge fuss, he remained silent. Later, when Yu Lian began investigating the incident, although he didn't provide any substantial help, he never deducted conduct points from Yu Lian when he was forced to miss classes.
In short, he offended no one.
While Vice Principal Robnan was still lost in thought, he heard the Chairman say, slightly tremblingly, "Robnan, I've always felt that since the paper is so excellent, and he also has the Silver Crown Sword Medal, then this time's special merit and in-school performance bonus should all be given to him. What do you think?"
"Chairman, this..."
"Hehehe, last time, Nishita Chairman Keith Nishita invited me for a drink. Hmm, a 300-year-old Saint! Hehehe, after a few rounds, he specifically mentioned him."
"Chairman, you are wise! I also believe that Yu Lian is the most outstanding among the graduating students and deserves a bonus!" Orwell said loudly.
Robnan covertly rolled his eyes, thinking, you fat guy, what kind of Highlander are you? You're clearly a Grey who shifts with the wind! You should be selling insurance, not serving in the military!
On the other hand, Professor Zhong, also from the Department of Strategic Research, after much hesitation, marked a triangle (△).
Robnan knew this guy's nature; it wasn't that he didn't think highly of the paper, but rather that he was overly cautious and only knew how to live life by the book. Having known this guy for decades, he had never circled any paper nor had he ever marked an 'X'.
Robnan breathed a sigh of relief. No matter what, he wasn't the only one who marked a triangle (△), so he wouldn't stand out too much.
Just look at the two researchers from the Military Research Institute whispering to each other, their intense conversation indicates it's worth discussing. For those accustomed to researching various military theories, something worth serious discussion is definitely a good paper.
As for Lieutenant General Wang Jingyang, who was holding Yu Lian's paper, unable to put it down, looking utterly enamored, there's no need to say, he would definitely draw a large circle.
It's just a paper! Is it really that big a deal to you? You're acting like it's a nude photo of your goddess!
Vice Principal Robnan sighed deeply in his heart. He knew that with just these few circles, Yu Lian's paper would definitely receive an A-grade evaluation. Since that was the case...
"Chairman, you are wise! I also think so. Yu Lian is knowledgeable, talented, and hates evil like fire, with a strong sense of responsibility and honor. He also actively and enthusiastically helps his classmates in school! He is indeed one of the most outstanding students of this cohort! Haha, if it weren't for students like Fina Li and Horatio Wien, who are equally excellent, the student representative for this cohort would definitely be him! Oh, dear, who should speak as the student representative at the graduation ceremony then? This is truly a happy dilemma!"
As he spoke, Robnan covertly looked at Wang Jingyang, and seeing that the other party was pleased, he finally relaxed.
As a master of office politics, he had basically confirmed that that guy and Yu Lian definitely had some kind of secret relationship! Although that guy was nearly ten years younger than him, his rank was two levels higher, and he was also a powerful spiritual energy user. It was best not to offend him if possible!
"Yes, there are so many excellent young people in this cohort! I feel like an old miner who has discovered a gem mine; seeing them graduate will be a fulfilling experience!"
"No, this is all thanks to Minister of Defense Maxell's excellent teaching!" Colonel Dawn praised, partly out of courtesy and partly sincerely.
And so, the classroom was filled with a joyful and harmonious atmosphere, where both hosts and guests were content.
Yu Lian was very happy as he walked out of the classroom; he knew that his paper’s grade was secure this time.
If he really got an A, he might even get a tiger amulet to play with.
Although it was just a retro revolver, it would be too flashy as a decorative art piece, but it was still an honor.
If worst came to worst, selling it on the black market would fetch at least 100,000.
However, the specific grade, along with the overall grade and graduation ranking, should be released together, which would be after Navy Day.
Just as he walked out of the teaching building, Yu Lian indeed received a text message from Wang Jingyang.
“Wait a moment, we’ll have a small drink later.”
For an examiner responsible for a thesis defense to contact a student privately, this should be quite taboo, but Brigadier General Wang Jingyang seemed not to care at all.
Since he didn’t care, Yu Lian naturally had even less reason to care.
Speaking of which, since he was an old friend of his parents, he was naturally one of his closest elders, and they should indeed have a drink together.
For the entire afternoon afterward, Yu Lian acted as if nothing had happened, continuing to lead everyone in training, and for all questions about how the defense went, he uniformly replied with “absolutely no problem” accompanied by an overflowing look of confidence.
At dinner time, he handed everyone over to Vice Captain Zhi Xia and physical trainer Kou Shan, and excused himself to leave first.
Everyone expressed great understanding for the Captain’s behavior of escaping training to slack off.
Or rather, if the Captain didn’t slack off, everyone would feel a lot of pressure.
Yu Lian naturally took Uncle Wang to his usual spot; big fish, big meat, barbecue, and beer were, of course, served immediately.
“I am a spiritual energy user!” Uncle Wang looked at the scene full of earthly flavors, a little conflicted.
“Then, change places? I also know places with simple fare and bland soup.”
“How could that be!” Wang Jingyang picked up a freshly served lamb skewer in front of him, took a bite, and swallowed two liang of meat in one gulp.
“This is life!” he said.
Indeed, the universe spirit never stipulated that spiritual energy users should live a hard life.
While there were ascetic schools within the Spirit Temple, they were a minority of minorities.
When two big men were together, why be so finicky?
Naturally, they drank heartily and ate meat in large chunks!
“You are very good, Yu Lian.
This paper will definitely get a high score.
How happy your parents would be to see you now!” Wang Jingyang, his face flushed from drinking, patted Yu Lian’s shoulder with his greasy hand, his auntie smile, a Condensate of relief and emotion, almost solidified into an emoji.
“After this, I’ll be waiting for your heroic performance in the single-ship exercise!”
“Oh, will you be Present then too?”
“No matter what, I am currently the Commonwealth’s top active master.
Haha, my path is very sensitive to the perception of hostility, and with instruments, it can ensure the safety of the scene.
This is all what Frank said.
He is the security expert and the person in charge of the security work that day.
I’m just a nominal presence, acting as the upper limit of force.
Leaving professional matters to professionals is the smart thing to do.”
“But you can’t always be unprofessional, can you? After all, you are the commander of the Commonwealth Guard!” Yu Lian laughed.
“This, I’m still learning, you have to give me time.
But, ah hahaha, honestly, I really have no talent in this area!
It’s far worse than my talent in spiritual energy!
Ah hahaha!” Wang Jingyang burst into laughter, almost sounding proud rather than ashamed.
Yu Lian now knew why he had been kicked out by his maternal grandfather back then.
“However, it’s really embarrassing to push everything onto others.
Frank has been really busy lately; on one hand, he’s still negotiating with the higher-ups about General Schwartz’s issue, on the other hand, he’s still pursuing the aftermath of the Big Apple incident, and then he also has to be responsible for the Navy Day security… Heh, Yu Lian, you should graduate quickly.
Frank also appreciates you very much; if you join the Commonwealth Guard, he will have a very capable helper.”
Yu Lian automatically ignored the latter part of the conversation, but was more interested in the former: “Has General Schwartz’s matter been decided?”
“Hard to say, hard to say… Don’t ask about such things; knowing too much isn’t good for you.” Wang Jingyang waved his hand: “However, as for the Big Apple City incident, they should have actually found something and are organizing an operation.”
He looked around and lowered his voice: “Little Yu Lian, I reckon the government will soon declare the All-Unification Church an illegal terrorist organization.
If you encounter anyone proselytizing on the street during this period, just apprehend them on the spot; it can be counted as a small merit later.”
Yu Lian was a little touched.
Uncle Wang truly didn’t treat him as an outsider, even secretly telling him such things so he could safely earn some merits.
However, Yu Lian really didn’t want to join this Commonwealth Guard!
At the same moment, deep within the Great Forest of Nanming Prefecture, which is to say, deep within the Amazon rainforest of a parallel universe, a classic surprise attack had concluded at a small forestry management station.
The scene was left with over a hundred bodies of Luminans and All-Unification Church followers, as well as twice that many captives.
The attackers were a little surprised.
They truly couldn’t imagine that such a small corner of the jungle would hide so many terrorists and cultists.
Brigadier General Morey wore only a light powered combat suit, walking among the elites of the Internal Guard in their power armor, yet still exuded the strongest aura.
He walked over to a dying Luminan.
The other party was too severely injured to speak, but still glared at him, dressed in black, with hateful eyes.
Brigadier General Morey lifted his foot and directly crushed his head with his alloy-armored boot.
The two Marine Corps soldiers in power armor beside him swallowed, unable to help but take a step back.
Ever since the rise of the “Nishita Great Prison,” this guy’s face had grown colder by the day, and his demeanor gloomier.
Everyone always felt that this guy might just turn into a psychopathic killer.
Brigadier General Morey then looked at the captive camp, at the Grey elder whose legs had been broken and who was being held at gunpoint by five or six firearms.
This Grey’s skin color was close to the color of embers, which was a sign of old age for this race.
“Is this Chaka, the Archbishop of The Myriad Souls Heresy?” Brigadier General Morey’s voice was so grim it felt as if the surrounding temperature had dropped to an extreme.
A Lieutenant hesitated for a moment before slowly saying, “Yes, it is him.”
Brigadier General Morey took a few steps forward, seemingly wanting to get a clearer look at the other party.
“General, you are lost.” The Grey elder let out a sinister laugh, like a whisper from the abyss.
The General sneered, then suddenly reached out and grabbed the other party’s neck, lifting him upside down.
The surrounding soldiers wanted to stop him but dared not say anything.
An ordinary person in this situation wouldn’t even be able to breathe, let alone speak.
However, the Grey elder was still laughing: “…General, you are lost… like you’ve lost your way.
Like a lost lamb, yes! A lost lamb!”
Brigadier General Morey threw the elder onto the ground and ordered: “Put three layers of spiritual energy shackles on this guy! And three layers of gags and restraint masks! I don’t want that disgusting tongue of his to be able to move stickily anymore!”
The soldiers quickly nodded and began to act.
“Besides these prisoners of war, have the things they brought been dealt with?” Morey asked again.
“They’re being packed and sealed, but… there’s something that just feels a bit evil.
How about you personally inspect it?” The officer who answered was hesitant and cautious, clearly trying to pass the buck.
Fortunately, Brigadier General Morey didn’t bother with him, and without a moment’s hesitation, walked straight to the warehouse door.
Alright, today my mother-in-law and father-in-law went back to their hometown.
So I have to personally play with my two-and-a-half-year-old little sweetheart every day, which means my daily writing time probably won’t exceed two hours.
Well, I can only try my best not to stop updating, please understand everyone…
After all, my child is very fun, more fun than PS4 and P-company games, and much more fun than all of you.