Wang Tianwei was dragged by Dr. Lin from the camp hospital for half a day of mental strength testing. Only after confirming that she wouldn’t be leveling up today was she reluctantly let go, muttering under her breath,
“It doesn’t make sense, with all that potential… But don’t worry, Wang. The camp hospital is fully prepared. If any of you feel like you’re about to advance, come anytime. We’ve got treatment pods and plenty of medicinal serums ready!”
“Hope your words come true!”
Even Hiranuma Yusho couldn’t help but glance at her at that remark.
Not long after returning from the hospital to the training room, Huang Yan received an encrypted video call request.
“Hello, Huang Yan. We’re from the Federal Academy of Sciences…”
Suddenly, it all made sense—what Elizabeth had said that morning. The Federal Academy of Sciences wanted them to directly participate in research on mental strength against the Zerg?!
When he asked further, Hiranuma Yusho, He Siyu, and Elizabeth had all received invitations too.
Was this targeting just the top four commanders from the military academy league? Or were they specifically interested in their mental strength? Huang Yan wasn't sure.
But the invitation came so abruptly, without even waiting for the finals to end—that unsettled him.
Had something else happened? Wasn’t there recent news about a breakthrough in countering Zerg parasitism?
As a soldier, he wouldn’t refuse a chance to serve the Federation, especially since mental strength was his forte.
His teammates, however, were ecstatic when they heard the Academy of Sciences had reached out to him.
“Huang Sir’s already eating government rice this early?! Sigh… it’s mental strength that’s held me back!”
Wang Tianwei sighed dramatically before stuffing a pile of random things into his hands.
“Disposable sheets and pillowcases, that grilled fish from before, and Taylor’s chili sauce—it’s good. Later I’ll grab you a few steamed buns from the first cafeteria for the road. What? It’s only a half-hour flight? Then save all this for when you get there and treat yourself! I wonder if the Academy has its own cafeteria? Did you ask? First time going, you think we should bring them a little gift?”
Wang Tianwei meant it as a casual remark, but before she knew it, the other two were getting into it too.
“Nothing too expensive, of course—how about we bring them two pieces of our homemade salted fish? And some seaweed too?”
“…Do you even know what the Federal Academy of Sciences is? That’s absolutely unnecessary, thanks.”
“Better to bring it! What if everyone else brings something and you don’t? Someone might give you a hard time over it.”
Jian Jingyu, reminded of a few cases his father had handled about “workplace bullying,” chimed in with concern.
Wang Tianwei immediately furrowed her brows.
“Seriously? What kind of place is that? Huang Sir, if anyone dares to mess with you, tell me. Federal Academy of Sciences, huh? Let me see if I know anyone there…”
The other two teammates stared at her in surprise—wasn’t she the one who first suggested bringing gifts?
Huang Yan pressed a hand to his forehead.
“We’re just participating in a study. Probably just doing grunt work. It’s not a job at the Academy… We don’t need to bother with social niceties.”
“But you’ll be all alone! We’re worried about you.”
Jian Jingyu let out a deep sigh, looking at their captain. Huang Sir just didn’t get how they felt!
“You guys… I’ll be fine…”
Before he could get too moved, his teammates’ focus had already wandered somewhere else entirely.
“I just can’t figure it out… If Hiranuma Yusho, He Siyu, and Elizabeth are all going, why can’t I?”
“Maybe because you’re not a strategist, and you haven’t leveled up yet?”
“Ouch! That stings! Goldfish, every word of yours is like cutting into my flesh!”
Only Zhang Laila pulled out a syringe, her tone serious.
“Huang Sir, get your nutrient shot done before you leave.”
The faint look of gratitude on Huang Yan’s face had already vanished. He reached out and flicked each of the three on the forehead.
“Ow!”
“Ouch!”
“Ssh~”
“Sigh… In the three days I’m gone, you’d better keep your mouths shut and don’t say anything stupid. Especially no interviews… forget it, I’ll talk to the teachers directly.”
Wang Tianwei wasn’t having it. She glared, about to speak.
Huang Yan raised his index finger.
“Especially you. If you all behave well for three days, I’ll bring back cake from that private bakery you like. But if I hear anything… Goldfish, Little Bear, you’ll join Ma Jie in cutting out sweets.”
“…Yes, boss!”
Chao Hao and Fu Manli had just received notice from the school. Although they didn’t fully understand the Federal Academy of Sciences’ operation, they supported it. Apparently, this wasn’t limited to students—various military departments had also had personnel pulled in? Maybe there was some new research direction?
As they sent off the three commanding officers, the teachers got a clear look at a different side of their squad captains.
He Siyu and Huang Yan both wore expressions of utter reluctance. Even Hiranuma Yusho stood by his teammates, chattering endlessly about what they should do in the three days he’d be gone.
The First Military Academy handled it best—everyone was exchanging words back and forth. Valk was okay too; each of their captain’s instructions got a response.
But Qilin was different… No matter what Huang Yan said, the remaining three wore expressions like they were miles away.
By the time the veins on Huang Yan’s temples were bulging, the three teammates finally snapped to attention.
“Did you hear all that clearly?”
“Yes!”
“…Huang Sir, I know saying this might not be exactly appropriate, but we’ve never been to the Federal Academy of Sciences before.”
“Uh-huh?”
“When you come back, don’t just bring cake—can you grab us some souvenirs? Does the Academy have merchandise?”
“If not, picking a couple flowers would do! Skip the Zerg stuff, though… disgusting to look at.”
“…Teachers, please keep an eye on the three of them. I’m leaving now, contact me on the comm if anything comes up.”
Huang Yan felt if he stayed one more second, he’d lose his temper. He turned, quickly gave the two teachers a rundown, and boarded the aircraft.
But behind him, it was like his teammates had flipped a switch.
“Huang Sir! Give us your word, Huang Sir!”
“How are we supposed to get through these three days without you?! Huang Sir!!”
“We already miss you!”
The Academy scientist who came to pick him up watched the three crying and shouting on the ground with curiosity.
No wonder Qilin—they didn’t care about saving face at all!
Seeing that the three seemed about to go on forever without stopping, Fu Manli finally stepped in, helpless.
“You three, the finals are in two days. With all the media then…”
“Wang Tianwei, is your mech modification done yet?”
At Chao Hao’s words, Wang Tianwei jumped up from the ground smoothly.
“Oh, right—there’s still work to do! Almost thought I was a professional actor for a second there.”
Jian Jingyu also stood up, wiping his sweat.
“Too much effort. I’m even sweating. Do you think Huang Sir felt our deep respect now?”
Little Bear stopped his practiced wailing, watched Huang Sir disappear into the aircraft, cleared his throat,
“Huang Sir’s gone. Hotpot tonight, Ma Jie?”
“!!! I knew you still loved me!”
