Chapter 322: Glorious Return (Five in One)

A moment later, the Fatty’s operation screen displayed a series of notification messages.

“Notification: Level 4 transport ship Fatty, entry identification successful, procedure number XFS642261!”

“Notification: Mooring berth is Interstellar Airport in Black Flame Star’s northern region, berth DC4512, access time is 60 minutes from now.”

Miffy looked at the series of notification messages and said to Su Ming in shock, “Mr. Su Ming, your Royal Court Academy is amazing! You can even re-apply for procedures and get a mooring spot. How much influence and prestige must that take!”

Su Ming heard Miffy’s words, but no smile appeared on his face. Instead, he stood with his hands behind his back, a solemn expression on his face.

From Joni’s initially cold attitude to her astonishing change of attitude after learning that Su Ming was a student of Royal Court Academy, Su Ming could sense that Royal Court Academy’s arrogance was probably no less than Sky Dome Academy’s, and perhaps even more ostentatious.

This operation clearly showed that they only cared for their own people; if you weren’t one of them, they wouldn’t bother. Simply put, there was no unity. This situation was extremely fatal, especially during wartime.

In fact, the Federal Government’s strength was not weak; it was just that the internal forces were not united at all. Every individual and every force looked out for themselves.

Of course, this situation was not without benefits, which was that their respective cohesion was high. However, the drawbacks were also very obvious, which was that they were a scattered mess.

If this continued, the Federal Government would be in danger!

Thinking of this, Su Ming sighed slightly.

“Mr. Su Ming, what’s wrong?” Miffy saw no joy on Su Ming’s face and asked, puzzled.

“Nothing, prepare to land and dock.”

“Okay!”

Twelve days later.

Above Royal Court Academy’s exclusive Interstellar Airport on Third Planet.

The Fatty pierced through the clouds, slowly descending from high altitude.

Inside the central control room, Su Ming looked at the approaching Interstellar Airport, a faint smile appearing on his face, while Rhein and the others beside him were incredibly excited. After more than a month, they had finally returned.

“Mr. Su Ming, we are about to land at the Interstellar Airport. This voyage can be considered a complete success. Thank you very much for choosing us!” Miffy said to Su Ming very politely.

“We are the ones who should truly be grateful. If it weren’t for you, we would probably still be in Donao Star Sea. Next, we’ll have to trouble you to stay docked at the Interstellar Airport for two days while we find a warehouse to transfer those goods.” Su Ming said to Miffy with a smile.

“That’s no problem. We also need to rest and resupply.”

“Hmm, as for the fees, do you have an account opened in the Federal Government?”

“Yes!”

“Give me one.”

“Okay!”

Miffy provided Su Ming with the account opened at Morris Interstellar Bank.

Under normal circumstances, although there are many interstellar banks with international business in this world, most people only recognize Morris Interstellar Bank, because this bank has branches in many countries and has an excellent reputation.

Su Ming picked up his phone and directly transferred 50 million federal currency.

Miffy saw the received notification message and said in surprise, “Mr. Su Ming, you’ve given too much, haven’t you?”

“Not at all, this is what you deserve.” Su Ming was never a stingy person.

“Thank you!” Miffy and the others bowed to Su Ming.

A moment later, at Royal Court Academy’s Interstellar Airport, the Fatty landed steadily in its berth.

The exit ramp opened, and Su Ming and the others stepped out. They saw two large buses and a car waiting for them.

Dr. Kairo, Senior Judy, and others expressed their gratitude to Su Ming.

“Junior Su Ming, thank you so much this time.”

“Senior and Senior Sister are too polite.” Su Ming replied politely.

“Then we’ll be going first. If you need anything another day, just say the word!” Dr. Kairo and the others said to Su Ming.

“Okay, goodbye!” Su Ming bid farewell to Dr. Kairo and the others, then led Rhein and the others onto the two buses.

Soon, the buses started and headed towards Royal Court Academy.

An hour later, at the gate of Royal Court Academy, Vice Principal Fuleike, teachers like Opham, and many students stood there, looking out ahead.

At this moment, the buses drove over and stopped directly at the school gate.

The doors opened, and Su Ming and the others stepped out of the vehicles.

Clap clap!

At this, warm applause erupted.

Su Ming and the others looked over, only to see many teachers and classmates enthusiastically applauding to welcome them!

Su Ming then led his classmates to Vice Principal Fuleike and reported with a solemn bow, “First-year Mecha Class 23, living up to expectations, has completed the mission!”

“Congratulations on completing your promotion mission. Come with us!” Vice Principal Fuleike then led Su Ming and the others into the school.

They arrived at the central courtyard area, where a podium had been set up, and ribbons adorned the surroundings.

Vice Principal Fuleike led Su Ming and the others onto the stage, while the rest gathered below the stage.

“Everyone, today is a memorable day. First-year Mecha Class 23 has outstandingly completed the group promotion mission, setting a new record in our school’s history! I officially announce that Mecha First-Year Class 23 has successfully been promoted to Second Year!” Vice Principal Fuleike announced with great excitement.

Clap clap!

Immediately, all the teachers and students present clapped their hands.

Su Ming and the others bowed to all the applauding teachers and students to express their gratitude.

Vice Principal Fuleike then delivered an impassioned speech, “This record-breaking promotion exam result demonstrates the success of our school’s reforms, and also proves how excellent our Royal Court Academy students are.”

“In this ever-changing era, I believe that you will definitely be able to reach new heights and create miracles, just like student Su Ming and the others! This era, full of opportunities and challenges, is destined to belong to you!”

Clap clap!

The students on site, listening to Vice Principal Fuleike’s impassioned speech, were all boiling with excitement and deeply moved!

At this moment, a student excitedly shouted, “We also want to apply for group promotion!”

As this student’s words rang out, the students on site were instantly ignited, and they all shouted in excitement, “That’s right, we also want to apply for group promotion!”

Su Ming and the others were also stunned by this scene.

As for Vice Principal Fuleike, he was bewildered, his smile instantly stiffening. What was supposed to be a joyous commendation unexpectedly turned out like this.

Seeing that the situation was about to become uncontrollable, Vice Principal Fuleike immediately said angrily, “Nonsense!”

The previously bustling scene suddenly quieted down.

All the students looked at Vice Principal Fuleike, exchanging glances.

Vice Principal Fuleike also reprimanded the students, “It’s good to have ambition and drive, but you cannot blindly follow trends and impulsively act without considering your own situation! You must understand how to gauge your own strength, do what is within your capabilities, and never be blindly confident or arrogant. These are lessons learned by our predecessors at the cost of blood; do not regret it after you’ve suffered a crushing defeat! Many things, once they happen, cannot be undone. The group promotion exam is not child’s play; it is extremely dangerous!”

The students present, hearing Fleck’s words, all lowered their heads and responded, “Yes, Vice Principal Fuleike.”

Vice Principal Fuleike, seeing the students calm down, also breathed a sigh of relief. They almost caused a huge disaster; if these students really undertook the group promotion mission, there would definitely be heavy casualties.

However, after this commotion, Vice Principal Fuleike no longer dared to continue the commendation, so he spoke, “Alright, the commendation ends here. Everyone disperse!”

The students who were watching heard this and left in groups.

At this moment, Vice Principal Fuleike said to Su Ming, “Su Ming, you did very well this time. Not only did you outstandingly complete the mission, but there were no casualties among the entire class.”

“Thank you for the compliment, Vice Principal. By the way, Vice Principal, why haven’t I seen Teacher Mia?” Su Ming asked, very puzzled. Under normal circumstances, Teacher Mia should not be absent from such an occasion.

“It’s like this: due to the tense situation, Teacher Mia has already led her troops to the front line. This is what she left for you; everything that needs to be explained is inside.” Vice Principal Fuleike took out an envelope and handed it to Su Ming.

“Thank you, Vice Principal.” Su Ming took the envelope and thanked Vice Principal Fuleike.

Vice Principal Fuleike also reached out and patted Su Ming’s shoulder, saying with great satisfaction, “Go!”

Su Ming saluted Vice Principal Fuleike and left with Rhein and the others.

Soon after, Su Ming and the others gathered in the classroom.

Su Ming opened the envelope. Inside were two items: a data USB drive and a mechanical key wrapped in a piece of paper.

Su Ming took out the mechanical key wrapped in paper and opened the paper to take a look. “Morris Interstellar Bank, LS501 Safe!”

This was clearly left for him, so Su Ming put it away. Then, he picked up the data USB drive and inserted it into the computer equipment on the podium.

Immediately, the holographic projection equipment began to operate.

Teacher Mia appeared before everyone, dressed in a crisp blue military uniform, looking heroic and dashing.

The shoulder lines of her jacket were strong and smooth, with golden wheat ears embroidered on the epaulets, and a golden chain hanging at her chest. Her proud bosom made the buttons of her jacket taut, as if they were about to burst open.

“Wow, Teacher looks so beautiful in military uniform!” Rhein and the others shouted excitedly.

Su Ming looked at Mia in her military uniform and immediately felt that her temperament had undergone a drastic change. She was no longer so sloppy, but had become intellectual, beautiful, and heroic.

However, it was a pity that Teacher Mia did not wear rank insignia, so it was impossible to tell what level of officer she was.

At this moment, Mia said with a smile, “Dear students, when you see this video, I will know that you have succeeded. Congratulations on successfully completing your promotion exam. You are indeed my students, and I am proud of you. Logically, I should wait for your triumphant return and celebrate properly with you, but due to the urgent situation, I have no time to delay, so I have departed first! As for your studies, I have already left them for you. Study and practice diligently, and when I return, I will conduct individual spot checks. If you don’t learn well by then, don’t blame me for dealing with you.”

“Okay, Teacher!” Rhein and the others spontaneously shouted.

“Also, when I’m not around, if anything comes up, find your class monitor Su Ming. He will solve it for you. Alright, due to time constraints, that’s all for now. Goodbye!” After Mia finished her last sentence, the video abruptly ended.

At this moment, Su Ming spoke, “You all heard what Teacher Mia said. Our second-year studies will depend on ourselves. Everyone must work harder in training!”

“Yes!” Rhein and the others said.

“Alright, next we need to deal with those spoils of war. Rhein, take a few people to rent a large warehouse for a short period, and Ankajia, you all are responsible for transporting everything there.” Su Ming said to everyone.

“No problem!” Rhein and the others nodded in agreement.

The next day, inside Royal Court Academy’s Warehouse C103, the entire warehouse was filled with damaged mechas and boxes of Fluorescent Ore.

Rhein and the others breathed a sigh of relief and said to Su Ming, “Class Monitor, it’s done!”

“Good, now I will start arranging the distribution of the spoils.” Su Ming said calmly.

“No problem, Class Monitor. You decide how to distribute it. This time, we were able to complete the promotion mission thanks to your command and your defeat of City Lord Boyle and Vickank.” Rhein said very convincingly.

“That’s right!” Ankajia and the others nodded in agreement.

Su Ming nodded slightly, then said to everyone, “I only want City Lord Boyle’s Third Generation Mecha Red Slaughter and these Fluorescent Ores. The rest will be distributed to you all!”

“Class Monitor, really?” Rhein and the others were instantly stunned.

There were five Third Generation Mecha Cyan Wings and one Third Generation Mecha Eagle Falcon, and one of the Cyan Wings was still completely intact.

“When have I ever joked with you?” Su Ming replied with a smile.

“Oh yeah!”

“Class Monitor, you’re too generous.”

“Thank you, Squad Leader!”

Rhein and the others immediately broke into smiles.

Su Ming had personally defeated the Red Butcher Mecha, and the Fluorescent Ores were given to him by the Dark Dragon Society. So, Su Ming had effectively given most of the spoils of war to them.

Of course, Su Ming’s reason for doing so was simple.

These items were not of much use to him, and Teacher Mia had also instructed him to take good care of everyone.

“Alright, no more thanks! Let me explain the specific arrangements!”

“Understood!”

“The intact Cyan Wing Mecha goes to Rhein. The other four damaged Cyan Wing Mechas are distributed among Anqi, Elu, Zhang Yi, and Ha Miao. The Eagle Falcon Mecha is assigned to Ankajia. The remaining mechas will be evenly divided among everyone. Any objections or questions?”

“No problem!”

“Also, let me add one more thing: for those who receive damaged Third Generation Mechas, absolutely do not sell them. Try your best to save money and repair them. As for everyone else, after selling their damaged mechas, try to save the money! As for the expenses incurred during this mission, I will cover them all; they will not be split.”

“Okay, thank you, Squad Leader.”

Elu and the others responded with smiles.

“Alright, this promotion mission has come to a perfect end here,” Su Ming said with a smile to everyone.

“Squad Leader, shouldn’t we celebrate?”

Rhein and a few others asked playfully.

Just as Su Ming was about to speak, everyone’s phones vibrated.

Su Ming reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, only to see a notification pop up.

“Dear Mr. Su Ming, congratulations on successfully completing the team promotion mission, ‘Life and Death Rescue.’ You have been awarded 100 team academic credits. In recognition of your outstanding command and performance, you are awarded an additional 50 academic credits.”

“Wow, I got 100 academic credits!”

“Me too!”

Ankajia and the others said excitedly.

“Su Ming, how many academic credits did you get?”

Rhein asked Su Ming curiously.

Hearing Rhein’s question, everyone gathered around, asking gossipy questions.

“Yeah! How many academic credits can the Squad Leader get?”

“150 points.”

Su Ming didn’t hide it from Rhein and the others.

“Wow, Squad Leader, then don’t you have 1012 academic credits now?”

Elu asked in surprise.

“That’s right.”

Su Ming nodded.

“More than 1000 points can be exchanged for the rank of Major! Squad Leader, you should hurry and exchange for your military rank.”

Rhein said to Su Ming excitedly.

“I’m not serving now? Can I still exchange it?”

“Of course, you can! And it won’t affect your choice of legion when you eventually serve. Although the rank you exchange for is just an honorary position, having this position changes your status. Not to mention anything else, like when Lieutenant Enrui made things difficult for us before, if you had the rank of Major, he wouldn’t dare to be so arrogant even with a hundred guts!”

“I see. It seems I really should exchange it. Where do I go to exchange it?”

Su Ming asked curiously.

“You need to go to the military department in Starlight City for that. You can look up the process online.”

Rhein wasn’t very clear on it either, as he had never exchanged one before.

“Hmm, I’ll look it up when I have time. Then we can all go exchange them together.”

“Hehe, Squad Leader, you can just go. We plan to save up a bit more to see if we can get a higher rank. Besides, having you, Squad Leader, to cover us is enough!”

“Alright! You sly ones, I’ll go exchange it when I have time.”

Su Ming said with a smile.

He felt that Rhein was right; exchanging the military rank earlier might not be a bad thing.

However, before that, he still had many things to do.

First, he needed to maintain his mecha, lease a new hangar, repair the Red Butcher Mecha as a backup, and then go to the Morris Interstellar Bank to open the safety deposit box Mia left for him.

Originally, Su Ming had considered keeping the intact Cyan Wing Mecha for himself and giving the Gun Knight to Rhein, as the Cyan Wing Mecha had better performance. But in the end, Su Ming gave up on that idea because he was still more accustomed to using the spear.

“Understood!”

Rhein and the others replied joyfully.

In the afternoon.

Su Ming returned the Gun Knight’s hangar and added 1,000,000 federal currency.

Near his own hangar, he rented a large hangar and moved the damaged Red Butcher Mecha, the Gun Knight, the Slayer, the Iron Guard, and the Fluorescent Ores into it.

As for the Slayer’s original hangar, it was kept.

At this moment, Su Ming stood quietly in front of the hangar, waiting. Not long after, Senior Mottle rushed over.

“Senior Mottle, you’re here!”

Su Ming greeted him warmly.

His mission had gone so smoothly thanks to Senior Mottle’s ship repair services; otherwise, it would have been a huge trouble.

“Junior Su Ming, congratulations on completing your mission and getting promoted!”

Senior Mottle replied politely.

“Thank you!”

“By the way, what did you need me for?”

“It’s like this: I’d like to ask you to help me maintain and repair my mechas!”

Su Ming spoke directly without formalities.

“Repair this one?”

“Yes!”

“This mecha looks very good as well; it’s also a high-end custom machine. Judging by the damage, you must have destroyed it, right?”

“Yes, it’s a spoil of war! I’m thinking of repairing it to use as a backup mecha!”

“Alright!”

“Then please inspect it and give me a quote.”

“Please wait a moment!”

Mottle then stepped forward to inspect the mecha’s damage.

Su Ming stood quietly in place, waiting.

About an hour later, Mottle finished inspecting the entire mecha. He said to Su Ming:

“The other parts of this mecha aren’t severely damaged, but the cockpit was destroyed with one strike!”

“Right!”

“You’re an old customer of mine, so I’ll just charge you 200 million federal currency.”

“Okay, what about the Gun Knight and the Slayer?”

“The Gun Knight has no significant damage, at most it just needs regular maintenance. As for the Slayer, I need to take a look, even regular maintenance for this mecha isn’t cheap.”

“Okay, then I’ll leave it to you!”

“Understood!”

Mottle then stepped forward and systematically checked the Slayer’s condition, then jumped down and said:

“The damage isn’t very serious. The biggest wound is this one on the chest, and then there’s just the regular nuclear fuel rod replenishment and so on.”

“Understood!”

“I’ll give you a total quote.”

“Okay!”

“Red Butcher Mecha repair fee: 200 million. Slayer maintenance fee: 20 million. Gun Knight: 3 million. The total quote is 223 million federal currency!”

“Okay, then I’ll leave it to you. I’ll transfer the money to you.”

Su Ming felt a slight stir when he heard Mottle’s quote. Mecha maintenance fees were truly extraordinarily expensive. And the better the mecha, the more expensive the maintenance. The Slayer’s maintenance fee was more than six times that of the Gun Knight.

“Wait a moment!”

Mottle suddenly spoke.

“What’s wrong, Senior? Is there a problem?”

Su Ming looked at Mottle in confusion.

Mottle looked at the boxes piled up in the hangar, gazing at the partially exposed Fluorescent Ores, and said:

“Junior Su Ming, if I’m not mistaken, those boxes of yours should contain Fluorescent Ores, right?”

“Yes!”

“Junior, can you sell this batch of ores to me?”

Mottle’s eyes lit up immediately, and he quickly asked.

“This…”

Su Ming was also very surprised to hear Mottle’s words. He had originally thought of selling this batch of goods to Dr. Kairo, since he specialized in this area, and the price he could offer should be higher.

“Don’t worry, the price I offer will definitely be fair.”

Mottle quickly assured Su Ming.

“Alright, I trust you. Take a look at the ores and give me a price.”

Su Ming still trusted Senior Mottle’s character, so he agreed. Anyway, it didn’t matter who he sold them to.

“No problem, just wait for me for a moment!”

Senior Mottle stepped forward, opening the sealed boxes one by one to check the quantity and quality of the raw ores inside.

Su Ming waited patiently, also curious how much money this batch of raw ores would fetch.

About forty minutes later.

Mottle had gone through all of them and then walked up to Su Ming and said:

“I’ll offer 1.5 billion federal currency for this batch of raw ores. You can go ask around about this price. If anyone offers higher, come find me anytime!”

“No need, I still trust you.”

Su Ming was quite satisfied with the price Mottle offered.

“Okay, then I’ll have someone pick them up. As for the money, after deducting the repair and maintenance fees, I’ll transfer the rest to you later.”

“No problem.”

“Then it’s settled. I’ll go prepare now.”

Mottle didn’t have that much cash on hand, so he also needed to make preparations.

“Okay!”

Su Ming replied with a smile.

In the evening, Su Ming arrived alone at the Morris Interstellar Bank.

As he walked into the bank lobby, he ran into Manager Tang Ying, Customer Manager.

Tang Ying, Customer Manager greeted him very warmly.

“Mr. Su Ming, long time no see!”

“You still remember me.”

Su Ming was slightly surprised, not expecting her memory to be so good.

“You are a distinguished guest, how could I not remember you? What business do you need to conduct this time?”

Tang Ying, Customer Manager replied with a smiling face.

“Open a safety deposit box!”

Su Ming took out the key Teacher Mia had left for him.

Tang Ying, Customer Manager’s smile grew even brighter when she saw the key. She said eagerly:

“Please follow me.”

“Okay.”

Su Ming then followed Tang Ying, Customer Manager inside.

Soon, Tang Ying, Customer Manager led Su Ming up to the 7th floor by elevator, passing through security gates and identity verification to enter a special room.

The entire room was filled with rows of safety deposit boxes, each with a different code.

“Safety deposit box number LS501 is the one corresponding to the key in your hand. Do you need me to step out?”

Tang Ying, Customer Manager asked respectfully.

“Yes!”

Su Ming nodded slightly.

“Then I’ll wait for you outside!”

Tang Ying, Customer Manager then withdrew and stood by the door, waiting.

Su Ming took the key, inserted it into the safety deposit box, and gently turned it. The safety deposit box opened.

Inside, there were two items: a small glass bottle containing Eternal Metal, and a black card.

Su Ming was slightly startled, not expecting Mia to leave the Eternal Metal to him.

This was something that couldn’t be bought with money. The Federal Government had always been recovering this material at exorbitant prices.

Su Ming exhaled slightly, picked up the small bottle containing Eternal Metal, put it in his pocket, then picked up the black card and walked straight out.

Seeing Su Ming emerge, Tang Ying, Customer Manager quickly asked:

“Mr. Su Ming, are you done?”

“Yes!”

“Is there anything else I can assist you with?”

“I want to withdraw money.”

Su Ming directly took out two unregistered black cards.

“Okay, please follow me. I’ll take you to the VIP room.”

Tang Ying, Customer Manager’s tone became even more respectful.

“Okay!”

Su Ming nodded slightly.

Evening.

Royal Court Academy · Library

Su Ming was organizing all his major income and expenditures from this period with a pen.

Income:

North Star membership introduction fee: 1,000,000

Energy Crystal Ore Vein: 1.16 billion federal currency (half belonged to Teacher Mia)

Consignment items: 13,500,000 federal currency.

King Baisitan’s black card: 500 million

Vice Principal Fuleike’s black card: 500 million

Dark Dragon Society · Vokes’s black card: 1 billion

Teacher Mia: 2 billion

Ore sales income: 1.5 billion

Expenditures:

Black Flame Star treasure hunting: 1,200,000

Mecha repair and maintenance fees: 223 million

Miscellaneous expenses: various amounts

Su Ming glanced at the rough statistical table, then looked at the balance of over 6.37 billion federal currency in his bank account and fell silent.

Although 580 million federal currency of this amount should belong to Teacher Mia, and 1 billion needed to be repaid to his family, the remaining money was still very substantial.

However, Su Ming didn’t show any signs of happiness.

Because Rhein and the others had begun to return to normal, training according to the curriculum left by Teacher Mia.

But he himself couldn’t train, because the Light Speed Flash technique Teacher Mia left him required a Fourth Generation Pure Mechanical Mecha equipped with a NOCY · Super Neural Device.

The problem was, he couldn’t afford it! And there was nowhere to buy it. Even the NOCY · Super Neural Device was a controlled item and simply unavailable.

However, Su Ming quickly adjusted his mindset. Roads are walked one step at a time; becoming a pound overnight was unrealistic.

Thinking this, Su Ming no longer dwelled on it and got up to leave.

The next morning.

A1 District, Federal Government · Military Department Building.

A black hover taxi was parked on the street outside.

Su Ming opened the car door and stepped out, immediately greeted by a magnificent building hundreds of meters tall, constructed entirely of silver metal, resembling a seashell, entering his sight.

At the main entrance of the military headquarters, stood soldiers with upright postures, serious expressions, and clad in Second Generation Exoskeleton Armor Rock Steel.

Su Ming walked straight over, and as he reached the main gate, the leading captain raised a hand to stop him and politely asked,

“This is the Federal Military Headquarters. Please show your identification and state your purpose!”

Su Ming took out his Royal Court Academy student card and handed it over, saying,

“I am a student of Royal Court Academy, here to process my military rank.”

“Please enter!”

The captain verified the student card information, saluted Su Ming, and said.

Under normal circumstances, Royal Court Academy students who come here to process their military rank are at least at the Lieutenant level.

“Thank you!”

Su Ming entered the main gate of the military headquarters and walked towards the building.

As he approached the military headquarters building, he saw a line of understated hovercars parked at the entrance, with license plates like SX0006.

It was evident that the owners of these vehicles were all of extraordinary status.

However, Su Ming didn’t pay much attention, stepped onto the stairs, and walked into the building.

Soon, Su Ming arrived at the lobby. The military headquarters lobby was very modestly decorated but extremely spacious and grand.

The ceiling of the lobby was a full fifty meters high, and the floor was paved with black mechanical square tiles, wiped spotlessly clean.

In the corner areas, there were inconspicuous green plants, as well as some resting chairs and promotional posters.

Although it was early morning, the lobby was quite lively, with military personnel conversing in low voices.

Su Ming looked around and walked towards comprehensive business window No. 1 in the lobby.

As he walked, many people who were talking glanced at Su Ming and chatted in low voices.

“Who is that young man? He looks a bit familiar, like I’ve seen him somewhere before.”

“I don’t know, he shouldn’t be from our military headquarters. Those who come here to do business usually wear military uniforms.”

“That’s true.”

Su Ming paid no attention to the discussions around him and walked directly to the window.

“Hello sir, how can I help you?”

A woman in a work uniform, with bright eyes and a pleasant demeanor, asked.

Su Ming looked at her nametag, which read ‘Qin Yan’, and then said,

“Miss Qin Yan, I am a student of Royal Court Academy, and I’m here to convert my academic credits into a military rank.”

“No problem, please show your ID card and student card.”

Qin Yan replied with a smile.

Su Ming then took out his ID card and student card and handed them to Qin Yan.

After receiving them, Qin Yan took the two cards and swiped them through the instrument to read and verify the information.

When she saw Su Ming’s age and the academic credits listed, a look of shock appeared on her face, and she stammered,

“You’re only 19 years old and you have 1012 academic credits? Are you here to exchange them for a Major’s military rank?”

“Yes, is there a problem?”

“Commander, please wait a moment, I cannot process this. I’ll have my superior come over.”

Qin Yan quickly picked up the phone and dialed the internal line, asking her superior to come over.

A 19-year-old applying for a Major’s military rank—she even suspected if the information was wrong, it was too outrageous.

“Okay!”

Su Ming waited patiently.

Not long after, a middle-aged man wearing a Captain’s military uniform, slightly overweight, and wearing glasses, walked out from the inner room behind the window.

“Qin Yan, what’s wrong?”

“Commander Zhou Shao, please see for yourself!”

Qin Yan said to Zhou Shao.

Zhou Shao walked to the computer, and upon seeing the displayed information, he was stunned for a moment, then looked up at Su Ming.

“Is there a problem?”

Su Ming asked calmly.

“No problem at all, I remember who you are now, you are the recipient of the second prize in the Three School League!”

Zhou Shao instantly reacted.

“That’s right!”

Su Ming nodded in response.

“Commander, you are truly amazing.”

When Zhou Shao said this, he felt incredibly awkward. His age was enough to be Su Ming’s father, yet the other person’s military rank was higher than his, and by a significant margin!

One must know that the gap between a Captain and a Major was enormous.

“It’s fine. Can I process this business?”

Su Ming looked at Zhou Shao and asked.

“Yes, I’ll process it for you right away!”

Zhou Shao immediately told Qin Yan to stand up, saying eagerly.

Leaving aside that Su Ming’s military rank was higher than his, taking a Major’s rank at such a young age meant his future was limitless.

“Good!”

Su Ming nodded slightly in response.

Zhou Shao immediately typed furiously on the keyboard, quickly creating a file for Su Ming and sharing the Royal Court Academy data.

He then printed a stack of documents and handed them to Su Ming to sign.

Su Ming briefly glanced at them and then signed his name.

After completing these tasks, Zhou Shao walked out from the side door of the window and said to Su Ming,

“Mr. Su Ming, please follow me! I’ll take you to take a photo and record some biometric information.”

“Okay!”

Su Ming nodded.

Soon, Zhou Shao led Su Ming up to the second floor and into a room.

At this moment, a cheerful, short-haired woman in a Lieutenant’s military uniform smiled and greeted Zhou Shao.

“Oh! Commander Zhou Shao, when did you start handling basic tasks? And you even personally brought someone over. Is this your relative or…?”

Zhou Shao’s expression hardened, and he said very seriously,

“Chen Yun, be serious during work hours, don’t talk nonsense! Hurry up and greet Commander Su Ming.”

“Ah? Commander?”

Chen Yun looked at Su Ming in confusion.

“That’s right, Major Su!”

Zhou Shao, fearing Chen Yun would say something wrong, quickly prompted her.

Chen Yun immediately recovered, quickly put away her smile, and nervously greeted,

“Hello, Commander Su Ming!”

Su Ming nodded slightly and said,

“Mm, please process it for me as soon as possible!”

“Right away!”

Chen Yun said somewhat flustered.

Although this was Starlight City, there weren’t many people above the rank of Colonel, and it was her first time seeing such a young Major.

Su Ming looked at Chen Yun’s reaction, becoming even more certain that he had come to the right place. This Major identity would definitely help him avoid a lot of trouble in the future.

More than half an hour later.

Su Ming had finished taking photos and recording all his biometric information.

Captain Zhou Shao took out a 20-centimeter thick book of Federal Constitution and handed it to Su Ming, instructing with a smile,

“Commander, the procedures have been completed for you. Please take this book back and read it thoroughly, you will need to take an exam later!”

Su Ming was slightly surprised to hear Zhou Shao’s words. However, when he took the book and saw the title, he understood what was going on.

The basic procedures were done, and now the political review would begin. This exam was part of it, so he replied,

“Okay!”

“Commander, you must take this exam seriously. If it’s really difficult, you should enroll in a training class! Also, the military headquarters will verify your direct three generations and collateral two generations of relatives.”

Captain Zhou Shao instructed very thoughtfully.

“Okay, I’ll be going now.”

Su Ming said in a good mood.

“Commander, I have official duties and cannot leave my post to see you off. Please take care!”

Zhou Shao said very respectfully.

“Mm!”

Su Ming took the book and left directly.

After Su Ming had walked far away, Chen Yun said to Zhou Shao in alarm,

“Lord Zhou Shao, what’s the background of this Su Ming? A 19-year-old Major, how did he manage that?”

“Don’t ask me, I don’t know either, but I know one thing very clearly: this guy either has an incredibly powerful background or extraordinary strength. Regardless of the situation, his future is limitless. We are not from the same world as him.”

Zhou Shao said with a very complex expression.

On the other side, Su Ming stood on the street and hailed a taxi.

“Where to, sir!”

The taxi driver asked.

“G3 District, Stardust Villa Area!”

Su Ming thought for a moment and said.

He planned to go home to visit his grandpa and also repay the money he owed the family.

“Okay!”

The driver immediately started the vehicle and headed towards G3 District.

More than two hours later.

When the taxi reached the vicinity of the Su Family villa, it stopped, and the driver said to Su Ming with some difficulty,

“Sir, it’s too congested ahead.”

“This is fine!”

Su Ming paid the fare, opened the car door, and got out.

He looked around and saw a line of luxury cars parked on the road outside the Su Family villa.

Su Ming walked towards the villa gate with a slight surprise.

As he reached the villa entrance, he saw bodyguards carrying firearms standing at the gate and in the courtyard.

“Young Master Su Ming, you’re back!”

At this moment, a slightly surprised voice came.

Su Ming turned his head to look, and Butler Anko walked over.

“Mm, what’s going on at home? Why are there so many people and vehicles?”

“It’s like this, the old master’s sworn brothers have come to visit.”

“I see.”

“The old master is currently entertaining them in the living room. Young Master, you should go and see them too. The old master hasn’t seen you in a long time, he’ll be very happy.”

Butler Anko said with a smile.

“Mm!”

Su Ming followed Butler Anko inside.

Inside the villa living room.

Su Zhentian sat in front of the tea table, personally brewing a pot of clear tea.

On the seat to the left of the tea table sat an old man with silver hair, a face full of wrinkles, deep eyes, wearing a gray coat, and leaning on a mechanical staff.

On the seat to the right sat a short, sparse-haired, thin-faced old man wearing an old-fashioned black jacket, with an extraordinary demeanor.

And directly opposite Su Zhentian sat a burly man with a broad face, bright eyes, graying temples, dressed in a black suit, and exuding a powerful aura.

These three were Su Zhentian’s sworn brothers: Bobke, Federli, and Ye Yu.

They had all fought and struggled together on the battlefield.

“Damn it, things have really gone to hell lately.”

Su Zhentian poured a cup of tea for each of the three and said angrily.

“There’s nothing we can do. The Imperial Army killed Dr. Colin, the former chief researcher of Sky Dome City. Lord Faraon is furious and has already gathered his forces for revenge.”

Bobke said in a deep voice.

“In the next few years, the situation in the Neutral Countries will only become more chaotic, and our lives will certainly not be easy.”

Federli took a sip of tea and said.

“Life not being easy isn’t the biggest concern. What worries me is if Sky Dome City’s forces lose in Donao Star Sea, then we’ll be in trouble.”

Ye Yu said with a deep frown.

“If we lose, at worst, we old guys will go and meet them, what’s there to be afraid of!”

Su Zhentian slapped the tea table and replied angrily.

“Alright, you’re so old and still so hot-tempered!”

Bobke said to Su Zhentian with a smile.

“Exactly! Besides, what era is this? Why would we old guys need to step in? It’s the young people’s world now.”

Federli replied calmly.

“Federli, I heard your grandson is very outstanding?”

Bobke asked with a smile.

“My grandson Maimu is indeed very outstanding. He is currently serving in the Fifth Army as a Lieutenant, and he commands a unit of a hundred men.”

Federli’s face showed a relieved smile when he spoke of his grandson.

“Not bad! I remember that young man is only 25 this year. To become a Lieutenant with real authority is indeed very excellent!”

Su Zhentian also praised him.

“It’s alright! It’s alright, how can he compare to your Major Su Rui, Old Su? I heard he’s already a Colonel-designate.”

Federli replied politely.