Chapter 403: Changes (Five in One)

Night.

Starlight City, Interstellar Airport, Military Waiting Lounge.

Commander Su Ming and Shadr walked side by side towards the boarding gate.

To their right was a massive glass curtain wall, through which they could see a star destroyer in the distance, 280 kilometers long, with a blade-like hull covered in dark green armor, densely patterned with special markings, and a meteor cannon extending from its center, exuding a suffocating sense of oppression.

At this moment, Commander Su Ming said to Shadr with some emotion.

“Shadr, are you leaving so soon? Why don’t you stay a few more days and let me fulfill my duties as a host?”

“Oh, what’s there to play? You’re about to go to war, why wouldn’t I run? Am I supposed to stay and watch you fight?”

Shadr replied with a bitter smile.

“Haha, I guess so.”

“But your Federation is really ruthless. Is this posture meant for a fight to the death?”

“Who knows.”

“Commander Su Ming, just fight in the Donao Star Sea and Tidal Star Sea. Don’t affect the Guangying Star Sea. Our side is very peaceful.”

“That’s not up to me, but you don’t need to worry. The flames of war shouldn’t reach your home.”

Commander Su Ming comforted Shadr.

“Brother, if you start fighting, do you think the troops stationed in our home will be harmonious?”

“That’s true.”

“Never mind, I won’t say more. I need to hurry home. This trip was worth it.”

Shadr was extremely thankful that they were on the Federation’s side; otherwise, they might have been the first to be beaten.

“Alright, be safe on your way.”

Commander Su Ming didn’t say much more.

“Bye, Big Brother!”

Shadr stepped forward and hugged Commander Su Ming, then led his people towards the boarding gate.

Not long after, the star destroyer, Wind Movement, set sail and ascended.

After watching the ship depart, Commander Su Ming picked up the box in his hand, opened it, and took out the crown of silence from inside.

Looking at the familiar crown in his hand, Commander Su Ming’s face showed a very complicated expression.

In fact, this crown of silence itself had no special value, except that the main gem on it fell from the starry sky; its significance was more commemorative.

Back then, he had worn it amidst the fervent adoration of countless people, and later, he had personally taken it off.

To be honest, he still didn’t know why he had come to this world. Perhaps it was the unwillingness and obsession in his heart, or perhaps heaven took pity on him and wanted to give him another chance to resolve his inner turmoil.

Before he came to the Federation, he always believed that everyone could succeed as long as they followed their own ideas!

But through his experiences during this period, he realized how naive and arrogant he used to be.

He simply didn’t understand what people were, nor did he understand human nature.

Perhaps this was why his system failed.

And the Federation he was currently in presented him with a completely different, new system. Moreover, the Council President also had a group of fervent supporters, yet they too had reached a historical crossroads.

Commander Su Ming was very much looking forward to what the future would hold, whether it would lead to glory or destruction.

At this moment, Little Grey also jumped onto Commander Su Ming’s hand, continuously rubbing its face against the crown, then sticking out its tongue and frantically licking the main gem, looking very much like it liked it.

Commander Su Ming came back to his senses, reached out, picked up Little Grey, and said with a laugh.

“This isn’t food. Don’t try to eat everything.”

“Squeak! Squeak!”

Little Grey tilted its head and kept chirping at Commander Su Ming.

“It’s late. Let’s go back to the dorm to rest.”

Commander Su Ming put away the crown of silence and left directly with Little Grey.

—

The next morning.

Commander Su Ming was sound asleep in bed when suddenly, a noise came from all around him.

“Commander Su Ming, wake up!”

At this moment, Rhine and the others rushed to his bedside, calling out anxiously.

Commander Su Ming opened his eyes tiredly, looking at Rhine and the others, and said helplessly.

“What’s all the fuss about so early in the morning?”

“Squad Leader, things have changed!”

Rhine and the others said in fear.

“What’s changed? Isn’t it just opening up council seats and allowing Neutral Countries to join the Federation?”

Commander Su Ming yawned and sat up from the bed.

“Boss, you knew?”

Rhine and the others were a bit stunned when they heard Commander Su Ming’s words, and asked.

“I knew yesterday. I was there when this policy was announced.”

Commander Su Ming said very calmly.

“Ah? Then, Squad Leader, did you also see the Council President?”

Rhine and the others asked excitedly.

“I didn’t see him in person, but I saw the video communication. What’s the public’s reaction now?”

Commander Su Ming rubbed his temples and asked.

“I don’t know how to describe it. It feels like everything has changed. If you don’t believe me, check the Star Cluster Forum yourself.”

Rhine and the others said to Commander Su Ming.

“Let me see.”

Commander Su Ming heard Rhine’s words, immediately raised his wristband, and opened the Star Cluster Forum.

The entire Star Cluster Forum had been unrestrained, and hundreds of thousands of new posts had appeared, and they were still continuously increasing.

The number surprised Commander Su Ming, and he randomly clicked on a post.

“Dear comrades, the reason we are suffering so much, unable to find jobs, and with skyrocketing prices! It’s all because of the Dark Star Empire and the Apocalypse Divine Kingdom, those two bastards, meddling behind the scenes. They constantly attack Neutral Countries, causing damage to the Federation’s foreign trade. Now it’s time to fight back.”

Commander Su Ming raised an eyebrow, closed the post, and clicked on new posts one by one.

“Everyone listen to me, the reason the Federation imposed controls and made widespread arrests a while ago was all because the Dark Star Empire and the Apocalypse Divine Kingdom were spreading rumors and inciting those unsuspecting compatriots, intending to stir up unrest. Their malicious intentions are outrageous…”

“The reason the Federation has to draw red and black lots and enforce universal conscription is all because the Dark Star Empire and the Apocalypse Divine Kingdom are being aggressive outside? Our concessions have not brought peace at all.”

Commander Su Ming looked at these posts, a strange expression appearing on his face.

He felt something was wrong; public opinion had completely reversed. All internal conflicts within the Federation seemed to be directed towards the Dark Star Empire and the Apocalypse Divine Kingdom.

In these posts, some even blamed the Dark Star Empire and the Apocalypse Divine Kingdom for the shortages of food and water resources, as well as the high cost of medicine.

Commander Su Ming took a deep breath, looked at the top-ranked popular posts, and clicked on one of them.

A video was playing in the post, showing a middle-aged man with a weathered face, shouting fanatically.

“For how many years, the Federation has been making concessions, yet the Dark Star Empire and the Apocalypse Divine Kingdom have been aggressive, simply going too far! Now the Council President has finally stepped forward, and we no longer need to endure…”

At this moment, comments below the video were being pushed up one by one.

“The Federation’s greatest mercy was sparing them during the expedition back then. Now we should thoroughly eliminate them!”

“Exactly, destroy them.”

“Destroy those two ungrateful wolves!”

Commander Su Ming’s eyes flickered as he read these comments.

He closed this post and browsed other popular posts.

“Latest news: Freita Kingdom, Woguo Kingdom, Taszji Kingdom, Haichao Kingdom, Hajiaweite Kingdom, Polut Kingdom, the six major Neutral Countries have officially joined the Federation, becoming new members of the Federation, and their rulers will serve as senior Federation councilors.”

“Latest news: Mars Star has dispatched a large fleet to the Tidal Star Sea.”

“Latest news: Di Yan Star has urgently assembled a large-scale reserve force.”

“Latest news: Cuilan Star is conducting large-scale conscription. All eligible young people must register at various conscription points.”

“Latest news: The Federal Government will exempt personal income tax throughout its territory this year, and the government has announced a 20% increase in salaries and benefits for all troops.”

The more Commander Su Ming read, the more alarmed he became. The reactions from Federation institutions, troops, and even the public were too intense.

The Dark Star Empire and the Apocalypse Divine Kingdom hadn’t even officially declared war yet, and here, they were already talking about destroying them.

Looking at this situation, a major war was definitely unavoidable.

At this moment, everyone’s wristbands suddenly vibrated, and a mass message popped up.

“Commander Su Ming, we received an order from the Thirteenth Corps, requiring us to gather at Yuko Base in ten days. Our legion has been assigned to the Donao Star Sea.”

Rhine and the others said to Commander Su Ming in surprise.

Commander Su Ming heard Rhine and the others, then immediately closed the forum and got up to change his clothes.

“Squad Leader, what are you doing?”

Rhine and the others asked in confusion.

“Going home to buy weapons, arm ourselves. If we’re late, we won’t be able to buy them!”

Commander Su Ming said resolutely.

He had to hurry back to his family to buy advanced weapons. The family’s underground factory had a large inventory of Fourth Generation Mecha-Thunder Control. At this time, whoever could get their hands on weapons first would have the advantage.

If he went back late and the weapons were bought by others, it would be troublesome.

“Should we go with you?”

Rhine and the others quickly asked.

“No need. You go gather everyone in the Third Regiment. Wait for me to come back!”

Commander Su Ming said to Rhine and the others.

“Okay!”

Rhine and the others immediately responded.

—

Second New Galaxy, Apocalypse Divine Kingdom.

A standard planet constructed of machinery came into view. The entire mechanical planet’s surface resembled a giant eye, surrounded by massive prismatic mechanical gems, like wearing a mechanical crown, very shocking and beautiful.

This mechanical planet was precisely the Apocalypse Divine Kingdom’s main star, Divine Authority Star, symbolizing supreme divine power.

Inside Divine Authority Star, on the metal-hardened ground, stood a towering circular mechanical city.

The entire mechanical city was composed of pristine white metal. On its towering walls, various complex sacred texts and patterns were engraved, shimmering with a cold, eerie glow.

Inside the city, circles of metal high walls encircled and divided the entire city into rings.

The outermost ring area was densely packed with countless white metal pigeonhole buildings.

On the narrow streets, there were people everywhere wearing rough white robes and holding the flag of the Apocalypse Divine Kingdom.

The closer to the city center, the more advanced the buildings became, the streets wider and cleaner, and the citizens’ clothes more luxurious.

As for the very center of the city, a towering, solemn, sacred, and magnificent Divine Palace stood.

And outside the Divine Palace, a colossal plaza paved with white jade stone was situated.

In the center of the plaza, stood a giant statue, a hundred meters tall, holding a long spear plunged into the ground in its right hand, clad in domineering armor, wearing a crown, with an unidentifiable face.

At this moment, over a million splendidly dressed citizens gathered in the entire plaza.

Everyone was discussing anxiously.

“It’s almost 12 o’clock noon, where is the Divine Emperor?”

“I don’t know, why hasn’t he come out yet?”

Just as everyone was waiting anxiously.

At this moment, in a dimly lit room.

A pair of scarlet eyes opened from the darkness.

Then, a respectful voice came from outside.

“Divine Emperor!”

“What is it?”

A voice that made one’s heart tremble, sounded irritably.

“Divine Emperor, the time has come.”

“I know!”

Not long after.

On the platform extending from the Divine Palace, a middle-aged man walked out. He was dressed in a golden sacred robe, wore the crown of silence, had a thin but infinitely majestic face, blood-red eyes, and exuded an extraordinary aura in his demeanor.

He stood on the edge of the platform, looking down at the many people.

The millions of people in the plaza were stunned when they saw the man appear, and they discussed amongst themselves.

“Who is he?”

“Why does he look so much like the Divine Emperor when he was young?”

“Yes, he does.”

“Dear citizens, I am your great Divine Emperor, Van Lo · Saintroks!”

Van Lo beamed, addressing the crowd.

“He’s the Divine Emperor, how can he be so young?”

The crowd erupted in a frenzy.

“Dear citizens, there’s no need to be shocked. During my seclusion, I prayed with utmost piety to the great Divine Master, and ultimately, the Divine Master was moved, bestowing upon me a sacred blessing, thus allowing me to return to youth! From this moment on, I shall be immortal, forever leading you. As long as you also believe piously, you too will receive the Divine Master’s blessing and attain eternal life!”

Divine Emperor Van Lo spoke sincerely to the crowd.

As soon as he said this, the many citizens shouted fanatically.

“Divine Master!”

“Divine Master!”

Van Lo looked at the fanatical citizens and smiled, saying,

“The Divine Master will feel your piety, and he will bless you. To celebrate the New Year, I announce that all food in all stores is free today! Everyone, enjoy yourselves!”

“Long live the Divine Emperor!”

Countless people shouted excitedly.

“Goodbye, everyone.”

Van Lo waved to the crowd and turned to walk into the Divine Palace.

Inside the magnificent hall.

Deshir and the other archbishops stood neatly on both sides, waiting quietly.

When they saw Divine Emperor Van Lo enter, they respectfully greeted him.

“Divine Emperor.”

Van Lo ignored them, instead looking down at his hands, a look of extreme excitement on his face, muttering to himself.

“I’ve truly gained new life!”

At this moment, Archbishop Deshir saw Van Lo’s eyes turn incredibly bloodshot and asked with some concern.

“Divine Emperor, why are your eyes so red?”

“Hmph, what’s wrong with them being red?”

Van Lo suddenly looked up, glaring darkly at Archbishop Deshir.

“Nothing.”

Deshir’s body trembled violently, and he quickly lowered his head, replying.

Just then, a hurried sound of footsteps came.

Deshir and the others all turned their heads to look, only to see a man dressed in a white robe, with a feminine face filled with panic, running over.

“Divine Emperor, urgent military intelligence!”

“Sai Mu, what military intelligence?”

Van Lo looked up at the man and said coldly.

“Divine Emperor, the Federal Government’s Council Speaker Long Xian has emerged from seclusion and has issued a decision to open council seats and allow Neutral Countries to join the Federation! The Federation is currently mobilizing a large number of troops for pre-war preparations.”

Sai Mu reported with fear.

Upon hearing this, Deshir and the others all showed expressions of dread.

“What, Council Speaker Long Xian is out?”

“What are we going to do?”

“All of you shut up, what are you panicking about?”

Van Lo’s bloodshot eyes swept over Deshir and the others.

Deshir and the others’ bodies trembled violently, and they quickly shut their mouths, not daring to make a sound.

Van Lo raised his wristband to check the time, then twisted his neck and said.

“It’s about time, that old man should be coming out.”

“Divine Emperor, what should we do next?”

Deshir swallowed, asking nervously.

“What’s there to fear? Isn’t there still the Dark Star Empire? He couldn’t destroy both of us back then, and now I want to see how capable he is! Immediately issue an order, in the name of God, to conscript the entire nation, and strengthen the deployment of border troops. At the same time, order the vanguard troops in the Tidal Star Sea to temporarily slow their offensive and await further orders.”

Van Lo said with a sinister expression.

“Yes.”

Upon hearing this, Deshir and the others bowed their heads in response.

—

Starlight City.

Commander Su Ming drove his black supercar towards the Lei Shen Group headquarters.

Along the streets, there were festive crowds everywhere, countless people waving Federation flags and shouting continuously.

“Support the Council President!”

“Annihilate the Dark Star Empire, overthrow the Apocalypse Divine Kingdom.”

Commander Su Ming looked at this scene and also felt a bit of a headache.

The situation on site was a bit exaggerated; even ordinary citizens were so excited, so the troops were probably even more fervent.

“Sigh!”

Commander Su Ming sighed and pressed the accelerator to the floor.

Soon after, Commander Su Ming arrived at the Lei Shen Group headquarters.

He walked directly towards Su Mulong’s office; along the way, Lei Shen Group staff members who saw Commander Su Ming bowed their heads in greeting.

“Young Master!”

Commander Su Ming nodded slightly in response.

Soon, he arrived at the door of Su Mulong’s office and raised his hand to knock on the door.

Thump-thump!

“Come in!”

Su Mulong’s voice came from inside the office.

Commander Su Ming then pushed open the door and walked in, respectfully greeting him.

“Grandfather.”

“Su Ming, you’re here, come in and sit down!”

Su Mulong was very happy to see Commander Su Ming walk in and stood up from his office chair, saying.

“Mm!”

Commander Su Ming walked to the front of the desk and sat down.

Su Mulong then took out a box of treasured good tea from a drawer, brewed a cup of tea, and handed it to Commander Su Ming.

“Here, have some tea!”

“Thank you, Grandfather.”

Commander Su Ming took it casually.

“What are you thanking me for? You really made me proud yesterday. I never thought you’d know Prince Shadr, and that your relationship would be so good. Haha!”

Su Mulong said very happily.

“Grandfather, actually, the reason I know Shadr is all thanks to Su Yuan’s introduction.”

Commander Su Ming explained with a smile.

“Su Yuan? Don’t mention him to me, don’t I know what kind of person he is? I’ll deal with him later.”

Su Mulong completely disbelieved what Commander Su Ming said, thinking Commander Su Ming was just speaking well of Su Yuan.

“Uh, alright.”

Commander Su Ming replied awkwardly.

“By the way, did you come to see me for something?”

Su Mulong asked Commander Su Ming.

“Grandfather, I’m here to return the money.”

Commander Su Ming then said to Su Mulong.

“Return the money? You raised the money so quickly?”

Su Mulong was also very surprised; that was 100 billion federal currency, not a small sum.

“Mm.”

Commander Su Ming said with a smile.

“Forget it, you don’t need to return that money.”

“How can I not?”

“What’s wrong with it? Didn’t you help the family sign a huge order yesterday? Those orders have very good profits. The 100 billion you owe will be considered your commission, and it’s all settled!”

Su Mulong said very generously.

“Alright, then Grandfather, may I ask you something?”

“Go ahead and ask.”

“Does the family produce and sell Level 5 warships? I would like to purchase one.”

Commander Su Ming said to Su Mulong.

“You want to buy a Level 5 warship?”

Su Mulong was also very surprised to hear Commander Su Ming’s words.

“Yes, I’m starting to form an independent fleet now.”

“Your Legion Commander agreed to you forming your own fleet so early?”

Although a Major General can start forming his own fleet, the prerequisite is that the Legion Commander agrees. After all, the more fleets formed, the more expenses the Legion Commander needs to pay.

“Yes, that’s why I was thinking of buying a Level 5 warship.”

Commander Su Ming nodded in reply.

Su Mulong also sighed and said.

“Su Ming, although the family produces Level 5 warships, the ships under construction are all orders placed by the Federation decades ago, some even queued a century ago! Level 5 warships are not like mechas; their construction period is very long, often decades, so it’s too late if you place an order now. As for existing ships, the family does have them, but they are for family use, so we can’t give them to you.”

“I understand, if there aren’t any, then so be it. But Grandfather, can I order a batch of Royal Thunder Mechas from the family?”

Commander Su Ming thought for a moment; since Level 5 warships are so hard to buy, he might as well not buy them. He’d just seize them from enemies on the battlefield later; that way, he’d save money.

“That’s not a problem, but Royal Thunder isn’t cheap, especially after the Federation announced the new policy, weapon prices have soared. Even if I sell them to you at an internal price, it would be at least 10 billion federal currency per unit. Do you have that much money?”

“Yes, but Grandfather, I need them rather urgently. Can you give me the existing stock?”

“No problem, the family still has quite a bit in stock. How many units do you want?”

Su Mulong picked up his tea and took a sip.

“20 units!”

Commander Su Ming thought for a moment and then stated directly.

Pfft!

“Cough, cough, that many?”

Su Mulong was instantly dumbfounded; this procurement volume was comparable to the Federation’s centralized procurement.

“Mm.”

“Damn it, where did you get so much money?”

“I got lucky and earned it.”

Commander Su Ming replied with a smile.

He thought about it now and realized that indeed, side jobs were the best way to make money, with the most generous returns.

Su Mulong’s expression changed for a moment, then he spoke.

“Alright then, I’ll give you the inventory!”

“Thank you, Grandfather! I’ll transfer the money to you now.”

Commander Su Ming raised his wristband and transferred the money to Su Mulong.

“Su Ming, after the Federation implements the new policy, the Dark Star Empire and the Apocalypse Divine Kingdom will certainly not swallow their anger. It might even lead to an all-out war, so you must pay attention to your safety.”

Su Mulong looked at the money he received, speaking with great emotion.

“I understand.”

“As for these mechas, send someone to pick them up in three days.”

“Alright, then I’ll be leaving now; I still have some matters to attend to.”

Commander Su Ming said to Su Mulong.

“Go ahead.”

Su Mulong nodded.

Commander Su Ming bowed and turned to leave.

—

Inside the hangar of the Level 4 Battleship, Wind Movement.

Hugh Eun, Hegas, Timmy, Rhine, and thousands of others were gathered here.

Everyone was chatting and laughing; they hadn’t gathered together for a long time since the last mission ended.

“Rhine, did Commander Su Ming gather us here because there’s going to be a war?”

Hegas asked Rhine.

“Squad leader, he didn’t say explicitly, but it’s almost certainly the case.”

Rhine scratched his head and replied.

Just then, a sound of footsteps came, and everyone turned to look, only to see Commander Su Ming walking over.

Swish!

Upon seeing this, everyone immediately lined up in formation.

When Commander Su Ming walked in front of everyone, Hugh Eun and the others all raised their hands in salute and said in unison.

“General!”

Commander Su Ming looked at everyone with a slight smile and said.

“No need to be so formal. The main reason I’ve called everyone here today is to reorganize the team. We’re different from before now; we’re an independent fleet, and we’ll be operating independently in the future, so we need complete equipment.”

“Understood!”

Hugh Eun and the others replied in unison.

“Good, first I’ll count the current number of people. How many of us are there in total now?”

Commander Su Ming asked.

“We currently have a total of 3650 people, all of whom are mecha combat personnel.”

Rhine gave the specific number.

After hearing this, Commander Su Ming pondered for a moment and said.

“Hugh Eun, has your Level 4 battleship been repaired?”

“No, there isn’t enough money to repair it; it’s still sitting in the Star Radiance Fortress.”

Hugh Eun replied with a bitter smile.

“In that case, we won’t repair it for now. All of us will use the Wind Movement.”

Commander Su Ming said very straightforwardly.

“General, the problem is none of us know how to operate the Wind Movement.”

Rhine said somewhat awkwardly.

After hearing Rhine’s words, Commander Su Ming turned to Timmy and asked with a smile.

“Timmy, I remember you seemed to know how to command and pilot a ship? During the Three School League, you commanded quite well.”

“I can serve as the ship’s commander.”

Timmy nodded in reply.

“That won’t work either; without Operators, it still can’t be started.”

Hugh Eun said calmly.

“I can solve that. As long as Commander Su Ming approves recruiting personnel, I can find some good Operators.”

Timmy said to Commander Su Ming.

“Alright, I agree.”

Commander Su Ming replied without hesitation.

“In that case, the matter is resolved!”

Hegas said excitedly.

“It’s not that simple. To be organized into a complete fleet, we also need mechanical repairmen, logistics personnel, chefs, doctors, and so on.”

Commander Su Ming directly poured cold water on them.

“Ah, then where do we find the personnel for these positions? Should we ask the Legions?”

Hegas asked, looking a bit confused.

“Asking the Legions is fine, but the people they assign us definitely won’t be great. If we want good ones, we’ll have to poach them ourselves.”

Commander Su Ming said, finding it tricky.

“Commander Su Ming, do you have any candidates?”

Timmy looked at Commander Su Ming and asked.

“Yes, but I can’t transfer them.”

Commander Su Ming suddenly felt a dilemma. He really did have candidates. For the mechanics, he had his eye on Master Acala.

But that was simply unrealistic. Master Acala was part of Vickers’s mechanic team, and Vickers definitely wouldn’t be willing to let him go.

As for logistics, Commander Su Ming was interested in Colonel ONeill. Don’t let his sycophantic demeanor fool you; he was actually quite capable, and logistics truly needed someone like him.

However, the only problem was that this guy was a colonel, and it would be extremely difficult to transfer him. The Seventh Army wouldn’t release him so easily.

“Commander Su Ming, what do you plan to do? Putting everything else aside, we at least need a mechanical engineer, right? Otherwise, if our mechas or ships are damaged, who will repair them for us? And they need to be highly skilled.”

Timmy asked very seriously.

Rhine and the others all looked at Commander Su Ming, waiting for him to provide a solution.

Commander Su Ming’s expression shifted for a moment, then a light bulb suddenly went off, and he spoke.

“There’s a way.”

“What way?”

Hugh Eun and the others all looked at Commander Su Ming.

“We’ll temporarily share Major General Vickers’s mechanical engineers, doctors, and other personnel! After all, the Wind Movement is either on the Tsar or at the Star Radiance Fortress.”

Commander Su Ming proposed his solution.

“Feasible.”

Timmy and the others’ eyes lit up as they responded.

“Of course, this is only a temporary measure. We will gradually improve in the future and will have our own mechanical engineers and doctors sooner or later.”

Commander Su Ming said to everyone in a deep voice.

“Understood!”

Rhine and the others responded excitedly.

“There’s one more thing: we need to expand our personnel. Although we’re borrowing mechanics and such from the Legions, we still need to recruit some logistics personnel, basic mechanics, and doctors. Otherwise, no one will even load our ammunition.”

Commander Su Ming pondered for a moment before speaking.

“If it’s basic doctors, we can also recruit from Amunx Academy. Our academy has many doctors.”

Timmy said to Commander Su Ming.

“Alright, then the doctors are your responsibility!”

Commander Su Ming immediately agreed.

“What about the rest of the people?”

Hegas asked.

“You don’t have to worry about that. I will conduct campus recruitment at Royal Court Academy, and I should be able to recruit some people.”

Commander Su Ming said to everyone.

“Good!”

Hugh Eun and the others agreed.

“Alright, then that’s settled. Everyone dismissed.”

Commander Su Ming said to everyone.

Timmy then hurriedly left with Eyin and the others; they needed to quickly return to Amunx Academy.

Rhine and the others gathered around and asked excitedly.

“Squad Leader, when do we start campus recruitment?”

“Immediately. Everyone is snatching people up right now; if we’re late, we won’t be able to recruit anyone. You guys hurry up and get some tables, and make some banners and promotional signs.”

Commander Su Ming instructed Rhine and the others.

“Alright!”

Rhine and the others immediately responded.

—

Royal Court Academy · Central Courtyard Area.

Commander Su Ming and Rhine and the others came carrying tables, only to find the entire central courtyard extremely lively.

Officers from various Legions had set up registration points here, vigorously promoting their own Legions.

“The strongest Legion in the Federation, the First Legion, is recruiting new members! Everyone, sign up enthusiastically! This is an opportunity not to be missed!”

“The Twelfth Legion is recruiting new members! Double welfare benefits!”

Many students gathered here, inquiring about the registration requirements and welfare benefits of various Legions.

“So many people?”

Rhine was momentarily stunned.

“It’s normal. After the Federation lifted controls, all major Legions need to expand. As the top academy in the Federation, all Legions will come here to recruit personnel.”

Commander Su Ming was not surprised by this at all, but these people were really quick.

At this moment, Ankajia nudged Commander Su Ming with her arm and said in surprise.

“Su Ming, isn’t that Colonel Kaff? Why is he also recruiting people there, and there are so many people consulting him?”

Commander Su Ming turned his head when he heard Ankajia’s words, and saw Colonel Kaff and Lieutenant Colonel Chen Ying, under the name of the Thirteenth Corps, recruiting personnel there.

The number of people gathered at their registration point was no less than that of the First Legion.

“I know, hurry up and set up the tables so we can recruit people.”

Commander Su Ming quickly urged Rhine and the others.

“But Su Ming, it seems there are no good spots left.”

Rhine looked around, and all the better spots were already taken.

Commander Su Ming thought for a moment, then smiled and said.

“Who said there are no good spots? Follow me!”

“Okay.”

Although Rhine and the others were very confused, they still complied.

Soon, Commander Su Ming and his group carried their tables and arrived next to the Thirteenth Corps’ recruitment point.

“Put it here!”

Commander Su Ming said to Rhine and the others.

“Okay.”

Rhine and the others quickly set up the tables, erected the advertising signs, and unfurled the banners.

Kaff and Chen Ying also turned their heads in confusion to look at Commander Su Ming.

“Su Ming, aren’t you going too far? You’ve set up right next to us.”

Chen Ying couldn’t help but complain.

“Oh, you can’t say that. I’m also part of the Thirteenth Corps.”

Commander Su Ming said with a smiling face.

“Tsk!”

Chen Ying retorted with disdain.

However, he and Kaff didn’t say anything more; after all, what Commander Su Ming said was not wrong.

At this moment, Rhine and the others began to recruit.

“The Thirteenth Corps is recruiting!”

But half an hour passed, and almost no one came to inquire.

Rhine scratched his head and said to Commander Su Ming.

“Su Ming, it’s not working? It’s hard to recruit people; no one is coming to ask.”

Commander Su Ming listened to Rhine’s words and carefully observed Chen Ying’s and the other recruitment points.

He then discovered that the receptionists dispatched by these groups were either beautiful women or handsome men, having almost brought out all the best-looking people in their teams.

“Tsk tsk, beauty is justice. It seems this saying is entirely true.”

Commander Su Ming said helplessly.

Rhine and the others took a closer look and all complained.

“Damn, how despicable!”

“Then what do we do?”

“Let me think.”

Commander Su Ming replied, a bit of a headache.

At this moment, Chen Ying, seeing that Commander Su Ming and his group hadn’t recruited a single person for a long time, said with a chuckle.

“How about it, not working, is it? I’m telling you, recruiting people isn’t that easy; it requires skill.”

“How about you give us a few of your signs?”

Commander Su Ming said brazenly.

“No, I take back what I said.”

Chen Ying shook his head like a rattle-drum and quickly shut his mouth.

At this moment, Zhang Yi leaned close to Commander Su Ming and said.

“Su Ming, I have a way to recruit people.”

“What way?”

Commander Su Ming asked curiously.

“Don’t ask about that. Just promise to let me do it without interference, and it’ll be fine.”

“Alright.”

“It’s a deal!”

Zhang Yi replied with a grin.

“Mm!”

Although Commander Su Ming had a bad feeling, at this point, he could only try anything to save a desperate situation.

Zhang Yi then picked up the pre-prepared megaphone and shouted loudly.

“Everyone, come and see, come and behold! Senior Su Ming is personally recruiting people! Those who want to gallop through the Star Sea with Senior Su Ming, come quickly!”

“Zhang Yi, what are you doing?”

Commander Su Ming looked at Zhang Yi with a black face.

Zhang Yi turned to Commander Su Ming and said helplessly.

“Squad Leader, I have no choice. Other Legions are using beautiful men and women to recruit people. If I don’t use you as our signboard, how can we possibly compete with others?! Besides, we agreed that no matter what I do, you wouldn’t interfere.”

Listening to Zhang Yi’s words, Commander Su Ming truly felt like a mute who had eaten bitter coptis—he had a grievance but couldn’t express it.

Zhang Yi ignored Commander Su Ming’s opposition and continued to shout wildly with the megaphone.

It must be said that his method was indeed very effective. Many students, hearing the name Su Ming, came over one after another.

When they saw Commander Su Ming, many people shouted excitedly.

“Look, isn’t that Su Ming?”

“Yeah, he’s recruiting people too!”

“Let’s go, let’s go take a look!”

In an instant, hundreds of people gathered towards Commander Su Ming’s side, and the other recruitment points immediately became deserted.

Officers from other Legions all looked over, bewildered, and said.

“What’s going on? People are being snatched away.”

“I don’t know.”

At this moment, Kaff and Chen Ying also looked stunned; all the students who were originally queuing for consultation had left.

“What the hell? This works?”

Chen Ying said, bewildered.

“Oh no, we forgot something. Su Ming generously donated 10 billion federal currency at the annual meeting not long ago. The younger students all highly admire him and will definitely choose him first.”

Colonel Kaff said in a deep voice.

“Then we’re finished. Su Ming’s newly formed squad is severely short-staffed! No matter how many people there are, it won’t be enough for him to fill.”

Chen Ying rubbed his forehead and said in despair.

In fact, the number of students at Royal Court Academy each year is limited, and many of these students are already internally designated. For example, Qin Feng and Yu Wei were long ago valued and recruited by District Chief Xiao Lie, so even fewer people can sign up for the military.

At this moment, Rhine and the others were overjoyed. They held forms, chatting with the consulting students while recording information.

“Although our squad is newly formed, you don’t have to worry. With General Su Ming, not only are the benefits good, but the future is limitless! Look how long we’ve been with General Su Ming—we’re all already majors and captains.”

Ankajia and the others kept bragging.

“Wow!”

“So amazing!”

Many of the volunteering students on site were also stunned by the bluffing.

At this moment, Commander Su Ming, standing at the back, was extremely embarrassed; his toes were practically digging a three-bedroom, one-living-room apartment into the ground.

But he had no choice and could only let Ankajia and the others continue to mislead.

Just then, a familiar voice came.

“Hello, I’m a first-year student from the command department, and I’m about to go into my second year. Can I sign up?”

Commander Su Ming subconsciously turned his head and saw Li Menghan standing in front of Rhine, inquiring.

Rhine looked at Li Menghan with some surprise. Although first-year students could also sign up, very few usually did. Most of those signing up now were second-year students, so he replied.

“Junior, you can sign up, but are you really sure? After all, you’re only a first-year?”

“I’m sure. I want to sign up.”

Li Menghan said very firmly.

“This…”

Rhine was momentarily at a loss.

At this moment, Commander Su Ming walked up to Rhine and said.

“Rhine, sign her up.”

“Okay.”

Rhine was also a bit surprised to hear Commander Su Ming’s words, but he immediately responded.

Li Menghan paused slightly, then thanked him very nervously.

“Thank you, Senior Su Ming.”

“You’re welcome. Welcome to the Thirteenth Corps.”

Commander Su Ming replied with a smile.