Twenty-three. Twenty-three.

The eldest miss’s private tailor is truly no mere mortal.

In the time it took Xia Mengrou to apply her face mask and tie up her hair, the tailor had successfully summoned his mimetic leaf-cutter bird and urgently crafted two sets of camouflage uniforms in different sizes.

"Eldest Miss, these are the finished products rushed to completion. The remaining fourteen sets will be delivered shortly."

Yuan Hanshuang happily changed into her new camo gear.

"Many thanks, many thanks." She had always been easy to please.

This was the first time since transmigrating that Yuan Hanshuang had worn such high-end clothing. The effect was superb; it not only accentuated her slender waist and long legs but also fit perfectly.

Regrettably, such exquisite craftsmanship did not seem to appease the pampered eldest miss. Xia Mengrou had barely put it on before she began picking out faults on the spot.

Taking advantage of their squabbling, Yuan Hanshuang offered her thanks and slipped away on tiptoe.

On the first day of school, all the students gathered in the Silver Star Grand Auditorium to listen to the school leadership’s address.

With half of the school leadership having been hauled away, the only one qualified to speak this year was Professor Zuo Zitao.

The professor had served at Silver Star for decades and commanded immense prestige. It was unexpected that, while enjoying his twilight years and coasting on his seniority, he would have to step up and shoulder the burden.

He spoke briefly, mostly offering a vision for the new semester along with a warning.

"Our Silver Star Academy and the Imperial Academy are now linked, but students should avoid wandering over to the Imperial side when there’s no business. This year, a military-controlled zone has been partitioned within the military academy. Unauthorized entry could lead to expulsion in the most serious cases. I hope everyone will take this as a warning."

The audience grew drowsy.

When the Student Council President took the stage, she brought a gong along.

"Clang—"

The explosive sound buzzed in everyone’s ears, waking the entire auditorium in an instant.

"Welcome everyone to Silver Star Academy."

The Silver Star President was a beauty with bright, radiant smiles and bold red lips. However, no one dared to underestimate her strength based on her appearance.

There was an unspoken rule among the seven great advanced academies: each had a Student Council President.

The Student Council Presidents, who rose through layers of selection and fierce competition, represented the brand and face of their respective academies. In terms of decision-making power on certain matters, they could even stand on equal footing with the principals.

"I won't waste time on empty talk; we’re all students, and no one likes to listen to bureaucratic jargon."

Ming Jia spread her hands and leaned on the podium. "The only thing I want to say is that next year—that is, the second semester—the Empire and the Federation will jointly host the triennial Advanced Academy Ranking Tournament."

"You are all the chosen children who have come from various planets, having survived the college entrance exams to enter our academy. Being admitted to Silver Star proves that you have paid for it with countless nights, sweat, and effort, as well as that sense of unwillingness to settle."

As her words fell, the screen floating in the auditorium began automatically playing the highlights of Silver Star Academy’s performances in the past five ranking tournaments.

Clearly, the President’s speech was not just encouragement; it was also a wake-up call. The clips shown included not only brilliant highlights but also some embarrassing blunders that made the people involved wish they could die on the spot when watching them again.

"As one of the seven great advanced academies, is Silver Star excellent? Of course it is. But among these seven academies, Silver Star has been stuck in fifth place in the rankings for too long, and we are at risk of falling to even lower positions at any time."

Ming Jia’s gaze swept sharply across the crowd below. "With the ranking tournament imminent, I hope everyone will actively participate in the department chief selection tournament a month from now, including this year’s freshmen."

"We need fresh blood to lead Silver Star to a higher ranking."

"I welcome you all to challenge for the positions of department chief or even the presidency. I am waiting at any time."

The President’s speech was indeed as brief as she had promised.

Three minutes later, thunderous applause broke out as Ming Jia stepped off the podium. The department chiefs began to disperse the students.

"Mentor." Ming Jia walked into the teacher’s office holding a cup of hot chocolate.

"Working hard for an extra year before graduating—thank you for your sacrifice."

Zuo Zitao stood in the shadows by the window, watching the students slowly filing out below.

Originally, Ming Jia could have graduated smoothly this year and begun her internship with the military.

Unexpectedly, the Silver Star leadership had pulled off a huge surprise.

In these tumultuous times with public sentiment in flux, Zuo Zitao, the most senior professor at Silver Star, had to have his student, Ming Jia, delay the progress of one of her courses. By intentionally failing to earn two credits, she could stay at Silver Star for another year and continue to hold the fort as President.

"It’s no trouble, Mentor," Ming Jia shook her head. "With the current situation at Silver Star, I wouldn't be able to rest easy even if I graduated. Only by finding a successor for the presidency can I put down this burden."

"A simple successor is not enough."

Zuo Zitao stroked his beard and sighed. "The current Silver Star needs a powerful, charismatic spiritual leader. Otherwise, next year, we are likely to face the worst results in the school’s hundred-year history."

For the past two years, other military academies had seen brilliant talents popping up like bamboo shoots after rain—except for Silver Star.

Watching the prodigies of other schools shine brilliantly, Zuo Zitao was filled with anxiety.

As the incumbent President, Ming Jia could not tolerate such a situation either.

She knew very well that Silver Star lacked such a person. The current department chiefs all lacked, to varying degrees, the qualities necessary for the presidency.

"Among the current department chiefs, the only one who is somewhat reliable is Gu Dong of the Agility Department. He has also awakened and evolved an extremely rare S-rank mimicry."

"No, he won't do." Zuo Zitao flatly rejected the idea. "His family is too sensitive; it would affect how the upper echelons perceive Silver Star’s political alignment. With the school leadership arrested, we are already on the edge of a precipice. We cannot afford to challenge the sensitive nerves of the Privy Council again."

Ming Jia set down her hot chocolate. "Mentor, perhaps it’s not as bad as we imagine. I’ve looked at the profiles of this year’s freshmen, and there are still quite a few good candidates."

Meng Mingcheng, a lackey following behind the Student President, caught the hint and immediately added, "The Imperial grandson, the eldest miss from the Marshal’s mansion, and we even poached a rare Tier 4 melee-type freshman from the Imperial Academy. Once this batch of freshmen is tempered, there might be a chance."

Yes, perhaps there would be a chance.

Because he did not want to crush his student’s confidence, Zuo Zitao remained silent.

But in truth, he knew in his heart that the hope was slim.

The Imperial grandson appeared gifted with an enviable S-rank talent, but the fatal flaw in his mimicry was no secret among the upper echelons. A person who could not even control his own mimicry would only be a ticking time bomb next to his teammates; that was precisely why he had been exiled to Silver Star.

The eldest miss from the Marshal’s mansion was even more absurd. Judging by the Xia family’s intentions, they had no plans to train her for the military at all, but rather poured effort into having her take socialite classes. Her choice of Silver Star was likely for the same reason.

A Tier 4 melee freshman was indeed impressive for a newcomer, but compared to seniors who had been enrolled for years, it only meant they were qualified to stand on the competition stage.

Furthermore, these were just freshmen.

The current presidents of the seven great advanced academies were all upperclassmen who had been enrolled for three to four years.

Except for the "Holy Son" at the neighboring Imperial Academy, almost no freshman had been able to grow enough to take over the presidency in just one year.

Both strength and reputation required time to accumulate.

Calculated this way, even though the Gu family had a sensitive and poor reputation, they were the only ones who could attempt to challenge for the presidency and succeed to the leadership.

Sometimes, Zuo Zitao could not help but sigh at the luck of the neighboring Imperial First Military Academy.

Not only was their overall strength overwhelming, but they had also played the trump card of the "Holy Son of Light."

Having ended the hundred-year vacancy of the Holy Son position in the Temple of Light, this generation’s Holy Son was already absurdly powerful. Although he was in the support department, his powerful charisma, personality, and leadership skills had united the Imperial Academy, with everyone following his lead.

"I’m afraid only that President from the Federal Military Academy with the mysterious background would have the qualifications to put up a fight."

At the very least, for the next ranking tournament, the top two spots were already a foregone conclusion.

Watching the backs of the Silver Star students as they walked away, Zuo Zitao shook his head. "They really don't leave us any room to breathe!"

The Silver Star freshmen were led out of the auditorium by their instructors.

As they walked, someone noticed something wrong: "Teacher, isn't this the direction toward the Imperial Academy?"

"Yes," the teacher sighed. "Our school has suffered such a major incident this year, and the person in charge of military training coordination was also arrested. There was really no other way; Professor Zuo had to swallow his pride and contact the Imperial Academy next door to simply combine the military training for both schools."

Having said this, the teacher looked at the freshmen with pity.

"The Imperial Academy’s military training is no simple matter. Military schools are known for strict discipline and rigorous standards, and they have specifically invited people from the military to oversee it. I don’t know whether to call you lucky or unlucky, but in any case, you must strive to win glory for Silver Star."

When the teacher said this, Wu Haoxuan, who was in the queue, did not yet realize the gravity of the problem and still wore a sunny, optimistic expression.

Soon, the Silver Star main force arrived at the gate of the Imperial First Military Academy.

Not far away, several black military hovercars drove slowly toward them, their deep blue emblems of olive branches and crossed blades shining brightly.

"It’s the Imperial Third Legion!"

"Holy crap, what? The Third Legion! Look again, what? The Third Legion! It really is!"

"These freshmen are too lucky, actually getting the Third Legion as instructors. Boo-hoo, I’m so jealous."

It wasn't just the Silver Star students; even the typically serious and steady Imperial Academy students were restless, many with eyes shining and full of excitement.

The Third Legion had a stellar reputation in the interstellar community, and the history of the legion itself was legendary. Although its prestige had dipped slightly in recent years, failing to match the strength of the powerhouse First Legion, it remained the dream job for many Imperial Academy graduates and had ranked at the top of the preferred distribution list for years.

"Five years, the Privy Council has finally removed the Third Legion from the blacklist."

"Yeah, having an entire legion sent to a military academy to 'guard the tower' was truly absurd."

"That’s not quite it; I heard they are also here to serve as guest lecturers for a semester."

Not far away, several military academy teachers sighed in low voices.

Unlike the simple students who had yet to step into society, the military academy teachers belonged to the military and held ranks, so they clearly knew more inside information.

During the Doomsday Zerg Tide, Hai Dongqing was the commander of the Third Legion, saving humanity at a critical moment.

Later, Hai Dongqing defected, and the Third Legion was implicated in the ensuing investigation.

Ten years later, the Third Legion captured Hai Dongqing, but unexpectedly, the prisoner escaped shortly after being brought in.

Consequently, the Third Legion was inevitably suspected once more, facing a second investigation.

"The original Commander Wei was transferred away. I didn't expect them to promote a major to take his place."

"The investigation took five whole years, transferring them away from the front lines—a promotion in name, but a demotion in reality."

Amidst the whispers, a team of soldiers in silver-black uniforms appeared in formation.

The officer at the very front had a cold, hard face and wore the rank of Major General on his shoulders.

"Commander Wei."

Yuan Hanshuang heard the liaison address the Major General.

She opened her eyes wide, contrary to her previous lack of interest, and proactively stepped out from behind Ke Junda, subtly observing the legion not far away.

With thousands of freshmen from both schools combined, a small movement was not conspicuous.

However, only Yuan Hanshuang knew the turbulent waves in her heart.

Over the past few years, she had spent a fortune in the Black Market to exchange for various documents, which clearly recorded that it was this very legion that had fully hosted and participated in the 1999 Hai Dongqing capture operation.

"Teacher Feng."

After a simple greeting, Wei Wenwei walked up to a military academy teacher under the gaze of everyone.

This time, he did not shake hands, but instead stood still, took off his hat, and performed a standard military salute.

"Wenwei, there’s no need for that. I am no longer the legion’s adjutant."

Feng Yuanming had no way to avoid it and could only accept the salute.

"You are my teacher forever in my heart."

"Why are you being so formal with me?" Feng Yuanming waved his hand. "That brat Feng Bai hasn't been causing trouble, has he?"

"No."

Wei Wenwei watched Feng Bai, who was giving a speech to the freshmen not far away: "He is a very good adjutant."

"As long as he hasn't shamed me. You’ve all had a hard time these past few years."

"It’s all in the past."

"True, being sent to 'guard the tower' means the Privy Council’s investigation has come to an end. Managing military training to babysit children is at least easy. The soldiers have been tense for too long; a little relaxation is not a bad thing."

"You are right."

The two exchanged low pleasantries.

As the individuals with the highest seniority and status on both sides, they did not need to step out to take charge; they only needed to watch from afar.

"That matter back then... what exactly was it?"

After a long silence, Feng Yuanming’s eyes flickered, and he finally asked the question.

Upon hearing this, Wei Wenwei’s lips slowly pressed into a straight line.

Not far away, Feng Bai was speaking to the freshmen in a matter-of-fact tone: "I am the adjutant of the Third Legion, Feng Bai, and also your chief instructor for this military training."

"This year, the Third Legion will host the military training for both schools, lasting one month. Although both schools are participating, only half of the students will be able to receive credits, so please take this seriously."

As soon as he finished speaking, the square exploded into chaos.

"What? I thought credits were granted just for participating in military training!"

"Yeah, how can only half of the students receive credits?"

"Oh my god..."

However, Feng Bai did not give the students a chance to argue.

He looked up at the scorching sun, glanced at his watch, and said in a flat tone: "Rule number one of military training: absolute obedience to superiors—that is, the chief instructor’s orders. No objections allowed."

"Because of the noise, you will now stand at attention for two hours at the school gate."

The talking came to an abrupt halt.

No one had expected that this bespectacled, mild-mannered adjutant would give them such a harsh lesson right from the start.