Chapter 51: Sudden Upheaval

Gradually, Li Daoran seemed to enter a wondrous state of mind. David’s reminders faded away at some unknown moment, leaving only silence. Yet Li Daoran evaded every attack with uncanny ease—not through calculated movements, but through instinctive reactions and razor-sharp intuition.

The two enemies grew ever more desperate. Li Daoran’s dodging became increasingly effortless; their energy reserves dwindled to nothing. No matter the rhythm or intensity of their assault, the terrifying mech before them sidestepped each strike with the leisurely grace of a stroll. Unable to bear this mocking humiliation any longer, they abandoned their shooting. Their last shred of dignity was refusing to surrender.

“Oh? Why aren’t you shooting anymore?” Li Daoran remarked with a hint of regret. He was just savoring that sensation of absolute control. He even felt that, had it been from the start, he could have easily evaded the gunfire from five mechs at once—though he hadn’t tested this, and the thought left him a little unsatisfied.

“Hey, keep going! Why did you stop?” Li Daoran called out over the loudspeaker.

Provoked by this taunt, the two pilots could no longer endure. With their last reserves of energy, they charged their mechs toward Li Daoran.

Still enveloped in that elusive feeling, Li Daoran didn’t bother to aim. He raised his arm and fired several shots in quick succession. Both enemy cockpits were struck, exploding in response.

“Instinctive, intuitive reactions—that’s Tam’s specialty. Only a seasoned veteran who’s survived countless battles possesses such a sense. How does it feel?” Chen Ming’s voice echoed in his ear.

The trembling sensation within Li Daoran slowly faded. He licked his lips, lingering in the aftermath. “Hard to describe, but… exhilarating.”

“Hah, it’s true—going to war can become addictive. Do you understand now? That constant sense of peril, as if you’re master of everything—it’s intoxicating.” Chen Ming spoke from the heart. Among the five of them on Azure Star, not one was a pushover; they understood Li Daoran’s regret all too well.

But such things are rare and can’t be taught—only talent matters. That Li Daoran possessed such talent was excellent news for the five.

Just as Li Daoran was about to add a friend, his wristwatch suddenly lit up red. A sharp alarm blared throughout the base.

“Emergency notice: everyone report to the parade ground immediately.”

The wristwatch flashed a red alert. Li Daoran quickly exited the login pod and rushed toward the parade ground. In all this time, it was the first emergency summons he’d encountered; the base-wide alarm signaled something serious, leaving no room for delay.

Chaos reigned on the parade ground. Everyone was anxious, clutching those beside them and asking what had happened—but no one knew. Soon, the instructors also rushed out one by one, restoring order. Li Daoran spotted Bear Mountain and hurried over.

“Brother Bear, what’s happened?” Li Daoran asked.

“Quiet! What’s the panic? Get in line,” Bear Mountain replied sternly, pointing to the side.

Order was quickly restored. Everyone lined up by class. The whole process took less than three minutes. Xu Xingxing stood beside Li Daoran, nerves taut, but under Bear Mountain’s cold glare, dared not make a single move.

At that moment, the loudspeaker sounded. With cool composure, Liu Meng announced:

“Everyone, you were meant to train here for at least a year. But there is no time. War has broken out. The Philip Empire launched a surprise attack yesterday, allied with the infamous interstellar pirates led by Blackhand Wayne, and invaded our nation. Soldiers are raised for a thousand days for use in a single moment; the front lines are in crisis. Everyone must shoulder their own responsibilities. Now, you will be assigned to different locations to resist the enemy. May you find martial fortune and protect the glorious lands of the White Deer Republic. Lastly—make sure you return alive.”

Upon her words, the young people on the parade ground were ablaze with passion, their necks stiff as they shouted with rage. Xu Xingxing, beside Li Daoran, eyes shining, trembled with excitement.

There was no time to prepare further. The instructors led their squads away at once. The egg-shaped doors of the mech hangar swung open, and shuttles and space fighters soared in and out, transporting everyone to massive starships waiting in orbit.

Bear Mountain glanced at Li Daoran and said, “Go say goodbye to her. Five minutes. Hangar A, ship number 847.”

“Come back, Daoran,” Chen Ming’s voice sounded in his ear.

Bear Mountain’s form dissolved. Li Daoran returned to Azure Star, switched off his live stream, and hurriedly opened the door. The five were already waiting outside.

He opened his mouth to speak, but the words caught in his throat; he didn’t know what to say.

Chen Ming and the others didn’t look much better. They had thought they had plenty of time, that everything was moving in the right direction. The sudden upheaval shattered all their plans and arrangements.

Charles spoke first: “Sit down, Daoran. Don’t panic. It’s sudden, but hardly the end of the world. We’ve been prepared for this, haven’t we?”

He glanced at Chen Ming, signaling him to relax.

Chen Ming understood—the most anxious was Li Daoran, and their job was to give him confidence, not show worry.

Chen Ming relaxed his frown and smiled: “That’s right. Finally, you get to see new places. It’s not so bad—you spend all your time training or gaming. Who knows how many scholars you’ve driven mad. Now you’re leaving the planet for space, maybe even boarding a starship. It’s the moment for you to broaden your horizons. Get excited! Haven’t you seen your classmates eager to go? None of them are as flustered as you.”

Li Daoran knew they wanted to comfort him. If things were truly as they said, he wouldn’t have been called back. Still, he nodded, sat on the sofa, and after a moment, feeling restless, went to the fridge for a glass of chilled fruit juice. The coldness flowed through him, calming his overheated body.

Chen Ming followed suit, and soon everyone had a glass of juice.

Leaning back on the sofa, Li Daoran regained his composure. “You called me back, but now you’re all silent. Are you messing with me?”

Chen Ming shot him a glance, inwardly impressed. Li Daoran’s growth had far outpaced their expectations; he was no longer a child needing constant emotional care.

Thinking this, Chen Ming’s worries eased. He teased, “We called you back to give you time. Think about it—you’re clinging to that thigh, and you’ve got only five minutes left. Shouldn’t you consider how to say goodbye?”

Li Daoran stroked his chin and nodded. “Good point. So, how do I get a few more bottles of gene serum?”

Natasha snorted. “Men.”

Li Daoran looked at Natasha, eyes bright. “Natasha, you’re the only woman here. Teach me.”

“Hmph, I won’t teach you how to trick my girlfriend,” Natasha said with disdain.

“Hey now, how can you slander me? Is getting gene serum trickery? And since when is she your girlfriend?” Li Daoran protested.

Charles grew interested. “Actually, gene serum is pretty important. Here’s what you do: I’ve already scoped out the spot. When the time comes, knock Liu Meng out and steal her entire stash. By the time she wakes, you’ll be long gone—how could she catch up to you?”