206: First refresher course

Everyone had some unique feelings about putting aside their military ranks and identities in this academy, and studying as pure Students.

The man paused for a moment, and after the discussions below the stage quieted down, he continued.

“I am the chief instructor for your batch of advanced Students, code-named Number Zero. And those standing behind me are your teachers for the duration of your advanced studies. They are also arranged by number, from Number One to Number Nine.”

As Number Zero introduced them, nine men in crisp military uniforms stepped forward with synchronized movements and solemn expressions, slowly standing behind Number Zero.

They stood tall, with resolute eyes, exuding the unique heroism and authority of Imperial Military personnel.

The sharp-eyed Li Yang instantly spotted Gao Cheng among the nine, noting that Gao Cheng's number was Three.

It seems Gao Cheng's influence in this instruction team isn't small either... Number Zero spoke again, his gaze sweeping over everyone's faces, his expression turning serious.

“I have carefully reviewed all of your information and understand that most of you do not come from grassroots backgrounds. Many hold positions in various departments or units. Only a small number have served as starship captains, or have worked their way up from the grassroots step by step. To put it bluntly, a considerable number of you here have yet to shed an enemy's blood...”

Upon hearing this, Hill's eyes lit up slightly. He subtly moved closer to Comrade Li Yang, lowered his voice, and whispered in his ear.

“Hey, Comrade Li Yang, listening to the chief instructor, did you come up from the grassroots?”

Comrade Li Yang paused, his past experiences flashing quickly through his mind.

To be honest, regarding grassroots, he started as a Lieutenant upon entering the Imperial Military Department, a full rank higher than Students graduating from the Reserve Officer Branch.

However, he did indeed start from the distant Solar System, fighting his way up, gradually entering the heart of the Empire, and initially began his military career as a fleet captain.

After a moment of thought, Comrade Li Yang softly replied.

“Hmm... I suppose so.”

“As expected! The moment I saw your temperament, I knew you were extraordinary. Alas...”

Hill tilted his head slightly, a hint of longing and helplessness in his eyes. He sighed heavily, then said with some dissatisfaction.

“I've always yearned to join a frontline legion or have my own fleet, to undertake those challenging missions independently. That feeling of soaring through the Galaxy, just thinking about it makes my blood boil. But my grandfather, he's absolutely determined not to let me go, saying I'm too young and inexperienced, insisting I be a civilian staff member in the Military Department.”

“Civilian staff member?”

Comrade Li Yang heard Hill's words and couldn't help but look at him again, a flicker of surprise and contemplation in his eyes.

Even a civilian staff member could get the opportunity to undertake advanced studies at the academy. Even if this was obtained through military merit, it still showed that Hill's grandfather's influence was not to be underestimated. It seemed he had previously underestimated this elder's sway in the military.

As soon as Number Zero's words came out, many people present felt as if their soft spots had been hit, and they involuntarily lowered their heads.

Number Zero was right; although they wore Imperial military uniforms, their hands had indeed never been stained with enemy blood. Even though many had served in the military for a long time, they had no actual combat experience.

“But among you, there is one comrade whom I admire from the bottom of my heart.”

Number Zero paused slightly, his gaze sweeping across the crowd.

“In just about a year since joining the Empire, he has, with extraordinary courage and outstanding talent, annihilated tens of billions of enemies, fully demonstrating the magnificent spirit of our Imperial Military! Enemies are objects we must mercilessly eliminate. Any hesitation or mercy is a great disgrace to our Empire!”

Number Zero's words, like a bombshell, instantly caused a huge stir in the crowd. Everyone gasped in admiration, shock, and even curiosity and respect for that mysterious comrade.

“Tens of billions? My goodness, that number is simply unimaginable. One would have to personally destroy at least several civilizations to achieve such an astonishing number of enemy kills, right...”

In the crowd, a Student couldn't help but exclaim in disbelief, his words full of incredulity.

“Hey, you're all missing the point!”

Another Student eagerly raised his voice.

“One year! That person only joined the Empire for a short year, and he's actually here for advanced studies with us?”

As soon as this was said, everyone's surprise instantly intensified by several degrees.

Everyone speculated, one after another, about who this person truly was and what powerful background he had supporting him.

After all, most of those present had served in the military for at least several decades, and only with their luck or background did they get the opportunity to come here for advanced studies.

And when Comrade Li Yang heard these discussions, his heart skipped a beat, and he quickly pretended to be surprised, blending into the crowd's exclamations.

He didn't want to attract too much attention during his time at the academy, and he knew perfectly well whether he had any backing.

However, Hill, beside him, did not get caught up in the heated discussion like the others.

His eyes flickered as he secretly observed Comrade Li Yang.

For some reason, his intuition told him, sharply and strongly, that the comrade Number Zero, the chief instructor, spoke of was very likely the seemingly ordinary Comrade Li Yang.

“Quiet!”

Number Zero's authoritative voice rang out, instantly silencing the crowd's discussions.

“Next, is your first advanced study course at the academy.”

As soon as Number Zero finished speaking, a soft glowing light screen appeared out of thin air in front of everyone.

Within the light screen, a beautiful small Galaxy was displayed, with brilliant stars shimmering with mysterious light.

“The light screen before you shows a Galaxy carefully selected for you by the Empire.”

Number Zero's expression was serious, his gaze sweeping over each person.

“In these Galaxies, each Galaxy contains at least one civilization.”

Saying this, Number Zero waved his hand, and a uniquely shaped starship slowly emerged in the light screen that had been displaying the Galaxy.

“And your first advanced study course...”

Number Zero paused, emphasizing his words.

“Is to issue commands to the starship and clear the Galaxies you are each responsible for.”

Upon hearing this, most of the people present looked surprised, their eyes wide with disbelief.

Some even couldn't help but whisper to each other, clearly shocked by this sudden advanced study course.