208: One month after training

At this moment, seeing that all the instructors had left, Comrade Li Yang had no other reason to stay, so he lifted his foot, preparing to leave.

"Comrade Li Yang..."

Seeing Comrade Li Yang get up to leave, Neil's heart stirred, and he quickly called out.

However, the discussions in the meeting hall were too noisy, and Comrade Li Yang seemed not to have heard his call. He continued walking, getting further and further away.

Neil watched Comrade Li Yang's receding figure, opened his mouth, but ultimately gave up helplessly.

"Never mind, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future."

Neil murmured softly to himself. His intuition clearly told him that befriending Comrade Li Yang was absolutely the right thing to do.

He vaguely sensed that Comrade Li Yang harbored a special temperament and potential...

For a period of time after this, Comrade Li Yang's academy life returned to a calm daily routine of studying.

And in these ordinary days, the relationship between Neil and Comrade Li Yang quietly changed, and the two gradually became quite good friends.

In Comrade Li Yang's view, although Neil currently held a civilian position, with the ability and character he displayed during his advanced studies, he would certainly not remain limited to civilian posts after his studies concluded.

More importantly, Neil's temperament perfectly matched Comrade Li Yang's preferences. The two got along easily and freely, without any burdens.

Moreover, he was also human. In this academy environment full of various androids, this sense of belonging as fellow humans was also a reason they could become friends.

Time flowed quietly. After a full month of intense and fulfilling systematic study, on this day, Comrade Li Yang, as usual, was quietly staying in his residence, fully focused on researching various materials.

"Beep... All Students undergoing advanced studies, please gather in Meeting Hall Four."

The clear and resonant voice of the intelligent brain suddenly rang in his mind. Comrade Li Yang's hand movements abruptly paused, and he quickly put down his work.

He understood in his heart that the last time he went to the meeting hall was on the first day of his advanced studies. Now, with another sudden notice to gather, it must be for something extremely important.

Without time to think much, Comrade Li Yang hastily tidied his attire and hurried towards the meeting hall.

Along the way, he didn't forget to open his optical screen to continue researching and reviewing materials.

Just then, a hand suddenly clapped heavily on Comrade Li Yang's shoulder.

"Li Yang, you're still looking at material while walking. You're really too much of a try-hard!"

A familiar voice sounded from behind him.

Comrade Li Yang was startled by the sudden pat and instinctively looked back, only to see that the person was Neil.

At this moment, Neil was looking at Comrade Li Yang with a helpless expression. He noticed that even when Comrade Li Yang was walking, he had his optical screen open on his arm, diligently studying materials. This intensity for learning truly made him somewhat exasperated.

"Oh, it's Neil. You scared me."

After seeing who it was, Comrade Li Yang slightly relaxed, then closed the optical screen on his arm. A relaxed and nonchalant expression appeared on his face as he explained,

"Anyway, with the intelligent brain assisting me, it can help me monitor my surroundings, so there's no chance of me walking into a wall."

"You're already military-political integration, and you're still studying so hard. How are we ordinary people supposed to live?"

Neil said, half-joking and half-serious, with a hint of teasing and admiration in his words.

The so-called military-political integration was something Neil only learned from Comrade Li Yang during a deep conversation after they became friends.

He remembered the first time he heard this news, Neil's surprise was beyond words. His eyes were wide, and his face was full of disbelief.

At that moment, he even thought Comrade Li Yang was joking with him. After all, in his understanding, it was already extremely rare for a Captain to get the opportunity for advanced studies, let alone also hold such an important position as a special inspector. The combination of these two was truly beyond his imagination.

If he hadn't finally given in and carefully checked Comrade Li Yang's specific profile, confirming it was accurate, he would never have believed any of it was true.

"If you don't work hard and I don't work hard, who will build the Empire? Besides, you have a General as a grandfather, and you still have the nerve to call yourself an ordinary person?"

Comrade Li Yang feigned annoyance, rolling his eyes at Neil, and couldn't help but retort.

Recalling their acquaintance, Neil initially gave off an impression of being serious and steady, but after getting to know him, Comrade Li Yang realized that this guy was a complete comedian.

For example, when he was a child, Neil even won first place in the essay competition in their Galaxy. As for how he won first place? Because his essay was titled "A Day in the Life of My General Grandfather."

"Hehe, by the way, do you know why the Instructor wants us to go to the meeting hall this time?"

Neil said, his eyes darting around, his face full of curiosity.

"Who knows? I just received the notification myself."

Comrade Li Yang shrugged, looking helpless.

The two continued to tease each other as they walked towards the meeting hall.

Along the way, Students came and went in a hurry. Everyone seemed curious and speculative about this sudden gathering.

Soon, they arrived at the meeting hall.

At this time, many people were already seated in the hall. Students gathered in twos and threes, talking in low voices. The entire hall was filled with an atmosphere of curiosity mixed with anticipation.

Comrade Li Yang and Neil moved through the crowd and found a random spot to sit down.

Time quietly passed amidst everyone's whispers. Before long, once everyone had arrived, the formerly noisy hall gradually quieted down.

Number Zero, with steady and powerful steps, slowly walked onto the stage.

He was dressed in a crisp military uniform, the insignia on his epaulets gleaming with a stern light under the illumination. His serious face exuded an intimidating aura without needing to show anger.

After Number Zero stood still, his gaze was like a torch, meticulously observing everyone present, taking in their expressions and states.

"Everyone, in the blink of an eye, you have been here for a month."

Number Zero's voice was deep and powerful, echoing clearly in the quiet meeting hall.

"The main purpose of gathering everyone this time is to test your learning outcomes and capabilities during this period. Those who perform exceptionally will have the opportunity to finish their advanced studies early and graduate successfully. However, for those who fail to meet the requirements, I'm afraid their original study period will have to be extended."

Upon hearing this, Comrade Li Yang suddenly realized. He instantly understood what Neil had said before about advanced studies possibly taking decades or even centuries due to special circumstances.

It turned out that the so-called special circumstances referred to this kind of assessment. If one couldn't pass, they could only continuously extend their study time, while passing and performing well could shorten the study time.