Chapter 16

"Blue Ocean Federation does not have records of commoners, only citizens. Commoner records are generally organized by the 'districts' themselves, and the city does not intervene, so most people will modify their own records. Age, grade, place of birth, ancestors' status... anything that helps them shed their commoner status, they will fabricate. If it's a case of mana awakening, the city will also help to beautify their past."

Du Nan understood.

Modifying age, for example, was something that happened in his hometown as well.

"Once someone achieves something, like reaching the first level of physical techniques, the district officials are likely to help modify the records. For example, they might reduce the age, change the place of birth to the city, or change the person to a descendant of a citizen or a war hero. In short, the more it helps to shed the commoner status, the more they will fabricate stories. If it's a case of mana awakening, the city will also help to beautify their past."

"I understand."

Ye Binghua is a mana awakener. Even if her records were modified to show her as a descendant of a noble family or a military hero, no one would raise objections.

The fact that her records have not changed at all is the biggest problem.

"Her aunt and uncle are completely unaware of Ye Binghua's changes. The authorities used absolutely effective methods to extract information, but the result was the same: they really didn't know. The Special Operations Department investigated the area, but found no records. It's as if Ye Binghua was born an awakener, and the Level 1 seed core she fused was picked up on the roadside." As Li Wenfu spoke, the information became less and less reliable.

"Does she have a master?" Du Nan couldn't help but ask.

Li Wenfu shook his head and said, "No, at least the Special Operations Department found no relevant personnel. Since she is an awakener, the authorities dare not investigate her. Level 3 physical techniques, Level 1 mana, and she is an ice-type talent, a variant of water-type mana. This talent is identical to the two strongest Gold Armor Masters on Blue Ocean, Jin Ling and Li Qifeng. Because of this talent, the military took her away immediately, completely ignoring the authorities' objections."

"I see."

Ye Binghua is a mana awakener. Even if her records were modified to show her as a descendant of a noble family or a military hero, no one would raise objections.

The fact that her records have not changed at all is the biggest problem.

"Her aunt and uncle are completely unaware of Ye Binghua's changes. The authorities used absolutely effective methods to extract information, but the result was the same: they really didn't know. The Special Operations Department investigated the area, but found no records. It's as if Ye Binghua was born an awakener, and the Level 1 seed core she fused was picked up on the roadside." As Li Wenfu spoke, the information became less and less reliable.

"Does she have a master?" Du Nan couldn't help but ask.

Li Wenfu shook his head and said, "No, at least the Special Operations Department found no relevant personnel. Since she is an awakener, the authorities dare not investigate her. Level 3 physical techniques, Level 1 mana, and she is an ice-type talent, a variant of water-type mana. This talent is identical to the two strongest Gold Armor Masters on Blue Ocean, Jin Ling and Li Qifeng. Because of this talent, the military took her away immediately, completely ignoring the authorities' objections."

"I see."

Ye Binghua is a mana awakener. Even if her records were modified to show her as a descendant of a noble family or a military hero, no one would raise objections.

The fact that her records have not changed at all is the biggest problem.

"Her aunt and uncle are completely unaware of Ye Binghua's changes. The authorities used absolutely effective methods to extract information, but the result was the same: they really didn't know. The Special Operations Department investigated the area, but found no records. It's as if Ye Binghua was born an awakener, and the Level 1 seed core she fused was picked up on the roadside." As Li Wenfu spoke, the information became less and less reliable.

"Does she have a master?" Du Nan couldn't help but ask.

Li Wenfu shook his head and said, "No, at least the Special Operations Department found no relevant personnel. Since she is an awakener, the authorities dare not investigate her. Level 3 physical techniques, Level 1 mana, and she is an ice-type talent, a variant of water-type mana. This talent is identical to the two strongest Gold Armor Masters on Blue Ocean, Jin Ling and Li Qifeng. Because of this talent, the military took her away immediately, completely ignoring the authorities' objections."

"I see."

Ye Binghua is a mana awakener. Even if her records were modified to show her as a descendant of a noble family or a military hero, no one would raise objections.

The fact that her records have not changed at all is the biggest problem.

"Her aunt and uncle are completely unaware of Ye Binghua's changes. The authorities used absolutely effective methods to extract information, but the result was the same: they really didn't know. The Special Operations Department investigated the area, but found no records. It's as if Ye Binghua was born an awakener, and the Level 1 seed core she fused was picked up on the roadside." As Li Wenfu spoke, the information became less and less reliable.

"Does she have a master?" Du Nan couldn't help but ask.

Li Wenfu shook his head and said, "No, at least the Special Operations Department found no relevant personnel. Since she is an awakener, the authorities dare not investigate her. Level 3 physical techniques, Level 1 mana, and she is an ice-type talent, a variant of water-type mana. This talent is identical to the two strongest Gold Armor Masters on Blue Ocean, Jin Ling and Li Qifeng. Because of this talent, the military took her away immediately, completely ignoring the authorities' objections."

"I see."

Ye Binghua is a mana awakener. Even if her records were modified to show her as a descendant of a noble family or a military hero, no one would raise objections.

The fact that her records have not changed at all is the biggest problem.

"Her aunt and uncle are completely unaware of Ye Binghua's changes. The authorities used absolutely effective methods to extract information, but the result was the same: they really didn't know. The Special Operations Department investigated the area, but found no records. It's as if Ye Binghua was born an awakener, and the Level 1 seed core she fused was picked up on the roadside." As Li Wenfu spoke, the information became less and less reliable.

"Does she have a master?" Du Nan couldn't help but ask.

Li Wenfu shook his head and said, "No, at least the Special Operations Department found no relevant personnel. Since she is an awakener, the authorities dare not investigate her. Level 3 physical techniques, Level 1 mana, and she is an ice-type talent, a variant of water-type mana. This talent is identical to the two strongest Gold Armor Masters on Blue Ocean, Jin Ling and Li Qifeng. Because of this talent, the military took her away immediately, completely ignoring the authorities' objections."

"I see."

Ye Binghua is a mana awakener. Even if her records were modified to show her as a descendant of a noble family or a military hero, no one would raise objections.

The fact that her records have not changed at all is the biggest problem.

"Her aunt and uncle are completely unaware of Ye Binghua's changes. The authorities used absolutely effective methods to extract information, but the result was the same: they really didn't know. The Special Operations Department investigated the area, but found no records. It's as if Ye Binghua was born an awakener, and the Level 1 seed core she fused was picked up on the roadside." As Li Wenfu spoke, the information became less and less reliable.

"Does she have a master?" Du Nan couldn't help but ask.

Li Wenfu shook his head and said, "No, at least the Special Operations Department found no relevant personnel. Since she is an awakener, the authorities dare not investigate her. Level 3 physical techniques, Level 1 mana, and she is an ice-type talent, a variant of water-type mana. This talent is identical to the two strongest Gold Armor Masters on Blue Ocean, Jin Ling and Li Qifeng. Because of this talent, the military took her away immediately, completely ignoring the authorities' objections."

"I see."

Du Nan finally understood why the academic genius had to awaken mana.

In this world, the first thing that can transcend the law is a mana warrior. Once you awaken mana, everything else is just a cloud. Fame, wealth, power, position—anything you want, you can have. It's like a prince ascending the throne; everything in the world is in your hands. A commoner killing a citizen is an unforgivable crime, but the title of mana warrior erases everything.

Back in the dormitory, Du Nan was still unable to calm down.

He thought: To get the best resources and improve his strength as soon as possible, awakening mana is a hundred times better than practicing physical techniques. No matter how good your physical techniques are, you are still a soldier climbing step by step. But with mana, you step directly into the position of a general. Should I think of a way to get a reasonable identity as a mana warrior?

"Hello, Du classmate, Li classmate, my name is Lu Sheng."

The dormitory was very large, with eight rooms, two large halls, a projection room, a kitchen, and a gym, but only three people were living there. The luxury of the city was evident.

"Hello." Du Nan looked at the small four-eyed boy, his heart secretly noting.

This person was also a mana awakener, though he had not yet fused a seed core.

"Hey, buddy." Li Wenfu, who was very friendly, patted Lu Sheng's shoulder and said, "Little brother Lu, I heard about you. You were the top in all six subjects in Baiquan City. It's a waste that you didn't become a scientist. In the future, if you need to cheat on exams, just remember to give me a hint."

"Ah... Du Nan's grades are also very good, he once ranked fifth in the Jiangnan region. Li classmate, in the Military Academy, cheating on exams is asking for trouble, isn't it?" Lu Sheng was not yet used to Li Wenfu's enthusiasm and felt a bit nervous.

"You don't know that."

Li Wenfu had an 'I have inside information' look: "The Military Academy doesn't care about academic performance; they just want you to be able to write your name. Here, cheating is encouraged. After one exam, you'll know. The invigilators usually say: if you know, write it; if you don't, sleep, but remember to fill in your name. If you can cheat and I don't see it, you pass. Bold cheating, no electronic surveillance here."

"Really?" Lu Sheng was surprised.

"Not only that. Even if you get caught cheating, the teacher will just scold you, but there's no punishment. Most of the time, the invigilators turn a blind eye. It's easy for them to catch everyone, but they mostly let everyone cheat. But if you're too blatant or too stupid, you'll get caught. High-level cheating, they see but don't catch." Li Wenfu had already found out everything.

It seemed he had been waiting for a 'top student' like Lu Sheng to join his group.

After all, in the Military Academy, physical techniques are the most important. Academic performance really doesn't matter, who cares if you hand in a blank paper.

"Got it, from now on, we're brothers." Li Wenfu put his arm around Lu Sheng's shoulder, and the latter felt like he had joined a gang. Fortunately, with Du Nan, who had a physical technique score of 186, around, Lu Sheng felt a bit more at ease.

******

"Today, we start our first class: Appreciation Class."

Class 1-5's instructor is Coach Fang, a friendly teacher who teaches most of the courses. Coach Fang has a neighborly big brother vibe, with a natural charisma: "I remember on my first day in the military, the instructor asked me a question: What do you think is the best way to retain talent in such a dangerous army? At the time, I thought of many things: money, power, beauty..."

"Wow!" At this point, the classroom erupted in exclamations.

Coach Fang was straightforward, countering, "No need to exclaim, do male students not like beauty... Hmm, this question is a bit... We can discuss it privately. In class, we need to be serious, it's not suitable for discussion. Then, I thought of honor, responsibility, a sense of justice, and so on. The instructor gave me an unexpected answer: aesthetics."

The students were puzzled, and Coach Fang opened a video image, showing an extremely beautiful military uniform.

Tailored, fitting.

Proper, dignified.

Elegant silver threads embroidered on the sleeves, extending down the pants. Red stripes, double rings on the wrists, star buttons.

High collar, purple buttons, golden medals.

Leather waist, armor shoes, silver gloves.

The light blue military uniform was exquisitely crafted, pleasing to the eye. It was like a high-end stage costume, stunning when it appeared. It was also like a general's armor on the battlefield, a focal point wherever it was placed.

"This is the new school uniform for this year. After today's class, each of you will receive one."

Wow!

The students cheered, and Coach Fang was very satisfied with their reactions. He continued, "This military uniform is made with a lot of nanomaterials, providing some defense and stain resistance. In the future, it can also be used as formal military attire. As my instructor said: if you don't eat or dress well, who will fight hard? Next, we'll start the next part of the course: mecha appreciation. This will be your main combat tool in the future."

Coach Fang opened the visual: "The Military Academy has a saying: 'Five minutes in the classroom, fifty-five minutes in the training room.' Now, most of the classroom time is over, let's speed up. First, let's get to know the new mecha designs, then we'll go see the real thing."

"Ooh!"

At the mention of seeing the real thing, the students all cheered. On the screen, Coach Fang quickly explained a few mecha designs. They all had one advantage: beauty, an indescribable aesthetic. It seemed to suggest that such a weapon, even if not used in battle, would be a great piece of art to display at home.

After a couple of minutes,

Coach Fang put away his teaching tools and led everyone to the mecha training base.

Ten minutes later,

In the base, in front of a human-sized purple-blue mecha, Coach Fang signaled everyone to stop. He operated the mecha while explaining, "Most of you know that mechas are divided into five types. Smaller than a human, used for reconnaissance and pathfinding, these unmanned mechas are called micro mechas. They are like children's toys, and we take a few with us on missions for emergencies. Now, look at this one..."

As he spoke,

Coach Fang unfolded another mecha. Inside, it was just the right size for an adult.

"This human-sized mecha is called a small mecha. It is the most commonly used and the most frequently used mecha. Some people also call it a humanoid mecha. All soldiers going to battle must wear one. This mecha has strong defense and decent attack. Who wants to try it out?"

Coach Fang encouraged, and the students immediately shouted, "Me, me, me!"

Some female students didn't join in the commotion. They were very interested in the beautiful mecha but didn't think about using it in battle. To them, such a beautiful mecha should be admired by the bedside, not destroyed on the battlefield.

Tie Lei, a top student who scored 26 earlier, got the lucky chance.

A minute later,

The mecha closed, and a 'little warrior' was born. Inside the mecha, Tie Lei felt a strange sense of combat. Wearing this, he felt ten times stronger. After a small warm-up, he knocked down three sets of iron supports and a concrete wall, giving him a sense of invincibility.

At this moment,

"Du classmate." Tie Lei saw a familiar figure, waved, and said, "Do you want to try this mecha? Du classmate, you have Level 2 physical techniques, you should be able to spar with the mecha. How about it, let everyone see?"

"Sure, sure!"

Before Du Nan could respond, Wu Mingzhao stepped forward and loudly said to everyone, "Don't be surprised, class. The humanoid mecha is like a comprehensive protective armor. Without weapons like guns or swords, its offensive power is not strong. Moreover, this mecha is not a 'battlefront soldier' mecha, it uses a high-energy battery, not a seed core."

Wu Mingzhao walked to Tie Lei's side and familiarly activated a visual display.

It showed: Wang's production, high-energy battery power plant. Militia series, non-formal police equipment.

"See, this mecha is not powered by mana. Its combat power is equivalent to that of an ancient armored warrior." Wu Mingzhao smiled, intentionally not mentioning that its agility and defense were several times better than an ancient armored warrior.

Everyone understood.

They turned, looking at Du Nan with a hint of expectation, imagining a 'human vs. mecha' battle. Normally, such battles only appeared in movies. More realistic war footage was of insect or beast races fighting human mechas. They had never seen a human vs. mecha battle.

Does Du classmate have the courage to fight a mecha with his bare hands?

***

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