Volume Two: Eagle Legion

Chapter 32: Welcome

Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Karai

“In the White Tower’s underground, on the 10th floor, Area A, Cell 3, there is a berserk sentinel being held. He can help you.” Marshal Qin Tian revealed a crucial piece of information to Yu Ran before leaving. “I will provide him with proper identification. You find a way to rescue him, cleanse his mental landscape, and let him infiltrate the Eagle Special Forces as your assistant.”

“Got it.” Yu Ran said straightforwardly, “Since the masked person sent me to infiltrate Lu Zexuan’s side and control him… I think the Eagle Special Forces must have their spies monitoring Lu Zexuan as well. If someone helps me, it will be easier for me to act.”

“Hmm. Lu Zexuan is one of the most capable young military commanders. He has completed many arduous tasks with the Eagle Special Forces over the years. However, you also cannot trust him completely; it’s still uncertain whether the Eagle Legion has been infiltrated.”

“I understand. I will be careful.”

Marshal Qin Xiao’s inspection at the guide academy officially ended at five in the afternoon.

The marshal had conversations in the mental world with hundreds of student representatives, seemingly to promote the new school for Class C guides established by the military, encouraging everyone to apply more. No one knew that his inspection this time was actually for Yu Ran.

The communication on the capital planet had been monitored by the Investigation Division recently. He had to meet Yu Ran to know his next plan and assist him in secret. At the same time, he also informed Yu Ran not to contact him anymore. That organization was too mysterious, and who knew how many of their spies were within the military. The road ahead would be extremely cautious.

After the marshal left, Yu Ran returned to Class 107 with his roommate Qin Tian, looking calm.

Many curious classmates asked him, “How is the marshal?”

“I heard he’s an S+ guide. Is he very powerful?”

Excitedly, Qin Tian described, “The marshal is like a kind old grandfather, chatting with us with a smile, without any airs! His spirit body is a super beautiful deep-sea jellyfish, and he even pulled us into his mental landscape! I saw lots of corals, reefs, the deep-sea world is so spectacular!”

Kamiya envied, “The deep sea? How many times bigger than my fish tank is that? His healing abilities must be extraordinary.”

Suddenly, Yu Ran said, “He’s an attack-type guide; his healing abilities should be average.”

The classmates all looked stunned, turning their heads to Yu Ran.

Yu Ran explained, “I read it in a book—some guides’ spirit bodies may appear harmless, but they actually have strong attack power. Deep-sea jellyfish may look beautiful, but they are poisonous and are attack-type spirit bodies.”

The classmates were shocked, especially Qin Tian. He had just let his little Teddy play with those jellyfish moments ago?

Teacher Ai Qi happened to walk into the classroom at that moment, hearing this, she couldn’t help but smile and say, “Yu Ran is right. The marshal is one of the strongest attack-type guides in the Federation. He can silently infiltrate the target’s mental world with the jellyfish and release toxins. The opponent’s mental landscape will soon be overwhelmed and corroded by poisonous jellyfish.”

The classmates were speechless. It seemed like the Marshal was a gentle and kind person, using mental therapy to help the generals eliminate negative emotions and maintain harmony. But now, it sounds like the Marshal is quite formidable? 

Yu Ran knew the Marshal well. This old man was not as gentle as he appeard; he was a smiling tiger, dealing firmly with the generals of the military headquarters. However, no matter how powerful a guide is, it’s impossible to simultaneously handle numerous high-ranking sentinels. Once the military undergoes a rebellion, the Marshal alone cannot control the situation. It’s necessary to win over a legion to stand by the Marshal’s side and hold the line.

Yu Ran agreed to the masked man’s plan and lurked beside Lu Zexuan. In fact, he also wanted to assess whether this young general, Lu Zexuan, is trustworthy enough. The best outcome would be to join forces with Lu Zexuan and then use him to win over his father, Lu Tingyu, and unify the entire Eagle Legion under the Marshal’s banner.

This way, even if a war breaks out in the future, they would have a certain chance of success.

***

In early April, the tasks of the Eagle Special Forces suddenly became more frequent. For the past few months, there had been a large number of Class C berserk sentinels, which Lu Zexuan had always felt uneasy about. Unfortunately, when he asked his father at home, his father’s knowledge was also limited. After a brief calm in March, they thought the situation was under control, but it unexpectedly escalated in April, becoming even more serious.

More Class B berserk sentinels have recently appeared. Class C sentinels only had enhanced physical abilities, and their combat effectiveness was not fearsome; they were easily subdued even when berserk. But the combat power of Class B sentinels after going berserk was not much different from ordinary Class A, even though the Eagle Special Forces were all elites, dealing with them consumed a lot of energy.

It’s hard to imagine what kind of disaster it would bring if Class A, or even Class S, sentinels lost control. Lu Zexuan’s inner unease grew stronger. On this rare day off, he urgently came to the Guide Academy to see Yu Ran.

Perhaps because Yu Ran’s guide essence matched his so well? Whenever he was in a bad mood, seeing Yu Ran would calm his mental agitation in the mental world, and his mood would improve significantly.

Yu Ran arranged to meet Lu Zexuan at the garden restaurant they had met last time. He knew there were spies from the Dark Night organization here, so it was convenient to say something for them to hear.

Looking at the obvious dark circles under the man’s eyelids, Yu Ran couldn’t help but express concern, “Are you very tired lately?”

Lu Zexuan rubbed his forehead and said, “The missions have been a bit much.”

Yu Ran asked, “Are they dangerous?”

Lu Zexuan didn’t know how to describe it. After a moment of silence, he said, “Several comrades were seriously injured and are undergoing treatment, and Mohr is also overwhelmed.”

Yu Ran lowered his head in frustration, “It’s a pity I can’t be by your side to help.”

Lu Zexuan looked at him and suddenly asked, “Yu Ran, would you like to join the Eagle Special Forces?”

Yu Ran was taken aback, “Me? My healing abilities are still weak; am I qualified to join the Special Forces?”

Lu Zexuan said, “Your guide essence compatibility with me is as high as 98%. You can help me stabilize my emotions very well, and as for others, you only need to do the most basic mental organization. Besides, you are a forest-type guide, capable of rebuilding landscapes.” Lu Zexuan paused, “Mohr doesn’t plan to retire temporarily; he will continue to stay in the legion to handle daily treatment work. Our Special Forces are currently short-handed, and we really need a guide to help Mohr share some of the workload. If you’re willing, I’ll submit a special application to the military headquarters. Given the high compatibility, they should approve it.”

Yu Ran scratched his head, “But I haven’t graduated from the Sanctuary yet. How about… I apply to take the graduation exam early?”

Lu Zexuan asked, “Do you think you can pass it?”

“It’s not difficult for theoretical classes. Spend a few days memorizing the textbooks, and I’ll be able to solve most of the questions. As for practical classes, Dean Xie has been personally guiding me recently, though we haven’t reached the more challenging lessons yet. I’ll talk to him about my situation and ask him to accelerate the teaching progress.” Yu Ran calculated carefully, “If the study goes smoothly, in about a month, I should be able to pass the graduation exam.”

The key to the guide exam lies not in theoretical classes but in practical ones.

Can he really graduate so quickly? Lu Zexuan couldn’t help but think of the genius student who graduated from the guide academy in just three months over a decade ago. However, Yu Ran is quite different from that student. That student was said to be an S-class guide, self-taught. Yu Ran, on the other hand, is a growing-type guide, personally guided by Dean Xie, coupled with his intelligence, and at 18, his understanding far surpasses that of a 13-year-old, so his fast learning is normal.

Next to them, a waiter in a white suit vest passed by with tea, discreetly through the glass room. He was a sentinel; although he concealed his spirit body, guides didn’t rely on their eyes to discern sentinels—they sensed them through emotions.

The little fox sensed the subtle emotional fluctuations from the sentinel. It seems he overheard their conversation just now and will report Yu Ran’s progress to his superiors.

Yu Ran lowered his head and took a sip of tea before earnestly continuing to speak to Lu Zexuan, “I’ll work hard and come to your side as soon as possible.”

That sentence suddenly warmed Lu Zexuan’s heart. During this time, Yu Ran has been studying diligently, all to quickly master mental therapy methods to come to his side? Looking at this serious and hardworking little guide in front of him, Lu Zexuan’s lips gently curved, his voice becoming incredibly gentle, “Then I’ll wait for your good news.”

In the sky, the White Eagle let out a pleasant chirp, happily circling around the little fox. Will it be able to play with the little fox every day from now on?

***

After returning to the guide academy, Yu Ran privately approached Dean Xie and informed him of his special circumstances.

“Dean, my compatibility with General Lu is 98%. Their Eagle Special Forces are currently facing some difficulties and are short-staffed. Moreover, General Lu has never seriously undergone mental sorting. I’m worried he might get into trouble, so I want to graduate as soon as possible and go help him.”

Looking at Yu Ran’s serious expression, Xie Shiyi smiled lightly, “Do you like him that much? Can’t wait to be by his side?”

Yu Ran was taken aback. What does liking have to do with it? He was compelled to go to Lu Zexuan’s side as a spy. Of course, to outsiders, he does indeed look like a “little guide chasing after an S-class sentinel eagerly.” Yu Ran blushed cooperatively and said softly, “I just want to help him. I heard that recently, their missions have been difficult, and he needs me to stabilize his emotions.”

Xie Shiyi patted his shoulder and said, “I understand. Ever since that student set a precedent for early graduation over a decade ago, there have been too many students applying for early graduation for various reasons in recent years, and you’re just one of them. I’ll accelerate your teaching progress, but whether you can master it depends on you.”

Yu Ran nodded, “I’ll do my best!”

As long as Dean Xie speeds up the teaching progress and teaches Yu Ran the content of the second year, Yu Ran will immediately grasp it. However, he still diligently played the role of a “growing-type guide,” gradually mastering knowledge and even studying hard to stay up until three in the morning every day to graduate early.

One night, Xie Shiyi woke up to find Yu Ran’s bedroom light still on. He couldn’t help but sigh, “Such a devoted child, pushing himself to this extent for Lu Zexuan… I hope Lu Zexuan won’t disappoint your sincere heart.”

Yu Ran, bored watching movies in the dormitory, suddenly sneezed loudly.

***

April quickly passed, and by May Day, Yu Ran had completed all his courses. Dean Xie organized a special graduation exam for him. Yu Ran entered the exam room calmly, keeping his theoretical grades around 90.

In practical classes, he performed exceptionally well, presenting all the content taught by Xie Shiyi in the 3D simulation laboratory—meaning, Yu Ran can now proficiently perform mental grooming on sentinels. Moreover, he can also perform basic mental landscape repair and reconstruction, meeting the requirements for graduation from the Sanctuary.

The Sanctuary was only responsible for the basic education of guides. Normally, students graduating from the Sanctuary were around 14 years old and needed to take further education at university for a 5-year period. But Yu Ran’s situation was unique; he was already 18 years old, so even if he didn’t go to university and directly joined the military, his age still met the requirements.

Moreover, the military had approved Lu Zexuan’s application. Having a guide with a 98% match by his side, there’s no reason not to approve it. For a sentinel, this is akin to having life insurance.

On May 2nd, Yu Ran packed his bags and officially left the guide academy where he had stayed for four months. His roommates were reluctant to see him go, Kamiya’s eyes were red from crying, “Brother Ran, what will we do without you!”

Yu Ran ruffled his head, saying, “Study well, I believe you will all have bright futures. Didn’t the Dean say it? Even a C-class guide should not underestimate themselves; everyone has their own value.”

Qin Tian choked up, “Will you come to see us in the future?”

Yu Ran paused, looked at his three roommates, and said, “If I have the chance, I will definitely come to see you.” He took a step forward and gently hugged them, “Goodbye.”

At the entrance of the guide academy, Lu Zexuan’s familiar car was parked there, attracting a lot of attention.

Classmates whispered curiously, “Did Yu Ran from Class 107 graduate early?”

“How is that possible? He’s just a C-class guide. How did he finish all the courses so quickly?”

“His compatibility with General Lu is very high. I guess General Lu helped him apply, right?”

“Not sure, but General Lu came to pick him up!”

Carrying his suitcase, Yu Ran arrived at the school gate. Lu Zexuan had been waiting there for him, personally got out of the car to help him with his luggage, and then opened the car door for him. Yu Ran hopped into the familiar hovercar and sat down, his face full of smiles, looking extremely happy.

Lu Zexuan glanced at him and asked gently, “So happy?”

Yu Ran thought to himself: Attending classes at the guide academy is like a graduate student in mathematics returning to first grade every day to recite multiplication tables and pretending to be eager for knowledge, playing the role of a good student… it’s really exhausting.

Yu Ran cleared his throat, suppressed his smile, and asked, “Where are you taking me?”

Lu Zexuan replied, “To report to the Eagle Corps.”

Yu Ran was curious, “Can I just report directly?”

Lu Zexuan said, “Yes. A guide like you is considered a special talent. I’ve already arranged everything.”

The two drove to the Eagle Corps’ office in the capital. Lu Zexuan helped Yu Ran enter his personal information and issued him an identity badge, which read—

Name: Yu Ran

Identity: Military Guide

Date of enlistment: May 2nd, year 500 of the Star Calendar

Unit: 1st Special Operations Team of the Eagle Corps

The female sentinel in charge of reception handed Yu Ran a military uniform predominantly black with a few dark gold accents.

Feeling the good texture of the uniform in his hands, Yu Ran glanced at Lu Zexuan excitedly and said, “Can I try it on?”

Lu Zexuan nodded, “Of course, there’s a changing room ahead.”

Yu Ran hugged the uniform and turned to change, carefully pinning the small badge to the chest of his uniform. Moments later, he walked out of the changing room, and Lu Zexuan felt his eyes light up.

—The young man looked sharp in his military uniform, the black belt making his waist look slim and elegant, his straight and long legs disappearing into the boots, emitting a strange aura of restraint. Although he wasn’t tall, his figure was proportionate. After putting on the formal military uniform, the combination of his youthful appearance and the aura of a soldier made him so good-looking that one couldn’t look away.

Lu Zexuan stared at him without blinking, saluted him, and said, “Yu Ran, welcome to the Eagle Corps.”

Yu Ran’s cheeks reddened, but he also saluted Lu Zexuan earnestly, “Eagle Special Forces Guide Yu Ran, officially reporting to General Lu!”

—It was a very standard military salute.