With the main team roster finalized, the brief training camp drew to a close.
But for the fifteen selected main team members, a new issue arose:
Who would serve as the overall commander for the joint military exercise?
All main team members were summoned to a conference room, seated across from four instructors—the designated leaders of the exercise.
"I am Ru Kuoming, the faculty representative for this joint military exercise," announced a stern-looking man, his gaze sweeping over the fifteen students.
Despite his scholarly air, his demeanor carried a sharp, decisive edge, surpassing even the instructors Bai Sha and her peers had encountered before.
"Given that you've emerged as the strongest from rigorous selections across the four major academies, the position of overall commander for this exercise will be chosen from among you," Ru Kuoming stated.
"The commander holds the highest decision-making authority during the exercise," added a woman beside him. Her features were as refined as a classical oil painting, her smile perfectly balanced—warm yet tinged with slyness. Her nameplate read "Xian Chenglian." "In critical moments, the commander's judgment is paramount. For instance, if the exercise requires splitting forces, the commander decides the team sizes and their leaders."
The students in the room fell silent.
They'd expected the commander to wield significant power, but not this much.
"Of course, all students can theoretically offer suggestions. That said, the commander's role comes with immense pressure. It demands not only exceptional judgment but also the charisma to earn everyone's trust," Xian Chenglian said, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Anyone want to nominate themselves? Or we can vote."
The students: "…"
Xino and the others subtly glanced at Bai Sha.
Bai Sha made a quick "X" gesture with her hands.
Let her slack off! She had no interest in being commander!
Just then, a third-year mech pilot stood up, breaking the silence.
"Everyone, I'm Lu Renyang, a third-year mech pilot from Tianquan Academy and the top-ranked third-year in this four-academy selection," he said. His buzz-cut head bore a faint scar at the brow, his gaze clear and resolute. "I propose myself as commander. First, as third-years, we've already interned in military districts, giving us the most experience. I understand the responsibilities and duties of a commander. Second, I'm confident in my ability to handle any situation that arises in the exercise. Please trust me."
"I object," Ji Ya spoke first. "In terms of experience, I've likely spent more time in military districts—and even on the front lines—than you, Senior. Xino Us can say the same. Being the oldest doesn't mean having the most experience."
Surprisingly, Kaisin Grez aligned with Ji Ya, adding without hesitation, "I object too."
Kaisin looked up, his blood-red eyes locking onto Lu Renyang. His expression was cold and neutral, but his words dripped with aggression. "And what was that you said? Please trust you?"
Lu Renyang's brow furrowed. "What's wrong with that?"
"It shows you've never led troops," Kaisin said, nodding. "Even for Imperial soldiers, bound by honor and incapable of betrayal, what drives an army isn't 'trust' or 'reason'—it's 'loyalty' and 'obedience.' You want to negotiate with us? That alone proves you're unfit for commander from the start."
Lu Renyang's eyes flickered, and he instinctively lowered his gaze.
Watching the dispute unfold, Bai Sha recalled Wei Li's words from Youdu Star. Wei Li had been prophetic—without a firm hand, no one could rein in these "troublemakers." Lu Renyang clearly couldn't handle Ji Ya or Kaisin.
After Kaisin spoke, he and Ji Ya exchanged a glance, both letting out a cold huff before looking away.
Xino's face lit up with interest. "Both of you want to be commander? Well, count me in—I'm joining the race." He paused, as if struck by an unbearable thought, and sighed. "I could deal with Ji Ya as commander, but taking orders from a Grez? No thanks. Kaisin, think hard about your position. With your background, are you really suited to lead?"
The "Grez" name was a sensitive one—a family that once produced beast-type leaders, now semi-openly rebellious against the royal family. Expecting others to faithfully follow his orders was a stretch.
Kaisin seemed momentarily choked, his resentful gaze flicking to Bai Sha before he snapped, "Hey, Bai Sha, you gonna say something or what?"
Bai Sha straightened her posture. "I'm just a frail mech engineer. What's there for me to say?"
"Cut the act. You're only a mech engineer for the team match. You're still a pilot in the main exercise," Kaisin scoffed. "You, frail? Sure. Just try not throwing punches in the five-on-five match—see if you can manage that."
Bai Sha raised an eyebrow. "No way. Punching is non-negotiable. How else do I show off my unique mech engineer flair?"
Everyone: "…"
"Enough with the nonsense. Look around—Ji Ya, Xino Us, who isn't under your thumb? Unless you take command, this team's going to fracture before we even hit the field," Kaisin said, slamming a hand on the table. "I'm not losing to those Federal softies in the exercise."
"Are you serious? This mess is between you, Ji Ya, and the others. Ji Ya and Xino don't have any deep grudges. The problem's with you, isn't it?" Cen Yuehuai said with a soft laugh. "If you Xizhou Academy folks cooperate, who else wouldn't? But your point's interesting. If Her Highness takes command, the team won't fall apart? So you'd follow her orders? Should I take that as you conceding?"
"I'm making a sacrifice—a necessary compromise for the team. Our internal squabbles are one thing, but the enemy in the exercise is the Federation. Shouldn't we unite and hit them hard?" Kaisin countered.
Cen Yuehuai: "…Fair point. My perspective was narrow." She gave Kaisin a rare nod of agreement.
After the debate, Ji Ya, Xino, Kaisin, and Cen Yuehuai all turned their gazes to Bai Sha. Soon, more eyes followed.
Bai Sha: "…"
"Let's just vote. Those in favor of Her Highness as commander, raise your hands," Ji Ya said, slowly lifting her own.
Besides Bai Sha's close allies, a few other students raised their hands—some out of admiration for the royal family, others swayed by her past feats or the recent argument, convinced she was the best choice. In the end, the vast majority voted in favor.
Bai Sha: "???"
What? No escaping this?