The moment the starships touched down, they were swarmed by a dense cloud of hovering cameras and flashing lenses.
Official media from both the Federation and the Empire crowded the control rooms, vying to capture the scene from the most precise and flattering angles.
Hiss—
The Federation starship's hatch slid open. Youthful academy students, clad in crisp silver-white uniforms, marched out in perfect formation. Their expressions were solemn, their steps synchronized to a fault. Ignoring the dazzling lights, they proceeded straight to the grand assembly field near the spaceport.
A welcoming party awaited them.
Though the exercise involved academy students rather than active military, the Federation had rolled out an impressive lineup of officials: alongside the diplomatic team, two legion commanders were present, led by none other than the current military supreme commander, Ning Hongxue.
The Federation students halted in the assembly field, raising their heads to salute Ning Hongxue.
Ning Hongxue nodded in acknowledgment.
His appearance was striking—stunningly handsome, with an air of refined nobility. Yet, perhaps due to his constant projection of mental energy, one's first impression wasn't his flawless features but his unfathomable presence.
He was an undeniable powerhouse.
The students stood before him, undergoing his inspection. Some puffed out their chests with pride under his gaze, exuding confidence in their inevitable victory; others, less bold, quivered under the weight of his mental aura, treading as if on thin ice.
Though both nations' starships landed simultaneously, the Imperial students arrived a few minutes later, seemingly in no rush.
Compared to the taut, high-strung Federation students, the Imperials maintained orderly ranks but carried a relaxed air.
Physically, Imperials and Federals were nearly indistinguishable, especially with their mental entities retracted. The real difference was in their demeanor.
Despite the grueling training of academy life, the Imperials radiated charm—each one strikingly attractive, as if plucked from a Federation star-net idol lineup. As their formation marched to the center of the assembly field, the surrounding light seemed to brighten.
The Federation students, struggling to stay composed, couldn't help stealing glances at the Imperial ranks.
This was their first time seeing so many living, breathing Imperials!
Those cunning Imperials—making them look drab by sheer appearance alone!
"General Ning," said Ru Kuoming, the Imperial delegation's lead instructor, stepping onto the platform to shake Ning Hongxue's hand.
"Welcome, friends from afar," Ning Hongxue said with a smile, a scar on his face doing nothing to diminish his elegance. "We're honored to conduct this joint exercise with the Empire's future officers. The military has prepared a banquet and accommodations for the evening. We can proceed there to discuss further."
"Thank you for your hospitality," Ru Kuoming replied, offering a flawless smile. "However, since the exercise is set on a neutral barren planet, we won't linger long on Blazing Sun Star. Let's skip the banquet and proceed with the opening ceremony as planned."
Though billed as a gesture of goodwill between nations, their exchange carried an undercurrent of rivalry. In one move, Ru Kuoming denied the Federation the role of "host." Why would the Empire, with ample fuel, rest on Federation soil when they could return to their own planets?
Ning Hongxue didn't press the issue.
The two exchanged another smile, falling silent as the nearby cameras clicked softly.
Bai Sha stood below the platform. As commander, she was at the forefront of the Imperial formation. Though she longed to scan the Federation team for familiar faces, countless eyes were watching—she couldn't make such an obvious move.
Instead, it was Ning Hongxue who, while surveying the field, let his gaze linger on her for a moment.
Bai Sha caught his look and subtly rolled her eyes.
Her gesture was noticed by the Federation's commander, who frowned.
The Federation commander was a cold-eyed, dark-skinned youth, likely a third-year. His nameplate read "Dai Sheng."
What piqued Bai Sha's curiosity was Dai Sheng's strength—how formidable was he to outrank Zhou Ye as the Federation's commander?
Bai Sha looked up, pretending not to notice Dai Sheng's unfriendly stare, as ceremonial cannons fired and honor guards played on either side of the platform. The two formations began singing their national anthems.
The Federation's anthem was long and melodic, while the Empire's was bold and resonant, its deep tones evoking an epic saga.
Bai Sha raised a fist in salute, joining her Imperial comrades in song:
"Northern winds and frost forge my blade.
Upholding heaven's might, my knees are iron.
One army, one command; one general, one word…"
To dedicate everything to the Empire's glory, to uphold the cosmic order!
The anthem's unmistakable battle intent drew sidelong glances from Federation reporters and officials.
"Ceremony concluded," announced the honor guard, their scepters tapping the ground. "The joint military exercise officially begins today!"
The most formal segment was over. Bai Sha relaxed her shoulders, waiting for her cue to draw lots.
The exercise comprised three matches. Though held on barren planets, the KT-36 system's planets varied in environment. For fairness, the first two match venues would be chosen by lot, with Bai Sha drawing for the first.
As for the third match—if one side dominated the first two, it might not even be necessary.
"Imperial commander, please draw."
Bai Sha, in her military boots, ascended the steps, approaching the transparent lot box under the crowd's gaze. The process, broadcast live with full surveillance, left no room for cheating or second-guessing.
Any venue would do…
With no pressure, Bai Sha reached in and pulled out a clear slip.
"KT36-02," she announced, displaying the slip for all to see.
The screens behind them flickered, revealing a vivid yellow planet.
KT36-02 had gravity similar to Blazing Sun Star, covered in mountains, hills, and arid wastelands with scant vegetation, though it boasted plains and rivers.
"Not bad luck," Ru Kuoming whispered to Bai Sha with a smile. "This is one of the rare KT-36 planets with colonial potential."
Colonial potential meant minimal habitability—breathable air, no toxic gases, stable temperatures, and no meteor showers. They could focus on fighting without extra hardships. For mech engineers, repairs would be simpler too.
Dai Sheng, the Federation commander, inhaled sharply, glaring at Bai Sha as if to say, "You got lucky."
"Now that the first match's venue is set, we should begin preparations—setting up monitoring points, arranging supplies, and coordinating support," Ru Kuoming said to Ning Hongxue.
Ning Hongxue nodded. "Our event committee will liaise with the Empire."
By mutual agreement, in case of emergencies or urgent withdrawals, rescue operations would be handled by joint teams from both nations, necessitating some cooperative logistics.
With the opening ceremony concluded, the Federation and Imperial delegations began exiting the field.
As commander, Bai Sha had led the entry and now brought up the rear, finally getting a chance to openly scan the Federation team.
She caught a fleeting glimpse of the Zhou twins' backs, too distant to read their expressions.
As for Ya Ning and Jing Yi, her friends of interest, they passed her one after the other, separated by a crowd—
Yan Jingyi looked up, her gaze briefly meeting Bai Sha's.
Bai Sha's eyes brightened, about to raise a quick hand, when Jingyi, expression unchanged, turned and melted into the moving throng.
Bai Sha: "…"
Before she could wallow in disappointment, a weight settled on her shoulder. Turning, she found Cen Yuehuai leaning on her.
"Your Highness, that Federation military leader seems formidable. His mental strength is at least 3S, right?" Cen Yuehuai whispered warily.
"Close enough," Bai Sha sighed. "But what's terrifying is the entire legion at his command. And his nerve."
Cen Yuehuai raised an eyebrow. "Did you cross him before?"
Bai Sha waved a tired hand. "Something like that."
Cen Yuehuai scanned the area. "Why haven't your friends come to find you—"
Before she finished, Bai Sha's holo-brain flickered.
The message bypassed standard star-net signals, arriving via the Unbound City's private mailbox.
The sender was "Rainfall on Misty Peaks"—Zhou Ye:
[Situation's tricky, no time to talk. See you on the field.]
"Yeah, it's not a good time for a reunion," Cen Yuehuai nodded. "They could sneak over privately… oh, wait, our teams are housed separately, and we can't wander around Blazing Sun Star."
They really could only "meet on the field."
The Imperial students landed on a main Imperial planet in the frontier system, settling into assigned dorms.
Though Bai Sha's draw of KT36-02 was fortunate—lacking major hazards beyond star insects—a pre-battle meeting was still necessary, focusing on terrain analysis and tactics.
"The exercise covers this area," Bai Sha said, circling a section on the map. "Our initial landing coordinates were set northwest and southeast of this river. But the planet's in a winter drought, and the water's nearly gone."
"Is there sandstorm risk?" a mech engineer raised a hand. "If so, we'll need to modify the mechs' outer shells and foot thrusters."
"Satellite data shows sandstorm risks in some regions," Bai Sha mused. "Modify them just in case. Can you finish by tonight?"
The engineer gave a thumbs-up, grinning. "No problem. We've got Ying Chen—his hands are lightning."
Ying Chen: "Cough…"
Bai Sha raised a hand. "I'll help too."
Xino, seated upfront, said, "The arena has no supply drops, and this planet's resources are scarce…"
"It's a competitive exercise, scored by star beast kills," Kaisin said matter-of-factly. "No resources? We'll take them from the Federation."
Ji Ya nodded. "I'm worried they're thinking the same."
Both turned their gazes to the mech engineers.
Mech engineers: limited combat ability, likely carrying ample supplies, and neutralizing them could cripple a team's logistics.
Perfect prey.
…And perfect bait.