As a princess of the royal family, Xie Xingyan's test naturally drew the attention of all present. Under the probing gazes of the crowd, she slowly lay down inside the specialized testing apparatus.
A few seconds later, her report was printed.
Mr. Wilson of the Research Academy exclaimed with joy, "The princess's mental power has reached S-rank! Unfortunately, her physique is only at D-rank. I recommend the princess pursue the path of a Pharmacist—that would be the most suitable direction for her development."
The gazes of the onlookers held both envy and regret.
What a pity. Xie Xingyan was clearly a genius in mental power, yet her weak physique dragged her down.
Xie Xingyan herself accepted the results calmly. After all, in the interstellar era, one's physique could be improved through harsh training.
And her spiritual power was unique—it could be used to gradually strengthen her body.
Because her physical grade was so low before, the speed of improvement would be relatively quick at first; but later, she expected progress to slow dramatically.
As for mental power, ordinary people without great opportunities rarely saw any change at all.
Xie Xingyan could clearly sense that after hearing her test results, her parents' gaze toward her carried warmth for the first time. It was no longer the cold indifference she had known before.
This was perfectly normal. In the interstellar world, only children with talent received support from the Federation and their families.
As for ordinary people with poor aptitude, if they couldn't find a career path, they would be reduced to mere tools for reproduction.
In this society, blood ties and family background mattered little. What truly mattered was one's talent and future potential.
In short—strength was everything. As long as one was outstanding enough, class mobility was common.
Another member of the royal family being tested was her twin brother, Xie Xingyuan. His results: both physique and mental power were double-A, a genius on both fronts.
Xie Xingyuan had a strong competitive streak. Upon hearing his results, he immediately glanced at Xie Xingyan with smug pride.
That raised eyebrow seemed to say: See? I am the better one.
Their parents' smiles widened into full grins. If before they had merely smiled, now they were overflowing with delight.
Xie Xingyan felt no envy. She had never lacked love in her heart, nor did she expect it from others.
On the return shuttle, Xie Xingyuan's excited voice rang out:
"Father, Mother, I'm so happy! I'll study hard and one day become a brilliant major in the Federal Legion!"
"Don't speak nonsense. You are the heir of the Xie royal family. At most, when you come of age you may serve for experience, but to remain in the Legion permanently—that is impossible."
"Father, you've been in the Legion before? What happened back then?"
"Well, in those days I—"
Their mother's lips curved as she watched father and son's warm interaction. But when her gaze turned to her daughter's calm demeanor, she merely frowned and said nothing.
A crying child gets the milk. Even from these cold parents, that truth could be seen.
Xie Xingyan did not intend to entangle herself with them. If she wanted to make a name in the Legion, she would likely need to give up her title as a princess of the stars anyway.
When they returned home, each child went to their own courtyard.
In the interstellar era, space-folding technology was highly advanced. Every child lived independently in their own courtyard, said to cultivate autonomy in life and study from an early age.
Back in her courtyard, the robot butler hurried forward:
"Congratulations, Little Master. I have received your test results. I suggest that when you choose your school's career path, you prioritize becoming a Pharmacist."
"Alright. First, transmit the basic information of the First Primary School of the Federation to me. I'll study it later."
"Yes, Little Master. 0028 is at your service."
The mecha warrior instructor at this school was a retired major with considerable strength and experience—a promising option.
For her future development, Xie Xingyan decided to major in Mecha Warrior, with a minor in Pharmacist.
This path had been attempted before, but very few ever succeeded. In fact, no one had dared to try in recent decades.
When the school received her application, they were shocked. After much discussion among the instructors, they agreed—on the condition that her graduation requirements would be absolutely uncompromising.
As her guardians, Xie Father and Xie Mother received the notice on their guangnao. They had only one thought: This daughter is far too ambitious. This path is doomed. She will only bring shame upon the royal family.
Meanwhile, in her training room, Xie Xingyan suddenly received a holo-call. As soon as she opened it, her mother's sharp voice scolded her:
"Xie Xingyan! You're about to disgrace the entire royal family. How could you decide to major in Mecha Warrior without consulting us?!"
"Mother, the school applications are self-chosen. This is explicitly written in interstellar law. And today was the final day of submission."
"Fine, fine—you truly are capable! Not even of age and already so willful. From this day on, besides the starcoins granted by the Federation, do not expect a single credit of support from us!"
Before Xie Xingyan could respond, her mother terminated the call.
As nobles, her parents despised defiance. They expected their children to follow the path they laid out.
Now that Xie Xingyan had shown this streak of independence, they naturally feared losing control. Hence, they imposed economic sanctions.
But Xie Xingyan had already prepared for the worst. Thanks to the Federation's generous subsidies for underage children, she had the confidence to resist.
Soon, the opening day at the First Primary School of the Federation arrived.
Here, Xie Xingyan was about to begin an extraordinary new chapter of her life.