This chapter is translated specially for Nochu! thank you so much for your support on Kofi<3
After finishing their match, each team would recall their mechas into spatial buttons and exit the field. Fingernail-sized smart cameras captured every movement in the arena, recording them into the academy’s archive.
Having experienced two previous worlds, Xia Yan had grown accustomed to such situations.
Standing tall and elegant under the spotlight, he instinctively raised an eyebrow and curled his lips into a smirk, exuding the untamed recklessness of youth.
Yet, his naturally charming peach blossom eyes carried a hint of allure, brimming with an unspoken seductiveness that seemed almost deliberate.
For a brief moment, the lively audience fell silent. Then, a deafening cheer erupted as if a switch had been flipped. It was the kind of fervor reserved for diehard fans encountering their idol, only missing glow sticks to complete the scene.
The smile froze on Xia Yan’s face.
Oops.
His plan to act as a stepping stone had utterly failed. In a moment of distraction, he had accidentally brought the persona from the first world into this one.
In this interstellar era, where the Zerg threatened humanity and everyone valued strength, Xia Yan’s stunning display just moments earlier was too extraordinary to overlook.
He had crossed nearly a hundred meters in mere seconds and swiftly slain two Zerg.
His precision in controlling the mecha was masterful, showcasing a level of finesse that placed him among the best of the S-ranks.
Then there was the way he carried himself afterward—the unshakable confidence, the bold, fearless aura mixed with a hint of charm.
It was utterly captivating.
Before the audience could fully savor it, however, the emotionless AI cameras moved to the next cadet as programmed, displaying Edwin’s towering figure on the high-definition screens.
The crowd: “…” Damn it! Give us back the previous screen!
“Did anyone take a picture?!”
“Are you dumb? Just check the archives! It’s a training session, not classified information. Anyone from the academy can access it.”
“I… forgot.”
As people huddled together in hushed discussions, their minds filled with the image of the dark-haired youth’s breathtaking smile, they barely paid attention to the remaining team members.
Only when Ludwig appeared did they spare him a glance.
Hmm! Handsome guy. Nice.
Then they resumed impatiently urging the AI to speed things up while anonymously posting on the academy forum.
Ahem, keep it anonymous. Must save face.
–
When the training session concluded, Xia Yan and his team returned to the waiting area, anticipating the instructors’ scores.
Internally, Xia Yan was wracked with regret. He had completely blown this opportunity and ruined his carefully crafted persona. Thankfully, it had only been a short moment, so maybe… just maybe… no one noticed?
The youth discreetly shifted his gaze, carefully observing the other students. Everyone seemed distracted, their expressions strangely conflicted.
Even Edwin, seated one spot away, looked visibly uneasy, his lips moving as if he were trying to say something.
?
Xia Yan’s heart sank. A bad feeling crept over him.
Seeing Edwin’s determined expression, as though he had made up his mind, Xia Yan panicked. Quickly, he turned his head to stare intently at the large screen, feigning complete engrossment in the ongoing matches.
Edwin wanted to apologize.
For the violin in the music room, for his past prejudices. He had believed the rumors and judged Xia Yan prematurely, assuming he was a cold-blooded aristocrat.
He had nearly caused the team to fall apart and even triggered the conflict between Xia Yan and Huo Ruihe.
Thinking about it filled Edwin with guilt.
“Xia… uh, no! Captain,” Edwin began.
“Hmm?” Xia Yan responded nonchalantly, cutting him off before he could continue. “Ludwig, what do you think of Huo Ruihe’s skills?”
Huo Ruihe, currently competing with Team Seven, was featured on the screen.
Ludwig glanced up. “Not bad.”
As an S-rank, Huo Ruihe was naturally strong. He led his team steadily, methodically taking down the Zerg without any chaos.
Xia Yan pressed further, “Compared to me?”
“Obviously, you’re stronger,” Ludwig replied without hesitation.
“…” Thanks for the flattery. Another day, another failed attempt at self-deprecation.
Xia Yan had no idea why things were unfolding this way. According to the system’s information, it was clear that the original owner and the protagonist gong had a poor relationship—so much so that the protagonist gong even orchestrated his death during the interstellar competition.
Since arriving in this world, Xia Yan had made sure to complete his daily quota of “bullying Ludwig.”
And yet, Ludwig’s attitude toward him kept improving, almost resembling the blind adoration of those sycophantic friends from the first world.
The filter was that thick!!!
Xia Yan felt his mission was doomed. No—wait! There might still be hope.
Following Ludwig’s lead, Xia Yan deflected the conversation with a few self-praising remarks, effectively blocking Edwin’s unspoken apology and ensuring none of his teammates said anything outrageous.
The participants in Training Ground No.1 rotated out, and the first practical training session for Class 3-A soon concluded.
Because scores were awarded on-site, results were quickly announced.
Xia Yan’s group scored nine points as a team, while he personally received a perfect ten. As the captain, he earned an additional bonus point, making his total twenty academic points—a full score achievement.
Ludwig scored eighteen points; Edwin and Zhao Jiang both got sixteen, and Betty scored the lowest with fifteen.
The original owner had always excelled academically, maintaining the highest credit count in his grade and holding the position of class chief. But even for him, a perfect score was unprecedented.
The students of Class A glanced between Xia Yan and Betty, their expressions complicated as they recalled the events in the training arena.
Could they have misunderstood him?
In virtual training sessions, Xia Yan was known to recklessly send his civilian teammates to their deaths. But in real combat, he had gone to great lengths to protect Betty.
The stark contrast left them bewildered.
As everything was wrapping up, Xia Yan exhaled quietly in relief. He planned to leave with the crowd and slip away from Edwin and the others.
But just as he was about to go, someone in the stands abruptly stood up and shouted, “Teacher, I accuse Xia Yan Gardner of cheating in this training session!”
Xia Yan froze in place, utterly baffled.
“???”
The students, who had been dispersing, stopped in their tracks, buzzing with shock.
“What’s this about? This isn’t a written exam—how do you even cheat in a combat trial?”
“Xia Yan’s been the class chief since enrollment, and his strength is undeniable. Why would he need to stoop to something so underhanded?”
“Is that guy out of his mind?”
Three teachers were responsible for scoring this session, two men and one woman.
Exchanging confused looks, the teachers hesitated, as if doubting their own ears. Finally, the young female teacher stepped forward and asked gently, “Do you have evidence?”
“I do.” The accuser, a man, pointed a trembling finger at Edwin. “He has the Zerg data Xia Yan gave to our group.”
Edwin, staring at his familiar yet suddenly unrecognizable roommate, was stunned for a moment. Then, fury ignited within him. “Hans, what the hell are you talking about? That’s just a datasheet!”
“It’s data compiled by the Xia family. Xia Yan used his family connections to obtain the academy’s Zerg data, allowing him to prepare a plan in advance.”
The man, clearly rehearsing this moment many times in his mind, declared, “Such behavior is cheating.”
The Central Military Academy had a zero-tolerance policy for cheating. If confirmed, the accused would be severely punished and forced to publicly apologize to the entire school.
It was a fate worse than death.
If Xia Yan were found guilty, his reputation would be utterly destroyed, his name dragged through the mud. Any chance he had of claiming the throne would vanish.
Moreover, even if it were later proven that the man’s accusation was false, Xia Yan’s reputation would still suffer.
The Xia family’s influence was immense, and Xia Yan was the most likely heir. If the school cleared him of wrongdoing, people would assume the Xia family had manipulated the system to protect him.
The accusation was a masterstroke.
Edwin’s mind raced like never before. He couldn’t even bring himself to look at Xia Yan, overwhelmed by guilt. It was his negligence, his trust in his roommate, that had allowed Hans to learn about the data.
But while Edwin was filled with self-recrimination, Xia Yan had already grasped the situation.
And he was thrilled.
What did a cannon-fodder character need a reputation for, anyway?
Xia Yan nearly laughed aloud but instead kept his expression angry. “Ha! It’s just a training session. Why would I bother cheating?”
Yes! The perfect excuse to fabricate my own ‘evidence’ later and shatter these ridiculous filters my teammates have. Time to make them hate me again.
His golden eyes gleamed, pure and untainted, as he stared down the accuser. Under Xia Yan’s unwavering gaze, the man froze, his body stiffening instinctively. Unable to meet his eyes, he averted his gaze.
The teacher asked, “What data are you referring to?”
Xia Yan raised his wrist, preparing to open the Zerg data he had prepared earlier. But before he could act, a hand reached out and stopped him.
?
“Ludwig?” Xia Yan asked, puzzled.
Ludwig gave him a reassuring look before turning to the teacher. “This matter is beyond what the teachers can handle. I suggest we hand it over to the Imperial Enforcement Corps for investigation.”
The Enforcement Corps was led by the head of the Huo family, Huo Ruihe’s father. Known for their fairness and impartiality, they were immune to outside influences. Given Xia Yan’s recent conflict with Huo Ruihe, there was little chance of foul play, and they would undoubtedly clear Xia Yan’s name.
Edwin caught on quickly and chimed in, “Yes! Let’s request the Enforcement Corps to investigate.”
Betty and Zhao Jiang also voiced their agreement.
The teacher frowned. “The Enforcement Corps only handles high-priority cases. A school cheating allegation might not qualify.”
Xia Yan: “???”
No way am I letting this golden opportunity slip through my fingers.
He quickly stepped forward, exuding arrogance. “There’s no need to trouble the Empire. I trust the academy’s investigative abilities.”
“Captain, this isn’t about ability,” Edwin protested, looking pained. “We need an authoritative body to ensure a fair investigation.”
Since when did Xia Yan become such a naïve and innocent soul?
Edwin’s protective instincts flared up.
Xia Yan lowered his voice and snapped, “The Empire has countless matters more important than this. We can’t waste our nation’s resources on something so trivial.”
Edwin: “…”
Teacher: “…” What a thoughtful student.
Ludwig, unfazed, was about to argue further when sudden gasps erupted in the arena.
“Oh my god… It’s the King!”
“Why is the King attending a mere training match?”
“It must be because of Xia Yan.”
Following the crowd’s gaze, Ludwig turned and found himself staring into a pair of deep blue eyes—calm and steady like an ocean yet concealing countless hidden dangers.
