IMAO Chapter 11

Jiang Yuan handled the curving light beams with effortless grace. Like a swift leopard, his agile movements created a gust of wind as he dodged the unpredictable curved light rays with each pass.

As the speed increased, Ji Rong, separated from Jiang Yuan by two testing devices, noticed the acceleration and Jiang Yuan’s velocity. Even with the naked eye, he could discern that Jiang Yuan’s evasions were not rushed, but rather methodical and composed.

Whoosh!

After numerous dodges, the machine reached its maximum testing speed. Both Jiang Yuan and Ji Rong remained untouched by the light beams.

“These two… they’re terrifying!” one student exclaimed. The surrounding students gaped in astonishment. While their admission to the First Military Academy’s Mecha Department already placed them among humanity’s elite, they paled in comparison to these two. Were they even human?

Even the teacher administering the test couldn’t help but praise them repeatedly.

As Ji Rong underwent the test, he occasionally glanced at Jiang Yuan, thinking to himself: Who would have guessed this guy not only had impressive physical skills but also reaction speeds on par with his own? He couldn’t afford to lose. If those folks from Planet Noth learned he’d been bested on his first day of school, who knows how they’d mock him!

The mere thought of them pointing at him and invoking his father’s name gave him a headache.

Five minutes passed, then ten, then twenty…

Half an hour later, maintaining intense mental focus while evading the curved attacks and executing one difficult maneuver after another, Ji Rong’s clothes were completely drenched in sweat. Large beads of perspiration trickled down his elegant neckline.

Jiang Yuan was in a similar state, his clothes soaked through. Alphonse in his mind could help him detect the trajectory of the curved motions, but his body showed signs of fatigue. His breathing grew labored as his stamina began to wane.

Ji Rong had nearly reached his limit, but seeing Jiang Yuan persist, he refused to concede. When would they finally get a break? This was nothing like the academic experience he’d envisioned!

He’d merely come to military school to earn a degree, coast through four years, graduate as the top student, and then join the military. But of course, there had to be a Jiang Yuan among his classmates!

When would this ever end? No, he couldn’t lose! Ji Rong gritted his teeth, steeling his resolve.

The surrounding classmates were captivated by the pair’s movements. Students from Class 2, waiting for their turn, had gathered at the entrance, observing the scene inside.

The testing teacher, noticing Class 2 students at the doorway and the two classmates still locked in competition, pondered for a moment. Stepping forward, he glanced at the screen displaying the test speed—300 units. Noting the two’s labored breathing, the teacher pressed the pause button.

“Alright, that’s enough. The machine has reached its maximum speed. You both have exceptional reaction times,” the testing teacher nodded with a smile. “This round, Jiang Yuan takes first place, Ji Rong second.”

Ji Rong collapsed, his expression screaming, ‘How is that fair?’ Before he could ask, their classmates were already questioning the teacher.

The testing teacher explained, “Jiang Yuan is a Beta, Ji Rong is an Alpha. Betas naturally have lower physical capabilities than Alphas. Yet both Jiang Yuan and Ji Rong avoided being hit by the curves for half an hour. So, who do you think should win?”

Beta?

Ji Rong, sitting exhausted on the ground, whipped his head toward Jiang Yuan, his lip twitching. Across two machines, he asked, “You’re a Beta? Not an Alpha?”

Jiang Yuan glanced at Ji Rong. “Mm-hmm.”

Ji Rong wore a ‘you must be joking’ expression, raising one eyebrow. “But that day, you clearly had an Alpha’s pheromone scent. I couldn’t have mistaken it!”

Jiang Yuan rolled his eyes, turning his back as he left the machine, ignoring Ji Rong.

Upon learning Jiang Yuan was a Beta, their classmates were dumbfounded.

“So Jiang Yuan is that one Beta who got into the Mecha Department this year! No wonder he’s so incredible!”

“Is this really a Beta? More like a monster, right?”

“Those reaction speeds are terrifying!”

After the final test, the teacher led Class 1 students out and began addressing them. “Your student numbers will be assigned based on your entrance test results.”

Clearly, Jiang Yuan’s student number was 7592101. The first four digits represented the year 7592, 1 indicated Jiang Yuan’s class, and 01 was his number within that class.

Ji Rong’s student number was 7592102.

“Alright, now line up in rows of eight according to your student numbers!”

At the testing teacher’s command, the thirty students quickly formed an 8×4 formation. Once everyone was in place, the teacher continued, “Remember, your student numbers are temporary. The school will conduct similar tests monthly, after which your numbers will be reassigned.

“Of course, future tests won’t just evaluate endurance and reaction speed. As your studies progress, more subjects will be added.

“These will include mecha, biology, geography, physics, mathematics – everything. Though it’s called the Mecha Department, I’m sure you’re aware this major covers far more than just mechas!

“Essentially, you’ll study everything except mecha engineering. Oh, you’ll still learn the basics of mecha engineering, of course.

“While you won’t need to repair mechas, understanding basic operations is crucial. The more you understand about the mechas you use, the better you can take advantage of their strengths.

“Alright, the opening ceremony is tomorrow at 9 a.m. Don’t be late. After the ceremony, you’ll have two days off. Your classes begin on Monday! Enjoy your studies!”

As the testing teacher finished, a tall, imposing man in a black military uniform with a cold demeanor approached. He spoke coolly, “Hello, I’m your instructor. You may call me Horace Hampden, or Instructor Horace. Feel free to come to me with any issues.

“That concludes today’s testing. Your uniforms have been delivered to your room doors. For tomorrow’s ceremony, I expect no one to show up in casual clothes!”

“Yes, sir!” The young voices thundered in unison.

After dismissal, Jiang Yuan checked his communicator. He had three unread messages – one from his mother, Fang Shi, and two from Song Yirui.

Jiang Yuan rubbed his brow and opened the communicator. He read Fang Shi’s message first: Mom transferred 10,000 to your card. Let me know if you need more.

Ji Rong, who had been observing Jiang Yuan, noticed a bright smile spread across his face upon reading the message. He was clearly delighted by its contents.

Who sent him a message that made him so happy? Ji Rong wondered silently as he watched Jiang Yuan reply.

Jiang Yuan typed back to Fang Shi: Thanks, Mom.

After sending his thanks, Jiang Yuan’s mind conjured his mother’s gentle face. He couldn’t help but send another message.

In her office, Fang Shi heard her communicator chime. She opened it to see Jiang Yuan’s “Thanks, Mom” reply. Covering her mouth, she giggled softly. Just as she finished laughing, another message from Jiang Yuan arrived.

Jiang Yuan: Mom, you’re the best.

Fang Shi blushed upon reading this message, her heart pounding. Her son had never spoken to her like this before. This child was just like Jiang Tianze – a man of few words who rarely expressed his true feelings.

Meanwhile, after replying and seeing no response from Fang Shi, Jiang Yuan switched to Song Yirui’s messages.

Song Yirui: How’s the start of school? Everything going smoothly?

Song Yirui: Xiao Yuan, I wanted to tell you at the celebration banquet… Let’s get married after you graduate!

As Jiang Yuan stared at Song Yirui’s last message in slight shock, a head suddenly appeared from behind him. The owner of the head rested his chin on Jiang Yuan’s shoulder, quickly glancing down at the message in Jiang Yuan’s hand while saying, “What are you looking at? You’re smiling so hap-”

The word “happily” caught in his throat.

Ji Rong didn’t know why he was so curious about the contents of Jiang Yuan’s communicator. He’d been compelled by some inexplicable urge to take a peek. When he saw someone proposing marriage to Jiang Yuan, his body instantly stiffened.

Graduate? Marriage?

Who the hell is this?!

Damn it!

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