IMAO Chapter 43

“If only we had gone home with him back then…”

Several Alphas’ eyes reddened as they spoke, their faces filled with regret. Clearly, they all regretted not accepting the missing student’s invitation, and their spirits were low.

“If it was just an accident, we should have heard something by now… it’s been a month,” Cyril said, his expression turning grim. Obviously, he was still worried about his companion.

Missing?

This Milo was an Alpha and, having been selected for special training here, his combat abilities were naturally strong. Even if someone wanted to kidnap him, most wouldn’t choose an Alpha as a target. Moreover, Milo’s family hadn’t received any calls from kidnappers.

If someone wanted to sell him to the black market, they wouldn’t target an Alpha either. They would choose… relatively vulnerable Omegas or Betas instead.

Jiang Yuan thought for a moment but couldn’t make sense of it.

After lunch, when Elke called them for training, possibly because Milo had been mentioned earlier, several students immediately surrounded He Chuan.

“Instructor, is there any news about Milo?” Cyril stood straight, his entire body tense as he questioned He Chuan.

“Yes, we’ve had no updates here. Instructor, what are the police saying?”

“Where did he disappear to…”

The students bombarded He Chuan with questions about the investigation’s progress. He Chuan couldn’t tell them the truth. All evidence suggested Milo’s disappearance was unusual. He could only reassure them, “Don’t worry. Both the police and military are investigating. We’ll get results. We’ll definitely find him.”

Although He Chuan said this, the students grew more worried. But they knew their concern was useless. If the national system couldn’t find Milo, they certainly couldn’t either.

Just thinking about how the gentle giant, who used to laugh and care for them just recently, disappeared made their hearts ache, especially Cyril’s. He and Milo were closest, and when Milo first disappeared, Cyril cried from distress.

A few days into training, Jiang Yuan’s group officially began their team battle training. Due to venue limitations, team battles could only be conducted in Star Wars, using gaming pods and command transmission to simulate real mecha operations.

Huzi logged into the game that day and added them as friends to cheer them on.

Just as Jiang Yuan’s team finished grouping up in Star Wars, Huzi’s voice came through the voice system: “Jiayou¹, little guys!”

As their combat instructor, it was natural for Huzi to cheer them on. However, He Chuan, who also came to observe, didn’t say a word. He already knew the outcome.

This time, they were fighting against the strongest combat squad from Apollo. Before the exercise began, they each selected corresponding opponents for individual combat. In one-on-one battles, Jiang Yuan’s team quickly defeated their opponents.

Even Jiang Yuan thought Apollo seemed… somewhat weak.

Of course, this was just an individual challenge, not team cooperation. When they actually started team battle mode, simulating wartime coordination, this combat squad thoroughly schooled Jiang Yuan’s team!

Even though Jiang Yuan and Ji Rong barely managed to hold out until the end, they were still overwhelmed by the flawless coordination of all seven opponents.

While any single member’s mecha operation skills might not match Jiang Yuan’s, their coordination was impeccable, supported by a comprehensive tactical system. With just one command from their captain, they could instantly execute perfect teamwork! They showed Jiang Yuan’s team what a truly powerful combat unit was capable of!

As soon as the exercise began, Apollo’s seven-member squad quickly dispersed across the battlefield. Not long after the battle started, two members coordinated to instantly eliminate Liu Shan. It happened in the blink of an eye!

Jiang Yuan and Ji Rong found an opening to attack one of them, but their assault was blocked by armor-piercing rounds from a distant sniper! Jiang Yuan had no choice but to abandon the kill.

Then, another armor-piercing shot struck Gu Bai directly, destroying most of his mecha!

The opposing team’s coordination quickly turned it into a seven-versus-four situation. Even Cyril, their skilled sniper, was instantly eliminated. Although Jiang Yuan and Ji Rong managed to take down one enemy through teamwork, they were soon all wiped out!

This was the terrifying power of a truly synchronized team. In individual combat, Jiang Yuan, Ji Rong, or even Cyril could defeat any single enemy, but against their coordinated assault, they crumbled!

Although Jiang Yuan lost, he found himself looking forward to future training. Things had been too easy before. Except for Ji Rong, he had virtually no worthy opponents. Today, he understood the importance of teamwork. The battle wasn’t about individual ability but collective strength!

For a team to become powerful, they needed to go through this tempering process. Individual strength was insignificant before unified teamwork!

In the second battle, both sides entered the same Star Wars map. This time, Jiang Yuan’s team had better coordination and analyzed their previous shortcomings, hoping to regain some ground!

However, as the match began, while they were still searching for enemies in the vast map, Gu Bai was instantly eliminated. His mecha was pierced simultaneously by three armor-piercing rounds!

These three shots came from different directions, but the enemy had clearly chosen their target in an instant! The shots were fired at exactly the same moment, demonstrating the terrifying synchronization of these battle-hardened veterans!

Although each member of Jiang Yuan’s team might be individually stronger than these soldiers, they were still utterly defeated.

The soldiers’ seamless coordination completely dominated Jiang Yuan’s group!

After training ended, He Chuan, who had been observing, spoke through the voice system: “Today, I trust you’ve gained a better understanding of your abilities. You’re all exceptional, but only when your opponent isn’t a coordinated team.

“The mecha competition has two formats. First is individual solo matches, which you can each enter separately and receive individual rankings. This is optional. Second is team competition, with seven-person teams focusing on coordination. Your individual skills are fine, but team battles require more practice. I believe you now understand the importance of team competition!”

He Chuan’s tone grew serious. “Now, I’ll briefly explain the upcoming training schedule. For the next month, afternoons will be team battles to strengthen your coordination, including tactical training. If you practice diligently, you’ll definitely see significant improvement. Mornings will be individual practice.”

Hearing this, Gu Bai, who had nearly been driven to tears today, complained bitterly, “Oh my god, isn’t this going to kill us?”

That day, He Chuan arranged their training schedule. The eight of them would practice together in the afternoons, while mornings were devoted to improving their individual weaknesses. Gu Bai would receive shooting training, Liu Shan combat and shooting training… Cyril combat training. Almost everyone had their specific focus, but Jiang Yuan’s training was the most unique…

Physical conditioning!

He Chuan’s eye for weakness was incredibly sharp. He immediately identified Jiang Yuan’s relative shortcomings.

“Jiang Yuan, your stamina is lower than the others. Although running drills may be boring, they will be most beneficial for you. Once your physical condition improves, you’ll be even stronger in other areas!”

Jiang Yuan: “I understand. Thank you, Instructor.”

After arranging Jiang Yuan’s training, He Chuan turned to Ji Rong and fell silent for a moment. Ji Rong… was really strong in all aspects. He wasn’t sure what to arrange for him, but he couldn’t just leave Ji Rong with nothing to do in the afternoons.

He Chuan was troubled. Shooting? No, no, no, this kid’s marksmanship was already excellent! Though not quite at Jiang Yuan’s level, the shooting course wasn’t that demanding…

Combat? Don’t be ridiculous, this kid could even fight him. If he trained more in combat, shouldn’t the instructor also practice?

While He Chuan was still contemplating what kind of training to arrange for Ji Rong, Ji Rong interrupted his thoughts with a gentle voice. “Instructor He, I think my stamina needs work. I’ll train with Jiang Yuan.”

“Ah… alright then.” He Chuan considered it and nodded.

Since the training content varied, different instructors were assigned. Only Jiang Yuan and Ji Rong had no instructor, while the others began their hellish training regimens.

Early morning, following He Chuan’s instructions, Jiang Yuan woke up early for his run. Ji Rong was also at the training ground. Jiang Yuan glanced at him teasingly, “I don’t know why you’re here training stamina. Wouldn’t shooting practice be better? Don’t tell me you’re just here because you’re worried I’ll be lonely?”

Ji Rong: “That’s right.”

Ji Rong replied earnestly, explaining, “Everyone else has at least one training partner. You’re the only one training alone, without even an instructor.”

Jiang Yuan: “…”

Seeing Ji Rong’s expression, Jiang Yuan realized he wasn’t joking. He burst out laughing, his lips curving into an attractive smile.

He accepted Ji Rong as his brother.

After physical training, Jiang Yuan smiled at Ji Rong, “Training’s done. Want me to practice shooting with you?”

Ji Rong froze momentarily. Jiang Yuan was volunteering to practice with him? Without hesitation, he nodded, “Yes!”

In the training area, Jiang Yuan activated the flying disc launchers.

He explained techniques for hitting three or even four targets at once, demonstrating as he explained.

Jiang Yuan’s loose collar revealed his attractive neckline, with a small black mole adorning his collarbone. Seeing this, Ji Rong’s heart began racing uncontrollably, his palms growing so hot it felt like the gun might melt in his hands.

“Got it?” Jiang Yuan asked seriously after explaining the technique.

Ji Rong shook his head. He didn’t pay attention at all. His eyes were fixed on Jiang Yuan, and his face turned embarrassingly red.

Jiang Yuan raised an eyebrow, surprised that Ji Rong didn’t understand… Seeing Ji Rong’s flushed face, he assumed Ji Rong was just embarrassed about not understanding, and quickly said, “Let me guide your hands first. After a couple tries, you’ll get it!”

Hearing this, Ji Rong’s ears turned even redder. He felt guilty. Jiang Yuan was trying to teach him seriously, but his mind was full of inappropriate thoughts.

Wuwuwu, he really wanted to just tell Jiang Yuan that he liked him, but Jiang Yuan had just been cheated on and had said he didn’t want to date Alphas. If he confessed now, he’d definitely be rejected!

These days of washing his underwear every morning were unbearable. Too difficult.

He was suffering too much!

Jiang Yuan stood behind Ji Rong, holding his hands from behind. The moment they got close, Jiang Yuan caught a strong whiff of Alpha pheromones.

“Ji Rong…” Jiang Yuan hesitated.

Ji Rong heard Jiang Yuan’s voice and froze, asking bewilderedly and innocently, “W-what’s wrong?”

Jiang Yuan said seriously, “Your pheromones are leaking out. The scent is very strong. Please control it.”

Noticing Jiang Yuan’s handsome brows slightly furrowed, Ji Rong felt even more miserable!

Jiang Yuan hated his pheromones!

He was so miserable!

His scent definitely smelled good. Why didn’t Jiang Yuan like it? Omegas all said it smelled good, with a dominance that made their knees weak. Only Alphas disliked his pheromones because the strong dominance made them feel threatened. As a Beta, Jiang Yuan shouldn’t dislike his scent!

Wuwuwu!

“Mm, I’ll be careful,” Ji Rong said in a deep voice. His voice was hoarse as he painfully shifted his gaze to the gun in his hands.

Early the next morning.

Between their drowsy states, Cyril and Gu Bai heard water running in the bathroom. They exchanged knowing smirks. “Ji Rong’s got it bad. He washes his underwear every morning without fail. Does he really think we don’t know just because he closes the door?”

Gu Bai: “Haha, come on, give Ji Rong some face.”

Hearing movement inside, Gu Bai said, “Quick, pretend to be asleep!”

Cyril stuck out his tongue, “Hahaha, fine.”

After washing his underwear, Ji Rong quietly returned to the room, silently glancing at his two “sleeping” roommates before letting out a long sigh.

If Jiang Yuan knew he washed his underwear every morning, he’d definitely be even more disgusted with him.

Ji Rong lay back on his bed and pulled out the communicator from beside his pillow. Opening the browser, his previous search history was clearly visible:

How to tell if your pheromones smell good or bad?

Do cedar-scented pheromones really smell bad?

How do Betas view pheromone scents? Do they hate them?

My pheromones are too strong, what should I do? Can they be made weaker?

If the person I like doesn’t like my pheromone scent, is there any way to change it? Is surgery possible?

Ji Rong quietly deleted his search history. He had searched for a long time and learned that pheromone scents couldn’t be changed, even with special Alpha perfumes.

Just thinking about how Jiang Yuan disliked his pheromones made Ji Rong question his whole existence.

So, had he been deceived since childhood?

Was his scent actually unpleasant?

What should he do!

He needed to find a Beta to smell him!

No, even if others didn’t hate his scent, Jiang Yuan still did!

He was so miserable!

Ji Rong felt utterly hopeless at this thought. What was he supposed to do? It’s not like he could remove his scent glands!

How pitiful he was!

After a month of such training, Ji Rong completely mastered shooting techniques. He could hit two flying discs in quick succession, and occasionally even three!

Since they arrived here for training, almost two months had passed. After completing basic training, they focused on improving their weak points daily, with combat practice in the afternoons. Everyone’s progress was significant!

Their teamwork showed particular improvement. After this period of physical training, Jiang Yuan’s performance improved significantly. In hand-to-hand combat, he could now spar with Ji Rong for extended periods.

This intensive training period rapidly brought Jiang Yuan’s team up to speed. Their progress was also obvious. From being instantly decimated by the Apollo team of seven, they evolved to taking down four or five opponents before being defeated.

Later, their eight-person squad began trading victories with the Apollo team. In the final days of training, Jiang Yuan’s team achieved a breakthrough, securing consecutive victories.

In the last two days, those who didn’t make the cut based on performance said some words of encouragement for them to bring back good results before being sent away by Huzi.

The seven selected for the competition were: Jiang Yuan, Ji Rong, Gu Bai, Cyril, Liu Shan, Angus, and Ivan.

Two days later-

“Training complete. See you on Earth in a week.” He Chuan looked at his seven students with satisfaction.

Jiang Yuan packed his belongings. Due to the Milo incident, they would return via military warship rather than traveling separately.

As they sat aboard the warship, because they had grown familiar during their time together, they selected Ji Rong as their team captain. Since Jiang Yuan was designated as the long-range sniper, he wasn’t suited for command. They ultimately chose Ji Rong, who excelled in close combat, as captain.

After submitting their registration forms for both individual and team events in the mecha competition, Jiang Yuan finally relaxed. Beside him, the others discussed their plans about where to go for fun after returning!

“Once we’re back at school, I’m definitely getting some proper rest. I’m so tired these past few days!” Gu Bai stretched lazily, grinning.

Cyril turned to Jiang Yuan. “Jiang Yuan, let’s have another shooting match sometime!”

Jiang Yuan: “…Sure.”

Cyril was really passionate about shooting. Jiang Yuan smiled helplessly. In the last month, he would compete with him almost every day.

Ji Rong chuckled beside them. “Cyril, you’re quite persistent. But no matter what, you still can’t beat Jiang Yuan.”

Cyril glanced at Ji Rong and sneered, “Hmph, a novice Alpha who can’t even control his pheromones shouldn’t talk!”

Ji Rong: “…”

Because of Jiang Yuan, he had lost control of his pheromones several times. After Jiang Yuan called him out on it, everyone started teasing him about it!

…

Earth.

A handsome young man disembarked from the spaceship, quickly got into a car, and headed straight to military headquarters.

Ji Chong casually surveyed his surroundings, remaining silent for a moment.

The military summoned him back. He put it off for a month, but now he had no choice but to return and report. There was one thing Shen Si didn’t say, which was that he would definitely go on a blind date when he came back.

Even if he didn’t want to, those people in the military would always find reasons to invite him to dinner and let him meet their children!

He was an old man now…

Well, with an eighteen-year-old son, wasn’t he exactly that – an old man?

His thoughts drifted back nineteen years ago-

“I can’t believe you’re that much older than me! But I still really like you!” The fair-skinned boy had smiled brightly after Ji Chong coldly revealed his age.

Ji Chong was momentarily stunned, surprised at being dismissed so casually. He wondered silently: Did this little brat really not know who he was, or was there something else to it?

Being pursued by the young man, Ji Chong never expected to be so thoroughly conquered. He’d even considered transferring away from Planet Noth if his lover disliked it there, rather than remaining stationed there year-round.

Yet just two months into their passionate romance, he was dumped for supposedly having a ‘dick too big, poor technique, and unpleasant pheromones.’

Ji Chong swore none of that was true!

If that little troublemaker really didn’t like him, why give birth to Ji Rong and have him sent to Planet Noth?

Back then, being dumped had left him depressed for a long time. But when Ji Rong appeared, he believed that the little troublemaker must have loved him. He’d gone looking without a second thought…

Only to discover that the little troublemaker had vanished without a trace. Every piece of information he’d been given, including the name, was fake!

He searched nationwide but found no trace of them. They’d simply disappeared without leaving any clues. Even as a Marshal of the Federation, using his authority to check population records yielded nothing.

Which meant even their citizenship had been a lie!

But damn it all – he couldn’t stop thinking about that troublemaker! He worried that when they finally wanted to return, seeing him with someone else would break their heart. He couldn’t bear the thought of making that smiling face sad, so he’d rejected everyone else over and over through the years.

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