Chapter Six: Apocalypse Junior Class
The dining facilities at Tianjing are remarkably exceptional, particularly those for the Mecha and Starship programs. Today, Ma Long indulges in a feast, heading straight to the second floor where a la carte dishes reign supreme, occasionally featuring exotic ingredients from the Moon, Mars, and even Titan.
Naturally, all the ingredients originate from Earth-based species, but it's the unique characteristics of the Titan beef that steals the show. Known for its singular flavor, Titan beef tops the price charts, celebrated as "outstandingly beefy" for its succulent quality, juiciness, and rich infusion of rare energy—a characteristic unique to Titan, offering a substantial boost to any warrior. Ma Long, clearly delighted, savors a steak, and everyone around him relishes their meals with evident pleasure.
"You've heard how displeased President Long was with last year's performance of the Mecha program, right? Hence, this year's selection for the team is critical, and a few leaders have already been appointed, including our own class leader, Sister One. I have high hopes for her; Hongtu and Zhao Zihan are simply no match, their strategies are laughable," Ma Long declares after a sip of beer, his mood visibly uplifted. "Musashi, you're surely in, right?"
Musashi nods silently, ordering another steak, which makes Ma Long's mouth twitch; he had forgotten these gluttons' appetites, initially bragging about eating without restraint.
"I'll have another one too," Zuoxiao Tang chimes in, seizing the rare opportunity to tease Ma Long.
"Darn, where is humanity? Only one more, no more than that, my savings are gone," Ma Long protests, looking around in despair, then asks, "Sister One, how many team members have you selected so far?"
"Just me for now; the rest are still undecided."
"Really, our room's third brother has the most potential. You might all end up clinging to his coattails someday," Ma Long says unabashedly. The Wu family is known for their ancient martial traditions, and it shows in how they've raised Musashi—no signs of indulgence, just serious dedication. With great resources, high talent, and more effort than others, if he doesn't succeed, then who will?
Musashi, a bit embarrassed by the praise, is interrupted by Shengman's arrival. "Sorry, got held up with something. Why such a feast today?"
Before anyone could respond, Ma Long quickly interjects, "It's the first day back, gotta boost the morale of the brothers, darling, come sit here."
He had already prepared a place for Shengman, who sits down beside him with a slight smile. Now a junior, Shengman has fully blossomed into her charm; even after a year together, their relationship remains strong. With her arrival, Ma Long shifts his full attention to her.
Fortunately, Li Hao and the others are used to this, but suddenly, the steak on their plates doesn't seem as appetizing anymore.
Just then, two more people with trays walk over, looking for a place to sit. The cafeteria, previously abuzz with conversation, quiets down instantly as whispers spread.
It's Zhou Naiyi and Ye Tong, whose arrival at Tianjing Academy has already become legendary. Her popularity is extraordinary, and she's this year's most-watched newcomer. Although most thought her skills and combat style would lead her to NUP, with better offers, she chose Tianjing instead.
Seeing Li Hao, Zhou Naiyi says, "Ye Tong, let me speak with Li Hao for a moment; it'll just be quick."
"Since we've run into each other, why not eat together?" Ye Tong suggests.
Zhou Naiyi doesn't mind, and the two approach. Ye Tong directly joins Zuoxiao Tang, offering a small smile, "Brother, could you make some room?"
Zuoxiao Tang is instantly flustered and springs up, "No problem, take a seat."
Ye Tong sits next to Li Hao while Zhou Naiyi takes the seat opposite him. The air is thick with curiosity about what the pair might be planning. Shengman, familiar with Zhou Naiyi and intrigued by Ye Tong, greets them openly.
"Li Hao, President Long has reformed the selection process for this year's Mech Warfare competition, and I'm heading one of the chosen teams. Would you like to join?" Zhou Naiyi asks.
Everyone at the table is stunned, including Li Hao, who hesitates, "Me? Maybe not, having Musashi is enough for our room."
"And if President Long specifically asks for your participation?" Zhou Naiyi presses, seeking any hint of interest in his expression.
With the former president transferring him from Journalism to the Mech program, and now President Long giving him such an opportunity, it's clear she's not just considering anyone's face—it
's Li Hao himself who is of interest.
"Can I refuse?" Li Hao wonders aloud, suspecting something more at play.
Zhou Naiyi senses his evasion, noticing a disinterested tone in his responses since the previous day's training offer.
"No, you can't. This is a direct order from the president. Participation is mandatory, but staying on will depend on your performance," Zhou Naiyi states firmly.
Resigned, Li Hao shrugs, "I can participate, but you know my situation. I often work late and might not always make the training sessions."
Suddenly, Ye Tong taps her plate, drawing everyone's attention with a smile, "I look forward to being teammates, Li Hao. Greater power comes with greater responsibility; sometimes, it's better to take the initiative."
Her words clearly contain deeper meaning, but who could she be hinting at—Li Hao?
"Li Hao, you've kept a low profile. When did you get to know the 'Goddess of Vision'?" Shengman asks curiously, her voice echoing the room's surprise. Each person in room 4396 is unique: Musashi, the martial fanatic; Zuoxiao Tang, the introverted marksman with surprising talent; and Li Hao, the unobtrusive one who, despite his quiet presence, is somehow always undeniably confident and casually detached.
Ye Tong looks at Li Hao, "Brother, it seems they don't know your real identity. After all these years, you really haven't changed."
Everyone puts down their chopsticks, looking between Li Hao and Ye Tong.
"Could there be some misunderstanding, sister?" Zuoxiao Tang can't help but interject, aware of Li Hao's humble beginnings and obscure training program before his admission to Tianjing.
"Have you heard of the Solar System's Apocalypse Junior Class?" Ye Tong asks.
"Who hasn't? That class nearly became legendary; the only time the four federations collaborated on a project, producing some of the top warriors. Unfortunately, it was discontinued after a major incident," Ma Long adds, recognizing the significance of the program that many of the current competition's strong contenders attended.
"So, Li Hao, shall I continue, or will you?" Ye Tong offers with a teasing smile.
Caught off-guard, Li Hao chuckles, "What's all the fuss about? Yes, I was part of that junior class, but it disbanded after some issues—a few years ago now."
The sound of Ma Long's spoon hitting his plate reverberates through the stunned silence. Zhou Naiyi, in particular, feels a mix of shock and missed opportunity, having once aspired to join that class herself but failing to get past the first selection round.
"So, you're telling us you knew the Lunar War God, Maximus? You were classmates with Titan King, Vance Vitale, and the Martian Wolf King, Bastien?"
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Armed Mecha Storm
Science FictionIn the future Solar System, where technology intersects with the soul, the Solar System Alliance secretly forms the Revelation Youth Class. This group of brilliant young minds from across the system is tasked with probing the soul's deepest mysterie...