This teaching training not only shocked the entire First Legion, but also shocked a group of old dandelions in the Central Temple... Oh no, it was a group of white-haired academicians.
In fact, all the academicians knew about Jiang Ci's situation, but knowing was one thing, until they witnessed with their own eyes that the omega kid who couldn't even lift a simple mechanical part could now drive a pair of S-class mechas and fight back and forth with the most powerful legion commander in the empire.
They finally realized what tremendous growth and changes Jiangci had gone through. Everyone felt sad and emotional, but they also found something strange.
Although the old men have devoted their lives to research and know nothing about mecha close combat, they still know who the pilots of Wan Jiang and Bai Ze are. Bai Ze's strength fluctuates, and even an outsider can easily see it.
—This is a teaching match.
Bai Ze’s driver consists of two people.
It's just that the instructor was a little strange. If they guessed correctly, it should be the strange boy who stood on the head of the Zerg general just now. After all, everyone watched as that person entered Bai Ze's cockpit.
Although everyone knows that there are advanced Zerg, the general impression of humans towards Zerg is still that they are huge monsters with terrifying and weird faces.
Moreover, the Zerg's fighting style is brute force, tearing, and biting.
How come there are still people who can drive mechas
However, Jiang Ci's proactive introduction gave all the academicians a firm conviction.
[He is the supreme commander on the Zerg side.]
But the most terrifying thing is not this, but the next sentence -
[He's also the person I'm dating.]
This news was like a bolt from the blue.
Vice President Zheng felt very bad because among so many academicians, he was the teacher who taught Jiang Ci personally when she came to the junior class that year. He had the deepest feelings for Miaomiao and the highest expectations.
"He... Xiao Jiang you... you guys..."
Vice President Zheng was so shocked that he couldn't even utter a complete sentence. It was at this moment that they noticed the faint alpha pheromones on Jiang Ci's body.
I originally thought that it was due to being in the pile of alphas in the military camp, but now that I feel it carefully, I find that it is only caused by being thoroughly marked.
However, after Jiang Ci told the news, he did not immediately receive the teachers' blessings.
"oops… !"
Although no one expressed any specific opposition, some people still slapped their thighs in anger when they heard this shocking news.
Jiang Ci is an omega, so it is normal for him to be marked as an alpha after adulthood. In other words, it is abnormal that he has not been marked as an alpha until now.
The main reason why it is difficult for omegas to make a name for themselves in various industries is that they are kept in a greenhouse before they reach adulthood. After they reach adulthood, the two or three growth spurts each year make it impossible for them to carry out their normal work.
In everyone's perception, people like omegas who are so weak that they cannot take care of themselves are like dodder clinging to alphas, and cannot survive without them.
But Jiang Ci didn't. In the nine years after he became an adult, he endured the pain that all omegas feared and resisted the omega's instincts. In fact, this made many academicians feel shocked and proud, because they saw the potential of Jiang Ci to go further.
—As long as he is willing to come back.
This is also the second reason why they insisted on coming to Mingcheng despite the danger.
But now, Jiang Ci was completely marked, which meant that he would be like other omegas and would probably be lost in the crowd in the future. Not to mention, the one who marked Jiang Ci was not an ordinary alpha, not even a human.
But a higher-level Zerg!
This means that they are not even sure whether the other party can have the same protective desire towards the omega as the human alpha. Or even whether this strange and unprecedented combination is correct.
Huo Xianfeng keenly sensed the depressing atmosphere. Although he didn't care about this group of dull and old-fashioned old men, he had to care about his wife, so he still said hello.
The boy waved naturally.
"Hey, good evening, old men..."
boom!
The major general immediately elbowed him with an expressionless face, and the latter immediately changed his words.
"Ahem, teachers."
"… "
A group of old-fashioned scholars fell into silence.
The atmosphere was very awkward.
But after a few seconds, Vice President Zheng finally sighed and gave Huo Xianfeng a kind smile that an elder would give to a younger person.
"Hello, Mr. Xiao Huo."
This also shows the vice-president's cultivation. Xiao Huo represents closeness, but adding a Mr. represents respect.
The old men behind them quickly restrained their emotions. In fact, they didn't dislike Huo Xianfeng, but they were worried and sorry for Jiang Ci. However, after Vice President Zheng spoke, everyone at least maintained superficial politeness.
But it was just a polite greeting.
But this also made Jiang Ci feel a little relieved. He actually consciously wanted Huo Xianfeng to integrate into his own world, but now it seems that this is very difficult.
However, just as Jiang Ci was racking her brains to think of how to start the next topic to make the situation less awkward, she heard Teacher Zheng in front of her suddenly ask,
"Mr. Xiao Huo, when do you plan to get married?"
"… "
This question came so suddenly, so suddenly that even Huo Xianfeng was stunned for a moment.
Eh
Get…married
Jiang Ci was shocked, and even every cell in her body was instantly shaken.
"No! No! Wait!"
Jiang Ci immediately stepped forward and stood in front of Huo Xianfeng, stopping the old man who seemed to want to ask further and more detailed questions.
"Wait! Mr. Zheng, this is so sudden..."
Even his uncle had never asked such a question.
The Major General rarely panics and becomes at a loss in front of so many people. He has always been very careful to maintain his mature, calm, strong and sharp image, so his current state is actually very rare.
"We just... and the situation is extremely tense and critical right now. This is not the time to think about this kind of thing..."
Compared to the panicked person involved, Vice President Zheng seemed very calm. He didn't seem to realize that he had asked a question that was difficult to answer.
Because generally, after an omega is thoroughly marked, he will be bound to the alpha, and the next step is to get married immediately, and then be hidden at home by the alpha.
This is also what all teachers are most worried about since Jiang Ci is an omega.
At this time, Vice President Zheng confirmed with Jiang Ci,
"So it's a short time, and you won't get married, right?"
Jiang Ci was stunned for a moment: "...Yes."
When giving the confirmation answer, Jiang Ci actually wanted to look back at Huo Xianfeng, but he suddenly didn't have the courage. Because even if Jiang Ci could firmly confirm their feelings for each other, there were also too many obstacles between them.
The current tense situation, the conspiracy of the Phantom God Cult, the plight of the capital planet, and the unresolved blood feud between humans and Zerg are all obstacles.
So in the short term, no.
So the answer to this confirmation is also obvious.
"That-"
The white-haired old man pressed down on Jiang Ci's shoulders. The bony old finger bones made Jiang Ci feel an unbearable force.
"Come back, Xiao Jiang."
Over the years, although they were sad that Jiang Jinsheng's bloodline had taken the wrong path, they still silently paid attention to Jiang Ci. For example, the child skipped a grade and entered the military academy, worked hard among a group of alphas, participated in various military leagues, and finally successfully entered the First Legion and was awarded the rank of major general with the military merits accumulated over seven years.
They all know these things.
"We all know that it's not easy for you. You're also very capable. You've proven that omegas can achieve great things in the military."
It was unimaginable how difficult it was for an omega to do this. They were also proud of Jiang Ci's efforts, his tenacity, and his achievements.
But even so, all the academicians, including Vice President Zheng, still believe that Jiangci has taken the wrong path.
This precious young seedling had already gone astray in everyone's eyes from the moment he started applying to the military academy.
Because they all thought that Jiang Ci would definitely inherit Jiang Jinsheng's legacy. Even though he was an omega, the aura brought by Jiang Jinsheng and Jiang Ci's own talent were enough to make up for the disadvantage of gender.
"Jiang Ci, we all admit that you are indeed an excellent soldier, but with your potential, it would be a pity if you were just a soldier."
At this moment, all the old and hopeful eyes were focused on Jiang Ci, like silk threads, wrapping around him in circles.
"Just now, you repaired the Forbidden Abyss, the temple, and cracked the core brain. You even have a keener sense of smell than us old guys. So I can conclude that you have not given up or stagnated over the years. You are still learning and improving."
"The First Legion can have many major generals, and even the Empire has so many powerful alpha soldiers who can fill in and replace your current position. You should not be here, but should be in the research institute, becoming the main force in promoting the technological advancement of the Empire."
Training an excellent soldier is indeed not an easy task, but if you want to find another good seedling with the potential to surpass Jiang Jinsheng, it is almost impossible.
"… "
Jiang Ci was suddenly frozen.
For a moment, he didn't know how to answer.
—until another hand fell on his shoulder,
"Um, sorry to interrupt."
Huo Xianfeng could tell that although the other party seemed to be affirming Jiang Ci in every word, in fact, every word that person said was a complete negation.
Denying all the efforts Jiang Ci had made over the years and forcing him to choose the same path as his father.
The young man curled his lips slightly, and with a little effort, he pulled his wife back with one hand. He put his arm around Jiang Ci's shoulders and held her loosely in his arms.
"Mr. Zheng... I want to ask, who told you that any alpha officer in the First Legion can replace him?"
"… "
Jiang Ci was suddenly stunned. He looked up and saw the familiar profile of the boy. The latter still looked as if he didn't care about anything, but suddenly, he seemed to be glowing.
The major general was suddenly stunned.
Someone else said something similar to him.
—He Zhun.
In fact, Jiang Ci was not always firm.
Is this really what he wants
Can all this effort, all this pain, really lead to the future he wants
Jiang Ci knew that his teachers were right, and he also knew that his uncle Zhou Jiuya was right. He was an omega, even at S-level, and even though he could surpass some alphas, his genes dictated that no matter how hard he tried, he could never surpass Zhou Jiuya.
Gender hierarchy basically determines one's life.
In this ABO world, this is a law that will hardly be changed.
But, should we just give up like this
Jiang Ci was actually shaken.
So later on, Jiang Ci often envied He Zhun, envied him for being able to do what he liked, envied him for being able to climb up step by step and shine in his favorite professional field.
But Jiang Ci was not jealous. On the contrary, he blessed and was proud of He Zhun's achievements.
Because during that dark time, He Zhun was the only one who stayed with him.
The young man was sitting next to the repair cabin, carefully adjusting the proportions of various chemicals in the repair fluid, while monitoring Jiang Ci's physical data.
He Zhun's serious and gentle profile made Jiang Ci vaguely see the shadow of her father in him. So from that moment on, she finally showed her softest and most vulnerable side to the person she once hated the most.
[He Zhun, do you also think I can’t do it?]
[Do you also think... I chose the wrong path?]
He Zhun was slightly startled at that time. He put his hand on the glass and stroked it gently. Even through the cold cabin wall, Jiang Ci felt a kind of warmth that was impossible to feel.
[I never think you made the wrong choice, Ci.]
He lowered his eyes, his gentle expression like an elder brother comforting his younger brother.
[It’s just that I don’t want you to force yourself to do something you don’t like because of a temporary shadow or a temporary obstacle.]
He Zhun knew that Jiang Ci's sudden change was due to the harm he might suffer for him, as well as the shadow of Jiang Ci herself being hurt, but He Zhun never pointed this out, nor did he stop Jiang Ci's seemingly childish and rebellious behavior.
[Becoming strong is a very, very good thing. Whether it is strong in force or strong in mind, it is a very good thing.]
[Aci, if you can protect yourself, or even protect many, many people, I will feel very relieved and proud.]
That night, He Zhun's clear voice was particularly powerful in the peaceful night, making Jiang Ci feel that he was like a warm and firm beacon in the darkness.
[Aci, you are actually very lucky. You have inherited Uncle Jiang's extreme talent in scientific research, and you also have the outstanding potential of the legion commander in combat, so you have more choices than others.]
[So, whether this ability is manifested as technology that transcends the times or unrivaled combat power, it is your own strength, something you can only obtain through your own hard work. No one can help you.]
[Uncle Jiang and the army commander are indeed the big umbrellas that protect you, but once you stand under the umbrella, you will be submerged in their shadows. So, if you want to step out of their shadows, you can't always stand in their protection.]
[Aci, your life should be chosen by you.]
[What kind of person you want to be is up to you to decide.]
The distant memories suddenly passed by like flowers, and then swept away.
At this moment, only Huo Xianfeng's profile was reflected in Jiang Ci's eyes.
"Bai Ze is a double S mecha. I remember when the master was chosen, there should have been a military league held across the empire. In the end, it seemed that Jiang Ci defeated all the competitors. He was the only one who reached the mental strength threshold that matched it, right?"
Huo Xianfeng's tone was not aggressive, but rather as relaxed as a daily chat. He leaned lazily on the shoulder of the major general, standing in a posture that elders disliked the most.
"Or maybe you have a keen eye and have spotted this buried genius alpha?"
"you… !"
Someone showed anger on his face, but was quickly pulled back by the person next to him.
Vice President Zheng's lips trembled, but he still insisted on his opinion.
"No, that's not what I meant. I meant that Jiang Ci is more suitable for scientific research than being a soldier, and the country's scientific research strength is stronger than its military strength..."
"-That is what you think."
Huo Xianfeng interrupted directly,
"And your thoughts should not interfere with other people's lives."
You shouldn't interfere in other people's lives...
What this sentence means is that in Huo Xianfeng's view, no one can interfere with his life.
"Let's take a step back and talk about your so-called comparison between scientific research and military affairs... I'm actually curious—"
"The establishment and prosperity of your human empire, and the fact that it has come this far, is not just due to Jiang Jinsheng, nor is it just due to the contribution of your Academy of Sciences. There is also Huo Chao's sacrifice, Zhou Jiuya and countless soldiers fighting and bleeding, and Pei Changyun's painstaking policy governance... and even more, the contributions of ordinary people that you cannot see."
"If you really want to compare, if you really want to calculate, then please compare first and calculate clearly, among the contributions and efforts of so many people over the past hundreds of years, which one is more important?"
"Who is more noble?"
"… "
At this moment, everyone was speechless.
What Huo Xianfeng learned in the cage was not only human fighting skills, but more importantly, he observed this weak yet strangely powerful race from the perspective of a king.
Huo Xianfeng was arrogant, that was his arrogance towards human individuals, and the more he understood and learned about this civilization, the more he appreciated and sighed.
They don't have the Zerg's strong body or loyalty, but they are still a wonderful and special civilization.
At this moment, Jiang Ci pulled down Huo Xianfeng's hand that was around his shoulder, but did not let go. Instead, he held it tightly.
"Teacher, I have my own ideas about the future path."
Jiang Ci gave an apologetic but determined smile.
"Sorry, teacher, we still have something to do, you should go to bed early too."
"… good."
Jiang Ci pulled Huo Xianfeng away, and when they were out of the sight of the group of people behind them, he walked faster and faster, and suddenly even pulled the boy from behind and ran.
Huo Xianfeng didn't ask why or where they were going, he just followed him.
At this time, only a red edge of the setting sun remained, casting a glaring blood-red shadow on the distant sky. The world became dark, and they were surrounded by collapsed ruins.
The striking scenery is the setting sun, the huge and terrifying monster, and the ruins that stretch as far as the eye can see.
—It all feels like the end of the world.
They are running in the doomsday, seemingly regardless of anything, until they reach the end of the world.
At this moment, looking at Jiang Ci's back as she ran desperately, Huo Xianfeng suddenly understood why Huo Chao always liked to fall from heights and repeat things that seemed meaningless to him over and over again.
Because you can feel the wind.
—Because you can touch the feeling of freedom.
Similarly, this is what Jiang Ci feels at the moment and is happy about.
Until the last ray of light disappeared and the whole world fell into darkness, Jiang Ci finally stopped. The extremely fast and long running made his breathing rapid and his cheeks red, but Huo Xianfeng's heartbeat was still steady and his breathing was natural.
This is the natural physical difference between humans and Zerg.
Cannot be made up for.
But Jiang Ci didn't care. Even the tiredness at the moment made him feel extremely happy and relaxed.
"Huo Xianfeng,"
He turned around and looked at the calm young man. In fact, the dark sky only allowed Jiang Ci to vaguely see the other person's outline, so he reached out and held the man's face.
"Um."
Jiang Ci's hands traced his outline for a long time before she spoke amidst her rapid breathing.
"You talk a lot today."
"… You dragged me all the way here just to tell me this?"
"right."
The Major-General stood on tiptoe to kiss him.
"You talk too much... Today... That's my teacher..."
Just now, Huo Xianfeng scolded the old man so much that his hands were shaking.
"Why... are you feeling sad?"
Huo Xianfeng took the opportunity to hold his waist without responding, waiting for the major general to kiss him.
"So you're planning on... gag me like this?"
"… Well."
No one spoke after that.
In the quiet night, the only sound was their intimate and ambiguous kiss.
After a long time, Jiang Ci panted rapidly and separated a little. He put his arms around Huo Xianfeng's waist, hugged him tightly, and whispered,
"Well, actually a long time ago, He Zhun also said something similar to me. He said that I can choose my own life, but..."
But Jiang Ci didn’t understand at that time until she met Huo Xianfeng.
Until he gradually felt a lot of things from Huo Xianfeng and learned a lot. It was as if the young Jiang Ci had always been accustomed to locking himself in a tight and closed cabinet.
In the past, it was He Zhun who opened the door and said to Jiang Ci, "I found you."
But now it is Huo Xianfeng. The difference is that the boy does not simply open the cabinet, he also wants to pull Jiang Ci out, to the vastest world, and take him to feel the wind of freedom.
So, until the end, Jiang Ci finally fell into the deep sea of love from which she could not escape, and was willing to sink.
But before he could finish his words, Jiang Ci suddenly felt the boy grabbing his collar, and then he was lifted away by the boy with one hand.
"—Then go find He Zhun."
After saying that, Huo Xianfeng turned around and left.
"…?"
Eh
What happened to this guy suddenly
Jiang Ci stayed there for a few seconds, then immediately chased after him.
"Huo Xianfeng—"
The Major General was actually a little confused. He hadn't even finished drafting his prepared confession when the person he was confessing to turned around and left.
Huo Xianfeng didn't say anything, his face was cold, and he walked with his long legs so fast that Jiang Ci had to jog to keep up with him.
"Wait a minute, I haven't finished yet..."
"I say, Huo Xianfeng, you're not jealous, are you?"
"He Zhun, he's just like my brother..."
(End of this chapter)