The order seemed to come a bit suddenly, but Yu Lian felt it came at just the right time, almost making him applaud.

"Everyone, the battle is over! No need to be nervous, put down your weapons!" He shouted, "Those who are injured, go get treated immediately. Everyone, organize yourselves and prepare to clean up the battlefield. Oh, and bring back all our comrades who were determined to be dead. They must be tired of lying there, right?"

Most importantly, he had to dig out the young lady from Gongsun Family, as she had been glued down for over ten minutes, which must have been quite uncomfortable.

Yu Lian knew that many people would be unhappy with the directorate's decision. Indeed, even Zhi Xia and Feifei, such understanding and good girls, were now full of displeasure. However, they would not oppose Yu Lian's orders, at least not in front of everyone. So, they immediately went to comfort the other crew members.

No matter how dissatisfied these hot-blooded youths from both sides were with this outcome, this was the final result of over three months of arduous training and one hour of valiant fighting. They participated in something called a "live-fire exercise." For young people, perhaps the important part was the "live-fire," but for the disgusting adults, the important part was the "exercise."

Only when they quickly understood this point would they truly mature.

Horatio Wien looked deeply at Yu Lian, his gaze still carrying its usual aggression, but it was a bit hard, a bit cold, and seemed to be filled with myriad emotions.

Yu Lian really disliked being stared at by an old man with such a profound gaze. Just as he was pondering how to slap a spiritual energy user impact on the other party's face without being discovered, the latter finally withdrew his gaze, finally making his expression a bit more normal.

Then, Horatio Wien let out a heavy, turbid sigh and snorted coldly, neither yin nor yang.

Future famous generals in their chuunibyou phase! It felt truly interesting… Yu Lian then took the initiative to step forward and extend his hand to the other party.

"Let's call it a draw," Yu Lian forced out a business smile, stepped forward, and silently extended his hand to the other party.

Yu Lian knew that, whether by score, by scene, or by battle damage, he was the undisputed victor. Since he had already won, why not show some grace?

Horatio Wien hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly reached out and touched the other's hand, snorting coldly, "No, I did lose!"

Yu Lian looked at the other party in surprise. He knew that at this moment, there were cameras on the bridge broadcasting live nationwide. This guy was essentially announcing to All-Galaxy that he had lost.

Well, although this guy was arrogant, precisely because he was arrogant enough, he wouldn't be a sore loser.

"...But just because I lost to you doesn't mean my team lost to yours!" Wien added.

Yu Lian shrugged inwardly. Anyway, he had already won, so no matter how much this guy jumped around, it was just impotent rage.

"Accept the cheers, be proud of yourselves. Although you are still ungraduated students, this was the most spectacular single-ship live-fire exercise I've seen in recent years." Although the directorate's representative's words sounded a bit formulaic, the evaluation given was still very high, which finally eased the students' dissatisfaction a little.

The Brigadier General's words were very pleasant to hear, but because his expression and tone were both very formulaic, and he wasn't some future celebrity, Yu Lian still couldn't remember his name.

The Brigadier General, whose name was unknown, paused, and his final words carried a hint of apology: "Sorry, after all, this is just an exercise, a Navy Day finale. Ultimately, it cannot let you fully display your courage and Wisdom! However, fellow students, you still have the future. Your journey is the journey of humanity, and before you lies the infinite sea of stars."

In short, although it was called a live-fire exercise, since it involved Navy Day, a performance match, and a group of important figures watching, no matter how "live-fire" it was, it ultimately couldn't be truly "live." However, as long as it achieved a spectacular show effect, the Red and Blue sides, as "actors," were successful.

Indeed, on the Azure Princess, the important figures and their relatives and friends who were watching also stood up and applauded. Whether they were knowledgeable or not, they all saw what they wanted to see, naturally, both hosts and guests were delighted.

Feifei also wanted to be happy for Yu Lian and her companions. She knew that although it was a "performance match," everyone's brilliant performance indeed left a deep impression on these powerful viewers. Just for this, many of her companions' future paths would be much wider.

Not every crew member from both the Red and Blue sides would pursue a military career, but their performance had put a nearly perfect end to their student days!

However, she could never truly be happy. Her mind was restless, and her entire nervous system and body muscles unconsciously entered a state of tension.

As such, even if she wanted to be happy, she naturally couldn't be.

Why was that...? While maintaining a graceful smile, Feifei subtly observed her surroundings, then silently extended her spiritual energy user perception.

"What a wonderful battle! Even the final outcome, haha, isn't it quite dramatic?" Miss Lola Sherrill said with a laugh.

"This, boys are especially imaginative only at this time!" Feifei still handled the other party gracefully, while continuing to extend her spiritual energy user perception.

"Yes, but boys are also especially handsome only at this time!" Lola looked Feifei up and down, as if she had discovered something, and lowered her voice, "But, little Feifei, one of the captains over there, is he your boyfriend?"

Feifei bit her lip, neither denying nor admitting, nor did she blush in a formulaic way. She merely showed an impeccable, helpless, chiding, and slightly shy, very maidenly smile.

"Miss Lola, what else have you noticed?"

"Heh, in our line of work, the most important thing is to read people! Although you maintained neutrality and impartiality during the commentary, I could see some adorable little glances and sweet smiles." Miss Lola said, "I can still distinguish between a truly sincere smile and a social smile."

On the other side, President Nockham was also applauding, radiating a social smile, perfectly portraying the sincere setting of a benevolent elder proud of excellent young people, while quietly conversing with the Defense Committee Chairman behind him: "It is indeed time for the battle to end, isn't it?"

"Your decision is absolutely correct. If it continued, this spectacular battle's ending... well, it might have ended in an overly tragic way. Perhaps it wouldn't be a good thing for these brave and passionate young people either."

The President felt he didn't quite understand, but still showed an enlightened expression and raised his voice slightly, "Yes, bravery and Dreadnought are good things, but young people must not develop such habits. Do not speak lightly of death; only by preserving a useful body can one better serve the country."

The dignitaries Present nodded in agreement, indicating that the President was right!

Even Duke Fisu, who had maintained a cool face from beginning to end, had to admit that this was probably the most insightful thing the President had said that evening.

"Although I don't entirely agree, I also believe that young people are the future, they are capital, and indeed, they should not be allowed to develop the bad habit of easily sacrificing themselves," Duke Fisu said.

"That doesn't sound much like a noble Imperial Military Noble," Krel Belmont said.

The Duke glanced sideways at the Commonwealth representative, who was only a third of his age, and sneered, "We have never glorified death. It is precisely because we fear death that we can face death, and thus stand above others. Those who do not understand this principle, who speak lightly of death, are merely self-pitying commoners and reckless men, what right do they have to lead the country and its people?"

He paused, revealing a malicious smile: "Of course, we have also never dared to try to use money to control death."

"Death and money, these are the facts of life that can never be avoided. We don't control them, Duke, we are also facing death in our own way," Krel Belmont said with a frank smile and firm tone.

President Nockham again lowered his voice and said to the Chairman, "Anyway, it was indeed a rather spectacular battle, wasn't it?"

The President probably didn't even realize that his final tone seemed a bit lacking in confidence.

The Defense Committee Chairman, however, stated unequivocally: "That is a given. Even the most excellent captains of the Outer Rim Fleet and the Central Native Fleet could only achieve this level. I dare to guarantee it with my military career! It is precisely because of your harmonious governance during your tenure that such excellent young people have emerged!"

Though the President still felt like he had been tricked again, he was very happy and nodded, saying, “In short, our Commonwealth has a promising future! So, let’s stick to the original plan and have the two young Captains come and celebrate with us! This is the honor they deserve!”

After all, it was almost eight o’clock in the evening, and it was time to consider the stomachs of the important people.

Subsequently, according to the normal schedule, it was time for the dinner and cocktail party.

For many, tonight’s event was just the formal opening. Excluding those seeking excitement, most people would view it as a battlefield in the social arena.

In fact, a considerable number of decisions that determined the development of this nation, and even the entire Milky Way Civilization society, were brokered in such settings.

Half an hour later, the cold buffet and cocktail party began in the grand ballroom of the Azure Princess.

President Nockham began his opening speech on the podium. Although he spoke the same old, highly formulaic platitudes, no one ever expected him to deliver a speech that would go down in history.

Precisely because there were no expectations, cooperation was possible.

At any rate, the President was in a very pleasant mood. Looking at everyone’s smiling faces and all the beautiful lights before him, he was immensely satisfied, as if everything here had transformed into a splendid and magnificent scene that refreshed his mind.

No matter what, this Navy Day was a great success! The President felt that his approval rating should increase significantly.

Then, by the next term, I can have my little moon stand proudly by my side.

… Hmm, speaking of which, where did Serena go?

The President did not find that beautiful, serene figure in the crowd, a figure that seemed out of place with all the ostentation and extravagance, and for a moment, he felt a slight worry. However, he still tried to maintain an impeccable smile and finish his speech as quickly as possible.

“Alright, this is such a beautiful day, with a perfect process, and there will certainly be a perfect night. Please enjoy this night to the fullest…” President Nockham was about to end his speech with this sentence. But at this moment, standing on the stage, he suddenly saw a figure appear at the entrance of the banquet hall and was slightly stunned.

Everyone in the banquet hall didn’t seem to notice this, already looking around, searching for their targets for networking later.

For example, Brigadier General Robnan was currently cowering at the outermost door of the hall, his eyes gleaming with an unprecedented, bright light, like an owl searching for a mouse.

He felt he should leverage his interpersonal skills, build connections with important people, and expand his network. He was getting on in years, but he still had ambition; having decided to leave the academy did not mean he would be content with just finding a place to retire. Wouldn’t it be even better if he could catch someone’s eye?

He was a representative of the Central Defense University, and such a good opportunity could not be wasted.

Now, everyone was still lingering from watching a magnificent warship performance. He only needed to claim to be the teacher of those “performers”—which was actually true—and he could still strike up a conversation.

But where should he start?

You know, interpersonal communication is a skilled job. Trying to connect with too high-ranking figures might backfire and lead to humiliation, while connecting with too low-ranking figures wouldn’t have much effect. Connecting with figures who are neither too high nor too low, but not in one’s own line, might not only be unhelpful but even counterproductive.

Furthermore, how to connect is also very particular. Running up to someone for a group photo is the lowest form of action. How to pique others’ interest, how to introduce oneself, how to project an image of being neither servile nor overbearing yet very capable, and how to subtly flatter others while also promoting oneself—this further tests one’s mindset, eloquence, observation skills, and psychological resilience.

There’s a lot of knowledge in this! Who dares say this isn’t a skill? Why do you look down on masters of office politics?!

Vice Principal Robnan was very confident in this aspect of himself.

He searched carefully, then walked towards two middle-aged men chatting on one side of the hall.

The two were the National Security Advisor from the Presidential Palace and a high-ranking official from the Education Committee. Their professions aligned perfectly, and their status was a bit higher than his own, but not by much. Weren’t they the perfect networking targets?

Brigadier General Robnan straightened his military uniform, forced out a sophisticated social smile with three parts reserve, three parts enthusiasm, and three parts amiability, and walked towards them.

But just as he passed the entrance of the banquet hall, a group of people appeared there.

Except for the leader, all of them wore form-fitting black power combat suits, masks, and were heavily armed, exuding an aura completely out of place with the entire banquet hall, and even the entire Azure Princess.

Brigadier General Robnan was startled, then clearly saw the appearance of the person leading them.

“Brigadier General Morey?”

The Vice Principal certainly knew him. The notorious Vulture of the Military Police, the de facto commander of the Blue Guards. Although his military rank was the same as his own, normal people knew that his general stars would soon be added one by one, and of course, he was someone he needed to curry favor with… oh no, network with.

“Brigadier General Morey, are you also here for the banquet?” Robnan decided to chat with him first, perhaps even connect with Lieutenant General Wang Jingyang behind him, and then mend his relationship with Yu Lian.

Yes, Brigadier General Robnan had already determined that he could no longer prevent that student, whom he gritted his teeth at, from soaring. If so, then turn enemies into friends. This was the proper action for a mature adult.

As he thought this, his smile became even more amiable.

However, Brigadier General Francis Morey glanced at him, decided he was an unfamiliar person, and since he needed a sacrifice to quickly make the important people Present understand the situation, he immediately drew his pistol without a word.

Robnan still hadn’t reacted when his head was directly “splattered” open by the other party. The Vice Principal’s brains and blood splattered out, but not a single drop touched Morey, who was close by, as they were pushed away by an invisible spiritual energy field.

Vice Principal Robnan fell to the ground, dead on the spot, losing his life just like that. His eyes, instantly losing focus, were still filled with confusion.

The gunshot wasn’t loud, but the dead body, brains, and blood were enough to make many people realize the reality.

A rigid silence, instantly spread like a plague throughout the entire banquet hall.

Something happened? Feifei’s eyes narrowed. Although she was surprised, she wasn’t overly shocked. From the moment the single-ship exercise began, her mind had never been at peace; she had always felt something would happen.

Now that something truly had happened, Feifei instead calmed down, as if the shoe she had been waiting for had finally dropped. She flipped her wrist, and a butterfly dart slid from her sleeve to her wrist. However, when her gaze quickly locked onto the identity of the newcomer, she immediately hesitated.

She didn't know if she truly had the ability to quickly take down a renowned spiritual energy user like Francis Morey without exposing her identity.

And at this moment, Miss Lola, who had been by Feifei’s side, telling her about men, suddenly let out a high-pitched scream.

Even someone as composed as Feifei was startled. She truly hadn’t expected that her idol, this famous host and media personality known nationwide for her intellect, elegance, and erudition, once she started screaming, her momentum and volume would actually be All-Galaxy level.

Her reaction seemed to set the tone for the scene. In an instant, screams, cries, wails, running, and whistling rose and fell continuously. It proved that important people, when faced with sudden situations, do not necessarily perform better than ordinary people… perhaps even worse.

Feifei subtly patted Miss Lola, who then stopped screaming and completely slumped down. Although she did faint on the spot, she also entered a comfortable state of dormancy.

Now, she could only do these things.

The chaos did not last too long. Two armed soldiers fired a volley of bullets into the air, which made everyone stop screaming. The heavily armed combat robots that had appeared around the venue at some unknown point completely pulled everyone Present from panic into fear.

The feeling was similar, but at least the behavior was much “calmer.”

Brigadier General Morey looked at everyone’s state with satisfaction.

“Ladies and gentlemen. I regret to inform you that you, and this Azure Princess, have become my hostages!” He still spoke to everyone in his flat tone, his voice as calm as if he were stating an objective truth.

Thanks to Platinum Tower Lord for the generous reward, you