"Mo, are you really not planning to join the military with me and Mo Xue after graduation? With your talent and my decisiveness, together we'd be an unstoppable force in the universe!"
In Dormitory 369 of Yunshan Military Academy, Feng Mo, Wang Chongsheng, Mo Xue, and Xiao Meng were seated together, and Wang Chongsheng immediately began berating Feng Mo.
It was the third day since they had returned from Planet Z139. With only two months left until graduation, the question of their future loomed large over all the fourth-year students.
But for these four, the future was already bright, even if they didn't forge their own paths—because their families would ensure it. Wang Chongsheng and Mo Xue had both been specially recruited by the military to serve as vice-captains in the Mo Yu Fleet, one of Yunshan Empire's three great fleets.
Mo Xue. Mo Yu. That's right, the previous commander of Mo Yu Fleet was none other than Mo Xue's grandfather, Lord Mo of the Meteor Star Empire. The name of the Mo Yu Fleet was even given by Lord Mo himself.
Although the Mo family wasn't originally part of Yunshan Empire, they had a tradition of sending every generation to Yunshan Military Academy for their education. This was why Lord Mo had such a close relationship with Wang Chongsheng's late grandfather—because they had been university classmates.
"I'm not joining," Feng Mo replied. "You know, Old Wang, I've always dreamed of interstellar exploration. The Chaos Star Sea is a place I have to visit someday. With the Federation's T5 warships holding strong on three fronts, you two gaining experience in the military is the best path."
Wang Chongsheng could hear the unresolved pain in Feng Mo's voice about his parents.
"If that's your decision, then, brother, let me give you a piece of advice," Wang said earnestly. "Don't build any T4 or higher starships in the near future. Keep your talents at T3 for at least three to five years!"
"Stay safe out there, and keep your talents hidden. According to my grandfather, a lot of people are curious about your abilities. If it weren't for warnings being issued, some less honorable individuals might have already come looking for you."
Feng Mo took this heartfelt warning seriously. In just a year, he'd already designed five different types of starships, attracting considerable attention. So far, he'd managed to justify this with claims of talent and years of accumulated research, and his connections had kept him safe. But if he suddenly unveiled T4 starship designs, it would definitely stir the hornet's nest.
In the face of overwhelming profit, some people might choose to act recklessly. Publicly, they wouldn't dare, but hidden threats were harder to defend against, and Feng Mo understood this all too well.
"If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to reach out," Mo Xue added. "The Mo Yu Fleet will protect you at least once."
This was a promise, an agreement that, if necessary, Mo Yu Fleet would come to Feng Mo's aid unconditionally. Having a T5 fleet's support at his disposal was like holding a massive trump card—it spelled certain doom for anyone foolish enough to provoke him.
And with Wang Chongsheng's personality, this promise would soon be spread as a warning to any factions tempted to cross the line.
"Save the sentimental talk," Feng Mo said with a smile. "When you two set up your fleet, come find me!"
"Boss, I wish I could go to the Chaos Star Sea with you, but my grandfather won't allow it," Xiao Meng said with a sigh. "I have to return home for training after graduation. But you, Old Wang, and Sister Xue better visit me in the Central Federation's Tianqi Empire someday!"
Over the past six months, the trio had come to know the true Xiao Meng behind her mature exterior. Despite her commanding presence and doll-like face, she was deeply attached to them.
The Yue family was an ancient lineage from the Central Federation's Tianqi Empire, where they openly held two noble titles: a Duke and a Marquis. Their hidden influence was even more terrifying.
The Tianqi Empire itself was the strongest in the Human Federation, spanning seven star systems and boasting formidable power. It possessed five T5 fleets and worked with the Glorious Empire to protect the central territories.
Bidding farewell was hard. Though they all had bright futures and would cross paths again, Feng Mo knew these connections would serve him well one day.
After watching his friends leave, Feng Mo returned to the dormitory he'd called home for four years. A sense of nostalgia washed over him, but he knew he had to look forward.
"Xiao Y, come along. I've got enough points left to buy you from the academy," Feng Mo said to his intelligent robotic assistant.
Xiao Y had been with him for four years, and Feng Mo had grown used to its care. So he decided to purchase it outright.
"Dear Master, Xiao Y will gladly follow you for the rest of its days," the robot replied.
And with that, Feng Mo and Xiao Y left the dormitory they had known for so long, stepping onto a new journey. … Standing nude on a scanning platform, Feng Mo's body was bathed in a pale red light.
"Scan complete. Battle armor model in production," announced the system.
Feng Mo was in the main control room of the T3 Copper Hammer. Even before they had returned from Planet Z139, he had already used 4,000 points to purchase Memory Metal.
He had spent the rest of his points on the deadly Proton Torpedoes for his T3 Mantis Blade-class Interstellar Destroyers.
After dozens of battles, Feng Mo had accumulated over 13,000 military merits, still far from the amount needed to raise his title. In Yunshan Empire, a Viscount needed one million merits to advance to Earl and ten million to become a Marquis.
As for a Duke, that required more than just military accomplishments; it needed the approval of 60% of the Imperial Council.
He was now focused on crafting his T3 Black Radiance Battle Armor.
This power armor, also known as Exoskeletal Armor, was reminiscent of ancient full-body suits. The process began with a complete body scan to create a personalized model, followed by integrating Memory Metal and attaching smart systems, engines, and weaponry.
Using robotic arms, Feng Mo meticulously assembled the armor. He embedded the Memory Metal and installed an energy engine, fusing in the Dark Energy Crystal he had received as military compensation half a year ago.
This crystal could boost engine efficiency and protect it from damage when operating under extreme conditions. Feng Mo had poured his heart into this armor because it was his ultimate safeguard.
After half a month of work, with help from Elpan, the armor was finally complete.
Standing on the workbench, the black armor exuded an imposing aura. Feng Mo placed his right hand on the chest, where the engine was housed.
"Highest authority detected. Commencing identity verification... Verification successful!"
"Greetings, Master! Little U reporting for duty!"
With a mechanical voice, the black armor transformed into a liquid state, flowing over Feng Mo's body and solidifying into full combat mode.
Feng Mo tested its mobility, flight capabilities, weapon systems, and deployment mechanisms. To his satisfaction, the armor was lightweight and moved as if it was a part of him.
He tapped twice on the chest plate, and the armor retracted into a black liquid, flowing back into a bracelet around his wrist.
This was the magic of Memory Metal. But as incredible as it was, it
didn't come cheap—this battle armor had cost him nearly 50 million Yunshan Coins.
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