"The fact that the Captain didn't punish you with extra training *is* your encouragement," Shen Qiuyue said calmly, setting an Energy Bar on the table.
"Enough chatter. Eat something. We have more training this afternoon."
"This afternoon?!" Sun Yang shot up straight.
"You've got to be kidding me. We just finished training, and we have to do it again this afternoon?"
"What did you expect?" Han Ruoxi raised an eyebrow.
"The Captain already said today was an intensive training day. This afternoon might be even tougher than this morning."
"Oh, heavens, why must my pathetic life be so hard!" Sun Yang lamented to the sky, his expression so exaggerated it was comical.
"Alright, stop yelling!" Bai Lin poked his head out of his room.
"Just got a message from the intel department. They're about to crack the Insect Race's encrypted data. The Captain wants us to assemble for a meeting after training this afternoon!"
"Data from the Insect Race?" Han Ruoxi was suddenly interested.
"Any important discoveries?"
"The Captain didn't give specifics, but I'm guessing they've obtained some key intel," Bai Lin said, pushing up his glasses.
"Anyway, get ready for this afternoon's training, and don't drop the ball!"
"Drop the ball? Why don't you all just say you're talking about me!" Sun Yang stood up, gritting his teeth.
"This afternoon, I swear I'll prove myself! I won't let you look down on me!"
"Let's hope so, then," Shen Qiuyue said coolly.
...
On the training grounds that afternoon, Li Chang'an was even stricter than usual.
He stood in the center of the field, his gaze as sharp as a knife, watching every squad member's performance intently.
"Sun Yang, aim for the bullseye! Don't just spray and pray!" he yelled.
"Yes, Captain!" Sun Yang gritted his teeth and aimed. His Pulse Gun finally hit the center of the target.
"Not bad," Li Chang'an nodded.
"Keep it up!"
"Ruo Xi, the arc's coverage is too wide. Narrow it down. Don't waste Energy!" he said, turning to Han Ruoxi.
"Understood!" Han Ruoxi adjusted her Energy output and accurately struck the target.
"Qiuyue, your attacks are stable, but you need to be faster!" Li Chang'an's voice was cold.
"Understood!" Shen Qiuyue swung her High-Energy Sword, cleaving the target in two with a single strike.
The training continued until evening. By the time it was over, everyone was completely exhausted.
...
After training, the squad reassembled in the meeting room. Li Chang'an stood in front of a large screen, waiting for the Connection from the intelligence department.
"High command will be giving us a new mission shortly," Li Chang'an said, his gaze sweeping over the team.
"This time, it's likely a large-scale operation related to the Insect Race.
Your performance today was acceptable, but this afternoon's training exposed some issues."
"Captain, weren't we okay?" Sun Yang muttered under his breath.
"'Acceptable' isn't 'qualified'!" Li Chang'an shot him a look.
"If there are any slip-ups on the next mission, we could all end up getting wiped out."
"Understood, Captain!" Han Ruoxi nodded grimly.
The screen lit up, and the head of the intelligence department appeared.
"Insect Hunter Squad, greetings," the department head began.
"The data has now been partially decrypted. We've confirmed that the Insect Race is using the Rebel Army to establish a secret supply line. The terminus of this route could be a large-scale Insect Race hive!"
"Has the exact location been confirmed?" Li Chang'an asked.
"It's still being analyzed, but we have two points of interest," the head replied, pulling up a map and pointing to two red dots on the screen.
"Here and here. These are the key areas of our speculation.
Your mission is to assist in reconnaissance and destroy this supply line."
"Understood," Li Chang'an nodded.
"The detailed mission parameters will be sent to your terminals shortly," the head continued.
"This mission is extremely dangerous. I expect you to be fully prepared."
The screen went dark, and the meeting room fell silent.
"We assemble and depart tomorrow morning. Tonight, go back and make your preparations," Li Chang'an said to his team, his tone firm.
"There is no room for error on this mission."
"Roger that!" everyone answered in unison.
Sun Yang grumbled under his breath.
"Looks like no one's getting a peaceful night's sleep tonight."
"You deserve to sleep badly," Han Ruoxi shot him a glare.
"Go back and get ready. Don't drag us down again."
"I'll prove myself this time for sure!" Sun Yang stood up and said, clenching his fist.
"Captain, just you wait and see!"
Li Chang'an didn't answer, merely watching his retreating back with the faint, almost imperceptible hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth.
That night, the atmosphere in the Insect Hunter Squad's dormitory was even more tense than it had been after training. Everyone was preparing for the upcoming mission.
Han Ruoxi was crouched on the floor inspecting her Superpower Armor. Shen Qiuyue was polishing her High-Energy Sword. Bai Lin, meanwhile, was munching on an Energy Bar while calibrating equipment on his terminal.
As was his routine, Sun Yang was sitting on the sofa, complaining loudly.
"I just don't get it. In a base this huge, why is our squad always the one charging in first? Are the other squads just a bunch of freeloaders?"
"Don't be ridiculous. You've never charged in first," Han Ruoxi said without looking up.
"You're usually in the back, picking off stragglers."
"Ruo Xi, can you please stop picking on me?" Sun Yang sat up straight.
"I'm mentally prepared this time. I'm definitely going to be number one on this mission!"
"Number one in what? Getting discovered first?" Shen Qiuyue interjected unhurriedly, her tone as flat as if she were commenting on the weather.
"Sister Qiuyue, you can't look down on me like that either!" Sun Yang puffed out his chest.
"Just watch me on this mission. I'll definitely make you see me in a new light!"
"Then we'll be waiting to see it," Li Chang'an said as he pushed the door open, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the room.
"How are the preparations coming along?"
"Captain, I've been ready for ages!" Sun Yang immediately jumped to his feet, striking a pose of utmost confidence.
"Tomorrow, you all just need to watch me perform!"