Chapter 383: Chapter 158: Cloaked in Glory (Congratulations to Sect Leader He, Descending with the Wind)
(Congratulations to the new Sect Leader “Sui Feng Er Xia” for advancing, here’s an additional update presented first!)
Mu Fan’s deep and indistinct “scram” from his throat made several nearby students glance over.
However, seeing no other movement from Mu Fan, they didn’t pay further attention.
“What do we do now?”
“I don’t know, those people are like crazy, they pulled us over here just to sign a document.”
“Sigh, school starts tomorrow, and I haven’t even prepared.”
“We’re back on Blue Capital Star, why can’t they just let us relax in peace?”
“Let’s wait for the Major to come over, this hall is still quite oppressive.”
…
The sounds of discussions grew more abundant as groups of students came out after signing confidentiality agreements.
“Did you find out about Gu Qing’s background?” Mu Fan interrupted Black’s deep daydreaming without ceremony.
“No, the information discovered through the network is extremely limited. The people from the Military Department have a much stronger sense of confidentiality than ordinary people. Their calls are encrypted and they don’t leave any call records. For now, I only know that Gu Qing’s superior is Colonel Li Shen from the War Department. From some covertly recorded data, it’s clear that Li Shen isn’t exactly a likable person. The complexities of your human relationships are too difficult to quantify in terms of data, at least everything seems normal for now.”
“Next, focus on following up on Li Shen and Gu Qing. I want to see who’s taken notice of me.”
“Sure, then let’s continue to talk about the mechanical legions. Do you think I should still not appoint a deputy commander? Having a deputy commander and a secretary sounds more impressive, right?”
Mu Fan automatically filtered out all the noise and concentrated on staring blankly at the ceiling.
In the hallway some tens of meters away, rhythmic footsteps sounded, and as two people appeared, some soldiers saluted.
“Major.”
“Major.”
“Isn’t that our school’s instructor? Why is Major Lin taking a deliberate step behind him?”
Someone noticed this detail after seeing the two.
Looking at the students, lively as lively dragons, there was not a trace of despondency on their faces, and their spirits were as youthful and vibrant as their ages.
Therefore, Ruan Xiongfei smiled in satisfaction, but the expression on his face was as unnerving as a blooming sunflower.
“Not bad, Lin Hao, you’ve worked hard leading the team this month; these kids are really great.”
The double affirmations “not bad” were so apparent in the language of Bald Ruan that even a fool could hear his satisfaction.
“These students are all excellent, and it’s my honor to lead them. Especially Mu Fan, I cannot help but marvel at your insight; he truly deserves the title of a ‘War God seedling’.”
“Hahaha~~” The laughter resounded like thunder; it seemed Ruan Xiongfei was grinning all the way to the back of his head, and Lin Hao’s words had directly scratched his itch.
Now someone praising Mu Fan made him happier than praising himself.
As the ‘War God instructor,’ once the kid Mu Fan grew up, he would inherit this title, which sounded very domineering.
Ruan Xiongfei’s laughter carried no intention of being quiet, so when he laughed out loud, Mu Fan, who was sitting at a distance, suddenly opened his eyes.
Was that Bald Ruan’s voice?
So, when Mu Fan’s gaze shifted over, it coincided with the wild look in the old soldier’s eyes.
Then Mu Fan saw the sudden zest that burst forth from the bald man’s eyes.
Words would struggle to describe Ruan Xiongfei’s gaze at that moment: surprise, excitement, happiness.
“Mu Fan, kid!” It was still that unreserved voice, instantly attracting the attention of everyone around.
“Instructor Ruan, good to see you.” Mu Fan stood up respectfully and walked over to greet him.
After all, this bald man seemed to be his nominal mentor at the academy.
“Good, good! I’ve heard all about you, truly worthy of being Ruan Xiongfei’s disciple. I’ve come to give you a small gift.”
A small gift?
Seeing Mu Fan’s curious expression, Lin Hao laughed and stood up to say, “This gift is no small matter; Instructor Ruan almost tore down the War Department just now.”
Oh?
If Major Lin Hao says the gift is significant, what could it be?
Soon, he saw Ruan Xiongfei pull a crystal box out of his tactical waist pack, its translucent luster firmly capturing Mu Fan’s gaze.
Because he had already seen what was inside, it was a medal shimmering with silver light!
“War Merit Medal—the Centurion Medal, this is the honor you deserve.”
Seeing only a dazed smile on Mu Fan’s face, it was clear the young man had no idea about the special nature of the War Merit Medal and the significance of the Centurion Medal. However, Ruan Xiongfei did not explain; he simply stuffed the box into Mu Fan’s hands, laughing loudly and patting him on the shoulder.
At this moment, the students almost spontaneously gathered around, and they too saw that medal.
Many had similar expressions of bewilderment on their faces; to them, it was merely a medal for commendation.
But a few displayed expressions of solemnity and envy.
Like Shi Sen!
As someone from a military family, his familiarity with various military medals far exceeded that of others. When he saw the medal’s design clearly, his heart trembled.
It was a War Merit Medal!
The Centurion Medal!
Firstly, the War Merit Medal signifies that it is unattainable by civilian personnel who have not engaged in battle. This must be rigorously verified, with definite kill records and certain conditions met, such as annihilation of an enemy unit or achieving glorious combat results, before one is awarded.
Awarded to: Active-duty military personnel.
Secondly, the Centurion Medal, named in tiers of ten, hundred, and thousand, holds an even higher status because its issuance criteria are more stringent!
Even the lowest-tier centurion medal holds higher prestige in the eyes of genuine soldiers than ambiguous medals such as the Olive Sparrow or Hunting Envoy Medal. And the Centurion Medal possesses real privileges: Soldiers bearing it receive the treatment of a Lieutenant and any officer below the rank of Captain or soldiers must salute upon seeing it! One-time death exemption! Priority in military rank promotion!
Awarded to: Soldiers who combat on the front lines (true warriors).
“Shi Sen, you look so solemn; with your broad knowledge, can you explain what’s so special about this medal?”
The young man with the buzzcut and robust build nodded, his eyes filled with admiration as he said, “This medal is, in principle, meant to be awarded to active-duty military personnel. All the holders I’ve seen are ace warriors from various units. The key issue is… Mu Fan, like us, is merely a Reserve Officer, a new recruit who’s just started his military service. And now he possesses this medal, meaning before he even comes of age, he already enjoys the treatment due to a Lieutenant. Just think of the scene four years from now when he officially enters the military… it’s terrifying to even imagine!”
Hearing this, his shocked peers looked over at Mu Fan, who was dumbly staring at the crystal box.
Shi Sen looked at Mu Fan with bright eyes and murmured, “More than terrifying, the other implication of this medal is… a true centurion!”
At the same age, having already achieved a singular centurion in actual combat!
It could be said that from the moment Mu Fan accepted the medal, in the eyes of Shi Sen, who hailed from a distinguished military family, he was no longer just a commoner youth nor just an ordinary classmate.
Now, the young man standing before him, appearing somewhat slim and restraining his presence… he himself would be a true noble of the military in years to come!
Some students from noble backgrounds also recognized the medal, though none understood it as deeply as Shi Sen.
So, while they were still weighing internally how to interact with Mu Fan in the future, Shi Sen had already walked straight over.
A military salute was offered, and he extended his right hand.
“Shi Sen, you are an example to our generation; I hope to become true friends with you!”
The young man’s tone was serious, his eyes brimming with sincerity.
Mu Fan had always known about Shi Sen, but this was the first time he saw his classmate from a military family approach him with such formality.
The sincerity and admiration in his eyes could not be feigned.
Therefore, Mu Fan also happily extended his right hand, “Mu Fan, I hope we can fight side by side in the future.”
Off to the side, noble students like Zhang Shaotang and Xize failed to understand Shi Sen’s actions and looked down on them, but many more youths were moved by the scene.
With an inspiring example before them, what reason was there not to strive harder?
“Ha ha ha ha! I’m in such a good mood today, what should I do?” Ruan Xiongfei burst into hearty laughter upon witnessing this, glanced around the room, and with a bold voice that filled the entire hall, announced, “Students of Ding Chuan, let’s go, we’re heading home!”