Chapter 399: Chapter 174: Come, Take a Shot at Me
Xu Jiang, noticing everyone had quieted down, said to Mu Fan and the other two, “You three, come with me. The person in charge of your military training will explain the contents to you next.”
He waved his hand and had already reached the classroom doorway.
Mu Fan and the other two exchanged a glance and walked out.
Afterward, a lieutenant appeared, brushing past them as he entered.
The classroom behind remained quiet, but Xu Jiang did not look back.
This bald man’s steps were neither fast nor slow, and the three, remaining silent, followed him through the corridor and the building until they reached a beautifully crafted four-story building beside them.
“Stick close to me later, and make sure not to fall behind,” Xu Jiang solemnly said at the entrance of the building.
The exterior was made of metallic walls with a futuristic silver aesthetic. As they entered, a series of security systems involving palm, iris, and gait recognition appeared, making Mu Fan feel a cold sweat as he observed the rows of laser guns along the hallway.
What place is this? It looks so terrifying!
They stopped in front of a metallic door, and after Xu Jiang swiped his card, they finally entered.
“Just relax, this is the Mecha Academy’s equipment and research building. From bottom to top, each floor is extremely secure. As long as you follow me closely, there won’t be any problems.”
Qing Jiang and Chibman looked bulkier than Mu Fan, but at that moment, they looked towards him, acknowledging him as the leading figure who had been the most formidable during their special training phase.
Understanding, Mu Fan then asked, “Instructor Xu, are you bringing us here for some training?”
Xu Jiang, smiling, looked at Mu Fan. “Mu Fan, I know you, a very fine young man. Indeed, I’ve brought you here to conduct familiarization training during the regular military training period. Due to the unique characteristics of the reserve special recruitment, although you are in different specialties, this step is common but only those assigned to the Mecha Academy undergo more intense training.”
He asked, “Have the three of you had any contact with mechas before?”
The three nodded simultaneously.
“That’s good, you’ve earned yourselves three extra days. I’ll explain the training scheme; you must have experienced the Battle Net before, like in the Virtual Cabin at the Special Training Base. However, those services were commercially available to students, whereas here, in addition to the same equipment, there is a complete force feedback system and actual cockpits!”
“There are mechas here?!” the three asked in unison.
“Of course, although you cannot access them right now, I’m talking about the mere cockpit. It’s set up as the universal B-grade adventure mecha Earth Warrior, equipped with a sixth-generation engine, which is currently the mainstream mecha across the interstellar and also the most suited for instructional purposes.”
Xu Jiang paused and, watching the three pairs of gleaming eyes, continued, “This mecha is equipped with a full version of the 256-key control console, twelve joysticks, and limb coordination devices but is notably missing a Brain Coordination Device. This will allow you to familiarize yourselves with the most widely used mecha operations in the most intuitive way. Most mechas used later on are generally derivatives of the Earth Warrior, and their control schemes are often optimized multiple times by mecha companies.”
Mu Fan, understanding the gist of Xu Jiang’s explanation, noted that it shared commonalities with Black’s explanations but was more detailed and precisely targeted in its purpose.
Xu Jiang’s goal was simple: to familiarize them with all the standard operations of the current mechas so that future transitions would minimize discomfort.
This is the level one would expect from a professional instructor.
And Black?
Under such circumstances, Black should have popped up to make a remark.
But it was utterly quiet inside his ear.
Unaware of Mu Fan’s thoughts, Xu Jiang continued. “This seemingly complex and useless training is designed to allow you to adapt more precisely and quickly to other mechas in the future. This special driving simulator will be integrated with the Battle Net, which is a simulation training system developed exclusively for the academy by the Battle Net. My requirement is simple: you use the real controls, equipped with unique helmets and force feedback gear, to combat other players. The Earth Warrior’s cockpit isn’t just for you to pilot it, but to meet all your mecha demands. In each session, try to become familiar with a new mecha body.”
The final statement left Mu Fan and the others dumbfounded.
The training… was to play a game?
Finally seeing their shocked expressions, Xu Jiang laughed. “Does it seem a bit unreliable? You’ll understand once you’re inside. This training scheme is only open to you special recruitment students among the freshmen this month, so make good use of it.”
“Regarding levels, there’s no separate categorization; you all start at the lowest level, so give it your all to climb higher.” Xu Jiang pressed some button, and a curtain wall slowly pulled up, revealing five massive cockpits standing quietly on the ground.
“Training begins, everyone store your communication devices; there’s strong electromagnetic shielding here, and photography is forbidden.”
“Mu Fan, put down your Sky Communication device, wristwatch, and headset.”
Xu Jiang looked at Mu Fan and said something that shocked him.
He finally understood why Black couldn’t make any noise; not only was there a shielding device inside the building, but there was also a detection device, and several metal items on his body had been detected.
Now Mu Fan was just relieved, glad that Solomon’s Hand Armor was in his apartment…
Otherwise, the fun would just be starting.
“Mu Fan, come out with me, Qing Jiang, and Chibman, you two go ahead into the training.”
So Mu Fan obediently followed Xu Jiang out, and once the metal door shut, the quiet corridor was left with just the sound of their footsteps.
“Instructor Xu, where are we going?”
“To meet Instructor Ruan. Although he is an instructor in the Fighting Department, I know a bit about his special identity, so I’m taking you to meet him this time.”
Bald Ruan?
Mu Fan, puzzled, followed Xu Jiang again into a medium-sized training ground, finally seeing Ruan Xiongfei dressed in combat attire and holding a saber.
That shiny bald head, impressive back, powerful presence, and…
“Hahaha, my dear disciple, I knew it was you by your footsteps! Xu is a good man; he finally brought my disciple over.” Big Bald Head suddenly turned around, and his thunderous laughter shook Mu Fan quite a bit.
This was a huge contrast.
Ruan Xiongfei first slapped Xu Jiang on the shoulder, then he placed another hand on Mu Fan, pulling them aside with a force impossible to resist.
Xu Jiang gave a wry smile looking at Ruan Xiongfei: “Can you please give me some face in front of the students, after all, he is my student.”
“Hahaha, sure thing.” Ruan Xiongfei unabashedly rubbed his bald head and laughed, then turned to Mu Fan and said, “Xu is one of us, a really good guy. I rarely have friends in the academy, but Xu Jiang is one of them; you should respect Instructor Xu in the future!”
Mu Fan bowed politely again: “Good to meet you, Instructor Xu.”
After Ruan Xiongfei’s introduction, even repeating a simple greeting took on a completely different meaning. Bald Ruan said he’s one of us, so he must certainly be someone you can trust.
Xu Jiang lifted Mu Fan up and then said with a smile, “About your situation, Ruan has told me everything. You’re definitely a promising talent. I’ll teach the Mecha courses conscientiously; you can be at ease with that.”
“Hahaha, I just love hearing you talk; look, your promotion in the future might just depend on my disciple.” Ruan Xiongfei grinned broadly, feeling happy whenever someone praised Mu Fan.
“Alright, Xu, you go back first; I’ll call you once I’m done here.”
Xu Jiang nodded and left.
Now, only the two of them were left in the arena, Mu Fan looked at his new-found mentor, waiting for him to speak.
Ruan Xiongfei, resting his right hand on his saber and suddenly pulling out a pistol with his left, threw it to Mu Fan.
Once Mu Fan caught it securely, Ruan Xiongfei flashed a big white smile:
“Come on, kid, shoot at me.”
*****
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