C9 Accidents Happened in the Military Camp

"You're the unreliable class president, huh? You say your name is Tang Hao, but I've never heard of you, and frankly, I'm not interested," Xia Yan said dismissively before pulling Gongsun Yan away without a backward glance.

"Class president? Yeah, not the most dependable. I've got injuries; I need to check them out at the hospital," Lei Xun said, shaking his head in disapproval before he, too, departed.

Soon, only Zhuge Yao and Tang Hao remained on the field, the air between them thick with awkwardness. Zhuge Yao hesitated, utterly taken aback to encounter the Great God in the New Soldier Battalion. He vividly recalled the previous life of this Great God—a figure mired in controversy.

Why, you ask? Because when it came to battling Devil Beast Men, this Great God was utterly ruthless. Not only was he a master at controlling Mechas, but he was also a Super Warrior. Even more impressive was his lineage as a descendant of the Ancient War God, Tang Long. Under normal circumstances, he would be hailed as a national hero. But for reasons unknown, Tang Hao had led a group to live as bandits.

"Tang Hao? Oh, the class president, right? Hello. I just remembered, I need to buy some personal items, so I'll be heading out," Zhuge Yao politely excused himself before turning on his heel and speeding off the field as if chased by a hound.

A chill wind swept through the autumn air, leaving Tang Hao feeling the cold. The sun had been shining brightly just moments ago, and now a sudden coolness enveloped him. Watching Zhuge Yao's retreating figure, Tang Hao resolved to best this young upstart.

The barracks were abuzz with new recruits arriving, snapping photos in lively groups. Rumor had it that in a few days, the army would collect all mobile phones, cameras, and other electronic gadgets. The goal was clear: to maintain secrecy, as not everyone could exercise self-restraint. There had been incidents where someone posted a photo of the camp online, leading to the enemy stealing sensitive information—a grave security breach.

The military camp was a world apart from civilian life, boasting facilities like Mecha arenas and simulation battle pods. It was divided into various zones, including the training grounds for new recruits, the quarters for the troops, and a communal business district.

Zhuge Yao was currently at the New Soldier Battalion's training area. He had to complete a three-month training program before he could move on to other areas. The place was equipped with training Mechas, as well as related facilities and grounds. He approached a Mecha that was parked in the square, seemingly unattended.

"Hey, boss, be careful," Xia Yan's voice suddenly rang out urgently from behind him.

Zhuge Yao's reflexes were quick. Heeded by the warning, he looked up just in time to see the Mecha toppling over. He stepped back rapidly, and the Mecha crashed to the ground in front of him, kicking up a cloud of dust. A cold sweat broke out over him as he realized how close he had come to disaster. He was inwardly grateful for Xia Yan's timely alert, which had saved him from being flattened.

"Boss, are you alright?" Xia Yan hurried over, his concern evident in his voice.

Zhuge Yao was touched by his friend's concern and felt glad to have such a friend. Brushing the dust from his clothes, he gave a small smile and responded, "I'm fine. Thanks for the heads-up. I could have been turned into a pancake."

The scare had dampened Zhuge Yao's spirits, and he no longer felt like hanging around. He and Xia Yan headed back to their dormitory. They hadn't even reached the door when they heard Lei Xun's screams from a distance. Zhuge Yao quickened his pace and burst into the dorm to find Lei Xun sprawled on his bed.

Bloodstains marked the dormitory floor, and Lei Xun was lying there with a metal rod protruding from his rear. Tang Hao was at his bedside, applying medicine powder to the wound, which was likely an anti-inflammatory, given the pained cries coming from Lei Xun.

Relieved that Lei Xun's injuries weren't serious, Zhuge Yao breathed easier. The guy would bounce back in no time as long as his life wasn't in danger. Still, Zhuge Yao was baffled. Lei Xun had been fine just moments ago; how had he gotten hurt so suddenly? They were in a military camp, after all. A little horseplay was one thing, but serious harm was tantamount to a death wish.

"Ah!" Lei Xun's scream pierced the air, a sound so harrowing it sent shivers down everyone's spine.

Exhausted, Tang Hao withdrew the metal rod and bandaged Lei Xun's wound. Lei Xun's wails were incessant, prompting Tang Hao to smack him on the rear in frustration, barking, "You're such a wimp! All this fuss over a little pain—what good are you?"

Leaving them aside, Zhuge Yao took the iron rod from Tang Hao and scrutinized it. It was an unusual rod, with no apparent flaws unless examined closely. It appeared to be a standard rod with flat ends, but a scan with the measuring instrument revealed data indicating that sharp ice had once encased its tips.

But what did that prove? Zhuge Yao was stumped and felt a growing sense of unease. He had narrowly avoided an accident himself, and now this—another bizarre incident?

While Zhuge Yao was lost in thought, Tang Hao spoke up nonchalantly, "There's been a string of accidents in the barracks lately. Just the other day, I heard someone fell into a ditch, and yesterday, it seemed someone's Mecha went haywire."

"Hmm?" Zhuge Yao perked up at Tang Hao's words, sensing he was on the verge of a crucial realization, yet something vital still eluded him.

The arrival of the Battalion Three Class Ten's class monitor had everyone returning to their dorms, eager to meet him. But Tang Hao was a letdown—disheveled, reeking of alcohol, and lacking any semblance of charisma.

The class, consisting of ten members including Tang Hao, Zhuge Yao, Lei Xun, Xia Yan, Gongsun Yan, and others, resembled a Machine Maintenance Class more than anything. They might falter in Mecha combat, but when it came to repairs, each member was a standout. Given their unique skills, it wasn't surprising that the military had appointed such an unconventional class monitor.

Tang Hao quickly convened a class meeting for introductions, then declared free time. Lei Xun was bedridden, unable to rise. Xia Yan, worn out from the day's exertions, promptly fell asleep. Gongsun Yan was engrossed in Mecha blueprints, while the rest of the class engaged in various activities.

As dusk fell, Tang Hao unusually decided to spend the night in the dormitory, and the others were instructed not to roam about. Their cell phones and various electronic devices were collected for safekeeping by the military, to be returned upon leaving or discharge. Deprived of their primary source of entertainment, and with card games and drinking off-limits, the barracks quieted down early as everyone turned in for the night.

Zhuge Yao lay awake, unable to shake off the day's odd events. Peering out the window into the inky darkness, he sensed an ominous presence enveloping the Recruit Company. Suddenly, a shadow darted in the distance. Rubbing his eyes, he confirmed he wasn’t imagining things. The fleeting figure had to be a Devil Beast Man, specifically a high-ranking Fox Woman.

Acting on instinct, Zhuge Yao sprang up, not even bothering to grab his coat, and dashed toward where the shadow had vanished. His classmates slept soundly, oblivious to his departure. Only Tang Hao, stirring from his slumber, dressed quietly and stealthily trailed behind.

The moon shone brightly that night, casting visibility far into the distance. Zhuge Yao, blessed with a robust constitution and the speed of a Windwing-level, augmented by his Small Mecha, effortlessly pursued the elusive shadow.