Chapter 005: A Military Recruitment Assessment

Age is inconsequential, as is the ongoing conflict between the Federation and the Empire. Jixinghe, who has lived a modest and unassuming life, now possesses only one fervent ambition: to seek vengeance.

However, he couldn't venture alone to the extraterrestrial frontlines. The alien planets were inhospitable to human life. The thin atmosphere lacked breathable air, drastic temperature fluctuations between day and night necessitated protective spacesuits, chaotic magnetic fields and unpredictable storms rendered much of the technology useless.

Apart from military camps and bases, there were no habitable spaces for humans on the alien frontlines. Even the formidable Imperial gorillas struggled to survive on the alien surface without equipment.

Humans, when wearing spacesuits, were ill-equipped for combat. Hindered mobility and the risk of oxygen leaks leading to death made them vulnerable. In contrast, the Imperial gorillas only needed auxiliary breathing devices. Thus, the initial encounters favored the Empire, resulting in the Federation's complete collapse. But endings often signal new beginnings.

The Federation's Scientific Academy developed a new generation of warfare weaponry—mechas. Mechas, ineffective on the serene Blue Star, shone on the alien planets with weaker gravity and unsuitable for high-tech weapons.

Hence, the Federation established bases, camps, and mines on the alien planets, extracting resources while defending against external threats.

Imperial gorillas and monkeys traversed through jump gates directly to the alien planets. Research confirmed their inability to utilize jump gates to reach the Blue Star, at least for the time being. However, if the alien planets fell, Imperial forces could invade the Blue Star directly through them.

Although the Federation's high-tech weaponry was effective in the Blue Star's atmosphere and near-space, nobody desired a war with the Empire. The Empire possessed advanced technology of its own, gained during the conflicts with the Federation—mechas, starships, to name a few.

If a war erupted in the Blue Star's vicinity, the Federation couldn't hold its ground. Imperial forces would breach the blockade and wreak havoc on the surface, including human lives.

Under such circumstances, those selected to venture to the extraterrestrial frontlines were carefully chosen. Even those who lived as miners, chefs, mechanics, scientists, artists, and more within the bases were called upon during wartime. In peacetime, they showcased their unique talents, but when necessary, they became soldiers.

Some could live on the alien planets from the age of thirty to sixty-five, like those who initially landed there and survived the Empire's first attack. However, no one would allow a sixty-five-year-old to waste resources on an impossible and meaningless mission to the alien frontlines.

"We'll avenge Jichen Star for you, because it's not just your vengeance, it's ours, the Federation's, humanity's. And it's not just Jichen Star's vengeance."

These were the words left by Tu Yuan before departing.

"I'll talk to the relevant authorities. You should be able to leave here. But this is your only chance. If you mess up again, no matter the reason, you'll face the consequences you deserve."

Then, Tu Yuan left. Three days later, Jixinghe, who had been silent for three days and had lost even more weight, saw sunlight again.

"Old Jixing, when you go back, eat well, rest well, take care of yourself."

The officer who initially interrogated Jixinghe stood beside him, but received no response. Jixinghe, devoid of the ferocity he displayed during the interrogation, resembled a frail elder. The officer sighed helplessly.

"You want revenge, don't you? But in your current state, let alone facing ten of me, you can't even handle half of me, let alone those Imperial gorillas. You can't even beat the Imperial monkeys. What's the point of talking about revenge?"

The officer's tone grew stern, then softened.

"Old Jixing, though I don't want to say this, and I don't want this to happen, the situation on the front lines is dire. Otherwise, General Tu Yuan wouldn't personally go around recruiting soldiers. In case... I mean, in case, if the Empire really attacks, and the war happens on our planet, you'll still have a chance for revenge, provided you're still capable at that time."

The frail elder, under the sunlight, seemed to regain stature. His stooped figure straightened like withered grass revived by rain after a long drought.

Jixinghe gazed intently at the officer, leaving him somewhat perplexed.

"Old Jixing, if you have something to say, just say it. I'll help if I can."

"Well..." Jixinghe finally spoke, his voice hoarse. He indeed hadn't eaten or rested well these past days. In fact, he was weakened even before the interrogation.

"Can I make two knives myself?"

The officer frowned. "You're not talking about those Eight-Cut Knives, are you? Old Jixing, everyone's using mechas and starships now. What's the use of you making Eight-Cut Knives? I'll tell you, those are controlled weapons."

"I won't sharpen them. Not yet."

"What use are they if they're not sharpened?"

"I haven't practiced in years. I'll get a feel for it. If the situation you mentioned arises, I'll sharpen them then."

Sharpened knives against mechas?

The officer was speechless. He knew what Eight-Cut Knives were like—short knives, only thirty to forty centimeters in length, while mechas stood at least three meters tall, with the average height of Imperial mechas being four and a half meters.

"Fine, as long as you don't sharpen them, you can make them yourself." The officer didn't argue further with a 65-year-old man but emphasized, "But absolutely no sharpening. And you can only practice alone, no sparring with anyone."

Although many believed Jixinghe would be useless on the alien frontlines, his combat prowess was acknowledged. General Tu Yuan himself stated, "Jixinghe can beat a hundred of me."

Even though General Tu Yuan was a civilian general, he was still a general. Being able to beat a hundred generals was quite something.

"Okay, don't worry. I've never sparred with anyone, except..." Jixinghe's words increased, but when he mentioned the only person he ever sparred with, he fell silent.

The officer didn't know that Jixinghe had once secured the second place in the military academy's combat competition. Curious, he asked, "Except who?"

Jixinghe took a deep breath. "My son."

The officer was momentarily stunned, quickly changing the subject.

"You're really formidable, training alone and still being this skilled. If you... oh? General Tu Yuan is here this time to recruit soldiers in our New Phoenix City. How about you train a few apprentices to enlist? They say there'll be this kind of open recruitment activity every year, regardless of background or education. You have a chance."

"Open recruitment?" Jixinghe's eyes lit up. "Is there an age limit?"

"They say you need to be eighteen or above. No upper limit mentioned because it's not just for conscription, but also for other professions." The officer understood Jixinghe's intention and sighed again, saying, "Don't even think about it. There's a physical fitness test, and someone your age definitely won't pass. Those above forty-five won't stand a chance."

A physical fitness test?

Suddenly, Jixinghe felt hungry, thirsty, and tired. He needed to eat, drink, and sleep well. He needed to participate in the assessment.