TIC 82

Chapter 82

He had only just taken office—wasn't there supposed to be some sort of adjustment period? How had a project landed squarely on his shoulders so quickly?

And that so-called simulation system... Xiao Yan racked his brain, managing to retrieve only scattered fragments of information; as for the specific details, he couldn't make heads or tails of them.

“Major Loch, I’m entrusting the technical system support to you. As is common knowledge, Major Xiao Yan’s neural-terminal interface speed clocks in at three hundred million terabytes per second. We require a system with an even faster processing speed—one capable of keeping pace with Major Xiao Yan’s own cognitive speed—in order to maximize efficiency.”

Major Loch? Was that the guy who had designed the dual-pilot flight control system back when he was only sixteen? Where was he?

“Oh. Got it.”

A lifeless voice rang out, and Xiao Yan glanced sideways. Loch turned out to be *this* person right here... this disheveled, listless man?

“Furthermore, Major Xiao Yan, your department has just been established and is in need of fresh blood. Following this meeting, a liaison officer will present you with a shortlist of candidates for research assistant positions.”

Research assistants? Why, he himself was still technically *Casey’s* research assistant...

“No need to get a headache over it. So-called research assistants are merely tools for you to command. They need only satisfy three conditions: First—obedience. Second—obedience. And third—you guessed it—obedience.”

Loch’s voice sounded like that of some half-dead plant—perpetually parched, as if uttering a single additional word would cause him to gasp his last breath.

“Don’t listen to this guy’s nonsense. There is only *one* condition a research assistant must meet: they must always prioritize their research supervisor above all else. Armed with that conviction, they will go to the ends of the earth—charging fearlessly into the fray—to ensure the success of your research.”

To Xiao Yan’s right sat a major with slightly wavy, flaxen-colored hair; his military uniform collar was unbuttoned, and one arm was draped casually over the backrest of Xiao Yan’s chair. “Major Reitz, aside from Lieutenant Xiao Yan’s combat simulation system, the second item on our agenda today concerns military aircraft. I understand that Jan Wallis and his team have developed a new type of aircraft—one that not only features a silent engine but also boasts a top speed double that of standard craft. And as for their fire control system...”

Lieutenant General Aver lightly tapped his finger in the air, and holographic projections materialized before everyone present. The missiles launched by Jan’s aircraft were highly advanced; had it not been for Hein’s decisive action, Ling Xiao’s entire squad might well have been wiped out.

“Major Reitz, over the past two years, your department has contributed precious few research breakthroughs. I am compelled to wonder if you’ve grown a bit too complacent.” Aver narrowed his eyes as he scrutinized Reitz, who merely offered a nonchalant smile in return.

“Give me one month, and I can boost that aircraft’s speed to two and a half times its current rate.”

Xiao Yan paused. Although the man beside him exuded an air of indolence, the confidence ringing in his words was undeniably genuine—for no one would dare to bluff in the presence of so many elites.

“And what of the aircraft’s fire control system?”

“Thinking is such a tiring business,” Reitz said, rubbing his head.

“If you can develop a fire control system superior to the one shown in this video clip, I will grant you a full week of extended leave.”

Reitz shook his head, appearing utterly uninterested. “My life is worth far more than a mere week.”

“Alternatively, I could assign you to Base 46. They are currently undergoing a change of command.”

Base 46 was situated within the Arctic Circle. It was a small facility; while its supplies were adequate, they were hardly abundant—and, most importantly... it was incredibly boring.

“I’ll take the week of extended leave,” Reitz declared, straightening his posture. His sudden air of gravity made it impossible to reconcile this serious figure with the indolent slacker he had appeared to be just moments before. “Very good.” Aivel’s gaze returned once again to Xiao Yan. “Furthermore, research into X-2 must continue. We hope that this virus will not be limited to use by a select few special forces operatives, but rather be widely implemented across the entire military command. Major Xiao Yan, the responsibility resting on your shoulders is heavy; however, every department represented here today will lend you their full support. Should you have any requirements whatsoever, please do not hesitate to voice them.”

“Yes, Lieutenant General.”

The meeting, having dragged on for the entire morning, finally came to a close.

Xiao Yan let out a long breath, while Ritz cheerfully threw an arm around his shoulders.

“What’s the matter? Why the gloomy look? Between the simulation system and the research into the widespread application of X-2—I admit it sounds like a headache—but who here *doesn't* have three or four research projects on their plate at any given time? Just try to take it in stride.”

“Am I supposed to be like *you*? Since last year alone, your department has accumulated twenty-six unfinished projects.”

Loch cast a vacant, sidelong glance at Ritz.

“And you think *you’re* doing any better? You’re always rushing to complete every single research project as if you’re fulfilling your dying wish—and what happens? That cunning old fox Aivel just dumps even *more* research assignments on you. How long has it actually been since you last slept? I’d bet money you’ll drop dead long before I do.” Ritz wore an expression that seemed to say, “I’ve got it all figured out.”

“Given how reluctant you are to use your brain, the odds of *you* developing senile dementia are far higher than mine.”

The back-and-forth banter between the two men left Xiao Yan feeling a pang of melancholy.

It used to be just like this between him and Casey. Only now, he had risen to the rank of Major, while Casey had left Shire.

“Hey, Xiao Yan! Today marks your very first day as a Major—how about we head over to the ‘Blue Tulip’ for a drinking binge? I bet there’ll be plenty of beauties just waiting to throw themselves at you!” Ritz had already begun mentally cataloging the beauties within the military command—he even had a personal ranking system for them. “Major Ritz, I advise you against doing that,” Loch’s wraith-like voice rang out.

“Why? You just can’t stand to see me having a good time, can you?”

“If it were just you drinking your fill at the Blue Tulip, I have no doubt you’d have a blast. But if Colonel Burton were to find out that you took Major Xiao Yan there to go on a drinking binge—well, I’m certain you wouldn’t live nearly as long as I have.”

“...” Ritz lowered the arm he had draped over Xiao Yan’s shoulder. “Heh... yeah, I guess you’re right...”

“Why bring up Colonel Burton?” Xiao Yan paused.

“Why bring up Colonel Burton?” Ritz mimicked Xiao Yan’s tone, shrugging his shoulders for good measure. “Listen, kid: Colonel Burton kissing you right in front of the Central Academy gates—that’s basically no different from him branding you like livestock. I think we’d best stick to professional cooperation and communication; as for our private lives, we need to keep a clear boundary. In any case, I fully intend to outlive this washed-up old geezer!”

“Come on, I’ll go with you to the Blue Tulip for that drinking binge,” Loch said, taking Ritz by the arm and half-forcibly dragging him away.

“Who the hell wants to go drinking with *you*?! None of the beauties there will even come near me anymore! You’re practically a giant dog—and the rabid kind, at that!”

“Rabies has long since been eradicated.”

Watching them walk further and further into the distance, Xiao Yan let out a soft breath.

The two projects Lieutenant General Avel had entrusted to him were of immense significance. He could let other matters slide, but these two research initiatives—he absolutely had to get to the bottom of them. He knew that in the entire realm of Shire, there was only one person who could help him.

And so, Xiao Yan once again made his way to the Interrogation Unit.

The sounds of a symphony drifted through the air.

The liaison officer opened the door to reveal Cité, leaning back in his chair with his eyes closed, his fingers tapping lightly against the desktop in time with the rhythm.

As Xiao Yan approached, the music gradually faded away; by the time Xiao Yan stood directly before him, the silence was so profound that only the sound of breathing remained. Major General Cité then opened his eyes; he gazed at Xiao Yan for a long moment, and slowly, a faint smile curved the corners of his lips. “I bet that when Hein Burton sees you dressed in your military uniform like that, he must be dying to rip it right off you.”

Xiao Yan instinctively pursed his lips; Major General Cité—a man with a keen eye for observation—wore a playful smile.

“Still haven't sorted out your feelings regarding Colonel Burton?”

“No.”

“Is it that you *haven't*, or that you *don't want to*?” Cité’s smile grew even more teasing.

Xiao Yan chose to selectively ignore the question.

“Oh, in that case, let me give you a little warning.”

“What?”

“Whatever you do, don't fall asleep while you're still connected to your terminal.”

“Huh?” Xiao Yan looked utterly bewildered; he did, after all, have a habit of wearing his terminal to listen to music before bed.

“Colonel Burton will use the terminal to hack his way right in here,” Cité said, flicking a finger against the center of Xiao Yan’s forehead. “And then he’ll absolutely *have* you.”

Xiao Yan took a half-step back, his mind instantly flooded with images of Hein kissing him in his dreams—struggling in vain to escape, as the urges he suppressed in reality erupted without restraint in the dreamscape.

“Haha!” Cité laughed, his shoulders shaking with amusement. “We just wrapped up the meeting at Military Headquarters; didn't they hold some kind of induction ceremony or promotion party for you?”

Xiao Yan shook his head. “I require your assistance, Sir.”

“Is this regarding your research project?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“What a disappointment. I thought you were going to ask me to help you sort out your complicated feelings about Colonel Burton.”

Xiao Yan spent the entire afternoon in Cité’s office. As he was leaving, however, Major General Cité’s expression suddenly turned grave.

“Major Xiao Yan, I hope this will be the last time you come to me for assistance.”

“...I apologize for taking up your time...”

“No, you didn't waste my time. On the contrary, entering your mind is a rather enjoyable experience. But whenever you lay yourself bare like an open book for me to read, I am often seized by an impulse to simply *destroy* you. I possess a strong degree of self-control—but that doesn't mean others are the same, nor does it guarantee that everyone who enters your mind harbors benevolent intentions.”

In that instant, the usually gentle and refined Cité cast a gaze so dark and chilling that it sent shivers down Xiao Yan’s spine. Xiao Yan froze, for the demeanor the other man exuded was so gentle that he completely forgot the man standing before him was Char’s renowned interrogation specialist.

“That really is a pity,” Xiao Yan said, lowering his head.

“A pity about what?”

“As an interrogation specialist, you are a true ‘blocker’ within Char. I thought I might have the opportunity to learn a great deal from you.”

Major General Hiti’s lips curled upward ever so slowly. “I am pleased that you hold such a thought.”

“Sir, are you agreeing to become my mentor?” Xiao Yan asked, overjoyed.

“I am a bit weary, Major. I wish to finish listening to my symphony.” Major General Hiti slowly closed his eyes. “Major, I hope that you will learn to take control of everything yourself.”

“…Thank you.”

Xiao Yan rose to leave and returned to his own apartment.

He sat down before the sofa and tugged at the collar of his uniform—which felt uncomfortably snug around his neck—when he suddenly froze. When had a bookcase appeared behind the desk opposite him? It was filled with rows of paper-bound books, arranged with meticulous neatness. Xiao Yan excitedly took them down one by one; there were even some antique classics among them, as well as books written in scripts unfamiliar to him—a discovery that immediately piqued his investigative curiosity.

“Do you like them?”

“Of course I do!” Xiao Yan turned around to find Hein leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest.

“How… did you get in here?”

“Because of my security clearance level.”

Xiao Yan gave an inward smirk. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a glass tank sitting on the desk—a miniature bio-cycle system simulating a beach, seawater, and sunlight. A tiny hermit crab sat lazily upon the sand grains, occasionally waving its little pincers. A wave of overwhelming familiarity washed over Xiao Yan.

He walked over to the tank and, with a mischievous impulse, gently flipped the hermit crab onto its back. The poor creature struggled helplessly, a sight that brought a smile to Xiao Yan’s lips; only when the little thing had exhausted itself did he, in a sudden act of mercy, help flip it back over. “I remember... I think you were the one who gave this to me.”

“Mm.”

“It’s strange... The part of my memory that remains clearest is the moment you stomped on and fractured my shoulder. Perhaps it was simply too painful—so painful that it became impossible to forget.”

“It’s getting late. Go to sleep.”

Hein walked past him. Xiao Yan thought he was going to kiss him, but to his surprise, he simply walked away.

Suddenly, a hollow emptiness settled in his heart.

It wasn't until the sound of the sliding door closing echoed through the room that Xiao Yan slowly let out a breath. Meanwhile, the man who had stepped outside leaned against the wall and tilted his chin upward; beneath his utterly placid, expressionless face, something seemed to be held in deep, stifling repression.

The next day proved to be a busy one for Xiao Yan. He was tasked with selecting his own research assistants. According to the Central Academy of Sciences' personnel protocols, a Major was entitled to a team of six research assistants.

Gazing around his research lab—a space so vast and spacious that he still hadn't quite grown accustomed to it—Xiao Yan let out a soft sigh. The complete list of assistant candidates was stored within the terminal system. The moment he logged in, Xiao Yan was left momentarily stunned. The system’s operational speed seemed far greater than before; in fact, within a mere 0.01 seconds, every terminal unit in the lab—all twelve of them—sprang to life simultaneously. Whereas a standard research lab typically housed only six terminal processors, this facility was equipped with a staggering twelve.

Major Loch’s voice rang out from within the system: “Major Xiao Yan, welcome to the system.”

“Major Loch? Did you upgrade my system? That fast?”

“Your research demands that every second count. Should you encounter any issues, please do not hesitate to provide feedback.”

Xiao Yan felt a surge of excitement, much like a child who had just received a magnificent new toy. He immediately began running a series of complex calculations and testing various experimental hypotheses. Just as he was becoming completely engrossed in his work, the liaison officer’s voice chimed in once again, reminding him about the matter of selecting his research assistants.

Xiao Yan quickly called up the candidate list. Most of the names belonged to senior researchers, while many others were former upperclassmen from his days as a cadet. Beyond merely browsing their past achievements, Xiao Yan went so far as to pull up and review their actual research reports. Whether it was Major Loch or Major Reitz, the criteria they typically used to select assistants were utterly baffling to Xiao Yan. He had no need for researchers who were rigidly confined within established frameworks; what he needed was someone who would constantly challenge his assumptions—someone to keep him intellectually sharp, and someone capable of offering him fresh, alternative perspectives at any given moment.

Xiao Yan scanned the entire list from top to bottom, but in the end, he simply shut down the terminal.

He stepped out of the research lab, and two special forces operatives immediately fell in behind him. These researchers had developed established patterns of thought and were accustomed to simply following orders from their supervisors; Xiao Yan felt he needed a mindset that was more dynamic and unconstrained.

"Major, may I ask where you are headed?"

"To the Academy. To reminisce about my carefree days of old."

With his hands tucked into the pockets of his military trousers, Xiao Yan strolled leisurely toward the academic district.

Countless young, vibrant faces streamed past him.

Xiao Yan felt the air flowing around him—a stark contrast to the stagnant, lifeless atmosphere of the research lab. A long-absent smile graced his face; it was as if time had turned back, allowing him to chat freely with his peers about matters completely unrelated to academics—only to have Cathy come rushing over, shouting at him for failing to submit his project report on time.

Even his mind seemed to take flight, racing with renewed energy.

"Look! It’s Major Xiao Yan!"

"Did you know? He used to be a Class B cadet himself! Yet he managed to achieve things that even the Class A researchers couldn't!"

"Why does he have special forces soldiers trailing behind him?"

"You idiot! Obviously, it’s because the Major is incredibly important to the Shire! The Tide Organization even tried to kidnap him once!"

The ensuing gazes of admiration and awe made Xiao Yan blush.

If he continued to be the center of such attention, Xiao Yan realized he wouldn't be able to relive his campus days at all. Lowering his head, he returned to his apartment and used his terminal to order three sets of cadet uniforms. Xiao Yan summoned the two special forces soldiers standing guard outside his door and ordered them to put on the cadet uniforms. He watched with amusement as expressions of bewilderment and suspicion flickered across their faces—though, truth be told, their stern, serious demeanor clashed rather comically with the cadet uniforms.

When he returned to the Academy once more, he felt a deep sense of relief to find that no one paid him any mind anymore.

Classroom 299, he figured, should currently be hosting a lecture on Viral Mutation Studies. Xiao Yan ordered the two special forces soldiers to stand guard at the door, then slipped quietly into the classroom. He took a seat at an empty desk and logged into his terminal. The screen displayed the genetic sequence of a coronavirus; the professor had tasked the cadets in attendance with developing an antiviral agent specifically for this virus. For him, this problem was excessively simple. He casually glanced around and noticed a young trainee in the back row with his eyes closed, appearing to have already fallen asleep. If he failed to submit an answer before the get out of class ended, this trainee would be unable to complete the coursework for this session.

...points.

Just as the allotted time for solving the problem dwindled to its final minute, the young man lazily opened his eyes and rubbed his forehead. Data shifted ceaselessly across his holographic screen; then, in the very last second, he submitted his answer.

The young man noticed that Xiao Yan was staring at him; raising an eyebrow, he shot a glare in return.

Xiao Yan hurriedly averted his gaze. When he looked back toward the young man's seat, the youth had already vanished. Xiao Yan quickly exited the classroom, followed closely by two special forces soldiers. Peering over the shoulders of the other students, he finally spotted the young man—who was walking ahead with his hands clasped over his head, looking utterly bored.

Half an hour later, Xiao Yan followed him to the Mechanical Physics classroom. Once again, Xiao Yan chose to sit just ahead and to the side of him. The professor was currently lecturing on the principles of aircraft engines, while the young man—true to form—looked drowsy and half-asleep. This allowed Xiao Yan to observe him without any inhibitions.

Eighteen or nineteen years of age; fair skin; slightly upturned eyebrows; and a mouth set in a tight, impatient line—Xiao Yan was suddenly reminded of Casey. During Xiao Yan’s first year at the Academy of Sciences, Casey had been his classmate. Back then, Casey absorbed knowledge with effortless ease; though he was compelled to attend classes merely to fulfill his credit requirements, he would childishly fall asleep during lectures—much to the professors' displeasure—yet, without fail, he would ace the final exams for every single subject, always taking first place. Casey skipped a grade every two or three months; by the time Xiao Yan had barely finished his introductory coursework, Casey had already graduated.

Just as Xiao Yan was lost in these nostalgic memories, the young man opened his large eyes and glared right at him.

As luck would have it—or rather, *misfortune* would have it—the professor chose that very moment to pose a question to Xiao Yan via his terminal. Having not listened to a single word of the lecture, Xiao Yan froze in bewilderment.

The young man flashed a sly grin, as if to say: *You're dead meat, pal.*

Xiao Yan quickly reviewed the question in his mind; ten seconds later, his terminal generated an answer based on his internal calculations. Sure enough, the young man wore a look of mild surprise—and within Xiao Yan, a small sense of smug satisfaction began to bubble up. After all, back when he was a student himself, he would never have bothered wasting his energy thinking through such problems. Yet now, he couldn't help but feel that this act of showing off was rather ridiculous.

As the class came to a close, the students began filing out of the room one by one. Just as Xiao Yan stepped out of the classroom door, someone suddenly materialized right in front of him, grabbing him firmly by the collar. Two special forces operatives were about to rush forward, but Xiao Yan made a quick hand gesture; they instantly froze in place, poised and ready for action.

“Hey! I know you’ve been following me all along! You’re not a fellow classmate of mine at all!”

The youth wore a defiant expression, looking like a small beast on the verge of lashing out.

“How do you know I’m not one of your classmates?”

“I’ve never seen you before! You must be an upperclassman! I saw you solve that problem the professor assigned—from the moment you initiated the terminal’s computation program to the moment you got the answer, it took you a mere ten seconds! Even that garrulous old geezer takes twelve seconds to do it!”

“That’s because the professor has to slow down his problem-solving pace so that you students can clearly follow his train of thought.”

“I don’t need to follow his train of thought—it’s rigid and plodding!”

“So that’s why you were sleeping in class?” Xiao Yan asked with a smile, looking down at him.

The youth was about half a head shorter than him—a height disparity that reminded Xiao Yan of Casey. That guy was always complaining about how he just couldn't seem to grow any taller.

“Hmph! Just listen to that condescending tone you’re using to lecture me! I *told* you you were an upperclassman! Why have you been following me around? I deliberately spent half an hour wandering in circles around the academy before heading to my next class, and you were right behind me the entire time!”

“Oh? And how did you know that?”

After all, the kid hadn't turned around once.

The youth raised his wrist and tapped his communicator; Xiao Yan immediately understood. The kid had spotted him reflected in the device's polished metal surface. “I’ve been following you because I find you interesting.” Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes. “You seem quite clever.”

“I *am* clever!”

“A lot of people say I’m clever, too. How about we have a little contest? What do you say?”

“Fine! But there has to be a wager! If I beat you, you have to take all my end-of-term exams for the entire school year!”

“Agreed. And if *I* win?”

“If you win... you name your price!”

“I haven’t decided yet. Can we settle that after the match? In any case, it’ll be something you’re perfectly capable of doing. Let’s go over the rules of our contest. We’ll each pose a single question to the other; whoever manages to stump the other first wins. However, there’s one essential condition: you must be capable of solving the question you set for your opponent yourself.”

“Intriguing! Let’s settle this in the library!” The young man’s competitive spirit had been thoroughly stoked by Xiao Yan.

“By the way, what’s your name?”

“What business is my name of yours?”

“Would you prefer I address you as ‘Hey, you!’ or ‘You little punk’?”

“...Lauren Ann,” the young man grudgingly replied.

“What?” Xiao Yan grinned mischievously, pretending he hadn’t heard clearly.

“If you didn’t hear it, then forget it!”

Lauren turned around and headed toward the library. Xiao Yan signaled the two special forces soldiers to keep their distance.

Five minutes later, they found two adjacent seats inside the library and began their duel.