TCPUAAV Chapter 53

 

After the little fox left, Ruan Shiqing logged onto the holographic network and carefully researched information about military academies.

 

The education system in this world was vastly different from that of his original world. While schooling was also divided by age groups, the classifications were far less detailed.

 

Young cubs under the age of ten attended cub schools for basic education. From ten to sixteen, they could enroll in preparatory schools. Once they turned sixteen, they were free to apply to any university of their choice. If they passed the entrance exams, they could begin their studies at their chosen institution.

 

School regulations were generally quite relaxed, but the curriculum was diverse and comprehensive. Students could select courses based on their interests and strengths, and as long as they accumulated enough credits, they could graduate successfully.

 

Exceptionally talented students could even graduate early or take multiple courses simultaneously.

 

Take military academies, for example—the top three in the Galactic Empire were Constantine Academy, Metis Academy, and Gallatin Academy.

 

Each of these three institutions had its own strengths. Constantine Academy was renowned for its Command Department, having produced countless tactical talents for the front lines. Nearly half of the Empire’s military officers were graduates of Constantine. Metis Academy, founded by the original members of the Mechanic Guild, dominated the field of mechanical engineering—two-thirds of the Empire’s master mechanics hailed from Metis. Gallatin Academy, on the other hand, excelled in its Combat Department, training numerous elite warriors for the Imperial Army.

 

If Nota wanted to join the military in the future, the most straightforward path was to graduate from a cub school and enroll in a preparatory school. As long as she earned enough credits and passed the military academy entrance exams, she could enter military school without worrying about age restrictions.

 

However, there was a problem: preparatory schools only existed on prosperous planets. The remote B3024 Star had only two cub schools—one in the inner city and one in the outer city.

 

Given their current circumstances, moving the entire family to a major, developed planet was unrealistic. But letting Nota leave home alone to study didn’t sit well with him either.

 

Closing the virtual screen, Ruan Shiqing felt troubled for the first time.

 

Now, he finally understood why his colleagues at the research institute used to complain about how difficult it was to educate their children.

 

After pondering for a while, he decided to seek advice from someone more experienced.

 

Naturally, the person he chose was Mr. Rong.

 

Not only did Mr. Rong hold a position in the military, but he also raised his younger brother alone. He must have valuable insights into educating young cubs.

 

Ruan Shiqing spent half an hour carefully composing a long message detailing Nota’s situation and his thoughts. He revised it multiple times before finally sending it out.

 

Watching the message successfully sent, he let out a small sigh of relief, set down his intelli-brain, and focused back on his work.

 

—Mr. Rong should be able to give him an answer.

 

When Rong Heng received the message, he was in the middle of listening to the cubs’ late-night chatter.

 

Not fond of sleeping alone in their rooms, the cubs still preferred to huddle together in the living room.

 

The newly renovated living room was not only more spacious, but it had also been specially modified to accommodate their sleeping habits.

 

Against the left wall, a one-meter-high pool had been built, divided into two sections. The deeper side allowed the little mermaid to stretch his tail and rest comfortably at the bottom, while the shallower section let him soak in the water while chatting and playing with the others.

 

To the right of the pool, thick, soft cushions covered the floor, providing enough space for the cubs to roll around freely.

 

At this moment, Nota was animatedly recounting her conversation with her dad, her ten large tails wagging excitedly.

 

The little mermaid lay at the edge of the shallow pool, while the young dragon cub sat beside him, paws tucked in, both listening intently.

 

When the little fox finally finished, the dragon cub impatiently raised a paw and asked, “So, Nota won’t be staying with us in the future?”

 

There were no preparatory schools or military academies on B3024 Star. If Nota wanted to go to military school, wouldn’t that mean she had to leave home?

 

The dragon cub frowned and grumbled, “Do you really have to go so far away?”

 

That question stumped the little fox.

 

She sat cross-legged, her big tails swaying hesitantly as she thought for a long time before finally saying, “I don’t know either.”

 

She wanted to attend military school, but she also didn’t want to leave her dad and her friends.

 

Once again, Nota fell into deep contemplation.

 

But the little mermaid, after thinking for a moment, simply patted the two worried cubs, held their hands, and lifted them slightly in a gesture—We can go together.

 

To the little mermaid, the solution was simple: if they all went with Nota, then they wouldn’t have to be separated.

 

The two cubs quickly understood what he meant. After a brief moment of consideration, they brightened up.

 

That’s right! They could go to military school together!

 

Though they still didn’t fully grasp what military school was, they had already reached a basic agreement.

 

The only one unimpressed was Rong Heng, who let out a cold scoff.

 

They hadn’t even graduated from cub school, yet they were already thinking about military academies?

 

And what was so great about military school, anyway? If they really wanted to join the military, wouldn’t it be better to come to him instead?

 

Did those so-called military academy instructors think they could compare to him?

 

While the cubs happily chattered away about other topics, Rong Heng lowered his gaze to the mini intelligence brain on his chest and retreated to his bedroom to check the message.

 

Then, he saw the long, carefully worded message that Ruan Shiqing had spent half an hour composing.

 

Though he had already heard the gist of it from the little fox, he still read through the entire message meticulously.

 

After contemplating for a long while, Rong Heng carefully composed his reply.

 

[Nota’s situation is unique. Preparatory schools and military academies may not be the best fit for her. If she truly wants to join the military, I can take her for real combat training. The military has internal recommendation slots every year—when she reaches the appropriate age, I can write her a recommendation letter.]

 

After typing this out, he thought for a moment, then added another line:

 

[Every time I brought Snowball home, it was for training. If Nota is willing, she can join Snowball next time.]

 

After double-checking his message to ensure there were no loopholes, Rong Heng finally sent his reply.

 

Ruan Shiqing, who had been sketching at his desk, froze for a moment when he saw the response. He hadn’t expected that every time Snowball was taken home, it was actually for training.

 

But after thinking about it, it made sense. Mr. Rong was part of the military, and as his younger brother, Snowball would likely enlist in the future. Starting his training from a young age was simply preparation for that path.

 

If Nota could join in, it would be a good thing.

 

For the sake of the cubs, he thickened his skin and readily agreed.

 

[Alright, then I’ll have to trouble you again. If there’s anything I can help with in the future, just let me know.]

 

Seeing this overly polite message, Rong Heng pursed his lips in dissatisfaction.

 

He swiftly replied:

 

[No need to be so formal with me.]

 

Ruan Shiqing, reading the response, chuckled to himself.

 

As expected, Mr. Rong was a classic case of cold on the outside, warm on the inside.

 

Rong Heng waited for a while, but when no further messages came, he turned off his intelligence brain.

 

Just as he was about to head out, his communicator lit up again.

 

He glanced at it—it was a call from Lucien.

 

Casting a quick look toward the living room where the cubs were playing, Rong Heng silently made his way downstairs and found a secluded spot in the backyard before answering.

 

“Your Highness.” As usual, Lucien began with a respectful greeting.

 

“Keep it short.” Rong Heng leaned against the wrought-iron fence entwined with Falling Star Vines.

 

“The lead you asked me to track—Garland Karlfury’s whereabouts—I’ve finally found something. Over two months ago, he resigned from his position at Sikkim University and took his research team to a remote planet in the Ota District for an experimental project. The exact coordinates and details are unknown—their movements were deliberately concealed.”

 

Two months ago, after Hector reunited with the young dragon cub, he had originally wanted to inform Garland of the news. But when he found himself unable to contact Garland, he turned to Rong Heng for help in tracking him down.

 

At that time, Rong Heng had Lucien investigate, only to discover that Garland had taken an extended leave after the funeral and had since disappeared. Almost all known methods of reaching him were unresponsive.

 

It wasn’t until recently that Lucien picked up the trail again, prompting this call.

 

Rong Heng frowned. “Keep digging. See if you can find a way to make contact.”

 

Lucien acknowledged the order before continuing, “There’s another matter—Palka Palace was attacked this afternoon.”

 

“An attack?” Rong Heng’s eyebrows shot up. “Who could breach Palka Palace’s defenses?”

 

As the Imperial Palace, Palka Palace was heavily fortified—not only guarded by elite soldiers but also equipped with the most advanced security systems in the Empire. An attack was one thing, but for it to succeed was another matter entirely.

 

“It was a private shuttle. The pilot somehow bypassed the defense system and launched a suicidal assault on the palace. By the time the guards noticed, it was too late to intercept. The west wing of Palka Palace was destroyed in the crash.

 

“For now, the matter has been suppressed and hasn’t been publicly disclosed. But given the scale of the incident and the fact that the attacker deliberately chose midday, when the area was bustling with people, many citizens around the palace witnessed the event. It won’t be long before word spreads across the holographic network.”

 

“Has the attacker’s identity and motive been determined?” Rong Heng’s frown deepened.

 

Over the years, Palka Palace had faced its share of attempted attacks, but this was the first time an attack had actually succeeded.

 

“Before crashing into the palace, the attacker broadcasted a holographic message. He claimed to be a ‘Messenger of the Creator’ and declared that only the Creator could save the world from suffering, while the ‘Divine Modification Project’ was nothing more than a false god’s deception.

 

“So far, we haven’t identified his exact origins, but we’ve confirmed that he was an Ancient Human from a remote planet.”

 

“Creator, false god…” Rong Heng slowly repeated the words, then sneered. “Looks like Siyan’s modification project has stepped on some toes. This was a warning.”

 

“What about the other factions? Any movements?”

 

“For now, the new emperor has stabilized the situation, and the ‘Divine Modification Project’ has officially launched. The heads of the Four Great Financial Conglomerates have remained in Sikkim, seemingly observing the situation. However…” Lucien hesitated for a moment, glancing at Rong Heng before cautiously adding, “There’s a new development—Empress Thea appears to be pregnant. Recently, Old Bart has been making frequent visits to Palka Palace, likely related to this. If the rumors are true, Old Bart will undoubtedly align himself fully with the new emperor, making him the most likely supporter of the Divine Modification Project.”

 

This was not good news for Rong Heng.

 

If Empress Thea bore a child, Old Bart and his Naxi Group would serve as the child’s unshakable backing.

 

Looking even deeper, Siyan’s ‘Divine Modification Project’ was riddled with unanswered questions.

 

Rong Heng had always suspected that Siyan’s true intentions were far from noble. He seriously doubted that the emperor was introducing the project to benefit the people.

 

More likely, it was a baited trap, designed to lure in some very big fish.

 

After all, the promises of eternal life and enhanced power were far more tempting than political status for those ancient power-holders.

 

And if they couldn’t resist the bait, they would end up as nothing more than puppets in Siyan’s hands.

 

“They’re bringing their own downfall,” Rong Heng scoffed.

 

Lucien coughed lightly and nodded in agreement. “Sikkim is a powder keg right now—war is almost inevitable. Your Highness, it would be wise to make preparations early.”

 

“I know.” Rong Heng nodded.

 

With business concluded, Lucien casually remarked, “You seem to be enjoying life on that garbage planet.”

 

Despite their current cooperation, Rong Heng had no interest in discussing Ruan Shiqing or the cubs with Lucien. He merely shrugged and said, “It’s alright.”

 

“That’s good.” Lucien gave a slight bow. “I wish you well, Your Highness. Leave Sikkim to me.”

 

With that, he ended the call.

 

Rong Heng frowned at the now-dark communicator.

 

Those last words… didn’t quite sound like Lucien.

 

However, before he could dwell on it further, a faint sound from downstairs caught his attention—it seemed that Ruan Shiqing had finished his work and was leaving his workshop.

 

Moving swiftly, Rong Heng shifted back into his cub form and emerged from his hiding spot, leisurely making his way back upstairs.

 

 

 

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Uwaaah i fear the future lol

 

Thanks for reading!

For every three ko-fis, I will upload a bonus chapter~