First Battlefield Commander! - Chapter 64
Chapter 64: Coach
Lian Sheng was jogging around campus while listening to lectures. Midway through, her optical computer ran out of power, so she decided to finish this lap before heading back. As she passed the sports field, the coach leading training there noticed her and called out.
Lian Sheng slowed her pace, confirmed he was calling her, and jogged over to the shaded area where he stood.
The coach made space and said, "I've seen you several times now. Trying to lose weight?"
It was afternoon, with scorching sunlight and rising heat waves. Few people were out, and those who were carried umbrellas. None dared stand long under the sun—except this person still running.
She'd been running like this for several days.
He'd seen her a few times when he came at 6 a.m. for morning training. Seen her during their indoor sessions at noon. And during their regular evening training hours too.
Who knew if she ran at night as well.
In this weather, such persistence was truly remarkable.
Lian Sheng wiped sweat from her brow and replied, "No, I'm from the Military Academy."
The coach looked her up and down. "Don't look like it with that physique."
Lian Sheng said succinctly, "Recently transferred departments."
A male student stretching inside called out, "Coach, meddling again! Careful getting reported for harassing girls!"
The coach shot him a glare before turning back to Lian Sheng. "Why run?"
Lian Sheng: "Physical training."
"If you want to train, just running won't cut it. Don't oversimplify strength training," the coach snorted. "Our facility welcomes all sports enthusiasts."
Lian Sheng: "Sports?"
Coach: "Basketball, volleyball, high jump, long jump..."
The male student shouted again, "Coach, running a pyramid scheme? She's from Military Academy, just out for a run!"
The coach turned and snapped, "Shut up! Twenty extra push-ups!"
Lian Sheng peered inside and asked, "What can I train here?"
Coach: "Wrist strength, arm strength, explosive power, jumping ability, flexibility."
Lian Sheng admitted frankly, "I lack all of those."
"I know you do!" The coach jerked his chin toward the facility. "If you want to train, come here. We have equipment and guidance—much better than haphazard practice."
How had Lian Sheng trained before? Through sheer grit.
Horse stance, weighted training, life-or-death combat. Repeated endlessly until mastery.
Here, though time had lost many things, it had also taught them many shortcuts.
Coach asked, "Train or not?"
Lian Sheng straightened immediately. "Train."
The coach pointed inside. "Go in for a strength test. I'll make you a training schedule."
Lian Sheng hesitated before saying tactfully, "I'm very busy."
The coach pushed her from behind. "I know! Military Academy keeps you occupied! Xiao Liu, take her for a strength test."
A male student in athletic shorts emerged and led her inside.
The interior was refreshingly cool, filled with training students. Equipment was arranged by section, with instructors providing guidance.
The student took Lian Sheng through various tests. Having run extensively, her legs lacked strength. Combined with incorrect form, her jumping results were dismal.
The observing coach quietly recorded before pointing at her. "You'll train with him."
Lian Sheng nodded.
The entire afternoon passed in their training facility. From limbs to core, every muscle ached. They had targeted training for each body part, switching when exhausted.
By evening, the coach clapped. "Clear the area! Rest first."
Then Zhao Zhuoluo and others arrived for daily strength tests.
As combat specialists, their physical standards exceeded the Command Department's, with stricter requirements.
Fang Jianchen's group arrived early, coinciding with Lian Sheng's departure. His eyes nearly popped out.
"Heavens..." Fang Jianchen said. "One afternoon apart, and she's infiltrated the school team?"
Ye Buqing and others were equally surprised.
Fang Jianchen watched her retreating back, expression unreadable. "Do some people really believe anything they do must be done well?"
Ye Buqing nominated: "Ji Fangxiao."
"..." Fang Jianchen said, "A Command Department flaw?"
Cheng Ze added, "And your neighbor, the top student."
Fang Jianchen glanced at Zhao Zhuoluo and stayed silent.
Zhao Zhuoluo felt uncomfortable under the gaze. "What's that look for?"
Fang Jianchen: "Nothing. You're my bro—don't want to call you a freak."
Zhao Zhuoluo: "..."
After dinner, a shower, and brief rest, it was nearly 7 p.m. Lian Sheng decided to log into Sanyao for more practice.
Upon login, the system showed over 6,000 challenge requests and unfamiliar private messages. She muted all channels and entered a room.
Spectators lingered by the arena, asking around:
"Has Piaoqi Great General arrived?"
"Looks like she's online."
"Where is she?"
"Seems to be alone in a simulation map!"
"Alone? Doing what?"
Running, of course.
Lian Sheng explored various maps, piloting her mech through them.
She wasn't yet accustomed to high-speed movement, stopping and crashing frequently. The visual impact triggered defensive instincts.
But after identifying safe speeds and distances, she gradually stabilized.
At 8 p.m., she took a break to accept an arena challenge.
The arena screen lit up, catching spectators' attention.
"Finally! I was about to log off!"
"Little sister, add me as a friend first."
"My bad—next time announce challenge times, not login times, okay?"
Lian Sheng ignored them, focusing on her opponent.
This challenger piloted a heavy mech specializing in defense—bulky, stable, slow, with mediocre attack power. Its short-range cannons packed a punch, making close combat ideal for both.
Without delay, she started the match. Both entered the virtual battlefield.
As the map loaded, Lian Sheng initiated a fierce assault.
Her mech arced through the air, iron sword drawn.
This starter mech seemed to lean forward when running. During turns, its toes instinctively tapped twice before adjusting speed—unlike the standard one-foot pivot with booster assist.
Her movements made the mech appear lighter, conserving booster energy. Speed differences remained unmeasured for now.
Her unconventional style was unmistakable.
Spectators murmured:
"Is this faster?"
"Faster? More like crash-prone. Saw her fall earlier."
"But she's stable now."
"First time piloting? Really?"
"You believe that? I don't. Probably hyping some 'genius newcomer' image."
"Then why such low points?"
"Tch! Points are hard to earn but easy to lose—just keep losing arena matches."
"We'd know if such a charity case existed. Joking?"
On the field, the heavy mech pilot grew frustrated. He couldn't grasp her rhythm.
The best shooting opportunities came during turns—when mechs briefly stabilized. But Lian Sheng's unique stance created different openings. His shots all missed.
Lian Sheng adjusted distance, drew her cannon, and fired first.
The opponent dodged with boosters.
Lian Sheng reacted swiftly, swiveling her cannon to track him.
The shot curved midair, still striking his left arm.
The heavy mech staggered. Before recovering, the pilot saw Lian Sheng closing in.
Too fast! Impossible for a starter mech!
Were Sanyao hacks possible, he'd suspect cheating.
Momentum creating speed illusions?
Panicking, he raised his cannon—only for her sword to slash down.
The blade then thrust toward his chest... and got stuck.
Lian Sheng's arms lacked strength post-training. The sprint and strike had drained her. Facing resistance, she couldn't muster more force.
Frowning at the mech's dark visor, she commanded: "Boost."
The mech surged forward. With the sword's momentum, it finally pierced through.
Another near-instant victory. Spectators grew restless.
"Whoa—!"
"Different person? Style doesn't match."
"Who is she? Seems skilled."
"Two matches make an expert?"
"Then you try."
"I'm waiting my turn!"
"Someone analyze this. Her style's weird."
Before bed, Zhao Zhuoluo checked Sanyao and was pleased to find Piaoqi Great General online.
Perhaps she truly wanted to learn military skills. But checking her profile made him want to vomit blood.
Over 200 points this morning—now just 10. What had she done?
Zhao Zhuoluo urgently messaged her: "What are you doing?"
Lian Sheng: "Arena matches."
Zhao Zhuoluo: "You opened arena challenges?"
Lian Sheng: "Mhm."
Zhao Zhuoluo: "..."
Lian Sheng said earnestly, "Not very easy."
"Stop!" Zhao Zhuoluo nearly shouted. "You're new to mechs—need time to adjust. Do you even understand arena matches? They're not for beginners."
Lian Sheng exhaled, flexing her arms. "You're right. I'll limit myself to one match daily until I adapt, then slowly earn points."
"..." The thought of her treating this lightly angered him. "You might as well sleep twenty-four hours a day and dream slowly."
Lian Sheng paused at his sarcasm, but before she could explain, he logged off.
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