First Battlefield Commander! - Chapter 155
Chapter 155: Alternation
Lu Mingyuan was twenty-three years old this year.
If one had to describe his life in a single sentence, it would probably be "utterly smooth sailing."
Loved by his parents, harmonious family. Studied diligently, got admitted to Alliance University. Specialized in data analysis, successfully entered the Expeditionary Force's special recruitment program.
If everything went smoothly, he would undergo one year of training in the 36th District, then another year in simulated frontline wilderness areas. After that, he'd be transferred back to the central district for complex and specialized modeling training.
Following that, he would start as an assistant with the Expeditionary Force, gradually working his way up to become a deputy commander.
If his skills were sufficient, he might become chief data analyst in his thirties, then a consultant in his forties, holding down the fort at headquarters, and retire from the Expeditionary Force in his fifties.
Among frontline military personnel, data analysts had the latest retirement age—though still considerably younger compared to civilian professions. This was because the role required both experience (the deeper the experience, the higher the skill level) and a sufficiently sharp mind with agile fingers.
Lu Mingyuan could see his past at a glance, and his future too. Since birth, there had rarely been anything particularly exciting in his life.
A peaceful yet pleasant existence—this was the kind of life he liked.
However, this didn't mean he disliked excitement.
He believed every young man harbored dreams of adventure. Or the impulse to do something that would make them proud no matter when they looked back on it.
The words "challenge him" that Lian Sheng had said kept replaying in Lu Mingyuan's mind. Belatedly, and somewhat inexplicably.
He understood that even in group battles, he would still be the analyst hidden behind the commander. But this extremely proactive word made him uncontrollably excited, as if he too could be a dazzling protagonist.
A formidable data analyst, like Hundred Meter Flying Dagger—his mere presence was impossible to ignore. Every word he spoke, every move he made, commanded respect.
Responsibility and accountability might not be tied to one's position. It was a kind of personal charisma.
"Oh, right."
As they walked halfway, Fang Jianchen suddenly remembered something and pointed behind them: "Didn't you tell them to wait there earlier? What then?"
Lian Sheng paused: "Ah... forgot. Whatever. Who told them to listen to me so obediently? They'll probably leave soon."
The others: "..."
She could probably be even more shameless. So was this unintentional or deliberate?
Judging by Lian Sheng's completely unruffled expression, it was impossible to tell.
That night, as darkness fell, a light rain began to fall.
The environment around the mining area wasn't great—the rain always carried a chemical smell. After getting wet, one had to take a hot shower, otherwise they'd easily develop rashes or allergies.
So on rainy days, they rarely went out to work.
Lian Sheng checked the weather forecast for the area. Rain tonight, clear by morning. Fortunately, the rain here never lasted long.
The few male students left waiting below the office building only realized something was wrong when the sky darkened and the rain grew heavier.
"Dammit! We've been played!" One of them flung his jacket off as he stood up, furious. "How childish! If they weren't happy, why not just say so directly? Playing these kinds of games."
They finally caught on: "Definitely not Lu Mingyuan's idea, but I think this year's Alliance University freshmen are all pretty arrogant."
"Those who haven't seen the world are always arrogant. They won't know their own limits until they've lost a few times. Still think they're the big shots on campus? But the world is vast. Not everyone has to give way to them."
If they were really going to issue a challenge, then how many people they could recruit and their skill levels became key factors to investigate.
The next morning, Lian Sheng decided to announce the matter to the crowd and test the waters.
Within their own group, they knew the main purpose of this challenge was to put a stop to bullying incidents and intimidate the other side. But outwardly, they couldn't say that—they had to dress it up a bit.
First, regardless of their intentions, openly declaring a retaliatory violent challenge in a military setting would be suicidal.
Second, not everyone had the courage for an uprising against superiors. The people in this training base would likely become colleagues in the future, working together for years. In high-risk environments, having an untrustworthy comrade by your side was agonizing—especially when you didn't know how their future might unfold.
Besides, everyone was usually busy with work, and interactions between freshmen and seniors were minimal. Without obvious conflicts, how many would be willing to join them in such a crazy venture?
So their slogan was: exchange skills, improve together for the selection tournament.
The next morning during breakfast, Lian Sheng stood by the table, rubbing her hands as she asked: "You go or me?"
Lu Mingyuan thought about it: "I'll go. After all, I've mentored them before—they should give me some face."
He stood up, scanned the room, cleared his throat, and prepared to speak.
Zhao Zhuoluo and the others held their bowls with both hands, looking up expectantly, ready to cheer, applaud, and hype up the atmosphere at any moment.
But before he could say anything, the boys from yesterday walked in through the door.
They came up behind Lu Mingyuan and pressed a hand against the back of his chair: "What was that about yesterday? Do you know how long we waited? Not cool, man."
"You could've left on your own," Lu Mingyuan said. "It wasn't me who told you to stay."
The boys paused, realizing it really hadn't been him, and turned to Lian Sheng.
Lian Sheng said without batting an eye: "There was something I wanted to discuss with you yesterday, but I got caught up talking with Senior and forgot."
The leader of the group naturally didn't believe her and pressed: "What was it?" If it turned out to be some nonsense like treating them to a meal or asking for directions, he'd definitely lose his temper right then and there.
Lian Sheng jerked her chin at Lu Mingyuan.
Lu Mingyuan clapped his hands and called out loudly: "Everyone, quiet please! Let me say something first!"
The students put down their chopsticks and turned to look. The cafeteria fell silent.
Lu Mingyuan stared straight ahead, though there was nothing there, and said: "During my time training at this base, I've benefited immensely. I've learned many things I'd never encountered before, and I've learned what it means to persevere unyieldingly. The emphasis here is on self-directed training—there isn't a rigid system. But once you try it, you understand its importance. Watching everyone's daily efforts feels like looking at my past self. So, though I can't do much, I'll do my best to help everyone achieve greater progress."
Fang Jianchen dramatically raised his arms, ready to applaud. When he noticed no one else was moving, he aborted the motion at the last second and lowered his hands.
Lu Mingyuan continued: "And just yesterday, a freshman made a request of me. Since there aren't any instructors here providing targeted guidance, they hoped we could organize a team battle so the seniors could offer more objective and comprehensive advice. It would also be a good way to assess everyone's training progress. What do you all think?"
Lian Sheng added: "I apologize if this request seems presumptuous. We're truly grateful for the seniors' patient guidance. But lately, we've been feeling a bit slack, and it's making us uneasy. We thought we could use the next break to adjust our competitive mindset—after all, our selection tournament is coming up soon."
The freshmen murmured among themselves.
Right—the selection tournament was approaching, and they were still digging in the mines. If not for the fact that they were piloting mechs, they might have doubted whether this was even a military base and not some vocational training center.
It was impossible not to worry. The only consolation was that everyone was in the same boat—no one had gotten a head start, all equally trapped by this damned mine.
If they could really have a match, that would be fantastic.
"Well... that's the idea. If it helps you, I'm happy to do it. But the base has its own special missions, and I can't handle this alone. Besides, based solely on my personal observations, data analysis isn't comprehensive enough. We'd need sufficient samples—actual combat would make it easier to identify problems." Lu Mingyuan turned to the boys behind him. "The question is, are you all willing to agree?"
Lian Sheng crooked a finger at him. The students instantly caught on and chorused: "Thank you, Senior!"
The incident of Lu Mingyuan's fall hadn't been publicized. The few who knew the truth had wisely kept their mouths shut, so most students were unaware. They assumed the relationships between seniors and juniors were forged through life-and-death trials—unbreakable bonds of brotherhood.
Hearing that someone was willing to take the initiative to arrange this, exactly as they wished, they didn't suspect anything strange. They just felt bad for troubling him—it was really too much to ask.
What a responsible senior!
Some of the seniors sitting nearby raised their hands, saying they'd participate if it was scheduled during a break.
After all, they had nothing better to do—the 36th District had no entertainment to speak of. Especially after the incident involving Lian Sheng and the others, the instructors had imposed near-paranoid restrictions on where students could go, repeatedly emphasizing the need to keep a low profile and avoid trouble.
This tense environment, combined with the ambiguous rumors online, left the students unsettled. There was no need to go looking for trouble, was there?
Besides, they also wanted to test their skills and see how far they'd come.
The current training methods at the base left them feeling insecure. Without clear benchmarks for their progress—let alone comparisons with others—they couldn't gauge their current level.
After long periods of intense competition, the unknown bred not confidence but self-doubt.
Plus, showing off in front of the juniors didn't sound bad either.
Hearing them call out "Senior" so respectfully—how satisfying was that?
Only the boys standing behind Lu Mingyuan let out soft clicks of their tongues.
They weren't stupid—they could guess his intentions.
This plan was well arranged. If they participated, Lu Mingyuan would undoubtedly steal the spotlight. But if they refused, while they couldn't be blamed, it would only make Lu Mingyuan seem more selfless and devoted, cementing his good reputation among the freshmen.
No matter what they chose, they'd end up as supporting characters. It left a bad taste in their mouths.
A guy who schemed to this extent couldn't help but come across as slimy.
As if oblivious to their stares, Lu Mingyuan went on: "If the match proceeds, I should technically be on the seniors' side—after all, I graduated last year. But my juniors mentioned they lack a data analyst and can't find anyone suitable. Knowing there's a gap in individual combat skills between the two sides, they hoped I could join them to ensure everyone could perform at their best. I thought that was reasonable, so I agreed."
This way, Lu Mingyuan became the nominal leader of the freshmen's side. No one would object.
One of the boys behind him asked: "Are you saying there isn't a single data analyst among the freshmen? You have to join them?"
This meant the outcome wouldn't affect him either way—he could always find an excuse. Of course, he didn't think the seniors would lose.
But the fact that he was avoiding even this tiny risk deepened his dislike for Lu Mingyuan.
When you hated someone, you tended to pin all sorts of negative labels on them.
"There really aren't any," Lian Sheng cut in. "I'm from Command Department, Class A. I'll be acting as overall commander this time. But I need a familiar assistant, so I asked Senior Lu to partner with me. Any problems?"
This year's special recruitment was different from previous years—students were pulled directly from the selection tournament. For Command Department entrants, evaluation criteria were harder to adjust, and they'd have to wait until next semester to join a team.
So there really weren't any.
Even if there were, no one would step forward now. Competing with Lu Mingyuan for the deputy commander position—were they confident they could outperform him? If not, wouldn't they just be dragging the whole team down?
The leader of the group tilted his head, studying Lian Sheng for a moment before asking: "From the way you talk, you think you can win?"
"Of course." Lian Sheng spread her hands. "If we're fighting, we want to win. Otherwise, what's the point? Or do you seniors think an extra year of experience makes you invincible? I certainly don't see it that way."
The boys laughed—they found the idea ridiculous.
As special recruits selected for the training base, they had their own pride. Their entire batch had gotten in purely on merit—only thirty-some people out of elites from across the Alliance.
And this year's group? Over a hundred and fifty, mass-produced. Compared to them, it was a joke.
Being in the same place didn't mean they were on the same level.
"Quite spirited. In that case, I'll join too." The leader raised his hand. "But don't blame us if we don't hold back."
Once he agreed, the others followed suit without objection.
Lian Sheng smiled back: "Of course it's a fair match. We'll take responsibility for the outcome."
The number of seniors was too small. The size of their team would determine how many freshmen could participate, after which they'd select and organize their own lineup.
The specific rules would be left to Lian Sheng and Lu Mingyuan to draft—the seniors were fine with that.
For one, Lu Mingyuan was one of them and had always been fair in his dealings, so they trusted him. Secondly, arguing over minor details with a bunch of freshmen was beneath them. They'd just let them handle it.
Both sides spread the word, persuading other students to sign up.
In the end, including those from previous years, the seniors confirmed a 41-person team. Lian Sheng suggested they pick nine more from the freshmen to make it an even 50, ensuring fairness.
All students could supervise. After discussion, the other side agreed.
Next came internal management—assigning roles and distributing tasks.
Once their side was ready, they prepared to begin. But first, they had to inform the instructor and get approval to use the sensor equipment during the break.
Writing reports was second nature to Lu Mingyuan, but haggling with instructors wasn't his forte.
Since he was nominally the organizer of this event, Lian Sheng explained every arrangement's purpose and effect to him in detail. She told him which points could be conceded if the instructor pressed and which were non-negotiable.
Never let fear of deadlock make you timid. Never let others see you lack confidence. At this stage, with the students all on board, if the instructor shot down the proposal, the blame would fall on the instructor—not him.
The instructor asked: "Are you all really that bored? Or just incapable of sitting still?"
Lian Sheng said: "We're very busy. It's our relentless pursuit of progress that keeps us restless."
The instructor thought for a moment: "If you want to study hard, of course I fully support you."
Inside the base was much safer than outside. These days, every time Lian Sheng stepped out, his heart leaped into his throat. After so many years as an Expeditionary Force instructor, when had he ever felt so helpless?
The instructor said: "Fine. But since this is happening at the base, I need to ensure the rules are fair. The base also reserves the right to monitor student conduct during the event. Anyone who violates the rules will face consequences."
Lu Mingyuan nodded, saying he'd relay the message. Then he repeated the detailed rules again.
The instructor listened, found no omissions or issues, asked a few more questions, and Lu Mingyuan answered clearly and logically.
Seeing they'd prepared seriously, he didn't deliberately stall the approval process. He stamped his fingerprint, signed, and greenlit their proposal.
Watching them leave, the instructor leaned back in his chair, thoughtful.
Though a bit impulsive in temperament, they were already quite mature in their work.
Organizing an event might seem simple, but doing it thoroughly required either ample preparation time or enough experience to cover all bases.
Many thought becoming an outstanding officer only required combat prowess, but that wasn't true. If they really advanced, they'd have to negotiate and maneuver with all sorts of allies and enemies.
No side was entirely friendly, nor entirely hostile.
Harder to master than martial skill was the art of balance.
Lu Mingyuan stepped out of the office, closed the door, walked a few paces, then turned back and whispered: "When I used to organize events, I usually focused on rules and procedures. I never considered so many angles. I didn't realize even reasonable rules could be manipulated like this."
Losing had to be done without losing face. Winning had to maximize gains. Based on the opponent's personality and situation, they had to adapt their strategy accordingly.
This time, for instance, they exploited the seniors' pride. Before the match even began, they unabashedly highlighted their own weaknesses and magnified them to carve out more bargaining space.
Was this the commander's responsibility? No—perhaps it was the leader's awareness.
Others might see them as petty or cunning, but they were simply viewing things objectively, fighting for their side's greatest advantage.
Now it was for individuals. In the future, it might be for the entire Alliance.
In the arena of competing interests, being too noble was tantamount to being too foolish—it wouldn't help their nation secure the benefits it was due. Momentary generosity would only force the entire populace to pay the price.
Lian Sheng's stinginess and aggressiveness in negotiations were probably hard for peers to understand. Some might even think she was deliberately provoking conflict.
But when bargaining with tigers, how could one afford not to stay absolutely vigilant?
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