First Battlefield Commander! - Chapter 197

Chapter 197: Farewell

Sometimes, there are mistakes you know about but cannot correct.

Just like the Kafa military department.

The soldiers bore the weight of Kafa's entire social structure; they were the ones firmly trapped in a century of war, unable to escape.

They couldn't waver, couldn't change.

If you tried to repent, it might cause more people to lose even more. So even knowing they had wronged these soldiers, they maintained this pathological relationship.

But, like a tall tower tilting from its base, continuously upwards, even a slight deviation would bring immense pressure and burden to the foundation, until the day it collapsed.

This time, the Gelen army's intervention directly detonated Kafa's centuries of accumulated resentment. It completely overturned the crumbling society from top to bottom, paradoxically giving them a chance to eradicate Kafa's rotten roots.

Starting over is more difficult than continuing forward. When they hesitated, reality helped them make the choice.

Now that they had nothing, what was there to fear?

Halfway through the assembly, the rest involved cordial inquiries and internal exchanges among the Kafa people. The trainee soldiers directly withdrew.

They walked over to the newly refilled vending machine, bought some food first to tide them over.

"Too expensive. The prices have increased more than tenfold." Lian Sheng sighed continuously while inserting coins. "It's not that I don't have money, but I always feel like I'm being ripped off."

Zhao Zhuoluo said, "It should drop back down after a while. The main issue now is that the production lines here haven't been fully established yet."

Lian Sheng sighed, ordered a pizza, and chose to heat it. Then she squatted nearby, waiting.

She certainly knew the prices would drop.

Kafa's soil was much better than the 36th District's; quite a bit of usable farmland had already been opened up. Moreover, crop seeds had undergone continuous selection and evolution, perfectly capable of taking root here.

Research had been ongoing; when construction was needed, having sufficient materials was enough.

Post-war reconstruction had been proceeding intensely; for over half a month, everyone hadn't had a chance to rest or catch their breath. Now, they sat down peacefully to rest and slack off for a moment.

Cheng Ze, face wooden, pointed forward. "That street ahead, I built it all."

"Hahaha!" Zhang Ce laughed. "Lian Sheng said the entire country of Kafa was negotiated down by her!"

Everyone: "..." Impressed, impressed.

Fang Jianchen: "I really want to carve my name on the roads here, to prove I existed."

Lian Sheng tilted her head, surprised. "You guys didn't carve?!"

"..." Everyone jolted. "What the hell?"

Lian Sheng: "Oh, I didn't carve either."

Everyone: "..."

Everyone: "..."

Everyone: "..."

Everyone: "..."

Fang Jianchen: "Screw you!"

Lu Mingyuan said, "It's really vastly different now."

He still had pictures from here; comparing them, it was practically brand new.

Ji Ban sighed with emotion. "The changes are so fast."

Zhao Zhuoluo received a slice of pizza from Lian Sheng, held it, and said, "Sometimes I think war has some benefits. But the fact itself is somewhat ridiculous."

Does sacrifice truly teach growth and appreciation? Are regret and fear the driving forces pushing people forward? Then this world is too tragic.

Lian Sheng, biting into her pizza, said, "If there were no benefits, who would start a war?"

Zhao Zhuoluo: "I'm not referring to the purpose of starting the war, but the passive side... if it can even be called a benefit."

"Not really. Whether it's the 36th District or Kafa's situation, the role played by the people is somewhat awkward," Lian Sheng said. "You say they were passive, but actually, they were reluctantly welcoming. You say the result was accidental, but actually, it was what they dreamed of."

Thinking carefully, it really was the case.

Lian Sheng clapped her hands, went to buy water again, and said, "History is very interesting. The decline, reform, sacrifice, and rebirth of various countries are all achieved through war. Instead of holding the pessimistic view that people only realize their mistakes after war, isn't it much better to believe that even amidst war and tragedy, humanity is always struggling forward, enduring pain yet still not falling down?"

Everyone collectively "Oh"-ed.

Lu Mingyuan gave a thumbs up. "Professional peddler of toxic chicken soup!"

Lian Sheng said calmly, "I only state facts."

The group crowded around the vending machine, ate snacks, and felt their stomachs much more satisfied. They had been getting hungry too easily lately, likely due to excessive physical exertion.

Suddenly, a gust of hot wind blew. Everyone closed their eyes, faces contorted in discomfort. They turned their backs, pulling at their clothes and howling.

Young, vigorous lads, already intolerant of heat, found Kafa's daytime unbearable.

Everyone looked at the stone slabs outside the shade, baking hot under the sun, desperately wanting to take off their jackets.

They had come to observe the assembly, deliberately dressed formally: short-sleeved shirts underneath long-sleeved jackets. Now they felt like they were going crazy.

Ji Ban said, "Let's go back, the sun is too hot."

Lian Sheng clutched her water cup. "Let's go, to Tina's place."

Tina's family's newly assigned residence was in the middle of the city district, near a large welfare complex.

Kafa's soldiers would soon leave Kafa for the Alliance to undergo short-term aptitude tests. If their test results were excellent, they could choose further education and professional training, possibly not returning.

This afternoon, the Kafa military department would have a collective day off. After learning the news, the residents borrowed the welfare complex grounds to prepare a dinner, serving as a farewell for them and expressing their previous gratitude and guilt.

Lian Sheng and the others slipped away midway, heading to Tina's place first. When they arrived, they heard that Cornell and Harry were already sitting in the air-conditioned room, eating.

Cheng Ze exclaimed, "Why are you guys here?"

Harry held a spoon. "Eating. Aren't you here to eat too?"

Lian Sheng pulled out a chair and sat down opposite them. "You didn't go to the assembly? Didn't go in for a cry?"

"Cry about what? We have nothing to cry about." Harry bit his spoon, shivered, and said, "Unimaginable!"

Lian Sheng: "Then you shouldn't have been absent either, such an important occasion. Although the Kafa military department is being taken over, the General still has some influence."

Cheng Ze nodded. "If you go, he might not remember you. If you don't go, he definitely will remember you."

Harry shrugged. "They need to be reassessed. What does that have to do with us? We have lifetime service."

Fang Jianchen let out an "Eh?". "In the future too? Impossible, the Alliance doesn't have rules for lifetime service."

Harry said innocently, "I don't know."

Everyone looked at him, still dazed, with no awareness or planning for the future.

But it was true; his life had mostly involved war. His understanding of external information was quite lacking, let alone adapting; he probably didn't even have a direction.

Everyone looked at these two soldiers, younger than themselves, and suddenly felt a strong sense of responsibility.

"You can go learn to read and write!" Ji Ban clapped his hands. "Also, do you want to learn how to make money? I'll teach you how to assemble mechs!"

"Assembling mechs isn't a field civilians can enter. You'll mislead him, Classmate Ji Ban!" A boy extended his hand enticingly. "How about opening a mech training class? I'll help you recruit people. Nine hundred ninety-eight per hour!"

His companion cursed, "Get lost!"

Cornell poked the pudding on his plate with his small spoon; it was his first time eating dessert. When he looked up, he found Lian Sheng watching him, so he decisively cut it in half with one scoop.

Lian Sheng: "Don't say anymore. Maybe they don't even want to leave Kafa?"

The clamoring voices suddenly stopped, puzzled. "Why?"

Harry looked at Cornell, the smile slowly fading from his face. He said coolly again, "Actually, staying in Kafa is quite good. We don't really need money for anything."

Others said again, "It doesn't matter, staying in Kafa can also welcome a new life. It's not like the internet doesn't exist everywhere in this world!"

The table was covered in desserts. Lian Sheng picked one out based on color. Before she could eat, her optical computer rang again.

Lian Sheng picked it up and saw it was an account from a military colleague. The message prompted: "Someone's looking for you, Zhou Shiren."

Lian Sheng silently put down her knife and fork and went out. She walked through the staircase to the rooftop, confirmed no one was there, then used the internal communication to call the other party.

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger was sitting in his office. Seeing her, he immediately started applauding enthusiastically.

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said, "Not bad, your reputation resonates through twelve districts now. Even cleared diplomatic channels, more impressive than our Expeditionary Force."

Lian Sheng leaned against the wall. "Thanks for the compliment."

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said, "I just came to tell you... you got promoted! Faster than me!"

Lian Sheng hummed. "Not worth mentioning."

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger clicked his tongue enviously.

"Stay in Kafa for now, shine and contribute, build up a year's worth of experience." Hundred Meter Flying Dagger leaned closer to the desk, pretending to whisper, "Kafa has many mechs, and now they're all taken over by the Expeditionary Force. Those are fully equipped combat-type mechs, you understand what I mean, right?"

Lian Sheng paused, then asked, "But, aren't these kinds of lethal weapons strictly controlled? Can a trainee like me even touch them?"

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said dismissively, "The three armies, right? It's not yet decided which army you'll join in the future. Interact with them more, build relationships. There are always various needs for debugging mechs, practicing, testing mech performance, opportunities like that. Everyone's an honest person, they definitely can't outsmart your tricks."

Lian Sheng: "..."

She would tentatively take that as a compliment for being smart.

Lian Sheng found a shady spot, sat down cross-legged, leaned against the wall behind her, and asked, "How will Kafa's soldiers be settled?"

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said, "Knew you'd ask. I have a headache over this too."

There were two types of Kafa soldiers.

One was the ordinary four-year conscript, mandatory service for all adult men. This group was relatively easy to arrange. Based on test results and personal choice, they could confirm career change or further study, or receive subsidies and retire directly. The Alliance would treat these people as kindly as possible.

Kafa currently lacked a large amount of manpower, not just Kafa, but also the neighboring pitiful 36th District. Urban reconstruction required all sorts of manpower, and it was definitely not a short-term project. Those wanting a career change could be placed into needed positions.

Their childhoods were spent with ordinary civilians; there were no social communication or integration issues.

In short, whatever choice they made, the Alliance didn't need to worry.

However, the soldiers serving lifetime terms were more difficult to handle.

Lian Sheng had always been curious why they were chosen for lifetime service. They didn't seem like such terrifying people.

"The tentative plan is mandatory re-education and testing. Later, they will also live under Alliance supervision and control. If no violence issues arise, supervision will gradually relax." Hundred Meter Flying Dagger rubbed his eyebrows. "Of course, if they choose to continue serving in the military, that would be best. With their strength, they should have good development prospects later. The relationship between the Alliance and Gelen is still unclear; their joining could serve as very important combat power..."

Hearing him say this, Lian Sheng knew it was unlikely. "But?"

"Sigh, but after preliminary talks with them, they aren't very enthusiastic about war, showing some slight psychological trauma and resistance. We offered better conditions and guarantees than Kafa, but they still weren't very willing. Most want a more stable life, I guess. After all, with their current combat merits, they can already receive decent subsidies."

They had already left Kafa and had sufficient means of livelihood for the short term. They probably had little interest in fighting for the relatively unfamiliar Alliance and returning to the nightmarish battlefield.

Being freed from the restriction of lifetime service, even if under long-term supervision, wasn't that hard to accept. Besides, they were already used to such things in Kafa.

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said, "Kafa has many mech soldiers. Their numbers even rival the entire Alliance. We are indeed very envious. However, according to physical examination feedback data, they are indeed not very suitable for piloting mechs anymore."

He flipped through the documents in his hand; due to data confidentiality, they still used paper files.

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said, "Most of them suffer from chronic ailments due to accumulated old injuries. Bearing the pressure of the mech and performing difficult maneuvers is extremely painful. To ensure performance, they rely on long-term use of hormones and painkillers. According to doctors' recommendations, they should retire."

Lian Sheng lowered her eyes.

They were still very young, but the injuries on their bodies might never recover. In the future, they might have to live their long lives with that hidden pain and memories of war.

Reaching a level unattainable by others at a younger age naturally came at the cost of overdrawing their physical strength.

Lian Sheng asked, "Why do this? Who exactly are they?"

"They exist everywhere, right? In every era," Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said. "When labor is insufficient, they choose strong and potential criminals, conscripting them in exchange for pardon or freedom of movement."

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger clasped his hands behind his neck and let out a long breath. "These people have varying degrees of violent tendencies. Factually speaking, supervision is also inconvenient. And they are very depressed now, lacking any enthusiasm for life. Just thinking about eating and sleeping. This isn't good for their health either; we can't just ignore it."

Lian Sheng frowned. "Wait, you're telling me those young soldiers are criminals? What crime did they commit at what age?"

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger nodded affirmatively at her.

"Kafa's laws are very different from the Alliance's. This is related to national conditions; even stable places have bizarre laws. But Kafa is chaotic. To stabilize social order, punishments for things like burglary, gang fights, and disturbing social stability are very severe," Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said. "Moreover, they believe that even juvenile offenders should bear corresponding punishments. If there's a guardian, the guardian takes the punishment. If not, depending on the severity of the crime, they are first supervised then educated, or directly subjected to labor service and discipline."

Lian Sheng: "There should be many orphans under war conditions, so theft should be common."

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger nodded.

"However, the Kafa military department has already completely cleared the records for all soldiers. What pasts they have, we don't know now. Only a list of those whose service has expired. Perhaps this is the final compensation Kafa wanted to give them," Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said. "What wrong they did, whether they deserved such severe punishment. Or perhaps, how much harm they caused others, whether they should have a chance to start over. We don't know any of this. We cannot erase the harm already done to them. Nor can we forgive them on behalf of those harmed. But, they did indeed strive to let more people live. The promises made to them will still be fulfilled."

Lian Sheng asked, "What about Cornell?"

"Hmm..." Hundred Meter Flying Dagger squinted one eye, looking at her thoughtfully. "As for him... still unknown. Since he was created..."

Lian Sheng: "Hey, I don't particularly like your choice of words."

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger shrugged. "But the fact is, he doesn't have a recognized official identity yet. It's even debated whether he should be granted human rights. His very existence is a big problem. Moreover, due to genetic defects, his normal lifespan is only twenty-five to thirty years. Lifetime service is actually his best destination."

Lian Sheng felt her eyelid twitch and blinked hard. "What?"

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said, "His five senses, strength, intelligence, cell activity—none are comparable to ordinary people. I'm not saying he's a genius; even geniuses don't have such comprehensive abilities. He is a secret that cannot be exposed, absolutely no second one can appear. We also cannot grant him any tolerance."

Lian Sheng pursed her lips, silent.

"The Kafa military department has withdrawn. From now on, you act together with him. The organization incidentally gives you a mission, you understand," Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said. "Hey, I say, you should already know who he is, right? You chatted with me quite smoothly just now, don't tell me you were just guessing."

Lian Sheng reported a name.

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger nodded. "Alright then. I'll inform you later if there are any arrangements. Anything else you want to ask?"

Lian Sheng: "No."

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger hung up the communication, sitting still in his seat. Then, from the bottom of the files, he pulled out an experimental data registration form.

Name: Cornell

Number: A36S-709

Status: Not properly destroyed

Classification: General Level

Feeling a surge of frustration lingering in his chest, he crumpled the paper into a ball, clenched it in his hand, and cursed bitterly, "Damn it!"

There are always people in this world challenging the limits of human ethics under various high-sounding reasons.

They commit acts that desecrate life yet refuse to take any responsibility for them.

Then who should be responsible?

Future humans who profit from it? The history of human development? Those technological achievements? Or some merciful deity?

They can still offer all the cold suggestions from a bystander's perspective.

But, born without choice, and possessing consciousness without choice. What should be done?

Lian Sheng hung up the communication, sitting still. Hot wind blew across her face, sweat trickling down from her thick hair.

She turned her head and found Cornell standing not far away. Sunlight shone directly down on him; his skin was peeling slightly from sunburn.

Cornell said, "I heard my name."

Lian Sheng: "Is that so?"

Cornell walked over. "You said I resemble someone?"

Lian Sheng nodded. "Yes. I memorized it. But it was a long time ago. There was a small photo in a book; I glanced at it once, but don't remember clearly. But the appearance of the Gelen United Army, Kafa's century-old tragedy dramatically extending to the present, suddenly reminded me."

"Edwin, a milestone hero in the military history of the Gelen United Nation, a legendary genius in military history. He led numerous campaigns throughout his life, guiding the Gelen army from an exploited, barren small country to gradually become a major military power. He liberated people who could only rely on cheap labor to live and successfully seized the interstellar designation of the 16th District, ultimately achieving democratic independence." Lian Sheng paused. "16th District... Kafa's national designation before becoming an Alliance vassal state."

Cornell's expression darkened; he lowered his head without speaking.

Lian Sheng patted the spot beside her. "Sit?"

Cornell sat down beside her; the ground felt scorching hot.

For some reason, finally having someone to talk to, he felt very much at ease. A peace he had never felt before.

Cornell asked, "What kind of person was he?"

Lian Sheng swung her legs. "Has no one told you?"

Cornell: "Their expressions and attitudes told me."

Lian Sheng pondered for a moment, then raised her hand to pinch her nose.

"To Gelen, he was a hero: brave, fearless, powerful, perfect. But to Kafa, he was a demon. After his death, his shadow haunted Kafa for over a hundred years and still hasn't ended." Lian Sheng tilted her head up, looking at the distant horizon. "A person originally picked up a knife to protect himself. He taught those behind him what it means to stand. But those behind him didn't learn to put it down, starting to use the knife he gave them to do what others had once done to them. History is constantly changing; no one can truly judge such a person."

Cornell clenched his fingers, knuckles cracking softly.

Lian Sheng said, "However, I've only seen one photo of him and don't know what he really looked like. Others wrote books about him, but that doesn't necessarily mean they understood him. He's been dead for many years; understanding him is fundamentally meaningless."

What exactly is a country?

His blood was Gelen, but he was born and raised in Kafa. He had always strived for Kafa, yet seemed like a traitor to Gelen.

Nothing he did would be acknowledged, including his existence itself.

If he had been born in Gelen, would he, like others, raise his knife against Kafa?

He never wanted to think about this question. The hesitation in the answer left him confused.

If so, what difference was there between him and a weapon of war?

Cornell asked, "If you were born in Gelen..."

"I don't know." Lian Sheng directly cut off the second half of his sentence. "I don't know what I would do, because attachments and environment influence a person's choices. However, I hate all wars of aggression, and I hate the upper echelons using deception to exploit soldiers' enthusiasm and kindness. But, before the result comes out, no one can confirm whether this matter brings more harm or more benefit."

Lian Sheng said, "Lost lives cannot be measured, and future development cannot be estimated either. Just like this Kafa civil war, it merely detonated a time bomb prematurely. Before this, who could predict its future?"

"As a soldier, standing on the battlefield, one can never do too much, nor can they change too much. But the biggest difference between humans and weapons is that even in killing, you can clearly know why you are pulling the trigger. Is it for protection, because it's unavoidable, or for a broader future? To live optimistically while harboring mercy and guilt—such a person, you can't just call them a weapon of war."

Lian Sheng looked at him and said, "You are you. You can make your own choices."

Cornell thought for a moment, then said in a low voice, "I hope my tombstone can stand openly on Kafa's soil."

Lian Sheng smiled. "With the name Lieutenant Colonel Cornell engraved on it?"

Cornell: "My ashes can walk the welcoming red carpet."

Lian Sheng: "Someone salutes, expressing the most sincere gratitude."

Cornell: "My name and deeds can appear as a line on the martyrs' monument."

Lian Sheng: "Standing in a bustling district, remembered by all who pass by."

They imagined some strange things.

For Lian Sheng, it was something highly taboo before battle. But for Cornell, perhaps it was a future that was constantly approaching and not far off.

"I hope that day comes. Even if everyone is unwilling now, but I... want to carry my own name, like them, be welcomed back to the land of my birth on the red carpet openly." Cornell spoke calmly, firmly stating, "So I will serve until I die."

There was never a second choice.

His life was too short.

Both fell silent for a moment.

Lian Sheng said, "If I live longer than you, I will personally escort you home. Then tell everyone your name."

Cornell asked, "Do you think clones can have autonomy?"

Lian Sheng said, "Hmm... I don't know."

Cornell said, "Is that so?"

"I don't know who Edwin was, what kind of person he was." Lian Sheng extended her hand towards him, stating decisively, "But you are my friend."

Cornell looked at her hand, his gaze somewhat distant. Through her fingers, he seemed to be looking at something else.

Lian Sheng's palm was covered in sweat, faintly phosphorescent under the strong light. She calmly retracted her hand and wiped it on her clothes.

Cornell's ears twitched slightly. "Someone's coming up."

Lian Sheng: "I didn't hear anything."

Immediately following, the sound of footsteps approached. Tina deliberately made her steps heavier to alert those above.

"Come down quickly for dinner! They've all arrived, we're about to start." Tina said excitedly. "Someone will also perform songs and dances. Do you want to perform? You two warriors?"

Lian Sheng climbed up from the ground. "That's great. Okay, madam."

The midday heat gradually dissipated. The sun sank in the west, and the sky quickly darkened.

Lights set up around flickered on one by one. Warm light illuminated the bustling crowd.

They set tables out on the street, occupying the entire length. Drinks and food were brought out from inside, the aroma filling the air, the heat seeming to warm the night.

Glasses clinked as they laughed, talked, drank, the noise so loud nothing else could be heard.

Tina turned back, laughing, leading them to their arranged seats.

Harry sat with the trainee soldiers, being forced to drink by mischievous old soldiers.

Tina invited them to sit, then picked up a tray and went back inside to help serve food.

These Expeditionary Force members, usually bored, loved joining the fun at times like this.

They went and brought over a projector, replaying the holographic projection from District Two's New Year celebration. The brilliant fireworks nearly lit up the entire sky.

They raised their glasses, boasting to the crowd, "This is the Alliance! Welcome to the Alliance! This is the best place in the world!"

Harry dragged Cornell over. "Cornell! Cornell, do you know what banned films are?"

Tina stood beside their table holding a tray, smilingly watching them.

Lian Sheng: "Why are you keep looking at them? Or do you want a drink too?"

Tina leaned close to Lian Sheng's ear and shouted, "Remember I told you, where I used to live, there was always an uncle playing the accordion, telling us stories of Kafa's past?"

Lian Sheng leaned her ear closer. "Huh?"

"That was Harry's dad!" Tina said. "He was truly a great man!"

Lian Sheng couldn't hear clearly, covering her ear. "What? Harry is a great man?"

Tina said, "Harry's dad was a great man! He is also a great man!"

"Great, great!" Lian Sheng looked frustrated. "I didn't hear anything clearly!"

After this noisy night, Kafa's soldiers formally boarded the spacecraft heading to the Alliance.

Cornell still had to remain in Kafa. Everyone initially found it strange, but then thought, he was a powerhouse with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. If he chose to continue serving, even the Expeditionary Force would be extremely willing.

Testing what testing? Simply redundant, neglecting talent!

Kafa didn't have a professional airport. The transport spacecraft landed directly on a cleared open space in the center.

People put down their work and still went to see them off.

The group of young soldiers walked at the very end of the line.

"Harry—Harry—!" Tina waved her hand vigorously from the periphery, shouting forcefully, "Welcome back! Please be sure to come back—!"

People greeted warmly, saying goodbye.

The cabin door gradually rose, and the aircraft body slowly turned into a black dot, disappearing from sight.

Lian Sheng and the others felt somewhat wistful, feeling the whole of Kafa was empty. Wiping away non-existent snot, they hoped many would choose to return.

Perhaps their wish was too strong... Harry rolled back on the third day, following the professional technical team dispatched by the Alliance.

Harry waved his hands, laughing and spinning in front of them. "Hahaha, I'm back again—!"

Like an idiot.

Lian Sheng: "Why are you back? The testing is... over?"

"It's over. They asked me a few questions. Asked what I want to do in the future," Harry said. "I said I want to serve until twenty-eight first. Then retire and become a wandering minstrel. They let me come back."

Lian Sheng cleaned her ears, thinking she misheard. "What? Wandering minstrel?"

Tina held a tray, chiming in from the side, "Carrying an accordion, singing the deeds of heroes. Traveling the streets and alleys here, romantically singing and reciting poetry."

Harry nodded emphatically.

Tina shouted, "Heavens, that's wonderful!"

Didn't fit Harry... at all.

Lian Sheng: "Why did you end up with lifetime service?"

"Robbery? Or maybe biting someone, I forgot," Harry said. "My dad passed away when I was only six. I was too hungry, needed to eat. Later, I was adopted by the military department."

Ji Ban said, "...That's not called adoption, dear."

Lu Mingyuan: "Illegal employment... understand?"

Lian Sheng: "You could have gone to the welfare home. Kafa does have welfare homes that take in orphans."

"I wanted to grow up on my own," Harry said. "But it doesn't matter, I made friends in the military department too. Cornell~ When I become a wandering minstrel, I'll go sing about his deeds."

Lian Sheng: "I think Cornell will hit you."

Harry pointed at Lian Sheng. "Oh right, there were a few others, seemed like students from your Alliance too? Came back with me. They asked about you."

Lian Sheng: "Who?"

"Seemed to be called..." Harry couldn't remember either. "Junior?"

Lian Sheng: "Ah! Zhou Shirui!"

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