First Battlefield Commander! - Chapter 241
Chapter 241: Extra 10: Instructor Lian and Her Little Companions
Seeing the Red Team on the verge of collapse, Lian Sheng finally spoke up: "People should leave some sincerity between each other."
She walked over and patted the tree stump, looking up as she said: "I'm the one who chopped this tree."
"......" The Red Team members were speechless.
This was even more devastating than hearing "I just won't tell you~".
Huang Hao covered his face and said: "Instructor, people should leave some sincerity between each other."
Chen Yuzhou added: "Instructor, people should respect each other's intelligence a little."
"Oh." Lian Sheng showed no reaction, merely stating calmly: "Let me reintroduce myself. I'm currently on vacation and was invited by the school to serve as a temporary instructor. My name is Lian Sheng, currently serving in the Sixth Expeditionary Army."
Zhou Shirui nodded: "Zhou Shirui."
Leaning against the tree stump, she patted it with her left hand. Everyone heard a dull cracking sound, and when Lian Sheng removed her hand, a palm print was left embedded in the wood.
Silence. Complete silence across the field.
The students stood frozen, no one daring to break the quiet.
They began recalling everything they'd done and said during the exercise.
......Had they done anything besides expressing admiration for their instructors?
The White Team members grinned wildly, wanting to tease further: "Summer summer..."
The Red Team shouted: "Shut up!"
Lian Sheng waved her hand: "Let's head down now. Those in front, about face."
The students' reaction times seemed delayed as they processed the command. With the crowd too dense, they needed to spread out first. Shortly after turning around, someone screamed as students at the periphery tumbled down the slope.
Fortunately, they were fully equipped and the mountainous terrain wasn't too treacherous. The student rolled twice before stopping.
Lian Sheng pushed through to ask: "Are you okay?"
The student scrambled up nervously, raising his hand halfway before lowering it, then raising it again to salute Lian Sheng.
The others suppressed their laughter.
Lian Sheng waved: "Be careful everyone. Descend in order now."
The instructors below had already started packing up to gather for debriefing.
Lu Mingyuan stood holding his optical computer, sighing: "This match blinded me twice - at the beginning and the end."
A nearby instructor remarked: "Aren't any of you shocked? The Expeditionary Force is really different. I was so excited watching the match."
"We can still hear stories about how Lian Sheng used to mess with instructors back in the day," one instructor said wistfully. "Though now she's gotten revenge on herself."
Lu Mingyuan laughed: "We're used to it. When we teamed up with her before, all our wins felt bewildering."
Fang Jianchen was organizing cables nearby: "Only 'holy shit' can express my feelings! Every training exercise with her ends badly for me. She's tormented me enough!"
"Happy?" Fang Jianchen scowled. "Not happy at all."
The others chuckled.
"Feels like so long ago..." Cheng Ze mused. "Back when we were still students. Thinking about it now, we were so naive back then."
Whether in perspective, experience, or ability, they'd all had much room for growth. Yet at the time, they'd felt invincible, brimming with unwarranted confidence. Now that they'd truly grown stronger, they understood their own limitations. Except for one person.
Zhao Zhuoluo patted Fang Jianchen: "Weren't you asking for it back then?"
Ye Buqing agreed: "We were naive. You were genuinely stupid."
Fang Jianchen shook them off: "I don't even know how our brotherhood survived this long! Let's end it here!"
"This was my first time participating in a live combat exercise with students," Ji Ban said excitedly. "Feels like I caught the tail end of youth."
Zhao Zhuoluo asked curiously: "What does youth mean to you?"
Ji Ban: "Youth means being loud and obnoxious like a lunatic."
Lu Mingyuan encouraged: "You're still plenty youthful now."
Ji Ban: "Thanks!"
Ji Ban: "...Wait?"
As the students descended in groups, Lian Xun was swaying while singing his newly learned brainwashing tune: "Summer summer quietly passes by..."
The others: "......"
Come to think of it, this summer hadn't even properly begun before it was already ending.
Lian Sheng picked him up: "Stop singing nonsense. Do you even know what it means?"
The students first gathered to hear their results announced, followed by debriefing. The remaining time would be for free activities and an evening gathering.
With Lian Sheng's group visiting, the school naturally wanted to capitalize on the opportunity by having the Expeditionary Force members provide targeted feedback. Lian Sheng suggested letting everyone rest first rather than attending lectures while sweaty, since they'd remain at the training camp for two more days anyway.
So the students happily went to shower.
Waiting in line at the baths, they finally calmed down enough to process the day's events.
Soft discussions filled the air.
One boy said: "You dropped your soap."
The boy ahead turned blankly: "I think I saw Lian Sheng."
His friend patted his head: "Poor kid, you can drop the 'I think.' You're not even asleep yet and already dreaming."
"I think I even talked to her."
"She was talking to me."
"Get real! That was a general address to the masses!"
The murmurs grew louder as more joined the conversation about the same topic.
One proudly announced: "I was on the White Team! We chatted in formation today!"
"Holy shit!"
Before others could react, someone added: "She even told us jokes!"
"Holy shit—!"
Indignation levels approached critical mass.
"Jokes are nothing! She personally taught us shooting stances—she touched me!"
"Holy fucking shit—!!"
Several immediately blocked the boy: "Bro, do you know whose turf this is? Let me tell you, fanatics have no rationality. Recite every word she said today verbatim!"
"Where'd she touch you? Let the brothers feel it too."
"Damn you guys are disgusting!"
"Soap's flying! Soap's flying!"
Chaos erupted as the orderly line dissolved into mayhem.
Another voice cut through: "You're all amateurs! Don't forget Yu Yang and Ding Xuexi—they carried Instructor Lian's brother on their backs!"
The two mentioned, leaning against the wall in line, suddenly hunched their shoulders.
"What's that compared to this?" someone said. "Third-year combat students from the base! Had close contact with the instructor for so long!"
A boy declared: "Her brother is someone she cradles in her arms! That's basically indirect hugging!"
The crowd: "Outrageous—!"
Someone intervened: "Comrades, restrain yourselves! The instructors' dorm is next door—keep it down!"
Belatedly realizing, they lowered their voices but remained excited.
"It's really Lian Sheng! Too bad I didn't get to see her hand up close—I really want to touch the legendary meme hand." The boy added shamelessly: "No wonder she's so strong. Just one look and you can feel her queenly aura! Her heroic figure racing across the mountain! Her heartbroken expression scolding us! It's love!"
His friend sweatdropped: "That's some twisted love..."
"Screw you!"
"I remember someone calling her cruel, arrogant, flat-chested and perverted."
Instant collective amnesia: "No, we never said that."
Another boy lamented: "It's our own incompetence—what does it have to do with the instructor?"
"Look how pathetic we were—rookies daring to show off before a master. She must've been pained by our ignorance, wanting to correct us. So thoughtful!"
They began earnest self-reflection. This exercise seemed profoundly meaningful.
"Wait! Wait!" A boy clutching his washbasin suddenly realized: "Besides Lian Sheng, there were others! That vice commander today said his name was Zhou Shirui! Holy shit—Hundred Meter Flying Dagger Zhou Shiren's younger brother? Their team's vice commander!"
"My idol, thank you. The gold standard for data analysts."
"Did their whole squad come?"
"Now that you mention it, very likely!"
"Alliance University has those kinds of connections? I've got bragging rights for the next decade! In the entire Alliance, which other school has instructors selected from frontline Expeditionary Force squads? So damn impressive!"
"If I can't love Lian Sheng, I'll love the principal!"
"Love the principal!"
Another boy suddenly roared: "What about my King of Solo Combat Zhao Zhuoluo? Which one is he?"
"My God of Reconnaissance—"
"Then where's Sniper God Fang Jianchen!"
"I'm using 'King' and you guys need to tone it down!"
"What about the Founding Father of Manual Mech Operation, Ji Mengmeng!"
After abandoning all dignity, they felt light enough to float away.
"No wonder this year's instructors were different—radiant auras, fragrant breaths!"
"What's tonight's agenda? Debriefing? Can we wear casual clothes?" A boy smoothed his hair. "Brought my hair gel—preparation pays off!"
"You schemer! Can't hog it all!"
"Restraint! Comrades, restraint! During tonight's debrief, when you see the instructors, you must project a steady image. No shouting, no overexcitement. Tonight, we're all dragon warriors!"
The staff member managing the check-in desk watched these idiots coldly.
When had Alliance University become an asylum? They'd all been normal when they arrived.
How tragic.
By nightfall, when the debrief began, Lian Sheng's group had also freshened up and gathered in the cafeteria temporarily serving as a classroom.
The eight of them stood before the students in casual short sleeves and pants. Lian Sheng's silver arm was now fully visible.
They'd really brought an entire squad!
The students had mentally prepared themselves, successfully restraining their limbs but failing to control their eyes.
"Let's cut the chatter. While everything's still fresh, we'll debrief the faction battle first." Lian Sheng touched her still-damp hair. "Match footage will be available for download on the official site—it's still being edited. I recommend reviewing it—seeing your own foolishness helps identify mistakes. Additionally, we have analytical reports on specific individuals and teams prepared by your seniors Zhou Shirui and Lu Mingyuan, which will be distributed afterward."
Enthusiastic applause followed.
"The Red Team's primary failure was inadequate analysis of both sides' strengths and weaknesses." Lian Sheng said. "Why didn't you consider this? Analyzing enemies means examining not just their flaws but also their advantages. You could underestimate the White Team's combat skills, but never their intelligence. With so many data analysts and commanders on our side, you should've been alert to potential map manipulation. Yet you grew complacent. Overconfidence at the start planted seeds of defeat."
Lian Sheng continued: "My tactics weren't actually complex—just high-difficulty, high-risk with severe consequences. But comrades, desperate measures often mean no alternatives exist. Not every gamble pays off. When you're out of options, you have to play your hand."
Chen Yuzhou seemed to want to speak but ultimately held back.
Lian Sheng noticed: "Go ahead."
Chen Yuzhou shook his head.
Lian Sheng said for him: "You think this breach tactic sounds simple but has numerous practical issues. You don't believe the White Team could memorize the entire mountain's layout overnight, divide it into sufficiently detailed sectors, then execute flawlessly the next day. Nor that commanders could rapidly process chaotic data without equipment while guiding inexperienced White Team members through breakthroughs. In short, it seems impossible. Right?"
Chen Yuzhou nodded.
Chen Yuzhou nodded.
Exactly! Just the command aspect alone posed immense challenges. Of course, had he known Lian Sheng was commanding, he'd have prepared differently regardless.
Lian Sheng: "You also think the White Team maintained solid defenses with decent morale—not desperate enough for such risks, with chances to counterattack. Right?"
The White Team hadn't been losing—they'd held stable with potential to fight back. The breach plan was all-or-nothing.
Lian Sheng: "See, I anticipated your reasoning because I have more experience."
Everyone's tactics stem from their own capabilities and confidence. While Chen Yuzhou excelled among students, they typically overlook last-ditch strategies because they lack adaptability for rapidly shifting battles.
Without external input, people instinctively judge opponents by their own standards, eliminating certain strategies. Chen Yuzhou fell into this trap.
Zhou Shirui interjected: "In this data-driven era, everything relies on information—even warfare. Everyone pursues real-time intelligence. Data analysts' worth isn't measured by combat power alone."
"Of course, let me mourn your teamwork. Even with mitigating factors, I can't forgive your headless-chicken chaos." Zhou Shirui said. "You're individuals retaining individual traits even in teams. With massive advantages, you didn't even buy your commander time to react. Unbelievable."
The Red Team hung their heads.
Zhou Shirui continued: "The White Team wasn't much better—your victory relied entirely on the commander's skill salvaging the situation. Without leadership, you failed basic command fundamentals."
The White Team also lowered their heads.
Lian Sheng said: "The White Team's flaws are obvious—individual combat ability. Don't think rear positions excuse physical training. Command rooms have limited space. If you want field action, prepare to start as grunts."
She then addressed: "Yu Yang, Ding Xuexi. Know why I kept targeting you?"
The two nodded.
Lian Sheng: "I have high expectations for you. True competence doesn't mean personal excellence or dividing responsibilities between partners. Charisma, cohesion, judgment, and authority are all essential."
Hands in pockets, she said coldly: "You experienced collapse today—how did it feel being suppressed by fewer opponents? Proud of failing breakthroughs despite your supposed combat prowess? Without cooperation, even the strongest individuals are wasted. Learn to care about teammates—only then can you form complete units."
The two alternated critiques, leaving no room for rebuttals—only shame.
Lu Mingyuan said: "Don't worry—I've extracted key scenes for you to review and identify mistakes."
Lian Sheng clapped, lightening the mood: "That's all for now. Let's hear your thoughts."
She pulled up a chair: "Be honest—how many times did you mentally call me a psycho?"
Fierce headshaking ensued.
"This is normal. Don't blindly follow rumors—independent thinking matters." Lian Sheng said. "I provoked you initially because your arrogance needed checking."
The students recalled their earlier attitudes with chagrin.
As the mood dipped again, Lian Sheng rubbed her neck: "This is just casual chat—ask anything. After this, we'll all go our separate ways. You were plenty lively earlier—we could hear your chorus for hours while eating next door. Quite energetic."
The students: "......"
Lian Sheng patted nearby chairs: "Sit down everyone—Q&A time."
After hesitation, questions emerged:
"Instructor, tell us about military life!"
"Tell us about the Gelen War!"
"Any memorable moments?"
Zhao Zhuoluo pondered: "Back at Alliance University, I yearned for grandeur. But I've learned nothing compares to peaceful moments in the sun."
Fang Jianchen added: "Time flies—memories blur but emotions remain. Highs and lows, joy and sorrow."
Ji Ban said: "Just deployments and returns, deployments and returns..."
Cheng Ze: "When we first joined, I could rant endlessly about training. Now... not much to say."
"Memories..." Lian Sheng mused. "Time itself isn't memorable—whether ten, twenty, or thirty years. Because those who stood beside you may not have made it this far."
The students quieted, listening intently.
Lian Sheng continued: "Our squad was lucky—we all survived. But many others... we escorted their ashes home, watched families say goodbye before they were buried as martyrs."
"To most, they're just names—unremarkable ones you'd forget. Since the Alliance's founding, countless heroes have sacrificed everything for scant recognition." Lian Sheng said. "We're all the same—growing through adversity, strengthening through tears, then packing up to carry their memories forward."
Her powerful voice now carried weathered sorrow, grating against their hearts.
Lian Sheng said: "If you join the Expeditionary Force, you'll find scars outweigh glory beneath the surface. We bear our wounds alone—no matter how much you want to cry, you must smile. This is the path you've chosen."
She stood solemnly: "I believe you'll grow strong—perhaps surpassing us—to take up the Alliance's defense. But first, you'll endure trials..."
Lian Sheng raised her hand in formal salute.
Zhao Zhuoluo and the others followed suit.
No words were needed.
This wasn't an easy path. Lian Sheng wouldn't tell them to persevere—they could choose to quit. But she'd respect all who strove for it.
The students stood as well, returning the salute with burning gazes.
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