Are you CN?

The Solar System Alliance has deployed regular troops, both to fend off the continually emerging lower-tier silicon-based organisms and to investigate this planet, which fundamentally differs from Mars, the Moon, and Titan. The first three are merely constructs reliant on human technology, akin to houses we build ourselves, while Kepler-22b requires humanity to invest ample time and patience for exploration.

On one issue, however, Li Hao suspects that the Alliance's claims about easily sweeping away the giant worm silicon-based life forms may be only half-true; it is unlikely to be as straightforward as they suggest.

Surprisingly, an elderly man and a young woman found themselves discussing a wealth of common topics. After Li Hao departed, Yan Nan fell into silence, puzzled. Although his words were reasonable, some of his viewpoints required an in-depth understanding of the core essence of Kepler-22b—insights that only specialists within the Alliance could grasp. Yet, Li Hao spoke with such intensity, it felt as if he had witnessed it firsthand.

Lost in thought, Yan Nan smiled. Perhaps he was indulging in flights of fancy; it is only natural for the young to have peculiar imaginations, especially when they align with his own.

The fishing metaphor Li Hao mentioned earlier did strike a chord with him. Kepler-22b is so perfect that it drives one to madness.

Upon stepping outside, he spotted a striking figure waiting for Li Hao. From time to time, passing boys attempted to engage her, but when she finally saw Li Hao, Nightong's irritation melted into a genuine smile. "Li Hao! You're finally out! I've been waiting for ages."

It is only natural to appreciate beauty, and Li Hao, not being a pervert, felt elated that such a lively and lovely girl awaited him. It was evident that Nightong harbored some fondness for him, but deeper still was her gratitude from years past. He was well-acquainted with Nangong Yuhang, yet the chubby girl only occasionally visited. After so many years, she likely sought to rediscover memories of her older brother through him.

Li Hao smiled slightly, "Xiaotong, do you have something to say?"

Nightong beamed, "Brother, let me treat you to a cup of coffee."

Within the Tianjing Military Academy lies a commercial street, beloved by girls, known as the "Chance Encounter Café." Li Hao particularly enjoyed their signature drink, "Black Coffee at the Corner." The simple glass cup bore an illustration of a swaying sprig of grass and a small piece of dark chocolate. The barista was highly skilled, achieving perfect oil balance; the coffee, slightly bitter, was also smooth with a lingering aroma.

As he savored the coffee, Li Hao felt an unparalleled sense of tranquility and joy—it was indeed a wonderful day.

"You've changed so much, Brother," Nightong remarked, setting down her cup.

"I've always been like this, Xiaotong. One moment I'm Li Hao, then a senior, and now a brother; it's becoming quite confusing. Can we settle on one title?"

With a mischievous smile revealing a dimple, Nightong replied, "What would you like me to call you?"

"I'm indifferent to any of them," Li Hao shrugged.

"Then I'll decide based on my mood. If I'm unhappy, I'll call you 'senior.' If I'm okay, I'll call you 'Li Hao.' If I'm particularly happy, I'll call you 'brother.'"

Li Hao rubbed his nose—essentially, it was futile to argue. This was just how girls were.

"Alright, let's get back to serious matters. You didn't come to Tianjing just to reminisce, did you?" Li Hao asked.

"Li Hao, Sirian Moraphis is making a comeback."

The atmosphere suddenly became tense. Sirian Moraphis, heir to the Moraphis family that controls the NUP economy, had orchestrated a significant incident in the past, leading to his near demise at Li Hao's hands, resulting in him becoming a vegetable.

"NUP possesses the best gene technology. He completely recovered three years ago and deliberately kept it under wraps, only resurfacing recently," Nightong stated, emphasizing each word.

Noticing Li Hao's silence, she smiled gently. "Brother, don't overthink it. What happened years ago is in the past; he's merely fortunate to be alive. I just want to fulfill my brother's wish to see USE become number one."

Li Hao looked at Nightong. "Then you shouldn't be at Tianjing Military Academy; the North Carros Military Academy would be a better opportunity."

Currently, North Carros held the top rank in USE, and Nightong's achievements were certainly sufficient.

Nightong shook her head. "There, I would have no freedom. I want to forge my own path, and brother, I need your support."

Li Hao nodded. "I can't say how much help I can provide, but I'll certainly do my best."

Nightong smiled radiantly. "Brother, what have you been busy with all these years? Why haven't you found a girlfriend?"

Li Hao rolled his eyes. "It's not that I haven't found one; you should ask my girlfriend why she hasn't come looking for me."

Seeing Li Hao's exasperation, Nightong burst into laughter. As a child, her favorite pastime was teasing her brother.

After lunch with Nightong amidst curious glances from onlookers, she remained unfazed by external opinions.

In the training arena, the two stood on the combat platform, already changed into their training gear. Nightong had unleashed a full barrage of attacks, showcasing her superior skills, surpassing even Musashi. Her flexibility, speed, and agility afforded her a distinct advantage, allowing her to strike with pinpoint precision. It was no wonder she was nicknamed "God of Eyes." Such genetics, combined with a lightweight mech, proved to be a formidable weapon.

"Li Hao, watch out!" Nightong called, her pupils narrowing. In an instant, she launched a powerful kick that covered three meters, landing right before him. Li Hao raised his right hand to block, and the moment they made contact, a resounding thud echoed. Almost immediately, her long leg, akin to a deadly scythe, aimed at him.

With rapid succession, a series of kicks rained down upon Li Hao's head, ribs, and shins. He defended while retreating, but Nightong was already in full combat mode, seizing the opportunity as he stepped back to charge directly.

—Elbow strike!

Thud...

Li Hao caught her with his left hand, stepped half a pace forward, and leaned his right shoulder in.

Boom...

Nightong was propelled three or four meters back, landing deftly before immediately counterattacking with a flurry of strikes, unperturbed.

Nightong's golden gene phenomenon increasingly manifested with her growth, displaying extraordinary flexibility and agility without overshadowing her remarkable strength and resilience. The Nangong and Ye families had invested significant effort into her training, solidifying her foundation.

The two practiced for half an hour before pausing, both maintaining composure and steady breaths. It must be said that Nightong had found an exceptional, patient training partner.

Clap clap clap~~~~

"Li Hao, impressive skills! During this period, focus more on the EMP. Choose a couple of mechs that suit you for enhanced training. As for other issues, I will discuss them with the principal," Zhou Naiyi remarked, having observed their sparring for a while. Such talent would be a shame not to utilize as a mech pilot.

Possessing strong combat fundamentals doesn't guarantee someone will be a good pilot, but it certainly provides a significant advantage. Her team desperately needed skilled individuals.

"Class Leader, I'm putting in so much effort—can I request some bonus from the principal?" Li Hao grinned.

"Li Hao, what are you talking about? This is about honor, personal honor, the honor of Tianjing Military Academy!" Zhou Naiyi exclaimed, half-amused, half-exasperated. Would she really have to report this to the principal?

"Exactly! Brother, discussing money is such a buzzkill. Besides, with two beautiful girls like us accompanying you, what a treat that is—something others can only dream of," Nightong teased.

As Malong once said, arguing with girls is the height of foolishness; losing is bad, but winning can lead to even worse outcomes.

Li Hao found an excuse to leave, leaving Zhou Naiyi and Nightong in the training room.

"Xiaotong, do you genuinely think Li Hao can serve as a vanguard? His EMP scores aren't great, and even with a solid combat background, becoming a master in just a few months is quite challenging. Moreover, a shallow mech pool could make him an easy target."

"Naiyi Jie, my brother is exceptionally strong. To defeat him, I must give my all. It would be a shame to waste these years; with his talent and our careful supervision, it's certainly achievable," Nightong responded. She had come partly to repay a debt of gratitude, determined not to let Li Hao continue down a path of decline.

Zhou Naiyi couldn't help but smile, a touch of envy creeping in. "Xiaotong, I get the sense that you might like him?"

Nightong laughed, "I have some fondness for him, but it hasn't reached that level. He's great in every way—except that he's a bit dense. Whoever ends up as his girlfriend shouldn't expect any romance. By the way, Naiyi Jie, are you single?"

Zhou Naiyi paused, a blush rising to her fair skin. The topic had shifted unexpectedly.

"What's there to be shy about? We're both girls; judging by your appearance, it seems likely. I'm also single. I wonder