Chapter 69

Enhanced cannons. Sounds simple, right? But these cannons need to be loaded with black powder or some other basic fuel, because it's physically impossible for the World Government to supply all naval bases with the best gunpowder on a regular basis."

This answer solidified Bill's thoughts as he first began to consider how everything was set up. Logistics would be an absolute nightmare. But it wasn't just that—when wild climate fluctuations and fantastical plants and animals were added to the mix, it led to vast differences in levels of civilization.

While contemplating the implications, they entered a classroom that appeared typical. Yet it still felt as though they were deep within this underground lab, prompting Bill once again to ponder the actual size of this place.

As they entered the room, Bonaduce headed to a desk at the front of the room and continued speaking.

"Alright, we'll start the assessment here first, then we'll find you a room where you can stay. It'll take about a week, but first, what are you interested in?"

When Bill asked what they were working on there, instead of answering, Bonaduce took a booklet from the desk and handed it to him.

"The first page lists the basic courses, followed by the more advanced ones. Each basic course gives one credit, and this doubles after each specialization. To graduate from the cadet school, you need to earn a minimum of twenty credits. It's recommended to stay within one area of research."

Flipping through the booklet, Bill was amazed by the variety of subjects.

Biology, Chemistry, Metallurgy, Atmospheric Engineering, and Statistics make up the basic courses. Following that are more advanced classes that branch out like tree stems.

Biology specializes in Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology. Then each of these has its own specializations, ending with such unusual titles as Cybernetics, Organic Robotics, and Computational Neurology.

Lifting his eyes from the booklet, Bill said:

"Out of all this, I suppose Metallurgy and Engineering would interest me the most."

In fact, Bill could have succeeded in any one of these areas. He might not have had a photographic memory, but after mastering the technique of Life Return, his memory improved significantly. Moreover, with a lifetime of experience behind him, he wasn't susceptible to the same distractions as an ordinary sixteen-year-old boy.

Thus, he chose Metallurgy due to his genuine interest and Engineering because he thought it would be the most practical choice, as it has the broadest range of specializations.

"Got it," Bonaduce said and continued, "I thought you'd definitely be interested in joining the MSU."

"MSU?"

Nodding, he took the booklet from Bill, flipped to the last page, and handed it back to him.

Reading the page, Bill saw:

[Marine Science Unit]

The fleet's scientific division. Specializes in procurement, retention, and security. Two credits per year for the rank of Recruit, four credits for Lieutenant, six credits for Captain.

"How can you get promoted to captain?"

Laughing, Bonaduce's eyes glowed with a red light:

"Those are more practical assessments."

Showing no fear of the man's glowing red eyes, Bill said

"Alright, let's try all three!"

Thus, Bill's time in the Fleet's Scientific Division began.

BOOM!

Crack

After hitting the ground, Bill rolled onto his back and sprang to his feet.

Two weeks had passed since his written assessment. Unsurprisingly, he met the requirements to participate in any of the basic programs but failed when attempting to jump straight into more specialized areas.

He was currently undergoing his third physical assessment. His goal was to become a Captain in the Fleet's Scientific Division while continuing to study Engineering and Metallurgy as much as possible.

Having already lived one life, Bill was well aware that at his current age, he needed to seize any opportunity that arose.

One can be an unskilled twenty-year-old, but once a man reaches thirty, he is expected to have succeeded in something at least.

With this mindset, Bill wasn't in a rush but was also not prepared to waste any time.

After his first physical assessment, Bill was immediately made a Lieutenant in the MSU, but he was told he could only be promoted to Captain by either Vegapunk himself or the current and only Captain of the MSU.

Now, back on his feet, Bill looked at the huge sumo wrestler. This man was a little over 3 meters tall and wore something resembling a red apron with the word "sky" on it.

While this man was hefty, Bill himself wasn't small. Standing a little over two meters tall, he was able to fight without a comical disadvantage.

Aside from their height, the main differences were that the man was more round and massive, while Bill was broad-shouldered and lean.

Sprinting toward the man as fast as he could, Bill shouted:

"Cracking strike!"

Launching a kick aimed at the man's legs, which was supposed to shake the giant's foundation, Bill once again found himself thrown back several meters after his kick met a hand as hard as stone.

"Lieutenant Ox, why waste my time? My skill is world-class; I have the strongest defenses."

"There is only one Captain in the Fleet's Scientific Division for a very good reason!"

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