Chapter 141 – Speculation

[Bonus Chapter]

Despite the high entry threshold for courses at the Academy, the instructors themselves didn't possess much combat power. In the game, all three instructors were special entities—for instance, Aurora and HMS Victorious were born from ship models, and Ella came built-in.

No wonder Ella had nearly been buried alive. Her vitality was basically that of a normal human.

Hikaru vaguely understood why these girls had appeared here, but he still took the time to ask about their experiences arriving.

"I suddenly appeared in the cafeteria."

"I was talking with others in the command room, and suddenly everyone disappeared."

"I don't know. I was in my dorm, and the next moment I was on the Academy's podium. Then the building collapsed—it's all Missouri's fault."

Missouri let out a pained groan. Could they please stop bringing that up?

Hikaru rubbed his chin. "I think I understand how you ended up here."

Yat Sen's delicate mouth opened slightly in surprise. "Weren't we summoned here by you?"

"No, no," Hikaru shook his head. "I'm afraid the truth is a bit more complicated."

Lexington chimed in, "Originally, the Commander was just trying to recreate the naval base. Your appearances weren't part of his plan—he was just as surprised as we are."

Missouri scratched her head. "Then what's going on? There must be a reason we showed up, right?"

"Of course there is," Hikaru said, pointing at Missouri. "My guess is—it's because of your roles."

"Huh?"

Missouri was completely confused.

"Missouri, you're the secretary ship I personally appointed. Ella, you're one of the current instructors at the Academy." Hikaru then turned to Yat Sen. "And you… I'm guessing you're the head chef of the naval base?"

Yat Sen covered her mouth in surprise. "Yes, you appointed me as the head chef long ago, and that position has never changed."

Missouri's eyes lit up with realization. "Wait—does that mean…?"

"That's right." Hikaru looked around at his naval base with his hands behind his back. "I originally thought I was just recreating the old base. But now it seems like this one and the old one may be two sides of the same coin."

Lexington suddenly understood. "So in other words, comrades from the original base might be able to appear here, as long as they have a certain connection—like being the secretary ship, the cook, or an instructor."

Hikaru nodded. "That's probably it."

"But that doesn't make sense," Missouri frowned. "Why is it only us with official positions who came through? Why not the others? That's too weird."

"It's just a theory," Hikaru shrugged. He eyed Missouri meaningfully. "But it's a theory we can test."

Missouri's scalp tingled. She suddenly had a bad feeling. She shrank back nervously. "Commander, what are you planning to do?"

Hikaru rubbed his hands. "Let's try changing the secretary ship."

When she realized he was serious, Missouri let out a miserable wail and grabbed Ella, using her as a human shield. "Nooo! I'm the secretary ship! Even if I've made mistakes, I've worked hard! Switch Ella instead! Or Yat Sen the cook!"

Missouri wasn't stupid. If she were replaced and sent back to the original base, who knew if the new secretary ship would be willing to switch back?

Every shipgirl wanted to stay by the Commander's side. That was a law as old as time.

"I… I don't mind, really," Ella said softly. "I've never been someone important anyway. Commander, you can assign me however you like."

Missouri drew in a sharp breath. She never expected the quiet Ella to be such a master of strategic retreats!

Forget about sending Ella back—Missouri turned hopeful eyes toward Yat Sen, praying she would volunteer instead.

Yat Sen blushed, turned her face aside, and stammered, "Commander, I… I want to stay by your side. And when it comes to cooking, I'm confident I'm the best at the base. I'm the most qualified head chef!"

Hikaru waved his hand. "Nope, it's Missouri. You almost blew up the entire base with one shell—that's a major work mishap. Who else would we replace?"

Thud.

Tears glistening in her eyes, Missouri collapsed at Hikaru's feet, clutching his pants leg with deep grievance.

"Commander, I didn't mean for this to happen! You can't punish me out of personal spite! I'm the secretary ship!"

[End of Chapter]

[100 Power Stones = Extra Chapter]

[Check out my Patreon to read 20+ chapters ahead]

[p@treon.com/BellAshelia]

[Thanks for your support!]