A 19-Year-Old Command Graduate?!

The young man said he wanted to join the command headquarters. Though Wen Zhaoyan had thought, ‘Since these two mermaids were brought up by Mo Bai, their abilities must be decent,’ and that was why he had kept them, joining the command headquarters was different. Wen Zhaoyan wasn’t about to pull strings without asking anything.

Wen Zhaoyan stated flatly, “The command headquarters prioritizes graduates from the Command Department.”

Mo Bai said, “I graduated from the Command Department.”

Wen Zhaoyan said nothing more, merely instructing the soldiers to arrange accommodation for them temporarily. He returned to his hover vehicle and called the dean of the Imperial First Military Academy.

Graduates from the Command Department were few each year, and someone as young as Little Green graduating was even rarer. He wouldn’t even need to check—just asking the dean would be enough.
Of course, the main reason was to show respect for the dean; otherwise, he would have already hacked into the school system and checked himself.

The call was quickly answered. The dean of the Imperial First Military Academy was a middle-aged man with a bushy beard. He was somewhat surprised to receive Wen Zhaoyan’s call. “What wind has blown His Highness my way?”

Wen Zhaoyan didn’t beat around the bush. “Among this year’s Command Department graduates, is there a mermaid named Little Green?”

The dean said, “Little Green?”
He instinctively glanced at the little mermaid engrossed in research beside him. Wasn’t Little Green right here?
The Imperial Military Academy had only ever admitted two mermaids: Little Blue and Little Green. As soon as Wen Zhaoyan mentioned a mermaid named Little Green, the dean knew who he meant.

Wen Zhaoyan frowned. “There isn’t?”

The dean grew cautious. “Why are you asking about Little Green?”

Wen Zhaoyan said, “They’ve come to the Rosseti Star System to enlist.”

The dean said, “They?”
He immediately understood. “Little Blue too, right?”

Wen Zhaoyan said, “Yes.”

The dean chuckled. “When Little Blue graduated, other legions wanted to recruit him. That little mermaid has a unique personality—he turned them all down, saying he wanted to go to the front lines against the mutated insectoids. I didn’t expect he’d actually make it there. Other mermaids are fierce, sure, but their abilities are all soothing and healing. Little Blue is special—he’s like a weapon of mass destruction.”

Wen Zhaoyan said, “So Little Green really is from the Command Department?”

The dean twitched, glancing again at Little Green, who was still doing research beside him. He remembered that Mo Bai had said he was going to see Little Blue off. Little Green was now his own apprentice, so the ‘Little Green’ beside Little Blue could only be Mo Bai.

Both mermaids were brought by that little brat Mo Bai.

A mermaid enrolling in a human military academy—that was unprecedented.

The dean had initially been reluctant to accept them, afraid of the hassle. After all, aside from those unwilling to leave their adopters, most mermaids now lived on Planet 1314*. In the past, you could foster a mermaid by building a good relationship with the Mermaid Association. Now, you couldn’t even foster one—you could only visit them on Planet 1314*.
Of course, this also meant more people with mental energy rage could receive treatment. Before, a single session at the Mermaid Association would cost a fortune. Now, flights to Planet 1314* were the cheapest of all routes.

But that didn’t change how precious mermaids were. Once it got out that the Imperial First Military Academy had two little mermaids, the dean worried that the students would lose focus.

So he had initially rejected them.
But the two mermaids were too smart, and with Mo Bai helping, the three of them absolutely dominated the entrance exams, leaving everyone else in the dust.
The dean, who cherished talent, couldn’t bear to let such potential go to waste, so he admitted them on the condition that their identities as mermaids remain a secret while at school. Only after graduation could they reveal it. By then, even if people were shocked, the two mermaids would already have graduated, showing how inclusive the Imperial First Military Academy was.

But what the dean never expected was that the trouble would come not from the two mermaids, but from Mo Bai.
As that little brat grew up, he looked more and more like the galaxy-famous Mo Li… The students all noticed and started tailing him, asking why he looked so much like Mo Li.

What did Mo Bai say?
He said: “I had plastic surgery to look like Mo Li! Pretty similar, right? He’s my idol. Look, I even changed my surname to ‘Mo.’”

Suddenly, half the students at the academy went for minor cosmetic tweaks and gave themselves new names—all ‘Mo X’ or ‘Mo XX.’ The dean even received complaints from parents, asking what was wrong with the school that their kids came back wanting to change their surnames.
Rumor had it… just rumor, because of this surname-changing craze, several families had fallen into turmoil—parents wondering why their son had to change his surname, then speculating further…

In short, ever since these three enrolled, the dean hadn’t had a single peaceful day.

Now that the little brat wanted to join the command headquarters, the dean didn’t know what he was up to, but Little Blue’s identity was special. Perhaps Mo Bai had his reasons for not revealing himself. The dean didn’t pry, merely saying, “He… yes, he’s very excellent and he did graduate from the Command Department. He even broke our school’s record. His grades were all top marks. He’s a promising talent.”

Wen Zhaoyan said, “I see.”

The dean muttered, “That kid said he was just seeing Little Blue off and then coming back… Anyway, he’s a good seedling. If he wants to stay, you should nurture him well.”

Wen Zhaoyan said, “Mm.”

Knowing that Little Green was indeed capable, Wen Zhaoyan didn’t say more. Instead, he began considering where to place him.

—

Back at the base, Little Blue had assumed an interrogative stance.
“Didn’t you say you were only here to see me off?”

Mo Bai smiled. “Changed my mind.”

Little Blue: “Reason?”

Mo Bai: “Worried about you.”

Little Blue was unimpressed. “You think I’ll believe that?”

Mo Bai: “No.”

Little Blue: “Then why did you say it?”

Mo Bai: “So you’d get that I’m politely dodging the question?”

Little Blue: “…”

Fine. He could never win an argument with Mo Bai. He gave up, lay down on the bed, and closed his eyes to sleep.

But soon, his eyes snapped open again. “I just remembered—Wen Zhaoyan used to like you.”

Mo Bai found it amusing. “You said it yourself—‘used to.’”

Little Blue thought for a moment. “So he doesn’t like you anymore?”

Mo Bai said, “It’s been so long. What do you think?”

Little Blue considered himself. “I would’ve moved on long ago.”

Mo Bai said, “Exactly. And back then, it was all a misunderstanding anyway. Once he found out I was a kid, he lost interest. Now it’s been so many years—that’s all in the past.”

The real reason he had decided to stay was that he’d seen a wisp of black energy clinging tightly to Wen Zhaoyan. It meant he was likely to face danger soon. The severity was still unknown, because the black energy was still growing.

Mo Bai had always felt a lingering guilt toward Wen Zhaoyan. Seeing him in potential danger, he couldn’t just stand by. After helping this once, he would leave. He was worried that if Wen Zhaoyan recognized him, it would be awkward. Since he planned to leave after no more than ten days, it was better to just not tell Wen Zhaoyan who he was.

Little Blue thought it over, found no holes in his logic, and went to sleep.

—

The next day.

Murin came to pick them up himself.
When he saw the two thin young men, his heart still hadn’t fully recovered. He’d heard that His Highness had personally approved two people. His Highness had never personally approved anyone in all his years on the front lines. How outstanding must these two be to have earned such a distinction? So when Wen Zhaoyan had sent him to fetch them, he’d rushed over eagerly—only to find that the two he’d been mocking were the very same people.

What bothered him most was that one of them—Little Green—had been directly assigned to the command headquarters!

Murin looked at Mo Bai with a complicated expression. “Little Green… you really did graduate from the Command Department?”

Mo Bai thought, ‘Little Green didn’t, but I did.’ He smiled and nodded. “Yes.”

Murin’s feelings grew even more complex. Then, a wave of deep admiration surged within him. Holy crap, the Command Department! Such a young graduate—this had to be a first in history. No wonder His Highness had approved him directly. He didn’t even need to undergo basic training.

Murin explained, “Today, you two will come with us. First, we’ll take Little Blue to the mech warrior division… By the way, what’s your mech piloting score?”

Little Blue said coolly, “Perfect score.”

Murin said, “Alright. I’ll take you there shortly. Remember those mutated insectoids that attacked your ship a few days ago? They’ve started evolving—they can camouflage. We’ve found their first ambush point. Today’s mission is to clear them out.”

Little Blue’s eyes lit up. He’d been itching to go to war. His deliberately maintained cool-guy facade nearly cracked. “I can kill insectoids!”

Murin first took Little Blue to the mech warrior division, where he joined the other mech pilots on the warship. Then he led Mo Bai onto the warship toward the command room.

Murin asked Mo Bai, “Do you have a mech? If not, you can apply for a basic model.”

Mo Bai said, “I have one.”

He actually had several mechs. He’d received many as birthday gifts over the years, sometimes to the point where he couldn’t even tell who sent them—too many people did. Especially the wealthy tycoons like Liao Ze, several of whom were mech manufacturers. They had nothing if not mechs. So each year, he’d keep only one as backup and donate the rest to the school as rewards for outstanding students.

Murin asked, “What’s your piloting score?”

Mo Bai said, “Perfect.”

Murin: “…”

Right. He’ve almost forgotten—the Command Department required all perfect scores to graduate. Of course, that included piloting.

He recalled that when he was in school, a senior from the Command Department had once complained to a professor: why did they have to learn to pilot mechs? Couldn’t they just sit in the command room and make battle plans?

The professor had asked him: “If you don’t even understand mechs, how can you judge whether the mechs being procured are good or bad? And in an evacuation, if the warship is damaged and you can’t pilot a mech, how would you escape? Would you make the soldiers let you go first? Or make them carry you out? Wouldn’t you just be dead weight? Aren’t the soldiers’ lives valuable? Or would you rather stay behind and wait to die?”

The senior had been so ashamed that he worked even harder afterward—but he still failed.

That was why the Command Department was so tough. You had to know how to assemble mechs, pilot them, understand warships, and so much more. In short, a commander had to be an all-rounder.

Murin’s respect for Mo Bai grew even more. This was a true expert.

“Reporting to the commanders—this is the new arrival, Little Green.”

In the command room, several commanders were discussing how to surround and eliminate the evolved insectoids. Wen Zhaoyan sat at the head of the table, calmly listening to each person’s input.

When Murin entered with Mo Bai, the commanders paused and all looked toward him. They’d known a newcomer was arriving, but seeing someone so young still caught them off guard. Had he really graduated? Was he truly competent? Some had their doubts, but over the years, Wen Zhaoyan had rarely made wrong decisions, so they held their tongues.

Kai, however, warmly approached. “You must be Little Green, right? Remember me? We met when you were little.”

Mo Bai nodded. “I remember.”

Kai was pleased. “When I visited Planet 1314* to see Xixi, he mentioned you two—said you’d become amazing.”

Mo Bai said, “I haven’t seen him in a while either.”

“I know. Xixi’s always talking about you and Mo…” Just as the name ‘Mo Li’ was about to slip out, Kai remembered Wen Zhaoyan was still there, so he quickly changed it to: “Always talking about you and Mo Bai. How’s that little brat Mo Bai doing these days?”

Kai had no idea that Mo Bai was Mo Li, and thought mentioning Mo Bai wouldn’t trigger the Crown Prince’s feelings.

Behind him, Wen Zhaoyan’s gaze shifted to Mo Bai. His dark eyes betrayed no emotion, but no one noticed that his hands, resting at his sides, had tightened slightly when Kai mentioned Mo Bai.

Mo Bai found it amusing. “Why do you still call him a little brat? He’s not that little anymore.”

Kai waved dismissively. “How old is he now? Eighteen? Nineteen? That’s still a brat—just slightly bigger. Used to be a toddler, now he’s a little one. Look at us old guys—we could all be your fathers.”

Wen Zhaoyan shot Kai a cold look at the back of his head. ‘You talk too much.’

Mo Bai considered it. With interstellar lifespans of two hundred years, eighteen or nineteen did seem quite young. He sighed. “Admiral Kai is right.”

Seeing that Kai knew Mo Bai, the other commanders also greeted him, then continued discussing the day’s battle plans. Kai signaled Mo Bai to come closer, listen carefully, and learn.

Mo Bai obediently did so, and the command room was soon filled with the voices of commanders debating strategy.

Wen Zhaoyan: “…”

Wasn’t he asking about Mo Bai? So what happened next? That was it?

Wen Zhaoyan shot Kai another cold glare. ‘Can’t hold a conversation? Then don’t talk.’

The Crown Prince was frustrated, and his expression grew even colder. The chill radiating from him nearly froze the command room. The commanders exchanged confused glances.

‘Did we say something wrong? Is there a flaw in the plan? Why is His Highness so suddenly angry…?’

Panicking, they racked their brains and, in a flash of inspiration, shoved Mo Bai forward.

“Um, Little Green, why don’t you take a look and see if there’s any other approach?”

The speaker was Fang Wenbo, eighty-one years old, unmarried, and the warship’s deputy commander. He had graduated from the Command Department at over forty, having spent nearly twenty years studying it—just as he finally mastered one year’s tactical material, the next year’s exams would shift to a different topic. It had taken him ages to graduate. He’d then started from the bottom in the military, climbing for over thirty years to reach his current position.

He was somewhat bitter that Mo Bai could go straight to the command headquarters right after graduation. He seized this chance to see if the young man truly had talent or was just there through connections.

Suddenly, all eyes were on Mo Bai.

Mo Bai didn’t flinch. He walked to the star map.

The commanders had already explained their plan: the evolved insectoids had split into several waves and breached the defensive perimeter of the Rosseti Star System.
Within this area, there were inhabited planets and active interstellar shipping lanes. Aside from civilian ships, there was also an important supply route.
The evolved insectoids had set up multiple ambush points. The one they had discovered was the closest to an inhabited planet.
The situation now was that this ambush point might have been active for some time, so there was a possibility that some insectoids had already infiltrated the human cities in disguise.
This was their first encounter with insectoids that could evolve. No one knew exactly how they disguised themselves or what they looked like.

“We should capture a couple alive for study,” one commander said. “Capturing them alive is harder than killing them.”
If they went in guns blazing, the insectoids would either flee into the cities or fight to the death. Capturing one alive wouldn’t be easy.
If even one got away, it would alert the insectoids at other ambush points.

Mo Bai asked, “What was your original plan?”

The commanders’ reactions varied at his question. Fang Wenbo felt disappointed—they had wanted to see what this newcomer could offer, yet he just asked them about their plan instead.

Kai, however, explained, “The tentative plan is for His Highness and me to lead a small team to flank from the rear and attempt to capture two. After that, the warship will split into two groups—one to shoot down the remaining insectoids, the other to block the direction of the inhabited planet to prevent escapes. For any that have already infiltrated the city, we’ll first conduct biological scans. If that doesn’t work, we’ll have to wait until we’ve studied the captured insectoids to figure out their camouflage.”

Hearing this, Mo Bai glanced at Wen Zhaoyan. So this was the source of the black energy around him? Was the danger coming from this mission—especially since it involved capturing rather than killing?

Mo Bai said, “This plan is good.”

Fang Wenbo and the other commanders: “…”

What was this kid doing! He just complimented their plan and offered no suggestions of his own! They had spent a long time refining this plan—they were experienced commanders, of course it was good!

Fang Wenbo was disappointed. He’d thought that since His Highness seemed dissatisfied with their plan, this young man might have some brilliant ideas. But… tch.

Mo Bai didn’t care what they thought. In his view, the plan was currently the best option. If he were in their shoes, he would’ve planned the same.

However…

Mo Bai looked at Wen Zhaoyan. “But I’d like to go with you, Commander.”

Wen Zhaoyan frowned slightly and met his gaze.
When their eyes met, Wen Zhaoyan’s heart inexplicably skipped a beat. Those eyes… they felt strangely familiar.

Fang Wenbo said sternly, “Nonsense! Capturing mutated insectoids is highly dangerous. His Highness and Admiral Kai are seasoned veterans, yet even they must prepare thoroughly and may not return unscathed. Why would we bring you along?”

Kai also said, “Little Green, stay on the warship and talk with the other commanders. This mission is very dangerous.”

Mo Bai thought, ‘It’s precisely because it’s dangerous that I have to go.’ He looked at the ever-thickening black energy around Wen Zhaoyan and said calmly, “I have a way to capture the insectoids.”

The others were stunned. He had a way? That was absurd—they didn’t even dare claim such a thing.

Most of them found the young man’s bold claim annoying.

Only Wen Zhaoyan kept his gaze on Mo Bai. After a long pause, he asked, “A method that can’t be used by others?”

Mo Bai shook his head. “No.”
He would have liked to give Wen Zhaoyan his divine power to protect him, but he couldn’t.

Wen Zhaoyan made the call. “He’s coming with me.”

His decision stunned the commanders. His Highness trusted him that much? What if the kid was just bluffing?

They wanted to advise against it, but Wen Zhaoyan had already stood up and ordered the launch.

—

In the mech bay, Wen Zhaoyan was doing final checks on his mech, swapping out energy stones.

Kai glanced around, saw no one nearby, and lowered his voice. “You’re really taking Little Green? You trust him to have a way to capture the insectoids?”

Wen Zhaoyan paused briefly, then said flatly, “He and Little Blue—they’re both mermaids raised by Mo Bai.”

Wen Zhaoyan rarely mentioned Mo Li. At least, in all these years, Kai had never heard him do so. Once, over a comm call, Kai had asked if His Highness was heartbroken, and Wen Zhaoyan had blocked him for six months. Now that he brought up Mo Li, Kai figured he had finally come to terms with it—after all, it had been over a decade.

Kai said, “Did Mo Li teach these two little mermaids everything he knew?”

Wen Zhaoyan’s tone remained cool. “Probably.”

Kai rubbed his chin. He still trusted Mo Li. The last person Mo Li had mentored was Xixi. Look at Xixi now—the number one mermaid, the mermaid king in the eyes of his people. Humans considered Mo Li the mermaid king, but they knew he wasn’t; Xixi was the true king.

If Little Green and Little Blue truly were Mo Li’s protégés, then they might indeed have a way to capture the insectoids.

Wen Zhaoyan said, “He’ll follow me. You stick to the original plan.”

Now that Mo Li was involved, Kai had no more worries. “Got it.”

—

The warship was fast. An hour later, they reached the insectoid ambush point.

Little Blue had already donned his combat suit and was waiting with the other soldiers for orders. This was his first time on the battlefield. Mo Bai, feeling like a worried father, sent him several messages telling him to stay safe.

Little Blue could sense his concern; he replied impatiently, ‘You’re so annoying,’ while telling a nearby mech pilot, “My brother. Worried about me.”

The pilot said enviously, “Even my mom doesn’t worry about me that much. Your brother really cares—must be your real brother?”

“Not by blood,” Little Blue said dismissively. “If he were, I’d be annoyed to death by how naggy he is.”

Then he messaged Xixi:

[Little Blue: I’m heading to the battlefield now.]
[Xixi: Wow, so cool!]
[Little Blue: It’s alright.]
[Xixi: What about Mr. Mo?]
[Little Blue: Command headquarters.]
[Xixi: !!!!]
[Xixi: Mr. Mo is amazing! Straight into command!]
[Xixi: Mr. Mo is the best! Go Mr. Mo! (*￣▽￣)y]
[Little Blue: …]

So when praising him, all he got was a perfunctory ‘wow,’ but when it came to Mo Bai, he could go on forever?
Little Blue regretted messaging Xixi. And he felt a tiny bit wronged. His king didn’t understand his efforts at all!

—

Meanwhile, Mo Bai, Wen Zhaoyan, and Kai’s capture team were also preparing.
To avoid alerting the insectoid swarm, they couldn’t fly the warship in—they had to approach on foot in mechs.

Kai, worried Mo Bai didn’t have a mech, had brought one along.

Mo Bai shook his head. “I have my own.”

Kai asked, “What grade? Mutated insectoids can spray corrosive fluid. Low-grade mechs won’t last half an hour before dissolving.”

Mo Bai said, “S-class.”

Kai’s eyes widened. “You have an S-class mech? Where did you get it? S-class mechs are limited edition—there’s no market for them! Show me!”

Mo Bai summoned his mech.

The black mech appeared, its sleek curves, cold armor, and every part exuding a cold elegance. No man could resist its charm. But…

Kai stared, thinking it looked familiar. He turned to Wen Zhaoyan. “Your Highness, isn’t this the ‘Zhuifeng’ S-class mech you won at the chaotic star sector black market last year?”

Mo Bai was startled and instinctively looked at Wen Zhaoyan.

In fact, when Mo Bai summoned ‘Zhuifeng,’ Wen Zhaoyan had frozen. It was indeed the mech he’d bought at the chaotic star sector for an astronomical price. It was meant to be a coming-of-age birthday gift for Mo Bai. How did Little Green have it?

Mo Bai was also confused. He received many gifts every year, especially mechs. Two of the koi adopters were mech manufacturers, and whenever a new model came out, they’d send him one. So every birthday, mechs were the most common gift—some bigwigs sent several at once, saying that boys his age loved mechs, and he could just play with them and break them, there were more.

He often didn’t know who sent which mech. He donated the ones he didn’t keep to the school as rewards.

He hadn’t expected Wen Zhaoyan to be one of the senders.

“It’s Zhuifeng.” After a pause, Wen Zhaoyan looked at Mo Bai. “I sent it to Mo Bai for his birthday.”

Kai exclaimed, “You bought it for that little brat? He’s still so young—does he even know how to pilot it? What a waste!”

Wen Zhaoyan didn’t answer, just kept looking at Mo Bai.

Mo Bai looked down, feeling uneasy.

Kai asked, “Little Green, did Mo Bai give it to you?”

Mo Bai cleared his throat. “…Yes.”

Kai sighed with envy, but still teased, “Such a precious mech, passed around between you guys… why doesn’t anyone give one to me?”
“But seriously, Your Highness, you’re too good to little Mo Bai—giving him something this valuable. Is it because you love him for his uncle’s sake…?”

As he spoke, Kai glanced at Wen Zhaoyan. Seeing no reaction, he concluded: His Highness had moved on! He no longer reacted to anything related to Mo Li. Time, after all, was the best healer.

Mo Bai asked, “For his uncle’s sake?”

Normally, Kai wouldn’t have pried. But since Wen Zhaoyan seemed over it, and the mission was about to start, he brought it up as a joke to lighten the mood.

Kai said eagerly, “Yeah, Little Green, you were still small back then, so you probably don’t know. I’ll tell you—His Highness used to have someone in his heart.”

Wen Zhaoyan and Mo Bai: “…”

Mo Bai regretted asking.

Kai continued, “That person was little Mo Bai’s uncle—Mo Li. The same Mo Li who raised you and Little Blue. Though I later heard he might not actually be the little brat’s uncle… anyway, I don’t know the details, but they’re somewhat related.”

Mo Bai: “…”

Wen Zhaoyan: “Kai.”

Kai said, “His Highness really liked Mo Li. But Mo Li—who was he? Mysterious, powerful, and incredibly handsome—even more beautiful than the galaxy’s most stunning mermaid. And… Mo Li didn’t like him back.”

Wen Zhaoyan: “Shut up.”

Kai glanced at Wen Zhaoyan and saw his expression darken. He felt a little guilty—hadn’t he moved on? Why was he still so sour?

“Fine, fine, I’ll stop.” Kai winked at Mo Bai and whispered, “Anyway, you get the idea, right?”

Mo Bai: “…”

‘I do get it… but I really don’t want to, thanks.’

He nervously glanced at Wen Zhaoyan—and met his deep, searching gaze.

Their eyes locked for a moment, and Mo Bai wondered if Wen Zhaoyan had recognized him.

He opened his mouth to speak, but Wen Zhaoyan had already looked away, his tone flat: “Since Mo Bai gave it to you, you should use it.”

Mo Bai said, “…Alright.”

Kai stepped forward and clapped Mo Bai on the shoulder. “Little Green, after this mission, let me take it for a spin? I want to feel what it’s like to pilot an S-class mech.”

But his hand was immediately pushed away by Wen Zhaoyan, who said expressionlessly, “Don’t be handsy.”

Kai: “?”

Wen Zhaoyan gave no explanation, merely shoving him aside and saying to Mo Bai, “Little… Little Green, you’re with me.”

Mo Bai said, “Okay.”

Feeling unjustly rejected, Kai was bewildered. They were all men—they often clapped each other on the shoulder. How was that ‘handsy’? What was wrong with His Highness today?

Kai thought it over and came to one conclusion: His Highness probably still hadn’t let go of Mo Li, his first love. So he’d developed a paternal protectiveness over the little mermaid Mo Li had raised. Seeing Kai touch Little Green, he’d felt like the kid was being taken advantage of.

Kai was both exasperated and envious. How deeply must His Highness love Mo Li to extend that care so far—sending Mo Bai a mech and playing father to Little Green?

Jealous, he opened his terminal and posted on his social feed:

[Kai V: I just want someone to be my sugar daddy, give me mechs and money, and pity this lonely single’s heart.]