102: Chapter 102 Cliff

In the corridor.

The classroom was still a bit noisy. Like some of his classmates, Li Ming took advantage of the time after the teacher finished explaining the upcoming precautions to step out for some fresh air.

It was hard to say how much they had actually absorbed, but Li Ming was certain that while he might not have been listening, he had recorded it all.

Studying the teacher's lecture notes with Z23, Li Ming was particularly diligent when it came to information about Ship Girls.

"...In other words, I have to attempt a construction once, regardless of whether it succeeds or not, right?"

"Correct," Z23 replied. "The accommodation and tuition fees for newborn Ship Girls are fully covered, just like for student Commanders. The academy also provides some emotional counseling services."

As she spoke, Z23 glanced at Li Ming.

She felt that he needed to pay a visit as well.

"I see." Li Ming checked his notes; everything seemed in order. "The teacher said to gather in the classroom in an hour to prepare for the construction, right?"

"Yes, Commander."

"Alright then." Li Ming glanced at the student uniform Z23 was carrying, which he had just been issued. "Let's head back for a bit. We'll toss this outfit in the washing machine. If it dries tonight, I can wear it tomorrow."

"Okay."

The two left the teaching building and headed towards the residential area.

When he returned, Li Ming was alone.

He had declined Z23's continued company, instead asking her to contact the Hurricane Fleet and Gang Yishawa, who should also be in Oronia.

He then returned to the teaching building by himself.

His classroom was on the fourth floor.

There was no one in the elevator lobby. After all, it had been less than half an hour since the lecture ended. Li Ming pressed the button, and the elevator soon descended and opened its doors.

Li Ming stepped inside. Just as he pressed the button for his floor, he heard a shout from outside.

"Wait! Wait for me!"

Li Ming held the open button, and the door slid back.

"Thanks!" The young man panted heavily as he gasped for air inside the elevator.

After a moment, he looked up, intending to thank the guy who held the door, only for his expression to freeze just like Li Ming's.

"Lin?! It really is you! What are you doing here?"

He almost lunged forward, but Li Ming quickly took a step back. "Hey, hey, hey, you idiot, we're in an elevator!"

Finn quickly stopped. He didn't want to cause an accident that would take them both out.

"Why are you here?" he asked, sounding a bit excited.

"It's complicated. In short, you can think of it as me being sent here by that old hag Verres." Li Ming shrugged and pressed the button for the fourth floor.

"Holy crap, Goddess of Luck preserve us. You mean I've become your senior?"

"Exactly," Li Ming replied helplessly. "That's pretty much the gist of it."

"Ding! Fourth floor."

The doors opened, and Li Ming stepped out. "Are you on the fourth floor too?"

"No, I just came over to see if there are any interesting fellows among the freshmen," Finn replied. "But I didn't expect to get such a big—surprise before even arriving."

"You can say that again..." But for me, it's more like a shock. "Verres went to a lot of trouble to help me hide my identity, so make sure you don't blab."

"No problem!" Finn stretched. "I promise I won't say a word. If I break it, I... I'll let Olena make me kneel on a washboard!"

"I hope you won't be howling in pain when the time comes..."

"Hey, why are you assuming I'll definitely let it slip!"

"You're shouting so loudly here that the whole school will know in a moment."

"Ugh, you're right..." Finn quieted down, his voice lowering. "Did you come by yourself?"

"No, I brought Z23 and someone else."

"Oh? Who is it?"

"I'll introduce you when I have time later." Li Ming shrugged as he arrived in front of his classroom. "Here, my classroom is right here, 405."

"Let's see what interesting folks are here... why are there so few people?"

"Because we're gathering for construction in half an hour. They're probably off somewhere performing ritual dances and praying for good luck."

"Hahaha... I think your description is spot on..."

"I think it's better not to attribute the actions of a few to everyone."

A voice came from behind. Li Ming turned around and saw a trendy young man with red hair.

He was wearing a hoodie, sweatpants, and sneakers. "Hello, I'm Cliff Rhodes, a Tarronian."

He proactively extended his hand to Li Ming.

"Hello, hello. Just call me Li Ming." Li Ming shook his hand. "This is Finn Hawke, a third-year student. I had the pleasure of meeting him before."

"Hello there!" Finn stood with his hands on his hips, grinning toward the sky.

"Hello, Finn Hawke. I know of you—the young master of the Hawke family from Kolonconia."

Finn's expression stiffened for a moment. "Uh, right, that's me."

He rubbed his nose, looking a bit awkward.

"So, Rhodes..." Li Ming began.

"Just call me Cliff."

"Alright then, Cliff." Li Ming nodded. "What kind of Ship Girl are you planning to build?"

"Me?" Cliff leaned against the railing. "As long as I can build one, it's fine. Whether she's strong or not isn't important."

"Is that so?" Seeing him like this, Li Ming leaned against the classroom wall while Finn sat cross-legged on the floor. "I see everyone saying they want to build a battleship or a heavy cruiser, and of course, some with special preferences want a Destroyer. You seem so easygoing; are you the only one?"

"No, no, no. There are actually two of us. After all, you don't seem to have any specific ideas either, and you're a special recruit."

Li Ming didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Maybe. I don't actually have much hope for the construction."

"Then I think you should still hold onto a little hope." Cliff took off his headphones and hung them around his neck. "Right, Finn? Can I call you that?"

"Of course." Finn waved his hand. "Lin... oh wait, it should be Li now... I think you'll definitely be able to build a very powerful Ship Girl!"

"Oh? Stronger than Olena?" Li Ming teased.

"What does this have to do with Olena!" A black line appeared on Finn's forehead for the first time.

"Haha, just kidding." Li Ming He smiled, "But Cliff, you're right. No matter what kind of Ship Girl she is, my attitude toward her won't change. After all, if a Ship Girl accepts someone, it's for a lifetime."

"Exactly, a lifetime..." A hint of longing appeared in Cliff's eyes, and then he also laughed. "See, aren't you looking forward to it too?"

"Me?" Li Ming tilted his head. "Well, if possible, I do hope I can succeed."

"Right?"

Cliff turned his head to look down. "They're coming back; they're crowding the elevator."

"Then let's go back to the classroom. What about you, Finn?"

"I'll go wait over by the construction room." Finn scrambled up, preparing to take the stairs down. "See you later!"

What an energetic guy, Li Ming thought to himself.

Cliff stood up straight and entered the classroom first.

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