66: Chapter 66 Setting Off Again

It was clear that Finn Hawke had been in a very good mood lately; after all, he had done it.

The Federation-made triple 203mm/L40 naval gun—it was the most cutting-edge product available.

The end of the term was approaching, but the Maritime Academy didn't bother with final exams. What kind of rubbish was that? He had already earned enough credits, passed his theory classes and practical exams, and all that remained was to accompany Olena.

Compared to him, Olena was much busier. She had to participate in the Apprentice Knight squad's training every day and still had to cook for him when she returned...

Thinking about this made him feel a bit embarrassed.

Although he had tried to learn how to cook, the results...

Well, it hadn't reached the point of blowing up the kitchen, but it didn't exactly look like food meant for humans.

Reflecting on this, Finn suddenly remembered the food Lin Yuming made; those were genuine delicacies.

He really didn't know what was inside that guy's head. He was like a decathlete—from cooking to commanding, he seemed capable of anything.

Of course, Finn didn't realize he was currently glorifying Li Ming; he was just happily thinking that the next time they met, he must have him prepare a grand feast.

“Finn!”

Finn heard someone calling his name. It was Ronan Hull, his friend—one of the few guys who wanted to be close to him not because of his family background.

Most others kept a respectful distance due to his eccentric personality, but Ronan didn't. He was friends with him simply because he could snag a long-term meal ticket and a gaming buddy.

“Ronan?” Finn heard a knock on the door and opened it. “What are you planning to play today...”

“No, no, no, I'm not here to play. Finn, have you seen the latest news?”

“No, what happened?” Finn took out his phone. The news headline was a bold: 'Unknown Force Drives Away Exploration Ship—What Are Their Intentions?'

Opening the news, Finn seemed to see Li Ming's ship. Although he wasn't certain if it was that specific one, following further behind was an unmistakably massive battleship.

It still had those same patterns, and the number '1001' was so clear.

She held her massive gun barrels level, making no aggressive moves, looking like a monarch in the distance directing her guards to expel disrespectful bandits.

The sleek superstructure declared a most unique industrial art; it was the crystallization of human industrial civilization.

Finn took a breath. Had the real deal finally arrived? Was this the flagship of that expedition fleet?

“Finn, I heard the Ship Girl General Bureau is already discussing how to make contact. What do you think?”

“What can I think?” Finn sat down. “What can I change about how they are? Come on, what are we playing today?”

“Hmm... how about contra? A newly released pixel shooter, pretty mindless.”

“We could try it?” Finn thought for a moment and felt it was fine. It was already afternoon, and playing a simple little game was just right; otherwise, if he played for too long, he'd definitely get scolded by Olena.

The two of them turned on the computer, preparing to search for the game.

Knock, knock, knock.

The door was knocked on again.

“Who is it?” Finn stood up and went to open the door again.

At the door was a thin little girl with brown hair and glasses, but Finn knew very well that she was a Ship Girl.

“Commander Finn... is my Commander here?” she asked weakly.

“Ah, yeah, he's here. Ronan! You bastard, did you go out and forget to tell your Ship Girl again?!”

Ronan came scrambling out. “Gah! Loni, forgive me!”

“I... I'm not blaming you...” The Ship Girl became even more reserved.

Ronan hugged his Ship Girl tightly. “It's my fault, Loni... come in and sit for a bit...”

“This is my house...” Finn complained. Whatever, for the sake of this bastard's Ship Girl, he'd spare his life.

After some soothing, Loni's emotions finally stabilized.

When her emotions were stable and her Commander was in sight, Loni was a quiet girl and didn't really have social anxiety.

“Um, sorry, Commander Finn, for causing you trouble.” She felt a bit annoyed with herself; her Commander leaving without prior notice had caused her to lose her composure for a moment.

“Hey, it's fine, it's fine. It's all this bastard Ronan's fault.” Finn kicked Ronan.

“Right, right, my fault!” With his Ship Girl's emotions just having stabilized, Ronan didn't dare to argue and took full responsibility.

Seeing the two of them acting like a pair of clowns, Loni couldn't help but laugh.

Their relationship was really good. Her Commander was lucky to have a friend like this.

As the two men prepared to go back to playing contra, Loni suddenly remembered something.

“Oh, right, Commander Finn! Instructor Lauren just told me to have you go see her!”

“Huh?” Finn froze. The next second, he frantically grabbed his clothes and ran out.

It seemed this instructor's authority was quite formidable; now it was Finn's turn to go scrambling out.

Sprinting at full speed for four minutes, Finn bypassed the one-kilometer distance and arrived before the female officer at the entrance of the teaching building.

Lauren was a veteran Ship Girl, a battleship, and the academy's primary instructor. In front of her, anyone had to be careful.

It wasn't that she had a bad personality, but rather that her standards were too high. Those who failed to meet them usually had a layer of skin flayed off.

“acting sub-lieutenant Finn.” She was expressionless. “You are 15 minutes late.”

A layer of cold sweat broke out on Finn's back as he tried to think of an excuse.

But unexpectedly, the female naval officer with light gray hair merely adjusted her glasses and did not issue a punishment.

“Now, call your Ship Girl back and get on a ship. Direct orders from the Ship Girl General Bureau, understood?”

“Yes, Instructor!” Finn immediately gave an exaggerated salute and then fled toward the seaside. He probably wouldn't be 'safe' until he reached Olena's side.

Lauren watched him run away, feeling somewhat helpless.

Was she really that scary? Surely her training requirements were reasonable? It was just a three-kilometer run in ten minutes and laps around the city...

Well, maybe it actually was a bit excessive. Although it wasn't entirely her own idea, Lauren's job was this: to make reckless newcomers and old slackers understand respect for the rules.

An hour later.

Finn was dragged by his travel-worn Olena onto a Destroyer docked at the academy, ready to sail at any moment. Then the Destroyer started up and slowly cruised out of the academy.

Olena dragged the luggage, not looking very surprised, while Finn still had no idea what the upcoming journey would entail...

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