243: Summer vacation assignment: stationed at the front-line internship post

Xinghai University, the third day after the academic year evaluation concluded.

The clamor and sense of urgency on campus did not subside with the end of the academic year. Instead, with the arrival of summer break, a new dynamic emerged. Some students chose to stay on campus, using their reward resources to seclude themselves in cultivation, attempting to break through Bottlenecks or deepen their divine domain construction. Others chose to return home to handle Family affairs or Cultivate using the special environments of their hometowns. Yet another group, like sharks smelling blood, began actively seeking and accepting lucrative yet high-risk off-campus combat missions through various channels.

Elite students who received high evaluations and had their strength recognized during the academic year assessment were especially sought after by Major powers (the military, large divine lineage families, Explorer Guilds, etc.). For them, a stable summer break was never the first choice. The key to quickly widening the gap with their peers lay in honing themselves in actual combat, obtaining precious resources, and accumulating military merits or prestige.

Lin Zhou walked along the tree-lined path leading to the Hundred Schools Society headquarters, holding the golden badge of his Special Excellence evaluation. The badge reflected a warm glow in the sunlight, representing not just honor but also a pass—a pass to higher permissions, more resources, and... more dangerous missions.

Over the past two days, he had not rushed to handle the twenty-three [astral crystal (green)] cards nor immediately used the two precious [Civilization Mediation Stones]. Instead, he first returned to his divine domain, the Hundred Schools Divine Kingdom, carefully reviewed the various changes after the academic year ended, and pre-activated some permissions of the double resource quota. This allowed foundational construction within his divine domain (such as Spiritual Qi vein organization and some building upgrades) to continue. Simultaneously, he remotely monitored the situation in the Green Vine Forest territory through his faith link. Gongsun Li managed everything in an orderly manner with stable resource conversion, and the education of the Water Sprites was steadily progressing under the guidance of Elia and Xuan Zhenzi. Everything was normal.

Now, he needed to make plans for the upcoming summer break.

"Lin Zhou!"

A clear, cold voice tinged with a hint of concern came from the side. Lin Zhou turned to see Su Yueyao approaching from another path. She was still wearing a moon-white dress, her black hair cascading like a waterfall, her demeanor as cool and aloof as the moon, though a trace of gravity seemed to linger between her brows.

"Senior Sister Yueyao." Lin Zhou nodded slightly in greeting. Since their cooperation during the Freshman Cup, the two had occasionally exchanged ideas due to their shared interest in ancient Huaxia civilization, making their relationship much closer than that of ordinary classmates.

"Just submitted your academic year evaluation?" Su Yueyao walked closer, her gaze sweeping over the Special Excellence badge on his chest. There was no surprise in her eyes, only a flash of understanding that seemed to say 'as expected.' "Special Excellence... congratulations. You deserve it."

"You flatter me, Senior Sister," Lin Zhou said. "Your evaluation must have been excellent as well."

Su Yueyao shook her head lightly, not dwelling on the topic. Instead, she asked, "What are your plans for the summer break? I saw the mission bulletin board already posted many cooperative tasks from the military and Explorer Guilds. Their difficulty and rewards are much higher than on-campus missions." Her tone carried a subtle hint of warning. "Especially military missions, which involve direct confrontation with the Zerg, Orcs, and even the Chaos Star Domain. The danger is extremely high. Even if they are only 'apprentice' or 'support defense' in nature, casualties are common."

Lin Zhou sensed the concern in her words, feeling a warmth in his heart, but his gaze remained calm. "I know. But precisely because of that, personal experience is even more necessary. Knowledge gained from books is ultimately shallow. My path needs to be verified and matured under real collisions and pressure to become clearer."

Su Yueyao fell silent for a moment, observing the steadiness and resolve in Lin Zhou's eyes that belied his age. Finally, she sighed softly. "Since you've made your decision, I won't say more. Just... be careful. The Zerg are completely different from the enemies we've faced before. Their 'civilization'... if it can even be called that, is purely about material consumption and overwhelming numbers. Many of your intellectual tactics might not work against them."

"I understand. Thank you for the reminder, Senior Sister," Lin Zhou replied seriously. Su Yueyao's Moon Divine Domain had a long Legacy, and her knowledge was vast. Her warning was certainly not without basis.

The two exchanged a few more brief words about their recent insights into certain ancient text fragments before parting ways. Su Yueyao seemed to have her own summer plans.

Lin Zhou arrived at the Hundred Schools Society headquarters. It was a three-story pavilion in a traditional Huaxia style, with upturned eaves and bracket sets, exuding an ancient charm. Above the doorframe hung a plaque inscribed with "Hundred Schools Society" in Lin Zhou's own hand (written with Divine Power). The calligraphy was vigorous, subtly imbued with the essence of civilization. After a year of development, the society had over three hundred members, a stable core leadership team, and significant influence among the freshmen.

As soon as he entered the first-floor meeting hall, he saw Zhao Hao and Wang Meng already inside. Spread out before each of them was a mission briefing scroll bearing a faint golden military emblem.

"Lin Zhou, you're just in time!" Zhao Hao looked up, his eyes sparkling with excitement and eagerness. "Look at this! A targeted invitation just released by the military through the campus mission System—the 'Fledgling Eagle Project' Summer Combat Experience! It specifically invites the three of us!"

Wang Meng added in his gruff voice, "The rewards are damn good! They're generous with military merit points, and we can exchange them for good stuff from the military's treasury! The location is just a bit creepy..."

Lin Zhou walked over and took the scroll Zhao Hao handed him, unrolling it. The scroll was inscribed with Divine Power, the text clear and accompanied by simple dynamic images.

[Human Expeditionary Force · Third Star Domain Theater · Summer Special Recruitment Combat Mission (Targeted Invitation)]

Mission Codename: Eaglet · Sentry (VII-73)

Mission Nature: Garrison Apprenticeship / Support Defense

Mission Location: Secondary Frontline Astral Realm [KT-73] (Located at the border between Human-controlled territory and Zerg-infested zones)

Mission Duration: Standard Time 30 days (approximately equivalent to 90-120 days in Divine Domain time, depending on the astral realm's time flow rate)

Mission Objectives:

Assist in garrisoning Outpost Base No. 3 in the [KT-73] astral realm, completing basic defense, patrol, and early warning tasks.

Participate, under the guidance of military commanders, in localized cleanup, counterattack, or reconnaissance operations within one's own capability limits.

Familiarize oneself with basic Zerg troop types, tactical characteristics, and frontline combat environments.

(Optional / Situation-dependent) Assist in resource point reconnaissance or small-scale rescue operations within the astral realm.

Mission Requirements:

Invitees must be at or above the True God tier (Faint Divinity is acceptable).

The Divine Domain must possess basic war potential and rapid response capability.

Must obey the reasonable commands of the frontline commander (minimum rank: Major).

Must provide basic combat supplies and follower provisions (the military provides limited logistical support).

Mission Risk Rating: B+ (Medium-High Risk) - Possibility of encountering medium-scale Zerg assaults, elite units, or even micro Zerg Nests. Risk of Divine Domain damage, follower casualties, and even injury to the deity's true body exists.

Mission Rewards (Basic):

Military Merit Points: 5,000 points (guaranteed base amount, additional Settlement based on actual performance and achievements, no upper limit).

Frontline Service Allowance: 100 standard Divine Power Crystals (or equivalent resources) per day.

Military Contribution Points: 200 points (can be used to improve evaluation within the military and access more services).

Special Rewards:

Special biological tissues, rare minerals, etc., captured from Zerg during the mission can, after military appraisal, be converted into military merit points or directly exchanged at a proportional rate.

Achieving an evaluation of 'Good' or above grants a [Military Recommendation Letter], increasing priority for future entry into the military or related organizations.

Military Merit Points can be exchanged at the [Expeditionary Force Third Star Domain Theater Logistics Exchange] for items including but not limited to: Rare/Epic quality cards, special resources, Advanced knowledge scrolls, opportunities for Divine Artifact (replica) forging, etc.

Invited Individuals: Lin Zhou, Zhao Hao, Wang Meng (Xinghai University, 1147th intake, School of Literature and Law, War College, Special Excellence/Excellence evaluation recipients)

Note: This mission is part of the 'Fledgling Eagle Project,' aimed at screening and cultivating promising young deities. Outstanding performers may receive higher-level attention and cultivation resources. Accepting the mission implies acknowledgment and acceptance of the associated risks.

At the end of the scroll was a clear, iron-blooded military rune emblem, representing the mission's authenticity and authority.

"KT-73..." Lin Zhou murmured the codename. The attached dynamic image clips showed a desolate astral realm dominated by dark red hues, its surface riddled with giant trenches and wormhole-like pits. Two dim stars hung in the sky. Occasionally, blurred, tide-like shadows surged on the horizon—basic Zerg units. The scene was brief, but the overwhelming sense of desolation, oppression, and latent threat was palpable.

"So? Do we accept?" Zhao Hao rubbed his hands together, looking at Lin Zhou. "5,000 base military merits! I inquired—at the military logistics office, 5,000 merits are enough to exchange for a decent Rare (Blue) quality card or several useful Excellent (Green) quality cards! Not to mention the extra Settlement and capture exchanges! This is a great chance to quickly boost our strength!"

Although Wang Meng found the location 'creepy,' a glint of Battle Intent flickered in his eyes: 'Damn, just bugs! My Behemoth can crush a bunch with one slap! Perfect chance to test out this semester's training results! Brother Lin, if you're going, I'm going!'

Lin Zhou didn't answer immediately. He carefully examined the mission details, especially the risk rating and task requirements.

A B+ risk rating meant there was indeed significant danger, but it hadn't reached the 'significantly high mortality' level of an A-rank. This fit the 'probationary' designation—offering real combat pressure without being outright cannon fodder.

Obeying military command... this point required caution, but since it was 'reasonable command' and within their capabilities, it shouldn't be a Major issue. It was a good opportunity to learn the operational patterns and command structure of a regular army.

And the rewards... were truly tempting. Military merit points were hard currency, especially the items in the military's treasure vault. Many were rare, war-oriented resources difficult to obtain at school or in ordinary markets. For someone aiming to compete in the Star Sea and inevitably face various wars in the future, these resources were crucial.

More importantly, this was a 'targeted invitation,' naming the three of them. Behind this was clearly the military's (most likely the Third Star Domain Theater Command) recognition and evaluation of their performance during the academic year (especially the practical combat ability and unique tactical thinking displayed during the Green Vine Forest mission). This was an excellent opportunity to enter the military's view and establish initial connections.

'This is an opportunity and also a test,' Lin Zhou put down the scroll and looked at his two comrades. 'Risk and opportunity coexist. My opinion is—we accept.'

'Haha! Knew you'd accept!' Zhao Hao slapped his thigh. 'I'll confirm the acceptance right now!'

'Let's beat the crap out of those damn bugs!' Wang Meng also grinned, clenching his fist heavily.

'However, before setting off, we need to make thorough preparations,' Lin Zhou's tone turned serious. 'Zhao Hao, your Dragon's mobility is strong, but facing the insect tide head-on consumes too much. You need to further strengthen area-of-effect attack capabilities or special resistances (targeting possible insect acids, neurotoxins, etc.). Use your reward privileges to exchange for or commission relevant cards or equipment blueprints.'

'Wang Meng, your Behemoth and dwarves have strong frontal assault power, but they are weak against fast, agile, or subterranean attacks. You need to enhance formation coordination, anti-subterranean (ground) early warning, and defensive measures against suicide units. Similarly, use your rewards for targeted strengthening.'

'As for myself, I also need to consolidate resources, improve the overall war potential of my divine domain, and its ability to adapt to different environments (especially harsh frontline conditions). Additionally, we three need to practice a coordinated combat mode under the military command System. We can't fight separately like we did in previous missions.'

'Finally, all core believers must complete pre-battle mobilization and basic supplies. Those with severe, unhealed injuries will remain in the divine domain or the Green Vine Forest.'

Lin Zhou arranged everything methodically, his thinking clear. Zhao Hao and Wang Meng nodded repeatedly, having long grown accustomed to and trusting in Lin Zhou's organizational abilities.

After accepting the mission and confirming the receipt, a more detailed encrypted stream of information immediately flowed into the trio's identity badges. It contained the specific reporting time, location (spatial coordinates of a logistics transfer station within the Third Star Domain Theater), basic information about the frontline commander, and more detailed environmental data for KT-73 as well as a basic catalog of Zerg unit types.

The time was set for three days later.

Over the next three days, Lin Zhou entered a state of intense preparation for battle.

First, he integrated the twenty-three accumulated 【astral crystal (green)】 cards into his divine domain in batches. The surging, pure astral energy infusion increased the Spiritual Qi concentration of the 【Hundred Schools Divine Kingdom】 by approximately 8% from its original level, with a slight enhancement in spatial stability. More importantly, this continuously generated energy provided a more abundant 'fuel' supply for the operation of various structures within the divine domain, the Cultivation of believers, and potential high-energy consumption during wartime.

Next, using the 'free consultation for customizing cards below Epic grade' opportunity obtained from his top-grade evaluation, he visited a card Great Master at the academy. Considering the characteristics of the impending insect war (swarm tactics, potential subterranean attacks, environmental adaptation) and the nature of his own 'civilization divine domain,' after some discussion, he finalized the direction for a custom card—【Epic-grade (purple) Terrain/Wonder Card: Geomantic Resonance Tower (Blueprint)】.

This card was not a finished product but a 'blueprint' card containing complete construction principles and runic structures. It allowed Lin Zhou to build a special tower within his divine domain or controlled territory that could communicate with and slightly guide geomantic energy. This would create a zone of environmental stability, provide a slight boost to elemental resistance, and offer early warning for subterranean anomalies. This would enhance the comprehensive defense and adaptability of the divine domain/territory, and its warning function would also have some restraining effect against possible insect tunneling units. Producing this blueprint required time, and the card Great Master promised delivery before Lin Zhou returned from his mission.

Then, Lin Zhou began consolidating the resources of the Hundred Schools Society to prepare for possible 'cross-divine domain coordinated support.' When Li Mo learned Lin Zhou was going to the insect frontline, he became exceptionally excited (his research obsession flaring up). He worked through the night to compile a large amount of data on 'area-of-effect killing mechanisms for clustered biological units,' 'rapid construction plans for simple frontline fortifications,' 'corrosion-resistant material formulas against biological acids,' etc. He also stated that if the frontline needed it, he could provide remote technical consultation or even emergency teleportation of some specially-made mechanical components (consuming military merit or resources) through specific channels.

Qin Qing also learned the news (there were no secrets within the society) and privately sought out Lin Zhou, handing him a Jade Slip. It recorded some of the combined divine art formations used by the Judgment Angel legions to purify evil and stabilize morale. 'The Legalist school emphasizes strict Laws, but also requires clear punishments to assist teaching. On the battlefield, Order and morale are crucial. This formation might provide some reference for your Law units.' Her attitude remained aloof, but her action clearly expressed support.

Finally, Lin Zhou used most of his Divine Power to strengthen the core rules of his divine domain, especially the linkage between the 【Temple of Law】 and 【Jixia Academy】. He attempted to carve out some space for flexibility and adaptation for his believers amidst the brutal battlefield, balancing between 'strict legal code' and 'enlightened tolerance.' Simultaneously, he had Elia, Xuan Zhenzi, and Gongsun Li (via remote link) conduct final pre-battle mobilization and adaptive training for the believers who would accompany them.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

On the day of departure, Lin Zhou, Zhao Hao, and Wang Meng gathered at the designated teleportation point of Xinghai University. Behind them stood their streamlined, fully armed, and high-morale core believer contingents. On Lin Zhou's side were two hundred of the most elite mixed units of Literary Heart Elves Rangers and priests, one hundred and fifty Tiangong Dwarves heavy warriors and thunder crossbowmen, and one hundred Lawful Merman Enforcement Squad members, led by the hero Elia and Grum Anvil (temporarily recalled from the Green Vine Forest). Zhao Hao brought five adult Dragons in good condition (including the fully healed Raging Flame). Wang Meng brought fifteen of his strongest Behemoths and one hundred dwarf shield-axemen.

'Is everyone ready?' Lin Zhou looked at the other two.

'Been waiting forever!' Zhao Hao licked his lips.

'Let those bugs witness what real power is!' Wang Meng patted the thick thigh of the Behemoth beside him.

'Let's go.'

The three simultaneously activated the military teleportation coordinates received in their identity badges.

Intense silvery-white light enveloped everyone, accompanied by a sensation of spatial distortion. This teleportation was far longer-range than those within the school, lasting several seconds longer.

When the light faded and their feet touched solid ground, a completely different atmosphere assailed them.

An aura of iron and blood, solemn killing intent, desolation, and a faint, complex odor reminiscent of countless biomasses burning mixed with metal and ozone.

They stood at the edge of a massive space platform constructed from dark silver alloy. The platform floated in the Void Realm, below lay the deep, boundless starry sky. In the distance, several oddly colored planets and a clearly war-ravaged Star Domain filled with floating debris were visible. On the platform, several sleek, cold-lined warships bristling with gun turrets were docked. Further away were densely packed temporary barracks, supply depots, and defensive turrets resembling a honeycomb. Countless deities in standard-issue armor (most radiating not-weak Divine Power fluctuations) hurried about with their respective believers. The air was filled with an efficient yet tense rhythm.

This was a frontline logistics transfer station of the Human Race Expeditionary Force's Third Star Domain Theater Command.

And their destination, that secondary frontline astral realm codenamed KT-73, lay deep within that starry sky, within that region shrouded in the gloom of war.

For the first time, the true aura of the battlefield was displayed so clearly before this group of young academy Geniuses.

Lin Zhou took a deep breath of the air tinged with rust and unknown scents, his eyes sharp as blades.

The summer mission, Probationary Duty Stationed at the Frontline—officially began.