251: Awards for meritorious service and recognition from the military

Three days later, KT-73 Outpost Base, temporary awards hall.

This hall was temporarily converted from a former supply warehouse, with traces of metal supports for reinforcement structures and energy pipelines still visible on the Walls. The air carried a faint scent of disinfectant and metal coolant. The space wasn't particularly spacious, but at this moment, it felt solemn and dignified.

At the front of the hall, a massive projection of the Human Race military flag floated in mid-air, with a golden sword-and-shield emblem shining brightly against a crimson background. Below it was a simple metal podium. In front of the podium, dozens of deities stood in neat rows—most wore battle armor or robes bearing different academy emblems or legion insignias, with varying degrees of post-injury marks or fatigue on their bodies. Yet, their eyes burned with the resilience of survivors and a hint of barely noticeable anticipation.

Lin Zhou stood among the crowd, relatively close to the front. He had changed into a clean Xinghai University standard black robe with silver trim, its wartime damage and stains cleansed by a Spell. Though his complexion remained somewhat pale, his gaze was calm, and his aura was restrained. Compared to the sharp, newly emerged edge he had three days ago after his Breakthrough, he now exuded more harmony and depth. The Lesser Divinity fluctuations of lv201 were deliberately suppressed by him, but perceptive individuals present could still sense the more stable, rule-infused rhythm in his demeanor, different from most of the surrounding 'cadet soldiers.'

Beside him stood Qin Feng. This elite from the War God Academy maintained his usual simple and rigid demeanor, his armor polished to a shine, standing straight as a spear. Zhao Hao and Wang Meng also stood nearby—they and their followers had performed well in subsequent cleanup and defense missions, though not as prominently as Lin Zhou and Qin Feng, they still qualified to participate in the awards ceremony.

Li Mo and Qin Qing were not among them. Li Mo's Divine Domain leaned toward research and support; his Mechanical Goblins contributed significantly in battlefield repairs, trap deployment, and intelligence analysis, but lacked sufficient direct combat merit to meet the strict standards for this collective award. Qin Qing had ended her Internship early due to Family matters (her Family seemed to have connections with a high-ranking officer at the front) and returned to the academy a day ago. Lin Zhou didn't dwell much on this; battlefield merit was important, but everyone had their own path and circumstances.

'Attention!'

With a loud command from an officer, all deities in the hall instantly straightened their backs, their eyes fixed on the entrance.

A group of soldiers marched in with precise steps. Leading them was base commander Major Rex. Today, he wore a crisp dark green officer's service uniform, with three silver stars and a crossed sword-and-shield emblem on his shoulder boards particularly eye-catching. To his left was a stern-faced staff officer with a captain's Rank, and to his right was a middle-aged man Lin Zhou hadn't seen before, wearing a dark blue civilian officer uniform, rimless glasses, with a scholarly yet sharp-eyed demeanor. His shoulder boards indicated the Rank of lieutenant colonel.

Major Rex walked behind the podium, his gaze slowly sweeping over the crowd below. His eyes paused briefly on Lin Zhou, Qin Feng, and a few others before he spoke:

'Cadet officers, brave warriors.'

His voice, amplified by a sound-enhancing Spell array, resonated steadily and powerfully throughout the hall.

'Over the past week, KT-73 Base has faced its most severe test since its establishment. The elite infiltration forces under the Zerg 'Blade Queen' planned and executed a precise decapitation strike targeting the command center. Its scale, timing, and tactical Execution exceeded conventional defense plans.'

He paused briefly; the hall fell silent.

'However, through the joint efforts of all base personnel, including you outstanding cadets from various academies, we not only thwarted this conspiracy and held the defense line but also dealt a heavy blow to the enemy! According to the latest combat report summary, this defensive operation cumulatively eliminated approximately 250,000 Zerg combat units, repelled a regimental-scale offensive, destroyed one subterranean hive, and killed over thirty elite units, including one 'Burrow Lord.' Our casualties... were also significant.'

Mentioning casualties, Major Rex's voice lowered momentarily before rising again with vigor:

'But it was your bravery, wisdom, and unity and sacrifice at critical moments that prevented a more catastrophic outcome! You have proven with your actions that the new generation of deities of the Human Race not only has potential but also the responsibility to shoulder burdens in blood and fire!'

'Therefore, after review by the base command and approval from the front legion headquarters, we hereby commend and record the Military Merits of those who performed outstandingly in this defensive operation!'

Below, everyone's breathing grew slightly quicker. Military merit, within the military system, meant tangible resources, authority, and future promotion capital! For these students not yet formally graduated, it was a significant highlight on their resumes, profoundly impacting their future development.

The captain staff officer stepped forward, unfolding a Light Screen in hand, and began reading:

'The following personnel are awarded one individual third-class military merit, with a reward of 300 standard military merit points: Zhao Hao (Xinghai University), Wang Meng (Xinghai University), Zhou Yan (War God Academy)...'

A series of names were called out; those named showed excitement. A third-class military merit and 300 merit points were quite a good reward for an Internship mission. Zhao Hao grinned, while Wang Meng puffed out his chest.

'The following personnel are awarded one individual second-class military merit, with a reward of 600 standard military merit points: Qin Feng (War God Academy).'

Qin Feng's expression remained unchanged, only his eyes grew sharper. A second-class military merit and 600 merit points were honors rarely achieved by cadets. Many gazes fell on him, filled with admiration or envy.

The staff officer paused, his eyes turning to the end of the list, raising his voice slightly:

'Lin Zhou (Xinghai University)!'

All eyes instantly focused on Lin Zhou.

'In the critical moment when the command center was attacked and the chain of command was on the verge of collapse, he took command under pressure, integrated remaining forces, successfully established a temporary defense line, effectively delayed and depleted the enemy's elite assault troops;'

'Accurately assessed the battlefield situation, employed effective strategies to secure crucial reinforcements, formed a combined force, ultimately repelled the enemy's main assault force, making decisive contributions to relieving the command center and stabilizing the overall defense line;'

'His personal Divine Domain tactic 'Way of Civilization' demonstrated excellent adaptability and synergy in complex battlefield environments, providing new tactical insights for handling similar emergencies.'

'Comprehensive evaluation: awarded one individual first-class military merit, with a reward of 1000 standard military merit points! And an additional reward of [Special-Class Battlefield Contribution Allowance]!'

First-class military merit! 1000 merit points!

A low gasp echoed through the hall. First-class military merit! In peacetime, this was an honor worthy of being recorded in academy history! Even in wartime, for cadets, it was legendary! Moreover, there were a full 1000 merit points! In the military Exchange List, a decent blue (rare) quality card or resource typically required only a few hundred to a thousand merit points! This almost instantly provided the capital to exchange for Advanced resources!

Even Qin Feng couldn't help but glance at Lin Zhou, a flicker of complexity in his eyes, but mostly recognition. He understood the pressure Lin Zhou bore and the role he played in that moment, deserving of this significant reward.

Major Rex personally took two medals and a faintly glowing energy card from the staff officer. One medal was a silver-based, gold-edged sword-and-shield medal (first-class military merit), the other slightly smaller, a blue medal engraved with stars and gears (special-class contribution allowance). The energy card was the credential recording the merit points.

Under everyone's gaze, Lin Zhou stepped forward steadily, saluted, and received the medals and card with both hands. They felt cool to the touch yet heavy, as if bearing the weight of countless sacrifices and bloodshed.

'Second Lieutenant Lin Zhou, your performance exceeded everyone's expectations,' Major Rex said, looking at Lin Zhou with rare gentleness and expectation. 'Maintain this sharpness and wisdom. The Human Race frontlines need more young people like you, who possess not only strength but also intellect and conviction.'

'Yes, sir!' Lin Zhou responded solemnly.

The awards ceremony soon concluded. Others gradually dispersed, either excitedly discussing or preparing to return to their respective defense areas or academies. Lin Zhou, however, was politely detained by an orderly.

'Second Lieutenant Lin Zhou, Major Rex and Lieutenant Colonel Zhou request your presence in the small conference room for a discussion.'

The small conference room was just behind the hall, simply furnished with only a metal table and a few chairs. Major Rex and the dark-blue-uniformed Lieutenant Colonel Zhou were already seated there.

'Second Lieutenant Lin Zhou, please sit,' Lieutenant Colonel Zhou said with a smile, his voice gentle but his gaze scrutinizing Lin Zhou like a precision instrument. 'Let me introduce myself: Zhou Zhenyuan, affiliated with the Human Star Domain Alliance Expeditionary Force General Staff Headquarters · Talent Development and Strategic Reserve Department, Rank lieutenant colonel. Primarily responsible for discovering, tracking, and evaluating promising young deities, and liaising with various academies.'

Lin Zhou's mind stirred—Talent Development and Strategic Reserve Department? This was the Military Department specifically tasked with scouting and cultivating future elites! He sat down as instructed, maintaining a poised demeanor: 'Lieutenant Colonel Zhou, Major Rex.'

'No need to be tense,' Zhou Zhenyuan waved his hand, lightly tapping the tabletop with his fingertips. A faint energy barrier for soundproofing and anti-eavesdropping rose, enveloping the small conference room. 'We called you here mainly for two matters. First, on behalf of the General Staff Headquarters, to reaffirm our appreciation for your outstanding performance in the KT-73 defense battle. Your 'Hundred Schools' tactical thinking and on-the-spot adaptability have entered the observation scope of higher levels.'

Entering higher-level observation? Lin Zhou's expression remained calm, but his mind quickly pondered what this meant. Blessing or curse? Likely a blessing, but it might also bring more attention and the accompanying responsibilities or troubles.

'Second,' Zhou Zhenyuan continued, his tone more formal, 'based on your performance, potential evaluation, and the terms of the 'Fledgling Eagle Project,' we extend an informal invitation and notification to you.'

He leaned forward slightly, his gaze fixed directly on Lin Zhou. 'Student Lin Zhou, according to our assessment, you have fully demonstrated the potential to qualify for early admission as a 'Special Recruitment Officer.' This means that, without waiting for normal graduation, as long as you agree and pass some additional military theory and command assessments while completing your remaining studies, you can officially join the Expeditionary Force sequence directly at the end of your Senior Year with the Rank of Second Lieutenant (non-provisional). Moreover, based on your specialization and performance, there is a high likelihood of being assigned to key Rapid Reaction Forces, Special Operations Units, or New Tactical Research Departments, gaining starting resources and training support far exceeding those of regular graduates.'

Directly granting the Rank of Second Lieutenant! Skipping the tedious selection and initial training, entering key departments directly!

This was an extremely tempting olive branch. The military possessed abundant resources, a well-established merit exchange system, numerous opportunities for actual combat, rapid growth speed, and, backed by the Human Race's largest violent machine, offered relative safety and guaranteed prospects. For many deities eager to quickly enhance their strength and establish achievements, this was a dream path.

Lin Zhou did not answer immediately but remained silent for a moment, seemingly digesting the news.

Zhou Zhenyuan did not rush him, merely watching quietly. Major Rex picked up a cup of energy drink and slowly sipped it.

'Thank you for the regard of Lieutenant Colonel Zhou and the Military Department,' Lin Zhou finally spoke, his voice steady. 'This is a very valuable opportunity. However, I am currently still a student at Xinghai University, my studies not yet completed. Regarding my specific future path, I need time to think and plan. Moreover, the development and refinement of the Way of Civilization I personally research may require broader academic exchange and a relatively free research environment.'

He did not directly refuse, but neither did he immediately agree. His words left room.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhenyuan not only showed no displeasure but instead a flicker of appreciation flashed in his eyes. 'Careful consideration is warranted. This invitation remains valid long-term; at any time before your graduation, you can contact me through Major Rex. The Military Department respects every talent's personal choice and development path. We are merely providing an option. Of course,' he shifted his tone slightly, smiling, 'we also hope that outstanding young people like you, regardless of which path you choose in the future, will keep the Human Race in mind and contribute to its survival and development.'

'Naturally,' Lin Zhou said solemnly.

'Very well.' Zhou Zhenyuan nodded, then took a thin light panel from his briefcase and pushed it toward Lin Zhou. 'This is the 1000 Military Merits you earned this time, already recorded in your Provisional Military Identity Code. You can view the exchangeable list and make exchanges through any military liaison point's Exchange Terminal at the Frontline Base or Rear Areas. Personally, I suggest you prioritize resources or Cards that can directly enhance your Divine Domain's foundation, especially defense and rule stability. After all, survival comes first.'

'Thank you for the guidance, Lieutenant Colonel.'

After a few more brief exchanges, mainly Zhou Zhenyuan inquiring about some details regarding the application of Hundred Schools of Thought on the battlefield, Lin Zhou cautiously and selectively answered part of them. About a quarter of an hour later, the meeting concluded.

Leaving the small conference room, Lin Zhou did not delay and went straight to the base's Military Merit Exchange Office. It was a room filled with various Projection Screens and Physical Display Cabinets. Although limited by frontline conditions, few physical items were displayed, but the terminal could query a vast Rear Inventory List.

Inserting his Identity Card into the terminal, the Light Screen lit up, displaying Lin Zhou's information:

[Name: Lin Zhou (Provisional Code: KT-73-LZ-114)]

[Rank: Second Lieutenant (Provisional)]

[Available Military Merits: 1000 points]

[Accumulated Combat Merits: First-Class Merit x1, Special Contribution Allowance x1]

Below was the categorized Exchange List. A dazzling array, from various quality Resource Cards, Race Cards, Equipment Cards, Skill Cards, to Special Potions, Materials, Knowledge Scrolls, and even some frontline specialty 'Loot' (captured from Alien Divine Domains but with Civilization Rejection), everything was available. The required Military Merits for exchange ranged from a few points to tens of thousands.

Lin Zhou directly filtered for 'Defense Type,' 'Building Type,' 'Rare (Blue) Quality,' setting the price range between 800-1200 Military Merits. The list instantly streamlined.

His gaze swept over:

[Rune Alert Tower Array (Blue)]: Can deploy a set of five automatic alert towers, detecting invisibility, with weak magic missile attacks. Requires 800 Military Merits. (Average practicality, weak attack power, main function is early warning.)

[Energy Deflection Shield Generator (Blue)]: Provides a continuous energy shield for a specified building or small area, absorbing a certain amount of damage. Requires 850 Military Merits. (Consumable item, requires continuous energy consumption to maintain, not suitable for long-term Divine Domain defense.)

[Earth Vein Reinforcement Core (Blue)]: After Fusion, slightly increases the Divine Domain's earth firmness, reduces the impact of geological disasters like earthquakes and collapses, and slightly improves underground building durability. Requires 900 Military Merits. (Leans toward environmental modification, not strongly targeted for defense.)

[Steel Bastion (Blue)]: Rare Building Card. After Fusion, can construct a [Steel Bastion] (Miracle Building Prototype) at a specified location in the Divine Domain. Greatly enhances the durability and self-repair speed of all defensive buildings within the specified area. Requires 1000 Military Merits.

This is it!

Lin Zhou's gaze locked onto [Steel Bastion]. The card projection displayed a brief introduction and attributes:

[Steel Bastion (Building Card/Rare/Blue)]

Source: Standard design from the Human Race military engineering pantheon, incorporating Dwarven Forging Techniques and some Ancient Fortress Technology.

Effects:

Can construct a [Steel Bastion] within the Divine Domain (covers approximately 200m x 50m).

Core Function (Passive): [Fortress Aura] – Centered on the Steel Bastion, within a radius of five kilometers, all allied defensive buildings (including Walls, Arrow Towers, Magic Towers, Shield Generators, etc.) gain the following bonuses:

Base durability increased by 20%.

Self-repair speed after damage increased by 15%.

Resistance to pure Physical Impacts (such as collisions, hammer strikes, Siege Equipment) slightly improved.

Auxiliary Function (Active): Can consume Divine Domain Reserve Metal Resources or Divine Power to quickly repair damage to specified defensive buildings within the aura range (efficiency higher than natural repair).

Building Attributes:

Durability: Extremely High (base value before enjoying the 20% bonus is equivalent to three times that of Walls of the same Rank)

Defense: Extremely High (excellent resistance to both physical and magical attacks)

Special: Immovable, construction and maintenance require a certain amount of metal resources.

Fusion Requirements: Deity Rank ≥ lv150 (True God), Divine Domain must have basic Metal Smelting Capability.

Civilization Rejection: None (Human Race universal standard design).

'Range-based enhancement of defensive building attributes, plus active repair function... exactly what my Divine Domain currently needs,' Lin Zhou thought to himself. Having experienced the brutal defensive battle at KT-73, he deeply realized the importance of solid defense. Especially his Hundred Schools Divine Domain, whose core advantage lies in thought, rules, and continuous development capability, rather than instant burst absolute force or super-individual crushing. A stable 'home' is the foundation for civilization's gestation and development. The range-based durability and repair bonuses provided by [Steel Bastion] could greatly enhance the overall defense resilience and prolonged combat capability of the Divine Domain, complementing well with the defensive structures built by Mohist Mechanical Arts and the rule protection formed by the Legalist Net of Law.

Moreover, 1000 Military Merits were exactly enough.

Without further hesitation, Lin Zhou confirmed the exchange.

[Military Merits Consumed: 1000 points.]

[Remaining Military Merits: 0 points.]

[Item Obtained: Building Card · Steel Bastion (Blue) x1. Physical transmission in progress...]

The Transmission Array beside the terminal flashed with light, and a blue card with a hard texture, emitting a cold metallic gray luster, etched with complex gear and wall patterns on the surface, appeared on the tray. Anti-counterfeiting Runes from the military faintly flowed along the card's edge.

Lin Zhou picked up the card; it felt cold and heavy to the touch, as if he could sense the firm will contained within.

He did not immediately perform Fusion. The Divine Domain had just experienced a major battle and was recuperating, many buildings not fully repaired yet; integrating a new building now was not the best timing. Moreover, constructing [Steel Bastion] required consuming metal resources and needed advance planning for placement, ideally forming synergy with existing [Tiangong Workshop], [Temple of Law], and other planned defense systems.

Carefully storing the card, Lin Zhou left the exchange office.

Over the next two days, he handled some Battlefield Wrap-up Matters, bid farewell to Qin Feng, Zhao Hao, Wang Meng, and others (Qin Feng would continue to be stationed, Zhao Hao and Wang Meng's Internships were also nearing an end, and they would return together), and underwent another Divine Core Stability Check by the base's medical priest (confirming the Breakthrough was stable without hidden issues).

On the morning of the third day, the Military Transport Ship carrying Xinghai University's intern students (a type of High-speed Vessel utilizing Space-folding Technology for Short-range Jumps, not a traditional Starship, fitting the setting) arrived on time. Lin Zhou boarded with Zhao Hao, Wang Meng, Li Mo (who had later completed auxiliary tasks and returned), and others.

Looking through the Porthole at the gradually shrinking, scarred yet still standing KT-73 Base below, Lin Zhou felt a surge of emotions.

This Summer Internship, though not long, was more profound than any previous Academy Competition or Simulation Battle he had experienced. He personally experienced the cruelty of war, witnessed sacrifice, understood choices and alliances in desperate situations, completed an important Divine Core Breakthrough, and gained recognition from the military and substantial rewards.

More importantly, his understanding of the word 'civilization,' tempered by blood and fire, became more real, heavier, and firmer.

The transport ship trembled slightly, leaping into the Subspace Channel, speeding toward the Star Domain where Xinghai University was located.

Inside the Cabin, Zhao Hao was excitedly discussing with Wang Meng what Cards they had exchanged, while Li Mo clutched a light panel, frantically recording data on the Zerg Biological Structures and Mechanical Wreckage witnessed at the frontline.

Lin Zhou closed his eyes to rest, but his consciousness sank into his Divine Domain, beginning to plan the Fusion location for [Steel Bastion] and how to utilize the remaining holiday time to digest all the gains from this battlefield, laying the most solid foundation for the Ultimate Challenge of his Senior Year.

Deep within his Divine Flame, the old and new Divine Core Fragments slowly rotated, reflecting the ever-flowing virtual image of the river of civilization.