294: Chapter 229: Summer Vacation Mission, Military Invitation to Combat

Xinghai University, Elite District Independent Cabin.

Lin Zhou sat cross-legged at the core of the cultivation room, not activating time acceleration. Having just broken through to LV249 (Intermediate Lesser Divinity) and received a "Legendary" evaluation along with massive rewards, he needed a bit of time to adapt to and consolidate this brand-new power level while carefully planning his next steps.

His Divine Thought sank into the Divine Kingdom, overlooking this civilizational territory that had expanded to 150 square kilometers. The pale golden light membrane of the plane barrier was slightly clearer than before; although still thin, it now possessed a subtle sense of "separation," delicately dividing the Divine Kingdom from the external Void Realm. After the river of civilization surpassed 55% materialization, the river surface widened, the water flow became more condensed, and the epic scenes floating in the dark golden river water seemed a bit more vivid, faintly resonating with major events occurring within the Divine Kingdom (such as the Luck brought by the academic year evaluation).

【Divine Kingdom Status Briefing (LV249 Stabilization Phase)】

Area: 150 square kilometers (Stable).

Rule Integrity: 68.7% (Slightly increased compared to before the evaluation).

Plane Barrier (Prototype): Physical Defense +55, Energy Resistance +35, Chaos/Void Resistance +12%, can absorb trace amounts of void energy (Efficiency: approximately 5 units of basic Spiritual Qi converted daily).

river of civilization (55% Materialized):

New Trait 【Luck Ripples】: When the Divine Kingdom or the host achieves significant positive accomplishments (such as evaluations, victories, Breakthroughs), the river will ripple, briefly enhancing Spiritual Qi activity and follower Comprehension Ability within the Divine Kingdom (Effect approx. +10%, lasts 1-3 days).

Historical Projection Enhancement: The duration for summoning phantoms such as Da Yu and Confucius is extended by 10%, and consumption is reduced by 5%.

Information Precipitation Acceleration: Efficiency in capturing and precipitating rule information from events occurring within the Divine Kingdom is improved.

Core Followers:

Literary Heart Elves: Average LV38, Hero Elena LV52. The number of newly advanced units, 'Scholars,' has increased to 50; they can jointly cast a small 【Educational Halo】, increasing the skill proficiency acquisition speed of allies within range by 15%.

Tiangong Dwarves: Average LV36, Hero Grum LV49. Stimulated by the Star Gazing Platform blueprint research, the 'Mechanist' profession popularization rate has risen to 10%; they can proficiently operate prototype 【Bronze Soldier Puppets (Simplified Version)】 (Combat power approximately equal to a LV30 elite Dwarf Warrior, 50 units).

Law Fishmen: Average LV37, Hero Siren LV48. Added 20 new special units, 'Contract Arbitrators,' who can assist in establishing and supervising the Execution of formal contracts within the Divine Kingdom (influenced by the 【Scroll of the Covenant of Law】 rules), improving internal transaction and cooperation efficiency.

Resources and Wonders:

Resting Earth Shards: Operating well, cumulative output of spiritual soil has optimized approximately 30 mu of newly reclaimed spiritual fields.

Ancient Tree of Wisdom Sapling (Legendary evaluation reward card already fused): Planted in the center of the Literary Heart Elves village, it has taken root, standing about three meters tall and emitting a soft spiritual light of wisdom; intelligence growth speed for Elven children within range +15%.

Runic Forge Core (Legendary evaluation reward card already fused): Installed deep within the Tiangong Workshop, the Dwarf Grandmasters are adapting to its powerful energy processing and rule engraving capabilities; it is expected to increase the success rate of high-tier equipment forging by 15% and Runic Enchantment quality by +1 Rank.

Star Gazing Platform Project: Preliminary research is 25% complete, material requirement list is clear, but there are massive gaps in core Materials like Astral Fine Gold and Void Stones.

Population and Faith: Total population approx. 43,000, average daily faith output approx. 45,000 units (slightly increased due to follower growth and new wonders).

Just as Lin Zhou was silently inspecting himself and thinking about how to more efficiently use the 10,000 contribution points from the Legendary evaluation to exchange for resources (especially Star Gazing Platform Materials), the official communication channel in the cabin received a high-priority letter with military encryption markings.

The envelope was made of cold, dark-silver metal, its surface branded with the sword and star emblem of the Human Expeditionary Force. Lin Zhou picked it up; it felt cool and heavy. The moment his Divine Thought made contact, the letter automatically unlocked and unfolded, turning into a floating light screen.

【To: Student Lin Zhou, Xinghai University】

【Sender: Human Race Supreme Military Commission · Young Officer Cultivation Bureau】

【Letter Grade: Encrypted · Urgent】

【Subject: "Fledgling Eagle Project" Summer Practical Combat Experience Invitation】

The text on the light screen was concise and powerful, exuding an aura of iron and blood.

【Student Lin Zhou, in view of your outstanding performance in the Xinghai University Academy Championship and the annual comprehensive evaluation, demonstrating exceptional command talent, Divine Kingdom development potential, unique "Hundred Schools" tactical thinking, and a firm belief in civilizational Legacy, after a comprehensive assessment by relevant military departments, you are hereby formally invited to join the third phase of the "Fledgling Eagle Project" summer practical combat experience project.】

【Project Overview:】

Location: Border area between the Human Race and the Orc Empire — 【Broken Star Domain】 (Secondary War Zone, KT-73 to KT-80 Astral Corridor).

Time: For a duration of two months (Standard Cosmic Time).

Nature: Non-mandatory practical combat experience, aimed at allowing high-potential students to encounter real battlefield environments early, hone their will, test what they have learned, and accumulate military merits.

Benefits and Authority:】

Awarded Temporary Military Rank: Second Lieutenant (Valid until the end of the experience; can be converted to reserve status or receive a formal commission recommendation based on performance).

Temporary Command Authority: Can independently command a mixed unit of no more than 100 standard combat units (personnel can consist of one's own followers and some military-assigned auxiliary units).

Doubled Military Merits: All military merits obtained during the experience will be calculated at 200%.

Basic Support: Provides temporary garrison rights for the frontline secondary base "Lone Star-III" outpost, basic material supplies, battlefield intelligence sharing (at the appropriate level), and one emergency evacuation authority.

Mission Objectives: Typically basic combat tasks such as garrisoning, patrolling, reconnaissance, and clearing small enemy forces; may participate in small to medium-sized military operations depending on the situation.

Risk Warning: The 【Broken Star Domain】 is an active combat zone with a complex environment, including spatial cracks, residual Divine Power storms, and behind-enemy-lines infiltration. Facing the Orc Empire's regular army and affiliated races, combat intensity can change rapidly from low to high; there are risks of Divine Kingdom damage, follower casualties, and even falling in battle. Participation is deemed as acknowledgment and voluntary assumption of related risks.】

Receipt Requirement: Please confirm whether you accept the invitation within 24 hours. If accepted, you must report to the "Iron Blood Fortress" transit station via the designated teleportation array within 72 hours.】

At the end of the light screen was a string of complex spatial coordinates and a military verification code.

"Fledgling Eagle Project... Broken Star Domain..." Lin Zhou repeated in a low voice, his eyes flashing with light. He had heard of this plan; it was an important way for the military to screen and Cultivate reserve officers. Those selected were all top students from various academies, but the elimination and casualty rates had always been high. He hadn't expected to receive an invitation at this time.

Undoubtedly, this was a huge opportunity as well as a severe challenge. Doubled military merits! This meant he could accumulate the capital to exchange for rare resources faster. Practical combat honing was the best testing ground for the Divine Kingdom system and the Hundred Schools tactics, and also an excellent opportunity to break through current Bottlenecks (especially since the river of civilization needed more active practice to advance). The temporary Rank of Second Lieutenant and command over a hundred men marked his preliminary entry into the military system, with a promising future ahead.

But the risks were equally immense. A real battlefield was by no means a simulated confrontation in the academy. The Orc Empire was an old rival that had been at war with the Human Race for thousands of years; their shamans' bizarre Spells, the berserk combat power of orc warriors, and various war behemoths were all extremely difficult to deal with. The environment of the Broken Star Domain was even harsher.

Without much hesitation, Lin Zhou had already made his decision. Way of Civilization was by no means a flower in a greenhouse. If one wants to wear the crown, one must bear its weight. To rise faster, to obtain the capital for strategic resources like building the Star Gazing Platform, and to truly practice the philosophy of spreading and protecting civilization, the battlefield was an unavoidable step.

He immediately summoned Zhao Hao, Qin Qing, Li Mo, and Wang Meng through the internal society channel. Soon, the four of them gathered in Lin Zhou's cabin.

"The military's 'Fledgling Eagle Project'?" Zhao Hao looked at the information on the light screen, Battle Intent instantly igniting in his dragon pupils. "Broken Star Domain? A good place! I've long wanted to test my dragon whelps on a real battlefield! Boss, we must go!"

Wang Meng rubbed his hands together. "My Behemoth's claws have been itching for a long time. Kill orcs, earn military merits!"

Li Mo pushed up his glasses, a stream of data flashing through his eyes. "The Broken Star Domain... its environmental data is complex and the space is unstable. The Spell system of the Orc Shamans differs from our rules... it's an excellent environment for data collection and practical combat testing. I agree to participate; my Mechanical Goblins need real combat to optimize their logical combat modules."

Qin Qing remained relatively calm. She carefully read the risk warnings and turned her cool gaze toward Lin Zhou. "Opportunities and risks coexist. Your Divine Kingdom system is unique, and you may face rule suppression or targeting on an unfamiliar battlefield. But if successful, the rewards will be immense. I suggest accepting, but you must be fully prepared. Also," she paused, "I've received a notice for a Family trial at the 'Moonlight Necropolis' Astral Plane, so I cannot go with you. Do be careful."

Lin Zhou nodded; Qin Qing's judgment aligned with his own. He looked at the group. "I've decided to accept the invitation. Zhao Hao, Wang Meng, you're coming with me. Li Mo, you too—your research capabilities and mechanical units are indispensable for battlefield reconnaissance and engineering support. Qin Qing, I wish you success in your Family trial." Zhao Hao and the other two were natural comrades-in-arms with great chemistry, and all were eager for real combat. Li Mo's support abilities were particularly vital in a complex battlefield environment.

"Yes! Boss! (President!)" Zhao Hao and the other two responded in unison, itching to get started.

Qin Qing nodded slightly. "I will complete my Family trial as quickly as possible; perhaps... we can meet up during the Late Stage of your mission. Until then, be cautious in everything." Her tone was flat, but a hint of concern was visible.

The decision made, Lin Zhou wasted no time. He first replied to the invitation through official channels. Almost immediately, a more detailed document, "Fledgling Eagle Project Phase III Participant Instructions and Reporting Guide," was transmitted. It contained the detailed teleportation coordinates for the Iron Blood Fortress, reporting procedures, a list of prohibited items, and a basic front-line intelligence summary (mainly regarding common troop types and tactics of the Orc Empire in the Broken Star Domain).

Then, he moved swiftly into action.

First, he spent 5,000 contribution points from the academy's exchange list to urgently redeem 10 units of Astral Fine Gold and 5 units of Void Stone—this was the limit of what he could currently afford, yet it was still a drop in the bucket compared to the needs of the Star Gazing Platform. However, with these, he could at least begin crafting some secondary components for the platform or use them for forging other high-level equipment.

With the remaining 5,000 contribution points, he exchanged for a large number of general healing, recovery, and purification divine Spell scrolls and potion cards (10x [Mass Healing (Intermediate)] scrolls, 50x [Divine Power Rapid Recovery Potion], 30x [Advanced Purification Salve], etc.), as well as some practical battlefield supply cards (5x [Portable Defensive Fortifications (Excellent)], 20x [Eye of Reconnaissance (Micro-Construct)]).

The Epic Resource Card Pack from his Legendary rating reward was also opened on the spot, yielding: a [Spring of Life (Small)] terrain card (can be placed in the Divine Kingdom to form a spring producing 100 units of life water daily, with excellent healing effects), an [Adamantite Vein (Barren)] resource card (producing 5 units of adamantite daily for forging or exchange), and a special [Fog of War Generator (Rare)] building card (can create a small-scale mist that disrupts Divine Thought and vision for one hour, with a six-hour cooldown). These were all very practical battlefield supplements.

He integrated the [Spring of Life] and [Adamantite Vein] into his Divine Kingdom and distributed most of the exchanged and acquired card supplies to Zhao Hao and the others, letting them prepare as well.

Simultaneously, pre-war mobilization and organization began within the Divine Kingdom. Elena, Grum, and Siren received a divine oracle and began selecting the most elite units from the existing tribes, suitable for frontal battlefields and special operations.

[Expeditionary Force Preliminary Composition (Lin Zhou's Unit)]

Core Command: Lin Zhou (LV249), Zhao Hao (LV175), Wang Meng (LV168), Li Mo (LV165).

Mixed Combat Group (Limit 100 Standard Units):

Literary Heart Elves Detachment (30 units): 20 [Literary Heart Elves · Scholars] (providing auras, mental support, and purification), 10 [Literary Heart Elves · Sharpshooters (Elite)] (LV40+, long-range precision strikes).

Tiangong Dwarves Detachment (30 units): 15 [Tiangong Dwarves · Heavy Shield Guards] (LV38+, high defense, equipped with new runic shields), 10 [Tiangong Dwarves · Mechanists] (controlling 5 simplified Bronze Soldier Puppets and responsible for battlefield engineering), 5 [Tiangong Dwarves · Demolitionists] (special operations).

Law Fishmen Detachment (20 units): 15 [Law Fishmen · Inquisitors] (main mid-to-close combat force, with control and judgment effects), 5 [Law Fishmen · Covenant Arbitrators] (assisting in maintaining military discipline, handling prisoners of war, and potentially signing temporary battlefield agreements?).

Mobile/Support Units (20 units): 10 [Mechanical Reconnaissance Bees (LV25)] provided by Li Mo (aerial reconnaissance and harassment), 5 [Portable Ballista Platforms (Construct)] provided by Li Mo (requires assembly), 5 auxiliary tribesmen responsible for logistics, medical, and communications (Elves, Dwarves, and Fishmen, each with their specialties).

Divine Kingdom Garrison: Elena, Grum, and Siren lead the vast majority of the remaining tribesmen to continue Divine Kingdom construction, resource production, recruit training, and maintain high vigilance.

Once the organization was complete, Lin Zhou briefly gathered the consciousness of the selected tribal heroes and core members for a pre-war briefing, emphasizing discipline, courage, cooperation, and the demeanor a "Civilized Army" should have—fighting not for slaughter, but for protection and Order.

At the final moment before departure, Lin Zhou received a communication request from Su Yueyao. On the light screen, she was still as cool as the moon, but there was an indiscernible trace of concern in her eyes.

"The Broken Star Domain... I know that place." Su Yueyao's voice came through the comms. "The Orcs have been active there recently, and it seems a new powerful Shaman has appeared. Watch out for their blood sacrifice Spells and Soul curses. Take this." She transmitted a data package—an analysis summary from the Su Family intelligence network regarding recent Orc troop movements and the characteristics of the suspected new Shaman in the Broken Star Domain, far more detailed than the summary provided by the military.

"Thank you." Lin Zhou accepted it solemnly; this intelligence was worth its weight in gold.

"Come back alive." Su Yueyao looked at him and said softly, "I still want to continue discussing with you the further possibilities of resonance between Moonlight and the Fire of Civilization."

Lin Zhou felt a warmth in his heart and nodded. "I will. You be careful too; the Moonlight Necropolis doesn't sound like a peaceful place either."

The two said no more, ending the communication with a tacit understanding. Some bonds required no words.

The 72-hour preparation period passed in a flash.

Lin Zhou, Zhao Hao, Li Mo, and Wang Meng, carrying their carefully prepared supplies and their organized hundred-man mixed combat group (whose consciousness projections were attached to their respective Divine Kingdoms and could be remotely commanded and deployed via faith channels consuming Divine Power), disappeared into a flash of silvery-white light through Xinghai University's internal military teleportation array.

After a brief hyperspace transit, a heavy sense of weightlessness hit them.

The scene before them suddenly opened up, yet it was not the orderly military base they had expected.

They stood on a massive open-air teleportation platform forged from an unknown alloy. The platform was located atop a giant steel fortress that seemed to be forcibly fused together from countless warship wrecks, asteroid fragments, and Divine Power. The fortress floated against a backdrop of dark void, surrounded by visible space cracks like shattered mirrors, and distant, faintly visible planetary remains—some burning, others cold and dead.

The air was thick with the smell of rust, gunpowder, ozone, and a faint hint of blood. Divine Power fluctuations were chaotic and violent, and one could vaguely hear the muffled roars of distant explosions and energy hisses weakened by the void.

This was one of the front-line transit stations—the Iron Blood Fortress.

And further away, that Star Domain filled with scenes of destruction and chaos was their destination—the [Broken Star Domain].

An officer in a crisp military uniform with a cold expression and first lieutenant Rank on his shoulders appeared at the edge of the teleportation platform at some point, his sharp gaze sweeping over the four arrivals from Xinghai University who were still adjusting to the environment.

"The 'Eaglets' from Xinghai University?" His voice sounded like metal scraping. "I am Reception Officer Carter. Follow me to collect your temporary identification tags, receive your basic briefing, and then... welcome to the foyer of Hell."

The true practical combat was about to begin.