Haiyang Planet Military Port.
Before his three-month leave had even fully expired, Qin Beiwang took the initiative to cut his rest period short.
A series of unusual military movements by the Empire had prompted the Wanshi Star Sector Theater Command to issue its orders ahead of schedule.
The fully expanded Pluto Fleet was to set sail immediately, returning swiftly to the Wanshi Star Sector to await further combat directives.
Qin Beiwang could have waited until his leave officially ended before reporting back, but the high-intensity entertainment of the Twelve Young Masters had left him somewhat overwhelmed.
Thus, he decided to end his vacation early and return ahead of schedule with his fleet.
Within the military port, densely packed warships were slowly departing their berths.
The metallic luster of their hulls gleamed with a cold, sharp edge under the starlight.
One after another, their tail flames traced brilliant blue streaks across the deep void.
At the center of the fleet, a new flagship—larger in size and more aggressive in design—stood out prominently.
The Mount Tai!
This was a T5.5 Judgment-class Battleship.
Whether in terms of the sheer ferocity of its main cannon firepower or the defensive strength of its hull shields, it firmly outclassed the T5 Mountain-class Battleship.
Following the naming style of his previous flagship, Mountain, Qin Beiwang chose the weighty and powerful name "Mount Tai."
At this moment, inside the conference room on the bridge of the Mount Tai, the atmosphere was heated to the point of boiling, a stark contrast to the cold serenity of the starry expanse outside.
Qin Beiwang sat upright in the main seat, his posture straight and imposing. His crisp vice admiral's uniform accentuated his steady, sharp demeanor.
His gaze swept slowly over everyone present, carrying an intangible pressure.
On either side of the conference table sat the commanders of the various Duke-class Fleets and carrier fleet commanders.
Each sat tall and solemn, yet the fervor in their eyes was unmistakable.
Lu Chengjun of the Celestial Pole Star Fleet had now been formally promoted to Duke-class Fleet Commander, leading the Celestial Pole Star Duke-class Fleet.
He Siqi of the Tiankui Star Fleet had also earned his place among the Duke-class Commanders thanks to his outstanding military merits in previous campaigns.
Most of the classified fleet commanders who had distinguished themselves and made significant contributions in the Battle of the Bushman System had been smoothly promoted to carrier fleet commanders, each brimming with confidence and pride.
Their gazes toward Qin Beiwang were particularly intense, filled with reverence and trust.
In any other fleet, jumping two ranks after a single hard-fought battle would be nothing short of a fantasy—something unimaginable.
But in the Pluto Fleet, it seemed almost expected.
And all of this was due to the unbelievably young commander before them.
Aside from a few unfamiliar faces, almost everyone in the conference room was an old subordinate whom Qin Beiwang had personally nurtured—comrades who had fought alongside him through life-and-death struggles.
Qin Beiwang's gaze drifted slowly across their faces before finally settling on Ouyang Xu, the commander of the Tianji Star Fleet, a Duke-class Fleet.
He was one of the few new faces in the conference room, a commander newly assigned after the fleet's expansion.
After a moment, Qin Beiwang withdrew his gaze and spoke slowly.
"Now, there are only two months left until my twenty-third birthday."
The conference room fell instantly silent, all eyes fixed intently on Qin Bei Wang.
Their gazes brimmed with anticipation and curiosity, even their breaths subconsciously softened.
Qin Bei Wang paused slightly before continuing.
"I am still two ranks away from the position of Marshal."
He went on, his tone carrying an undeniable confidence and audacity.
"I wonder if all of you have the confidence.
To lift me onto the Marshal's seat in the next campaign?"
As these words were spoken, the unfamiliar officers collectively drew sharp breaths, their pupils contracting abruptly, their faces etched with disbelief.
Before arriving, they had already heard of Qin Bei Wang's youthful arrogance and astonishing boldness.
But they had never imagined he could be this audacious.
Two months?
Leaping from a Vice Admiral to a Marshal?
Throughout the entire history of the Federation, there had never been such a precedent, nor had anyone even dared to entertain such a thought!
Yet, upon second thought, they couldn't help but feel a tremor in their hearts.
This young Commander before them was only twenty-two years old and already commanded a Special Duke-class Fleet.
He had consecutively won three crucial campaigns, annihilating over 80,000 enemy starships of the Empire.
He had forcefully risen from a promising Military Academy freshman to become a rising star in the Federation's military circles.
With such achievements and such talent, if they were in his place, they might be even more arrogant than Qin Bei Wang.
In an instant, the way those unfamiliar faces looked at Qin Bei Wang
shifted from initial shock and disbelief to fervent admiration and expectation.
How fortunate to be able to follow such a legendary commander!
As for those old subordinates who had followed Qin Bei Wang for years, they didn't even bat an eye.
As if such words coming from their Commander were the most natural thing in the world!
Lu Chengjun slammed the conference table and was the first to stand up, his voice booming through the room.
"Commander, rest assured!
In the next campaign, our Celestial Pole Star Fleet will give it our all, and we will surely lift you firmly onto the Marshal's seat!"
He Siqi followed closely, smiling in agreement, his tone full of confidence.
"Two months? More than enough!
With our fleet's strength and relying on those new equipment,
achieving another great victory is well within our grasp!"
The other Fleet Commanders also voiced their commitments one after another.
Each spoke passionately, pounding their chests and promising to lift the Commander to the Marshal's position.
Soon, only Ouyang Xu remained.
Even if Ouyang Xu were the most obtuse, he understood this was directed at those newly joined like him.
He slowly rose to his feet.
His movements were slow, but steady.
All eyes fell upon him.
Ouyang Xu raised his right hand, clenched it into a fist, and gently placed it over his heart on the left side of his chest.
He spoke, his voice not loud, but each word clear and forceful.
"I am willing to offer everything I have for you, Commander."
He paused, his gaze fixed directly on Qin Bei Wang.
"Since you have chosen me as the Commander of the Tianji Star Fleet..."
"Then I will certainly not disappoint your expectations."
"Even if it costs me everything, I will not hesitate."
The conference room was quiet for a second.
Then, Qin Bei Wang smiled.
He slowly stood up, his eyes sweeping over everyone present.
That gaze was like a lion surveying its territory.
His voice resonated in the conference room, carrying an undeniable aura of dominance.
"Good."
He paused.
"Very good."
Paused again.
"Excellent."
Three affirmations, each heavier and more profound than the last.
Then, he spoke word by word.
"Remember everything you said today."
"You will fight for me..."
"Live for me."
As the words fell.
In the conference room, no one spoke.
But every pair of eyes shone with astonishing intensity.
In the time that followed, everyone began discussing a series of specific issues such as fleet coordination, tactical coordination, and logistical support.
Qin Bei Wang sat at the head of the table, listening to the reports and suggestions from each commander.
Occasionally interjecting a few words, occasionally nodding.
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