Recruitment

Erlitu pushed himself up with one hand and leaped directly down from the balcony. He landed silently, his posture elegant. The night wind lifted the corner of his black jacket, inexplicably reminding one of a black eagle spreading its wings in the vast sky. An obstacle that seemed insurmountable in Fei Ang's eyes was so easily overcome by him.

Fei Ang then realized he couldn't wake his grandfather and said in a hushed, pleased voice, "Erlitu, how did you get out? It's a good thing you saved me just now, or I would have had a nasty fall."

Although a Guide's physical constitution was average, if their Spiritual Power was controlled properly, it could exert a tremendous effect in many situations. On the battlefield, its power could even rival that of ten top Sentinels.

Unfortunately, the Empire didn't require Guides to face danger directly. Most of the time, it was enough for them to sit comfortably in the Guidance Room and help soothe a Sentinel's rampage. Coupled with the Empire's generous subsidies, they were raised with no combat awareness. Examples like Erlitu, who could manipulate his Spiritual Power with such ease, were few and far between.

Erlitu glanced at the black travel bag on Fei Ang. "Haven't you always wanted to go to Ketonini Iceland? I saw that Grandpa didn't seem to have any intention of letting you out, so I secretly stole the room key."

Although their personalities were worlds apart, they were, after all, biological brothers and had always gotten along well. In his past life, when Erlitu wanted to go to the Imperial Star, Fei Ang gave up the marriage alliance spot without a second thought. Meng Luo couldn't win against them and had no choice but to let them be. Thus, one happily went off to explore Ketonini Iceland, while the other, full of ambition, headed to the Imperial Star.

Erlitu vaguely remembered that Fei Ang later formed his own exploration team and gained tens of millions of fans on the StarNet, which could be considered a successful pursuit of his dream. In this life, he had no intention of taking his place in the marriage alliance. What if Grandpa insisted on Fei Ang going to the Imperial Star? Wouldn't that disrupt fate? So he had directly brought the key over, intending to let him out secretly, but he hadn't expected Fei Ang to be so bold as to jump from the third floor.

Hearing this, Fei Ang was moved to tears and threw his arms around Erlitu. "Wuwuwu, Erlitu, I knew it, you're the best to me. At a time like this, only you are still willing to help me."

The smile on Erlitu's lips remained unchanged. "My dear brother, if I don't help you, who will?"

"Before Grandpa wakes up, you should leave quickly. The outside world is waiting for you to explore. I wish you a pleasant trip to Ketonini Iceland."

Fei Ang's spirits soared upon hearing this. He nodded vigorously, his eyes red. "Good brother! I'm leaving. You have to help me take good care of Grandpa at home!"

He didn't dare say more, afraid that lingering any longer would ruin everything. After speaking, he slung his luggage over his back and hurriedly left the courtyard to find his friend who was waiting at the gate with a car. His young, reckless figure was soon swallowed by the night.

Erlitu stood in place and watched for a moment, thinking that he had finally solved a problem. However, just as he was twirling the key ring on his fingertip, ready to turn and go back to his room in a good mood, he suddenly froze—

The night was silent. In the entire building, only Fei Ang's room still had a light on. On the balcony railing, a burly yet old figure in black had appeared at some point. Even though his face couldn't be seen clearly due to the lighting, it was still not difficult to sense his stern, furrowed brow. At his feet lay a giant, entirely silver tiger, which was lazily yawning.

Erlitu: "..."

He almost forgot. A Sentinel's five senses were the most sensitive. How could the noise Fei Ang made possibly escape his grandfather's ears?

Tonight was destined to be a sleepless one.

Erlitu sat silently at the dining table, opposite a grim-faced Meng Luo. A faint tension filled the air. Even the white tiger lying on the floor keenly sensed this unusual atmosphere, restlessly pawing at the carpet.

"Erlitu—"

After an unknown amount of time, Meng Luo finally broke the silence. His stern eyes were as sharp as they were in his youth, but the furrows between his brows and his slightly frosted temples betrayed a hint of age. When facing these two grandsons in their rebellious phase, he couldn't help but seem a bit overwhelmed:

"Did Fei Ang run away on his own, or did you let him go?"

Erlitu smiled slightly, showing no panic at being discovered. Though he was still young, he always gave off a sense of ease, as if everything was under his control. "Grandpa, the process isn't important. What's important is that Fei Ang has already left, isn't it?"

Meng Luo nodded in agreement, looking at him meaningfully. "Indeed, Fei Ang has already left. In that case, Erlitu, do you want to take his place in the marriage alliance with the Soland Family?"

It had to be said, Meng Luo still understood this grandson of his.

He had always known that with Erlitu's personality, he would never be content to stay cooped up on this tiny Third-Class Star. But the family was in decline and clearly couldn't support his ideals and ambitions. The only shortcut was this marriage. Letting Fei Ang go was most likely his deliberate act.

But unfortunately, that was merely Erlitu's thought from his past life.

"Grandpa, how could you think of me that way?"

Hearing this, Erlitu raised an eyebrow faintly, seeming a little surprised. His azure eyes shimmered under the crystal chandelier, giving him a look of saintly innocence,

"I just feel that Fei Ang is suited for the vaster sky outside. There's no need to trap him here. I have always remembered the principle you once taught me: a man's merits and glory should be won on the battlefield, not by relying on the legacy of his ancestors. Isn't that right?"

"I assure you I have no interest at all in the marriage alliance with the Soland Family. If you're willing, you can even call them tomorrow to cancel the engagement."

Erlitu's frankness and awareness somewhat exceeded Meng Luo's imagination. He had already prepared himself to swallow his pride and call his old comrade-in-arms tomorrow to discuss changing the engaged party to Erlitu. Now, he was caught completely off guard.

'Could this little brat have really changed his ways?'

Meng Luo suppressed the astonishment in his heart and asked, uncertain, "You're sure?!"

"Of course."

'Is my impression in Grandpa's mind really that bad?' Erlitu thought. His tone was sincere as he patiently guided the conversation. "After all, this marriage belongs to Fei Ang and Anmi. It has nothing to do with me. Grandpa, my dream is to join the army and go to the battlefield in the future, to shed every last drop of my blood for the Empire."

He was best at tailoring his words to his audience, and he knew exactly what kind of heroic words his grandfather Meng Luo liked to hear. His declaration finally made the latter's expression relax, and his stern gaze gradually softened.

"No, Erlitu, you can't go to the battlefield. Although I'm very happy to hear you say that, I'd rather you and Fei Ang be safe and sound. The battlefield is too dangerous; it's not suitable for you two."

Because Erlitu was born with a defective Spiritual Body, Meng Luo had never wanted him to encounter anything dangerous, let alone something like war that involved sacrifice and bloodshed. Thus, he had strongly opposed him joining the army for many years.

Erlitu didn't mind going to the battlefield; after all, he'd been there countless times in his previous life. But facing Meng Luo's worried gaze, he still went along with his words. "Grandpa, please rest assured, both Fei Ang and I will stay healthy and accompany you."

Hearing this, Meng Luo slowly let out a breath, as if he had finally made a decision. "In that case, I'll call Soland in a couple of days to discuss canceling the engagement. Actually, our two families haven't seen each other in so many years, and our circumstances are so different. Perhaps a marriage alliance was never suitable for us anymore..."

The last sentence was more like the sigh of a hero in his twilight years, his voice low and almost inaudible.

Erlitu watched as his grandfather Meng Luo rose from his chair, patted him on the shoulder without a word, and then turned to go upstairs to rest. The light from the living room's crystal chandelier poured down, making his imposing figure appear slightly stooped. Only the majestic white tiger following by his side allowed one to vaguely picture the high spirits of their youth.

For a moment, Erlitu realized with hindsight that perhaps his grandfather had never approved of this marriage at all. It was only because of his own insistence and ambition in his past life that he had swallowed his pride to ask his old comrade-in-arms to make it happen.

"..."

Erlitu sat alone in the living room, leaning back slowly into the chair, lost in thought. The bright moonlight from outside the window streamed in, clearly illuminating his downcast eyes, which seemed to hold infinite worries.

He was thinking about his future path.

He definitely had to go to the Imperial Star, but if he wanted to gain a firm foothold there, he would need the support of power and wealth.

Money was not a concern for Erlitu. In his previous life, he had countless properties under his name, and the coordinates of undeveloped crystal mines on various surrounding planets were firmly etched in his mind. As long as he could recruit enough manpower and find a way to obtain a mining permit, innumerable Star Coins would come rolling in.

The most difficult part was power.

Upon closer examination, the turning point of Erlitu's fate in his past life began when he obtained that energy called 'Void'. After all, with strength, power would naturally follow. However, he was unclear about the origin of that energy. He only knew that it was discovered by an exploration team in an extremely dangerous place, then secretly escorted all the way back to the Imperial Star by the army for years of research, and was classified as an SSS-level confidential file.

In his past life, due to his defective Spiritual Body, Erlitu did not enter the Military Department but chose to plunge into the business world instead. He was skillful and had a keen eye for investment. In just five short years, he built an astonishing fortune and strongly supported the military's research and development projects. It was precisely because of this that he had the opportunity to come into contact with that mysterious power in a laboratory, thereby raising his own level and entering the Military Department to hold power.

Five years. This period wasn't long, but it wasn't short either. Yet, it was all the time he and Yin Lai spent together in that short life.

Outside the window, the night was somber. An occasional cold wind blew past, carrying a whimpering sound. Erlitu felt as if he had returned to the battlefield of the past. His nostrils filled with the thick, sticky smell of blood. He had watched with his own eyes as Yin Lai fell silently, his body swallowed and buried by the quicksand, finally vanishing without a trace.

It's too long...

Erlitu silently closed his eyes, pressing his fingertips to his temples and rubbing slowly. What he needed most right now was to improve his strength, so in this life, he had to find 'Void' ahead of time. If possible, he also wanted to give Yin Lai Spiritual Guidance earlier. After all, five years was far too long; Yin Lai's body couldn't possibly hold out until then. But even if he started a business now, he wouldn't be able to get access to the laboratory projects without three to five years of planning.

Unless...

Unless he could enter the Military Department?

Unfortunately, his grandfather would never agree to let him go to the battlefield.

However, Erlitu didn't look flustered. He rested his forehead on one hand while the fingertips of his other hand tapped lightly on his knee. After a moment, he finally opened his deep, azure eyes. There was a faint golden light within them, which looked stunningly beautiful under the lights. The corners of his lips curved into a half-smile:

"My dear brother, it seems you've helped me again..."

After Fei Ang ran away, the storm he had caused quickly subsided. Life at home returned to its usual rhythm. Just as Meng Luo was hesitating about how to call his old comrade-in-arms to cancel the engagement, the arrival of a few uninvited guests shattered the original peace.

"Hello, is this Mr. Meng Luo's residence?"

Early one morning, two young Sentinels in standard Empire military uniforms rang the doorbell and stood at the entrance before dawn. One of them was holding a paper file, writing something down, while the other held an electronic device. They looked like two greenhorns who had just started out. When they inadvertently glanced at Erlitu standing behind Meng Luo, they would even blush from embarrassment at the sight of his gentle and affectionate blue eyes.

But that wasn't important. What was important was that both of them wore the armbands of the Empire's recruitment office on their arms.

Meng Luo had a sudden ominous premonition, and he couldn't stop his brow from furrowing. "I am Meng Luo. How may I help you two?"

The young Sentinel in the lead saw that the file indicated Meng Luo was a retired lieutenant colonel. Out of respect, he raised his hand and gave him a military salute:

"Sir, it's like this. According to the laws of the Empire, all Guides or Sentinels who have reached the age of twenty must participate in the annual recruitment event and then serve in a Military Academy. The database shows that two members of your household have differentiated into Guides: A-rank Guide Fei Ang and D-rank Guide Erlitu. They have both met the recruitment requirements and need to report to the Recruitment Building within three days."

Meng Luo's face darkened upon hearing this. Although he was a soldier with a fearless spirit in his bones, that didn't mean he wanted his two precious grandsons to go to the battlefield as well. Especially now that one had already run off, and the one left was born with a disability, without even a Spiritual Body. Wouldn't sending him to the battlefield be a death sentence?!

"Hasn't recruitment on Donas Planet been stopped for a long time?"

The leading Sentinel explained, "Because Donas Planet was bombarded by unknown artillery shells two years ago, and many places have not yet been fully repaired, the recruitment activities were temporarily suspended for two years. However, they have returned to normal this year. Given that you are a high-ranking retired officer of the Empire, your family is entitled to one military service exemption. So, you see..."

The Sentinel behind him stepped forward to continue, "Which grandson would you like to have serve in the military?"

This question instantly sent Meng Luo into a rage. Which grandson to serve in the military?! He didn't want either of them to go! But the laws of the Empire were right there, and everyone had to obey. It seemed he had no choice but to comply.

Was it his foolish A-rank grandson, Fei Ang, or his D-rank grandson, Erlitu, who was born with a defect and had no Spiritual Body?

Meng Luo had already made his decision without even needing to choose. In fact, he had originally planned to let Fei Ang serve in the military and save the exemption for Erlitu. After all, on the battlefield, only sufficient strength could guarantee self-preservation. Although Guides generally didn't have to go to the battlefield, what good could come from someone with a congenital defect like Erlitu going in?

However, Donas Planet was unexpectedly attacked two years ago, and military service was suspended. Meng Luo had completely forgotten about this matter; otherwise, he would never have let Fei Ang slip away, no matter what.

He didn't know what he had remembered, but he suddenly lowered his head to check the time and muttered nervously to himself, "Fei Ang has only been gone for nine days. It's at least a fifteen-day journey from Donas Planet to Ketonini Iceland. Based on the time, he shouldn't have left the vicinity of Donas Planet yet. I'll go get him back right now!"

Erlitu stood by, silent from beginning to end, perfectly maintaining the image of a polite and obedient junior. It wasn't until he heard his grandfather's muttering that he finally looked up, his expression a confident half-smile.

It's too late. Fei Ang left Donas Planet long ago. Now, not even his shadow can be caught.

Sure enough, the other young Sentinel looked down at a miniature optical computer to check for a moment, then hesitantly raised his hand, shattering Meng Luo's last shred of hope. "I'm sorry, but according to the planet's entry and exit records, Lord Fei Ang already left Donas Planet three days ago. He has joined an exploration team organized by the National Geological Bureau and headed to Ketonini Iceland. The earliest he can return is in half a year."

After he finished speaking, he looked at Erlitu with sympathy, then handed over a thick manila envelope, his tone full of apology. "Lord Erlitu, this is the file and manual you'll need for the recruitment. All the necessary instructions are inside. Please fill out the forms and pack your luggage within three days, and report to the Recruitment Building on time."

Meng Luo immediately became anxious. He pressed down on the manila envelope and asked, "Is it possible not to go?!"

The Sentinel's attitude was sincere. "If you are deliberately absent, you will be considered a deserter by the Empire and will receive a three-year labor punishment in Hetu Prison. Of course, we respect any choice you make."

The implication was: either serve three years in the army or spend three years in prison.

Meng Luo: "?!!!"