Staying Alive Cautiously in the Celestial Realm and Becoming the Strongest

In the deep expanse of the starry sky, a massive space fortress appeared before Wang Chen's view.

The space fortress is one of the highest achievements of human technological civilization, typically used to guard the main star, Star Gate, and border stars. It is not only a city in space but also an interstellar stronghold armed with formidable military power.

Most space fortresses have both military and civilian spaceports and serve as the primary base for many interstellar fleets.

The space fortress Wang Chen saw was numbered TK043, precisely the station of the Imperial Seventh Rapid Response Fleet.

The Holy Light Empire possesses twelve rapid response fleets, differing from the main fleets in that the rapid response fleets are small and flexible, usually composed of high-speed destroyers, assault ships, stealth ships, and supply ships.

In terms of firepower, an entire rapid response fleet might not match a single Titan-class Battleship, but the speed of the rapid response fleet far exceeds that of the latter, particularly suitable for executing emergency missions.

Under normal circumstances, rapid response fleets only operate within the empire's star territories, mainly used for clearing star pirates, suppressing rebellious forces, and responding to various types of sudden crises.

The interstellar passenger ship Wang Chen was aboard slowly docked into the spaceport.

He disembarked from the ship along with tens of thousands of passengers and then took a transport vehicle within the port to his destination.

Wang Chen's destination was naturally the fortress station of the Seventh Rapid Response Fleet.

The TK043 space fortress looked like an ancient naval mine, spherical in shape, but with huge platforms extending outward from the surface, appearing from a distance to be covered with black spikes.

Intimidating.

Nine super main cannons are the most powerful weapons of this space fortress. Even the Titan-class Battleships known for their robust defenses could not withstand a full salvo from them.

The base of the Seventh Rapid Response Fleet was located at the top of the fortress's upper main cannon, occupying the best and safest position.

Wang Chen got off the transport vehicle at the base's entrance and showed his reassignment letter to the guard.

After a brief protocol verification, he was guided by drones through numerous checkpoints to the base's military logistics department.

A captain received Wang Chen and handled the related enlistment procedures for him.

"Sergeant, welcome to the Seventh Rapid Response Fleet!"

The captain shook hands with Wang Chen after completing the procedures and said with a smile, "I will now take you to the 35th Mech Squadron."

Wang Chen's assignment was confirmed before he joined, so there was no question of choice.

The mecha armament of a conventional fleet is usually divided into groups, battalions, squadrons, and teams, then stationed in different warships based on their level.

Below the squadron's establishment are three teams, each equipped with ten different types of combat mecha and specialized command, sniper, and maintenance teams set up.

Under the captain's leadership, Wang Chen, who had not yet had the chance to change into military uniform, arrived at the base's internal D4 camp.

The D4 camp is quite large, containing hangars, dormitories, and training grounds, giving a sense that it may be small but complete.

When Wang Chen arrived, over a hundred soldiers in training uniforms were practicing on the training grounds.

"Lieutenant Carter!"

The captain shouted, "Come and receive your new recruit!"

His voice was very loud, instantly attracting the attention of everyone present.

Some were curious, some puzzled, some watching the show...

The next moment, a burly man with a robust build strode over.

He quickly glanced at Wang Chen and raised his brow: "Captain, what do you mean by bringing a chick over when our Black Flag Squad needs an elite raider cavalry who can fight?"

Lieutenant Carter did not hide his contempt for Wang Chen at all.

The reason was simple; Wang Chen looked nothing like the elite pilot he needed, with ordinary appearance and aura, and very young.

This kind of person was supposed to fill the ranks of cannon fodder on the front lines!

Lieutenant Carter's inner dissatisfaction had reached its peak and was openly displayed.

Chick?

Wang Chen subtly glanced at him.

Lieutenant Carter, with quick perception, immediately sensed it and glared back: "Why? You dissatisfied? Want to try it on the field? If you can withstand three moves from me, then you pass."

"Otherwise, go back to where you came from; our Black Flag Squad does not need someone seeking qualifications!"

Obviously mistaking Wang Chen as someone with connections and background!

The captain was bemused: "Lieutenant Carter, let me introduce you first, Sergeant Wang Chen from the Imperial First Military Academy, an outstanding graduate in Heavy Assault and Ground Warfare."

First Military Academy!

Lieutenant Carter paused, couldn't help but look at Wang Chen again.

The name of the Imperial First Military Academy is undoubtedly the loudest in the empire's military system, with hundreds of years of accumulated reputation and beyond doubt, it cannot be underestimated.

Lieutenant Carter restrained the contempt in his eyes and asked in a deep voice, "How old is he?"

The captain replied, "Sergeant Wang Chen is twenty years old this year."

Seeing Lieutenant Carter's expression begin to shift drastically again, he hurriedly added, "Forgot to tell you, Sergeant Wang Chen has passed the certification as an A-grade War Professional and is a member of the association's Elite Group!"

A-grade War Professional!

The training ground erupted, a group of Imperial soldiers stunned and unable to believe their ears.

What does a twenty-year-old A-grade War Professional mean?

The weight of this status far exceeds that of a First Military Academy graduate!

Lieutenant Carter scoffed, "You must be joking!"

As a B-grade War Professional himself, he understood precisely how difficult it was to pass the A-grade assessment.

While the First Military Academy might house many slackers or people with connections, the association's A-grade certification is no joke. Without considerable strength, having such status would be pure risk.

Basically, no one would do such a thing!

Therefore, Lieutenant Carter completely disbelieved what the captain said, leaving the latter quite helpless.

The next moment, Wang Chen silently pulled out his War Professional badge and hung it on his chest.

The training ground became dead silent, and the previously disdainful Lieutenant Carter's eyes widened, mouth hanging open large enough to fit an ostrich egg!

Wang Chen smiled and saluted him: "Lieutenant Carter, Sergeant Pilot Wang Chen reporting, requesting to join the squad!"

Lieutenant Carter closed his mouth, swallowed hard, and then replied with difficulty: "Permission granted to join!"

After a moment of hesitation, he proactively extended his hand to Wang Chen: "Sergeant, welcome to the Black Flag Squad."

The A-grade War Professional badge is virtually impossible to fake, and Wang Chen had no reason to fake it, nor could he possibly deceive anyone within the empire's military system, so it must be genuine.

Lieutenant Carter also had no reason to refuse Wang Chen's joining!

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Second chapter delivered.