When Feng Mo's great-grandfather was still alive, he held a significant position in the Imperial Military, with numerous protégés and loyal subordinates. However, the elders of these two pests standing before him belonged to a rival faction of his great-grandfather's. Back then, skirmishes between the factions were frequent, and this rivalry trickled down to the next generation. Ever since Feng Mo's parents went missing, the intensity of this feud had somewhat diminished.
Both Jiang Wei and Zhao Zhicheng were third-year cadets in the Command Department's Class Two, which meant that run-ins between them and Feng Mo's Class One weren't frequent. However, whenever they did meet, a war of words was inevitable, a well-known rivalry among their cohort.
Wang Chongsheng was aware of the inevitable: these two would undoubtedly seize the opportunity of the starship purchase to mock Feng Mo.
"Let's go. We have to confront them head-on; otherwise, by tomorrow, they'll be running their mouths on the interstellar forums," Feng Mo said, rejecting Wang Chongsheng's suggestion to avoid the confrontation. He confidently headed toward the floor-to-ceiling window area.
To bystanders, it seemed like a confrontation was about to unfold.
Heads turned eagerly to watch, because no matter the era, people loved a good spectacle; it was practically embedded in human DNA.
"Well, well, if it isn't Young Master Zhao! How I've missed you!" Wang Chongsheng called out, giving Feng Mo a look as if to say, "Watch this." He then strode up to Zhao Zhicheng with exaggerated enthusiasm.
This caught Zhao Zhicheng off guard, leaving him momentarily stunned. Begrudgingly, he stood up to greet Wang Chongsheng.
The two embraced like long-lost friends who couldn't bear to meet, each using the hug to apply as much discomfort as possible.
Zhao Zhicheng squeezed Wang Chongsheng with all his strength, pounding his back three times hard enough to make Wang's tongue stick out in pain.
Wang Chongsheng retaliated with a stomp on Zhao Zhicheng's foot, causing him to wince. They continued to exchange unspoken insults in hushed tones, all the while putting on a display of camaraderie for onlookers.
The "friendly" interaction lasted a full five minutes, ending only when both had tears in their eyes from the pain. They reluctantly separated, each nursing their bruises, though trying to keep smiles on their faces, albeit strained ones.
"Old Wang, this spot has a nice view of the docked starships outside," Feng Mo said, pointing to a table by the window overlooking the starport, cleverly diverting the tension.
Wang Chongsheng slowly made his way over, muttering, "Damn, that bastard hits hard, but I got his foot good. Forget him, Mo! Today's on me. Let's eat!"
Feng Mo chuckled. It was a blessing to have a wealthy childhood friend who respected his pride and took care of him.
Before Feng Mo could respond, Wang Chongsheng had already ordered food from his smart terminal, selecting all of Feng Mo's favorite dishes.
After the brief interruption, the two sat and discussed the docked starships outside, ignoring the seething glare of Zhao Zhicheng behind them.
Feng Mo had always had an intense passion for anything related to starships. The sight of various models lined up in the starport filled him with excitement. What man could resist the allure of massive warships and colossal cannons?
Using the knowledge he had acquired, Feng Mo mentally identified each ship type docked at the starport. Most were T1 or T2 starships, with a few rare T3 models. T4 ships were never seen at the academy, as none had yet retired from service. Currently, the three main fleets of the Cloud Mountain Empire utilized T5 starships as flagships, supplemented by T4 ships in mixed formations.
T1 ships were civilian-class vessels, while military fleets were generally composed of T3 flagships, supported by T2 ships. Feng Mo spotted a T2-class battleship docked near the starport's edge, a true relic likely older than his missing father.
Battleships and carriers were among the most expensive starship classes. Battleships were the kings of space combat, synonymous with brute strength, while carriers were mobile fortresses, packed with starfighters and mechas, true behemoths of the interstellar battlefield.
There were, of course, special starships above these, such as missile ships, warp ships, bombers, and planet-killers.
The ancient T2 battleship bore three emblems: the insignia of the Starsea Human Federation at the front, the Cloud Mountain Empire's in the middle, and the academy's crest at the rear.
Soon, a robot arrived with their meals. Just as they were about to dig in, an annoying voice interrupted.
"Zhicheng, I heard that the school will be organizing practical internships for all Command cadets in our senior year," Jiang Wei's voice rang out. "We're lucky to have T3 starships from our families, so we're safe. Unlike a certain fallen noble who can't even afford a T3 starship."
It was Jiang Wei speaking, and Feng Mo couldn't deny it. He indeed couldn't afford a T3 ship. Most of his family's assets had been sold off by his parents, leaving him with just over eight million Cloud Mountain Credits in his account. Buying a T3 starship worth tens of millions would mean selling off the family's remaining planets, something Feng Mo would never consider. Fortunately, he had a secret edge—a cheat that should make acquiring a T3 starship feasible.
Jiang Wei loved belittling others, a trait likely stemming from a sense of superiority. Feng Mo had encountered people like him often in his previous life. To Jiang Wei, Zhao Zhicheng was his lackey, and it was his duty as the "big brother" to avenge any perceived slight from Wang Chongsheng.
Feng Mo sighed, setting down his chopsticks. He stood and addressed Jiang Wei, "I've got a busy schedule ahead, so let's cut the nonsense. How about a starship duel at the start of our senior year, Jiang Wei? Let's see how well that T3 starship your daddy bought you performs."
"A starship duel? You against me? Are you serious?" Jiang Wei looked stunned, then burst into laughter. He approached Feng Mo, finger raised, but Wang Chongsheng intervened, pushing the hand aside.
Jiang Wei glared at Wang Chongsheng, who remained unfazed, standing protectively by Feng Mo's side. Wang was ready to support his friend, even if it meant letting Feng Mo take the spotlight.
"Are you a man or not? Yes or no?" Feng Mo demanded.
"Of course I'm in!" Jiang Wei yelled.
"Great! September 3rd at 1 p.m., at the academy starport. If I lose, I'll drop out. What about you?" Feng Mo's eyes were cold, locking onto his rival.
"If I lose, I'll drop out too!" Jiang Wei spat out.
"Deal!" Feng Mo activated his smart terminal, sending an official duel challenge through the academy's version of the star network.
Ignoring Zhao Zhicheng's protests, Jiang Wei accepted the challenge on his terminal. A holographic projection materialized between them, displaying both class mentors.
"Third-year cadet Feng Mo has challenged third-year cadet Jiang Wei to a starship duel. Do both class mentors confirm?" The mentors looked to their students for confirmation. Feng Mo nodded, as did Jiang Wei.
"Confirmed!"
"The duel is set. Both cadets are to report to the academy starport at 1 p.m. on September 3rd."
Hearing that the duel was official, Feng Mo relaxed and sat back down. Jiang Wei felt a sense of unease but couldn't pinpoint why, and Zhao Zhicheng had to drag him away.
As the commotion ended, Wang Chongsheng whispered, "Mo, you were a bit impulsive there. I'm not doubting you, but use my starship for the duel if you need to. Don't go back to your estate over the break. Come with me; I'll get you familiarized with my ship."
Feng Mo waved off the offer. "Thanks, Old Wang, but I've got this. My starship's already sorted.
You'll see it when school starts. Don't worry. Jiang Wei won't know what hit him."