Although Federation University wasnât a military school, its president and some of its professors were alumni of the Federal Military Academy next door.
The two schools also held frequent joint activities. Furthermore, the impressive discipline demonstrated by the military academyâs management style was so admired that, years ago, Federation University had amended its own school regulations to follow suit.
So, at 7:00 AM sharp, the diligent dormitory management robot activated the building-wide alarm.
"Good morning, students of the Mecha Single Soldier System. It is now exactly seven oâclock in the morningâ"
"The sun is shining brightly, the air outside is fresh, and the empty training grounds await your presence."
"Of the thousands of paths you can take, diligence is the first. It is now 7:01. Every passing minute is a pity. Itâs time to get up!"
The voice, though gentle and full of sappy motivational fluff, was incredibly loud.
It was extremely noisy, and all four girls in Room 501 opened their eyes.
The student handbook mentioned there was a meeting today, so everyone got out of bed briskly.
As they were getting ready, Jiang Qiuqiu once again became the center of attention. After all, she looked so âdelicate.â Her skin was snow-white, her almond-shaped eyes were crystal clear, and her lips were plump and red. Even her black hair was unusually soft. She looked exactly like a girl who had been pampered her whole life.
As if sheâd never known a day of hardship.
Yet she could wake up the moment the alarm rang.
Living together hadnât caused any conflicts. It was the first day, so everyone was still in the tentative stage of getting to know one another, and they were all polite.
Of course, Tingting was very enthusiastic.
And she was happy to act as a bridge between Meng Chun, Michelle, and Jiang Qiuqiu.
"Michelle! Chunchun! Look, doesnât Qiu... Qiuqiu look like a helpless young lady who couldnât even hurt a fly? Well, sheâs not!"
Her cheeks were flushed. "Qiuqiu has excellent stamina, and sheâs great with a knife. A real expert!"
This topic piqued their curiosity. Michelle glanced at Jiang Qiuqiuâs hands and said uncertainly, "Is that so?"
"Yeah!"
"Sheâs a master at it! SWISH SWISH SWISH!"
"..."
"Iâm just used to it. Tingting, youâre exaggerating."
"By the way, are we going to the cafeteria for breakfast now?"
"Yes. Weâre students of the Mecha Single Soldier System. Specially recruited students get a subsidy. During our first year, we can get three free Nutrient Liquids every day. Meng Chun and I are going to get ours. You guys can also eat breakfast at the restaurant next to it."
Jiang Qiuqiu acknowledged her. "Got it, thanks."
The cafeteria was quite a distance from the dormitory. After a short walk, the group reached a campus hoverbus stop. They quickly boarded a small Hovercar, and the robot driver set off.
After arriving at the cafeteria, Jiang Qiuqiu didnât go to get a Nutrient Liquid.
Drinking Nutrient Liquid was sheer torture for her. Her sense of taste had become increasingly sensitive as her spiritual power grew, and drinking that stuffâ
âwas becoming more and more of an assault on her senses.
She went to the natural food restaurant for breakfast. A natural breakfast cost a fair number of Star Coins, making it a luxury, so she didnât specifically invite Michelle and Meng Chun. They had only just met, and she could tell that Michelle was the type of girl who kept a clear distance from others and had a bit of a strong-willed personality.
Just like she used to be.
However, Qiuqiu did invite Liu Tingting.
"Want to get breakfast together?"
"How about you come and see how the school cafeteriaâs food compares to my cooking?"
"Okay!" Liu Tingting was super happy. "But you donât have to treat me, Qiuqiu. I have my own Star Coins!"
She was incredibly lively. The natural food restaurant served its food quicklyâjust a bowl of congee and a small side dish, but the price was exorbitant. Jiang Qiuqiu took a bite. The faint aroma of rice slipped down her throat. It wasnât bad, but you couldnât call it delicious either.
It was just ordinary, enough to fill oneâs stomach.
Having been spoiled by Jiang Qiuqiuâs livestreams, Liu Tingting also ate without much enthusiasm. "You know, I only applied here because I heard Federation Universityâs cafeteria was better than the one at the Federal Military Academy."
"I didnât expect... itâs just so-so."
She sighed. "I guess the food at the Federal Military Academy is even worse. The core soldiers of our Empire really have it tough."
Her serious, dramatic sigh made Jiang Qiuqiu burst out laughing.
âSheâs so lively.â
At 7:40, both groups had finished their meals. And donât ask why it took so long just to drink Nutrient Liquidâyou have to mentally prepare yourself for every single sip.
With full stomachs, the four of them regrouped and took a vehicle from the small station next to the cafeteria, heading to the universityâs largest auditorium for this yearâs freshman assembly.
When they got there and sat down in the section reserved for the Mecha Single Soldier System, the four of them realized they stood out.
Because there were very, very few girls in the Mecha Single Soldier System.