Chapter 1351: Chapter 1260: Interstellar Life 31

The group traveled by suspended train to the first location for this simulated training exercise, a large area dense with wilderness, devoid of any human traces, reminiscent of a primitive society.

A vast grassland with rolling waves lay ahead, and beyond it stood a towering forest, culminating in a series of undulating mountains, steep and unsuitable for climbing.

Shuangshuang and her team were tasked with crossing the grassland, forest, and mountains to reach the rest campsite built on the far side.

Without a map and faced with various dangerous species on this planet, it was not as simple a task as Chi Ruiqiu believed, although not entirely difficult either.

The reason Chi Ruiqiu dared to underestimate this task was naturally because the Chi Family was an aristocratic family of soldiers, and as a child of the Chi Family, she received various teachings beyond standard schooling from a young age.

Included in these teachings were realistic practice exercises on dangerous F-series planets.

In other words, the first task of this simulated training exercise had been arranged countless times by her family, leading to no tension or urgency in Chi Ruiqiu’s mind.

Shuangshuang scanned through the Space Button provided for the exercise, finding three sets of clothes for changing, food and water for roughly three days, two overnight tents, and a thin metal book.

Shuangshuang took the book from the Space Button, with the cover inscribed with "F1387 Star Species Catalog."

She raised an eyebrow and opened the book, instantly launching a large virtual screen filled with seemingly physical holographic species images, each in its small cube.

Activating one at random, an indistinguishable holographic image appeared before Shuangshuang, who began browsing through the species catalog.

Beside her, Chi Ruiqiu also took out the species catalog from her Space Button, examining it similarly, while Liang Xuan and Chu Xinqiong hesitated before doing the same.

The pair were unfocused, their eyes on the holographic images being activated repeatedly while their minds drifted to wondering when the task would start. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Watching others form groups of four and proceed onto the grassland after discussions, Liang Xuan and Chu Xinqiong grew more anxious, still distracted while looking at the species catalog.

Shuangshuang glanced at them and calmly reminded, "We are completely unfamiliar with this area and unsure about the dangerous species hidden here.

It may look peaceful ahead, but we are unaware of the hidden dangers. If we don’t review this safely in advance, we might end up calling for help during a crisis."

Neither Liang Xuan nor Chu Xinqiong liked relying on others for help; reminded by Shuangshuang, they forced themselves to calm and carefully study the species catalog.

Sufficient time was allotted for this task, allowing Shuangshuang to spend an entire day assessing potentially dangerous species that might appear in the mission landscape.

After nightfall, Shuangshuang took out the tent from her Space Button, a cube the size of a magic cube, tossing it onto the ground where it instantly expanded into a tent.

The tent was spacious inside, with one room and one living area; made of unique materials, it was sturdier than a house and excellently safe and stable against external attacks.

This was a military tent; its combination of safety, portability, and high cost was notable.

Around Shuangshuang, other students chose to stay in place like her, opening tents without immediately venturing onto the grassland.

It seemed several students opted similarly to Shuangshuang and Chi Ruiqiu, all showing patience.

Early the following day, after consuming food from her Space Button, Shuangshuang, Chi Ruiqiu, Liang Xuan, and Chu Xinqiong discussed entering the grassland that day.

While reviewing the species catalog she had studied and highlighted the previous day, Shuangshuang said, "After researching all day yesterday, I’ve analyzed and picked out certain species.

These dangerous species are likely to appear during our task, so be cautious and stay safe."

Chi Ruiqiu replied with her usual aloof demeanor, "I’m indifferent; although these creatures are dangerous, they aren’t that hard to handle, aside from a few that are adept at stealth and might pose a trouble."

Exchanging glances, Liang Xuan softly assured, "Chu Xinqiong and I will make sure to protect ourselves and won’t hold you back."

Shuangshuang frowned slightly, sensing something amiss in Liang Xuan’s words "Chu Xinqiong and I."

Such wording subtly implied exclusion and boundary setting, likely influenced by Chi Ruiqiu’s pressure, causing Liang Xuan and Chu Xinqiong to unconsciously draw together.

This was unacceptable; Shuangshuang had an idea since the grading for this exercise involved points addition and deduction, although the criteria for such weren’t clearly outlined.

Shuangshuang speculated that harmonious relations with teammates were undoubtedly an important factor in scoring, potentially significant in proportion.

Despite these thoughts, Shuangshuang didn’t voice them, gathering her tent and leading the team into the grassland, choosing a moment to quietly share her analysis with Chi Ruiqiu.

She advised Chi Ruiqiu against her coldness, suggesting not to be overly warm but to at least stop being icy towards people.

However, Chi Ruiqiu merely paused, showing no intention to change her demeanor, telling Shuangshuang, "I don’t need those extra points."

Shuangshuang frowned, emphasizing the importance, "Nonetheless, you can’t always act this way; being in the military means needing comrades on the battlefield. Poor relationships may lead to serious issues."

Chi Ruiqiu fell silent once more, reluctantly nodding after a long pause, "I understand, I’ll treat them better."

After convincing Chi Ruiqiu, Shuangshuang skillfully bridged the gap between Liang Xuan, Chu Xinqiong, Chi Ruiqiu, and herself to avoid complications in task completion from stiffness.

Fortunately, Liang Xuan and Chu Xinqiong were easier to get along with than Chi Ruiqiu; Shuangshuang’s friendly gesture quickly rekindled their camaraderie.

Shuangshuang believed she, too, studied the Command Department, yet her primary focus was Genetic Repair; teammate relationship mediation fell under the Command Department’s responsibility.

Soon, any other thoughts vanished for Shuangshuang, as she encountered an unexpected person, someone whose mere sight made her mind buzz loudly, nearly exploding right there—Du Qiyue!

Du Qiyue was moving with her team when she unexpectedly crossed paths with Shuangshuang and her companions. Upon seeing Du Qiyue, Shuangshuang simultaneously caught her gaze.

Du Qiyue was a student of the Federal First Academy, a fellow student of Chi Ruiqiu’s institution, with whom she had become acquainted early on, showing enthusiasm and warmth upon seeing Chi Ruiqiu.