Yu Zi Heng

Chapter 15: Reunion, Part 1 (Shen Duo X Yu Zi Heng)

1

“Beep——

Imperial T023 Battleship, Captain Shen Duo

Iris scan confirmed.

No signs of infection detected.

No weapons detected.

No communication devices detected.

Inspection completed. Welcome to the Military Affairs Office.”

The emotionless electronic voice faded away as a tall man clad in advanced protective armor stepped into the Military Affairs Office.

As soon as he entered, the bustling activity around him seemed to freeze; people stared at him in shock, some even forgetting their tasks. A secretary mindlessly shoved a stack of documents into the shredder.

Unfazed, Shen Duo strode confidently toward the elevator that would take him to the top floor.

The moment he left, the Military Affairs Office sprang back to life, chatter and movement resuming as if a spell had been broken.

“Is that Shen Duo… the Shen Duo?!”

“The real deal is even more imposing than in the news! My heart is about to jump out!”

“Oh my gosh, a 3S-level officer has such a strong presence; even the Zerg would tremble!”

“I can’t believe it! I’m dying! To see Shen Duo in my lifetime!”

“So handsome… My documents! Shredder, you better spit that out!”

...

The doors to the top-floor conference room opened automatically, and as Shen Duo stepped in, the generals with lower ranks stood up to salute him.

“For the Empire!”

Shen Duo patted his left shoulder with his right hand. “For the Empire.”

He walked straight to his seat, only to notice a stranger sitting to his left—a woman he had never seen before.

That seat on the left was previously occupied by General Yu. He had been battling the Zerg in the Tianhuan star system for the past month. Rumors had been circulating about his retirement, and logically, the person to replace him should be Yu Zi Yu, who had won the Imperial Federation Mech League last year. He was rumored to have reached a 2S mental level and was highly likely to become a 3S-level warrior like Shen Duo, the eldest son of General Yu.

But who was this woman?

As if sensing Shen Duo's confusion, the woman slightly turned her head and introduced herself, “Yu Zi Heng.”

“Shen Duo.”

Yu Zi Heng let out a soft laugh. Her dark hair, slightly disheveled, cascaded down her shoulders. Her skin was rosy, a welcome change from the pale, thin figures of the Imperial elite. What caught Shen Duo's attention even more was that she was wearing protective armor, just like him.

A warrior?

Yu Zi Heng calmly met Shen Duo's scrutiny, showing no shyness or unease. Her smile revealed a subtle dimple in her cheek that would have been difficult to spot from a distance. “Nice to meet you.”

Before they could exchange further pleasantries, the conference room door swung open again. The Queen, adorned in a black gown and a meteorite crown, entered the room, followed by the prince, both taking their seats.

After everyone bowed, the Queen smiled at the gathering. “I've called you all here today to announce two things. First, Captain Shen Duo of the T023 Battleship, during last month's battle in the Tianhuan star system, successfully wiped out the remaining Zerg and destroyed a breeding nest of the Zerg Queen. After joint evaluation by the Imperial Family and the Military Affairs Office, it has been determined that Captain Shen Duo possesses the capability to command a T-class battleship fleet. He will officially inherit the legacy of the former T-General, Shen Ying.”

Shen Duo stood up, not overly excited. After all, who in this world was more deserving of inheriting his father's fleet?

“For the Empire.”

The Queen smiled radiantly. Despite being over fifty, she still looked like a young woman in her twenties thanks to current technological advancements. Standing beside the Crown Prince, they looked more like siblings than mother and son.

After Shen Duo sat down, the Queen continued, “Secondly, as you all know, General Yu retired last month. He has designated Yu Zi Heng as his successor.”

Yu Zi Heng stood up and greeted the dignitaries.

Before anyone could understand what was happening, a general from the C-class legion suddenly stood up. “What's going on? Yu Zi Yu is a 2S-level warrior. Why is she being chosen as successor? I ask this warrior, what is your mental level, your combat level, what level of mech can you control, and what is your ranking in the virtual battlefield? Fellow generals, I believe that the successor of the military should be chosen based on a comprehensive assessment of all qualities. We cannot simply allow the former commander to appoint a successor without the same rigorous evaluation as Shen General. I cannot acknowledge this lady's status as successor!”

2

The Queen’s expression didn’t change, but the Crown Prince let out a cold snort. Shen Duo noticed this, not because of anything else, but because the Crown Prince had been vigilantly watching Yu Zi Heng since he entered the conference room.

All eyes were on Yu Zi Heng. A woman, a woman whose name had never been heard before, inheriting General Yu’s fleet—it was hard to believe.

Yu Zi Heng bowed slightly to the C-class general. “Yu Zi Heng. Combat level A, mental level S, pilot of the 2S-level mech ‘Rén Huáng’(Human Emperor), ranked 121st in the virtual battlefield. However, that was my ranking three years ago. According to my current combat level, I should be ranked among the top ten.”

“Rén Huáng?” someone exclaimed, immediately looking towards the Queen. Wasn’t that the Imperial Family’s mech?

The Queen explained, “Rén Huáng mech woke up automatically three years ago and chose Zi Heng as its new master. So, Zi Heng is fully capable of taking over the F Legion left behind by General Yu.”

Rén Huáng! 

Even Shen Duo couldn't help but feel a pang of envy for Yu Zi Heng. As a 3S-level warrior, he only had two A-level mechs. Where did this Yu Zi Heng come from? Had she been a secret weapon of the Yu family all this time?

The Queen continued, “Of course, Yu Zi Heng will need to pass the same test as Shen Duo before taking command of the F Legion. After deliberation by the Royal Family, her mission will be: to travel to the Zerg's main base, the Bewildering Star System, and destroy at least three breeding sites.”

The conference room erupted in a cacophony of commotion. The Zerg Queen had only a dozen or so breeding sites, and Shen Duo had risked his life to destroy one. Now, Yu Zi Heng was being asked to destroy three! Even if the Federation and the Empire joined forces, there was no guarantee of success!

Yet, at the center of the storm, Yu Zi Heng remained calm, simply tapping her left shoulder with her right hand, “For the Empire.”

……

Leaving the Military Affairs Office, Shen Duo waited in the basement for his vehicle to arrive. He noticed the Crown Prince, Chen Lie, walking with Yu Zi Heng. Chen Lie had a dark expression, his voice carrying over from a distance, “Don’t think I’m willing to give you a ride.”

Yu Zi Heng didn’t indulge him. “If it weren’t for the Queen’s sake, I would have knocked you out already. Please go back, Your Highness.”

Fuming, Chen Lie turned and walked away.

Yu Zi Heng then spotted Shen Duo. “What a coincidence! You’re parked in this area too.”

Shen Duo nodded, unable to help but ask, “You mentioned being ranked over a hundred in the virtual battlefield three years ago. What was your ID? Maybe we’ve faced each other in a match.”

Yu Zi Heng chuckled lightly. “Of course we did. You even challenged me for a rematch, Captain of the Imperial Security Team.”

Shen Duo was taken aback. She knew his alternate ID?! No, the key point was that he hadn’t played many matches under that name, and the only rematch he had agreed to was with someone who...

“You’re ‘The Principal of Imperial Kindergarten’?” It all clicked—he had accepted that ID’s challenge because their names sounded similar. The opponent’s skilled control and powerful mental prowess left a lasting impression on him.

That match had been one where he lost convincingly.

Yu Zi Heng didn't deny it. “Unfortunately, I was chosen as Rén Huáng’s pilot three years ago and went into secret training. I didn’t get a chance to face you again.”

Shen Duo was just about to say that it was alright, they could have a match now, when a bright red flying car pulled up.

A young man sat in the driver’s seat. Although he was simply wearing a T-shirt, his unrealistically handsome face was captivating. He parked the car in front of Yu Zi Heng and gave Shen Duo a hostile glance. “Sis, let’s go.”

Shen Duo recognized the person in the car. It was Yu Zi Yu, the previous Mech League champion who had garnered countless fans even before joining the military, with many girls joining the F Legion just to be near him.

Undeniably, Yu Zi Yu was the undisputed beauty of the Empire. Even the virtual stars created by data systems couldn’t match his captivating charm.

Yu Zi Heng’s communicator suddenly lit up. “The Queen wants to see me. Zi Yu, wait for me, I’ll be right down.”

After Yu Zi Heng left, Yu Zi Yu got out of the car. Shen Duo wasn’t one for casual conversation and prepared to wait quietly, but Yu Zi Yu spoke first, “General Shen, wanna add each other on comms and set up a match?”

“I haven’t played the virtual battlefield in a long time. If you want a match, challenge me after you join the military.”

Yu Zi Yu smirked, “Sure, I just want to see how powerful my sister’s opponent is.”

“Your sister never went to military school or competed in leagues. Was she secretly trained by your family?”

“Heh…” Yu Zi Yu scoffed. “My family doesn’t need to put my sister through that. Rén Huáng chose its new pilot. The royal family is weak and couldn’t hold onto the mech. They want to get it back through marriage. Chen Lie, that B-level mental trash…”

He abruptly looked at Shen Duo with a serious gaze. “General Shen, what mission did the Queen give my sister?”

Shen Duo knew he shouldn't reveal military secrets to outsiders, but he subconsciously said, “To the Zerg Queen’s lair.”

“Damn…”

Yu Zi Yu immediately opened his communicator, his voice cold, “Get home with your mechs within half an hour. Bring enough energy sources.”

Shen Duo asked, “You’re going with her?”

“Of course we’re going,” Yu Zi Yu said, both angry and excited. “Only the F Legion dares to go with Rén Huáng to attack the Zerg’s lair.”

As he spoke, Yu Zi Heng returned. Seeing Yu Zi Heng, clad in close-fitting armor, with a straight back, a slender frame, and every muscle sculpted to perfection, and her fearless, impossibly handsome younger brother, Shen Duo’s mind went blank. “I have two months of vacation. Rén Huáng is leading the charge against the Zerg Queen. Do you want to bring ‘Chìzǐ,’ along?”

Chìzǐ (Red Child), was Shen Duo’s personal mech.

Yu Zi Heng understood what he meant and asked Shen Duo, “Did you tell Zi Yu?”

Yu Zi Yu interjected, “Even if he didn’t, I’d know. Regardless of whether he goes or not, I’m going. You can’t stop me.”

Yu Zi Heng smirked. “Go then. Sister will show you what the true Rén Huáng is like.” She then turned to Shen Duo. “General Shen, I’ve been wanting to see the power of Chìzǐ.”

“Call me Shen Duo.”

Yu Zi Heng’s current rank was lower than Shen Duo’s, so she had been using honorifics, but Shen Duo had spoken, so she acquiesced. “Shen Duo, I have a feeling Rén Huáng and Chìzǐ are a perfect match.”

Yu Zi Yu coldly added, “My sister means their mech combat capabilities and modes complement each other.”

Shen Duo thought, ‘You’re adding that? I know what Yu Zi Heng meant!’

The next day, Yu Zi Yu and his mech, ‘Láng Jū Xū’ ( Wolf of the Xu Mountain), Yu Zi Ling and ‘Tiān Jī’ (Celestial Mechanism), Yu Zi Xia and ‘Tiān Xuán’ (Celestial Mystery), Yu Zi Chen and ‘Loki’, along with Shen Duo and ‘Chìzǐ,’ and Yu Zi Heng and ‘Rén Huáng,’ all boarded the ship.

The ship's pilot was a round-faced, chubby girl who introduced herself as Fu Bao. There was also a team doctor named Ying Man. The eight of them set off towards the Chaos Star System.

3

Team Communications — Yu Zi Heng: “Tiān Jī and Tiān Xuán, provide cover. Láng Jū Xū will jump from the 8 o’clock position and hit the mid-section of the breeding nest first.”

Team Communications: “Received!”

The jet-black Láng Jū Xū moved like a shadow in the night, perfectly leaping through the smoke created by Loki. It launched a flare, and the Zerg guards quickly reacted, transforming to intercept.

Meanwhile, Loki, along with Tiān Jī and Tiān Xuán, changed formations and began a ground-level carpet assault. Láng Jū Xū successfully leaped to the core area of the breeding nest, as calculated beforehand.

Faced with the swarming Zerg, Yu Zi Yu remained calm, waiting for Yu Zi Heng’s next command.

Team Communications | Yu Zi Heng: “Loki, hold the mid-section. Not a single one is allowed to pass through.”

Team Communications | Yu Zi Chen: “Understood!”

The fierce battle outside shook the breeding nest, but suddenly, Rén Huáng canceled its cloaking mode, revealing a dazzling brilliance that had a purifying effect, exposing the filth surrounding the breeding nest.

Team Communications | Yu Zi Heng: “Tiān Jī and Tiān Xuán, prepare for support. Chìzǐ and Láng Jū Xū, follow me!”

Team Communications | Shen Duo: “Is this your battle strategy?”

Team Communications | Yu Zi Heng: “Shen Duo, I’m about to show you what a true Rén Huáng is capable of.”

With that, Rén Huáng mech transformed into a dazzling meteor, charging into the endless swarm of Zerg.

Every strike was controlled and perfect, each energy attack devastating, and every defense was flawless.

The golden light blazed like the sun, forcing every Zerg and every mecha to submit.

This is what battle is!

This is the Emperor!

Shen Duo and Yu Zi Yu followed Yu Zi Heng deep into the nest, wave after wave of Zerg falling, their countless corpses seemingly paving the way for Rén Huáng.

Reaching the center, the Zerg Queen's remaining clone had already fled, leaving only a pulsating black ovary, continuously spewing out white eggs.

Team Comms | Fu Bao: Calculations complete, bombardment can proceed. The nest will collapse within three minutes after bombardment, immediate withdrawal is required.

Rén Huáng raised his hand, an energy cannon gathering in his palm.

Die, Zerg!

Boom!

Shen Duo's mind seemed to be hit by the scorching energy cannon.

Team Comms | Shen Duo: “I like you…”

Team Comms | Yu Zi Yu: ???

Team Comms | Yu Zi Ling: ???

Team Comms | Yu Zi Xia: ???

Team Comms | Yu Zi Chen: ???

Team Comms | Fu Bao: ???

Team Comms | Yīng Mǎn: ???

Team Communication | Yu Zi Heng: “We'll talk later, focus on the fight!”

Team Communication | Shen Duo: “Got it!”

……

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