Frog in a Well

"Tch."

Chen Tong snorted coldly and said no more.

At this moment, the training machine controlled by Su Ming began to accelerate its movements little by little, and everyone's attention was drawn to it.

Inside the cockpit of the Iron Head training machine, Su Ming continuously pulled the control stick to maneuver the Mecha, while simultaneously pushing the throttle to increase power output.

Although his nerves were taut and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, he was still thoroughly enjoying the feeling. It was truly amazing.

He glanced at the time on the control screen. The half-hour training session had passed too quickly; in the blink of an eye, only five minutes remained.

Su Ming's gaze shifted slightly, and he let out a soft breath. He adjusted his state to optimal and then nudged the throttle forward a little.

Vroom~

As the engine noise intensified, the Iron Head training machine's forward speed increased, resembling a light jog.

"Wow~"

"That's amazing!"

Many students exclaimed as they watched.

Tang Yan was also overjoyed. He hadn't expected this trip for real Mecha training to yield such a pleasant surprise.

Soon, the rotation training time ended. Su Ming piloted the training machine back to its starting position and stopped.

Click~

The cockpit slowly opened, and Su Ming climbed out somewhat clumsily.

Clap clap~

A burst of applause erupted. Su Ming blinked in surprise and looked up. He saw Tang Yan walking over with many students.

"That was fantastic, Su Ming! You operated it really well!"

Tang Yan praised with a wide smile.

"That's right, Su Ming, your control was incredible, especially that final acceleration. It was just so cool!"

"It was really awesome."

Zhao Ran and the others praised excitedly.

Su Ming felt a little embarrassed by their compliments and could only smile and respond.

"Thank you."

Tang Yan seized the opportunity to encourage the other students.

"Everyone, train hard. You can all do as well as Su Ming."

"Yes, Teacher."

The students present replied excitedly.

At this moment, Zhang Tai saw a group of rookies who had just learned to walk acting so self-satisfied. A look of mockery appeared on his face. He condescendingly looked down at the excited crowd and shouted.

"A bunch of frogs in a well, is there any need to be this happy?"

As soon as he said that, Minke and the others looked up at Zhang Tai, responding with some annoyance.

"What did you say?"

"Is there something wrong with what I said? Come on, you guys need to understand something. Your current operational level, to put it bluntly, is like that of a newborn infant who can barely walk. A slight misstep and you'll fall, let alone fighting or anything like that. What's the use? Even though we're all in the same grade, we're already in actual combat. This is the difference between clouds and mud."

Zhang Tai mocked unreservedly. His words were like a bucket of cold water poured directly onto the jubilant crowd.

For a moment, Minke and the others were stunned into silence.

Tang Yan also looked at Zhang Tai with extreme annoyance. He had gone to great lengths to bring the students to the real Mecha training ground today, hoping to ignite their fighting spirit. He had finally managed to boost their confidence, only for this guy to douse it with cold water. Wasn't this undermining him?

Just as Tang Yan was about to lose his temper and reprimand Zhang Tai, a voice called out from the entrance.

"Teacher Tang, come here for a moment!"

Tang Yan turned his head and saw a man with a face full of wrinkles and somewhat graying hair, wearing a teacher's uniform, standing at the doorway.

"Isn't that Teacher Chen Yi?"

"Yeah, why is he here?"

Huang Mao and the others whispered in confusion.

Tang Yan immediately instructed the group.

"I'm going out for a bit. You all continue training diligently. Minke, you're in charge of organizing the rest of the training!"

"Okay, Teacher!"

Minke quickly responded.

Then, Tang Yan walked towards the entrance.

Outside the training room door, Chen Yi said to Tang Yan in a low voice.

"Why did you bring the entire class to the real Mecha training ground? That doesn't comply with the rules!"

"I know it's against the rules, but I still want to give them another chance."

Tang Yan shook his head and replied.

"I understand, but the school might have opinions. You'll inevitably get scolded, and you might even lose this year's bonus."

"It's fine."

"Never mind then. If you think it's fine, I won't say anything more."

"Mm, right, why did you come here?"

"My students are here."

"Your students? Wait, don't tell me Lin Chuyu and the other four are the ones you're coaching?"

"They are. And there's something else I need to tell you. I've already completed 28 slots. If things go smoothly this year, I'll have enough for 30 slots, and then I'll have to apply for a transfer."

Chen Yi said with a smile to Tang Yan.

This time, it was a sure thing for him.

"Oh, congratulations."

Tang Yan showed an envious expression upon hearing Chen Yi's words.

"Thanks. How many slots do you have left?"

Chen Yi chatted with Tang Yan.

"I'm still a long way off. I've only completed three slots in total. Who knows when I'll have enough."

Tang Yan replied bitterly.

"It's okay, take your time!"

Chen Yi patted Tang Yan's shoulder to comfort him.

In the training room, Minke saw that his classmates were all looking a bit dejected, lacking their previous fighting spirit and excitement. So, he raised his voice to encourage everyone.

"Listen up, everyone! We are young and full of potential. As long as we work hard, our efforts will be rewarded. I believe everyone can shine brightly in the City Exam and we can all get into the Imperial Court Military Academy together!"

"Our class monitor is right, we can definitely do it!"

"That's right, as long as we work hard!"

Some students who had lost heart were reignited with confidence.

Su Ming couldn't help but glance at Minke a few more times. As the class monitor, he was indeed very competent.

Ding ding~

At this moment, Lin Chuyu, Zhang Tai, and the other three walked down from the observation deck. They were preparing to leave the training room to find their mentor, Chen Yi.

As soon as they came down, they heard Minke and the others discussing the Imperial Court Military Academy.

Zhang Tai immediately felt very displeased, as if his ideals had been defiled. He sneered.

"It seems you're not only frogs in a well, but you're also not awake. Dreaming during broad daylight."

"Don't push it. Can't we have our own goals and ideals? Are only you guys allowed to aim for the Imperial Court Military Academy, but we aren't?"

Minke retorted angrily.

At this moment, Zhou Wei, with his hands in his pockets, shook his head and chuckled.

"Tsk tsk, although I also find Zhang Tai annoying, what he said isn't entirely wrong. You guys probably don't understand how strict the Imperial Court Military Academy's admissions are. The Imperial Court Academy does give our district 10 slots for the Inner Academy, but do you know how many people got in last year?"

"How many?"

The blonde student asked subconsciously.

Su Ming also looked at Zhou Wei curiously.

"None. To be precise, it's been five years since anyone from the entire Thirteenth District has gotten into the Imperial Court Inner Academy."

Zhou Wei said with a smile.