The Army's Morale Can Be Used

"I'm a psionic, so I can sense the existence of these things. Uncle guessed correctly, this is indeed a testing workshop. I suspect it's a place where the Enlighteners used to experimentally produce Element Zero."

Bearman Baka's expression instantly shifted to one of shock, as if his beliefs had been overturned.

Yes, these pioneers had indeed mastered the methods for producing these 'divine substances,' and it wasn't exactly a secret. It's just that the media wouldn't trumpet it loudly, and the authorities wouldn't specifically debunk it, so ordinary people still believed that "Zero Element" was truly a "Gift of the Gods," a gift from the Spirit of the Universe to everyone.

"H-how could it be a laboratory..." The Bearman's face fell, and he mumbled, wanting to retort. However, he wasn't eloquent and didn't have the personality to be tough with his superiors, so he ended up saying nothing.

Dr. Banks and Youyou patted his shoulders on either side to comfort him, though due to their height, they could only reach his back.

Yu Lian pretended not to see, continuing, "Up to now, ninety-nine percent of the Enlightener ruins opened by the various nations have been practical facilities: factories, laboratories, barracks, storage rooms, etc. Of course, there have been palaces and temples. If the media were to report on them, they would naturally focus on the latter, leading the outside world to believe that the pioneers were idealistic... a religious civilization with divine nature. In reality, that's a misconception."

Moreover, this misconception might have been deliberately created.

"Our pioneers and guides were far more pragmatic than we imagined. But let's get back to the topic. This Mithril..." Yu Lian paused, feeling that saying the word against the backdrop of the universe was particularly jarring. Although he had experienced it many times in his previous life and was quite familiar with it, it was still jarring.

"They can't really be considered successful. Perhaps there's an issue with the craftsmanship, or perhaps they've been left for too long, and they've lost their activity. They can't be considered strategic materials anymore, so they can be sold. If you all trust me, I'll find a reliable channel. If we divide it equally, each person will get..."

Sergeant Bearman suddenly looked up, his face shifting from deep sorrow to visible eagerness, and he exclaimed, "No, we can't divide it equally!"

Yu Lian was startled, thinking, I didn't realize you, with your honest face, were so greedy! Do you think I can't handle things just because I'm new here?

Seeing Yu Lian's displeased expression, Dr. Banks quickly explained, "C-commander, he means we shouldn't take so much. You're new here, so you don't know. When Commander Mondsen and Second Lieutenant Russo were here, the officers used to take seventy percent of the extra income, non-commissioned officers took twenty percent, and soldiers took ten percent. Uh, I also have an accounting certificate, and I handled the books."

"Are you pirates? No, even pirates aren't this ruthless! I remember the captain, officers, and sailors usually get a five-three-two or four-three-three split. That's the industry standard!"

"Then why are you so familiar with pirate regulations?" Uncle Karl asked.

Yu Lian coughed, pretending not to hear, and continued, "...In that case, let's each take one-third."

"You, you're so generous!" Medic Banks's gratitude was overflowing.

Yu Lian weighed the box in his hand, quickly estimating its value: "If we sell it now, I alone can get at least 10 million. You guys should each get around 1 million, but the soldiers will only get about 500,000."

Yu Lian was the only officer present. If it were distributed according to rank, he would get that much. Of course, the officers assigned to Barracks 12 also included Second Lieutenant Crus, the airship pilot, but everyone had completely overlooked him.

Everyone cheered, and Youyou even shouted slogans like "Long live Commander Yu Lian!" Sergeant Baka wiped away tears, looking at Yu Lian as if he were a pilgrim gazing upon a Bodhisattva of Mercy.

So, he had found a new source of faith? It seemed that blind faith built on information asymmetry was truly vulnerable in the face of naked self-interest.

"Once you get the money, no one is allowed to talk about it! If I find out who leaked this, I'll skin them alive!" The Old Mechanic shouted sternly, his voice and presence overpowering everyone else in the room.

When the most respected elder in the entire barracks spoke, everyone quickly nodded in agreement.

"...You're breaking the rules by doing this, but you absolutely cannot let other officers know," the old man whispered, advising Yu Lian in the tone of a kind elder.

"Don't you think there's a problem with this?"

"There is a problem! If this gets out, your generosity and nobility will be praised by the enemy, even if they haven't recognized you yet. However, before that, your colleagues will see you as an enemy first. You are so young, and so excellent, but I have seen many excellent and upright young people ruined by hidden daggers."

"...No, don't you understand yet? I'll be taking tens of times more than you!"

"Yes, so you're taking so little, you're breaking the rules. This is society! Commander..." the old man continued earnestly.

This society does have problems, but they need to start with you all!

"Wow, it's so lively! What happened?" Ina walked in, radiant and glowing. Her appearance hadn't changed, but she seemed reborn, her demeanor imbued with a touch of ingenuity and liveliness, instantly boosting her charm by several points.

Psionics are all handsome and beautiful, which is probably why. Even if a starfish awakened its psionic abilities, it would surely be the most beautiful and delicious starfish in the universe.

"...Uh, I just got a new understanding of society and set a small goal. How about you? Is everything going well?"

"When I close my eyes, I can see nebulae, and my head is buzzing uncomfortably. My vision is a bit blurry, and there's noise in my ears. I really need to adapt... Don't worry, overall, it's changing for the better."

He couldn't hear any improvement at all. Anyone else would think she had a concussion. However, this did seem like the first stage of a "Sentinel's" Awakening, also known as a Starfall Envoy.

The "Witch of the Scorching Eye" was destined to walk this path, which was perhaps the will of the Spirit of the Universe.

Regardless, this operation was a great success. The enemy pursuers were completely routed, the boss fell before even exerting himself, the team acquired new, intact equipment, the soldiers were all morale-boosted and loyal, the Sergeant Major leveled up, and the protagonist, Yu Lian, not only obtained the most important item from this ruin but also no one suspected him... This was truly a perfect story!

However, Yu Lian didn't have time to check the hidden chip right now. After this ruin exploration, everyone realized they had guns, cannons, and tanks, and their morale was sky-high. Only then did someone remember that they weren't fleeing soldiers who had lost their homes, but reinforcements officially dispatched by Headquarters to aid Tulon.

Thus, Ina, as the staff officer, formally proposed the "March to Tulon," which was approved by him. He brought out the map and called the non-commissioned officers for a meeting.

After all, the Guard Team Minions were proper national soldiers; it wasn't as if someone would suggest becoming bandits.

"Um, Commander, we could actually rest here for a few more days until the fighting in Tulon is over..." Dr. Banks suggested softly.

...Why do I always get slapped in the face by my colleagues?

"Anyway, Tulon is so big, it's unlikely the Sandfolk will conquer it, right? We can say we lost contact with Headquarters, were pursued by a large group of Sandfolk, and got lost in the mountains. That's actually true. I... No, no, no, it's just a suggestion, a suggestion."

Before Yu Lian could react, Dr. Banks raised his hands and retreated sheepishly under Ina's stern gaze.

"Commander, please don't mind him... Dr. Banks is the pillar of his family. His parents are old, and his younger brother is studying in the Empire; they all depend on his income. He, he really can't afford to die." Perhaps worried that the "generous and upright, yet young" commander would trouble Banks later or even report him, the Old Mechanic explained in a low voice.

"Who here can afford to die? Uncle Karl, don't you have old parents and young children too?"

"Th-that..."

"Well, perhaps the only one who can afford to die is me. After all, I grew up in a veterans' nursing home, with no parents or family, and no ties," the Sergeant Major said with a smile.

"Ina..." Old Karl sighed helplessly, thinking, I haven't offended you, have I? Stop stirring up trouble at a time like this!

"Don't worry, I won't take it to heart. After all, you haven't fought any major battles, so it's understandable to be nervous and fearful. However... Hey, it might be a bit pretentious for me to talk about soldiers' honor right now, but since you're all receiving salaries from the Governor's Mansion and can profit as soldiers, you need to have some attitude when it's time to work. Moreover, in Tulon Port, you at least have family and friends, right? If nothing else, Sergeant Baka's daughter is there. Even for the sake of your comrades' families, please show some spirit!"

Everyone looked at the taciturn Bearman, thinking that although he looked fierce and fought fiercely, and was a bit eccentric, he was actually a simple, honest, and kind person. His daughter was indeed a lovely girl!

Banks felt guilty and ashamed, and patted the Bearman's shoulder again—though he still only reached his back—earning a kind and honest smile from the latter.

"I also have friends in the city. I don't know their situation right now, whether they're alive or dead! So, even if only for that reason, I hope you will lend me your strength!"

Your friend is Lieutenant Colonel Eleanor Bonaparte, isn't she? What danger could such a high-ranking officer be in? Ina wanted to retort.

Regardless, the non-commissioned officers' fighting spirit visibly increased.

This is what you call usable morale! Yu Lian was smug.