Problem

"What nonsense are you dreaming..."

"Really," Hesta said softly. "In some wastelands that have suffered Chelated Being incursions but haven't been completely destroyed, neither AHgAs nor the nearby United Government can maintain long-term medical staff postings. That gap is usually filled locally: they recruit some literate young adults and train them from scratch. The longest training period is seven months, but they usually start working directly in the third or fourth week. I know some doctors like that."

Cheng Xiaoshu frowned slightly. "That's basically barefoot doctors, isn't it? Are they recognized in the Habitable Zone?"

"After two years of practice, the United Government issues a certificate. With it, these trainee doctors can directly prepare for the medical licensing exam in the Habitable Zone," Hesta replied. "If they want to practice in the Habitable Zone afterward, there's just that extra step."

"So... altogether, that still takes three or four years?"

"I guess so," Hesta answered. "But if you want to study medicine in the Habitable Zone, you first have to get into medical school. This route skips that. And it isn't just doctors—vehicle repair, weapon repair, bridge engineering... the United Governments in each district generally have wartime training programs. After recruiting local volunteers, experienced professionals give them intensive practical instruction over a short period. A day of training—including hands-on work—might last fourteen hours or even longer, while the entire program generally only takes three to seven months."

Hesta looked at Eucali. "It's more efficient than going to school, but you do have to suffer a little."

Eucali said nothing. She stared blankly at Hesta, taking a long time to react.

The feeling was strange. It was as if countless crossroads and possibilities had suddenly appeared in her life—car repair? Weapon repair? Eucali suddenly pictured herself in protective gloves, covered in engine