The Edge of the Star Field

A fulfilling day

Ji Xuanwu stood up and stretched, saying, "No time to waste, let's begin this morning's training."

He opened his palm, "We'll start with the basics of gun recognition, disassembly, and assembly."

"I've already learned that," Lin Fan whispered.

This was part of compulsory education. After the education system reform, compulsory education no longer limited itself to traditional textbook knowledge. Instead, it introduced more comprehensive and diverse courses, including combat, firearms, and shooting skills, alongside traditional subjects like language, mathematics, and physics.

This reform aimed to cultivate students with a more comprehensive set of abilities and qualities to meet the challenges and demands of space travel.

Ji Xuanwu smiled, "What you learned is already outdated weapons used on spaceships."

"Next, I'll introduce you to the latest high-tech firearms developed by the 'Research Department.'"

"You should know that when we go on missions, we might encounter extreme environments. In such situations, traditional standard firearms are prone to malfunctions, even exploding."

"Alright," Ji Xuanwu waved, "go to the adjacent changing room, put on the uniform, and meet me at training ground number 3."

After saying that, he walked to the desk and took out two sets of new clothing.

On the 623rd floor, training ground number 3, Lin Fan entered wearing a camouflage uniform, curiously looking around.

In his sight were numerous firearms – silver, copper, some on tables, others in glass cabinets. The variety was overwhelming.

Sarah stood by the door, casting a glance at Lin Fan, nodding, "Not bad, fits well, just a bit thin."

That was inevitable. On the spaceship, meat was limited, provided only once a week. Most of it went to Lin Xiaomin, his younger sister. As a result, he was naturally on the lean side.

In fact, Ji Xuanwu's muscular build was something Lin Fan had never seen before.

Ji Xuanwu also looked up. His gaze traveled from top to bottom, and he calmly said, "Not bad, more spirited than before. Keep practicing with me, and you'll gain more muscles."

Saying that, he raised his arm, showcasing his well-defined muscles. The light highlighted clear lines and full tendons.

"Snap."

Ji Xuanwu suddenly slapped his forehead, "I digressed. Come in quickly; the class is about to start."

"Yes, team leader!"

Next to Ji Xuanwu's long table, Sarah picked up a small silver handgun, "This is the latest electromagnetic pulse pistol developed by the 'Research Department.'"

"Listen carefully. It's made from the latest alloy materials and composite fibers. While ensuring strength and durability, it's lightweight and easy to carry."

"It utilizes the latest energy conversion technology, no longer needing traditional bullets. Instead, it uses a high-energy electromagnetic pulse firing system. Just expose it to strong light for charging, and it can shoot high-speed energy projectiles with considerable power."

"Of course, it has its drawbacks. The recoil is significant, and without a strong body, it's hard to control."

Sarah explained the general details, pros and cons, and shared her experiences with Lin Fan. Finally, she handed the pistol to him to familiarize himself.

Lin Fan took the pistol, flipped it in his hands, carefully examining it.

The design of this pistol was very sleek, with smooth edges and no prominent components. At the top, there was a small LCD screen for displaying ammunition count, charging status, and other relevant information.

The grip used anti-slip and shock-resistant materials, providing better grip and stability. Holding it, he almost felt no weight, and the curvature of the fingers matched the grip, preventing slippage.

"This is a high-energy particle rifle." As Lin Fan familiarized himself with the electromagnetic pulse pistol, Sarah took out a black rifle from the nearby cabinet.

"The rifle houses a high-energy particle reactor and can shoot particle beams that condense energy as bullets. It can penetrate various defenses and has tremendous destructive power upon hitting the target."

"The drawback is severe energy consumption. At full energy, it can only shoot three particle beams."

Sarah introduced each weapon, and Lin Fan listened attentively. After each introduction, he would practice with the weapon.

Ji Xuanwu listened silently, occasionally nodding.

Time quickly passed, and the morning weapon class concluded. After lunch and a 1.5-hour break, the afternoon combat training began.

"Bang..."

A dull impact echoed in the spacious training ground as Lin Fan was thrown backward, crashing heavily.

Sarah approached, towering over Lin Fan, saying calmly, "Get up quickly; let's continue."

Lin Fan struggled to his feet, silently complaining in his mind, "Monster..."

His performance in previous combat classes was decent, but compared to Sarah, he was far behind in reaction speed, body coordination, balance, and even strength. This momentarily left Lin Fan feeling disheartened.

Seemingly aware of his thoughts, Sarah spread her hands, "I didn't throw you using strength."

Lin Fan was puzzled. Sarah continued, "Come and learn this technique!"

Before Lin Fan could react, Sarah's attack was swift. He barely had time to raise his arms for a simple block.

However, Sarah's next move once again caught Lin Fan off guard. She gracefully bent down, swiftly closing in, her arms tightly wrapping around Lin Fan's neck.

Then, with a deft sweep of her right foot, Lin Fan instantly lost his balance, tumbling to the ground again.

In that moment, Lin Fan felt the pressure of suffocation, his heart racing. No matter how he struggled, he couldn't break free from Sarah's restraint.

"I surrender, I surrender..." Lin Fan struggled to utter these words through gritted teeth.

"Don't rush to surrender; experience a bit more," Sarah paid no attention.

"Alright, that's it for today."

Only when Ji Xuanwu spoke did Sarah release her arms and step back.

Lin Fan sat up laboriously, breathing heavily, cold sweat streaming down his forehead, "I said... you're too serious. I'm a newcomer!"

"Enemies won't go easy on you just because you're a newcomer," Sarah replied flatly.

Lin Fan was speechless.

"Sarah's combat skills are very practical. When we go on missions, losing weapons is inevitable. If danger strikes at that moment, you have to rely on your close combat abilities," Ji Xuanwu added.