Chapter 13 Apprentice of the Future

　　"The Star Core is extraterrestrial technology that human civilization looks up to! No one knows its origin, nor can its material be identified. It contains countless technologies and knowledge beyond human comprehension, which have enabled human technological development to leap forward and directly enter the interstellar civilization!

　　However, it is precisely the technologies within that cause the Apocalyptic Catastrophe, nearly destroying human civilization. Fortunately, the savior------Chu Mufan emerged to turn the tide. Otherwise, humanity might have gone extinct long ago..." Wei Zhengdao looked out at the blue planet and said frankly.

　　"Th...th...then...wh... why haven't I...ev...ever heard..."

　　"That's because the Star Core is top-secret—only a handful of people know about it! Even the highest leaders only grasp the basics; few understand its true secrets...

　　But if you become a Guide, you must master the technologies within the Star Core. Only then can you lead humanity into the future!" The old man, already guessing the teenager's question, furrowed his brows and interrupted Gu Moxun, who stood ramrod straight.

　　After the explanation, Wei Zhengdao glanced at Gu Moxun who was still saluting, his frown deepening. "Lad, relax, and don’t shout so loudly," he chided. "My eyes might be blurry and my legs wonky, but my ears work just fine. If you keep yelling like that, you’ll give me a heart attack before deafening me. Also! From the moment you set foot in Dragon Head Fort, you’re no longer a student of Mars Academy. You don’t need to follow your school’s rules in my presence, got it?"

　　"Um...well... y-yes... I see!" Gu Moxun remained rigid, holding his military salute as he stammered, showing no sign of lowering his hand...

　　The old man shook his head at this. "If you understand my words, why are you still holding that salute? If you really want to salute, the gesture in Chivalry Hero Pavilion is to use the fist-and-palm salute!" Watching the teenager still salute, Wei Zhengdao rapped his cane on the floor, shouting with feigned irritation. But seeing the teenager flounder, scratching his head in confusion, Wei Zhengdao sighed and shook his head again. "Well, those pedantic fools at Mars Academy taught you to be so stiff. How will you inherit my legacy and carry on the way of chivalry-hero like this?" Blushing with embarrassment, Gu Moxun finally lowered his saluting hand even though he did not quite understand Wei’s words.

　　He kept his head bowed, staring at his toes, with hands at his sides as he awkwardly rubbed the hem of his uniform. The old man felt a twinge of compassion at the teenager's demeanor and softened his tone: "I'm not angry with you. If you want to be my apprentice, you need to keep an open mind! Forget the Mars Academy's soldier - training concepts. The Chivalry Hero Pavilion cultivates knights and heroes, not soldiers. See the difference?

　　Then what is a knight or a hero? One, who roams heaven and earth unrestrained, bears the world in their heart, upholds justice, and serves the country and the people, can be called a knight or a hero.

　　By the way, where did you get that energy crystal bracelet on your hand?" The elder asked curiously upon seeing the bracelet peeking out from the teenager's saluting wrist.

　　"I... I got it from my... parents..." Gu Moxun was confused why the elder suddenly took interest in his bracelet, and he had no idea what the "energy crystal stones" the old man mentioned were...

　　"Oh, I see. This bracelet is fine. You must wear it well from now on, remember?" The elder said meaningfully.

　　"Yes..." Gu Moxun nodded in reply.

　　The elder looked at the teenager's handsome features, patted his head, and said gently: "But those folks at Mars Academy do know how to train soldiers. You've grown much sturdier than before. By the way, why is your martial arts only at Level 1?"

　　Hearing Wei Zhengdao's question, the teenager blushed slightly and mumbled in a low voice: "I... I don't know either..."

　　"Which vital acupoint did you break through?" The elder stared at the awkward teenager before him.

　　The teenager stammered, "T...the one on m...my head... B...Baohui Acupoint..."

　　"So, you've broken through the most difficult vital acupoint..." The elder murmured, falling into a momentary trance. His surprise faded as he studied the boy. "That makes sense... Perhaps..." He continued, "Come, follow me to the Chivalry Hero Pavilion to complete the remaining trials. I'll give you a thorough examination then!"

　　“Yes! Sir!” Gu Moxun replied respectfully, trailing behind Wei Zhengdao. The two walked single-file through the corridor of the Loong Eye Conference Hall, deep into the heart of Dragon Head Fort...

　　Though leaning on a cane, the elder moved at a surprising speed, reaching the elevator in no time. But he merely glanced at it before striding past...

　　Gu Moxun watched as Wei Zhengdao ignored the elevator and headed for a rear corridor. "Master... T-there's... an elevator here!" he called out.

　　"I prefer walking to retouch my good old days!" the old man replied without looking back, his voice echoing as he stepped into the weathered corridor...

　　The teenager was speechless for a moment, but then reasoned that this legendary figure, being an elder, must share the common nostalgia of old folks. Old people were enjoying walks through familiar places to revisit the past. He said no more and trotted to catch up...

　　Along the way, Wei Zhengdao explained that once Gu Moxun passed the remaining two trials, he would become a formal disciple. Then he could begin training by Wei Zhengdao, and upon mastering the skills, he would become the third-generation "Guide" after Wei Zhengdao.

　　Curious, Gu Moxun asked, "I-if I'm the third generation, Master, y-you must be... the second... Then who... was the first?" Leading the way, Wei Zhengdao answered without turning, "The first generation was a robot doctor named David."

　　“Ah?! T... the Dr. David who b... built Dragon Head Fort? H... he’s a... a robot?" Gu Moxun stammered in astonishment.

　　"Yeah. That's a long story," Wei Zhengdao replied. "You'll learn the whole truth once you pass the trials— not just about David, but everything about the chosen one Chu Mufan too!"

　　"Really? You'll really tell me all about Chu Mufan?" Gu Moxun stopped in his tracks, his eyes wide with disbelief.

　　Chu Mufan had been Gu Moxun’s idol since his childhood, and had been a god-like figure he worshipped. The thought of hearing his hero's story made his stutter vanish entirely!

　　“Er? You're not stuttering now! Seems this stammer of yours can be cured," the old man chuckled. Seeing the teenager's eager anticipation, he turned serious. "I'm not the best at telling the chosen one's tale. There's someone more suitable who will share it with you—not through dull stories, but a special method that lets you experience it first-hand. Of course, that's all conditional on you passing the remaining trials."

　　Without hesitation, Gu Moxun blurted out: "Okay! I can do it!" The prospect of following in Chu Mufan's footsteps—Gu Moxun’s childhood dream of becoming a legend—fueled his resolve.

　　His shout echoed through the empty corridor, making Wei Zhengdao wince and cover his ears. "I told you not to yell! Your spirit is good, but my trials are neither too hard nor too easy. We're almost there—let's focus on walking and continue our talk at the Chivalry Hero Pavilion."

　　Finishing his words, the old man quickened his pace, cane tapping sharply on the floor.

　　Gu Moxun hurried after him, afraid of losing sight of the only person who could unlock his hero's secrets.

　　……