Chapter Index

    Wormhole Crisis

    Wormhole Crisis

    While dodging the pirates’ attacks, Jiang Wan’yuan shouted loudly, “Yi Shang, their firepower is too intense! This isn’t going to work! We need a strategy.” Yi Shang stared intently at the combat data flashing on the holographic screen, her brain working at lightning speed. Suddenly, her eyes lit up, and she said, “Listen up, everyone! Zhang Yao, Jichuan, you guys use interference bombs to attract their attention and create chaos. Jiang Wan’yuan, you pilot the ‘Phantom’ and use its speed advantage to circle around behind them and attack their energy core. I’ll hold the front line and draw their main firepower.”

    “Understood!” The three responded in unison, and then acted according to Yi Shang’s plan. Zhang Yao and Jichuan manipulated their warships to launch a series of interference bombs. The colorful bombs exploded in interstellar space, releasing intense electromagnetic interference that disrupted the pirates’ targeting systems. The pirates were immediately thrown into disarray. Their originally orderly attack rhythm was disrupted, and their firepower became scattered.

    Jiang Wan’yuan seized the opportunity to pilot the “Phantom” like a black lightning bolt, speeding towards the rear of the pirate fleet. She was completely focused, her eyes locked on the largest and most heavily defended flagship in the enemy fleet, which was undoubtedly where the energy core was located. As the “Phantom” passed through the enemy’s fire net, laser beams constantly brushed past, making “buzzing” sounds. But Jiang Wan’yuan, relying on her superb piloting skills, managed to avoid them time and time again.

    At the same time, Yi Shang piloted the “Dawn” to meet the pirate fleet head-on. The “Dawn’s” heavy shields flickered with unstable light under the enemy’s dense fire, but Yi Shang did not flinch. She skillfully operated the weapon systems, accurately returning fire on the enemy. Each launch of a particle cannon set off a burst of explosive fire in the enemy fleet, buying precious time for Jiang Wan’yuan’s actions.

    Jiang Wan’yuan finally managed to circle around to the rear of the pirate fleet. She took a deep breath, a hint of determination flashing in her eyes, and then slammed down on the attack button. The “Phantom’s” energy cannon fired at full power, and a dazzling blue beam instantly struck the enemy flagship’s energy core. Flames soared into the sky on the flagship, and the energy core exploded violently. The powerful impact spread outwards like ripples, overturning several surrounding pirate warships as well.

    Without the command and energy support of the flagship, the pirate fleet immediately fell into chaos. Yi Shang seized this opportunity and shouted, “Now’s our chance! Full attack!” The four’s warships opened fire at the same time, and a dense barrage of shells rained down on the pirate fleet. Under their fierce attack, the remaining pirate warships were shattered one after another, turning into brilliant fireworks that dissipated into the vast interstellar space.

    After successfully repelling the pirates, the four’s warships continued to advance into the depths of the wormhole. After much twists and turns, they finally successfully escorted the supplies through the dangerous wormhole, completing their mission. When the mission completion prompt sounded in her ears, Jiang Wan’yuan excitedly took off her game helmet, hugged Yi Shang, and laughed happily, “We did it! Yi Shang, you’re amazing! If it weren’t for your plan, there’s no way we could have completed the mission.”

    Yi Shang also took off her helmet, looked at Jiang Wan’yuan’s joyful face, and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly, revealing a warm smile. She gently touched Jiang Wan’yuan’s head and said, “It was everyone’s good coordination. Your warship piloting skills were also excellent.” Zhang Yao and Jichuan were also excitedly discussing the battle just now, praising Yi Shang’s command and Jiang Wan’yuan’s courage.

    However, before they could bask in the joy of victory for too long, the door of the internet cafe was suddenly pushed open violently. A group of teachers and security personnel in school uniforms rushed in, led by the strict Dean of Students. His eyes revealed anger and authority. After scanning the room, his gaze settled on Yi Shang and the others. He said coldly, “It really is you. You dare to climb over the wall to come to the internet cafe. Come back to school with me!”

    The four of them felt a tightness in their hearts and looked at each other. Jiang Wan’yuan subconsciously grabbed Yi Shang’s hand, a hint of fear and guilt flashing in her eyes. Yi Shang gently patted Jiang Wan’yuan’s hand, signaling her not to be afraid. They knew that they were likely to face severe punishment for violating school rules this time. But at this moment, Yi Shang looked at Jiang Wan’yuan and felt no regrets in her heart, because this adventure with Jiang Wan’yuan had become a precious memory in her heart. And in the future, no matter what awaits them, she has decided to face it together with Jiang Wan’yuan…

    After returning to school, the four were taken to the Dean of Students’ office. The atmosphere in the office was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe. The Dean of Students sat at his desk, looking at them with a serious expression. The electronic pointer in his hand tapped the table rhythmically, making “tick-tock” sounds, as if sounding an alarm in their hearts.

    “You guys are really bold!” The Dean of Students finally spoke, his voice low but full of authority. “The school has repeatedly banned students from going out by climbing over the wall, but you actually dared to run to an internet cafe to play games, completely disregarding school rules and discipline!” His gaze swept over Yi Shang, Jiang Wan’yuan, Zhang Yao, and Jichuan in turn, the disappointment in his eyes undisguised.

    Jiang Wan’yuan lowered her head, her fingers twisting the hem of her clothes nervously. She whispered in defense, “Director, we just wanted to try out that game, and we didn’t delay our studies…” Before she could finish speaking, the Dean of Students interrupted her sternly, “Didn’t delay your studies? That’s not an excuse! Climbing over the wall is inherently a huge safety hazard. What if something happens?”

    Yi Shang raised her head and looked directly into the Dean of Students’ eyes, her voice steady and calm. “Director, we were wrong this time and violated school rules. But we promise not to do it again in the future. We hope you can give us a lighter punishment.” Her eyes were firm and calm, without the slightest fear.

    The Dean of Students frowned slightly, looking at Yi Shang, seemingly surprised by her calm attitude. In the past, most students who made mistakes were submissive and obedient. It was rare to see someone as calm and composed as Yi Shang. He pondered for a moment and said slowly, “This matter can’t be easily let go. The four of you, each write a three-thousand-word self-criticism and publicly review your mistakes in front of all the teachers and students in the school. In addition, you will be responsible for the campus cleaning work this week as punishment, so that you can remember this lesson well.”

    Upon hearing this, Jiang Wan’yuan couldn’t help but mutter in a low voice, “Three thousand words… That’s too much.” Yi Shang gently squeezed her hand, signaling her not to say anything more. Then, she nodded to the Dean of Students and said, “Okay, Director, we accept the punishment.”

    After coming out of the Dean of Students’ office, Jiang Wan’yuan was like a deflated ball, drooping her head. “Sigh, this is terrible. A three-thousand-word self-criticism, and we have to do it publicly in front of the whole school. It’s so embarrassing.” Yi Shang couldn’t help but smile as she looked at her dejected appearance. She reached out and rubbed her hair. “Don’t sigh. Just take it as a lesson. In the future, we’ll play games openly and honestly. We’ll study hard and strive to participate in the school’s interstellar simulation competition. Then we won’t have to be sneaky.”

    Jiang Wan’yuan’s eyes lit up, and she looked up at Yi Shang. “Really? The school has an interstellar simulation competition? Then we must participate. Maybe we can even win a prize!” The radiance returned to her face, and the previous depression was swept away.

    Zhang Yao and Jichuan also chimed in, “That’s right. Let’s prepare well and shine in the competition. Let everyone look at us in a new light.”

    In the following days, the four earnestly wrote their self-criticisms according to the Dean of Students’ requirements. Although Yi Shang didn’t say much, she wrote her self-criticism with clear logic and deep reflection on her mistakes. Jiang Wan’yuan would often ask Yi Shang for guidance while writing, and Yi Shang would always patiently explain to her and help her organize her thoughts.

    On the day of the public self-criticism, the playground was full of teachers and students. Jiang Wan’yuan’s palms were sweating nervously. Yi Shang quietly held her hand, passing her strength. The four walked onto the stage one by one and read their self-criticisms. Jiang Wan’yuan’s voice was a little shaky at first, but when she saw Yi Shang’s encouraging eyes below the stage, she gradually calmed down, and her voice became loud and powerful.

    After the self-criticisms, the four began to devote themselves to the campus cleaning work. Although the task was heavy, they did not complain. Yi Shang always silently took on the most tiring and dirty work, while Jiang Wan’yuan was like a little sun, chattering and telling jokes beside her, making everyone happy and turning the originally tedious cleaning work into something fun.

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