Everyone present had assumed it was just a routine evaluation. No one ever imagined Zoe Pierce would be the one to win.

Even without Linda Lynch using her spiritual power, in a pure contest of physical prowess, Zoe Pierce shouldn’t have been the victor.

Linda Lynch looked at Zoe Pierce, whose forehead was already beaded with sweat. Zoe had her wrist in a tight grip. If this were a real match, the location of her Intelligent Brain meant she would have already been eliminated.

She ceased all aggressive movements and stood up straight.

Seeing this, Zoe Pierce released her grip. She panted slightly, her dark eyes glittering like obsidian.

She was no longer an unpolished stone, but a gem already shining brilliantly.

Linda Lynch spoke. "I lost."

"You won, Zoe Pierce."

Rather than feeling bitter about being surpassed by a junior, Linda Lynch was filled with admiration for Zoe Pierce.

In the spacious training room, a single clap suddenly broke the silence. A glance revealed it was Ryan Jacobs.

But then, the scattered applause grew, and when Zoe Pierce turned to look, all the spectating instructors were clapping for her.

She wiped the sweat from her forehead and watched Director Quinn approach.

"Zoe Pierce, that was outstanding. I’m proud of you."

Zoe Pierce had never seen Director Quinn smile like that. She was so used to his stern demeanor and had never heard a word of praise from him. Now that she had, she felt a little embarrassed.

’Her heart was still pounding. If I hadn’t seized Linda Lynch’s opening just now, who knows how this would have turned out. I just happened to catch it... you could call it a stroke of luck.’

"Zoe Pierce, we’re going to have to design a whole new training plan for you," the head of the First Military Academy said with a chuckle.

After seeing her current strength, all previous plans would have to be scrapped.

Zoe Pierce smiled, a hint of liveliness brightening her delicate face. "Thank you for your hard work, instructors."

"You represent The Federation, Zoe Pierce. I rarely praise anyone, but I have to say it today: your performance was truly outstanding." She had exceeded everyone’s wildest imagination. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Everyone present could imagine the shockwaves Zoe Pierce’s debut would send through the world during the actual exhibition match.

She would be The Federation’s crown jewel.

A bringer of undeniable honor.

"Alright, go on and rest for today," the head of the First Military Academy said, shaking his head. "We need to design a new version of your training plan."

The staff from the Federal Military Academy all smiled.

They were certain the First Military Academy had designed more than one plan, a tiered approach to match Zoe Pierce’s expected progress.

But no one had expected that Zoe Pierce would start at the highest level they had conceived—a level they hadn’t even finished designing.

For the current Zoe Pierce, that basic training was simply a waste of time. She could do it, but there was no point.

Director Quinn nodded in agreement.

But then he watched as Zoe Pierce hastily picked up the Gravity belt she’d tossed aside and refastened it. She was still panting, yet her expression betrayed no hint of smugness over her victory.

It was as if this victory was nothing out of the ordinary.

’What’s the right way to put it?’

’Gracious in victory.’

For the first time, Director Quinn felt a new sense of anticipation for Zoe Pierce.

He grew curious. If this child were given a bigger sky to fly in, what would she become?

He could already glimpse the soaring falcon, a fledgling spreading its wings to take flight...

"Director Quinn." Zoe Pierce called out softly, noticing Jasper Quinn was lost in thought.

Jasper Quinn’s expression was complex. Finally, he said, "Let’s go."

Zoe Pierce was the center of attention, escorted by the group directly to the dormitory where she would be staying.

This entire section was reserved for the Federal Military Academy. Only a few of their instructors remained, while the others left with the head of the First Military Academy.

Director Quinn commandeered the conference room.

Zoe Pierce sat opposite him as Director Quinn asked, "Is it usually Miles Sherman and the others who train with you?"

The answer was obvious, but Director Quinn needed to be certain.

Zoe Pierce saw no reason to hide anything. She briefly explained how Nathan Lockwood had designed her training regimen and mentioned the daily sparring sessions she had with Erin Xavier and the others.

"Can you send me a copy of Nathan Lockwood’s plan?"

Of course.

Her Intelligent Brain transmitted the training plan in less than two seconds.

A flood of dense data records appeared. It started all the way back during the joint entrance exams and continued right up to the previous day, with check-in records for every one of Zoe Pierce’s sessions.

It also included numerous analyses, sessions where Miles Sherman, Erin Xavier, Chase Shaw, and Nathan Lockwood had worked together to identify her weaknesses and devise solutions.

The four of them acted as her personal coaching team, helping Zoe Pierce every step of the way.

And Zoe Pierce had followed their instructions to the letter, completing every task, every single day.

Effort, determination, diligence, and perseverance.

Not one could be lacking.

And today, she had presented a perfect report card to them all.

This log was a testament to the path she had walked.

Of course, he didn’t know that Zoe Pierce was still holding an ace up her sleeve: her Mecha training was entirely separate from her physical conditioning.

It was a completely different regimen.

"I’ll give this data to the instructors at the First Military Academy for their reference," Director Quinn said to Zoe Pierce after skimming through the plan.

Zoe Pierce had no objection.

"Zoe Pierce, you’ve truly impressed me."

Being praised by so many people in succession was making Zoe Pierce a little uncomfortable. She didn’t know what to say, so she just smiled.

’No wonder Miles Sherman and the others are so close with her,’ he thought. ’They’re even willing to help her search for a truth with no guaranteed outcome.’

’A teammate like that is worthy of high praise. And that’s not even mentioning that Zoe Pierce is also a Comfort Officer.’

’She possesses an S-Class soothing ability, yet she still trained herself to this level.’

’Truly, the new generation is already surpassing the old.’

"I have nothing more to add today. For now, maintain your current training routine. We’ll wait for the new schedule from the First Military Academy for anything else."

"Director Quinn, have Nathan Lockwood and the others gone for field training?"

With her own matters settled, Zoe Pierce couldn’t help but ask for news about her friends.

The skills of Miles Sherman and the others didn’t need to be tested the way Zoe’s had. Seeing her curious expression, Director Quinn’s demeanor softened. "Yes. But it should be Mecha training first, then field exercises."

At the mention of Mecha, a flicker of light crossed Zoe’s eyes, but she didn’t say a word.

「A day passed in the blink of an eye.」

Zoe Pierce spent the day in much the same way she would have on Companion Star.

Until night fell.

Lying in bed, just as Zoe Pierce was about to fall asleep, she heard her Intelligent Brain go BEEP BEEP.

’A message?’

’At this hour...’

’Who could it be?’

She rubbed her thumb and index finger together, and a sapphire-blue projection appeared before her eyes.

It was Nathan Lockwood.

He had sent a short, yet impossible-to-ignore message.

"Zoe, I miss you so much."