3

Starship Troopers: Serving the Species

Chapter 3 - A Crack

Ender, who was eating in silence, stared at the field of vision in front of him and couldn’t help but think how weak they had become.

That wouldn’t be the right word to describe it—he would use naive instead.

All of them living a military life without needing to was risky.

No one truly knew the horrors of war, and of all the smiling young faces here, most would die in action.

“Still lost in your thoughts, Wiggin? Still in the cafeteria?” Chyler appeared in front of Ender, clearly intrigued about what the superintendent had talked to him about.

Chyler’s goal in life was to become someone important in the military, so she could be respected in society and not merely used.

She feared ending up like those women who couldn’t fend for themselves. And to prevent that, she had to follow the rules, stand out, and show her value.

All of Chyler’s friends were surprised that she went to sit with Ender, the guy who barely spoke and didn’t socialize much with the others.

“Your friends…” Ender didn’t feel like talking to Chyler right now. Part of him felt uncomfortable sharing his privileges as a gifted student.

“I know. I don’t care.” Chyler was one of the few girls who admitted that her so-called friends would disappear from her life once she graduated.

The conversation between Ender and Chyler at first wasn’t unusual. They had spoken before—but not like this.

Many even thought they were in a romantic relationship. After all, most students here were more mature than ordinary kids their age, and falling in love wasn’t a crime.

However, the issue here was that the one speaking more than usual was Ender, and the top student of the academy was Chyler.

Students nearby, who had stopped to observe, wondered if the two were plotting to join forces in the upcoming evaluation trials.

“Are they really teaming up for the field test?”

“Wiggin isn’t a warrior. His strength lies in command, so they’ll use his tactics to win ground combat.”

Many knew Ender, who always seemed indifferent to others.

Ender, who couldn’t ignore all the commotion, said, “Chyler, I graduate tomorrow. The superintendent has already granted me the privilege to take the graduation exam tomorrow.”

Chyler, her eyes on her book, was surprised by Ender’s words and stopped pretending. “You graduate tomorrow?”

Those words echoed in her mind again and again. Chyler didn’t know what was happening to her. She just felt a tightness in her chest, like the boy in front of her had beaten her at something. She didn’t feel good at all.

Ender sensed Chyler’s surprise at his words. He didn’t feel proud, but he also saw no reason to keep waiting.

At least before leaving the academy, Ender wanted someone to hear how he felt.

“After I graduate, I’ll probably be assigned to a base in a hostile solar system. When you graduate next year, if you still want to prove yourself, you can come find me.”

“I don’t need favors.” Chyler misunderstood Ender’s words. He had only wanted to subtly let her know she’d have someone familiar nearby.

“No, of course not.” Ender, who didn’t want to dwell on Chyler’s emotions or the conversation, left the cafeteria.

He didn’t like carrying feelings that didn’t belong to him—it made him less intelligent.

For now, Ender had to go back and prepare. After all, his opponent tomorrow was Miles Quaritch, the legend of the entire Federation.

Based on Ender’s assumptions before the battle, Miles’ command capabilities were probably grade A, with some in grade S.

As far as the Human Federation was concerned, Miles Quaritch’s skills were undoubtedly on the level of the God of War.

Still, Ender wanted to try and see how far he could go!

…

“Rest time begins.” Returning to his room, Ender lay on the white bed in that small space he only used for sleeping and closed his eyes.

“Begin combat simulation, grade five.” After saying that, Ender fell into a deep sleep.

“[...]

Virtual battlefield activated.

A level 5 opponent has been generated.

Simulation mode: encounter battle. User may enter in 10 seconds. Please prepare.

…]”

Ender had selected a level five difficulty, and in the system, that meant an opponent with all grade A skills.

Ender thought that if he wanted to earn Miles Quaritch’s approval in tomorrow’s battle simulation, he had to show enough ability.

After all, this was related to the mission of his own system. Only with strong performance could he meet the requirements faster.

Upon hearing the system notification, soon, Ender began to see the light.

When Ender regained consciousness and opened his eyes, he was already on the command bridge of a battleship.

Ender skillfully operated the equipment from the captain’s seat and reviewed his fleet’s status. It was still a 100 ships versus 100 ships battle.

He was already used to this style of combat.

“Report: enemy fleet detected, distance 50 million kilometers.”

“Activating cannons, preparing weapons.”

“Deploying combat probes.”

...

That night, Ender couldn’t remember how many times he had been tortured.

After all, the time ratio between virtual space and reality was 10:1.

In other words, after 15 hours of systematic training, Ender had actually spent 150 hours in virtual space.

In total, he had fought 29 battles.

“The difference in combat strategy is very significant. With my current ability, it’s still too hard to counter him.”

In the morning, Ender, lying in bed, opened his eyes and said with disappointment.

However, a night of torment hadn’t been for nothing. In the last virtual battle, although Ender was defeated, he had also destroyed nearly 40 enemy battleships.

“[...

Ding!

Congratulations to the user for leveling up your command skill!

Current Rank: A. Reward: 2% brain development.

…]”

The next moment, Ender felt his thoughts become clearer. “Open attribute panel!”

…

“[...

User: Ender

[Host]: Ender Wiggin

[Command Skills]: Artillery Command (B), Evasion Command (C), Formation Command (A), Mecha Command (C)...

[Mission 1]: Become a fleet commander and command at least ten warships.

Reward: Fully awarded warp engine technology.

[Mission 2]: Get promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.

Reward: Receive Genetic Enhancement medication and unlock the Physical Function Attributes Panel.

…]”

“Not bad stats for my current age. In terms of fleet formation command, I should be considered superior among military personnel.”

Ender silently evaluated his new skill level. He raised his hand and looked at the time on his tactical wristband. “Hmm, it’s past seven. Time to attend the evaluation.”

Moments before leaving, Ender pulled a bottle of nutritional solution from his system space and drank it directly. It had been the reward from a previous mission.

He only needed one bottle a day to replenish all the energy a human body needed. It was very convenient, given his dedication to combat simulations.

After putting on his student uniform, Ender left his dorm and headed toward the academy’s simulation building.

As he exited the academy’s residential zone, he saw a female silhouette dressed in her white uniform.

It was Chyler.

“What are you doing here?”

“As your only rival in this academy, I consider it necessary to observe your graduation evaluation.” Chyler hadn’t expected to get approval to witness this combat simulation.

She was the second-best in the academy, so she had sent a direct request to the Superintendent, and due to her outstanding talent, it was approved.

“Did they make you sign?” Ender didn’t seem annoyed and walked beside Chyler as they headed to the room.

Soon, they arrived at the academy’s simulation hall. Superintendent Shane and Miles Quaritch had already arrived.

“Report: Interstellar Military Academy of the Federation, Ender Wiggin, student of class 55, Command Department graduate, is here to attend the graduation evaluation. Please give me orders!”

Ender immediately adopted a flawless military posture and saluted Miles Quaritch, seated not far away.

“At ease, cadet.”

Superintendent Shane had seen this scene yesterday and thought it was fine.

But Chyler, standing to the side, was stunned. Was this really the same Ender Wiggin?