Rebirth in the Dragon Kingdom: The Strongest Blade

Chapter 4 First Time Wearing Military Uniform

When Lin Zhe walked out of the small building with his simple luggage in the early morning, he found his family already waiting in the yard.

Lin Zhe's father, Lin Guodong, wore a dark jacket, while his mother, Su Wan, forced a smile despite her slightly red eyes. His older brother, Lin Feng, and sister-in-law, Chen Jing, stood to the side with their three-year-old nephew, Lin Xuan. To Lin Zhe's surprise, his grandfather, Lin Weiguo, was also sitting in the courtyard, with Zhang Jian standing straight behind him.

"Grandpa, why are you up too?" Lin Zhe quickly stepped forward.

Lin Weiguo patted his grandson's hand, his eyes full of pride: "This is my grandson's first time wearing a military uniform to report for duty, how could I not come to see him off?" The old man carefully looked Lin Zhe over and nodded, "Good spirit, you're starting to look like a soldier."

Lin Guodong stepped forward and handed an envelope to his son: "This is from home. It's not much, but you should spend what you need to. Don't be too frugal at school."

"Dad, the school provides room and board, so it won't cost much," Lin Zhe declined.

"Take it." Lin Guodong's tone left no room for refusal. "Since you've chosen this path, your parents support you. But remember, no matter what, your family will always be your support."

Su Wan couldn't help but step forward and hug her son, her voice choked with emotion: "Xiao Zhe, take good care of yourself, eat on time, and don't push yourself too hard in training..." She couldn't continue, she just hugged her son tightly.

"Mom, I will." Lin Zhe gently patted his mother's back. "I'll come back to see you during the holidays."

Lin Feng walked over and patted his younger brother on the shoulder. This 28-year-old government official was half a head taller than Lin Zhe, and had a calm demeanor: "Xiao Zhe, I didn't expect you to choose this path. But since you've chosen it, walk it well. Our Lin family, whether in politics or the military, is all serving the country."

Sister-in-law Chen Jing said gently, "Xiao Xuan, say goodbye to your uncle."

Three-year-old Lin Xuan said in his childish voice, "Goodbye, Uncle! Be a hero!"

The child's innocent words made everyone laugh. Lin Zhe squatted down and patted his nephew's head: "Okay, Uncle will definitely try his best."

Finally, Lin Zhe walked up to his grandfather. Lin Weiguo reached out and straightened Lin Zhe's collar, his movements slow and solemn.

"Xiao Zhe, remember three things." Lin Weiguo's voice wasn't loud, but every word was clear. "First, when you wear the uniform, you bear the responsibility. Second, military academy is not only a place to learn, but also a place to forge your soul. Third, wherever you go, never forget why you started."

"I understand, Grandpa," Lin Zhe stood at attention and answered solemnly.

Lin Weiguo nodded in satisfaction, took out an old cloth bag from his pocket, and slowly opened it. Inside was a military medal that had faded somewhat, with worn edges, but its former glory was still evident.

"This is the first medal I ever received, from the Southern Frontier Campaign." The old man placed the medal in Lin Zhe's palm. "I'm giving it to you now. Not to show off, but to remind you that a soldier's glory is earned with life and blood."

Lin Zhe felt a heavy weight in his palm, not just the weight of the medal, but also the weight it contained. He carefully put the medal away: "Thank you, Grandpa. I will definitely not let it down."

"Go on," Lin Weiguo waved his hand. "Don't let your family see you off. Soldiers should act like soldiers. Go on your own."

Lin Zhe nodded, gave his family a serious military salute, then picked up his luggage and turned to walk towards the courtyard gate. He didn't turn back, but he could feel the loving and expectant gazes behind him.

Stepping out of the sanatorium, Lin Zhe hailed a taxi. The driver, a man in his forties, noticed Lin Zhe carrying luggage and casually asked, "Young man, going to university?"

"Yes, National University of Defense Technology."

"Wow, a military academy!" The driver glanced at him through the rearview mirror. "That's ambitious! My son wanted to apply back then, but his score wasn't high enough. This school is really prestigious; everyone who graduates becomes an officer."

Along the way, the driver kept talking about his longing for the military, and Lin Zhe listened quietly, his gaze fixed on the city scenery passing by outside the window. This capital of China, which resembled the capital of the Dragon Kingdom in the 1990s, had a unique atmosphere of the times—there were more bicycles than cars on the streets, people's clothes were monochromatic but neat, and most of the buildings were square and simple.

Forty minutes later, the taxi stopped at the entrance of the National University of Defense Technology.

Unlike ordinary universities, this school has guards standing at the gate, and a huge military emblem hangs on the solemn gate. Although the semester has not officially started, many new students have already come to register, and the school gate is bustling with activity.

Lin Zhe stepped off the bus with his luggage and immediately felt the gazes directed at him. This wasn't just because of his tall stature and unique demeanor, but also because of the banner prominently displayed at the school gate: "Warmest congratulations to Lin Zhe, the top science student in the country, for choosing our school!"

"That's Lin Zhe?"

"A freakishly high-achieving student with 748 points?"

"He actually came to military academy..."

Hearing the whispers, Lin Zhe remained calm and walked straight to the registration desk.

The registration area was located in the lobby on the first floor of the teaching building, where several instructors in military uniforms sat behind long tables. Upon seeing Lin Zhe approach, a male instructor in his thirties, bearing the rank of major, brightened up.

"Lin Zhe?" The major stood up and extended his hand. "I'm Li Jianjun, the person in charge of the freshman registration area."

"Hello, Instructor Li." Lin Zhe shook hands with him.

Li Jianjun looked at the student in front of him, his eyes flashing with approval. Most freshmen are more or less nervous or naive on their first day of registration, but Lin Zhe was different—he stood up straight, his eyes were calm, and his handshake was firm, not at all like a student who had just graduated from high school.

"The school is aware of your situation." Li Jianjun picked up a file folder from the table. "These are your enrollment materials, timetable, and school rules handbook. Your dormitory is room 402 in building 3. Here is the key."

Lin Zhe took the materials: "Thank you, instructor."

"You're welcome." Li Jianjun paused, his tone becoming solemn. "Lin Zhe, on behalf of the school, I thank you for your choice. With your grades, you could have gone to any university in the country, but you chose to come here. This is not only a personal choice, but also a sense of responsibility."

"It's what I should do," Lin Zhe replied.

Several female teachers in charge of registration nearby were also secretly observing Lin Zhe, whispering among themselves: "He looks even more energetic in person than in the photos..." "He has such a good presence, he doesn't look like a high school student at all..." "I heard he's the mayor's son, so low-key..."

After completing the formalities, Lin Zhe went to the logistics department to collect his uniform and bedding. The person in charge of distributing them was a veteran in his fifties. Seeing Lin Zhe's name, he grinned and said, "The top scholar is here? Good lad, you've got guts!"

He carefully measured Lin Zhe's size, then took out a brand-new military uniform from the warehouse: "Try it on, and we'll adjust it if it doesn't fit."

Lin Zhe tried it on on the spot. When he took off his casual clothes, several other freshmen who had also come to pick up their uniforms were stunned—the muscles were clearly the result of long-term rigorous training, with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, prominent latissimus dorsi muscles, and well-defined abdominal muscles, making him look nothing like a recent high school graduate.

"Wow...that figure..."

"How did he train?"

"Could he be a student with athletic talent?"

Lin Zhe ignored them and focused on putting on his military uniform. The grass-green uniform instantly transformed his demeanor. The uniform fit him perfectly, with straight shoulders and a cinched waist; combined with his upright posture and composed gaze, he looked every bit the young military officer.

The veteran circled Lin Zhe, nodding repeatedly, "Perfect fit, just like it was tailor-made. Young man, you're born to wear a military uniform!"

Carrying his bedding and luggage, Lin Zhe found dormitory room 402 in building 3. When he opened the door, three young people were already making their beds inside.

"Here I am, the last roommate!" The tall, thin guy with glasses was the first to react from the bed near the door. He pushed up his glasses, extended his hand, and said, "Hello, my name is Wang Gang, from Dongshan Province."

"Lin Zhe, a local from Beijing." Lin Zhe shook hands with him.

Two other people joined in. A slightly dark-skinned, muscular boy grinned and said, "Zhao Kai, from Nanjiang Province. I saw you downstairs just now. You're the top science student, right? Awesome!"

The third boy was quieter and spoke softly: "Zhang Le, from Xishan Province. Please take care of me in the future."

The four introduced themselves and quickly became acquainted. Wang Gang was a gold medalist in a physics competition, Zhao Kai had won first prize in the National Youth Science and Technology Innovation Competition, and Zhang Le was a math prodigy who scored full marks in the college entrance examination in mathematics. Those who could get into the National University of Defense Technology were indeed top students from all over the country.

"Lin Zhe, you're amazing! 748 points!" Zhao Kai exclaimed as he made his bed. "I worked my butt off and only got 689. I thought I was pretty good, but compared to you, I'm nowhere near as good."

"Grades are just a stepping stone." Lin Zhe tidied the bed. "Once we're here, we all start afresh."

"That's right!" Wang Gang agreed. "But Lin Zhe, how did you get such a great physique? You looked like a veteran in your military uniform just now."

Lin Zhe smiled and said, "I trained with my elders for a few months during the summer vacation."

"You can get this good in just a few months?" Zhao Kai touched his arm enviously. "Looks like I need to work harder too."

After tidying up their belongings, the four changed into their military uniforms. When Lin Zhe put on that uniform again, gasps of amazement echoed through the dormitory once more.

"Damn, comparing yourself to others is just awful." Zhao Kai looked at himself in the mirror, then at Lin Zhe, "The same clothes, how come they look so different on me?"

Indeed, although all four were wearing new military uniforms, Lin Zhe's military bearing was noticeably more prominent. It wasn't just his physique, but rather a composure and fortitude that emanated from within.

"Lin Zhe, have you received military training before?" Zhang Le observed carefully. "Your movements in military uniform are particularly skilled, and your posture is different from ours."

"My elders in the family are soldiers, so I learned a little bit about it," Lin Zhe said vaguely.

At 3 p.m., the assembly whistle blew from the dormitory building. All the freshmen quickly went downstairs, lined up on the playground, and then proceeded to the school auditorium as instructed.

The auditorium, which can hold two thousand people, was packed to capacity. All the freshmen were dressed in brand-new military uniforms and sat neatly according to their departments and classes. Above the podium hung a huge military emblem and the school motto: "Loyalty, Martial Proficiency, Innovation, Dedication."

At 3:30 p.m., the opening ceremony officially began. After the solemn national anthem, an elderly general with gray hair and the rank of major general walked onto the podium. He was General Chen Zhenguo, the president of the National University of Defense Technology.

"Welcome to the National University of Defense Technology, students!" General Chen's voice was loud and powerful. "From today onwards, you are no longer just students, but soldiers. You bear on your shoulders not only your personal future, but also the future of the nation and the hope of the military!"

The applause of the audience was thunderous.

General Chen's speech was both serious and passionate. He recounted the history and traditions of the National University of Defense Technology, emphasized the mission and responsibility of soldiers, and expressed his earnest expectations for the new students.

Halfway through his speech, General Chen changed the subject: "Among today's new students, there is one student who deserves special mention. As the top science student in the country, he turned down offers from top universities and resolutely chose our military academy."

Whispers immediately filled the auditorium, and everyone's eyes turned to Lin Zhe's direction.

General Chen continued, "This student scored 748 points on the college entrance examination, breaking the record set in Jinghua City twenty years ago. He could have chosen an easier, more glamorous path, but he chose the military uniform, and he chose responsibility and commitment."

The spotlight suddenly shone on Lin Zhe, who could only stand up and salute the stage. A burst of enthusiastic applause erupted in the auditorium.

"Lin Zhe!" General Chen looked at him. "Would you mind saying a few words on behalf of all the new students?"

Lin Zhe took a deep breath and strode towards the podium. His steps were steady and powerful, his military uniform was impeccably pressed, and every step he took resonated in the hearts of everyone present.

Standing on the podium, facing over two thousand pairs of eyes, Lin Zhe showed no nervousness, only calmness. He adjusted the microphone, and his voice clearly resonated throughout the auditorium:

"Respected leaders and teachers, dear students, good afternoon. I am Lin Zhe."

"Many people ask me why I chose military academy? With my grades, I clearly had 'better' options."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the audience: "What I want to say is that there is no better choice than defending the country. The military profession is never measured by grades. It measures loyalty, responsibility, and dedication."

"We live in a peaceful country, but the world is not at peace. China needs a strong national defense, advanced military technology, and even more importantly, a new generation of soldiers with ideals, knowledge, and a sense of responsibility."

"Today, when we put on this uniform, it means we have chosen responsibility. What we need to learn is not only knowledge and skills, but also the loyalty and courage of soldiers."

"I am willing to work hard and train diligently with all of you here today, so that I can contribute my strength to the national defense cause of our motherland in the future. Thank you!"

After a brief silence, thunderous applause erupted in the auditorium. Many freshmen stood up excitedly, and the applause lasted for a long time.

General Chen walked up to Lin Zhe, shook his hand, and said, "Well said! The army needs young men like you!"

After the opening ceremony, Lin Zhe became the focus of attention across the entire school. Whether he was going to the cafeteria for a meal or on his way back to the dormitory, people were always pointing and talking about him.

"That's Lin Zhe..."

"That was a really good presentation, not like a freshman at all..."

"He's even more handsome in person than the rumors suggest..."

Back in the dorm, my three roommates surrounded me.

"Lin Zhe, you're amazing!" Zhao Kai exclaimed excitedly. "That speech you just gave really got me excited!"

Wang Gang adjusted his glasses: "Clear logic, compelling delivery. Lin Zhe, did you give speeches often before?"

Zhang Le then asked with concern, "Having suddenly become a celebrity, don't you feel any pressure?"

Lin Zhe took off his military jacket and carefully hung it up: "There's definitely pressure, but it's also motivation. We came to military academy not to become famous, but to learn. Starting tomorrow, the real test has just begun."

As night fell, the campus of the National University of Defense Technology gradually quieted down. In dormitory 402, four young people lay on their beds, chatting about their ideals and aspirations for the future.

Lin Zhe stared at the ceiling, his hand unconsciously reaching for the old cloth bag beside his pillow. Inside, the military medals his grandfather had given him lay quietly, as if telling stories of blood and fire.

Tomorrow, military academy life officially begins.