Chapter 617

Chapter 617: Future Interstellar Aviators

Hundreds of billions of RMB are not just a small amount; the high-tech equipment crafted from countless resources should be perfect. Any failure, even a minor one, becomes a significant issue.

The team of computer experts responsible for the simulator system split into two groups—one tackling hardware issues and the other focusing on software—initiating a large-scale inspection that created quite a stir.

Fortunately, human intervention wasn’t overly necessary, as a professional scanning system was available for self-diagnosis. Each member equipped with specialized devices quickly identified and ruled out hardware malfunctions.

With a clear target in sight, the two groups merged efforts, contacting the manufacturers while unpacking the source code to reconstruct the physical model.

The computer experts worked in three shifts, tirelessly for several nights, before they pinpointed the source of the issues with the large server.

Lin Mo’s last strike using "monstrous" techniques was the culprit, which caused an abnormality in the server during simulation. This tactical maneuver disrupted the airflow, affecting the server’s calculations.

The designers of this simulation system and the assisting pilots had never encountered or imagined such a tactical situation, leading to the server exceeding the original physical rules in aerodynamic data calculations.

The system, equipped with historical combat record simulation mechanisms, continued to refine its mathematical models. However, any errors during validation simulations prompted a series of chain reactions that caused portions of the functional modules to crash.

A total system crash is not something that occurs easily; the server has its own safety operation rules. Therefore, after reinstalling the upgraded physical rules, Lin Mo and Colonel Jiang were not kept waiting long.

The battle between the two top pilots captivated many astronauts with pilot backgrounds; such high-level fighters are not easily encountered.

Having an ace in an aviation division is already a matter of great pride, treated like a treasure and not readily displayed. Most outstanding pilots in various aviation squadrons only barely reach elite levels.

Being able to witness two high-level pilots at once was already a stroke of luck. Although Lin Mo and Colonel Jiang did not reveal their identities, every astronaut who came to spectate or challenge sensed that these two were true fighter aces, likely with real combat experience.

Many astronauts occasionally sought out Lin Mo or Colonel Jiang during training to hop into the simulator for a challenge, and without exception they ended up thoroughly defeated.

Wang Xuejun, a rebellious spirit among the new generation of astronauts, was no exception. Whether facing Lin Mo or Colonel Jiang, he was decisively defeated within 30 seconds whenever an encounter occurred.

Wang Xuejun looked at Lin Mo with eyes filled with jealousy, coupled with a sense of helplessness.

The gap between them grew larger; if given another chance, he would rather withdraw from the selection and return to being a free-flying fighter pilot in the skies.

Although astronauts can fly higher and further, it comes at the cost of losing freedom and the thrill of battle.

“Boss, I brought you energy bars!”

After finishing his shower and enjoying a gourmet meal with Colonel Jiang, Lin Mo was preparing to find a snack when he saw Meng Yinan standing at his door with a large box.

“You take care of your own thing first; we can chat later.”

Colonel Jiang gestured to Lin Mo.

In these past few days of close combat and tactical discussions, he had already passed on his experiences from "Abyss Nirvana" and most of his lifelong learning during the simulator battles to Lin Mo. Next, they would sharpen Lin Mo’s air combat skills through continued practice, deepening the techniques into instinct and merging them with the fighter jet.

“Alright! We’ll chat later!”

Lin Mo nodded at Colonel Jiang, took out his room card, and opened the door to let Meng Yinan in with the box.

This clever girl knew Lin Mo was running low on his high-nutrition energy bars and quickly brought him another box.

Lin Mo was the only high-volume consumer of energy bars at the training center, delighting the manufacturer counting the sales. The military had gained a foodie.

“Just put it by the desk; there’s an empty box over there.” Lin Mo turned to close the door.

“Got it, Boss!” Meng Yinan responsively found a place to set down the box and glanced toward the door, commenting, “That Colonel Jiang seems really impressive.”

He was one of the many eager challengers; facing Colonel Jiang resulted in being decisively defeated in ten seconds by a single air-to-air missile and a barrage of cannon fire that lit up the sky.

“Of course! He used to be the commander of my aviation squadron.”

Lin Mo gave a thumbs up. Not only is he an ace who participated in "Abyss Nirvana," but he is also the commander of the country’s most elite fighter squadron. In any role, his air combat skills are formidable.

In the military, as long as you are not a civilian officer, anyone commanding troops must have some skills to keep these proud aviators in line, especially those cocky aviators who think they are the best.

The squadron leader of number one?!

Meng Yinan thought that Lin Mo had brought in an expert for training, but he was surprised to find out that it was Lin Mo’s former commanding officer. This skill was top-notch, and no wonder Lin Mo was so impressive—great teachers nurture excellent students.

Even Wang Xuejun, the best in aerial combat skills among their group of astronauts, ended up getting thoroughly defeated. He emerged from the simulator with a sour expression, and his face was quite a sight.

Meng Yinan truly wondered which unit Lin Mo had come from; it made him envy even more.

“I want to seek mentorship too, to learn from Colonel Jiang.”

Meng Yinan’s eyes sparkled with admiration.

“Then you should challenge him! Real combat simulations are the best learning experience.” Lin Mo said as he gathered his leftover high-nutrition energy bars, choosing the beef flavor. He tore open the wrapper and took a big bite, realizing this snack requires good teeth; afterward, you need to drink plenty of water to avoid constipation.

“Really?! Boss, you wouldn’t lie to me, would you?”

Meng Yinan was excited. Good mentors are hard to come by; if he could learn a few secret techniques, it would benefit him for life. With Lin Mo’s help for an introduction, this opportunity seemed likely to happen.

The energy bars were quite palatable, oily and high in calories. As he chewed, Lin Mo suddenly looked at Meng Yinan and, with a mouthful of food, said, “Speaking of which, aren’t you an astronaut now? What do you need aerial combat skills for? You won’t be going to the battlefield, will they assign you to fly an aerospace fighter? Does China even have a space army?”

Once labeled as an astronaut, it was like reaching the top in one leap, but it also meant a life of confinement, even for family members.

Even if you sat on the sidelines, you’d remain there until retirement, making it hard to revert back to being a fighter pilot.

“Well, about that…”

Meng Yinan hadn’t thought that deeply; until now, he hadn’t shifted his mindset from being a fighter pilot to an astronaut.

He assumed that once he passed the golden age for launching into space and could no longer fulfill space missions, he’d be assigned to a position in the Aerospace Department, biding his time until retirement. If he managed to climb a bit higher, his post-retirement benefits would be even better.

The prospect of ordinary pilots retiring to become civilian airline captains was impossible for astronauts; even getting into foreign embassies was exceedingly difficult.

Just then, the phone rang in the room.

Lin Mo walked to the bedside and lifted the receiver to his ear.

“Hello, I’m number one.”

The commanding presence of number one in astronaut training, especially since it was officially sanctioned, meant Lin Mo acted without hesitation. Even the most arrogant Wang Xuejun had to succumb to this fact.

“Yes, yes! I’ll be there shortly.”

Lin Mo nodded as he listened to the voice on the phone, then hung up.

“Boss, I really want to learn! With how technology is developing, I might actually fly an aerospace fighter someday. Maybe the Aerospace Department is already building interstellar warships—it’s all in the distant starry sea ahead of me!”

Meng Yinan’s excitement grew, and he howled dramatically at the ceiling.

This fantasy was indeed a delightful daydream.

“Dream on!” Lin Mo playfully gave the always-chattering “Tabby Cat” a light thump on the head.

China hasn’t even made significant advances in fighter jets, let alone interstellar warships!

Even though he saw models of the "Non-Obstructing Mountain" space station and aerospace fighters at the training center, those were still just models—a dream for all astronauts, not actual tangible objects.

After seeing Boeing’s sixth-generation fighter, he finally realized how vast the gap between China and America’s aviation industries was. This gap could not be closed merely by throwing money at it; it required countless researchers to pour immense effort into it, along with comprehensive industrial development to sustain it.

“Major General Sun is looking for me; I need to visit him in a bit. Jiang Renbin’s room is just next door. If you want to learn, now’s a chance to go consult him. Remember to be polite; I doubt he’ll refuse you. How much you learn will depend on your attitude. Go ahead, future interstellar aviator!”

Lin Mo stood up and patted Meng Yinan on the shoulder, chuckling at how adorable he was.

The universe is a realm even dragon kin would not dare to touch, and it’s not that easy to reach.

If it were that simple, the Americans would have set up a space base on the moon and planted their stars and stripes all over the universe.

“Yes, yes, Boss! Major Meng Yinan, Captain of the Alpha Centauri Black Hole Fleet 1032, sends greetings to the Commander!” Meng Yinan humorously played along with Lin Mo, imitating a military salute.

“Hahaha.”

Lin Mo couldn’t help but laugh; this kid was too amusing. He should definitely consider a career as a cosplay performer; he could pull off the role of a space fleet captain excellently.

It was just a joke!