Chapter 197: Turmoil After the Exercise League

Perhaps it's because of the joint exercise results, or because of Qin Ge's performance in the challenge match; now the Star Sea Grand Fleet's reputation isn't what it was a few days ago—it's just become hotly talked about.

"You mean there's a group of commanders who want to join our Grand Fleet, including first-years moving up to second-years, right?" Qin Ge smiled at the somewhat flustered Li Chenming.

"That's right, you don't know—since the last time you performed in the joint exercise, my dorm door's been blocked every day by people shouting they want to join our Grand Fleet, so I came to find you." Li Chenming said to Qin Ge.

"This is a good thing; it shows our Grand Fleet's strength has conquered them, but having your door blocked every day isn't ideal." Qin Ge said with a smile, then thought a bit, "You should tally up how many commanders want to join our Grand Fleet so I can make a calculation and plan."

"So Qin Ge, are you preparing to expand our Grand Fleet?" Li Chenming asked Qin Ge.

"Yes, our Grand Fleet currently has only six people counting me recently; at the very least our numbers need to exceed double digits to form sufficient combat power to handle any future situation.

So it's also time to add new members, but this time is different from when Chen Bo Jun and the others joined; we need to screen those who want to join our Grand Fleet, and later I also need to go see the Prince of Wales Dean to discuss what I told you before." Qin Ge said to Li Chenming.

Li Chenming suddenly realized, chuckled, and looked at Qin Ge saying, "It seems you're preparing to have them write a pledge of loyalty, but if you say that now, few commanders will want to join."

"I'd rather have fewer recruits if it means keeping our direction unified, because if we take in too many, it will sow hidden dangers for our fleet's future development." Qin Ge said to Li Chenming.

"That's right, let's do that. Next I'll list the names of those applying to join our Grand Fleet and attach their personal data; you go handle your affairs first." Li Chenming said.

"Well, then I'll leave this to you." Qin Ge smiled.

"Hehe, of course—I'm the Vice Commander of the Star Sea Grand Fleet; if I can't settle these things, I'd really be letting down your expectations.

"From now on, you handle tactics and command, while I'll take care of these trivial chores." Li Chenming said with a laugh, then turned and left the reception house lounge.

After Li Chenming left, Hai Lun Na stood behind Qin Ge and said, "Commander, is this okay? They're joining our Grand Fleet with passionate enthusiasm; if we treat them like this, won't we invite criticism?"

Qin Ge shook his head. "No, because as a Grand Fleet, our first duty is to be responsible for its members.

"Our goal has always been the front line, the place nearest the Sirens, so it's full of unknowns and risks. We must hold firm to a belief, otherwise our internal collapse will come easily.

"So when selecting members, we must be cautious, cautious, and cautious again—not only to be responsible for our Grand Fleet comrades, but also to be responsible for those who join our Grand Fleet."

"Mm, I understand." Hai Lun Na nodded and said, "Then are we going to see the Dean now?"

Qin Ge nodded. "Let's go; this matter must first be discussed with the Dean, because no matter what, I'm still a member of the Commander Academy.

"Yes."

Thus Hai Lun Na and Qin Ge went together to the Dean's office; upon arriving, they found the Prince of Wales indeed inside, leisurely drinking tea and listening to music.

"The Dean seems to be in a good mood." Qin Ge said upon entering, seeing the scene, he couldn't help but smile.

"Hehe, the work of the school year is about to finish, so of course I'm in a good mood. What brings you here, Qin Ge?" the Prince of Wales said with a laugh.

"Actually, I originally planned to bring this up after the second semester starts, but now, since the Exercise League ended and a group of people want to join my Grand Fleet, it's better to confirm this early." Qin Ge said to the Prince of Wales.

"Oh, speaking of that, I recall your Grand Fleet really made a splash—you swept both the individual and team championships; you did quite well." the Prince of Wales laughed.

"This also thanks to the Dean and the Qinglong Bureau Chief's support; our Grand Fleet can proceed so smoothly." Qin Ge said with a smile.

"We're just doing our duty, and since you have Guanghui in your Grand Fleet, it's natural to form a small Grand Fleet." the Prince of Wales said, "Also, what exactly did you just say that needs to be confirmed this early?"

Qin Ge said to the Prince of Wales, "You know my Grand Fleet's goal is the front line; although we certainly won't reach it right after graduation, we still must strive to get there.

"So I plan to gather my Grand Fleet members and, when the next Siren Tide arrives, join the battlefield—using combat to sustain combat, employing real battle to advance our Grand Fleet's strength."

The Prince of Wales narrowed his eyes and said, "So you mean you want to participate in the next Siren Tide, and do so as a Grand Fleet?"

"Yes, I have an idea: let us become a support force, heading to weakly defended areas to fight, thereby relieving pressure there while letting us face the battlefield directly and further familiarize and employ our tactics." Qin Ge said to the Prince of Wales.

"Should I say you're truly bold? Ordinary graduating commanders would avoid the Siren Tide at all costs, yet you, as a first-year—oh, wrong, you'll be a second-year by then."

"As a second-year, you want to lead your Grand Fleet to face the enemy head-on—no doubt, that's an astonishing decision. But hearing it from you, why do I not feel the slightest bit surprised?" the Prince of Wales said to Qin Ge.

"There's no helping it; real combat is the only way to test training, and also the quickest way to boost our fleet's strength.

"I have the confidence and ability to lead my Grand Fleet to meet the enemy, and the confidence and strength to bring them all back, but before that I still need to consult the Dean's opinion." Qin Ge said, looking at the Prince of Wales.

The Prince of Wales nodded, then pondered, "I think there's an even better method…"