Chapter 830: Public Lecture

I always feel like things have returned to how they were before.

Standing before the dressing mirror, Qin Ge looked at his reflection and said to Belfast.

"Hehe, but Master, you're now more mature and confident than your earlier inexperience; after all these trials, how could you be the same as before?" Belfast laughed.

"Indeed." Qin Ge nodded, "But I never imagined I could one day stand on the podium. The Prince of Wales Dean said it's simple—just give a casual talk; if it were really that simple, that would be great."

"I believe Master will surely complete this lecture smoothly; after all, you've done it many times before, and back in Gangqu, you weren't the one who gave many lectures at the Fleet Girl Academy?" Belfast smiled.

"Hopefully." Qin Ge chuckled.

Leaving the Reception House, Qin Ge and Belfast headed toward the Grand Lecture Hall, but when passing Mikasa's house, they saw her already waiting outside early in the morning.

"Good morning, Mikasa senior." Qin Ge greeted with a smile, "Why have you been standing here all this time? Are you waiting for someone?"

"That's right, I've been waiting for you." Mikasa smiled, "The Dean told me yesterday—how about it? After not giving a lecture for over two years, have you decided what to talk about?"

Qin Ge spread his hands, "I really don't know how to lecture for a whole class; the Dean truly gave me a tough problem."

"Hehe, if it were someone else, I might believe it, but coming from you, I definitely wouldn't." Mikasa laughed, "Can such a simple thing really stump you?"

Qin Ge gave a helpless smile, "Well."

"Actually, you don't need to deliberately think about what to say; perhaps you can find out what they want to know and clear up their confusion—such a lecture is more meaningful than any knowledge." Mikasa smiled at the sight.

"Mikasa senior, that's indeed a reminder." Qin Ge said with a flash of inspiration, "Last year we just went through that terrible Siren Tide; most commanders fell, so they must be somewhat confused about the future, or I could start from that point."

"That would be best—helping them build confidence and solidify their ideals; that's truly the most useful thing for them now." Mikasa laughed.

"Hehe, let's go together; it's about time, and I believe the Dean is getting anxious waiting." Qin Ge laughed.

"Okay."

Chatting with Mikasa along the way, Qin Ge gained a more detailed understanding of the Academy's current state and this batch of students, giving him a rough idea in his mind.

Not long after, the three arrived at the entrance of the Grand Lecture Hall, where the Prince of Wales was standing.

"Dean, you've waited long." Qin Ge said politely.

"Not really long; hasn't the Public Lecture not started yet?" the Prince of Wales laughed, "So, have you decided what to talk about? This time many people have come to listen, naturally including the commanders near Shenhua City."

Qin Ge chuckled, "Originally I had no clue, but just now Mikasa senior gave me a hint, and now I have some confidence."

"Oh? If that's the case, then I'll look forward to it later." the Prince of Wales said.

After a few casual words, the preparatory class bell rang, and everyone followed the Prince of Wales into the classroom.

Looking around, quite a few people came today; besides the upright standing trainee commanders, there were many highly experienced commanders, and Qin Ge saw many familiar faces—those who had often attended his lectures before.

The Prince of Wales went straight onto the podium and addressed the crowd below, "Good morning, everyone—trainee commanders and commanders from Shenhua City. Welcome to this Public Lecture of the Commander Academy."

"For this Public Lecture, we have invited the commander of the Star Sea Grand Fleet, also our Commander Academy's Honorary Instructor Commander Qin Ge, to come and explain what everyone urgently needs to know; please give him a warm welcome."

Applause thundered; Qin Ge stepped onto the podium under everyone's gaze, while the Prince of Wales lightly smiled and handed over the podium to him. Qin Ge stood on the podium, waiting until the continuous applause ended before he began to speak.

"Hello everyone, I'm Qin Ge; I'm delighted to have accepted the invitation from the Prince of Wales Dean to give this public lecture." Qin Ge smiled.

"It's been over two years, almost three, since I last stood on this podium to lecture; many things have happened during that time, bringing great growth for both me and all of you."

"This time I'm not preparing to lecture on tactics or academic knowledge; I'd rather have a mutual exchange with everyone, answering questions and clearing doubts."

After Qin Ge's words, a clamor of discussion rose from below; then someone raised their hand and stood up—a commander of high rank. He said to Qin Ge, "Instructor Qin Ge, I've listened to your lectures at the Academy before and gained a lot. During the last Siren Tide, thanks to your tactical knowledge, I managed to survive."

Furthermore, I later heard that you led the fleet to reinforce Donghuang, and I'm deeply grateful for your efforts. My question today is: facing such powerful Sirens as before, our defensive offensives seem fragile; in this situation, do we still need to continue exploring the sea?

Qin Ge chuckled, "I remember you; though I don't know your name, I still recall your appearance. As for your question, my answer is that we must continue exploring the sea."

"From ancient times to now, humanity has endured many setbacks, whether climate issues or the current Sirens. Yet humanity has reached its present state precisely because of relentless perseverance and effort."

"Back when the Sirens first attacked, that was humanity's most perilous moment; if not for the Fleet Girls, humanity might have forever bid farewell to the ocean."

"Even in such dire times, a portion of people persisted in resistance; they were the first generation of commanders. Thus this spirit has been passed down, unbroken, until now, to our generation."

"Commanders bear the fate of all humanity; we cannot retreat because of a few setbacks or great difficulties. Having chosen this path, we must move forward unswervingly."

"We turn hardship and suffering into stepping stones, constantly enhancing our abilities and strength, combining past experience and lessons, advancing ever more fearlessly, striving for our mission, striving to protect our homeland."

"If commanders truly need a home, I believe our home will be the vast sea that is the battlefield."