Chapter 24: Chapter 21 Warning_2

For a normal person, that was considered a good outcome.

However, this conscription was targeted against the “异族,” and due to confidentiality concerns, it was highly unlikely for anyone who made the draft list to return; even if they weren’t killed in battle, it would be almost impossible to see them again during their lifetime.

Although the government would provide compensation and ensure the families were properly taken care of, one would definitely be a sacrifice.

“It’s all hearsay, what ‘异族’ this and that. In my opinion, these are just rumors.”

Du Quan immediately spoke up.

“Indeed.”

“The government hasn’t mentioned it officially; it might just be a routine conscription.”

“That’s right, Lin Yuan, you shouldn’t worry too much either. Perhaps after you retire, you could be reassigned back to the military district…”

…

A few people started comforting Lin Yuan.

Of course, it was just consolation.

In reality, no one was positive about this conscription.

Even though the government hadn’t explicitly stated the purpose of the draft, compensation for everyone on the list had already been arranged.

This was no secret; anyone who cared even a little could find out.

After all, if it were just a routine conscription, would they offer so much compensation?

“Actually, there might be a turning point. My uncle works in the military district. I will go back tonight and ask him to see if there’s any possibility of making flexible arrangements…”

Huo Qingyao spoke up at this time.

He was the only one in the room with a military district background, and thus the most confident person to make such a statement.

“Then we’ll have to trouble Yao.”

Hearing this, Du Quan immediately responded.

His reply wasn’t flattery, but a heartfelt thank you.

As his classmate and friend for so many years, he didn’t want Lin Yuan to walk down a road of no return.

When the others heard this, especially the few girls, their eyes suddenly brightened.

The statement by Huo Qingyao implied a lot, most notably the possibility of influencing the draft list — this was a huge advantage in terms of connections.

Compared to this, Chu Shiyu’s earlier promise to help arrange a job seemed insignificant.

A job was nothing compared to Huo Qingyao’s potential influence over military conscription.

Instantly, aside from Zhao Qiwu, the girls present, including the one who sought a job arrangement from Chu Shiyu, all started gravitating towards Huo Qingyao.

Lin Yuan sat aside, and instead of being annoyed by Huo Qingyao’s chest-thumping gesture, he found it somewhat amusing.

The draft list was audited by the Goddess of Wisdom, and changing it was not as simple as one might think.

Yet Huo Qingyao was ultimately trying to help him, even if the nature of that help was to show up “Chu Shiyu.”

At Lin Yuan’s level, the open and covert struggle between Huo Qingyao and Chu Shiyu was as amusing as children playing house.

“It’s about time.”

“I should go.”

“Someone is waiting for me.”

Lin Yuan glanced at the time and got up to say goodbye.

Without waiting for everyone’s consent, he promptly left the coffee shop and headed towards the roadside.

“Huh?”

The people in the room frowned upon seeing this.

Especially Huo Qingyao, who had agreed to inquire about the matter with his uncle. Although he hadn’t made a guarantee, the least Lin Yuan could do was to say a word of thanks.

But Lin Yuan said nothing and remained seated, now even making up an excuse to leave?

Such discourteous behavior left Huo Qingyao feeling somewhat put off.

“This guy…”

Looking through the café’s glass, Huo Qingyao watched Lin Yuan’s retreating figure, about to say something.

Just then.

A sleek, black, streamlined hover car pulled up at the curb.

To be precise, it stopped in front of Lin Yuan.

“That hover car’s license plate?”

Chu Shiyu also took notice, his attention immediately focusing on the license plate.

Although his family did not have military background, they often dealt with the government, so he immediately recognized the license plate of the black hover car as government-exclusive.

Hanging such a license plate, it could enter special roads, not only shortening the distance but avoiding the possibility of traffic congestion.

However, these kinds of designated hover cars were generally only used to transport VIPs. Why was one parked in front of Lin Yuan now?

“It must be a coincidence, definitely a coincidence.”

Chu Shiyu couldn’t help but think to himself.

Yet, as everyone watched, a tall man got out of the black hover car and respectfully ushered Lin Yuan into the vehicle.

This…

The crowd was once again silent.

They had thought that Lin Yuan’s claim of ‘someone waiting for him’ was just an excuse.

But it turned out to be true, and the person waiting for him came in a government-designated vehicle.

“This license plate belongs to the Evolver’s Association. I saw this kind of plate before when I went with my uncle to the Association for some errands…”

Chu Shiyu seemed to realize something and spoke up again.

Evolver’s Association.

Huo Qingyao’s expression slightly changed.

Among the many government departments, the Evolver’s Association was undoubtedly one of the toughest to deal with.

They managed the community of evolvers, were exceedingly strong-willed, and very influential.

But why would such a formidable Evolver’s Association send a special car to pick up Lin Yuan, a mere student?

Doubts arose in everyone’s minds.

It was completely illogical.

“Hahahaha, maybe there is some kind of cooperation between the military district and the Evolver’s Association.”

Huo Qingyao racked his brain and offered this explanation.

“Probably.”

“It must be that.”

The others nodded slightly upon hearing this.

Although the idea was absurd, the Evolver’s Association and the military district were two different systems, what cooperation could there be?

But it was the only explanation that made sense of the current situation.

After all, Lin Yuan’s name was on the military conscription list. The only connection with the Evolver’s Association had to be through the major military districts behind conscription.

“A few days ago, I looked over the conscription notice again and found that Lin Yuan’s name was no longer on the conscription list,” Zhao Qiwu, who had been silent, suddenly said.

Upon hearing this,

Everyone was momentarily stunned.

Especially Huo Qingyao, whose expression became rigid.

He was no fool; he understood how difficult it was to be removed from the conscription list, especially with compulsory conscription.

He had sworn earlier that he would inquire with his uncle, but it was just a routine question; he doubted that his uncle could do anything about it.

Even if there was a way, the cost would be terrifying, and it was impossible to do such a thing for an outsider.

But now, Lin Yuan’s name had really been removed from the list?

“Impossible.”

“I need to inquire with the Goddess of Wisdom.”

Huo Qingyao immediately connected to the network, and upon discovering Lin Yuan’s name was not on the list, he started requesting a connection to the Goddess of Wisdom to inquire about Lin Yuan’s exemption from conscription.

The next moment,

A solemn and stately female voice sounded directly in Huo Qingyao’s ear.

“Warning, Level One Citizen Huo Qingyao, you are inquiring into matters outside your authority, suspected of violating Charter Article Five Hundred and Sixty.”

“This is the first warning. If you continue your inquiry, you will be brought before the Supreme Court for trial.”

Hearing the Goddess of Wisdom’s icy warning, Huo Qingyao’s face turned pale, and he was scared enough to fall on his butt.

The Supreme Court of the Cosmic Human Alliance always prosecuted the most vicious criminals, and anyone judged by the Supreme Court bore serious cases and had caused extremely adverse impacts.

What could Huo Qingyao possibly have done to warrant the Supreme Court taking time to judge him?

Huo Qingyao’s teeth chattered, and his legs shook uncontrollably.