The entrance of the base is an alloy gate equipped with an energy shield, and the surrounding walls are made of the same alloy material, all flickering with the blue light of the energy shield. It seems that after the last ambush by Rashid, this strategically important base has strengthened its defenses. To prevent Mecha raids, they even used the expensive alloy walls, and the energy consumption to maintain such a large energy shield is staggering.
Under the searchlights on both sides of the gate, three [Holy Armor 22] and several sentries stood guard, while several [Three-headed Dog] medium-sized Mechas patrolled around the gate. This type of Mecha is also a standard issue of the Imperial Army, known for its powerful long-range attacks, though its defense and mobility don't match the Federation's [Honor 15].
Six [Demon Tigers] emerged like ghosts from the darkness, silently appearing in front of the base's garrison. These beast-shaped Mechas, bearing the emblem of the Mythical Army, are the most ferocious symbols of the Imperial Army. In the Imperial Army, no one dares to disrespect members of the Mythical Army, as they represent the Imperial Family of Gazalin and are the royal family's loyal guards – cold, brave, ruthless, and powerful.
Tian Xingjian maneuvered his Mecha slowly to the front of the guards without saying a word. In front of him stood a lieutenant officer, clearly the highest-ranking officer among the sentries.
The five special reconnaissance soldiers following behind Tian Xingjian were sweating in their palms. The forces outside the gate were beyond what a few Federation soldiers operating [Demon Tigers] could handle. Furthermore, as soon as firing began, enemies within the base would swarm out within a minute and tear those who couldn't master the essence of the [Demon Tiger] to pieces.
However, Tian Xingjian wasn't worried at all. The skills from the "Realistic Imitation" manual were already mastered by this trickster to perfection. Moreover, during previous communications with Rashid, he had specifically inquired about the Gazalin Empire and the Mythical Army.
Gazalin Empire is a highly hierarchical nation, largely because it is an imperial country, where hierarchy forms the foundation of its rule.
In this multi-ethnic and multi-racial country, the ruling class, including royals, nobles, wealthy individuals, and officials, holds the highest status and rights. Among ordinary citizens, the royal Vibo people are the most noble. This race was actually the first generation of Earth immigrants. At the dawn of the space age, only the wealthy and powerful could immigrate. The first immigrant planet they reached was named Vibo. Gradually, as the space age progressed, Vibo planet's immigrants congregated to form a race wielding immense wealth and power.
As subsequent generations of immigrants succeeded, up to the fiftieth generation, a classification system based on initial immigrant planets took shape, and with it came distinctions of high and low status.
Although the order of immigration is a key standard for distinction, some races with effort and luck surpassed this classification. For example, the thirty-second generation Gonari Planet people, due to rapid technological advancement and abundant resources, became one of the top ten noble races.
War persisted throughout human civilization's history, continuously regrouping populations. The late phase of the space exploration era saw the split of the Earth Federation, leading to dispersal and fusion of these groups, redefining human society. Some groups vanished, some became homogeneous nations, while others mixed into multi-racial countries. Thus, these groups exist in almost every country today. In imperial countries, the ruling groups and their allies, along with some influential groups within human civilization, became the upper class. Conversely, nearly extinct or economically and culturally underdeveloped groups and those who migrated late from Earth became the enslaved lower class.
In republican and democratic federation states, upper and lower class distinctions aren't clear-cut. Though some radical parties exploit these differences, the state system ensures all citizens' equality. On the surface, at least, it appears so.
In imperial countries, however, a strict barrier divides upper and lower classes, with laws defining this hierarchy. One incredible law absolutely forbids intermarriage between upper and lower classes.
Additionally, there are vast differences in professional, educational, and social aspects. Lower-class individuals are barred from advanced scientific research, politics, or professions like doctors, lawyers, teachers, or military officers above a certain rank. They only engage in menial jobs and receive basic education. In social settings, lower-class individuals must greet and avoid upper-class individuals.
Thus, joining the military became the best choice for many lower-class youths. Though they cannot become field-grade officers, retiring as a captain can secure a respectable job and a slightly better life than most lower-class people.
Some units strictly prohibit lower-class individuals from serving, with the most notable being the Mythical Army. Over the past century, all Mythical Army soldiers underwent the strictest political scrutiny to ensure they stem from the same race as the royal family, the Vibo clan, a top-ranking race in human civilization. In this unit, no other races exist, excluding even other noble races of the Gazalin Empire.
The Imperial Family's obsession with maintaining this unit's pure bloodline verges on the pathological. Bloodline reports trace direct lineage back six generations.
Operating a [Demon Tiger] bearing the Mythical Army emblem signifies both high prestige within the Imperial Army and strict adherence to the racial hierarchy surpassing military ranks.
If this thirty-something lieutenant wasn't from a lower-class race of the Gazalin Empire, Tian Xingjian would be willing to dig out his own eyeballs. No upper-class individual remains a lieutenant past thirty.
Faced with a [Demon Tiger] silently standing before him, lower-class Lieutenant Ali clearly knew what to do. Recently, young Vibo men fiercely opposed the existence of lower-class individuals, frequently beating lower-race passersby or attacking their stores. Ali had encountered such incidents often in the military. He promptly saluted and greeted, "Honorable soldier, Imperial citizen Ali greets you." This was standard etiquette; Ali could only say this even in the military.
Tian Xingjian replied with the [Demon Tiger]'s front paw, his voice cold and disdainful, "Lieutenant, we are pursuing some escaped prisoners of war. We need your cooperation."
Ali paused, nodding, "Very well, how can we assist?"
Tian Xingjian's voice remained cold, "Prepare energy; we will need to replenish soon. Now, we will inspect the base to ensure no prisoners have infiltrated. I don't want to travel a hundred kilometers only to return and send you to a military court for your mistakes."
The five special reconnaissance soldiers listening intently nearly went mad. A special reconnaissance squad leader's rank is usually only a sergeant. To speak this way to a higher-ranking officer—was this Fatty asking for death or provoking a fight?
The reconnaissance soldiers, prepared for an attack, next heard a response that stunned them. Imperial Army Lieutenant Ali replied matter-of-factly, "I believe you are right, honorable soldier. We will immediately cooperate. The energy will be ready in ten minutes. You may enter now."
Five [Demon Tigers] dropped their jaws...
As Tian Xingjian led the incredulous [Demon Tigers] through the gate with satisfaction, Lieutenant Ali called out, "Wait a moment... honorable soldier."
Tian Xingjian forced himself to remain calm, turned his Mecha, and walked back.
Lieutenant Ali, holding an electronic recorder, looked troubled, "You see..."
"You know... it's required to register... your name."
************
Some chapters focus on straightforward scenes to explain the background, essential for the unfolding plot.