Will the kemonomimi encounter Alien Ranch Story?

Her brain imaging showed multiple changes in the nature of the source stone in her central nervous system, meaning that the demon had left a permanent backdoor in her brain and nervous system. Just one close encounter or even just witnessing the demon's presence would cause her seemingly normal rationality to collapse irreversibly.

To this day, the medical community has no good solution for this kind of aftereffect. Anti-phase waves can protect people from the invasion of evil spirits and fear, but they are meaningless to those who have already been harmed.

Anti-phase waves can only compensate for the effects of nerve impulse signals emitted by evil spirits, especially those signals transmitted through the Originium field effect, which is a very crude and simple method. Therefore, it is difficult to use such a thing to really save people.

Moreover, even those ancient disruptors that have now built safe zones, those things called "thought controllers," are powerless to save someone who has been infected by evil and has developed neurotic changes.

Therefore, retirement may be her only outcome. As for what happens after that, she may transfer to the ground support department, or if she is lucky, she may return to the academy and continue flying as an instructor. However, that would be like putting leg bands on a free bird, and her sky would be forever confined to the small airspace around the training ground.

"Hoo!" The ship's horn blared through the sky as two sets of machinery, separated by a thousand years, slowly docked. The polar behemoth switched to port entry mode, and the crew opened the sealed gates to unload the supplies inside. They then repaired and arranged the storage and production maintenance areas around the port, which would be set up as a temporary rest stop in the polar region.

How much longer do I need to lie here?

“Until Dr. Warfarin confirms you’re alright, speaking of which, Adonia… never mind, it’s nothing.” The Sarkaz girl brought her a lunchbox. “Eat something first. What you need now is to rest well and try to forget anything you saw or remembered.” The lunchbox contained very good food: fragrant, layered flatbreads topped with a thick layer of honey syrup.

"Sweets help relax the mind. This is a sick person's meal, specially approved by the doctor. Eat up." Most of the female aviation mages need to strictly control their figure and diet, otherwise it would be difficult to squeeze into that not-so-large cockpit. And every kilogram of weight brings two kilograms of load. Why two kilograms? Because there is also one kilogram used to carry the extra weight as fuel.

Of course, this was a common problem with early aircraft. Modern War Knight MK2 and other large aircraft no longer need to reduce the pilot's weight so much. However, maintaining a good weight and physique still helps her survive intense flight maneuvers and withstand the dual physical and mental strain.

For this reason, the Sarkaz girls were alright, but the Ursus girls, especially the few who transferred from the concession area of ​​Cherbonog, were having a really tough time.

Almost all of their favorite foods are on the forbidden list, and because of their special constitution that causes them to gain weight immediately after eating sweets, they often complain in the academy that they are eating prison food every day—they are not even allowed to eat too much rye bread with nuts. The aviation sorcerer team does not need Ursus women who can lift heavy weights—mainly because there is no cockpit big enough to fit them in.

Even the girl who supposedly had aristocratic blood was rejected because of her size when she tried to enter the higher-level aerospace department. I comforted her for a long time because the aerospace department said with difficulty that although her grades were impeccable, they really couldn't fit her into the space rescue capsule.

Thinking of this, Adnia smiled, took the lunchbox, and had to admit that after experiencing a nightmare that left her physically and mentally exhausted, delicious sweets could indeed bring her considerable relief and relaxation.

"Thank goodness I'm not an Ursus woman."

"Oh, sorry, I heard that several of the new pilots in the air force are from Ursus. After all, they're not so strict about size and weight anymore, are they?"

"That's true." The previous load was so heavy that it was heartbreaking to hear about and tearful to see, and people wanted to cut every last gram. Now, it's completely different. Although the cockpit is still uncomfortable, at least it doesn't need to be controlled so strictly.

"And the new aircraft does need some girls who are stronger, especially those with better endurance."

Those things that are jokingly called flying tanks really need to be driven by Ursus girls or boys. Their excellent physical qualities, especially their strength, are very suitable for operating those things that require less sensitive neural connections but require struggling with sticks that seem to be welded shut.

The only remaining route to resupply the polar behemoths was the air route. A transport plane flashing red and blue signal lights aimed at the landing deck. Concentrating as if controlling her own body, Zao Lu took a deep breath. Landing was very difficult for an Ursus like her, requiring the same skills she had learned in ballet school.

In reality, using the cricket's three landing gears to support such a massive aircraft crashing down at high speed is no different from supporting the weight of one's entire body on one's toes. And getting it to accurately catch the arresting cable and stop on the deck is no easier than letting it spin and dance in the palm of its male partner's hand.

"Clang!" The hook caught the arresting cable, the rocket engine shut down, all engines reversed, and the brake pads turned red-hot in an instant. The heavy flying monster finally came to a stop little by little at the end of the deck.

"A good landing, young lady."

"No need to be so polite," Zao Lu exhaled. Why was she here? Or rather, why did she run to Kazdel and join their aviation academy? Was it because she longed to gain a pair of wings to escape the cage that her past had woven for her?

In any case, the emperor's purge had begun several years ago, and the resistance of the old nobles had never stopped. As a newly emerging noble family, her family was also severely damaged in this internal turmoil, and now, apart from the title of noble, she has nothing.

Her father died on the battlefield of Kazimir to prove his loyalty, and it is said that even his remains were never recovered. Her mother suffered a mental breakdown due to this trauma. Therefore, as the eldest daughter, she had to support what little the family had left.

But what can a high school student do in Ursus?

Even if she is the student council president, deeply trusted by her classmates, highly respected at school, and has excellent grades, in the adult world, these things are just embellishments.

In a world intertwined with power and money, the noble title, inheritance rights, and earldom assets her family acquired during the great rebellion, which she had lost as the only layer of protection, became one death warrant after another for her.

"Oh, isn't this the noble young lady? Finally, you can fly!" Zao Lu turned her head, but she didn't need to turn around to know who it was. Was the brown-haired girl with a streak of red highlights her... an old friend or an old rival?

In Ursus, students often form loose organizations called clubs, and those united around them are mostly commoner students. However, another club in the school is composed of noble students, and conflicts between the two are inevitable.

Whenever her people are bullied by aristocratic students, this short, brown-haired girl stands up for them, which leads to an even more intense and escalating fight. As the student council president, she can't just stand by and watch, and so, over time, their relationship has evolved into what it is today.

They can't stand each other, but they also appreciate each other's character and qualities. That's probably the kind of complicated relationship they have.

"Sigh~" Zao Lu sighed, took off her flight headset, and put on the jacket handed to her by the ground crew. "There's nothing I can do. The cabins of the previous aircraft were too cramped and not suitable for me. If possible, General would be a better fit."

She inadvertently straightened her chest, revealing her long, voluptuous legs and firm breasts, and the brown-haired girl opposite her quickly blushed with anger.

The difference in their figures is like the difference between a mature older sister and an ordinary junior high school student. Moreover, in the Ursus dictionary, the word "general" is probably synonymous with incompetence.

The bickering between the two did not affect the workflow on the deck. The tractor pulled the transport plane, which had been unloaded of all its cargo containers, into the hangar for inspection and maintenance. Various ground staff came and went, and Zao Lu finished her friendly conversation with her old friend early and sat in the lounge with a steaming cup of tea in her hand.

The bitter aroma of the tea made people relax involuntarily, and the busy deck filled everything with vitality and a lively atmosphere. As a reinforcement, General Winter certainly didn't have much time to watch the show. She wasn't a pilot, and in fact, even if the recruiters on Kazdel's side didn't discriminate based on background or bloodline, she didn't really like applying to the Aviation Sorcerer Academy.

Or rather, the burden she bears is different from that of Zao Lu or Natalia. Natalia has to shoulder the heavy responsibility of her family, and her future must be carefully planned.

There was no place for her in Ursus's power and promotion system unless she made some kind of exchange with her body. However, that would only bring shame to the family's honor. Kazdel's Academy of Aeronautical Sorcerers would be a good way to break through.

Early Dew knew perfectly well that neither Ursus nor any other nation in Terra could remain indifferent to the defense of the skies, and that Ursus would eventually have or attempt to have its own air force.

At that time, as a graduate of Kazdel Aviation Academy, the first institution in Terra to develop its air force, and having gained valuable experience in non-classified and non-military operations such as Arctic operations, he held a very high degree of influence in Ursus.

As a noblewoman, she did think more than others and had a clearer and more specific plan for the future. She was studying in Kazdel, actively participating in various activities, accumulating connections, experience, and indispensable qualifications, all of which would become her capital when she returned home to inherit the family name.

Within the Ursus imperial system, she was able to achieve something by starting on a platform and foothold that others would spend a lifetime to obtain. At the very least, now that there are no walls in her home to protect her from the wind and rain, she could better invest her wealth in herself and pave the way for her future than let it become the target of greedy people.

However, Winter was different. Her family did not allow her to continue her studies at university after graduating from high school. Neither the Kazdel exchange program nor Ursus's own university were options that Winter's family could afford.

Kazdale University has an excellent scholarship program and living support system, but the fees for international students are quite high, especially for those who come to study for a prestigious degree.

Zao Lu recalled that before she received the "Outstanding Student in All Performance" award in her first year, which exempted her from the sponsorship fee, she had to pay about 6 to 7 Ursus silver coins for tuition and sponsorship each semester. Over two semesters, including other expenses and miscellaneous fees, the total came to nearly 20.

Whether in Ursus in the past or in Ursus now, it would be enough to buy the lives of everyone in a rural village along with their land. Even with the Earl's wealth, Zao Lu had to sell some of his gems and valuables to raise the money.

Given Winter's family background, it was impossible for her to afford such an extremely high fee. Although not all colleges in Kazdel were this expensive, even the cheapest agricultural college was beyond Winter's means—moreover, the agricultural college's exams were several times more difficult than those of the aviation college, and it was said that 40% of the students failed to graduate each year.

It wasn't that she looked down on Lin Dong's intelligence, but to be fair, she genuinely felt that even if this girl's family was incredibly wealthy, she still wouldn't be able to get into the academy. According to the professors at the school, the agricultural college was full of monsters.

Because the tuition is the lowest, countless people from impoverished families who believe they are exceptionally talented try to squeeze into those spots every year. The entrance exams are truly a battle of geniuses.

Therefore, Winter's only option is to graduate from high school and then work. As a native of Chelbonog, there are not many good jobs she can find, and most of these jobs are related to Kazdel or the Xia Group. As a city close to the north, the probability of her being selected to join the Arctic Beast Research Team is actually not low.

"Snap!" The crowbar got stuck in the wooden plank, and the petite Ursus girl pressed down hard, opening the crate to reveal a series of round cans inside. "Take all these canned fish out, put them on the cart, and take them to the kitchen."

The girl in her work uniform wiped away her sweat. The warehouse was full of people working. She glanced at her watch and realized it was almost time to finish work, so she simply plopped down on an empty wooden crate to rest for a bit.

A porter or a handyman, basically a worker who does odd jobs, completely different from that white-haired noble lady. So, is the difference between nobles and commoners really that big? Can I fly in the sky too? Winter stretched and couldn't help but let her mind wander.

The ringing of the doorbell signaled the end of the shift. The afternoon work was still busy, requiring the delivery of raw materials to the factory in the docking area, and then assisting the technicians in moving raw materials and parts. Of course, I also hoped to learn more skills or techniques.

In any case, I have a lot of younger siblings to support, and I still have to rely on this salary to eat. If I could go from being a regular handyman to a skilled worker, I could send more money back home. Besides, the company also has places to recommend students for university. If I work hard enough, maybe I'll have that opportunity too, right?

At least this place is much fairer than Ursus. There's no distinction between nobles and commoners. My colleagues, who are supposedly descendants of Kazdel nobles, are very efficient at their work and don't seem to have the bad temper of nobles.

Of course, what she didn't know was that those with such bad habits had long been buried, and the grass on their graves had been cut more than a dozen times. How could they still be making a fool of themselves here?

The Behemoth didn't actually have an officers' mess hall, only a small mess hall. Theoretically, all personnel could go in and enjoy special meals, but compared to the free mess hall, it was still a different story.

The food in the small restaurant is chargeable. For most of the crew members who are really just here for the money and extra allowances, they try to save money wherever they can. Besides, the food in the big restaurant isn't that bad or unpalatable, it's just not as refined.

So, Winter ordered a standard meal as usual: ordinary bread, ordinary canned fish, ordinary sparkling water, plus a large piece of fried pork chop, which was probably a special treat to prepare for the heavy work ahead, drizzled with ketchup. It looked pretty good.

Chapter Fifty-Six Playing with Fire

Chapter 56

In the restaurant of the Polar Beast, "Oh, is this all the young lady is eating?" Winter looked at the food on Early Dew's plate opposite her. To be honest, it was so vegetarian that it made one's eyes turn green. Bean sprouts, fake fried meat made from soy protein blocks, clear soup made from lettuce and fast-growing tomatoes, two ears of corn, and three corn tortillas. That was all.

In contrast, the Winter's Meal Platter has plenty of vegetables and meat, and plenty of oil and salt. If you're still hungry, you can get more rye bread and other staple foods. In Kazdel's army, other things are hard to say, such as allowances, equipment, and leave, but food is definitely not a problem.

"There's no way around it, if I have belly fat, I probably can't fly." Zao Lu smiled. To be honest, she frowned while eating this kind of food. Although from a nutritional point of view, it was definitely enough. If you really counted it, the amount of calories and fat was not only not small, but it might even be of higher quality and easier for the body to absorb.

After all, their pilots eat specially grown camellia oil, not ordinary soybean oil, and all the ingredients they eat are specially selected and considered. Because they are not only pilots, but also future astronauts, they are naturally raised like pandas.

"Pretending!" Engine and aircraft technology have greatly improved. Her transport plane can carry hundreds of tons of supplies to the front lines at a time. Does she really need a few extra pounds on her body?

To be honest, they are not bad, but since their role also includes future astronauts, they still pay great attention to the supply and nutritional balance of their food, so that their physical fitness is always kept in the best condition. This way, when manned spaceflight experiments are needed, they can be selected and trained immediately, so as not to miss Terra's precious launch window.

Launch windows here are even more precious than on Earth. Spacecraft and rockets can only be launched safely through the hole created by the previous nuclear bomb. Therefore, time is of the essence, and their mission is even more demanding than when space exploration was being developed on Earth.

On their first mission, they might need to perform an EVA (extravelogue), while on their second and third missions, they might need to undertake major projects such as clearing and dredging the orbital source rock. In other words, under such circumstances, the safety of the astronauts cannot be guaranteed even with the best efforts, and the urgency of the mission and time means that they cannot take their time.

The only way is to prepare enough "consumables" or "spare parts". One person can die to replace another. We must use human lives to carve out a route in the Originium Ring. Based on this consideration, all aviation sorcerers are future "spare parts".

To ensure that these living parts can take on their positions in the best possible condition, each of them enjoys the highest standard of treatment, even now that there is no need to control their body shape.

Of course, there is also good news. There may still be some technical problems or unsolved technical difficulties in launching people from the ground, but extravehicular activities after people are on board are actually simpler for Kazdel.

Because the power armor in Lao Xia's hands was originally intended for use by the space force, in other words, it could perform all the functions of a spacesuit, and even be more complete and safer. He was also very familiar with how to move around and survive in space.

Old Xia's technology can even maintain the self-sufficiency of spacecraft or future space stations, such as water and oxygen circulation, power supply, etc. When Earthlings were developing spaceflight, they did not have a miniaturized fusion reactor that would allow the entire large space station to not even need to carry batteries and solar panels.

There's no organic matter recycling system, and the idea of ​​using air ions to decarbonize and regenerate oxygen with ample energy support is just wishful thinking. Not to mention, Lao Xia had previously obtained professional handheld equipment for space mining from the Windrunner's cargo box. Sending people up there would actually reduce a lot of the worries and technical difficulties.

The biggest problem now is how to safely send such a large object up and smoothly deploy it on the construction site or in this window. Therefore, Kazdel's rocket launch weight is currently being used to send unmanned probes to map and locate the Originium blocks in orbit.

Incidentally, Kal'tsit invited Miss Astrologer, whom she knew, to Kazdel. At first, she wasn't very willing, but after hearing that a real star mapping project was being carried out here, she packed her bags and came to report for duty in less than a week.

Which are the "stars" used in "astrology," and which are the real stars? And what is the future of astrology? These are all questions she cannot avoid. In fact, all the people in Terra who are still researching astrology and trying to pass it on have come here. They argue endlessly every day at the Astronomical Institute. After arguing, they go to the mapping studio to wait for the probe to produce the map, and then they continue arguing with the map.

“That’s true, but in the future, in addition to traveling by spacecraft, we may also travel by starship to carry out missions in space, so weight and body shape still need to be strictly controlled,” Zao Lu said with a smile.

Although she herself has been confirmed unable to board, life is unpredictable, and who can say for sure? If she can't be the first to step into space, it doesn't make much difference if she becomes the second after technology advances.

It is both an honor and a form of political capital. For those who yearn to be remembered in history, it may be somewhat uninteresting, since who would remember a second person?

However, for her, who is already destined to inherit the family's glory and enter politics or the military, these are indispensable assets.

Perhaps some sour grapes will say that she has impure intentions, is too ambitious, or that such a person is unworthy of riding a starship, unworthy of honor, and unworthy of enjoying wealth and luxury.

However, she earned all of these through her own abilities. Those who are jealous have neither the ability to get into the aviation academy nor the ability to get excellent grades in all subjects to be considered as candidates. What right do they have to criticize her?

"Starry Sky, how can someone as fat as you climb up there?" Winter said that she really didn't want to talk to this guy. In a sense, there was a thick, pathetic barrier between them from the very beginning.

She could find a way to climb over the high walls built by her noble lineage, but the barriers built by money were much harder to overcome. The saying "a penny can stump a hero" is no exaggeration, and "when the gold in the staff runs out, the husband loses his charm" is also a true truth.

"Well, I might not be the first, but I'm confident I'll be the second." Zao Lu was a little worried when she brought up this topic. Whether as a girl or as a future astronaut, her golden age is only a few years. Who knows when the next technological breakthrough will come?

Even in the era of rapid development of the aerospace industry, there are many astronauts who have spent their entire lives on the sidelines without ever having been to space.

Moreover, even if one is lucky enough to be selected, most people can only sit in a small container and take a one-time trip to space. Many people wait and hope for this once in their entire lives, and it is almost impossible for them to have a second chance.

"Then good luck."

"Huh?" Zao Lu was surprised that the other party didn't take the opportunity to mock her, but instead said this.

“No matter what, you came from the school, and this isn’t just your business. All the people of Ursus would feel honored.” Winter scratched her face. She wasn’t the kind of person who would make a fuss over nothing; she was just straightforward and wouldn’t mince words.

"Thank you so much." Early Dew smiled beautifully. Indeed, even without considering anything else, for an Ursus to break through the starry sky is an honor for all Ursus people. If one is the first, it is an honor for all Terrans. So there's no need to be petty and fuss over those things.

"All aviation department members, assemble immediately in the Aircrew Command Briefing Room 2-1."

"I have a mission!" Zao Lu finished her meal hastily, then decisively got up and left.

"Tsk~" Winter wasn't in the mood to continue eating lunch. After throwing her plate into the recycling cart, she walked towards her work area.