Counterfeit Hero

In the vast universe, the Akasa Space Fortress rotates slowly at an imperceptible speed.

This is a ring-shaped artificial celestial body. The enormous ring-shaped space cabin revolves 360 degrees around the central olive-shaped power cabin. The densely packed connecting passages link the two relatively opposing yet inseparable cabins. From a distance, the entire fortress resembles a top placed next to the blue ball that is the Akasa Star, or rather, it looks more like the wheel of a dismantled heavy motorcycle.

The heavy black armor covers the cold silver metal shell of the ring-shaped space cabin, forming protruding square grids. Between the grids, there are faint silver gaps and illuminated portholes. Curved space train tracks extend along the outer wall of the ring-shaped space cabin. Magnetically levitated trains, like long dragons composed of white lights, silently cross on parallel tracks as they depart from the circular transparent station protruding from the fortress.

The trajectory of the Akasa Fortress does not center around the Akasa Star, but rather the constant star around which Akasa orbits. Therefore, one side of the ring-shaped space cabin always faces the constant star. As the fortress rotates, the golden light, filtered through the curved canopy, creates a slowly moving light band on the outside of the fortress, alternating day and night within its interior.

Compared to naturally occurring celestial bodies in the universe, the Akasa Fortress is so small, yet her arched skylights, the glowing ship passageways, the tracks teeming with long space trains, the massive fortress cannons, and the patrolling battleships swimming like schools of fish, all endow her with a unique charm.

This is a human marvel. Countless builders, over decades and with billions of resources, constructed this miracle.

A Unicorn-class battleship slowly glided into the fortress passage.

As the light of the constant star was blocked by the solid iron walls of the passage and the flickering indicator lights appeared on either side, Leefer, standing like a straight spear by the porthole, donned his hat coldly, turned, and descended from the command platform. Dozens of senior officers naturally formed into two neat ranks according to their military ranks and positions, following behind him with large strides. Everyone’s steps were as if precisely measured.

The white electronic lights illuminated the spacious corridor with crystal clarity. One heavy sealed explosion-proof door after another opened in the passage. Everything was silent. Apart from the footsteps of the marching officers, there was no other sound.

Thirty officers, thirty polished military boots, all followed the same rhythm—chasing one sound—the footsteps of Alk Long Leefer!

This year the forty-nine-year-old Leefer, standing at 181 centimeters tall, had a slender figure. With a head of dense light brown short hair and light green eyes, his skin was very pale. Like many people with pale skin, his eyebrows and eyelashes were light-colored, giving him an almost albino-like appearance.

Yet beyond that, in every way, Leefer could be considered a handsome man. An upright nose, slightly recessed eyes, well-defined lips, square jaw... There is a legend in the Feiyang Military Department: no matter how many women stand before Leefer, all he needs is a smile to conquer them all, of course, there is a precondition—if he is willing, or if he would smile.

No one has ever seen Leefer smile.

Neither his superiors, his subordinates, nor his friends have ever seen him smile. Coldness is the only impression everyone has of him. In everyone’s eyes, Leefer is like a perennial iceberg, emitting a piercing chill from head to toe. Few dare to joke in front of him; as long as his light green eyes deeply glance at you, it can chill the joy in your bones.

It is hard to imagine someone of such character engaging in another occupation. Leefer was born to be a soldier, a soldier calm to the point of coldness.

His talent also proves this. He is clear-headed, meticulous, with a high military IQ. From the Feiyang First Army Academy to the Feiyang Hydefield Space Naval Academy, Leefer, regarded as the top candidate, has never disappointed his instructors. Six years of study, two years of officer internships, he has always been far ahead of the second place by nearly one-fifth in scores.

He is not only a skilled fighter but also very adept at commanding. He possesses a natural leadership ability. Since he walked out of the military academy twenty-five years ago, the troops under his command have grown alongside him. Even if Leefer leaves, every army he has led bears his mark.

If one day you see a few soldiers in the street walking in unison with straight bodies and sharp eyes, or if you see a few officers sitting alone in a military bar, distant and emitting an aura of stay-away-with-coldness and pride, do not doubt it; they are Leefer’s soldiers.

If on the battlefield you see a group of Mecha charging forward silently under artillery fire, without hesitation or cowardice; if you see a fleet in space with impeccable formation, resolute tactical maneuvers, and impeccable precision in everything from bow angles to cannon fire timing, do not doubt it: that is Leefer’s army.