Playmates, kindly whitelist the website to support the site or turn off adblocker!
Click On The Novel Title Link Above The Post Title e.g. Genius Mechanic: Chapter 1, or Scroll To The Bottom and Click On The Category To Get To The TOC.
Deus Ex Machina: Chapter 1
Chapter 1
“Boom—”
“Tap tap tap—”
Explosions echoed through the jungle, and bullets seemed to shoot out against the eardrums, creating blossoms of fierce flowers.
“Coordinates 2135 requesting backup! Coordinates 2135 requesting backup!” A woman’s voice appeared on the voice channel, panting heavily and sounding extremely irritable. “Damn it! I can’t hold on! Is everyone dead?!”
“The explosion scattered us!” a man in the channel replied, trying to maintain a calm tone. “We are clearing the firepower blockade! Hold on for 30 seconds! Yang Jin, sniper position confirmed! Yang Jin, sniper position confirmed! Where’s Yang Jin? Where’s Yang Jin?”
There was a rustling sound in the channel, but the person called Yang Jin did not respond.
“Die!” A blond, muscular woman, wielding dual pistols, took down another enemy and rolled behind a giant tree. “You have 10 seconds! If you’re late, come and collect my corpse!” She spat out blood, took out a grenade, and threw it, the explosion masking the shouts of the men in the channel.
She had charged too far ahead, leaving the safety zone of her teammates. Now surrounded, in the heat of battle, with only one bullet left…
Was she going to die here?
She habitually adjusted the channel and heard a man’s voice inside, lazily murmuring, “Maple Leaf Restaurant? Reserve a portion of Red Maple Green Tea Pudding for me. I’ll probably be back at the base around 2 p.m. Yeah… no need to deliver it to my room; I’ll go to the restaurant to eat…”
“Yang Jin!!!” The woman’s roaring voice cut in, “I’m about to die! And you’re here ordering takeout?! Where the hell are you? I’ll tear you into eight pieces and scatter your remains!”
“Don’t… don’t, Yelena, calm down.” Yang Jin reassured Yelena as if nothing had happened. “In the four o’clock direction, an armored vehicle is approaching you. Go control that vehicle.”
“Are you crazy?” Yelena exclaimed. “The armored vehicle is equipped with heavy weapons, and I only have one bullet!”
“Keep the bullet as a souvenir. Hurry, I’ll cover you.” Just as Yang Jin’s voice fell, Yelena only heard a faint “swoosh” by her ear, and a nearby enemy suddenly fell to the ground.
“2146, down.” Yang Jin said calmly.
“Lunatic!” Yelena cursed under her breath and, with the remote support from Yang Jin, rushed towards the massive object coming her way. Branches brushed against her body, her heart almost leaping out of her chest, and one enemy after another was shot by bullets that seemed to come from nowhere.
The man hiding in the shadows remained focused and silent, but Yelena felt an overwhelming sense of oppression and dominance, as if the Grim Reaper had descended.
With such a gun supporting her from behind, nothing could stand in her way.
“Locate the cockpit,” Yang Jin said. He had his line of sight obstructed by the trees, and he needed Yelena to report for him.
“309!”
Almost simultaneously, bullets shot out, and the dense jungle obstacles did not weaken its momentum. With destructive force, it silently pierced through the driver’s forehead.
The blood seemed not to react to the trajectory of the bullet, and the splatter seemed to move in slow motion.
“309, down,” Yang Jin said.
“And then?” Yelena asked.
“The cargo on the vehicle is enough to destroy the core blockade area.” Yang Jin said.
“But it can’t move now!”
“You have a way.” Yang Jin said.
Yelena was full of complaints about Yang Jin, but her hands didn’t stop moving. She half-knelt on the ground, hands supporting the mud, and suddenly, the muscles of her arms visibly fluctuated, several tendons protruding, like a mutation. Yelena roared, lifting the tens of tons of armored vehicle with all her strength, as if throwing a shot put, sending this massive object towards the enemy’s position in the distance.
“You have a way too!” Yelena shouted at Yang Jin.
Yang Jin sighed, capturing the beautiful trajectory through the sniper scope. Just as it was about to touch the ground, a shot with unstoppable momentum, a lethal shot!
“Bang—!!!”
The payload exploded, unleashing a tremendous energy burst. The sound was so deafening that one couldn’t hear anything, and the world seemed to quiet down. The center of the jungle was leveled, filled with charred trees and shattered human remains.
“Yelena! Yelena!” Teammates called out in the channel. “Are you okay?!”
Yelena slowly crawled out from the heavy mud and foliage cover, covered in dirt and blood. She said fiercely, “Yang Jin, I won’t spare you!”
The channel fell silent; no one dared to speak, including Yang Jin himself.
“Classmates, today is the base’s visiting day. Everyone must behave, or points will be deducted for violating discipline,” the teacher gently reminded the students behind him. The eyes of the group of young people were filled with excitement and curiosity.
As students of the Nufeng 1 Academy, the prestigious Qianfan 2 Base Reserves, they were the elite chosen from thousands and were bestowed with the honorable mission—specifically, they were naturally different.
“Hi, Ming.” A staff member approached, smiled and greeted the leading teacher. “Which grade are you bringing?”
“Just entered as freshmen,” Ming Peng said apologetically.
The staff member joked, “You’ll have your hands full. Freshmen are young, but their curiosity is strong. The higher-ups are in a bad mood today; don’t let these kids get into trouble.”
“Got it,” Ming Peng nodded.
“Let’s go, Ming.” The staff member waved to Ming Peng. “Goodbye, kids.”
The earnest teenagers, all in their early teens, said their goodbyes.
Afterward, they followed behind Ming Peng, listening as the teacher introduced the Qianfan Base.
The base was large, with its own independent zone isolated from the outside world. Upon entering through the towering and imposing gate, everywhere the eye could see was a crystallization of the most advanced technology in human society. Massive metal structures, areas filled with intersecting light and shadow, intelligent machinery weaving through, a highly informatized circulation network, and an excellent ecological environment—this technological city depicted in literary works hundreds of years ago now perfectly unfolded before everyone’s eyes.
“Over there is the Flame Raider’s laboratory, with top scientists,” Ming Peng said. “And there is the Battlefield Command, responsible for…” His eyes glanced around, and he asked, “Responsible for what? Does anyone know?”
An enthusiastic boy eagerly raised his hand and said, “I know, I know! The Battlefield Command provides combat assistance systems for all combat teams, with the main AI Pony coordinating each person’s exclusive AI.”
“Correct answer.” Ming Peng smiled encouragingly at the boy. The group continued to move forward, crossing the central courtyard of the Qianfan Base, where a Sail Monument was erected.
The monument was built when Qianfan was established. At that time, humanity had just emerged from the Low Tide Era, and the global negativity urgently called for the establishment of courage.
Thus, Qianfan was born, meaning “sailing against the wind, invincible heroes.”
“This is the Dawn Vanguard.” Ming Peng said, “A place where heroes emerge.” Leading the students through the Hall of Honor, the photos hanging on both sides displayed the achievements of the heroes in the Dawn Vanguard, each adorned in military attire with various medals on their chests.
They were role models for all of humanity, admired heroes who, like the sun, swept away the gloom with their brightness, guarding the peace of humanity.
From start to finish, the mission and faith never wavered.
Even though many above have already passed away.
“So cool! I want to become a great hero like them in the future!” A boy clenched his fist, full of confidence.
“Give it a rest, you?” a girl scoffed. “Whether you can pass the exams is questionable; don’t dream too much.”
“That’s still better than you, a potential D-grade weakling!” the boy boasted.
“You!” the girl was angry. “I don’t want to go out and kill! My goal is to stay at the Nufeng Academy as a teacher! What if your potential evolution rating is B-grade? Mindless fool!”
The boy was provoked, and a war between the children ensued.
Ming Peng shouted, “Do you two want to be expelled?!”
The two instantly quieted down. Ming Peng walked up to them, saying sternly, “You are students of the Nufeng Academy, reserves of Qianfan, regardless of which department you enter in the future, discipline is the top priority! Every task of Qianfan is extremely dangerous, even with the risk of paying with your lives. Are you being a qualified Qianfan reserve by quarreling here? What is Qianfan’s motto?”
Both lowered their heads and murmured.
“Louder!” Ming Peng raised his voice.
Both shouted loudly, “Uphold the Intercontinental Convention, safeguard world peace!”
“After you return, copy the freshmen’s manual a hundred times as punishment, three days of confinement, and deduct ten credits!” Ming Peng said.
“Teacher Ming…” the boy tried to plead for mercy, but Ming Peng gave him a stern look, and he immediately shut up.
This little incident made the group of freshmen behave better. Everyone obediently followed Ming Peng. At the end of the line, a boy disdainfully “tsk-ed.”
He had silver-gray short hair and facial features that seemed mixed. His hands were consistently folded around his arms, and his ten fingers brushed against black nail polish, lightly tapping without any rhythm. His expression on his face was full of disdain.
He appeared a bit older than the other students, resembling a high school student.
“Ying Si, what are you laughing at?” asked a plain-looking black-haired boy beside him. He was the only one among the students who appeared to be close in age to the silver-haired youth.
“Nothing,” Ying Si glanced around the corridor and said, “Most of the people here should be dead by now, right?”
“Yes.”
“So only fools would think of joining the Dawn Vanguard to become cannon fodder,” Ying Si said. “Yixi, what about you?”
Shi Yixi shook his head. “I don’t know. I don’t have any thoughts. I heard that the training exams at the Nufeng Academy are very strict. Even if I don’t pass, there’s no use thinking too much about it.”
His voice was light, and his expression was indifferent. If Ying Si didn’t know that Shi Yixi had a naturally poker face, he might have been irritated by this kind of indifference.
After all, an expressionless face can be quite mocking at times.
Shi Yixi glanced at the photos on the wall. “He…”
Ying Si looked over and said, “The famous Yang Jin, a symbol of heroism for the Dawn Vanguard… No, you can say he symbolizes the entire Qianfan. Growing up like this and being pulled out as a front idol is somewhat understandable, but it can only confuse those women with unclear minds.”
Shi Yixi carefully looked at the photo of Yang Jin. Corresponding to his dazzling appearance were numerous honors and medals hanging on his chest. His tactical combat skills were classic examples in textbooks, and every student aspiring to join the Dawn Vanguard regarded him as an idol, almost fanatically worshiping him.
He was a legend.
“Let’s go, Yixi,” Ying Si said. “Stop daydreaming.”
“Oh.” Shi Yixi quickly caught up.
Ming Peng led the students to visit the Dawn Vanguard when suddenly, an alarm sounded around them. The students were a bit panicked, and Ming Peng said, “It’s okay, just an alert. Everyone stand to the side and don’t move.”
The students stood behind Ming Peng, looking up anxiously. They saw the enormous dome slowly opening, fully exposing one side of the sky, but there was nothing in the sky.
There were slight fluctuations in the clouds, like ripples created by water droplets. Soon, a fighter jet gradually shed its camouflage, revealing its sharp body. It rapidly descended, the thrusters changed direction, and after a controlled descent and spiral, the fighter jet landed vertically with a massive roar.
This was a routine for the Dawn Vanguard, and while others were unfazed, a group of children witnessing such a cool fighter jet couldn’t help but shout.
The cockpit of the fighter jet opened, and a group of people wearing various combat suits emerged, looking a bit disheveled but in good spirits, chatting and laughing.
The confiscated items were handed over to specialized personnel, and the operational teams needed to make a brief adjustment before submitting reports. Several people approached, and everyone recognized the person at the rear of the group. It was the first time the students had such a close encounter with the legendary figure. As he approached, everyone dared not even breathe heavily, and some even timidly lowered their heads.
Those who had just returned from the battlefield always carried a bloody aura.
Even if Yang Jin’s expression appeared relaxed and lazy, the imposing aura couldn’t be underestimated. The sniper rifle on his back was half the length of a person, with a black and white body, and an extremely fine black barrel protruding from it. Dim blue light emanated from various interfaces on the gun body, making the black slender barrel look even colder.
Though it was blue, it seemed like the color of blood.
Shi Yixi looked at the gun, raised his eyes, and tilted his head slightly to look at Yang Jin.
Yang Jin’s gaze swept over and saw the indifferent youth. Treating him like a simpleton, he didn’t pay much attention and moved on.
It wasn’t until the figures of the group completely disappeared that the students breathed a sigh of relief and began to whisper.
“Did you see that? So cool!”
“I never thought I would see the legendary person today!”
“That gun is really cool! And he is so tall and handsome!” The girls had already started to swoon. “Too perfect! I must join the Dawn Vanguard!”
Ying Si muttered, “Is it that exaggerated?”
“Yes, he…” Shi Yixi murmured, “He doesn’t seem like a human.”
Ying Si was amused by Shi Yixi’s astonishing evaluation, placing his hands behind his head and asking, “Not human? Like a monster?”
Shi Yixi said seriously, “A god.”
“Disgusting,” Ying Si sneered. “So you’re also this vulgar?”
Shi Yixi didn’t get it, looked at Ying Si in confusion, blinked, and said, “Indeed, that was the first word that came to my mind.”
He was usually like this, expressionless, with a bit slow reaction. His overly serious tone would make people feel that even the biggest joke he made was sincere. Ying Si felt awkward using the phrase “mentally challenged” to describe him.
Someone boldly asked Ming Peng, “Teacher Ming, will Yang… Yang Jin teach us?”
“No,” Ming Peng shattered their fantasies.
There was a collective sigh of disappointment.
Around 2 o’clock, Yang Jin went to the Maple Leaf Restaurant on the base. As expected, the restaurant had reserved a portion of Red Maple Clear Tea Cheesecake for him. Before he could take a bite, the AI on his wrist suddenly spoke, “Yang Jin, Wan Hong is looking for you.”
“Fanfan shut up and let me finish my meal first,” Yang Jin hadn’t finished speaking when the voice on the other end changed.
“Come over immediately right now!” Wan Hong said sternly. “I’m waiting for you in the office.”
Yang Jin sighed, agreed with a mouthful, and then whispered to the AI, “Why didn’t you intercept for me?”
The AI replied with a sense of grievance, “I don’t have the authority to intercept.”
Yang Jin said, “You really can’t do anything other than being annoying. Why did I give you such a cute name in the first place?”
The AI fell silent.
Resigned, Yang Jin went to Wan Hong’s office. The man was slouched in his chair, looking displeased as he stared at Yang Jin.
“Don’t be like this,” Yang Jin raised his hand. “Bad mood?”
Wan Hong didn’t speak; instead, he snapped his fingers, and Yang Jin’s voice began to rotate 360 degrees.
“Maple Leaf Restaurant? Reserve a portion of Red Maple Clear Tea Cheesecake for me. I’ll probably be back at the base around 2 in the afternoon. Yeah… no need to escort me to the room; I’ll go to the restaurant to eat…”
The room fell into an eerie silence.
Wan Hong stared at Yang Jin, and Yang Jin said, “Today’s limited edition dessert is too good to miss.” As he spoke, a hint of regret even appeared on his face.
“Don’t you have any shame?” Wan Hong stood up. “The mission almost failed! The situation was so critical at that time, the battlefield command system was even blocked for several seconds, and Ye Liena was isolated and helpless. Yet, you even had the leisure to order food!”
“It’s not takeout,” Yang Jin said. “It’s for dining in. Lao 3 Wan…”
“Shut up! Don’t call me ‘Lao Wan’! Is battle just child’s play?!” Wan Hong was almost enraged by Yang Jin’s words, “Tell me, what is the mission of Qianfan?”
Yang Jin mumbled something.
“Louder!” Wan Hong commanded, “Stand at attention!”
Yang Jin immediately straightened his chest and raised his head, loudly saying, “Uphold the ‘Intercontinental Convention,’ safeguard world peace!”
“Considering your performance in this mission,” Wan Hong said, “Yang Jin, go back and write ‘Intercontinental Convention’ a hundred times for me, one month of confinement, demotion, self-reflection, and then pack your bags and roll back to Nufeng Academy to babysit!”
Yang Jin was stunned, “Ah Hong…”
“Don’t call me Ah Hong either!” Wan Hong was annoyed, “Call me Commander!”
Yang Jin remained silent. Writing the ‘Intercontinental Convention’ backward was no big deal, confinement wasn’t a big deal either, and demotion was also fine.
But what on earth did it mean to go to Nufeng Academy to babysit?
“I heard there are some problematic students,” Wan Hong lifted his head, smiling maliciously at Yang Jin, “Hero, good luck to you.”
He paused and added, “Also, no giving nicknames to the students!”
TN:
In line with my “type”. I started a new project back in January. There were actually 3 of them but the others were all picked up while I was dilly dallying😭. You can check them out: After Transmigrating into the Cyber Game, I Defeated the Boss and Successfully Rose to the Top(This was to be my fight straight project🤧) and Peach Blossom Spring(This was my favorite😭). But, you snooze you lose. I also liked this one so hopefully it’s an interesting one. This is an action sci-fi centered as with all the others. Emotional line needs a binoculars to see, at least that’s what I got from comments. I usually edit the MTL while reading so I’m not sure if it’s actually any good but we’ll find out together!
MC is a bit slow in the head, naive and kinda emotionally challenged from what I’ve gleamed. Don’t know if that changes in the future. So let’s just give him a shot before disliking him for having no personality.
Disclaimer 1: I’m an MTLER! As such, I do not promise accurate output from this site. There might be awkward-sounding texts that might bring about confusion. Be warned. The most I can promise is to edit enough to make it readable. If you spot any discrepancies in the sentence structure or flow e.g. random name changes, wrong pronouns etc., kindly inform me. HELP ME HELP YOU!
Disclaimer 2: This story is listed under Danmei. For the pure ones out there, this refers to BL(Boys’ Love). TWO MEN WILL FALL IN LOVE! Kindly heed this before getting into the story if that is not something you’re comfortable with.
Disclaimer 3: I don’t have a schedule so updates may be sporadic but I’m aiming for 1/2 chaps a week. I work full-time while also studying so even if I’m just editing MTLs, I can’t be as fast as I want. I might go MIA once in a while due to school and work stuff, but I’ll make sure to inform you in advance, on discord, if I need to take a break.
Disclaimer 4: SUPPORT THE AUTHOR.
Disclaimer 5: You can also support the editor
Disclaimer 6: I read while translating so I have no idea what goes on ahead. So for those who read far ahead, please feel free to edit the Novel Update tags for this or my other projects. You can also rate and add the novel to your reading lists while you’re there after you’re done reading😏.
Join my discord to get notified when I update a new chapter.
PS: If you enjoy the story and would like to be a proofreader then hit me up on discord!
Translator NotesIf you're enjoying the story don't forget to support the author! You can also support me on KOFI for site maintenance, raws purchase or as an energy boost~