"The internal reform of the Eastern Military Region? Bringing in external Breeders for elite squad Cultivation?’ Interesting. Indeed, it seems that since the new leadership took over, significant headway has been made in implementing resource allocation for the Legions and various regions."
What’s that supposed to mean?
Zhang Lie looked at the man before him with some suspicion.
However, Su Anyong didn’t heed Zhang Lie’s gaze, simply smiled, and said, "Are you talking about the reform in Cultivation expenses for the Legion? Then, for my son’s Cultivation fees, will it be Battle Merit Points or military merits?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Lie’s heart tightened slightly.
This question, which seemed trivial, was, in fact, hitting right at the heart of the issue!
Battle Merit Points are actually quite easy to obtain within the Legion; outstanding Beast Tamer soldiers, even those recognized as exemplary in cultural activities or hygiene, all earn Battle Merit Points! Even those with Advanced Level non-commissioned or commissioned officer ranks receive a certain amount of Battle Merit Points each month. Indeed, Battle Merit Points can be exchanged for many resources and special training, serving as the hard currency within the Legion.
But military merits are different! ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ NovᴇlFɪre.ɴet
Every military merit, even the lowest third-class merit, cannot be measured by anything else. Each merit represents a different meaning; military merits are one of the most important criteria for promotion within the Legion. Those sergeants who have improved their strength and Level but remain at the same rank are lacking in military merits!
At the same time, military merits come with many benefits within the Legion. These include discounts for exchanging Battle Merit Points for resources, access to acquiring High-level resource materials, and various advantages even for those no longer part of the Legion. Because military merits are not only valued within the Legion but are also greatly favored and come with intangible privileges in society.
Previously, Zhang Lie had only talked about exchanging Battle Merit Points and never mentioned military merits.
Zhang Lie, who had previously breathed a sigh of relief, suddenly felt embarrassed and said, "Well, there should be some. The commanding officer said this elite training will be involved in a future Legion competition! At that time, Breeders who perform well might be granted honorary military ranks."
Su Anyong raised his eyebrows, his eyes lighting up. "Honorary military ranks? What Level?"
Zhang Lie was once again stuck for an answer and replied, "The commanding officer didn’t say, and it hasn’t been decided from above yet. But since it’s an honorary rank, it must be at least at the Junior Officer Level."
"What damn good is that? You have plenty of those under your command. While an honorary rank does confer honor, that’s a bit too low." Su Anyong curled his lip.
"It can’t be said like that. An honorary rank is an honor, and no officer on duty, including myself, has any authority to command someone with one. It comes with benefits but no obligations. Besides, honorary ranks can be upgraded," Zhang Lie said with a somewhat sheepish smile.
He realized that Breeder Su’s father before him was no pushover. Most importantly, this man was extremely well-versed in many internal aspects of the Beast Tamer Legion! He had come here full of confidence on a mission from his commanding officer, and now he hadn’t even discussed the use of Battle Merit Points when he was already stuck.
Indeed, Su Anyong narrowed his eyes, looked at the somewhat helpless Zhang Lie, and then said, "You want to entice my son with mere Battle Merit Points without knowing anything? Do you think the Heart of Woods has no one capable to speak for it? Have you forgotten the Legion’s bottom line and its principles? What happened to the mission entrusted to you?"
Without giving Zhang Lie a chance to defend himself, Su Anyong waved his hand and said, "Enough. Go inquire with your direct superiors first, then come back and we’ll talk."
Zhang Lie almost spat out a mouthful of old blood in frustration. He felt somewhat helpless and even started yearning for the Su Ping from yesterday.
However, just as Regiment Commander Zhang Lie was about to stand up, Su Anyong seemed to remember something and took an item out of his jacket pocket. Then, he pinned it lightly on his chest and muttered to himself, "Damn it, this thing actually has some use after all."
Zhang Lie turned his head back in astonishment, then his pupils slowly dilated, looking incredulously at the gleaming insignia.
Su Anyong turned his head to look at Zhang Lie. At that moment, the man who, in Su Ping’s eyes, was usually an unreliable and eccentric father, wore an expression of unprecedented seriousness. He addressed Zhang Lie, saying, "Regiment Commander Zhang, please be aware, this concerns the image of our Beast Tamer Legion in the hearts of the general public. Report to your superiors promptly, discuss it with them, and then return."
Zhang Lie’s body instantly tensed, and he saluted subconsciously, saying, "Yes, Commander!"