UCT Ch 11

Diana’s belongings, left behind at the existing aviation support unit’s dormitory, were expected to arrive soon via courier. Until then, she planned to use the basic supplies provided to the soldiers. There were quite a few female pilots and mechanics, so obtaining feminine products was not particularly difficult. Having quickly received a bundle of soap, underwear, and other essentials, Diana stuffed them all into her military bag.

Now that she had her belongings, what was she supposed to do next? With one strap of her bag slung over her shoulder, she glanced around. Unsurprisingly, she didn’t recognize a single person. Everyone was busy, merely passing her by without a second glance. No one seemed to care that she looked disheveled and slightly unkempt. The only thing she knew for sure was her unit assignment.

“Pegasus Combat Air Wing, Saturn Regiment, 3rd Squadron, Delta Flight.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

She murmured the long designation under her breath. It still felt unfamiliar, but in a few days, it would likely roll off her tongue naturally. …That is, if she made it through those days unscathed.

Should she unpack first? Or should she introduce herself to someone? The squadron commander, perhaps? Maybe she should just grab a passerby and ask where a new recruit was supposed to report. Her prior military experience was of no help in moments like this. The difference between an aristocratic officer used to being waited on and a common-born sergeant was stark. There was no special treatment here, not even a single person acknowledging her presence first. She was feeling the weight of that power gap now more than ever.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

As she stood awkwardly, blinking in uncertainty, a long shadow fell over her.

“So you must be the ‘Saint of Bringerton’?”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“…Pardon?”

She turned toward the voice and found a man smiling at her warmly.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

She had never seen him before. A complete stranger. He had reddish-brown hair and crescent-shaped green eyes, with dimples giving him a friendly appearance. Judging by the insignia on his right chest, he appeared to hold the rank of second lieutenant.

“…Hello.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

She hesitantly raised a salute, to which the man quickly waved his hand dismissively with a good-natured smile.

“No need for that. Ah, I almost forgot to introduce myself. My name is Clive Owen, from the 3rd Squadron, Delta Flight. And you must be Diana Green, our new addition?”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“The squadron commander mentioned we’d be getting an exceptional talent assigned to our flight, but I never expected them to send us a ‘veteran’ with actual combat experience. Expectations are high.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“I look forward to working with you, Lieutenant.”

Diana began observing Lieutenant Owen more carefully. Since he would be flying in close formation with her, she couldn’t help but be curious. His ever-present smile made him seem easygoing, but there was also an air of slight looseness about him. Still, she couldn’t judge just yet—he might be razor-sharp in actual combat.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Our Delta Flight is the last unit of the 3rd Squadron. The others are Alpha, Beta, and Gamma.”

“Yes.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“…Just to check, you do know that each flight consists of four pilots, right?” “Yes.”

She had spent three months in the aviation support unit. Of course, she understood the structure of a flight. Her brow arched slightly at the question.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

A flight was the smallest combat unit, typically made up of three to four aircraft. Pilots fought in coordinated formations—often in an inverted triangle or other patterns. Many still viewed dogfighting as a one-on-one joust, but in reality, victory often hinged on which side operated more cohesively. The effectiveness of a flight’s teamwork could matter more than individual pilot skill.

Even without her prior experience, Diana knew this truth better than anyone. After all, in her past life, she had been the first pilot to favor cooperative tactics over reckless solo charges.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Seeing her quick response, Owen let out a relieved sigh and patted his chest.

“There are some recruits who get thrown into this unit after just a few training flights, knowing next to nothing. Just wanted to make sure.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“…I see.”

“Well then, before the sun sets, I should give you a tour. Follow me.”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Owen led Diana with enthusiasm.

🌷🌷🌷

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

As she followed Owen around the base, she familiarized herself with the locations and functions of the essential facilities. The airstrips and hangars were well-maintained, which was a relief.

During the tour, Owen suddenly lowered his voice and pointed at a large, flat building.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“Oh, by the way, Sergeant Green, take a good look at that building.”

“…Yes?”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“That’s an extremely important facility. Never forget its location.”

Owen’s finger directed her gaze toward the structure.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“…What is it?”

She had already seen the hangars, so it couldn’t be that. The operations room, perhaps?

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“The mess hall.”

“…….”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“The mess hall is the most important building. After all, the lunch you just ate might be your last meal on the ground!”

Laughing heartily as if he had just cracked the funniest joke, Owen clutched his stomach. Diana, watching his carefree demeanor, felt a renewed sense of unease.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

‘He better be sharp in actual combat…’

Despite his somewhat frivolous nature, Diana didn’t completely dislike Owen. He was proving to be a decent guide, explaining not just the facilities but also the minor rules and routines of squadron life.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“I’ve only been here for about two weeks myself, but the regulations aren’t too strict. Too many people disappear overnight for anyone to bother enforcing things too rigidly. As long as you don’t cross the line, most things get overlooked.”

“…I see.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

That wasn’t surprising. Twenty-five years ago, it had been the same. The life expectancy of a pilot had barely been a week back then, and things likely hadn’t changed much. Strict discipline was pointless for those with lives as fragile as theirs—it would only lower morale.

“And always check your assigned aircraft thoroughly. The mechanics are swamped, and sometimes they miss things. You wouldn’t want to die over a loose bolt or a sloppy weld, right?”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I understand.”

“The Arkesians don’t usually conduct night bombings, so just think of it as: wake up in the morning, work during the day, and sleep at night. Of course, some guys spend their nights drinking in the temporary lounge instead, but I wouldn’t recommend it.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“…Understood.”

“Good. That covers the basics. Now for the last stop.”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Their final destination was the barracks—a cluster of rounded tin-roofed buildings scattered across an open field.

“These are our squadron’s quarters. Officers get private rooms, while enlisted personnel share with a same-gender roommate. Oh, but you’ll be in a single room anyway.”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Am I the only woman in the flight?”

“There’s Bryce, but she just got promoted to second lieutenant. So, you’ll be taking that empty room on the far right. Go ahead and drop off your things.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

🌷🌷🌷

When Diana returned after quickly stowing her bag, Owen was leaning against a post, smoking a cigarette.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

The moment he spotted her, he crushed the cigarette underfoot, his face briefly darkened by shadow before his usual friendly smile returned.

“Alright, time to introduce you to Lieutenant Ashwood.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The moment Owen said that name, Diana’s mind went blank.

“Ashwood? As in… Lieutenant Richard Ashwood?”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

The most exceptional pilot in Bringerton. She knew he was part of Pegasus Squadron, but she had never imagined he’d be in her flight.

Catching her stunned reaction, Owen scratched his neck awkwardly.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Ah, I probably should’ve mentioned it earlier. Yeah, Lieutenant Ashwood is our flight leader.”

He let out a dry chuckle, but it felt oddly hollow. Then, with a subdued tone, he added:

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“He only became flight leader recently. Our previous captain, Captain Yanatol, passed away a few days ago.”

“…I see.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

After a brief hesitation, Owen leaned in and whispered to her:

“So… if the lieutenant seems a little sharp, don’t take it too personally. He’s been through a lot lately.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“…Understood.”

The atmosphere was inevitably tense. Diana resolved to be more cautious in her actions.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Turning away from Diana, Owen headed straight for the most secluded lodging. He knocked on the door and called out loudly.

“Lieutenant, are you there?”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“…Come in.”

A deep, cavernous voice came from beyond the door. It had a damp, drowsy quality, as if he had just woken up.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Owen opened the closed door. The room was shrouded in darkness, its curtains drawn, and the lights turned off, making it impossible to see inside. From within the pitch-black space, a low, resonant voice emerged.

“What is it, Lieutenant?”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“We’ve finally got a new recruit in our squadron!”

“……”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

At the man’s sudden silence, Diana’s body stiffened with tension.

‘What is this?’

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

The initial nervousness quickly morphed into something more ambiguous. Her stomach churned, her pupils constricted, and every cell in her body felt hyperaware, as if expanding.

‘…This is…?’

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

It was similar to the ominous feeling she experienced before facing an Arke fighter, yet on an entirely different level of intensity.

It was an overwhelming force—like being submerged in a black ocean, or ensnared in the mesh of a fishing net, unable to move.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

There was no denying it.

This was mind-melding, and an extraordinary one at that.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish