Ethan Sutton's face looked terrible, a bit pale. "The frontlines are in turmoil, more and more soldiers are dying in battle. In 18 years, there have been five veteran call-ups, one every three or four years. You’ve served in the army, you know what that means..."

"I... I haven’t even gotten married yet, haven’t been admitted to a higher academy, haven’t given you a grandchild..."

Logan Sutton grinned and said, "It’s fine, Dad will wait! Do you really think I’m going back just to die? I’m going to win battles!"

"Dad!"

"Kid, enough nonsense, eat!"

Logan Sutton cut off his son, eating as he spoke unclearly, "After this meal, you’ll have to cook for yourself from now on! If there’s nothing to eat, go out and buy something, there’s money in your card, you know the password."

"They’re still waiting for me downstairs, I can’t delay too long."

"If you get into a higher academy, remember to write me a letter. If I have time, I’ll get it."

"Just aim for Daxia Civilization Academy. You really make your dad proud, you’re almost guaranteed to get in. Your teachers have all talked to me—unless something goes wrong, you’ll definitely make it. Our Su family finally has a real talent!"

"How did your brain grow, so smart. Sometimes I wonder if you’re really my son... But it’s fine, you look just like I did when I was young..."

Ethan Sutton’s face was a bit pale, but he couldn’t help but retort, "Dad, are you sure you looked like me when you were young?"

"Nonsense, of course I did!"

Logan Sutton looked up, revealing his rugged face, and grinned, "Go ask the neighbors next door, see if I’m right?"

Ethan Sutton felt helpless, knowing his father was changing the subject. He brought it back, "Dad, are you really going? It’s not that I look down on you, but you haven’t been on the battlefield for 18 years, you don’t train anymore, and you’re only at Qianjun Ninth Layer. Will you be of any use?"

"Who are you looking down on?"

Logan Sutton said angrily, "What’s wrong with Qianjun Ninth Layer? On the battlefield, it’s not just about strength. If it was, there’d be no need for war! Anything can happen on the battlefield. Back in the day, I was only at Qianjun Seventh Layer and I killed a Wanshi-level expert!"

Ethan Sutton was troubled. He didn’t know if that was true, but his father had said it for years, so maybe it was.

The key was, he didn’t want his father to go to the front.

The frontlines were chaotic, with many soldiers dying every year. The situation was getting more and more dangerous. His old man was almost 50, and now he was going back to the battlefield... Ethan Sutton didn’t dare think about it.

"Dad..."

"Shut up!"

Logan Sutton cut him off, stood up and cleaned the dishes, then said seriously, "I’ve already registered. If I don’t go, I’m a deserter! If I hadn’t registered, it’d be fine, but you know what happens if you don’t go after registering! Being a deserter means death!"

"Dad, can’t you wait for me to come back and talk it over?"

Ethan Sutton was angry!

He already knew he couldn’t change anything. Just as his father said, if you haven’t registered, it’s fine. For these old veterans, the call-up isn’t mandatory. These veterans survived and retired because they made contributions on the battlefield.

But once you register, it means re-enlisting, becoming a soldier again. If you don’t go now, you’re a deserter.

"Talk about what?"

Logan Sutton said indifferently, "Don’t worry, I won’t die. Even if I do die in battle, the compensation is pretty good. Remember to collect it! It’ll be enough for you to get married and have kids. I’ve thought it all out for you!"

With that, Logan Sutton picked up his already packed luggage, took off his apron, grabbed his backpack, as if he was just going on a trip, and casually instructed, "Do well on your exams. Supporting the human race from the rear is just as important. When you get to the Civilization Academy, make our Su family proud!"

"Civilization Academy... When I get back, I’ll brag about it. My son got into the Civilization Academy, way better than those guys!"

"It’s just a pity I won’t get to see the admission letter. Take a picture and send it to me with your letter, or else those guys will think I’m bragging..."

"Dad!"

Ethan Sutton hurriedly got up and chased after his father, a bit flustered.

Dad was really leaving!

For 18 years, he’d been used to relying on his father. Now, his father was suddenly leaving, and he was completely unprepared.

"You’re an adult now, not a kid, don’t cry like a baby!"

Logan Sutton grinned and said cheerfully, "If you weren’t an adult, Dad wouldn’t leave! But now, I have to go back. Eighteen years ago, in my squad, there were a few kids your age, Ethan, you know? I dreamed about them, dreamed they were crying and shouting about the pain, saying to kill all those beasts. I kind of regret it now. Back then... I should have sent you to the military family compound, someone would have raised you anyway."

Logan Sutton’s eyes turned red. "Five call-ups, the first four times, I packed my bags, but every time I saw you, I got selfish, I couldn’t bear to leave! This is the fifth time. Will there be another? If there is, when I’m fifty, the Demon Suppression Army won’t take me anymore!"

"I’m off, to the battlefield of the heavens... I’m going back!"

"This time, your old man will kill a few Wanshi-levels for you, and I’ll make sure to leave evidence, so you can’t say anything!"

Logan Sutton waved his hand and strode forward.

For 18 years, it was the first time Ethan Sutton had seen his father so free and heroic.

But this... wasn’t what he wanted to see.

"Dad..."

"I told you, enough with the nonsense..."