Translator: Dj22031
Editor: Dj22031
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The initial selection location chosen by the disciplinary team was the virtual training ground on campus.
Although the freshmen passed by this massive building every day, they had never actually stepped inside. It had only been a month since the start of the semester, and their accumulated military merits were far from sufficient.
However, because of this test, they would be able to use this renowned “signature facility” of the university ahead of their classmates.
When led to the foot of the building, everyone looked up at the awe-inspiring virtual training ground and couldn’t help but gasp in amazement. A huge, jet-black cylinder stood firmly in the ground.
Magnetic cards were required for authentication at the entrance. The disciplinary team seemed to have applied in advance; so after communicating with the administrator, the doors of the jet-black cylinder opened to both sides.
The freshmen involuntarily swallowed hard and went inside together.
Inside were many smaller cylinders. The cylinder doors were wide open, allowing a clear view of their interiors.
Pale white lights illuminated the interiors, which were empty, occupying about ten square meters each.
Following instructions, they divided into groups of five and entered the cylinders.
The hatch closed, and the cylindrical lights dimmed. In the small space, the gentle voice of the disciplinary team leader rang out.
“Next, we will simulate a combat scenario. Please figure out how to overcome it.”
“Any method is acceptable. The only rule is ‘no’ use of pheromones.”
Hearing this, Bai Yue was startled.
His greatest weapon was his pheromones. Now, restricted in their use, it seemed he could only rely on his usual training.
His fist clenched involuntarily. There wouldn’t be a problem.
Mu Sihan noticed Bai Yue’s hesitation. He glanced at him briefly before silently looking away.
The broadcast continued.
“Also, although there will be no real death in the virtual scenario, please act according to your abilities. If more than half of the team members die, it will be considered a complete elimination.”
In other words, these temporary teammates for the next 15 minutes were now all in the same boat.
Many regretted not having thought things through more carefully earlier.
“Alright, the selection and assessment for the disciplinary team officially begins.”
“Good luck, everyone.”
As soon as the words were spoken, the already dimly lit interior of the cylinder immediately plunged into complete darkness, so dark that one couldn’t see their own hand in front of their face. Bai Yue felt as if he were completely enveloped in darkness, unable to even hear the breathing of his teammates beside him.
After a while, his vision gradually cleared. White light gradually brightened, illuminating the surrounding scenery.
Lush green trees, their branches intertwined and connected, completely blocking out the sky. Soft soil lay beneath his feet, and the air was filled with the scent of grass.
“Holy crap!” came the loud voice of the bearded man beside him, “You changed your mind so quickly, and now we’re outdoors?”
The other four teammates besides Bai Yue were also present.
Bai Yue surveyed the surrounding scene. It seemed like an ordinary wilderness, except for the huge crystal floating behind him that stood out from the crowd.
[Protect your crystal, destroy the enemy crystal (0/3)]
A line of white text even floated on the top of the crystal. The number after it was unclear what it meant, the number of matches?
This reminded Bai Yue of a certain popular online game.
And then… he turned around and looked ahead. The surrounding trees were packed tightly together, like an impenetrable wall. The only paths available were the three not far away.
Even this was strikingly similar to that online game.
The other team members clearly made the connection as well.
“This is that game, right?”
“I’ve played it too.”
The bearded man: “It’s all part of my youthful memories.”
Mu Sihan: “…”
That online game was a MOBA-like game. Bai Yue hadn’t played it, but because it was so popular, Li Ren often talked about it.
The rules, in short, were to destroy the enemy’s crystal while protecting your own.
The three paths ahead, from left to right, could be called the top lane, middle lane, and bottom lane.
However, the enemy’s situation was still unknown.
With no further instructions, the beta student in the Strategic Command Academy uniform said, “Let’s follow the rules for now. Two of us will stay here to guard the crystal, and the rest of you will split into three groups to scout ahead.”
“Alright!” The bearded man was eager to try, pounding his fists. “Let me, the bearded man, be the vanguard!”
The beta student said, “Then you go up the front.”
Due to his superior fighting skills, he also assigned Mu Sihan to the middle.
“I’ll stay here to protect the crystal. Also, if there’s any new intelligence ahead, you can let me know immediately.”
As he spoke, he took out several earpieces from his pocket and handed them to everyone: “These are miniature walkie-talkies; you can use them to communicate.”
The bearded man was overjoyed: “You actually brought these? You’re something else!”
The beta student said proudly, “This is basic training from our academy; everyone should be prepared.”
Conversely, if there weren’t students from the Strategic Command Academy in the team, they might be at a disadvantage at this step.
The earpieces were wireless networking devices, very small, just the right size to fit in the ear.
There was a sticker on the back marked with an “s” symbol, the meaning of which was unknown.
The beta student wanted to continue explaining, but seeing the skilled blond boy leave on his own, he hurriedly called out, “Wait, there are others…”
Mu Sihan stopped and turned to look back: “It’s none of my business.”
The beta student was taken aback.
Mu Sihan’s tone was icy: “The goal is to break through the crystal. Instead of wasting time here, we should act quickly.”
There was some truth to what he said, but it sounded too cold-hearted. The air froze instantly.
But this seemed to have no effect on Mu Sihan. He left those words and headed towards the mid lane.
Bai Yue watched his roommate’s departing figure. He couldn’t help but recall their first encounter and the examiner’s evaluation.
Not good at teamwork.
But much better than before; at least he obediently went to the mid lane and wore a headset.
Seeing the beta student’s hesitant expression, Bai Yue smiled reassuringly, “Anyway, he’s already put on the communicator. He can use it to contact us if he needs anything else.”
The beta student’s expression softened slightly, and he continued, “I’ll stay here to protect the crystal. We need another person to stay…” He looked at Bai Yue, “Can you do that?”
“My name is Cao Xun,” the beta student said. “While clearing the way is important, it would be best to have someone strong among those who stay. Senior Fu Cheng values you so much, you must be quite capable.”
Bai Yue remained noncommittal.
“Alright, that’s settled then!” The bearded man pounded his fists. “I’m heading up the road, you guys go your separate ways!”
“Who’s your little brother?” The remaining alpha student muttered to himself, heading towards the bottom lane.
Thus, in this base camp with the massive floating crystal, only Bai Yue and Cao Xun remained.
The surrounding trees were dense and impenetrable, making it impossible for the enemy to bypass them from the rear.
Therefore, Bai Yue and Cao Xun guarded the crystal on either side, their eyes fixed on the top, middle, and bottom lanes.
Those were the only possible routes for the enemy.
Occasionally, communications would come through their headsets, teammates reporting the situation. So far, they hadn’t encountered any enemies. However, the person in the middle lane remained silent.
The virtual training ground’s simulation was incredibly realistic. From the feel of the wind brushing against their cheeks to the rustling of leaves, everything felt like being in the real wilderness.
Constantly on edge, Cao Xun, exhausted from the lack of change in the situation, eventually felt mentally drained.
Bai Yue noticed the commander’s attention had wavered and was about to speak when a deafening shout came through the headset.
It was the bearded man’s booming voice.
“Enemy encountered! I’ve encountered two!”
Then came the alpha student in the bottom lane.
“One in the bottom lane! Attack, please advise.”
The incident happened suddenly, like a thunderclap. Cao Xun snapped back to reality, but was somewhat slow to react, his words tumbling out incoherently: “P-P-P! Counterattack first! Don’t let them attack!”
After the instruction was given, the sounds of punches and kicks immediately came through the earpiece.
There should be five people on both sides. Now that three had appeared in the top and bottom lanes, there should be two left in the camp or the middle lane.
Cao Xun: “Middle lane, how’s the situation on your side? Have you encountered any enemies?”
There was no response.
Cao Xun was a little annoyed: “Middle lane!”
“Since he hasn’t spoken, the situation should remain the same,” Bai Yue said. “Let’s find out the situation first, what are the enemies’ identities?”
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