Chapter 9

That afternoon, news of Xu Jintang and Song Tianqi teaming up quickly spread throughout the academy.

“Did you hear? Xu Jintang, desperate to pass the assessment, actively cozying up to Song Tianqi—they’ve already formed a team.”

“Those underperforming students who used to be ignored have suddenly become the hottest commodities, with everyone scrambling to team up with them.”

“Can’t blame them; he’s now a genius directly recruited by the top military academy.”

Hearing the rumors, Song Duoduo pulled Xu Jintang aside in frustration. “We were supposed to be a trio, but everyone only remembers you and Song Tianqi. Do I not exist at all?”

Xu Jintang was speechless.

Song Tianqi waved dismissively, trying to console her. “Even the class monitor is being slandered, and she hasn’t said a word.”

No one really cared about the truth.

In everyone’s eyes, Xu Jintang was the one who gained the biggest advantage, so the negative comments naturally targeted her.

That afternoon, it was time for the practical combat class.

Huang Binhai led the students into the simulated combat room.

Inside, rows of silver metallic simulation pods stood in a line, with professional simulation battlefield consoles behind them. Complex dials and panels dazzled the eye.

Huang Binhai stopped and turned to explain, “To cultivate your combat skills, every major academy is now equipped with these specialized simulation rooms. Our academy’s pods can simulate up to fourth-tier beasts. When you enter the military academy, you’ll have access to even more advanced pods with greater capabilities.”

“The pods use cutting-edge neural interface technology, allowing your consciousness to enter a virtual battlefield.”

“Climate, beasts, environment—all can be set and simulated.”

“Those who attended winter training should be familiar with this, so I won’t elaborate. Today’s lesson will take place in the simulation battlefield. If you have any questions, ask now.”

“Teacher, if we get injured in the simulation, will we feel pain?” Xu Jintang raised her hand.

Huang Binhai nodded. “You will experience proportional pain, but it won’t affect your actual safety. If your life is threatened in the simulation, your consciousness will be automatically ejected, ending the training session.”

Soon, another student asked, “Teacher, can we use our usual weapons and runes in the simulation?”

“Absolutely. Everything in your personal space bracelet will be replicated one-to-one before entering the pod. Using runes or weapons in the simulation won’t consume them in reality.”

Xu Jintang pondered for a moment.

So injuries and weapon consumption inside the simulation were illusory, with no real consequences.

Seeing no further questions, Huang Binhai moved to the simulation console and configured the battlefield environment and beast level.

“Today’s lesson focuses on testing your team combat abilities.”

He scanned the room. “You should have been notified about the preliminary assessment. The task is for your three-person teams to successfully hunt a first-tier beast in the simulation before class ends. When ready, you can request to enter the simulation.”

Song Tianqi and Song Duoduo immediately flanked Xu Jintang, eager to enter the pod.

Other students also paired up, forming teams of three.

The most eye-catching team was Xu Bohan and Yao Wenna’s, both wearing their usual cold, aloof expressions.

Their third member, Gao Boshan, had a simple, honest smile.

While waiting to enter the pod, Xu Jintang glanced at Song Tianqi. “What’s your ability?”

In team combat, understanding your teammates was essential.

Song Tianqi lowered his voice. “We’ll talk once we’re inside.”

Xu Jintang nodded.

Minutes later, the three were assigned a single simulation pod that supported multiple users.

They donned the neural interface devices and lay back with eyes closed.

Xu Jintang placed her hands at her sides, inhaled deeply, and relaxed completely.

Seconds later, a dizzying sensation overwhelmed her; her body felt weightless, as if floating in the clouds without any point of support.

Thankfully, a light source soon appeared before her eyes.

Xu Jintang slowly opened her eyes to find herself in a dense, dark forest.

Occasionally, fierce beast roars echoed from afar.

It felt incredibly real.

She was astonished by the environment.

This simulation battlefield was indistinguishable from the real Blizzard Forest.

“Class monitor, come quickly. Let’s understand each other’s abilities first,” Song Duoduo, already awake, called out.

The three shared the same pod and were placed in the same area in the simulation.

Song Tianqi dusted himself off and stood. “My ability is the Vermilion Bird Talisman. Military academy teachers said it’s a divine beast bloodline ability. Once I reach higher levels, I may even summon a real divine beast.”

“A divine beast?” Xu Jintang’s interest piqued. “What exactly does it do?”

Song Duoduo looked on curiously as well.

Clearing his throat, Song Tianqi raised his hand dramatically and summoned his ability form.

A palm-sized bronze plaque slowly hovered before him.

“My Vermilion Bird Talisman has nine stages. Every level I advance grants a new skill. I’m currently a first-level ability user. At this level, the talisman only has one skill—a group attack called ‘Crimson Flames of the Nine Heavens.’ Each use releases nine flames that attack enemies in an area. The flames have a burning effect, stronger than ordinary fire.”

Song Duoduo’s eyes widened. “Such a powerful attack! No wonder Leikedas Military Academy recruited you specially.”

Song Tianqi coughed modestly and waved his hand. “There are plenty more powerful than me at Leikedas. This is nothing.”

Then it was Song Duoduo’s turn.

“My ability is plant-based—Mandrake Flower. Currently, it causes hallucinations on a single target for three seconds. Enemies affected become mentally disoriented and lose combat effectiveness.”

“That’s a good effect,” Song Tianqi quickly realized. “Combined with my Crimson Flames, we can hit the enemy perfectly.”

Song Duoduo nodded. “Yes, if we coordinate well, we can achieve instant kills in battle.”

At that moment, both turned to Xu Jintang.

With a slight smile, she said, “My ability is Domain Slowdown. It has detection and slowing effects. Within my domain, all enemies are slowed, and their movements and locations are fully revealed to my mind, unaffected by any obstacles.”

Song Tianqi’s expression shifted to surprise. “This detection ability is unbeatable outdoors. Many beasts are dangerous because they hide well, but with your ability, all threats are exposed.”

Song Duoduo nodded eagerly. “Yes, plus the slowing effect makes it even more formidable. If any beast tries to ambush, you can intercept at any time.”

Their eyes held newfound admiration for Xu Jintang.

Clearing her throat, she said, “Enough praise. Let’s find the beasts.”

The trio prepared to move.

“Let’s go!” Song Tianqi patted his stomach, chest out, striding forward.

Automatically, the three formed a triangular formation.

Xu Jintang led the way, activating her domain ability to scan the surroundings.

Song Tianqi and Song Duoduo flanked her on the left and right, ready to attack at any moment.

After a short distance, Xu Jintang stopped and pointed to a patch of grass three meters away. “A first-tier Grass Vine Snake, hiding in the left grass.”

Song Tianqi and Song Duoduo immediately looked left.

The grass stirred not at all; to the naked eye, nothing was visible.

Trusting Xu Jintang, they switched to defensive mode swiftly.

Unaware that its location was compromised, the Grass Vine Snake lay hidden behind the grass, its slender body swaying in an S-shape. Its scales shimmered in varying shades of green with a cold gleam.

Suddenly, a Mandrake flower quietly bloomed nearby, releasing a rich fragrance that surrounded the snake.

The scent was abrupt. The cautious snake hesitated only briefly before sensing danger and quickly tried to escape.

It twisted its body rapidly, darting toward the back grass.

But the next moment, its movement froze, then slowed drastically.

—Domain Slowdown.

Xu Jintang, glowing faintly at the rear, activated her ability.

Seeing the snake trapped, she leapt forward and summoned a dagger. The blade gleamed as she slashed fiercely at the snake’s vulnerable spot.

The Grass Vine Snake spat venom and whipped its tail, narrowly dodging the strike.

At that instant, Song Tianqi seized the opportunity and activated his ability. “Crimson Flames of the Nine Heavens!”

The Vermilion Bird Talisman before him burst into intense red light, accompanied by searing heat. Nine flames formed one after another.

The nine blazing orbs circled him, tracing a ring-shaped path.

One flame descended from above, scorching the Grass Vine Snake awake instantly.

At the same time, Song Duoduo’s Mandrake hallucination took effect.

A powerful dizziness surged from the snake’s head upward.

It struggled twice before collapsing, utterly incapacitated and unable to fight.