hsntnovel Chapter 38 The Unusual Talent War
Chapter 38 The Unusual Talent War
"What?!"
"Grade B?"
Before Wang Xing could speak, Shen Shuang, the homeroom teacher on the sidelines, changed her expression.
His voice was clearly filled with surprise.
Wang Xing is a true combat champion and a promising talent in pure mech combat. I thought that with the colonel from the Western Theater Command personally testing him, he would give him a very high evaluation.
The result... it was only a B-rank?!
Everyone present looked surprised.
Only Lü Yun and Principal Li Zhengyuan exchanged a slight glance, as if they had guessed something, but they remained silent.
"Only B-rank...?"
Upon hearing this rating, Wang Xing felt a surge of resentment.
He felt that he had fought a very frustrating battle.
The gap in raw strength between the two sides was too great, but the Raptor-type mech held back almost no effort, which put him on the defensive throughout the entire process, and he had no chance to fully demonstrate his abilities.
Unlike the sparring match between Raymond and Lu Ling just now, Lu Ling was clearly holding back, wanting to test his opponent's potential.
His actual combat was more like a one-sided test of stress resistance than a real exchange of skills.
On the other side...
Lu Ling and his deputy Fang Bin from the Eastern Theater Command exchanged a glance, and a hint of undisguised surprise flashed in their eyes at the same time. They were even so excited that they trembled slightly.
The Eastern Theater Command had originally prepared Wang Xing for a Grade A rating and was even mentally prepared to go head-to-head with the Western Theater Command and compete for higher prices.
Unexpectedly, Lin Xishan only gave me a B grade... In any case, this is a golden opportunity!
"What, do you think it's too low?"
Lin Xishan remained calm and explained indifferently:
"Wang Xing, your foundation in qi and blood is indeed extremely solid, and your swordsmanship and movement are also amazing. However, your attacks seem somewhat one-dimensional. If this were a real battlefield of abyssal monsters, this kind of fighting style would easily lead you into a dead end."
"Moreover, being a B-level recruit is already a very generous offer, considering that most students are only C-level. If you get into the Mech University, you'll not only receive a stipend of 150 million, but you'll also enjoy exclusive resource support from the Western Theater Command... This is already the starting point for changing your destiny."
Then, Lin Xishan turned to look at Raymond beside him:
"Raymond, your Bear Mech has excellent defensive capabilities. Instructor Lu just pointed out your shortcomings. If you're willing to come to our Western Theater Command, I'm also willing to offer you a B-level pre-enlistment slot."
"I……"
Raymond opened his mouth, then hesitated.
While the B-level reservation was good, Raymond clearly wanted to try again.
Seeing that the two boys hesitated, Lin Xishan smiled and waved his hand, saying:
"No need to rush to answer. Signing an appointment with the military is a major life decision. You can go back and discuss it with your family, and while you're at it, log on to the military website to learn more about the features of each theater command. Consider it for a few days before making a decision."
"Alright, we have other high school trips to make in our military region, so we won't linger here any longer."
Lin Xishan glanced at the tactical microcomputer on his wrist, then swiped his finger in the air, and a holographic business card with a faint glow floated in front of Wang Xing and Raymond.
"Wang Xing, Raymond."
"If you are interested in our Western Theater Command, please feel free to contact me. My personal number is listed above; it's available 24/7."
After saying that, Lin Xishan led his deputy out of the training ground.
……
Wang Xing accepted the business card.
For some reason, he felt that something was not right.
From fighting Lin Xishan to being scheduled for enlistment as a B-level soldier...
And Lin Xishan's sudden departure.
Something's not right.
"Where is it?"
Wang Xing frowned, deep in thought.
Wang Xing didn't quite understand at first, and then politely said goodbye to the two instructors from the Eastern Theater Command.
"Instructor Lu, I need to go back and think about it before I decide, so I'll head back to the classroom now."
"etc!"
Just as Wang Xing turned to leave, Lu Ling suddenly stopped him.
"Don't rush off."
Seeing that Lin Xishan had already left the trial grounds, Lu Ling quickly stepped forward, grabbed Wang Xing's arm, and said with burning eyes:
"Wang Xing, although Colonel Lin only gave you a B grade, my opinion differs from Colonel Lin's."
"You were facing an overwhelming force more than ten levels higher than yours. Under such absolute disadvantage, you didn't collapse, and you were even able to find opportunities to counterattack using your third-tier movement technique... You still have enormous potential to be developed!"
Lu Ling's voice was resolute, as if she had Wang Xing completely under her control:
"Therefore, I've decided to give you a pre-enlistment benefit that's one level higher than that of the Western Theater Command—Level A!"
"How about it, Wang Xing? Want to come and experience my Eastern Theater Command?"
Grade A!
The Western Theater Command had just awarded a B-level designation when the Eastern Theater Command unexpectedly snatched it away with an even higher offer!
A minimum of 160 million, and if you get into Mecha University, the value skyrockets to 200 million!
Wang Xing's heart skipped a beat.
Lu Ling struck while the iron was hot, immediately throwing out a major bargaining chip:
"As long as you sign the agreement today, the A-level agreement will take effect immediately! Although your allowance won't be issued until you officially enlist, I can use my instructor's authority to immediately request a special supply of [Crimson Tiger Marrow Crystal] from the military region and send it to you!"
"【Crimson Tiger Marrow Crystal】is taken from the spinal core of the level 14 abyss monster 'Crimson Flame Tiger'. After being purified by the military laboratory, it can be integrated into the blood circulation to permanently enhance the explosive attribute of blood."
Gurgle.
Raymond, standing to the side, couldn't help but swallow hard, his eyes wide with astonishment.
Wang Xing's breathing was also slightly rapid.
For a fleeting moment, he was truly moved.
The treatment is A-level, second only to S-level. Moreover, with this [Crimson Tiger Marrow Crystal Liquid], he will definitely be able to have wings in the upcoming Hundred Schools Competition and the College Entrance Examination!
but……
He still had a vague feeling.
Lin Xishan's series of reactions just now were all a bit off.
This intuition was telling him not to make a decision for the time being.
"Instructor Lu, thank you for your appreciation."
Wang Xing suppressed his agitation. "I still want to think about it some more. Maybe I'll give you an answer after the Hundred Schools Competition."
Lu Ling's expression changed slightly, and she even seemed a little anxious.
You should know that in order to snatch this promising talent, she was originally prepared to fight tooth and nail with the Western Theater Command for a spot.
Unexpectedly, Lin Xishan "blindly" only gave her a B grade, which instantly increased her chances of getting a bargain.
"Wang Xing, you should know that there aren't unlimited A-level spots."
Lu Ling raised her voice, clearly not wanting to miss out on Wang Xing: "Besides, the Hundred Schools Competition has many variables. If you underperform and your rating drops instead of rising, it will be too late to regret it then."
Wang Xing simply smiled, unmoved.
Seeing Wang Xing decline the A-level appointment, Raymond, who was standing to the side, could no longer contain himself.
"Instructor Lu! What about me?"
Raymond looked at Lu Ling with hope.
If the Eastern Theater Command also gave him an A grade, he swore he would never be as stubborn as Wang Xing and would sign and seal the document on the spot!
Lu Ling sized up Raymond for a moment, then turned around and quickly exchanged a few words with Fang Bin.
After a moment, Lu Ling raised his head, his tone returning to calm: "Raymond, if you're willing, our Eastern Theater Command can sign you with a B-level contract right now."
"..."
Raymond's expectant expression froze.
He wasn't actually fixated on which military region he would go to, but the level of service he was scheduled to enlist at was a matter of honor for a young man.
Both military regions are rated B... so there's no need to make a choice immediately. It's better to wait for the Hundred Schools Competition and give it a shot.
"Thank you, Instructor Lu."
Raymond deflated, but still stubbornly straightened his back.
"I'd like to think about it some more."
…………
Leaving the training room, I walked along the tree-lined path back to the teaching building.
"Wang Xing, are you out of your mind?"
Raymond looked at Wang Xing in disbelief, his deep voice filled with envy:
"That's an A-level contract, plus a bottle of [Crimson Tiger Marrow Crystal Liquid]! I almost wanted to snatch it and sign it for you!"
"You're the fool, Big Wild Bear."
Wang Xing chuckled and retorted, "The Eastern Conference offered you a decent B-level appointment, why didn't you sign it?"
"Hmph, B-grade might be high, but I think I'm worth more than B-grade."
The burly Raymond looked defiant, a hint of arrogance flashing in his eyes.
"The Hundred Schools Competition is the real test. I'm going to give those Chengdu's top talents a good challenge in the upcoming competition! If I perform well enough, these military instructors will all want me to upgrade their contracts!"
Raymond stroked his chin and analyzed, "Wang Xing, I think these military instructors are coming to the school at this time to try and snag some talent before the Hundred Schools Competition... After the competition, everyone will have made a name for themselves, and when the four major military regions are vying for them, they'll have to raise their prices."
"Looks like you're not so stupid after all," Wang Xing said with a smile.
"Tsk, Wang Xing, why are you swearing?"
Raymond frowned, revealing several deep forehead wrinkles: "I just look older than my age, no, I'm a bit simple-minded, not really stupid."
Wang Xing chuckled.
Raymond is honest, straightforward, and good-tempered. His classmates call him Big Wild Bear, and he never gets angry. He is the kind of person who is easy to get along with.
"Big Wild Bear, you're right, but you've overlooked one thing."
Wang Xing analyzed, "Have you considered the timeliness of monetizing resources?"
"Timeliness?"
A look of doubt appeared on Raymond's broad, aged face.
"If you agree, the military region can't give you the money immediately, but they will immediately advance you some top-tier training resources and subsidies!"
"With these cultivation resources, your strength will improve before the Hundred Schools Grand Competition. At that time, your ranking in the Hundred Schools Grand Competition will be higher, you will receive the competition rewards, and then you will continue to improve yourself... forming a 'snowball effect'."
"hiss………"
Raymond's bear suddenly had an epiphany.
"Wang Xing, what you said makes a lot of sense."
But he grinned, his honesty radiating confidence:
"But I didn't think that much about it. Why are mecha pilots so hesitant? I'm just annoyed that they look down on me!"
"Also, what you said should apply more to you, right? I'm in the top three of the rankings, and I have a great chance of getting into Mecha University... But you don't have the 15% Void Element bonus."
"You need these resources more than I do, and besides, the Eastern Theater Command has given you an A-level appointment, so you have even less reason not to sign, right?"
Wang Xing smiled.
Raymond was right about that.
He needs to improve himself more quickly than Raymond. Once the "snowball" grows big, it will be like having one foot in the door of Mech University.
But Wang Xing didn't agree, simply because he felt...
The sparring match just now felt very off.
First: Why didn't Lin Xishan hold back? This prevented him from fully utilizing his abilities.
At first, Wang Xing thought Lin Xishan was simply trying to drive down the price... but after thinking it over, Wang Xing realized that things weren't that simple.
How could you possibly try to lower the price in front of the Eastern Theater Command?
Lu Ling then quickly released an A-level reservation, which backfired.
Second: Teacher Lü and Instructor Lin were former comrades-in-arms and had a deep relationship. Teacher Lü must have recommended himself to Lin Xishan more than once in private.
Given this relationship, why did Lin Xishan only offer a B-level reservation?
Third: Lü Yun remained unmoved upon hearing about the B-level appointment and did not show any anger.
This is not in line with Lü Yun's character.
Fourth: Lin Xishan repeatedly emphasized that we should think it over carefully and not rush to sign the contract, and then he turned around and left, leaving only himself and the Eastern Theater Command behind.
Is this a hint?
He told himself not to rush into signing a contract with the unknown war zone.
After considering all the various circumstances, Wang Xing came to a conclusion—
Lin Xishan has a problem!
Therefore, after Lu Ling offered him an A-level enlistment appointment, Wang Xing chose to temporarily refuse.
"There's something fishy going on here. I have a feeling there's going to be a turning point... Well, you might not understand, but I need to wait and see."
Wang Xing said.
"What could be suspicious?"
Raymond scratched his massive, wooden head.
He has a shrewd and calculating air about him, yet you can't quite figure out what he's thinking.
…………
Back in the classroom of the senior year Yuanpei class.
As soon as I sat down, a refreshing citrus scent wafted over.
Then a strand of platinum blonde hair flashed by, and Lü Mufei, who was sitting at the same table, came over.
After arriving at the Yuanpei Class, the two new students, who had both been promoted from the regular classes, naturally became deskmates.
"How's it going, Ah Xing? Did the military region keep you here and give you a pre-booking contract?"
Lu Mufei asked curiously.
"The Western Theater Command gave it a B rating, while the Eastern Theater Command gave it an A rating."
As Wang Xing took out his textbook, he casually replied, "But I didn't agree. I'll think about it some more."
"You didn't even approve the Level A reservation?!"
Lu Mufei's eyes widened suddenly, her bright eyes staring at Wang Xing as if he were an alien: "Are you planning to compete for an S-rank after the Hundred Schools Competition?"
"Well……"
Lu Mufei thought for a moment and said, "With your strength, it shouldn't be wrong for you to compete for S-rank. But if I were you, I would agree."
"Look..."
She counted on her fingers, earnestly helping Wang Xing with the accounts:
"Your current HP is 7.5, only 0.5 away from level 8. With the special support from the war zone, reaching level 8 before the college entrance exam shouldn't be a problem."
"Your mech is at level 6.2. With the right modification kit, it's very possible to reach level 7 or even 8. Signing the contract will allow you to acquire resources as soon as possible, since your most important task is still to get into Mech University."
Wang Xing was somewhat surprised.
"I didn't realize you'd thought of that."
"Then why did you refuse?" Lu Mufei asked.
"Something strange just happened, I'd like to wait a bit longer."
Wang Xing shrugged: "Besides, I don't even know much about the four major military regions. I'm like a blind man touching an elephant."
"I've checked everything for you."
Lu Mufei stretched out her soft and beautiful little hand to unlock her phone, and the page displayed an introduction to the "Four Major Mecha Military Regions of the Dragon Kingdom".
"Why don't you learn about the four military regions first?"