Chapter 179 - The Last Two Teams to Return!

The students who had completed their missions returned to the four rendezvous points at the foot of the Great Wall.

Under the instructors’ orders, the students practiced their qi and blood techniques while others shared their insights and a short story about their experience in the training program.

Everyone listened attentively in the beginning because the first students to arrive at the rendezvous points had completed their mission relatively smoothly.

Most of these students were formidable, after all. Of course, the stronger the students were, the more others were willing to listen to their insights and stories. Duke and Arthur were among the strongest students.

However, as the less popular students shared their stories, the others started to discuss in groups of threes and fives.

“Was the Poison Illusion Frogs easy for your team to deal with?”

“It was more difficult than I imagined.”

“I heard Team A-066 was the first to complete their mission.”

“Yes, they are indeed a solid team. Team A-066 completed their mission faster than Team A-110, who chose the Evil Rhinoceroses. I guess A-066 will claim first place this year.”

“It’s hard to say. The final assessments aren’t only about speed. The instructors also consider the team’s degree of destruction, leadership, decisiveness, combat ability, and team spirit. So, it’s not certain who will claim first place.”

“Exactly, I’m more optimistic about A-110.”

“Should we make a bet?”

…

Gambling was straightforward to the students as they bet their meal tickets. The training program was nearing an end, and the students were reluctant to part with the food. Therefore, the students wanted to eat to their heart’s content before leaving the training camp.

Still, there was one thing the students wanted more than food. It was to rank first in the training program.

The betting rule was straightforward. The students must choose if Duke or Arthur would rank first in the final assessment. The losers would hand over their meal tickets and then evenly distribute them to the winners.

The students almost finished sharing their stories and established a bet. However, they became increasingly anxious when the final assessment approached its end.

In light of the previous incidents, the students did not know when and where the spatial cracks would reappear. Those who had completed their missions wanted to leave the area as soon as possible.

The students discovered something surprising when only 15 minutes remained on the timer—the Guardians and Team 016 had yet to return.

This matter undoubtedly became the hottest topic of speculation amongst the students.

“That’s bizarre. Based on their strengths, Team 016 should have already returned, let alone the Guardians.”

“You’re right. With B-666 around, the others should have completed their mission.”

“Could they have given up again?”

“That’s plausible. We’re no longer in the ambush mission.”

…

Many instructors who did not know what happened to Moss’s squad began to get anxious when they heard the students’ speculations.

However, they were not concerned about the Guardians and Team 016 because Deputy Chief Instructors Flying Wolf and Red Spider were with them. Even if there were a situation, they would have sent a message as soon as possible.

The instructors at the rendezvous points were only anxious because 390 students were with them. The instructors could not keep 390 students safe if a spatial crack appeared near them.

Seven minutes remained on the timer when Red Spider and Flying Wolf returned with relaxed expressions. Still, the remaining instructors did not see the Guardians and Team 016 with the deputy chief instructors, so everyone present became puzzled.

The students and remaining instructors were confused when the Guardians and Team 016 finally returned unscathed.

There were sharp-eyed people in the four rendezvous points. When they saw the two teams return, they shouted, “Hey, they’re back!”

It also caused the students to come forward one after another. They wanted to know what had happened.

However, everyone became serious again when they heard Red Spider’s words, “Assemble, everyone!”

Fifteen seconds later, the 400 students lined up neatly with their backs against the Great Wall, facing the Magical Beast territory.

“Congratulations, you all have completed the final phase of the training program.” Red Spider’s expression was severe, but her eyes possessed a gratified look.

“Now, all of you standing before us have become outstanding students from the 201st elite training program. You are all victors in my eyes.

“You have persevered and worked hard to reach this point, and I am proud of you,” Red Spider paused and continued, “Considering we’re still in the Magical Beasts territory, and it’s not safe, we can finally return to the training camp.

“When we arrive, you can all enjoy your last moments there. We will inform you about the rest as soon as possible.” Red Spider raised her arm and led everyone to the bus.

…

The students were no longer nervous and stressed along the way to the training camp. Most had fallen into a deep sleep.

Moss was also planning to get some shut-eye when the system sounded in his mind, “Congratulations, you have displayed the knight’s spirit by protecting and motivating your teammates. Holy Belief value increased by 20 points! Current Holy Belief value: 90/100!”

Moss opened the panel in his mind when the voice ended. He checked the class evolution requirements he was most concerned about—the Great Holy Knight. He noticed that the interface contents had changed.

“Requirements for evolving into a Great Holy Knight.”

“Level: 25/25.”

“Holy Belief value: 90/100.”

“Mount: Status, unlocked (Please click for details).”

“Intermediate achievement: Status, locked.”

Moss became even more thrilled when he saw that.

‘I’m level 25! I’m only shy of 10 values for my Holy Belief and lacking an intermediate achievement!’

Moss had ways to increase his Holy Belief value but not a clear goal to unlock the intermediate achievement. After some thought, the Mystic Realms popped up in his mind.

The Ancient Knight Mystic Realms and hundreds of other realms were potential opportunities for him. He became motivated again at that thought.

…

The ten buses stopped neatly in the training camp, and the students got off excitedly. They could not wait to enjoy their last beautiful moments in the elite training camp.

Moss wanted to return to his dorm and catch up on some sleep when Red Spider came to his side. Her words were discrete and brief, yet they roused the surrounding students’ curiosity.

“Moss, come to my office in five minutes.”

The surrounding students instantly started speculating after that.