Chapter 299 - The National First and Second

It was October 10th, and 256 representatives from various universities gathered in the eastern Shenlu Martial Arts Arena in the beautiful Z City’s Oriental Institute.

Representatives from more than 3,000 universities countrywide, leaders from the ministries of education of various cities, and professionals from all walks of life also gathered there.

The eastern Shenlu Martial Arts Arena, which could accommodate 100,000 people, was jam-packed. The scene was full of flags and people, and the atmosphere was festive.

The presidents of the top ten institutes were sitting upright on the stage. Behind them were the presidents and leaders of the top 120 higher education institutions.

The Ministry of Education appointed ten people from different fields and prestigious professions to judge the competition at the judging table.

When Aurora, the host, introduced Locke, the audience burst into thunderous applause and cheers.

When Locke waved to the crowd, Moss immediately looked at him, saying, “Professor Locke looks younger and more energetic than in the photo.”

When Moss saw Locke for the first time, Locke’s affinity influenced Moss, and Moss’s favorable impression of Locke instantly increased.

‘It seems it was not groundless. Since the organizing committee invited Locke to be a judge, he will likely pick students from the competition,’ with that thought in mind, Moss could not help but smile. His eyes flashed with a strong sense of anticipation.

After the host introduced all the guests and judges, the competition’s theme song sounded in the arena. As the song ended, the lights gradually dimmed. Then a beam of light shone on the speaker’s seat.

A tall, thin older man with gray hair and a strong spirit appeared. That person was the president of Dongfang Institute, Dong Fangbai.

He waved to the crowd and said solemnly, “Welcome, students, fans, and friends from all over the world! It is a great honor for Dongfang Institute to host this year’s national first- and second-year student exchange competition!”

After his opening speech, thunderous applause and cheers sounded in the arena again, “Wow!”

As the applause subsided, Jay Jie, the chief judge from the Ministry of Education, appeared at the podium. Then Dong Fangbai said, “The rules of this year’s competition are the same as before. All the matches will be knockout matches.”

“The four seeded teams, Dongfang, Kyoto, Shuimu, and Shanghai, are in Zone A1, A2, B1, and B2, respectively. Each zone has 64 teams. The final four spots will be decided through two-on-two matches.

“Before the quarter-finals, each team will use a one-on-one format. Each team will have ten members. The one-on-one matches will conclude in order, and whoever gets six points first will win!

“If it’s a draw, we will decide the winner through the five-on-five battles. We will use the ten-person team starting from the quarter-finals and decide the winners in one match. Please remember these rules.”

After a relatively dull introduction of the rules, Jay Jie changed the topic, “Finally, the award ceremony everyone is waiting for will occur.”

Upon hearing this, the arena erupted with excitement. Applause and cheers once again resounded throughout the arena.

Clap, clap, clap!

“Each team that enters the top 16 will receive a reward from Eastern Institute. There are only five slots.”

“Excellent!”

“Ninth through sixteenth will receive a piece of 4-star equipment with status effects. Fifth through eight will receive a set of 4-star equipment with status effects.”

The participating team members were already excited at the sound of the announcements because 4-star pieces of equipment with status effects were perfect for ordinary schools.

Universities that lacked resources would treasure a set of 4-star equipment with status effects. Jay Jie ignored the students’ reactions and continued, “Third through the fourth will receive the same reward as fifth through eighth and an additional S-grade education resource provided by the Ministry of Education.

As soon as Jay Jie announced the reward for the third and fourth places, the students immediately cheered.

“That’s so cool!”

“I’m looking forward to it!”

S-grade educational resources were not uncommon for the top three institutes of higher learning. However, these would be precious resources if the top ten institutes received them.

For the other universities, obtaining these S-grade resources was something they did not even dare think about.

“As for first and second places, in addition to enjoying rewards similar to those in third and fourth places, the team in second place will receive an additional S+ educational resource provided by the Ministry of education. Meanwhile, first place will receive an additional SS-grade resource.

“Also, the MVP, Best Newcomer, and Best Progress award winners will also receive generous rewards. As for students who obtained the MVP award, they can directly enter Professor Locke’s research project.

“Simultaneously, Professor Locke will also select up to two students who performed exceptionally during the competition as interns to join his research project!”

The initially seething arena completely exploded with cheers and chants upon hearing that.

“This is unprecedented. The S-grade educational resources reward sounds very enviable!”

“Indeed, if we can get the second or first place, claiming the s-grade resources would be equivalent to a year’s worth of resources for some universities.”

“Everyone is going to compete for the MVP title this year. Most of us would love to join Professor Locke’s research project!”

“Yeah, this competition will be exhilarating. Even if we can’t get the MVP, those who perform well will have a chance to be selected by Professor Locke. So, the contestants will undoubtedly try their best to show off.”

“I’m looking forward to it!”

…

Everyone in the arena got excited after hearing about the increasingly better rewards. The audience hoped that the competition would start immediately.

“Next, we will draw lots!” Aurora signaled for the audience to quiet down, then pointed at the big screen. “The computer will automatically generate the battle situation according to the competition rules. Please check it carefully later.

“The universities that don’t remember the rules did not have to worry. After recording the match notes, we will generate the competition handbook. Then we will distribute them to the participating team leaders as soon as possible.

“After drawing lots, please return to your private rooms to rest. The first round of the competition will start in 15 minutes.”

As soon as Aurora finished her sentence, a giant lot-drawing machine appeared beside her. The robot-like and technologically advanced lot-drawing machine quickly completed the task.

Simultaneously, the screen showed the 256 teams’ situation.

“S City’s Taiwu Institute!”

“That’s one of the top 30 universities! We won’t have an easy time in the first round!”

“The results aren’t very favorable for us. The other three seeded teams will only encounter one of the top ten universities in their half of the zone, and our half is considered our own. We have four of the top ten with us.”

…

The members of Kyoto discussed among themselves after seeing the draw results. Bishop calmly reminded his team, “No need to feel conflicted. We’re the defending champions. It doesn’t matter who we face and when we meet them. We’ll be okay as long as we do our best.”

Then he waved and continued, “Let’s go to the lounge first. The team leaders and professors are waiting for us.”

Moss was also calm at that moment. It was as if nothing had happened. He did not even raise his head to look at the big screen because he believed in his team, team leaders, and professors.

It was just as Bishop said. They were the determined team defending their title and did not need to care about the lot-drawing results. Moss followed behind Bishop toward the lounge.