After exchanging contact information with Chen Ke, Chu Tian left the alley.
Before leaving, he took a deep look at the place where he had killed the ferocious beast, making sure there were no traces left behind before departing.
It was fortunate that the Alliance had already blocked off this area in advance. Only someone like Chen Ke would venture in. Otherwise...
Just the roar of the iron-tailed lizard would have been enough to attract many people.
It took so long, and it wasn't until 9:30 PM that Chu Tian returned home.
Chu Tian's parents ran a small supermarket in the central area of the base, and their income was reasonable, providing them with a relatively stable life.
Of course, all of this was contingent on their residence within the central area of the base.
If they left the central area, all their efforts would turn into nothing, and they would face constant danger.
After all, on the outskirts, no one knew when ferocious beasts might attack.
Everyone there lived in constant fear, facing a harsh and dangerous existence.
If one wanted to live in the central area of the base, they had to pay a corresponding price.
Money? You couldn't buy a spot.
In this era of spiritual resurgence, only strength could prove everything. In other words...
Talent was the key.
"I'm back."
As soon as Chu Tian opened the door, he saw his mother, Shen Lan, with a tired expression. "Why are you back so late? Your dad and I were about to go look for you."
"I stayed a bit longer in class, that's all."
"Are you hungry? Let me reheat your meal for you."
Although she was scolding on the surface, Shen Lan's actions showed her concern for her son as she hurriedly went to heat up his food.
While Chu Tian's mother was busy in the kitchen, he couldn't help but feel a warm sensation in his heart.
"Mom, where's Dad?"
"He's still busy at the store. He'll be back in a little while."
Shen Lan finished setting the table and then served Chu Tian a bowl of porridge, making sure her son wouldn't go hungry.
As they were conversing, the door opened from outside.
"I'm back."
"Yeah," Chu Xiong, Chu Tian's father, nodded slightly. When he saw Chu Tian, a look of contentment appeared in his weary eyes. "You're back. You had us worried for a bit."
Chu Xiong was a burly man in his forties. Despite his tough exterior, he cared deeply for his family.
Chu Tian greeted his father, and the family sat down for dinner, enjoying a simple but warm meal together.
"Son, we've been looking for you everywhere. Where did you go?"
Chu Tian smiled awkwardly, finding it difficult to explain.
Should he tell his parents that he had just killed an E-level ferocious beast ten minutes ago?
If he did, Chu Tian might find himself in the hospital soon.
Seeing that Chu Tian didn't answer, Chu Xiong didn't press the matter further and quietly served himself some food.
Father and son exchanged glances but remained silent, both holding back a multitude of words.
Chu Tian didn't know how to broach the subject and share his aspirations with his parents. Likewise, Chu Xiong couldn't find an opportunity to inquire about what his son planned to do in the future.
After learning that Chu Tian had not awakened any talents, Chu Xiong wasn't particularly disappointed. He felt it was more normal that way because their family didn't have that kind of luck, and they didn't expect Chu Tian to make any changes.
Chu Xiong also regretted not having the ability to prevent their family from being forced to move to the outskirts of the base.
In the end, Chu Xiong broke the silence.
"Xiaotian, do you have any plans?"
Though Chu Xiong intentionally relaxed his tone, anyone could feel the weight of his heart.
In the face of fate, this simple man felt utterly powerless.
As for Chu Tian, he sighed silently.
"Dad, I want to join the mercenaries."
A clattering sound came from the kitchen, where Shen Lan had been listening to their conversation. She had kept quiet until she heard the words "join the mercenaries," but she couldn't hold back any longer.
"What nonsense are you talking about? Mercenaries? Those people are always out in the wind and rain, tying their heads to their belts. How many of them can survive?"
"Listen to your mother, dear. Let's continue running the supermarket..."
Facing Shen Lan's earnest advice, Chu Tian could certainly understand. However, he had already made up his mind. No matter how much his parents tried to persuade him, he would go to that life-restricted zone.
Because only there could he find more opportunities.
To become stronger, he had to challenge ferocious beasts with his life on the line.
Surprisingly, after staying silent for a while, Chu Xiong did not react with the astonishment and opposition that Chu Tian had expected. Instead...
"Have you really thought it through?"
"Yeah."
After locking eyes with Chu Tian for a moment, Chu Xiong found only confidence and determination in his son's gaze.
So, Chu Xiong chose to support his son's decision.
"Good, you're indeed my son, with ambition!"
"Lao Chu, what are you saying? How could you let our son become a mercenary?"
Shen Lan, who doted on her son, naturally disagreed.
As she spoke, her eyes welled up with tears, making Chu Tian feel uncomfortable.
After a back-and-forth struggle, he eventually decided to reveal a secret.
Otherwise, even if he reached the outskirts of the base, Chu Xiong and Shen Lan would still not be at ease.
"Mom, Dad, there's something I haven't had a chance to tell you."
"I awakened a talent."
With this revelation, the crying Shen Lan suddenly froze in place.
Chu Xiong, on the other hand, widened his eyes in disbelief.
"Xiaotian, did you say you awakened a talent?"
"Yes."
To prove his point, Chu Tian picked up a bowl of cold water and gently touched the surface with his fingertip.
In an instant, a wave of coldness surged forth. Starting from Chu Tian's index finger as the center, the entire bowl of water visibly began to freeze, eventually turning into a solid block of ice.
This astonishing sight left his parents dumbfounded, and they wished they had magnifying glasses to examine it closely.
Following this, Shen Lan expressed her joy, "Xiaotian, this is great! You can go to the central base now..."
"You're truly your mother's pride. I'm so proud of you!"
Though Chu Xiong didn't say much, his trembling hands revealed his excitement.
However, Chu Tian remained firm in his decision.
"Mom, Dad, I told you..."
"I want to join the mercenaries."
"Why?" Shen Lan's happiness was short-lived as her son poured cold water on her enthusiasm. Naturally, she was unhappy about it.
Chu Xiong was also deeply puzzled. Did his son go crazy from excitement? Why was he so determined to join the mercenaries?
Did he not understand that if he could successfully become a warrior, it would not only be his own glory but also benefit the entire Chu family?
Then, they could live together happily in the central base. Wouldn't that be great?
In the face of his parents' probing gazes, Chu Tian smiled faintly.
"Trust me, going outside is the best choice."
Feeling the unwavering determination in Chu Tian's words, his parents didn't press the matter further.
However, their expressions showed that they were still fixated on persuading Chu Tian to inform the school and become a warrior.
"Mom, Dad, I've finished eating."
"Get some rest early."
After washing the dishes, Chu Tian returned to his room. He lay on his small bed, staring at the peeling ceiling, his mind filled with a multitude of thoughts.
In just one day, he had experienced so many changes. Even Chu Tian himself felt a bit overwhelmed by it all.
Fortunately, he now had the ability to face this new world.
The talents of ice and steel were just the beginning.