The next day, the leader of the mercenary test group rudely kicked open the doors of every resting room and shouted desperately, "Enemy attack! Enemy attack!"
Everyone was instantly awakened, panicking and milling around in confusion. Chu Tian immediately jumped up, cautiously scanning his surroundings. It was only after he realized that this was another prank by the instructors that he patted his clothes and headed out to the storage warehouse.
"Good morning, Chu Tian!" Hongshang greeted Chu Tian as he emerged from the room. Chu Tian waved back at her. They were quickly dispersed by the influx of reserve mercenaries, leaving them unable to communicate further.
"Welcome to those who have passed the test. Next, you will face real beasts ten times stronger than those in the test, and I sincerely hope that you will die in the test, so you won't be treated as prey by the beasts," the instructor declared, standing on a makeshift platform and addressing the newly qualified mercenaries below.
Due to the scarcity of human resources, people without talents or the ability to contribute to society were forcibly drafted into the ranks of mercenaries. However, the real strength of the mercenaries often came from those who had willingly joined for the freedom and opportunities it provided.
"Now, we will issue the C-rank mercenary identity cards."
Out of over two thousand participants, 832 had qualified to become mercenaries in this batch.
Mercenary identity cards were quickly distributed, but Chu Tian was surprised to find that he hadn't received one.
The instructor's words dispelled his doubts. "Next, we will issue C-rank mercenary identity cards. Among the participants in this test, one student achieved the best result in history."
"One hundred and thirty-two beast ears," the instructor paused for a moment. "He is your benefactor. Without him killing over a hundred beasts, there might only be half of you standing here, or even fewer."
As the people below whispered and discussed, the instructor nodded in satisfaction, recognizing that they were questioning the legitimacy of Chu Tian's achievement. Whether he was genuine or not would depend on his future performance.
Making enemies, establishing reputation, winning allies, or being obliterated - it all depended on Chu Tian's actions in the future.
"Chu Tian, Advanced Class of Third Base Sixth Ordinary High School. Score: 132. Awarded C-rank mercenary identity card," the instructor called Chu Tian's name and waved him forward.
Chu Tian smirked, thinking that it suited his plans perfectly. After all, he would eventually become famous, so he didn't mind the instructor giving him a little boost.
"Is it fake? Did he steal someone else's spoils?"
"Is he some wealthy magnate's son who came here to experience life?"
"This skinny guy killed over a hundred E-rank beasts? Are they trying to fool kids? There's definitely something fishy!"
"That's right! There's something fishy here. I bet his powerful backers bribed someone here and secretly gave him those beast ears!"
"Something's fishy! We don't acknowledge it!"
When people saw someone weaker than themselves achieve better results, they often began to question and spread rumors. It could be to justify their own inadequacy or to console their fragile egos.
Regardless, the best way to eliminate someone was to isolate them.
"What's the use of not acknowledging it?" The instructor disdainfully looked down at the group of reserve mercenaries below. "A bunch of garbage, only good at scavenging in other people's messes. If you're capable, why don't you do it yourselves?"
"Shameless thief, barking nonsense. People like you are ruining the reputation of our human race."
The instructor's bold words silenced everyone below, and the instructor nodded in satisfaction, continuing, "Chu Tian is the youngest among all the mercenaries, just sixteen years old, and his future is limitless. If any of you can still see, pay close attention. See how the so-called cheater, according to your words, leaves all of you in the dust."
"Wait, I'm sorry," the instructor looked apologetically at Chu Tian, "for taking those trash and comparing them to you. I apologize for my mistake."
Chu Tian raised an eyebrow, puzzled by the instructor's words. He appeared to be an ordinary person, so why would he say something like that?
Although Chu Tian didn't mind trouble when necessary, he preferred to avoid unnecessary complications.
Chu Tian glanced down below, and it seemed that Hongshang had left as soon as she received her certificate.
"This world doesn't need trash, waste, or social parasites. It's not the same era as before. The government won't support parasites who only waste resources. If you don't want to become what I described, work hard to create value for humanity, for yourself, and for your families."
Suddenly, Chu Tian remembered a quote that seemed very appropriate for this occasion. He didn't know if it would ignite the enthusiasm of others, but at least it would earn him some reputation.
After the instructor's previous speech, Chu Tian believed that his reputation among this group of people had likely fallen into the negative range. The weak became angry and directed their blades at the weaker.
"You are the weak, but you are also the wise... Wisdom is your only weapon, your fangs to break the hunter's teeth, your means to create weapons of destruction. As you step into the era of interstellar travel, humanity's creations are far from over. Don't let the limited spiritual energy before you block out the vast starlight, and remember, there's a broader universe waiting for you..."
The instructor looked somewhat astonished as Chu Tian delivered this speech with composure. His eloquence easily stirred the crowd's enthusiasm, especially when combined with his surprising achievements. Even the instructor felt his own blood boiling.
As Chu Tian walked out of the warehouse under the gaze of the crowd, the instructor followed him.
"Hurry, hurry, quick, let's go," Chu Tian muttered to himself, and as soon as they were out of sight of the crowd, he jumped into an off-road vehicle.
The instructor chuckled, "Alright, let's go."
Upon hearing the instructor's words, Chu Tian finally breathed a sigh of relief. He had been extremely embarrassed by the speech he had just given.
Fortunately, the instructor was understanding and had the driver quickly take them away from that place.
After five hours of driving, the car came to a stop, and Chu Tian found himself at the Mercenary Alliance base, thousands of kilometers away from the Third Base.
The Mercenary Alliance base was located at the intersection of the Third and Second Bases, surrounded by a several-kilometer-long armored wall to the northwest. On the left and right sides of the wall were natural river barriers, with the river spanning a width of three kilometers.
This base was the frontline facing the savage beasts and served as a natural protector for both the Second and Third Bases.