When Xu Luo annihilated the goblin tribe, it was a one-sided slaughter, leaving no lasting impression. It wasn't until the fierce battle with the two-headed ogres that it became clear just how formidable his species was!
It's fair to say that, at this early stage when everyone is just starting, Xu Luo, with over ten thousand Zerg, is nearly unmatched in the Bronze stage.
Although it was revealed that his species lacked anti-air capabilities, few people have flying units at this stage. Who doesn't lack such capabilities against aerial species?
"Xu Luo, you... are impressive!"
Zhang Jianming patted the young man on the shoulder, his facial expressions shifting like a chameleon, full of words to say but ultimately uttering just one sentence.
"Thank you, teacher."
Xu Luo knew his performance should have been good, but without the final results, he still felt uncertain.
"My performance should be alright, right?"
"Xu Luo, don't be so modest!"
Upon hearing Xu Luo's words, other students gathered around to tease him.
"More than alright, it's excellent!"
"You're definitely the top scorer in this assessment. The title of Newcomer King is undoubtedly yours!"
"You're the first person in our school who dared to counter-invade the invaders' plane. Xu Luo, you're amazing!"
"Now let's see how those second-generation elites from the so-called elite class will act with their heads held high. They've all been overshadowed by you!"
Everyone surrounded Xu Luo, showering him with compliments.
From both sides of the lineup, students from Class 18 and Class 20 also focused their gazes on him. Although not as enthusiastic as Class 19, the admiration in their eyes was evident.
The conflict between the wealthy and the commoners wasn't a recent development but one that spanned generations.
This conflict manifested in various aspects of life. The social class loop essentially predetermined that upward mobility was nearly impossible for the average person.
Now, a commoner had outperformed all the elite children of the wealthy families, which was the real reason everyone was so happy.
Faced with the enthusiasm of his classmates, Xu Luo felt a bit overwhelmed. Over the past month, he had been almost invisible in the class, attending and leaving quietly with little interaction with others.
On the other hand, in the elite Class 1 lineup, the atmosphere was very tense.
As individuals born into wealthy families, they had enjoyed privileges that others couldn't even dream of. From birth, they stood on heights that others couldn't reach even after a lifetime of striving.
In school, while others were scrambling for resources, they enjoyed support from both the school and their families. Yet, despite such advantages, they were overshadowed by a commoner, making their defeat even more unbearable.
If they had started on equal footing, it would have been less painful, but considering the resources they had, failing to match up was deeply humiliating. If given the same resources, wouldn't they be completely outclassed?
"Xiang Xun, your title of Newcomer King is slipping away!"
A girl next to Xiang Xun teased. Xiang Xun had always considered himself the top freshman, but his pride was swiftly shattered.
"It's just luck. His species mutated, but whether it can continue to mutate and reach Silver rank is still unknown!"
Xiang Xun snorted coldly.
Coming from a wealthy family, they knew more than others. Species mutation could be good or bad, sometimes leading to a downfall or a breakthrough. Most mutations only happened once, making them seem promising at first but unable to advance further, neither evolving nor upgrading.
Mutations were ultimately just shortcuts. The future remained uncertain.
Xiang Xun's background was supported by the Xiang family. His species had dragon blood, offering a chance to evolve into a true dragon through continuous progress, which was a path to great power.
Although achieving such a transformation was challenging and costly, the Xiang family could provide him with continuous financial support, ensuring steady progress. Unlike some who were merely lucky, he was destined for greatness, eventually surpassing everyone.
However, regardless of Xiang Xun's future aspirations, this time Xu Luo secured the top freshman spot and the title of Newcomer King.
Despite his reluctance, Zhao Yiming, the Director of Education, had to step onto the podium and announce the results.
"This month's assessment involved 28 classes, with a total of 1413 students participating. Among them, 73 passed, defending for over 20 minutes. The rest did not pass."
Although the results were known, the actual announcement still caused an uproar. Out of over 1400 students, only 73 passed—a mere one in twenty. Given that Class 1 took up 50 spots, only 23 came from ordinary classes. Some classes had no passers at all.
Ignoring the students' reactions, Zhao Yiming swiftly announced the top ten rankings.
"First place, Class 19, Xu Luo!"
"Second place, Class 1, Xiang Xun!"
"Third place, Class 1, Wang Xiaoling!"
Except for the first place, the other rankings held no surprises, all belonging to Class 1 students.
However, Xu Luo's presence, pushing Class 1 students down a rank, made him even more admired by ordinary students.
Because he was from an ordinary class, from a humble background, his first place was beyond doubt after witnessing the earlier battles. No one questioned his deservedness.
Zhao Yiming continued speaking on the stage.
"The top 50 in the grade will join the elite class. Xu Luo will be transferred to Class 1, and Jin Xiaochuan will be moved to Class 19."
Zhao Yiming announced the school's regulations with a blank expression.
"Those unwilling can forfeit their spot."
His words were a trap—if Xu Luo chose to forgo joining the elite class, it would be his decision, and no one could criticize it.
In Class 1, a boy turned pale—Jin Xiaochuan, the last in Class 1.
This was the world's harsh reality: last place elimination. The elite class held only the top 50, so only one person was eliminated this time. If more students had ranked higher, more would have been cut.
In ordinary classes, some students and their families had invested heavily, hoping to join the elite class.