In the center of the vast training ground, two figures held battle blades and quickly clashed.
The gleaming blades flashed wildly, filling the air with tension.
After five minutes, the two had exchanged hundreds of strikes, their blades moving like lightning, powerful and merciless, yet they each parried the other's blows.
"Not bad, Kent. You've made a lot of progress. You can already go toe-to-toe with A'Long like this," said their instructor, Chen Ziran, as he walked over, smiling. He then began explaining the strengths and weaknesses of the duel, pointing out where Kent's strikes were too soft and where they lacked aggression.
Kent listened intently. Over the past month, his swordplay and archery had improved greatly, thanks not only to his own efforts but also to his instructor's dedicated guidance.
"Instructor, I understand. You think my swordsmanship still lacks fierceness, and that I'm too lenient. This must be because I've never experienced the brutal violence of the battlefield," Kent said thoughtfully.
"Exactly. Look at A'Long. He's a mercenary, someone who has fought countless bloody battles outside the city. That's why he can suppress you. He's been training half the time you have, yet his combat prowess ranks among the top ten in our class," said Chen Ziran.
Kent nodded. It was clear now—only those who had faced life-and-death situations could grow faster in battle.
"I know what to do now," Kent said.
"Good. I must say, you're the most hardworking student I've ever had. Plus, your beast-taming talent is exceptional. I have high hopes for you," said the instructor, patting him on the shoulder. "But tomorrow you'll be heading to Earthstar University. After that, we probably won't see each other again. I don't have anything to give you, but I hope you remain persistent, courageous, and strong."
"Thank you, instructor. Tonight, I'll treat everyone to dinner," Kent said, grinning.
"Ha! You're treating? We're definitely eating well then!" A'Long laughed.
"Kent, I hope you go far," another student added.
Late at night, the gathering ended, and everyone had indulged, drinking until they were thoroughly drunk.
Kent decided to take them all to a hotel, booking a room for each person, before returning to his apartment to rest.
The next morning, the alarm went off, and Kent woke up early. He followed his usual routine, running five kilometers before taking a shower and heading to the City Lord's Mansion.
Over the past month, apart from training hard at the Easy Sky Club, he had taken care of most other matters. He had also received the hundred thousand credit points from Saint Stone High.
In truth, he wasn't shy about taking the credit points. He had previously made a bet with the Snow Bull Mercenary Group, donating one million credit points to Saint Stone High when they won, and now he was just retrieving one-tenth of that amount.
Additionally, he had sold the house left behind by his parents. It had always felt awkward being there, as if something was pulling him back. After all, he was a transmigrator. His original parents had passed away long before his arrival.
Although their bodies were never found, the mercenaries who had accompanied them said they had been devoured by monsters, leaving no hope of survival.
As for his guardian, Li Wanfeng, Kent still had no idea what the relationship was between them or what connection he had with his original parents. Before he left, Kent had sent a text message to the number on his business card but never received a reply.
Later, he had also visited the black market. Xiao Wei had left a deep impression on him—one that even stirred his heart. Unfortunately, he arrived too late. Xiao Wei had resigned days ago and, according to Master Ye Yan, had been taken by relatives to another city, never to return.
Kent couldn't help but feel a sense of loss. It seemed he had missed out on something.
"Kent, the flight from Microglow City to Saint City only runs once a month, and it can carry up to a thousand passengers," said Zhou Yun, sitting in the taxi next to him. "Microglow City has only five flight routes. One goes to Earthstar City, and the other four go to the nearest cities. Each route only flies once a month."
"I remember before the calamity, there were a lot of flights, you could go anywhere. Now, there are too many monsters outside, especially those that hunt from the sky. Plus, the appearance of many alternate dimensions interferes with communication signals. It's hard for ordinary people to fly. I never thought I'd get the chance to ride a plane, all thanks to the boss," Zhou Yun continued, clearly excited.
Kent shook his head in exasperation, watching Zhou Yun enthusiastically talk. This guy sure could talk, probably due to his personality.
"Don't get too excited," Kent said seriously. "As students going to Earthstar University, our tickets are only twenty percent of the price, one thousand credit points. For others, it costs fifty thousand credit points. I'm not giving you a ride for free."
Zhou Yun immediately sobered up, "I understand, Kent. My worth will definitely make the trip worthwhile."
Soon, they arrived at the City Lord's Mansion, where the only airport in the city had been built. All official flights took off and landed here. As for mercenaries' fighter jets, they weren't subject to the same rules and were usually stationed at a helipad near the city gate for quick mobilization.
There weren't many planes here, apart from ten civilian airliners. The rest were all fighter jets, fully equipped with weapons and capable of stealth and supersonic flight.
"Kent, you finally made it," Zhao Mengxi called out, waving from a distance.
Kent walked over to her, smiling. "You're the precious young lady, why'd you come so early? Don't you get to board the plane without waiting in line?"
"I just wanted to see you earlier," Zhao Mengxi said in a playful tone. "I was bored at home, just waiting to leave."
Zhou Yun chimed in, "Me too. I can't wait to start this new chapter in life. I'm so excited!"
Kent gave him a sharp look and quickly responded, "You're both right, but the flight doesn't leave until 10 AM. It's only 9 now."
Zhao Mengxi checked her phone and laughed, "You're right. This is unlike me!"
"Well, since we're early, let's kill some time with a game of Landlord," Zhou Yun suggested.
"Go away," Kent said with a kick, then turned to Zhao Mengxi, "Long time no see, let's find a place to sit."
Zhao Mengxi's eyes brightened, and she immediately agreed, "Sure."
Kent found a long bench and sat down with her. He took out his phone and started browsing.
Zhao Mengxi stared at him in disbelief. She had thought Kent might have changed, but he was still the same hopeless straight-laced guy.
"What are you looking at?" she asked.
"Just some information," Kent replied without looking up. "Earthstar City is located near the sea to the east, with snowfields to the north, a river to the south, and mountains to the west. Its geography is a bit complex, and there are many alternate dimensions surrounding it."
"So?" Zhao Mengxi asked, puzzled.
"No reason. Just browsing. It's good to learn more so I'm not caught off guard in the future. Time is precious, I can't waste a second. Any knowledge I gain is useful," Kent said earnestly.