"Now that I've been promoted to Upper Apprentice, I can challenge the Upper Apprentice-level Shelter Defense Battle."

Su Xinyan nodded slightly. "Go ahead. With your strength, as long as you find the right teammates, you can definitely secure a good spot on the historical speedrun leaderboard."

Fang Zhou saluted Instructor Su Xinyan and turned to leave the Undead Mage research group.

At the entrance to the Simulation Battlefield, Lu Renjia and Lu Yiyi, two second-year seniors, were anxiously waiting for his arrival. Fang Zhou himself was equally filled with curiosity and excitement for the new challenge—the newly opened Shelter Defense Battle for Upper Apprentices. After all, he had conquered the Middle Apprentice-level Horn Demon Outpost countless times. The repetitive experience was no longer fresh, and now he longed for brand-new challenges and growth.

Walking down the street, Fang Zhou recalled the strategies and information Lu Renjia and Lu Yiyi had shared with him about the Shelter Defense Battle. Unlike the purely offensive battles of the past, like the Little Inferior Demon Camp and the Horn Demon Outpost, the Shelter Defense Battle required trialists to adopt a defensive stance. Faced with wave after wave of fierce demon attacks, the goal was to protect the civilians inside the shelter until reinforcements arrived.

The Shelter Defense Battle was set in a small village plagued by demons, inhabited by a group of innocent civilians. Trialists had to use their weapons and skills to fend off the demon army attacking from all directions. During the battle, they had to consider not only how to effectively eliminate enemies but also ensure the safety of the civilians. This meant that trialists needed to devise meticulous strategies, maintaining sufficient firepower to suppress the enemy while avoiding friendly fire.

Lu Renjia and Lu Yiyi's team had previously managed to complete the difficult level of the Shelter Defense Battle. Although their evaluation at the time was merely "Qualified," such an achievement was already among the top ranks of all second-year Upper Apprentices. Their experience was undoubtedly precious to Fang Zhou, and they had shared some valuable advice. For instance, in the early stages, priority should be given to eliminating the most threatening enemies to prevent them from destroying the shelter's defensive facilities. In the middle stage, the focus should shift to protecting the civilians, as their survival was not only key to the mission but also a major factor in the final score. In the late stage, one had to take full advantage of the terrain to buy more time for reinforcements to arrive.

Fang Zhou let out a soft breath, his eyes reflecting an undeniable excitement. That Lu Renjia and Lu Yiyi had successfully passed the difficult-level Simulation Battlefield with their own abilities filled Fang Zhou with immense confidence.

If they could do it, then after my promotion to Upper Apprentice, I should be able to complete this challenge with ease as well. I'll try to clear the Simple, Normal, and Difficult levels of the Shelter Defense Battle by myself. As for the hardest Abyss Difficulty, I can try tackling that today with Lu Renjia and Lu Yiyi.

When Fang Zhou arrived at the Simulation Battlefield for the second-year apprentices, Lu Renjia and Lu Yiyi had already been waiting for a long time. They nodded to Fang Zhou, who then explained his plan to them. Lu Renjia and Lu Yiyi were already in absolute awe of Fang Zhou's strength, so they naturally had no objections. They were perfectly happy to be carried by a pro.

Fang Zhou had already meticulously studied the Shelter Defense Battle strategy Lu Renjia had provided, so after only a brief conversation, he headed straight for the Simulation Pod to begin today's challenge.

Once again inside the familiar Simulation Battlefield, Fang Zhou updated his projection data and felt the powerful simulated Spiritual Power welling up within him. This power filled him with confidence, and he unhesitatingly touched the white Teleportation Gate beside him.

"Shelter Defense Battle, Simple Difficulty (Upper Apprentice), Team Mode."

Fang Zhou had his projection touch the Teleportation Gate, and the familiar prompt from the simulation system followed.

"Senior Sergeant Fang Zhou, this Simulation Battlefield is in Team Mode and has a high difficulty. Participation as a team of three is recommended. Are you sure you wish to enter?"

Without hesitation, Fang Zhou selected "Confirm."

Subsequently, a dazzling, rainbow-like light enveloped him, pulling him into the Teleportation Gate that led to an unknown world. As the teleportation completed, the surrounding environment changed in an instant. Fang Zhou found himself in a fog-shrouded forest, filled with an eerie and mysterious aura. The cold wind swept past, rustling the leaves. The tree branches swayed with a strange grace, yet they looked like monstrous creatures baring their fangs and claws as they danced in the night. Amidst the gray mist, faint white shadows flickered between the trees, like wandering spirits searching for something.

As Fang Zhou scanned his surroundings, trying to get his bearings, a sudden red light illuminated his back. This light appeared so abruptly that it pierced through the thick layers of fog. The dancing flames were still clearly visible, looking as if they were spreading wantonly across the night sky.

The plot of the Simulation Battlefield has begun! A realization dawned on him.

Evidently, this was no ordinary fire. The terrifying red light, visible even through the heavy fog, could only mean one thing: the shelter's outer walls were engulfed in flames.

As expected, the system's prompt appeared.

"The shelter is under siege by Abyssal Demons. Please choose your starting position.

1. In the Thick Fog Jungle outside the shelter.

2. In the tunnels deep within the shelter.

3. On the shelter's arrow tower."

Fang Zhou quickly scanned the three options, recalling the strategy Lu Renjia had shared. These three different choices corresponded to three different battle approaches.

The first option was to act as a surprise unit, venturing deep into the Mist Jungle to flank the Abyss Army currently besieging the shelter. If all went well, Fang Zhou could silently infiltrate the enemy's rear and deal a heavy blow. If implemented successfully, this tactic would deliver a devastating blow to the enemy, possibly even turning the tide of the battle. However, it was also a risky move. If his strength was insufficient or his plan was flawed, Fang Zhou would be alone behind enemy lines and an easy target for the Abyss Army.

The second option was to hold the line in the shelter's deep tunnels, adopting a more conservative defensive posture. This approach meant consolidating all available forces to form a solid last line of defense, ready to resist the demon army's assault with do-or-die resolve. In this mode, the shelter's interior would be reinforced, and all defensive structures would be utilized to their fullest. The defenders would exploit the complex tunnel network for mobility and ambushes, making any enemy attempting to infiltrate from underground pay a heavy price. Although this choice was safer, it also meant relinquishing any opportunity for proactive attacks, forcing them to rely solely on their defenses to withstand the fierce onslaught.

The third option was to appear directly on the arrow tower at the shelter's entrance, joining the frontline to engage the Abyssal Demon Army head-on. While unremarkable, this move would ensure a degree of initiative. It would also allow for effective observation of the battlefield, enabling strategic adjustments at any time.

Fang Zhou had anticipated this scenario. After careful consideration, he chose the first option.

"Appear in the Mist Jungle outside the shelter."

He believed his strength was sufficient to support this bold action, and he was eager to make the biggest impact possible in this battle.

Once he made his choice, the scene before him returned to normal, and the Shelter Defense Battle officially commenced.

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