Chapter 65: Chapter 65: Unexpected Third Round

Mr. Wei Sr.’s impassioned speech stirred the hearts of everyone present.

Professional Warriors held a revered status in the Mountain and Sea Federation, and even across the Five Great Countries, where they were admired and beloved. They possessed special privileges and enjoyed various benefits unavailable to ordinary people.

In return, however, they also shouldered an undeniable responsibility: to fight against the Maze disasters, defend the cities, and protect the countless citizens.

Perhaps some did it for fame and fortune, others for wealth, and some genuinely wished to strive and sacrifice for the cause of humanity... but regardless of the reason, once a person became a Hero, the responsibility was theirs to bear.

Everyone present was well aware of this fact.

They had long since steeled themselves for it.

"Next."

Chairman Wei Xuan reined in his emotions and spoke in a solemn voice.

"Before I present each of you with your Professional Warrior Certificates, I have an important announcement to make..."

The old man paused for a moment before continuing:

"By the decision of the Valley City High Council, starting with this 17th Professional Warrior Assessment, we are implementing a systemic reform. As you all should have seen, the assessment process, which was originally completely closed-off, was broadcasted live this time."

His gaze shifted to the camera drones surrounding them.

He then added:

"Furthermore, in addition to the original two rounds of written and combat assessments, a new round will be added—a third round, the combat evaluation."

The moment he said this, an uproar swept through the venue.

Even the viewers in the livestream chat were utterly astonished.

’There’s a third round?!’

"There is no need to worry."

At this, Mr. Wei Sr. nodded.

"The third round is voluntary. If you do not wish to participate, you will still receive your certificate... However, if you choose to participate, the board of Examiners and the Association will grant a Star Promotion based on your specific performance."

"This will be a brand-new path for advancement."

The Professional Warrior ranks are divided into five Star Levels.

One Star is the lowest, the rank granted right after passing the assessment. Five Stars is the highest, requiring a Hero to actively participate in disaster-relief missions and monthly routine tasks to accumulate sufficient Federation Contribution Points for sequential review and promotion.

Naturally, a higher Star Level symbolized greater strength and deeper experience for a Hero, and it corresponded to better benefits, welfare, and a higher social status.

Moreover, certain special industries and organizations had corresponding Star Level requirements for employment.

For example, the Overlook Bureau’s Disenchantment Class, the City Defense Team, the Security Bureau’s special operations teams, corporate security forces, the Hermes Trade Alliance’s Wilderness Mail Delivery, and so on...

Therefore, for a Professional Warrior, their Star Level was extremely important. It determined whether they could continue to climb the pyramid of human society.

Compared to the previously congested promotion channels, the new reform to the assessment system provided a brand-new path for advancement: Star Promotion based on merit.

For a few exceptionally outstanding candidates, the officials and the Association would conduct a detailed evaluation and award them with a higher-Star Level certificate to match their excellence.

"?!"

Once again, the announcement sent a shockwave through the crowd.

Not only did the livestream chat erupt in discussion, but even the many Heroes in the second-floor viewing area of the Association couldn’t stay in their seats, breaking into a heated debate.

Most of them were only One-Star or Two-Star Heroes who placed immense importance on promotion.

They never expected that one could now "skip ranks" during the assessment!

"However, I must make a solemn declaration."

Mr. Wei Sr. raised a hand, signaling for silence.

Once the chatter subsided, he spoke gravely:

"The third round’s combat evaluation will be a true baptism by fire. The probability of injury or death is difficult to estimate, so I ask that you all consider your decision carefully."

"This year’s combat evaluation is scheduled to begin tomorrow morning at ten o’clock, at the Two of Spades ♤ ’Sugar Witch’ Maze. Clearing the Maze is not mandatory; the final judgment will be based on your performance during the exploration."

After the old Chairman finished speaking,

Among the 29 people present, Yu Jiali was the first to raise her hand.

"I’ll participate."

The short-haired girl stepped out from the line, her face fearless. As a seeded candidate, she had ended up at the bottom in the previous assessments. She had been holding in her frustration, looking for a way to vent.

’Perhaps only real combat can showcase my talent.’

"A brave and caring girl."

Mr. Wei Sr. smiled in appreciation.

"During the final test of the combat assessment, you were the only seeded candidate willing to step in and rescue a comrade. Well done."

Hearing the old Chairman’s praise, Yu Jiali coughed, a little uncomfortable, and lowered her eyes.

Her hand fumbled at the hem of her skirt, as if she wanted to pull out a lollipop to suck on to ease the awkwardness.

On the top floor of the Hero Association building.

Seeing this, Police Inspector Yu Zizi burst out laughing, pulling out her phone and taking several pictures with a rapid CLICK-CLICK-CLICK.

’I finally caught my little sister in an embarrassing moment. I can definitely use this to blackmail her for a few months’ worth of face masks.’

"I’ll participate too."

The buzz-cut young man, Jiang Tianjie, followed suit, stepping out of the line and raising his hand.

As a new member of Valley City’s Defense Team Unit 1, he couldn’t afford to embarrass his older brother. More importantly, he wanted to show off a little in front of Captain Ning Meng.

Following him, Xiao Yuzhe, Carl, Lin Xin’Er, and Nagata An—the other four seeded candidates—stepped forward one by one to apply for the third round.

The pressure then shifted to Wang Xi.

All eyes focused on him.

As the "absolute dark horse" of this assessment who had broken two of Valley City’s records, everyone instinctively wanted to see what his response would be.

Wang Xi raised an eyebrow and spoke up.

"I have a question."

"Go ahead, young man."

Mr. Wei Sr. said with a chuckle.

He had a very good impression of this outstanding young man.

"Um..." Wang Xi began with a nod. "The third round starts tomorrow morning, so where are we staying tonight? We don’t have to take the railcar home and then rush back tomorrow, do we?"

He was genuinely concerned about this.

The Nest Capital District where he lived was quite far from the Hero Association. A round trip would cost nearly 50 Credit Points, which was enough for him to buy a decent fast-food meal.

Everyone’s expression turned strange.

Mr. Wei Sr. was slightly taken aback.

Examiner Shi Bo, standing beside the chairman, cleared his throat and explained:

"The Hero Association has dedicated lodging that’s no worse than a hotel. All candidates will be arranged to stay here overnight before departing for the Maze entrance tomorrow morning."

Wang Xi beamed.

Then, he asked an even more critical question:

"Are meals included?"

"..."

Everyone silently lowered their heads, finding the situation a bit hard to take.

Examiner Shi Bo took a deep breath and said:

"They are. Dinner, late-night snacks, and breakfast before departure tomorrow morning will all be prepared in the Association’s cafeteria. You can eat as much as you want."

Wang Xi’s expression turned serious. He stepped out of the line and declared solemnly:

"I’ll participate!"

At that very moment.

The livestream’s bullet comments flew across the screen.

"I’m dead, lol. If you need me, burn some paper offerings."

"I really thought Sixth Brother was going to ask Chairman Wei some earth-shattering philosophical question..."

"Six Gods really loves his food."

"Food is precious. It’s understandable."

"I seriously suspect that if the Association didn’t cover room and board, Six Gods would’ve just dusted himself off and left."

"He really hasn’t forgotten the ultimate goal of the assessment."

"So cute."

On the top floor of the Association building.

Yu Zizi and Ning Meng noticed that Section Chief Chu, who was beside them, seemed to be looking down at her phone. The moment they turned to look, the silver-haired girl had already turned off the screen.

"Chu Nai, were you just posting bullet comments?"

Ning Meng let out a sound of surprise.

"No." The silver-haired girl’s expression was calm as she smoothed her hair. "I was just checking the time," she said nonchalantly.

Yu Zizi and Ning Meng exchanged a look.

Their eyes communicated a silent message.

’Section Chief Chu seems to be lying, but we have no proof.’

...

...

In the end, far fewer people volunteered for the third combat evaluation round than expected.

Besides Wang Xi and the six seeded candidates, only three other high-scoring candidates signed up.

The remaining nineteen candidates all abstained.

They weren’t fools to have passed the assessment, and they had enough self-awareness to know their limits. While the third combat round offered a chance for a Star Promotion, it was clearly designed for geniuses. What capital or confidence did they have to take on such a challenge?

If they weren’t careful, one try could be their last.

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. It was already a great fortune to have passed the Professional Warrior assessment; how could they ask for more?

The Chairman, however, was not disappointed by this. Instead, he offered them words of encouragement and personally presented them with their certificates.

It was called a certificate, but it was actually a hard, silver card.

It was about half the size of a palm and made of an extremely durable material. Its surface had a matte, frosted texture that shimmered under the light like countless stars.

On the front, besides the name, ID number, and photo, there was a shining golden pentagram. Below it, two lines of small text read, "Southern Continent Valley City Hero Association" and "Passed the 17th Professional Warrior Assessment."

The back featured a blue shield pattern with a hexagram drawn in the center with golden lines. This was the symbol of the Hero Association.

As for Wang Xi and the other nine who had signed up for the third round, they had not yet received their certificates. They would have to wait until after the combat evaluation to be awarded them.

...

...

「A little after seven in the evening.」

Wang Xi was ferociously chowing down in the Association’s cafeteria.

Unfortunately, the livestream of the assessment had ended for the day and wouldn’t resume until the next morning, so there were no camera drones here.

Otherwise, the livestream audience would have been treated to another spectacular eating show.

Compared to the noisy and lively scene during the day, the vast dining hall was rather deserted at night.

Only the table with Wang Xi was occupied.

Besides him were the other nine candidates.

It was the first time any of them had seen Wang Xi eat. They all wore looks of astonishment, even forgetting to move their own chopsticks.

CLINK! CLANK!

In just a few moments, another empty bowl was added to the pile. The black-haired young man didn’t even glance at it, simply picking up another heaping bowl of white rice and continuing to shovel it down.

Suddenly, Wang Xi’s movements paused.

His sharp eyes peered out from behind the bowl.

"Eat. Why aren’t you guys eating?"

"Heh..."

Jiang Tianjie started to pick up his food and eat, teasing,

"Didn’t expect this, man. You eat so much, you’re going to eat the Association into bankruptcy."

"A good appetite is a blessing."

Wang Xi smiled, then pointed to the large chicken leg on his own plate and asked politely:

"Do you want this chicken leg?"

"Thanks, but no."

Jiang Tianjie waved his hand dismissively.

The next second, the black-haired young man’s chopsticks shot out and snatched the chicken leg from Jiang Tianjie’s plate.

Jiang Tianjie froze. The others froze as well.

"If you’re not eating it, I will."

Wang Xi took a bite and chuckled.

"..."

The corner of Jiang Tianjie’s eye twitched. It was as if he’d never met someone so shameless.

Or rather, someone who held a grudge.

He’d made one little joke and lost a chicken leg over it.

Jiang Tianjie glanced around and saw everyone trying to stifle their laughter. He was, after all, the younger brother of "Thunder Hammer" Jiang Tianhao. He had a reputation to maintain.

After a cough, he decided to imitate Wang Xi, pointing to the fried pork cutlet on his own plate and began to say:

"This pork cutlet..."

"Meals are included, buddy."

Before he could finish, Wang Xi’s chopsticks flew out again and whisked the pork cutlet away.

"..."

Jiang Tianjie’s mouth hung open.

As Wang Xi gnawed on the pork cutlet, his gaze swept over the others. They finally started eating, silently pulling their plates closer to themselves.

It was as if they were terrified the young man might offer them a "friendly" inquiry.

A smile playing on his lips, Wang Xi secretly glanced at the food on their plates, all of which were just normal portions. He couldn’t help but wonder, ’Don’t their Technique Cards increase their appetites?’

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