Chapter 10: A Test of Talent at Tianfeng

Tianfeng Strategic Command.

After cutting through layers of heavily guarded checkpoints, and led by Xiao Hai, the two quickly arrived at a meeting room, escorted by nearly a hundred awakeners.

Inside the minimally decorated meeting room filled with a somber air, Xiao Hai smiled as he looked at Yenir sitting across from him.

“Yenir, what do you like to drink?”

After summoning a Level Two awakener to pour tea, Xiao Hai patiently waited for Yenir’s response.

“No thanks.”

Calmly, Yenir accepted the tea and gave a slight shake of his head, indicating he didn’t need anything.

He wasn’t surprised by Xiao Hai’s approach.

To outsiders, conversing with Xiao Hai would be a golden opportunity, but Yenir considered it a waste of time.

He was eager to go out and test his own abilities.

Xiao Hai nodded subtly, his admiration deepening as he observed Yenir’s composed demeanor.

Steady and unassuming—a fine prospect indeed.

Without wasting further words:

Forcing a slight smile, Xiao Hai paused briefly before speaking slowly:

“Firstly, regarding your innate ability.”

“I know every awakener’s talent is crucial and generally kept under wraps. But as part of the Military, I’m certainly hoping you’ll join us.”

“In that regard, I expect you to share some details.”

With a glimmer in his eyes and after a brief hesitation, Yenir replied:

“It’s Mental Type—the effect is enhanced willpower.”

Since he couldn’t speak of the talent granted by the Sword God System, he chose to mention only his original system ability.

“Oh, Mental Type?”

He mused.

Xiao Hai waved for the Chief of Staff behind him to update the records and said nothing more, though a hint of regret crossed his face.

“Mental Type is quite rare; Uncle Xiao isn’t very familiar with it. Your case might need the Capital’s input before we can advise further.”

“Otherwise, I do have plenty of advancement data on Power-type awakeners that might help you a bit.”

After a brief pause, Xiao Hai smiled.

“Let’s not dwell on that. Another matter is the Seed Plan.”

“Yenir, I’ve already reported your case for the Seed Plan—you’re our top candidate.”

“Once the higher-ups confirm, a dedicated Level Three will guide you, and you’ll receive prioritized supplies and equipment. Your rank and treatment will be set at Deputy Corps level!”

His tone carried a note of genuine admiration.

Once selected for the Seed Plan, Yenir’s importance would rival even Xiao Hai’s.

Hearing this, Yenir nodded, his face softening into a smile.

At last, he could make up for the wasted time from his previous life.

If he were to become a Level Four savior, relying solely on his own ability was unrealistic. Achieving Level Four demanded vast resources and the backing of an entire nation. He was sure that once his talent was re-tested in the Capital Zone, his treatment would only improve!

After a moment, as though struck by a thought, Yenir hesitated before asking:

“Commander Xiao, may I draw some supplies in advance?”

“I intend to take out a skill book first.”

Feigning curiosity about awakeners’ abilities, Yenir looked at Xiao Hai with a hint of nervousness.

“Skills?”

With a slight frown,

“Yenir, you’ve only just awakened, so you might not grasp the full importance of skills yet. It’s not that we’re unwilling to give you a skill book—it’s just that your innate ability must align with your skills to maximize your combat effectiveness. Your skills will undoubtedly be matched over in the Capital.”

After this brief explanation, Xiao Hai wasn’t surprised by Yenir’s reaction.

For every awakener, the first desire is to gain stronger power. If innate ability is the gun, then skills are the bullets.

But for someone with Yenir’s top-tier talent, he didn’t want him to waste precious skill slots on just any ability.

Hearing Xiao Hai’s advice, Yenir sighed inwardly and, after a moment’s thought, spoke again:

“Uncle Xiao, I’m still quite curious about skills.”

“Here’s what I propose: deduct a bit from my treatment, and I’ll just have a ‘look’ at them. How does that sound?”

Unwilling to forgo the chance to test his Sword God System, he was determined to at least check out the skills.

Seeing Yenir’s persistence, Xiao Hai hesitated briefly before replying:

“Alright then. What type are you interested in?”

“But let me advise you, you’d be better off waiting a bit before learning any skills. Otherwise, wasting both skill slots at every level will hamper your future development.”

Yenir nodded and, after reiterating that he was merely curious, spoke without hesitation:

“Sword skills. Any level will do.”

Hmm?

Taken aback, Xiao Hai glanced at Yenir with an odd expression but didn’t say anything further.

Deep down, he thought Yenir’s childlike nature made him all the more interesting.

With a slight nod, he called over his subordinate:

“Go fetch a sword-skill book—the highest level available.”

Upon receiving the order, the officer in charge of supplies nodded heavily and went to retrieve it. Glancing back at Yenir, a trace of wistfulness flashed in his eyes.

SS-tier innate talents are truly enviable; whatever one desires, the higher-ups will spare no effort to provide.

For ordinary awakeners, acquiring skills is a free-for-all—anything goes.

Commander Xiao clearly held Yenir in high regard.

A few minutes later, amidst a rare bout of nervousness from Yenir, a C-tier skill book was brought in.

The supply officer, noticing Xiao Hai’s apparent displeasure with the lower-level book, could only explain quietly:

“Commander Xiao, our inventory isn’t stocked with many sword-skill books. This one is the highest level available.”

He gave a wry smile. Even as part of Tianfeng Military, their resources weren’t lavish. For someone like Yenir to merely ‘browse’ skills was seen as a bit of a frivolous waste.

Taking the skill book, and with a system prompt sounding, Yenir’s mind raced.

“Ding. Acquired C-tier skill [Thrust]. Type: Sword Skill. Usable by both strength and agility builds.”

He was eager to test it out.

After securing what he wanted, Yenir offered a quick thanks before speaking again:

“Commander Xiao, if there’s nothing else, I’d like to head back.”

“Also, I’d appreciate it if you could look into why I was prevented from joining the test.”

Hearing this, Xiao Hai was taken aback, and the nearby high-ranking Military officials exchanged curious glances at Yenir.

What a kid—did they really think Yenir was indifferent, just grabbing what he wanted and leaving?

After all, interacting with a Level Three is an immense honor in the field.

After a brief pause, Xiao Hai’s expression grew serious:

“Barred from joining the test?”

“Don’t worry—Uncle Xiao will get to the bottom of this!”

Shifting into an authoritative tone, Xiao Hai solemnly promised and signaled the Chief of Staff to note the matter.

“Yenir, do you want to go back and inform your family of this news?”

“I understand how you feel. But given your unique status, it’s best to wait until we receive word from the Capital.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Yenir fixed a determined look on him.

After a moment, Xiao Hai smiled and shook his head. Seeing Yenir’s persistence, he found it hard to refuse.

After a few seconds’ thought, he called for a guard:

“Send a few elite soldiers to escort Yenir. Ensure his safety at all costs.”

“If anything happens, report to me immediately, bypassing the chain of command.”

In a cold tone reserved for subordinates, Xiao Hai immediately resumed his superior stance.

A few minutes later, as Yenir left the meeting room escorted by several fully armed awakener soldiers, Xiao Hai’s smile vanished, replaced by an aura of authority.

“Go check Yenir’s background and records.”

“Also, regarding the matter of him being prevented from joining the test, I expect a report within 24 hours!”

“No matter who is involved, arrest them all!”

His tone carried a subtle murderous intent, startling several of the high-ranking officials nearby.

Commander Xiao’s demeanor made it clear he intended to investigate this matter thoroughly.

One of the Command Center’s staff officers couldn’t help but ask in a low voice:

“Commander Xiao, Yenir will most likely be transferred to the Capital Military District. Your overtures won’t amount to much…”

Hearing this, Xiao Hai turned coldly to the staff officer:

“Overtures? Meaningless?”

He snorted.

“You all underestimate what an SS-tier innate talent truly signifies…”

With his gaze shifting, Xiao Hai looked toward the distant north. In that silent moment, he seemed to foresee the Capital’s reaction upon receiving the news.