Chapter 147: The Awakening of Yenir

I’m Yenir. Thank you for your help.

Yenir replied calmly, extending his hand for a firm handshake.

Having witnessed grand spectacles in his past life, this display barely impressed him.

Unmoved by Yenir’s composed demeanor, Lin Rui silently admired him. Ordinary Awakener trainees would cower like mice before a cat, intimidated by his presence.

It was rare to see a Second-Stage fighter like Yenir remain so unfazed and composed.

Without wasting a word, after presenting his hand token, Lin Rui made an inviting gesture:

“Lord Yenir, if you’re ready, please return to the Capital with us.”

“Of course, if you have other affairs, we can wait here.”

As his words faded, Yenir instinctively glanced back at his mother and Little Sister, a tender softness lighting his eyes.

The Spiritual Energy Fighter prioritizes manned missions; ordinary folks simply can’t handle its acceleration.

He had no choice but to go first.

After a few seconds, Yenir exhaled lightly and dismissed any further thought.

“Uncle Lin, then I beg your trouble.”

Turning to Xiao Hai, Yenir nodded slightly and left a final remark:

“Commander Xiao, please take care of the rest.”

With that, Yenir boarded the aircraft along with six others, leaving the envious Safe Zone dignitaries standing behind in awe.

As Yenir entered the fighter, murmurs of admiration spread among the onlookers.

“Who would’ve thought that the trainee we once tested has now transformed into a major figure…”

“I still recall the day he stormed Trial Plaza.”

“It’s a good thing we tested Yenir back then; otherwise, it would have been a real loss…”

Voices overlapped in a chorus of astonishment.

Several high-ranking officials who had once watched Yenir during tests now stared blankly at his retreating figure. The once utterly ordinary youth had become a figure worthy of admiration. The instructor who once trained him was especially moved.

Around the Square, trainees from Yenir’s batch watched in shock. Some who remembered how he had decimated a horde of mutated corpses understood, while others, less informed, regarded him like a living legend inside the cockpit.

Many couldn’t help but smile wryly; the gap between them was so immense that even envy was out of the question.

In their eyes, even Commander Xiao—already a top figure—was just a background presence, while Third-Stage fighters were revered. They could only dream of reaching Second-Stage status.

“Whoosh–”

“Boom!”

Twelve fighters roared to life, their engines thundering like silver-black swords as they shot skyward, disappearing in an instant.

Perhaps even Yenir was unaware.

Among the crowd encircling the Square, Wang Zhen and several former classmates stood dumbfounded, watching the dark dots vanish into the horizon, their hearts filled with indescribable shock.

They had gathered out of curiosity, expecting a high-ranking official to inspect Tianfeng, yet instead, Yenir was the one being whisked away.

A few who had discussed Yenir at yesterday’s party now stared in disbelief. Just yesterday, Wang Zhen had mentioned that Yenir was doing well and had become an Awakener.

They initially thought that even as an Awakener, Yenir would remain low-ranked, and that those who had prospered could even compete with him.

But no one expected that even the revered Commander Xiao would have to play second fiddle, trailing behind Yenir like a lackey.

“What exactly is Yenir’s status now…?”

“Wang Zhen, didn’t you say he had just become an Awakener…?”

“My goodness… No wonder he skipped yesterday. That kind of position is simply terrifying…”

Although they couldn’t fully grasp what it meant for a Third-Stage champion to personally welcome him, the display clearly hinted at something more significant.

Their faces grew complex as they bit their lips in silent apprehension.

Wang Zhen, feeling a mixture of bitterness and disappointment, said nothing. She had wanted Yenir to come yesterday, and his absence had initially saddened her, but now, witnessing this, she felt not loss but profound powerlessness.

The gap was so immense that she could barely fathom how far Yenir had come.

Perhaps they were simply from different worlds…

………..

The fighter sped along like a sword slicing through the clouds.

Watching the rapidly passing clouds outside the cockpit, Yenir felt a subtle stirring of emotion.

“Lord Yenir, we’re nearing the outskirts of the Capital Zone.”

A soft reminder reached him.

Lin Rui pulled a card from his pocket and handed it to him with a smile:

“Once you reach the Capital, if you have time, please do see me.”

“Although my position is modest—just a squad leader—if you need anything, just say the word.”

Lin Rui spoke casually, unconcerned by his apparent youth, even though his current strength paled in comparison to Yenir’s.

As an elite member of the Capital forces, he was well aware of Yenir’s limitless potential. In fact, before their arrival, many high-ranking officials had instructed him to ensure Yenir’s safety while handling some minor tasks.

Flattery without reason always signaled trouble.

Yenir calmly accepted Lin Rui’s card and glanced to the side.

He noticed that Lin Rui seemed eager to say something more.

Although Yenir appreciated the gesture, the overly humble attitude raised his suspicions.

A squad leader?

Lin Rui’s role in the Air and Space Unit—a key part of China’s top combat forces—was far more prestigious than many Safe Zone commanders.

“Captain Lin, speak. What is it?”

Yenir asked softly, cutting straight to the point.

Sure enough, after a brief pause, Lin Rui gave an awkward smile:

“It’s really nothing.”

“It’s just that once we reach the Capital, some high-ranking military friends and I have arranged a welcoming dinner. We hope you can honor us with your presence.”

Almost fearing a refusal, Lin Rui earnestly added:

“Believe me, meeting them will be highly beneficial. It’s been a tiring journey—these high-ups are eager to meet you.”

Despite the pleasant offer, Yenir remained silent.

Although the invitation sounded appealing, his primary objective was to ascend to Third-Stage status immediately. Networking could wait until after he secured his rank.

Furrowing his brow,

For some reason, he felt that this invitation was more complex than it appeared. He sensed that someone was intentionally trying to stall him.

“They haven’t given me my rank… yet the Capital clearly got wind of me… stalling my progress…”

In that moment, Yenir realized exactly what some people were planning.

“Captain Lin, I appreciate your kind offer,”

“but let’s meet after I achieve Third-Stage.”

He calmly declined. Lin Rui’s smile faltered, and though he maintained his composure, his face betrayed his disappointment.

This was a real problem…

Someone above had signaled to delay him, but Yenir now seemed fully aware of the ploy…

…….