Chapter 149: A Trial by Fire

In the eerie silence, Yang Guoping paused momentarily before speaking in a calm tone:

“Yenir, for now your sequence is designated as Special. Your exact level hasn’t been determined yet.”

“You know, a sequence reflects one’s potential. Even though your potential is unquestionable, we still need to verify it through various evaluations.”

“There’s no hurry; the procedure should be completed within a few days.”

Yang Guoping’s face was earnest and upfront—he had no intention of stalling deliberately.

In theory, Yenir could have been assigned the First Sequence right away, after all, no other sequence boasts Third-Stage combat power. But protocol had to be observed; handing it out immediately would only fuel discontent and objections.

A few senior officials behind Yang nodded in agreement, though their eyes showed a hint of surprise as they looked at Yenir.

By bringing up the sequence right away, they made it clear they doubted that someone from a humble background would truly grasp its significance. It seemed Chen Kailai had advised them to settle the sequence matters upfront.

“That’s right, little brother Yenir. No need to rush,” one of them said.

“You’ll receive the benefits you deserve, so rest easy,” came the reassuring words.

With a tone of urgency and evident annoyance at Yenir’s arrival, Tang Zhen quickly interjected, eager to explain:

“Potential is a matter with many dimensions,” he began.

“You see, you all are like precious seeds. We can’t simply throw you into the battlefield. A single mistake would be a loss for both the nation and for you.”

“After comprehensive evaluations, we…”

Before Tang Zhen could finish his sentence, Yenir merely nodded and replied coolly:

“I understand.”

“So, you’re saying you need time to determine if I’m truly superior to others, even though I’ve killed a Third-Stage Mutant?”

Cut off by Yenir’s words, Tang Zhen felt a flash of irritation. He forced a smile and managed a dry chuckle:

“Yes…”

“Potential involves many facets, and we’re not clear on the circumstances of you killing that Third-Stage Mutant.”

Yenir, upon hearing this, glanced at the impatient Tang Zhen and let out a soft, inward laugh.

“Multi-dimensional evaluations? Really?”

That kind of talk might fool a fool. With all his prior knowledge of the Military, Yenir knew better. An Awakener’s potential is proven by their strength! Killing a Third-Stage Mutant is the best evidence!

Tired of the bureaucratic chatter, Yenir spoke bluntly:

“Then let’s begin the Third-Stage Trial right now.”

“I mean, what better way to prove myself than by reaching Third-Stage?”

With that, Yenir fixed his gaze on the senior officials. He refused to believe they would find any reason to delay him once he had reached Third-Stage.

In their mutual glance, Yang Guoping looked at Yenir with mixed emotions, silently sighing.

“They won’t give an inch…”

Yang was well aware that Yenir had already requested an immediate trial before his arrival, but everyone had tacitly agreed to keep quiet.

Still, it hardly mattered.

Not beholden to any faction and free from the fear of offending anyone, Yang was curious to see how this sharp young man—like a finely honed sword—would perform in the trial.

Just as Yang was about to agree, Tang Zhen’s face drained of color as he blurted out:

“General Yang, let’s begin the trial tomorrow. It will give all the senior officials a chance to observe—and many are very interested!”

“It’s too late today. I believe a bit of rest will help you perform even better tomorrow, little brother Yenir!”

Yang Guoping furrowed his brow as he looked at the nearly frantic Tang Zhen, noticing the pleading look in his eyes.

In that very moment, his agreement hung in the air, unspoken.

Tang Zhen’s suggestion wasn’t entirely wrong.

Although they couldn’t join Yenir in the Trial Tower, they could still monitor his progress through a live update. Many officials were eager to witness his performance firsthand.

With that in mind, Yang Guoping softened his tone and asked Yenir:

“Yenir, you’ve had a long day. Why not get some rest tonight?”

“We’ll start the trial tomorrow when more officials can be present.”

In the quiet that followed, Yenir shook his head slightly. He knew that pushing too hard might invite trouble, so he decided not to contest the delay for the night.

Once again, they tried to coax him into attending a banquet, dragging out the process of starting the trial, insisting on following protocol…

By piecing together various clues, Yenir realized that many within the sequence were rapidly accelerating their training due to his unexpected arrival disrupting their plans.

With one more day’s delay, these individuals might even reach Second-Stage Peak Fighter, and then they’d have a real chance to compete with him for sequence rankings.

“Alright, let it be tomorrow then. I trust you, General Yang,” Yenir conceded.

“Besides, I’ll skip the banquet. I’m tired and need to prepare in advance.”

After curtly rejecting the invitation, Yenir showed no concern about offending anyone.

He was fully aware that attending the banquet would only provide more excuses to delay his trial. Starting the trial would undoubtedly offend these powerful figures. So why bother?

Intriguing.

It seemed that many individuals within this sequence wielded significant influence…

………

As Yenir departed under the guidance of the staff, Yang Guoping shot a cold, disdainful look at Tang Zhen:

“A day’s delay for reports, four days for the journey, and one day for preparation.”

“If the forces behind you aren’t ready within six days, then don’t blame anyone else.”

“Honestly, if I were you, I’d have Commander Zhang postpone the First Sequence assignment to a later date. Rushing to boost your strength without laying a proper foundation wastes potential—a mistake that could cost you a lifetime!”

Cold sweat broke out on his back.

Tang Zhen managed a bitter smile and nodded at Yang Guoping, his troubles unspoken.

“It’s not that simple—postponing for later isn’t really an option.”

They could lavish resources on pre-Third-Stage training without a second thought. But many assets beyond Third-Stage were limited. Once Yenir clinched the First Sequence and became the first to reach Third-Stage, with no equal to share that stage, how would those rare resources be preserved?

Even if Commander Zhang’s son eventually reached Third-Stage and reclaimed the First Sequence, it would be meaningless by then.

Everything is already used up—should we expect Yenir to regurgitate it all?

Without further ado, Tang Zhen anxiously contacted Zhang Meng, determined to get the word out quickly!