Chapter 151: A Clash of Ambitions

After Yang Guoping left, the group was momentarily stunned before bursting into quiet laughter.

“For what…”

“Of course, for our descendants…”

The middle-aged man leading them sneered as he shook his head, clearly dismissing Yang Guoping’s idea.

He spread his arms dramatically and scanned the surroundings.

“Everything’s peaceful now. Must we turn it into a wartime scene again?”

“Even if Yenir’s talent is phenomenal, what’s it got to do with us? Must we tighten our belts like during the early days of the apocalypse just to churn out a Third-Stage mid-level fighter?”

“Besides, the resources in the treasury were earned with our own sweat. Using them for our own people—what’s wrong with that?”

The others nodded in agreement; no one longed to relive those grim times.

Although none of them had experienced the worst of the initial apocalypse, the following years had still been tough. After investing so much effort to reach this point, why shouldn’t they think of their descendants?

Do they really believe that using resources is a waste? That they can’t contribute to the nation?

“That’s right.”

“After all these years, not a single Fourth-Stage fighter has emerged. I doubt we’d ever manage one. Haven’t we already wasted plenty of resources? So many brilliant talents flamed out—if even one of the Four Commanders is this gifted, what chance do we have?”

“Honestly, I suspect that a Third-Stage mid-level fighter might be the pinnacle of human potential. And besides, what’s the point of a Fourth-Stage fighter? What use is the Fire Seed Plan if they can’t even produce one? Who needs a Fourth-Stage fighter today?”

He fired off three questions in a row, as if justifying his stance while admitting the truth.

Among the Awakeners dispatched to find Yang Guoping, many quietly harbored doubts about the plan. To them, nurturing a Fourth-Stage fighter for a vague goal made less sense than saving resources to train several Third-Stage mid-level fighters.

At least, that way they could all share in the glory.

What’s the use of a Fourth-Stage fighter? Nowadays, war zones and nations no longer fear mutants; those creatures are like lambs waiting to be harvested by the Awakeners.

Various factions were even brawling over territories and upgrades.

A Third-Stage mid-level fighter is more than enough to deal with all the monsters.

“Enough. Let’s drop this subject.”

“Some of the higher-ups are too old. Those relics who’ve survived since the apocalypse’s onset, burdened with lingering aftereffects, are naturally terrified of history repeating itself. They’re constantly trying to produce a super fighter. Don’t they realize that times have changed? Are we still so naive?”

“By the way, can any of you find a few Willpower Type Second-Stage fighters to join the trial? Otherwise, that kid’s performance might be hard to contain…”

At the middle-aged man’s question, the others exchanged peculiar looks, hesitating before replying.

“Deputy Yuan, where on earth are we supposed to find Willpower Types? Even if we did, they wouldn’t pass the trial…”

“Wasn’t Yenir filtered out back then because he was Willpower Type?”

“Willpower Types are few, and Second-Stage Peak Fighters are painfully rare. Fighters of this type simply don’t have the combat power to pass.”

“But come to think of it, the heightened emphasis on him this time must be related to his type. After all, no Willpower Type has ever reached the Third-Stage in all these years. Maybe they want to see what a Willpower Type at Third-Stage would look like…”

Deputy Yuan paused, nearly forgetting his own point.

“If none can be found, then forget it.”

“But that kid’s talent is somewhat unique. Other Willpower Types are pretty useless, but he’s lucky—his talent actually boosts his combat power.”

“Maybe he might even become the first Willpower Type Third-Stage fighter…”

He shook his head, dismissing the thought. After a brief discussion about tomorrow’s plans, they resolved to wait for a ‘spectacular show’ to unfold.

………..

In a neat, immaculate two-hundred-square-meter dwelling, Yenir calmly adjusted his breathing to push his condition to its peak.

One had to admit, the treatment from the Authorities was truly excellent. The Spirit Crystals delivered directly to his training room nearly filled the entire space. Although he no longer needed them urgently, they were invaluable for recovery.

In the Capital Safe Zone, where land is at a premium, his residence was situated in an A-level security area.

Chefs, guards, nannies…

To ensure his safety, besides a team of twenty Second-Stage Peak Fighter Awakeners handling logistics, a Third-Stage mid-level fighter was assigned as his personal bodyguard.

Such privileges were granted even though he hadn’t been officially ranked yet.

“A monthly quota of 100,000 Credit Points for free, plus the option to select one Blue Equipment piece every three months.”

“Ten Spiritual Energy Fruits can be claimed each month, and on expedition dungeons, at least three Third-Stage mid-level fighters will be deployed.”

“The position is equivalent to a battalion-level deputy; food supplies are unlimited, and you may recruit an armed team of up to ten, with all expenses covered by the Military…”

“The Authorities sure do have deep pockets these days…”

Yenir pored over the treatment manual sent to him, feeling a surge of emotion. In his previous life, after successive Safe Zones collapsed, the Capital’s supplies had long been depleted—this luxury was unimaginable.

The manual clearly detailed the benefits for each rank. Thanks to his special status, though he hadn’t yet been assigned a rank, he was enjoying A-level benefits, roughly equivalent to the Tenth Rank. Even so, it would make other survivors green with envy.

“First Rank’s monthly Credit Point allocation grants A-level or higher supplies, plus two monthly chances to select resources from the treasury…”

“Upon reaching First Rank, the Military provides a full set of Blue custom equipment and the option to select one Epic weapon…”

“Depending on your upgrade progress, further rewards and battalion-level deputy authority will follow…”

Lowering the manual, Yenir silently clenched his fists.

For him, attaining First Rank was non-negotiable.

The Capital’s rich resources far exceeded his expectations. At this pace, he could ascend to Fourth-Stage in a year or even less.

The saved time would be ample to launch many new plans.

In his previous life, regrets and tragedies had also held him back.

But just recalling the scenes he’d witnessed after entering the Capital Safe Zone sent a cold shiver through his eyes.

This time, he would never allow himself to fail, nor would he let anyone waste his time!

“Who dares block my path…”

“Then… perish!”