Chapter 193: New Challengers and a Risky Assignment

Captain, is that the guy they told us to meet?

Inside the field, seven elite Third-Stage fighters, resembling specialized troops, looked at Yenir in the distance with puzzled expressions.

Unlike the high-ranking officers on the command platform who were laughing and chatting, the group of seven sat upright, each exuding a deadly aura.

“That’s right. Next time, the intercontinental trial might have him lead the team.”

“Keep a close watch. He might one day be our direct superior.”

The leading squad captain answered softly to his teammates without betraying any emotion on his face.

Though his words were measured, a strange glimmer fleetingly crossed his eyes.

“A junior Third-Stage team leader? Or just someone newly promoted?”

“Have the higher-ups lost their minds!?”

His expression shifted. The young man sitting behind the captain was momentarily stunned, repeatedly scrutinizing Yenir.

“That kid must be no more than eighteen or nineteen, right!? I’ve heard his talent is insanely remarkable.”

“But that’s an intercontinental trial! The higher-ups wouldn’t assign him unless they thought it was sufficiently challenging, right?”

“Putting him at the front? That’s practically a death sentence! Has he even killed anyone!?”

His tone grew agitated. Their 13-man squad had barely returned with seven after the losses at the border battlefield.

It wasn’t out of disdain for Yenir, nor was it mockery.

Intercontinental trials are ruthless. When Awakeners confront Mutants, they must also guard against enemy Second-Stage fighters. Often, humans are far more terrifying than monsters.

In life-and-death skirmishes, there are countless instances where inexperienced fighters are taken down by lower-level opponents with sudden ambushes.

In his eyes, he would rather team up with a less talented veteran than join a so-called genius squad.

After all, any so-called genius status is a future matter. Yenir, who has just reached Third-Stage, is nothing more than a rookie in his view!

The combat style of Third-Stage fighters differs vastly from that of the Second-Stage! Inexperienced Awakeners with no battlefield exposure are almost as good as useless; besides, they might only bring trouble.

“Don’t say that.”

“I’ve seen his records.”

“This kid has a record of taking down a Third-Stage Mutant in seconds. Not to mention, you know how brutal the trials are.”

“His combat skills shouldn’t be too shabby. At worst, he just lacks experience fighting humans. His power is on par with a junior Third-Stage mid-level fighter, so it shouldn’t be an issue.”

At this, the dark-skinned youth bristled and hastily retorted:

“Captain, it’s not that I underestimate him!”

“I’ve seen his records too!”

“A Second-Stage taking down a Third-Stage is already wild! But that was against a mutant! I bet he mastered some power-charging technique that’s insanely potent!”

“But someone needs to cover for him at the front so he has time to strike! How are we supposed to fight? In a battle, life and death are decided in mere three to five seconds! One misstep and you won’t even get a chance to use your skills before being decapitated!”

Blunt and rough.

As the impassioned rebuttal from the Third-Stage continued, the young man felt a burning surge of anger — their recent loss at the border had cost them dearly in comrades.

The next intercontinental trial was even more critical, and he doubted Yenir’s usefulness.

Awakeners and Mutants fight in entirely different ways. Perhaps Yenir is adept against Mutants, but in split-second life-and-death battles, his role is severely limited. His presence would not only reduce their numbers if lost, but also force them to divert their attention to protect him.

In his opinion, a top-notch genius like Yenir would be better off staying in the Capital, growing stronger until his power can decisively crush the opposition. Once he reaches advanced or even peak Third-Stage, even a clumsy fighter could overwhelm a horde of Awakeners.

“I understand.”

“That’s why the higher-ups called us here, right?”

“Huang Peng, watch your tone. The higher-ups’ intentions aren’t for us to guess. If it doesn’t work out, I believe the command won’t let Yenir join us. Our deaths mean little; if he dies, it will shatter their hearts.”

He sighed inwardly.

The squad captain fell silent, watching the imminent deathmatch with a complex mix of emotions.

He knew the higher-ups were in a hurry to find a suitable low-level Third-Stage fighter who could lead them to victory in the next intercontinental trial. Every team’s challenge is set according to their average strength.

If Yenir performs exceptionally, even against the Awakeners, he could showcase the terrifying prowess seen in the trials…

Without a doubt, they’d secure a massive victory! A low-level Third-Stage functioning like a mid-level fighter gives a tremendous edge.

Even if it merely served as training, it would accelerate Yenir’s growth.

The higher-ups must have realized that the combat experience of trained Third-Stage fighters in recent years has been abysmal — especially those with exceptional talent, mostly the offspring of major factions. Veteran Third-Stages, having endured their share of hardships, are eager to elevate their own successors and fear any mishap.

At this rate, capable Third-Stage fighters will become increasingly scarce.

However…

The squad captain smiled wryly and shook his head.

In his eyes, even if this battle were a fight to the death, it was merely child’s play. With judges and direct confrontations, what could one truly gain? In the trials, facing enemy Third-Stage fighters leaves you teetering on the brink of death — even a quick restroom break could spark a massacre!

……..

“Committee Member Lu, here is the match list for the upcoming battles. Please have a look…”

On the judge’s platform, a middle-aged Third-Stage fighter clad in battle armor glanced at the list handed over by his subordinate, his face etched with confusion.

What’s going on? I thought it was just Yenir against Zhang Yang. Where did this list come from?

After casually scanning it, anger suddenly flashed in his eyes.

“Who submitted these names!?”

“Nine Third-Stage fighters against Yenir! And you dare put Zhang Yang at the end!?”

He thundered, and Committee Member Lu glared at the staff. With his experience, he could immediately tell something was amiss with the list. To him, it was obvious that one of his subordinates had taken bribes from Zhang Meng!

What nerve!

After nine rounds of challenges, Yenir was still paired with Zhang Yang!? They must be exhausted!

Even though he had just been assigned as a judge, he knew just how highly the higher-ups regarded Yenir, so he took it very seriously.

“If so many people are involved, and you’re playing these games, don’t drag me into it if you want to die!”

He scolded sharply before preparing to report the situation to several higher-ups.

However, the subordinate who had handed over the list only offered a bitter smile and leaned in to whisper:

“Committee Member Lu, this list has been reviewed by the higher-ups…”

“And it’s been approved by those gentlemen as well…”