Chapter 199: A Moment of Revelation

“Did you notice something?”

“What do you think… how’s his combat skill?”

Unlike the bustling high-ranking officials who had already started chatting, the intercontinental dungeon squad, sitting as still as statues, had fallen into a long silence.

Although it was the Captain who asked, not one of them could offer an answer.

After holding their tongue for a while, one team member—who had thought Yenir didn’t belong with them—flushly muttered:

“Captain, I was wrong.”

“This kid is seriously impressive…”

“If he really joins us, I wouldn’t oppose it…”

Their answers were off-topic; in truth, they didn’t know what to say.

With a bitter laugh, the previously defiant team member felt utterly exasperated.

“In less than three seconds, you really can’t decipher anything…”

“But that move earlier was more than enough.”

“Even a Third-Stage mid-level fighter going up against him would be torn apart…”

For elite special operation teams that frequently operate in the field, potential is irrelevant—they only care about actual combat power. Yet Yenir’s display had completely won them over, or rather…

it had shocked them.

Squad Captain nodded with a trace of admiration, his eyes instinctively drifting toward Yenir amid the compliments.

Luckily, he had been cautious and refrained from lavish praise, or it would have been a major embarrassment.

To be honest, although he had earlier advised his team not to underestimate Yenir, he hadn’t truly taken him seriously.

Having seen countless prodigies nurtured by major forces, he instinctively regarded awakened talents like Yenir with a dismissive air.

Compared to the elite chosen by the Military who fought real battles, he had always seen Yenir as a delicate flower unlikely to develop formidable combat skills. After all, his age spoke for itself.

Of course, his thinking wasn’t entirely off the mark.

But in that deadly fight, he really saw no refined combat skills in Yenir…

An attack initiated, a swift kill executed, a sword drawn and curses hurled—crude, brutal, and devoid of finesse.

A series of events unfolded; yet what kind of battle was it really?

Still, that revealed nothing…

Yenir’s performance was simply the result of raw power, not intricate technique.

Barely promoted to Third-Stage, he slaughtered his peers like a dog, taking down Zhang Yang right before the eyes of three Third-Stage veterans. With strength like that, who needed fancy skills…

One can topple ten with a single move.

SSS-Level talent is truly terrifying.

But the Squad Captain might not have expected that the almost superhuman Yenir hadn’t even gone all out. His innate gift hadn’t been fully tapped.

Clinging to the wall, he remained as unpredictable as ever.

“Everyone, prepare yourselves. Next time in the intercontinental dungeon, he’ll be joining us.”

As Squad Captain was about to say more, a Middle-Aged Man in an advanced general’s uniform silently appeared behind them.

“Special Operations Team, Central Division Team 3. New orders have been issued from above.”

“These orders are S+ level. They must remain strictly confidential…”

………

At the dais, the Secretary General looked somewhat astonished as Li Xuanguo prepared to leave.

“Prime Minister, weren’t we supposed to announce the rankings? Aren’t you going to speak?”

Following protocol, once the deadly fight ended, the rankings would be announced—the official statement that granted members of the Fire Seed Plan their identity and commendations.

Such a crucial matter previously didn’t even require Li Xuanguo’s presence; just a few heads from the Military Department would suffice.

For example, Fang Hao speaking up would have been sufficient.

But now, to emphasize the importance at higher levels, it was fitting for the Prime Minister to step forward.

After all, Yenir’s feat of clinching global first in multiple categories was an honor in itself.

Yet the Prime Minister had left. Could it be he was displeased with Yenir’s earlier attitude?

Those gathered around Yenir, casually conversing, had clearly noticed the scene. Some, seasoned veterans, worried, while others smirked quietly.

Yenir’s current brilliance was blinding, especially with the unreserved praise he received from the higher-ups.

To many, Yenir seemed to be abusing his innate talent, acting arrogantly! Even Zhang Meng wasn’t spared—anyone who crossed him was bound to suffer!

Years in the bureaucratic system had instilled in them a palpable sense of crisis. They weren’t afraid of other cunning veterans; they feared those brash strongmen who could overturn everything in an instant!

Yet, much to everyone’s surprise.

Li Xuanguo shook his head slightly and summoned the base’s highest Commander, speaking softly:

“Today’s deadly fight results are to be kept strictly confidential.”

“Use the relevant system tool to have everyone sign a non-disclosure agreement. Ensure that all information about Yenir—his talent and combat prowess—remains classified.”

“Anyone who discloses this information will be charged with treason for leaking state secrets.”

Before the Commander could react in surprise, Li Xuanguo called over the Propaganda Minister from nearby:

“Notify everyone that in two days a commendation ceremony will be held at Capital Square. All departments are to attend, and citizens may participate. Also, inform the higher-ups from other Military Regions to send observers. Representatives from Private Safe Zones may attend as well.”

After the brief instructions, Li Xuanguo silently glanced at Yenir, nodded, and then turned to leave.

Within the crowd, Yenir was momentarily stunned.

Locking eyes with someone, he clearly heard Li Xuanguo’s earlier words.

A sudden chill seized his heart.

He wasn’t surprised by the Prime Minister’s order, but by the meaning behind Li Xuanguo’s gaze.

Li Xuanguo’s actions were clearly telling him…

“Everything you desire, I can give you.”

With a bitter smile, Yenir felt a mix of emotions. He hadn’t expected Li Xuanguo to see right through him.

It figures—if you’re at the top among elites, your thoughts are never simple.

Since arriving in the Capital, he had meticulously crafted his image. Whether good or bad, his goal was to leave a deep impression on the high-ranking officials and ensure everyone got used to his knack for performing miracles.

He craved reputation, he needed attention—even if it was negative!

Only with enough renown would people listen, and only with sufficient attention would his safety be ensured! His future actions would be extreme, inevitably offending many!

But clearly…

When Li Xuanguo sensed his inner thoughts, he demonstrated with actions the official stance that would be taken toward him!

“You want reputation, Yenir? Crave more attention?”

“Fine! The commendation ceremony will be held at Capital Square! Let everyone witness it!”

“You want to break into the high echelons as quickly as possible?”

“No problem. I’ll gather representatives from every Military Region so that everyone—from citizens to top brass—knows who Yenir is!”