Chapter 4: Trial of Destiny

Amid a stifling, eerie atmosphere, the test continued.

Nearby, the awakened descendants who had finished testing exchanged astonished remarks as they watched Yenir actually join the trial.

“What a madman – but he’s got guts.”

“Does he really think he can uncover A-level talent and survive?”

“Who knows? Commoners like him, with such narrow views, probably believe great talent is as common as dirt and that they can have it too.”

“How ignorant. I heard he’s the top trainee among the regulars – maybe he’s convinced himself he’s talented.”

“Yeah, he probably hasn’t encountered real awakeneds and thinks good physical condition equals talent. That fool might die in the test.”

…

Listening to the contemptuous jeers, Yenir calmly adjusted his breathing without a flicker of emotion.

It was natural for the awakened descendants to look down on ordinary people.

Self-proclaimed elites naturally saw ordinary people as nothing more than a waste of precious testing resources.

In his previous life, he had endured prejudice because of his background.

He ignored it all.

In Yenir’s serene eyes, an invisible display showed the ticking countdown of the system.

There were only 16 minutes remaining.

He paid no mind to the sneers and scorn of the crowd.

Under normal circumstances, even a B-level talent wouldn’t be enough for the Safe Zone to let him off easily.

But what if it was S-level?! If his potential was truly formidable, everything could be wiped clean!

In these apocalyptic times, weakness is the original sin. Until he proved his talent, any explanation was superfluous.

….

After officials announced that no more Testing Potions would be provided, the common candidates were forced to accept the grim reality under armed military suppression.

A few seconds later, a somewhat simple-minded young man strode out of the line. Unlike Candidate No.1 who had backed down in fear, he refused to give up his hard-won testing chance.

Test qualifications were hard-won. He couldn’t bear to imagine returning to face those disappointed stares.

A few seconds later, Tang Ying arrived at the imposing diamond crystal, took a deep breath, and placed both hands on it.

The next second, a burst of white light flared as psychic energy surged in.

“Bang!”

On the quiet plaza, an abrupt explosion shattered the silence.

For a moment, the scene froze: in front of the white Test Crystal, a corpse fell like a burst tomato, swaying as it hit the ground.

“Test failed. Next candidate.”

Following the cold announcement, the entire area fell silent.

For the first time witnessing a testing failure, the candidates stared blankly at the corpse.

A familiar comrade had perished right before their eyes.

The test could truly be deadly. Without the protection of Testing Potions, most bodies would be blown apart in an instant.

At the forefront, several candidates with faces splattered in bright red blood instinctively touched their faces in disbelief before trembling and backing away.

“No… no… this can’t be!”

“I’m out! I’m out!”

Also at the front, Yenir observed the unfolding chaos with a familiar air, instinctively licking the blood from the corner of his mouth.

It was burning. It was sweet.

Missing protection was nothing new.

In his previous life, a change in high-level policies towards ordinary people had even denied him the chance to risk his life.

…

“Candidate 173, apply for the test!”

“Bang!”

“Test failed!”

“Candidate 185… applying… for the test!!”

“Bang!”

“Test failed!”

..

“Candidate 631, apply for the test!”

“Test passed: D-level talent in the Strength category. Suitable for the role of Brute Warrior and Battlefield Logistics.”

…

Minute by minute, as time ticked by under the few pitying gazes of the awakened descendants, the once pristine testing platform became a mound of corpses.

Bright red blood trickled down the steps, forming small streams, while a faint, iron-sweet scent filled the air.

Had it not been for the indifferent soldiers relentlessly clearing away the bodies, the testing platform would have soon been too crowded to hold even one person.

The dead seemed to cling to a final vestige of attachment, their eyes betraying a reluctant farewell to the world.

On the high platform, Liao Tian, clad in a white combat uniform, watched it all with an expressionless gaze that betrayed a hint of irritation.

Yet when his peripheral vision caught sight of Yenir, he couldn’t help but let out a cold, derisive laugh.

How is it that he was shouting to join the test just moments ago, and now, after seeing so many dead, he’s suddenly scared?

Any earlier admiration for Yenir’s boldness had now turned into contempt.

Elsewhere, several Safe Zone high-ranking officials ceased watching the test and instead whispered among themselves about the shortlisted candidates. The Central Authority’s selection decree weighed heavily on them.

“It seems we can only report those few B-level candidates,” one remarked.

“This selection is of utmost importance. I’ve heard the top brass intends to cultivate third-rank reserves, with each chosen seed receiving abundant resources to accelerate growth.”

“Exactly. In recent years, third-rank talents have dwindled, and every battle zone is stretched thin on defense.”

“I wonder when our Safe Zone will finally produce an A-level talent. Our battle zone’s third-rank has suffered too many losses these past years. Without fresh blood, the defenses will soon collapse…”

“We can only hope that the next batch of hybrid descendants produces a few promising talents…”

Worry etched on their faces, they occasionally glanced past Yenir as they talked, pausing briefly. In their eyes, Yenir was already a lost cause.

Time ticked by, and just as Liao Tian, representing the Military Commission, looked over at the remaining candidates too terrified to continue, he prepared to end the test.

Then, unexpectedly, Yenir, who had remained silent until now, calmly stepped out of the line.

“Number 769, Yenir.”

“Applying for the test.”

In an instant, Yenir’s voice drew everyone’s attention, though most regarded it with the detached amusement of onlookers.

On the podium, Liao Tian raised an eyebrow, his eyes betraying a touch of indifference as he casually surveyed the scene.

Did he think he could escape? It was about to begin.

At the side of the line, the instructor leading Yenir was taken aback upon hearing his voice and instinctively tried to interject:

“Yenir!?”

“The test is too dangerous! I know there’s something off with you. Once it’s over, we’ll report everything to the higher-ups…”

Before the instructor could finish, Yenir shook his head slightly and replied:

“Instructor Zhang, it’s pointless.”

Seeing the sincere concern on Zhang Qiming’s face, Yenir couldn’t help but recall how the man had cared for him during the three years of his previous life.

But things had already reached this stage; any explanation was futile.

Moreover, whether due to time running out or the system’s relentless countdown, he couldn’t afford to retreat.

Without hesitation, Yenir fixed his gaze on the testing platform and strode forward.

Standing in a pool of blood, he stared intently at the bloodstained Test Crystal.

In this life, all the destiny that had been left unfulfilled would be completely rewritten at this moment!

He pressed his hands against it.

In an instant, a dazzling burst of light erupted in the eyes of those who either mocked or remained indifferent!