Chapter 690: Test of Fate

Fire Wolf Team, Lin Ming! Prepare for the test!

Bang bang bang!

The rapid knocking startled Yenir into opening his eyes, though his dazed confusion quickly vanished.

After rising from his bed, Yenir glanced at Yu Keran before striding toward the door.

In the dead of night, Yu Keran briefly awoke only to be knocked out by him again. Though it wasn’t healthy, Yenir justified it as protecting her.

Not wanting to fuss over Yu Keran any further, Yenir quickly rubbed his face, feigning a sleepless night, and opened the door.

He immediately recognized the stern tone of the rebels outside—it was clearly not the previous group.

Sure enough, as the door swung open, twelve fully armed Third-Stage rebels fixed their scrutinizing gaze on him.

After several long seconds, the lead Third-Stage finally gave a slow nod—a silent greeting.

‘Get ready to meet General Hong,’ he commanded. ‘The higher-ups are waiting. If you have any weapons or equipment, hand them over for safekeeping.’

Noticing the squad’s unusually cautious demeanor, Yenir felt a mix of gravity and an unexpected sense of relief.

The procedure was quite formal. Clearly, many influential figures were present for this test.

Even ordinary survivors would likely be thrown into a panic by such an imposing display.

But for Yenir, it was nothing new. Back when he was only Third-Stage, he’d once jumped up at the Committee to challenge Lu Tianming.

(The higher the ranking, the better. Given a chance, he might even control someone of an even higher level.)

With a subtle resolve, Yenir feigned nervousness as he asked the lead Third-Stage:

‘Is it starting now? May I ask who’s here? General Hong? Was it that day…’

Before Yenir could finish his question, the lead Third-Stage snapped coldly:

‘Don’t ask what you shouldn’t!’

‘You’ll know once you get there! And remember, don’t think that just because you meet the standards you can act out—show proper respect to the elders!’

Following his words, the Squad Captain curtly waved him off and led Yenir toward the test.

Unlike the Defense Force Captain who once tried to befriend Yenir, these high-ranking Third-Stages saw him merely as a potential test subject meeting their high-level criteria—nothing to be concerned about.

Observing the rebels’ attitude, Yenir’s eyes flickered as he sensed hidden implications.

(It seems that if I fail this test, I might never get to meet the true high-ranking rebels…)

—————-

‘General Hong, are you sure this survivor meets our requirements?’

‘All the experimental organisms screened by the Military before have failed—even those at Third-Stage. None of them could withstand it.’

The vast conference hall had been transformed into a temporary testing ground. Nine rebel high-ranking officers in blue uniforms chatted casually, their tone laced with skepticism.

They weren’t directly opposing Hong Tiangang; rather, knowing the plan well, they understood just how difficult it was.

That concept could only work in theory.

‘I think it holds a lot of promise!’

‘Although this test subject’s talent and status are subpar, his unique experience is remarkable! I believe his encounter with the virus fits him perfectly!’

‘Didn’t we already run tests? As long as an Awakener can resist the virus’s corruption, theoretically, their flesh can be enhanced! And different types of infections might even boost mental power!’

‘Even if the body fails, the detached consciousness could adapt flawlessly to that substance!’

As Hong Tiangang spoke, his excitement grew. Not only had they long prepared this plan, but if Lin Ming truly succeeded, they could push even further!

Strangely enough, Yenir’s arrival had opened up an entirely new avenue for them—a path to limitless possibilities!

‘Hope, perhaps, though I believe the odds are slim.’

‘Honestly, I think the perfect test subject is that kid. Even though he’s our enemy—a little bastard, in fact—I have to admit his talent and potential are among the most formidable I’ve seen!’

‘In just one year, he advanced to Third-Stage, even reaching Peak Third-Stage! With immense physical and mental power and a monstrous rate of mastering combat skills, if we can control him, the plan would be a resounding success! At worst, we use him as a breeding ground…’

Just as Huang began, Hong Tiangang frowned and cut him off:

‘Catch him? Do you have any idea how the people in the Capital view that kid? Frankly, unless he marches to his own doom, he poses no threat!’

‘Old Zhao and his gang believe that with covert pressure we can force him to be abandoned. Honestly, they’re way too naive!’

‘I’ve spoken with Lu Haishan about that kid. Though Yenir seemed like just a runt who clawed his way up, his ruthlessness rivals even yours! Otherwise, none of you would consider him a serious threat. So why act now?!’

‘Let’s not dwell on that. The Third-Stages failed the test because their abilities were too fixed—their mental power and cognition were already solid!’

‘It’s like a water bottle: once molded after Third-Stage, trying to withstand that would be fatal! In contrast, Second-Stage fighters remain highly malleable!’

With a touch of self-assurance, Hong Tiangang sneered after speaking, clearly confident in his judgment!

Before the other eight could retort, a sudden set of footsteps echoed outside the conference hall.

‘They’re here!’

In an instant, the nine rebel high-ranking officers turned their heads toward the arriving Yenir.

Aside from Hong Tiangang, none of them had ever seen Yenir—sparking widespread curiosity.

‘A Second-Stage fighter resembling Yenir? I wonder if he meets the criteria…’

The thought flickered and vanished.

As announcements rang out, Yenir, escorted by twelve Third-Stages, quickly entered the scene.

‘He doesn’t seem all that special… Did he really survive the virus infection?’

‘His abilities are weak. I reviewed his documents—nothing out of the ordinary.’

‘I’ve seen Yenir. Isn’t he called Lin Ming? Although I despise that bastard, truth be told, he doesn’t compare to the Yenir I once knew. That little rogue exudes sheer arrogance—as if he were a prodigy!’

‘Yeah, that kid seems like an ordinary person, even a bit timid…’

In hushed tones, aside from Hong Tiangang, the rebel high-ranking officers all wore expressions of disappointment.

They weren’t selecting a ‘spark’ or nurturing talent—just looking for a test subject. Yet, given the unique requirements, they subconsciously projected Yenir’s case onto their expectations.

Faced with the rebels’ disappointment, Yenir—whose hearing was impeccable—couldn’t help but feel silently exasperated.

‘Am I less than Yenir?’

It seems they do value me quite a bit…