[Yellow Rank Training Area, Fallen Zone Holographic Simulation Experience Store]
"Mr. Chen Kong, although you failed this time, you shouldn't be discouraged, because this is normal. With one experience under our belt, we will definitely succeed next time…"
While speaking, Lena held the simulation store's brochure, explaining the characteristics of different Fallen Zones to Chen Kong.
But mid-sentence, she suddenly noticed that Chen Kong had stopped, his gaze fixed on the corridor not far away.
"What is it, Mr. Chen Kong?"
Lena followed Chen Kong's gaze and instantly held her breath too.
Two people were walking from the end of the corridor. The silver-haired youth leading the way wore a black eye patch and emitted subtle, elusive Star Energy fluctuations.
Though dressed in ordinary training attire, he carried an inherently superior aura.
The silver-haired girl next to him was holding a tactical tablet, her expression blank.
However, more than their unique demeanor, what truly shocked Lena was the gleaming gold wristwatch on their wrists.
That was the 'Sun-Shine Watch,' which only Heaven Rank trainees could possess!
"How... how could a Heaven Rank trainee come to the Yellow Rank Area…"
Lena instinctively lowered her voice, her wolf ears drooping in nervousness.
At the Celestial Martial Training Base, Heaven Rank trainees were like beings standing at the peak of the pyramid. Not only did they not venture into the Yellow Rank Area, but even if encountered in the Central Plaza, ordinary trainees were expected to yield the way. The hierarchy was extremely strict.
Just then, Tendo noticed Chen Kong.
Amidst Chen Kong's slightly nervous expression, Tendo stopped and observed Chen Kong up and down for a few seconds through his black eye patch, his tone flat yet carrying a strange penetrative quality.
"Interesting. Looks like you found it too."
"Found… what?"
Chen Kong subconsciously retorted, his heart inexplicably tightening.
He felt that Tendo had not only seen through his plan but also knew about the special nature of the simulation pod before them.
Otherwise, he wouldn't be here, nor would he say such a thing.
Facing Chen Kong's question, Tendo didn't explain, walking straight toward the old 'First Generation Simulation Pod' deeper down the corridor.
Caroline followed closely, constantly looking down at her tablet, not sparing a single glance for anyone around her, as if everything surrounding her was irrelevant.
It wasn't until Tendo entered the simulation pod and his figure disappeared from their sight that Chen Kong finally relaxed, a thin layer of cold sweat breaking out on his back.
Although he was very familiar with Tendo.
Every time he encountered him without understanding Tendo's true objective, he would inexplicably feel a sense of 'dread.'
This was akin to a herbivore facing a suddenly appearing, powerful 'predator.'
Even if the predator had no desire to hunt, the herbivore would still display fear.
[Outside the Simulation Store, Yellow Rank Training Area]
"Mr. Chen Kong, do you… know those two Heaven Rank Lords?"
At this moment, Lena still hadn't recovered from the shock, and her eyes were full of curiosity as she looked at Chen Kong.
Being personally addressed by a Heaven Rank trainee was practically unheard of among Yellow Rank trainees.
The fact that Lena addressed Chen Kong as Mister but Tendo and Caroline as Lord showed the immense disparity she perceived between Heaven Rank and ordinary Yellow Rank trainees.
"I guess you could say we know each other."
Chen Kong didn't hide it. He looked at Lena, suddenly recalling his previous confusion.
"By the way, Lena, what are the specific differences between ordinary trainees and Heaven Rank trainees? Why are Heaven Rank trainees so special?"
Hearing this, Lena put away her curious expression and explained earnestly: "Mr. Chen Kong, generally speaking, if a trainee wishes to become a Heaven Rank trainee, they must possess strength close to, or even comparable to, a Calamity Rank Star Envoy."
"Calamity Rank?"
This simple sentence instantly stunned Chen Kong.
He had been wondering what kind of evaluation standard could cause a Child of the Stars like him to fall to the 'Yellow Rank' level.
Now it seemed that the grading system of the Celestial Martial Training Base was not based on the standards of ordinary Star Envoys at all.
If all Heaven Rank trainees were at the Calamity Rank level, then 36 Heaven Rank trainees essentially meant 36 powerhouses capable of confronting a Calamity.
"What about the 72 Earth Rank trainees?"
Lena answered without hesitation.
"Strength comparable to Upper Tier Three-Star Rank, and at least one outstanding talent, such as super strong Star Energy control or a special Star Source ability."
"And the Profound Rank?"
"Strength comparable to Mid Tier Three-Star Rank and above, with no other special requirements."
Hearing this, Chen Kong silently compared himself.
He realized that if he hadn't held the Star Tear for too short a time during the Qualification Tournament.
Based on his situation, he could have at least achieved the 'Profound Rank' trainee level.
With good luck, even the 'Earth Rank' wouldn't have been impossible.
However, Lena's next words made Chen Kong even more astonished about the so-called 'Heaven Rank trainees.'
"But Mr. Chen Kong, I heard that the Heaven Rank trainee slots are not permanent."
Lena lowered her voice, speaking as if sharing a secret.
"After the training concludes each year, the Base will re-evaluate the trainees."
"If they fail to meet the assessment requirements, even if their strength and talent are adequate, they will still be removed from the ranks of Heaven Rank trainees."
"I don't know about everything else, but I'm clear that after the first year, to maintain one's Heaven Rank trainee status, one must solo clear an S-Rank Fallen Zone. Earth Rank trainees need to clear an A-Rank, Profound Rank is B-Rank, and Yellow Rank is the simplest C-Rank."
Hearing this, Chen Kong couldn't help but ask, "What rank was the Quicksand Planet simulation Fallen Zone I just experienced?"
"Quicksand Planet… it's roughly between C- and A-."
Lena thought for a moment and explained: "The danger level of a Fallen Zone primarily depends on two factors: Star Beast Intensity and Environmental Rules."
"If Calamity Rank Star Beasts are confirmed to exist, the Fallen Zone is at least A-Rank."
"If there are no Calamity Rank Star Beasts, but the Environmental Rules can kill a Calamity Rank Star Envoy, the Fallen Zone will still be rated A-Rank."
Lena paused, then continued: "Although the Quicksand Planet has a Calamity Rank Ant Queen, the Environmental Rules are relatively simple."
"As long as the explorer doesn't stay on the same patch of quicksand for more than 30 seconds, the explorer won't be swallowed by the quicksand."
"And even if they are swallowed, the explorer can use various methods to escape."
"Therefore, among all the Fallen Zones, the Quicksand Planet is the undisputed entry-level one, very suitable for beginners to practice."
Chen Kong understood at once.
So the ranking of Fallen Zones was so rigorous. The S-Rank Fallen Zone that Heaven Rank trainees needed to challenge likely had not only Calamity Rank Star Beasts but also Environmental Rules capable of threatening a Calamity Rank.
Thinking of this, Chen Kong suddenly felt that his path to advancement was going to be long and arduous.
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