The next morning, Lu Kai awoke feeling remarkably recovered. The dull ache and itching from the shadow knife wound were gone, replaced by a vibrant energy that coursed through him. His full power, the "Power of Origin," was not just a mental understanding; it was physically integrated. He gently nudged Bai Lizi awake. After a quick wash and dressing in fresh academy uniforms, they left the hospital, the oppressive sterility replaced by the bustling energy of the academy grounds.
They made their way to the academy canteen, the air filled with the chatter of students and the aroma of food. Lu Kai, his hunger now substantial, ate with renewed vigor, while Bai Lizi seemed more at ease, perhaps the events of the previous night, and Lu Kai's silent protection, having solidified some confidence.
Shortly after their meal, an instructor with a stern but fair demeanor approached their table. "Students," he announced, his voice carrying across the immediate area. "Today, you will undergo a new assignment: virtual battle trials. You will enter a virtual capsule, where you will find yourselves on a different battlefield – forests, plains, varied terrains set by the tech department. Your objective is to eliminate goblins within that virtual space."
He continued, "If you are 'killed' by goblins inside the virtual space, you will still be alive inside the capsule. This is how we test every newcomer's strategy, fighting stance, and power, so we can understand how capable they are."
"Newcomers under Lu Mie's tutelage," the instructor continued, scanning the area, "your turn is number four for the battle trial. Bai Lizi, you will be with your student cohort." He then gestured to a larger group. "Four classes will join this battle assignment, overseen by four teachers. Lu Mie teaches nothing of the sort here; she observes. The other three teachers will guide their students actively." He explained that all 200 newcomers were divided among the four teachers, roughly 50 per group.
Lu Kai listened intently. He understood the value of this trial; it was a practical application of their abilities, a way to assess their strengths and weaknesses in a controlled environment.
The first class went inside; only nine successfully eliminated the goblins. The second class had six successes. The third class managed five. Then, it was Lu Kai's class's turn. This was not just a solo trial; it was a team task. Lu Kai knew this was his chance to forge a unit for the upcoming competition. He scanned the faces of the other newcomers. His gaze settled on four individuals.
"Bai Lizi," he called out, his voice firm and clear. She looked surprised but nodded, joining him.
"Kaven," he addressed another newcomer, who possessed the lean build and crackling aura of a **Thunder Archer**. Kaven nodded, joining their nascent group.
"Raven," Lu Kai singled out a lean, intense individual whose eyes held a predatory gleam. Raven, a 'slaughter maniac' by his awakened description, smirked and joined.
"And Ti Tan," Lu Kai completed his selection, calling out to a heavily built newcomer whose awakened description was 'berserker.' Ti Tan let out a guttural roar and stomped over.
Lu Kai looked at his chosen companions: Bai Lizi (Aura User), Kaven (Thunder Archer), Raven (Slaughter Maniac), and Ti Tan (Berserker). This diverse group, he felt, possessed the synergy and raw power to succeed not only in today's assignment but also as his final team for the upcoming newcomer competition.
(To be continued...)