New Star
The opening ceremony is about to begin. Teams from various universities are currently showcasing their skills. Next, an electronic draw will be conducted to determine the matchups.
But now that one of the eighteen institutions is missing, it's no wonder the organizing committee is anxious.
"Isn't this causing delays? If we don't come soon, how are we supposed to explain this to the audience?"
"Many important figures are here today, and quite a few people from the Strategic Affairs Department are also here."
"That's right, Deputy Commander Bai Shaotang, Tactical Operations Director Yin Feng, and Technology Development Director Chu Ning are all here."
"It's usually very difficult to even see one of these people."
"Two captains from the Tiangang Dragon Riders have also come, which shows how much the Strategic Affairs Department attaches to this Grand Sports Meet."
"The Hundred Battles Academy is truly insensible."
Just then, a staff member ran in. "They're here! They're here!"
"The Hundred Battles Academy team has arrived. The students are backstage and getting ready to go on stage at any time."
"Then let them come out last!"
Backstage lounge area.
Zeng Shan was straightening his clothes, clearly very nervous, constantly tugging at them here and there.
Li Bohang smiled and said, "Relax, it's just a formality, nothing to worry about."
Zeng Shan shook his head. "I'm not like you, Old Li. This is the first time I've ever been on stage in my entire life."
Li Zi, who was behind him, nodded and said, "I'm nervous too. Do we all have to go on stage? Why don't you guys take my place?"
Snap!
He Hao gently tapped a first-year student on the head with a rolled-up paper tube, then said loudly, "Listen up, all of you, today's presentation is very important."
"Now, there are already many spectators in the stands."
"But none of that matters. What matters are the people in the Strategic Affairs Department!"
"If there is a pinnacle for us Mech Master, then that pinnacle must be the Giant Beast Strategy Department, the ' Tiangang Dragon Riders '!"
"Our Academy has never produced a single ' Tiangang Dragon Riders ' in all these years!"
"So everyone needs to perform well and make the Strategic Affairs Department notice us."
"If you're even afraid to make an appearance, how can you be expected to fight giants on the Battlefield?"
"I don't care what you weaklings think, I'm determined to join the Strategic Affairs Department and become a ' Tiangang Dragon Riders '!" "If you're too scared to go on stage, just envy me from backstage!"
Below, classmate Su Jiu covered her face with her hands. "Are you sure this is encouragement? This is provocation..."
At this moment, a staff member came over and said, "Students from the Hundred Battles Academy, please get ready."
"You must be from the top class of the Academy?"
"Because there were so many students participating in the Sports Meet, the opening ceremony performances only showcased the top students from each college."
"I need to confirm this."
He Hao patted his chest forcefully. "That's right, we are all the top students in our respective grades!"
"Okay, come to the entrance in 5 minutes."
Five minutes passed quickly, and Luo Yan and the others were already standing at the entrance. After the staff gave the signal, He Hao shouted, "Let's go!"
He then strode out.
The first-year students were at the very back. When Luo Yan walked out, the view suddenly opened up before him, and he felt a multitude of gazes directed at him. These gazes held a variety of meanings, and there were so many that he could hardly discern or react to them.
"Look, the students from Guangling City's Hundred Battles Academy are walking towards us now!"
"They were delayed a little on the way, but they still arrived on time."
"The reason they were almost late was because the Jambu Realm Space opened, and the students spontaneously entered the city to stop the giant beasts and evacuate the civilians."
"I must say, they're really great."
"I suggest everyone stand up and applaud the students of the Hundred Battles Academy!"
Led by the host, the entire audience rose to their feet, and thunderous applause filled the air.
Even the students from the opposing Academy who were already on the field applauded and cheered.
For a moment, the students of the Hundred Battles Academy were a little embarrassed, and even He Hao blushed. But everyone's eyes shone with excitement, and they felt greatly encouraged.
Next, the host introduced the students of the Hundred Battles Academy.
"Leading the way is He Hao, a third-year student at the Hundred Battles Academy. Despite his young age, He Hao has already reached the Advanced level in cultivation."
"Furthermore, he has extensive experience participating in actual combat operations within the military corps. Just recently, he participated in the large-scale battle against the Aerial Overlord in Changping City and made significant contributions."
"His partner, Su Jiu, is also an amazing girl..." As the host introduced them, students from the Hundred Battles Academy appeared on the big screen in the venue one after another. Sometimes the photographer would give them close-up shots of their faces so that the audience could see their appearance clearly.
At that moment, a face with cold, resolute features and bloodshot eyes appeared on the big screen.
"What you see now is Luo Yan, a first-year student."
"Student Luo Yan has made rapid progress in his Visualization Technique in just one year since enrolling, and has participated in many battles, where his performance has been remarkable."
"Among them, whether it was the ' Sangmen Sha Great Operation ' six months ago or the ' Aerial Overlord Counterattack Battle ' not long ago, Classmate Luo not only participated but also performed excellently."
"His achievements are outstanding, even among the three prestigious universities of Tiannan, Yujing, and Yingtian."
"He can be considered a rising star at the Hundred Battles Academy. Let's look forward to his performance at this Grand Sports Meet!"
Immediately, students from other Academy in the hall all turned to look at Luo Yan.
As the students listened to Luo Yan's introduction, some were surprised, some were jealous, and some were wary—a variety of reactions were present.
"Classmate Luo, over here."
Luo Yan suddenly heard someone calling him. He looked in the direction of the voice and found that it was Canghe Academy.
The one who greeted them was Sheng Yitian, a third-year student who had greeted them during their previous exchange and study session. Next to him was Ziyan, a third-year girl.
Luo Yan then saw Dong Huang, as well as other top students from the Canghe Academy.
He nodded slightly to Sheng Yitian and the others, just then heard Bai wave vigorously and call out, "Senior, senior! I'm here."
Hehehehe...
"I'm really looking forward to playing against you guys."
At the Canghe Academy, Dong Huang's lips twitched slightly. "That Little Madman is a second-year student, oh dear, God help us, please don't let us go up against the Hundred Battles Academy."
After the host introduced the last student, he announced, "Alright, now the top students from all eighteen universities have come forward."
"I believe the audience here has already witnessed their brilliance."
"Therefore, I hereby declare the opening ceremony officially open!"
Bang bang bang!
Suddenly, plumes of colored smoke shot into the air from the back of the venue. The rows of smoke rose together, creating a spectacular scene that instantly ignited cheers from the audience.
This also foreshadows...
The Grand Sports Meet has officially begun!