Choice

The six of them huddled together, looking at one another, as if no one wanted to be the first to speak.

Finally, Li Shuangmu coughed and said, "Let's hear your opinions. Should we accept this gamble of a mission, or refuse it? Let's discuss. Personally, I hope to accept it. Retreating in the face of trouble is not my style. Besides, I feel that since this 'Entrance Exam' is meant to accommodate us newcomers, the rewards for this rare Hidden Mission shouldn't be too shabby, right?"

Liu Xiatian said, "I think... we should just forget it." He gathered his thoughts and continued, "Didn't the senior say he didn't know the scale of the rewards? No one knows if we'll just be wasting our efforts. Furthermore, the senior also mentioned that the Hidden Mission is extremely difficult and fraught with danger. Do you all really think that we, as clueless, incapable greenhorns, can complete such a task? Our current mission is only to survive for five hours; if we are careful, it won't be difficult at all. There's no need to invite unnecessary trouble."

Wang Ning disagreed, saying, "Who says we only need to survive for five hours? Come on, buddy, you need to look at the big picture. Don't just look at the present; look to the future. Sure, by your logic, we might pass this time safely, but what about the next? If we seize this 'Entrance Exam' opportunity to earn more Study Points and purchase those expensive abilities and items, only then can our strength continue to grow, and only then can we survive the countless dangers to come."

Yin Kuang pondered for a moment, his mouth opening slightly. He also wanted to accept the mission. But... he suddenly thought of a number, a Sword of Damocles hanging over his head—34!!

He only had 34 years of life left!

34 years, how short that was. Not to mention in reality, even in this mysterious and bizarre "University," a 34-year lifespan was his greatest, most fatal weakness and constraint.

He only had one chance at death, just one.

Therefore, he instinctively felt he should proceed with caution and live carefully.

He did not want to die.

The word "death"—at 19 years old, he had never seriously considered what it truly meant. Because at only 19, he felt that death was far too distant. But now, it was different; he clearly knew his lifespan was a mere 34 years. And he only had one chance at death!

At this moment, he truly felt that the shadow of death was so close.

He was terrified, truly terrified. He feared death, and he dreaded it. If he died, everything would be gone—no family, no friendship, no love... He hadn't yet earned a fortune to buy his parents a villa, or to buy his little sister expensive limited-edition Barbie dolls... nor had he found the person he loved to spend his life with...

Death... danger... death...

Yin Kuang's mind was in a struggle... He felt he was being too sensitive. Wasn't it just an accidentally triggered "Hidden Mission"? Even if he accepted it, and even if it were difficult, that didn't mean he would die. Perhaps there were generous rewards waiting for him...

However, the scene of Wei Ming's head exploding suddenly surfaced in his mind... If... if the one bitten by the zombie at that moment had been me... if it had been me...

"Yin Kuang? Yin Kuang?" Wang Ning, standing to the side, nudged him.

"Ah?" Yin Kuang snapped out of his fear, looking at the group in a daze.

"What are you spacing out for? Everyone thought you were about to give your opinion and was waiting for you, yet you were just staring into space."

Liu Xiatian said, "I think his opinion is about the same as mine, right? Honestly, there's no need to take this risk. If we just survive this exam, don't we get 200 Study Points? I still remember the items available for exchange; 200 points is enough to trade for plenty of things."

"200 points..." Yin Kuang was shocked and fell into deep thought again. "Only... 200 points... A Magnetic Pistol costs 200 points... A Fire Talisman costs 200 points... The Cell Regeneration Serum also costs 200 points... Even the most basic Dwarf Bloodline requires 200 points plus an F-grade evaluation... 200 points, it can't buy anything at all!!"

"If I can't buy powerful weapons and equipment... if I can't exchange for a powerful bloodline... even if I save my life now, what about later? Yin Kuang, oh Yin Kuang, you don't even understand such a simple logic; when did you become so shortsighted?"

Thinking of this, Yin Kuang bit his lip hard, almost drawing blood. "I agree with Wang Ning. The seniors have been emphasizing the 'Entrance Exam,' which shows its importance. Furthermore, in the long run, if the current scenario is only the simplest mission the seniors described, it's hard to imagine how dangerous future mission scenarios will be. Without strength, I fear that only death awaits us."

Yin Kuang did not want to die. He had a strong obsession; no matter what, he had to survive and return to his original world. To see his mother's smile again, the silver-bell-like laughter of his sisters holding their Barbie dolls, and his father's stern gaze...

Yin Kuang also firmly believed that he could survive. Because he had the amulet his mother gave him, and he could feel the warmth and encouragement it provided against his chest at all times.

At the same time, he prayed. He prayed to the legendary, omnipotent Divine Dragon circling above his village, praying for it to protect his family and to protect him as well.

At this moment, Yin Kuang had no reason to retreat. He had to fully utilize the opportunity of the "Entrance Exam" to earn Study Points and exchange for those expensive enhancements!

No matter what, he would go for it!

Liu Xiatian did not expect Yin Kuang to say this and felt a bit annoyed. "But, are you going to put your current self in danger just for the sake of potential future risks? Besides, this is a gamble! Can you be certain that accepting the mission will definitely yield high returns?"

"But if you don't accept the mission, there will be no returns at all." Zeng Fei, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "To gain, you must give. I don't want to just wait for the five-hour mission time to end and go back empty-handed. 200 Study Points can only buy two Explosive Bullets and one AWM. That's even at a discount. If you want to rely on these 200 points to live well, it's impossible. Therefore, whether it's the current mission or those announced extra reward missions, I want to complete them. More importantly, my old man taught me that those who retreat when encountering difficulties will never live with their heads held high, and a soldier who retreats from a dangerous mission is a coward! And I am already a 'Qualified Soldier'."

Zeng Fei tightened his grip on his sniper rifle. "I want to prove to him that I am a good soldier! It was his loss to kick me out of the army. I am going to accept the mission, and I must complete it! My bullets will fly accurately and travel far!"

"You... you guys are really..." Liu Xiatian said in frustration, "How did I end up in a group with you lunatics? Don't drag me down with you if you want to die; I don't want to lose 10 years of my lifespan. I'm not even close with you guys. This kind of thing... I really don't know what to say to you. Anyway, I'm not getting involved in this mess."

Xiong Ba, who had been silent on the side, suddenly said to Liu Xiatian, "If you want to go back, I can give you a bullet for free. I've already lost 1 point of Comprehensive Evaluation, so I don't mind losing another, hehe."

Clearly, he held Liu Xiatian in contempt.

Liu Xiatian was startled and grunted, falling silent. He wasn't stupid; he knew his cowardice had made Xiong Ba very dissatisfied, but he was a man who cared about face and dignity. He wouldn't admit he was a coward, only using "it's a futile effort" as an excuse.

Qian Qianqian, who had been unremarkable the whole time, said weakly, "I... I will go with everyone..."

Li Shuangmu said, "I also accept the mission. So, it's decided, we accept?"

"Accepted!"

Except for Liu Xiatian, everyone else spoke in unison.