An Unexplained Bye

Mu Fan appeared on a bank covered with lush water plants, immersing his right arm in the cool river water, where the blood on his arm was gradually washed away.

The icy river water was also stimulating Mu Fan's brain. The Dark Breath would remain active until he returned to safety, so his mind was racing.

The two men he had just met felt like two cold, humanoid weapons. Their techniques were so skillful that their every move was unlike any of the space pirates he Geshā before.

He didn't sense any viciousness from these two men; on the contrary, he felt an utter disregard for life.

They treat human life like dirt!

So, I'm sorry.

When it comes to the question of life and death, I always choose the former.

Mu Fan can now determine is that these two people have a clear target: him, and that they are acting on someone else's orders.

"Hey, is anything unusual?"

"No abnormal signals detected! The assassins were very professional; they may not even have used any communication facilities." The message from the underworld weighed heavily on Mu Fan's mind. Things were getting more and more complicated, and he was probably really becoming a target for assassination in the eyes of some people.

But there must be a reason for all of this! We must investigate thoroughly.

"Okay, let's get through the exam first. My left arm is seriously injured right now. Help me plan my route."

Mu Fan got up and started running, making no sound under his feet.

After safely bypassing the guard post, Mu Fan returned to the city, but this time he took a route through various dark and damp corners.

While passing by a Garbage Incineration Plant, Mu Fan secretly sneaked in and threw his blood-stained clothes in, which quickly turned to ashes.

Then, he took a freshly washed and dried jacket and Duckbill Cap from the Garbage Recycling Area. After putting them on, Mu Fan was no different from anyone else except for a slight abnormality in his left arm. He looked like an ordinary resident.

Pulling his hat down, Mu Fan asked in a low voice, "How much longer?"

"Turn left at the second intersection about one kilometer ahead. The third black iron gate is the pharmacy's warehouse. Walk over there and I'll open it for you."

Five minutes later, Mu Fan held the stolen anti-inflammatory medicine, bandages, and a bottle of Grade B Repair Fluid in his hand. With these, he could treat his wounds to the best of his ability.

When Mu Fan returned, looking like an ordinary hotel guest, the receptionist at the hotel entrance gave him a questioning look but then paid no further attention.

The clues provided by the police are too vague. Who knows who it is? I'm so sleepy.

The waiter was prepared to hold on for another five minutes before going to have a nice nap.

It was a close call, but no real danger.

Mu Fan had just noticed the unusual situation near the hotel, but it seemed that no one had noticed him.

"Don't look around. I've processed all the video footage. Those people won't be able to tell. Don't worry." Hei's calm voice came through the screen, clearly indicating that he had been watching Mu Fan and his every move through the surveillance cameras.

Um.

Mu Fan nodded slightly and walked into the floating elevator without any apparent change, then returned to his room.

The moment the door closed.

Mu Fan collapsed heavily onto the bed, his tense nerves finally relaxing, and his arm, which had been suppressing its pain, now released immense agony.

The Absolute Calm that came with the cessation of the Dark Breath returned the pain receptors to their senses.

Burning, tearing, and numbness alternated in my left arm.

Mu Fan carefully removed his coat and saw his left arm, a bloody mess. A large chunk of flesh was missing, and the charred bone structure, burned by the high temperature, was visible.

Luckily, I dodged quickly; if it weren't for that instinctive warning, I probably would have been dead long ago.

He poured the anti-inflammatory medicine and the repair fluid onto his wound.

Hiss!

Mu Fan gasped, then forced himself to remain silent and used his teeth to help tie the bandage.

After everything was settled, Mu Fan lay heavily on the soft bed, gazing up at the ceiling.

Tomorrow's exam suddenly seems gloomy.

Not far away, the fat man frowned as he looked at the Sky Communicator and sent his third message.

"Mu Fan, where are you? How did you disappear?!"

"Fatty is really worried about you..."

"Hey, you brooding jerk, say something!"

Sigh, the fat man reluctantly put down his Sky Communicator. He had just tried logging into the PO Battle Network, but he hadn't seen Mu Fan's shadow either.

If this guy hadn't been incredibly strong, I really would have called the police.

Picking up a book titled "The Zicui Star Gourmet Travelogue" from the table, the fat man studied the ingredients of several dishes, focusing on the dessert section.

In this afternoon's electronic battle simulation, Fatty successfully deployed the transport team using a hamburger-style two-on-one formation.

I heard that we'll be doing a campaign mode simulation tomorrow, Brother Fatty trying to find some inspiration right now.

Hmm, this hot dog is good, and this lava cake looks nice.

Could I consider using temperature variations for a form of transport involving transformation between different states?

Hahaha, this young master is indeed a genius!

The fat man was completely obsessed and started frantically flipping through the picture book.

When Mu Fan arrived at the Jin Jilan Fighting Arena on time the next day, almost everyone had already gathered.

He was wearing a long-sleeved jacket today and wasn't planning to take it off. His left arm was recovering well and was already feeling itchy.

Mu Fan was able to feel the subtle flow of blood, thanks to his special physique.

However, he cannot exert force on his left arm yet, as it is still wrapped in thick bandages, so he needs to wear a coat to cover it up.

Ilay and Pajie greeted Mu Fan, then wondered why the usually taciturn young man seemed to look particularly unwell today.

It looked somewhat pale, Ilay confirmed after a closer look.

Did you not get enough rest?

Unfortunately Mu Fan nodded but didn't say anything more, instead closing his eyes to rest.

The major from yesterday reappeared, walked onto the platform, and addressed the candidates waiting to take the exam below:

"The battle begins today! The top one hundred will qualify for the final competition. Strive your best!"

Finalist?

Mu Fan had been keeping his eyes closed, suddenly opened them; he had never received this news before.

There was a murmur of discussion at the scene; clearly, the military's move had caught everyone off guard.

"Silence, the match begins." The major's voice was decisive and ruthless, offering no explanation whatsoever.

"The first round of the competition has begun. Please note: There are 1021 candidates this time, and one bye will be awarded."

"Number 399 versus Number 1117, Combat Stage number 1."

"Number 602 versus Number 1707, Combat Stage number 2."

"This round's bye: Candidate No. 1578. Combat Stage No. 60."

When the final announcement echoed through the massive fighting arena, Mu Fan heard his exam number.

Own?

Bye?

Everyone started looking for the lucky one. Although the bye required fighting against a level 17 military personnel, it was still much more reliable.

Those who can now enter the top 1000 are no pushovers.

When Mu Fan stood up, the crowd that had been searching carefully erupted in commotion again.

Was it him?

Such a skilled player was given a bye.

Everyone on and off the stage breathed a sigh of relief; thankfully, the terrifying boy had a bye.

Mu Fan had already seen what the officer looked like.

He wore a crisp, star-blue military uniform and held the rank of second lieutenant.

His eyes held a mysterious depth, and he was carrying something in his hand...

A long stick?