Taking the Stage

(May the Newly Advanced Helmsman Sitting Death!)

The shaking of the vehicle finally stopped, and the examinees inside looked up.

With a click, the tightly closed armored vehicle door opened, and without the thick soundproofing layer, the noise from the outside world poured in.

After adjusting to the light, people got off the train.

A row of black All-Terrain Armored Vehicle were parked together, and the cordon set up by the soldiers did not dampen the enthusiasm of the onlookers.

There were so many people around!

The candidates all stared in surprise.

Because this operation was really large-scale.

Above the Jin Jilan Fighting Arena stood a colossal warship, below which were more than a dozen Military Mecha, hundreds of fully armed soldiers, rows of armored vehicles, and various luxurious Hover Car.

Those in the know understand that the special recruitment test has ended, and now this place is probably crowded with many powerful forces.

Due to the special geographical location of the Jin Jilan Fighting Arena, the military did not impose martial law.

So today, both commoners and nobles have gathered here to witness this grand spectacle.

"Look, look! This year's test takers are coming out!"

"Wow, so cool! They look so imposing in their combat uniforms!" Several girls exclaimed, their eyes Red Heart as they watched the examinees walk out one after another.

The candidates, who had just undergone the final test, were covered in wounds, blood, and dirt.

But for the sheltered flowers, these boys, who were about the same age as them, were simply their prince charming.

Moreover, from this moment on, these young people are destined to be the chosen ones.

"Who's got your eye on?" a girl nudged her companion and teased.

"Look how handsome that guy is! He's my type, and he even has a mischievous look in his eyes," her companion said shyly, pointing to one of the examinees.

With a faint smile on his face, Zhang Yuanren truly had the air of a young master from a prominent family. His tall and upright figure made him appear even more extraordinary. His keen eyes noticed two young girls pointing and whispering at him, and he then revealed a shy smile.

A smile involuntarily crept onto his lips. He was used to such looks; how could he be compared to those peasants?

"Look, he smiled at me," the girl said, clutching her chest.

In addition, there were many other teenagers watching the scene with burning eyes.

"I wish I could introduce my daughter to one of them," a portly man sighed.

"Haha, isn't our big boss tempted by this group of outstanding young men? How about we introduce you to a few?" A man with a mustache wearing a long cloth-buttoned coat chuckled.

"Great! Thank you so much, hahaha."

"And the referral fee?..." He rubbed his fingers together.

"Of course, of course!" the pot-bellied man said with a wave of his hand.

A crowd quickly gathered around the Jin Jilan Fighting Arena, while undercurrents were stirring.

It truly is a winner-takes-all story.

Mu Fan, whose hearing was far beyond that of ordinary people, sighed inwardly after hearing several conversations.

When a large number of candidates flooded in, most people were just curious to see what was going on. But once the final winner was announced, the attitude of the onlookers immediately changed.

Everyone is focused on the victor, because the victor is destined to be a prominent figure on the interstellar stage in the future. Zicui Star is already a very prosperous place, but now these fifty candidates will not be limited to a certain planet or a certain interstellar administrative region. Some of them will even step onto the stage of history. Such an opportunity to watch a genius grow is rare!

The military showed no regard for the onlookers. After the candidates had assembled, a major stepped forward and shouted to Mu Fan and the others:

"Please follow me, everyone. The person in charge of each competition venue from various colleges is already waiting for you."

This time, the tone and attitude were completely different from before. Not to mention anything else, the coldness and indifference in the tone had disappeared.

From now on, Mu Fan and his fellow students will embark on a four-year academic career, and upon graduation, they will become the core force of the Federation Army.

The major understood perfectly well that the potential of these men in front of him was greater than that of his own officers.

Why make enemies of people you'll be working with in the future?

"I'll give you ten minutes to prepare. Those with injuries can go to the medical officer for short-term treatment. Everyone, please wash your faces, otherwise don't blame the academy for not recognizing you later, hehe."

Seeing the major's kind face, some candidates began to boldly try asking questions.

"Major, will I be able to achieve what you have in the future?"

"Of course you can, you will definitely surpass me."

"Sir, may I have your contact information?"

"Sure, I believe we'll become good friends in private," the major replied with a smile.

"Major..."

"Grown ups..."

Suddenly, all sorts of titles came out, and the major patiently answered all kinds of questions with a smile on his face.

"Alright, you guys go pack up first, and we'll meet up in ten minutes."

The major stopped, turned around, and said.

"Yeah!"

They are still young at heart. After being nervous for several days, they have finally calmed down. Now they will face the choices in their lives in the best possible condition.

This time, the washrooms were separate, each room measuring over twenty square meters. The luxurious decor made some ordinary students feel uncomfortable.

Mu Fan saw the words "warm water," turned on the tap, and then covered his face with the warm water.

The dried bloodstains on my face were gradually washed away, and the warm touch made my pores open comfortably.

Whew~

After letting out a long breath and drying himself with a soft towel, a tall, handsome young man with bright, dark eyes appeared in the mirror. The calmness in his eyes further highlighted his spirit.

The combat suit itself has a certain self-cleaning function, so there is no need to wipe it too much. Mu Fan just wiped the dirty parts a little and walked out of the room.

The final battle is not over yet; the time to come will determine the final fate!

"The group is assembled. Fifty outstanding candidates, follow me."

The crucial moment has finally arrived!

This passage was different from the long and dark tunnel we had passed through before.

The walls are so shiny they reflect light, the floor is made of a comfortable biomimetic material, and there are rows of ambient lights to guide the way.

When we were less than ten meters away from the light, we could already hear voices.

After walking a few more steps, a bright light suddenly appeared before my eyes!

A golden hall, magnificent murals, dazzling lights, and countless watching eyes.

Those five high-class chairs, and...

That empty stage, yet everyone was watching!

"Please, fifty candidates, proceed to the waiting area. The selection rules are about to be announced!"

"Fifty candidates will take the stage one by one, each facing questions independently from the Five Great Academies. Each candidate will have three minutes to present their proposal, during which either the candidate or the Five Great Academies can propose conditions, which the other party will then decide whether to accept. If the candidate and the academy agree, the candidate will be admitted on the spot. Those who disagree will enter a second selection area and will be assigned to an academy with fewer than ten candidates remaining, without any further conditions!"

"The selection process begins! Candidates, please enter the room with your ' Jiang Bu ' ready!"

A short but rather sturdy boy stood up, his face beaming with uncontainable joy, and stepped onto the stage.

***************

P. S.: Thank you to reader "Sitting Death" for 5888 coins! (Congratulations to the Newly Advanced Helmsman!)

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