"Clear!"
Zhou Rui and all the team members responded in unison, their expressions resolute.
"Set off!"
Wu Mang waved his arm and led his team forward with great strides.
Just as the group from Suhang University left the villa area,
The group from Modu University were already seated in the gymnasium's rest area.
"There are two team battles today: Suhang University in the morning, and Hancheng University in the afternoon."
"The afternoon game is no problem; we can easily crush Hancheng University."
"But in this morning's game... Captain Wei He is still recovering from injury and can't play yet. Zhou Rui alone is enough to give us a run for our money, not to mention tough opponents like Jiang Churan and Song Xialan..."
"..."
The atmosphere in the rest area was noticeably somber.
No wonder.
The backbone of Modu University is Wei He, a level 20 warrior who is both the captain and the team's strongest damage dealer.
Unfortunately, he suffered a serious injury during yesterday's match against Zhou Rui and has not yet recovered, so he will be completely absent from today's team battle.
And this morning's match just so happened to be against Suhang University, the only team currently holding a perfect record...
"Sigh, this battle is really tough..."
The contestants from Modu University looked at each other, their brows furrowed in worry.
If they didn't know Zhou Rui's background, they might have been able to relax a bit; but now that they've figured out his true level, he's like a heavy iron mountain, pressing down on the hearts of every member of the Modu University.
"Just do your best."
At the very front of the group, Shuri parted her red lips slightly, her voice soft yet clear.
"With Zhou Rui on the team, we can't get first place in this year's exchange competition."
As the team leader from Modu University, she could have used encouraging words or even tangible rewards to ignite the students' fighting spirit.
But right now, there's really no need...
On one hand, Wei He was still recovering from a serious injury, which greatly reduced the team's strength. They might not even be able to beat Qingjing University, let alone Suhang University, which had swept the field.
On the other hand, Zhou Rui is indeed ridiculously strong.
Close combat, ranged spellcasting, team buffs...
Before meeting him, even she, with her extensive experience, hadn't expected that a freshman could actually hone all three types of abilities to such a high level!
If we rate the overall strength of all the players from Modu University to 1, then Zhou Rui alone is 2, or even close to 3!
He could single-handedly crush a top-tier university.
The previous team battle between Suhang University and Qingjing University is the strongest evidence of this.
Even she felt a chill run down her spine when she saw that " Hand of God " radiating immense pressure.
With him around, Suhang University is practically unsolvable...
"It seems the Champion for this year's exchange competition will once again go to Suhang University."
Shuri sighed softly, turned around, and glanced at the entire team behind him. His delicate yet sharp phoenix eyes instantly revealed the calm and imposing aura unique to a third-tier professional:
" Suhang University is indeed very strong. I accept the loss today."
"But the day after tomorrow, when Wei He has fully recovered from his injuries and is back to his peak form, I will not allow you to lose to Qingjing University again!"
Modu University has been ranked last among the three top universities for three consecutive years.
Wei He took second place in the individual competition; if he can secure second place in the team battle, he'll be guaranteed second place overall!
Before they set off, their goal was indeed to be number one.
But reality is unforgiving; Zhou Rui suddenly appeared out of nowhere, leaving them with no choice but to fight for second place.
"Yes!"
Everyone responded in unison, their expressions solemn.
Having finished at the bottom for three consecutive years, these freshmen were already burning with determination.
They wanted to prove themselves, and also to prove that Modu University was by no means the weakest of the three top universities!
The Champion may be out of reach, but the runner-up position is a must!
The final round of the National University Freshman Exchange Tournament has been held, with ten universities making it to the finals.
In the team competition stage, each school will play one match against each of the other nine schools.
The competition, consisting of nine rounds and forty-five matches, was held across ten schools over eight days.
In the initial stages, team and individual competitions were held alternately.
By the time the individual finals concluded, the team competition had already lasted five days.
In other words, once the individual competition ends, the team competition will conclude in just three days.
And the two most anticipated tough battles of these three days are:
Suhang University vs. Modu University, and
Modu University vs. Qingjing University.
The day after the individual competitions ended was the team competition between Suhang University and Modu University.
Many office workers simply took two days off to watch both of these crucial matches in one go!
It's not just ordinary viewers; even some industry giants and bigwigs share the same sentiment.
As a result, the crowd in the stadium that day was even larger than the singles final the day before!
" Wei He, the captain of Modu University, was seriously injured yesterday and will definitely not be able to play today."
"Without him, Modu University simply can't stop Suhang University."
"Even if he gets the job, the outcome will probably be the same."
"..."
Even before the match started, the stands were already buzzing with discussion.
certainly...
This does not diminish everyone's eager anticipation.
After all, there are precedents for comebacks from seemingly hopeless situations.
The exchange match seven years ago is proof of this; it was also a clash between two top universities, and one team's captain was seriously injured and unable to play.
But that team, relying on their seamless teamwork and ruthless fighting spirit, fought to the bitter end despite all their injuries, and managed to defeat their opponents.
Coincidentally, the two teams that faced off back then were Modu University and Suhang University.
The university that pulled off the comeback was Modu University.
"I wonder if Modu University can replicate that miracle from seven years ago this year?"
A middle-aged audience member spoke with a smile.
As a long-time fan of the exchange tournament, he has attended almost every match and watched every year.
Time flew by, and the contestants from each school entered the rest area one after another, with everyone in their positions.
The stadium was packed to capacity; as far as the eye could see, it was a sea of black, filled with the clamor of voices and waves of Heat Wave.
"Everyone,"
Suddenly, a familiar and passionate voice rang out, and the host steadily walked onto the central stage.
As the official host of the event, which was broadcast live nationwide, he was outstanding in appearance, tall and straight, and had an impeccable demeanor.
"Ladies and gentlemen, last night's exciting individual competition has come to a successful conclusion. Over the next three days, we will focus on the team competition!"
"Today's first day of competition includes six team matches."
"Among them, Suhang University and Modu University will both be present."
"However, before the official start of the competition, please allow me to reveal the special rewards that the Xia Yan Professional Alliance has prepared for the top three teams in the team competition!"
He wore a calm smile and behaved with refined elegance.
First, we came in third place in the team competition.
All starting and substitute players will receive a set of exclusive, custom-designed Gold-tier 3-star equipment based on their individual class level!
"The team that comes in second place will receive a set of custom-made Gold-tier four-star equipment for all members!"
Wow!
The moment the words were spoken, the entire venue erupted in cheers!
"A complete set of custom-made gold-tier three-star and four-star gear? That's incredibly extravagant!"
"Three-star equipment is one thing, but four-star equipment is all enchanted, and every single piece is a highly sought-after item!"
"It's so enviable! The prizes for this year's competition are more than double what they were last year!"
"..."
Don't be fooled by the fact that almost everyone at the three top universities is decked out in gold-level gear.
For most professionals, owning a single piece of gold-grade equipment is already considered extremely lucky!
Let alone collecting a complete set.
Moreover, these are not ordinary one-star or two-star items, but three-star and four-star premium items with even stronger attributes and combat power!
"Except for the second and third place winners, all team members from the Champion university in this team competition— Suhang University, Modu University, or Yanjing Institute of Technology —will be uniformly provided with a set of custom-made epic-level two-star equipment by our Xia Yan Professional Alliance!"
The host's booming voice once again resonated throughout the venue.
This time, not only the audience erupted in cheers, but the coaching staff and teachers from top universities were also deeply moved.
"Epic equipment? That's something you only see once in a few years..."
Many teachers and students in the audience sighed in hushed tones.
But they all knew in their hearts that this level of award had absolutely nothing to do with their school...
"A set of epic-level two-star equipment for everyone? The Xia Yan Alliance's generosity is truly astounding."
In the rest area of Suhang University, Zhou Rui couldn't help but whistle.
In terms of value alone, the legendary weapon he won in the individual competition is indeed far more valuable than the combined value of four or five sets of epic equipment!
But they have such a large volume!
Ten contestants from a university each received seven pieces of equipment: an upper garment, lower garment, belt, boots, weapon, necklace, and ring.
If we remove the weapon category, everyone can easily get six epic-level equipment pieces!
If ten people add them together, that's a total of sixty items!
The market value of these sixty pieces of equipment piled together is probably enough to forge two more legendary weapons, with some left over.
Of course, Zhou Rui also understood that this was a special privilege granted during a special period, under Level Three combat readiness state.
Normally, even the Xia Yan Alliance wouldn't be this arrogant.
"But... this is actually a bargain for us."
Zhou Rui's lips curled into a smile.
In the first team match later, our opponent will be Modu University.
If we win this match, those sixty epic-level equipment pieces are practically a done deal.
All rewards have been announced!
"Next, the first round of the team competition will officially begin!"
"Please welcome the teams from Suhang University and Modu University to enter!"
As soon as the host finished speaking, the stadium erupted in thunderous cheers.
If you listen carefully, you can still hear many people shouting the names of popular contestants like " Zhou Rui!" and " Jiang Churan!"
"Walk!"
Zhou Rui's eyes darkened, Violent Dragon Light Armor silently covered his entire body.
The jet-black Weeping Blood Battleaxe was slung diagonally across his back, firmly secured by the shoulder slots of his light armor.
The weight of over a thousand kilograms seemed to disappear on him, only making his figure appear more solid and sharp.
Under his leadership, Jiang Churan, Song Xialan, and the other three walked side by side and steadily stepped onto the arena.
Suhang University!
Zhou Rui!
" Modu University!"
"..."
Amidst deafening cheers, the two teams lined up and entered the arena, each setting up their defenses 300 meters apart.
As usual, Zhou Rui took the lead at Suhang University, standing at the very forefront.
Jiang Churan, Song Xialan, and others stood close to the Tank, providing support for Cai Hua from both sides;
The mage Liu Yang was protected by the off-tank at the rear of the group, waiting for the right opportunity.