Facing the Unknown

"Welcome to Jiangnan Base City No. 1049 Armed Base."

"Everyone, get out of the vehicle!"

As they stepped off the fully enclosed armed train, they were greeted by a massive military camp. The entire perimeter of the barracks was surrounded by reinforced concrete walls and military-grade wire mesh. A large number of heavy thermal weapons were densely positioned, with their muzzles pointed outward, covering every angle of the barracks.

Towers, standing tall every kilometer, loomed overhead. The dark red stains on their black walls contrasted starkly, while the metal weapons atop the towers gleamed brightly under the sun. Soldiers armed with advanced weaponry patrolled the area—each one exuding a hardened aura, clearly the battle-hardened elite of the army.

At the same time, a group of quasi-warriors stood on the training ground at the barracks' entrance, preparing for their combat assessment.

"Look outside!" someone shouted excitedly.

Turning his head, Xia Zhi saw a pack of ravenous monsters beyond the military cordon, growling and drooling as their green eyes gleamed with hunger. Their scarlet tongues flicked out, but none of the creatures dared to breach the cordon.

"Quack, quack~"

Above the barracks, bird-like monsters flew in massive flocks, their sheer numbers momentarily blotting out the clear sky like a dark cloud.

"Only by stepping out of the base city can you see the true face of this world," said Yang Ming, who stood next to Xia Zhi. "Humans can only survive within base cities, protected by the military and their weapons. To survive and fight outside, only warriors can stand a chance."

A familiar rough voice boomed across the area.

"Welcome to Jiangnan Base City No. 1049 Armed Base," the voice repeated. "This martial combat assessment will be held here in our Northern Military District."

"I hope to see most of you pass the assessment—and even more importantly, I hope all of you make it out alive."

The speaker was a burly man, towering at two meters. His camouflage uniform was stretched tight over his muscular frame, and a gold star on his epaulet marked him as a major general.

"I am Dong Hao, commander of the 72nd Army of the Twelfth Army, in charge of this assessment."

"A warrior who passes the assessment and chooses to join the army will immediately be granted the rank of lieutenant. If you do not pass, but still wish to enlist, you can join as a warrant officer. In China, our army is unmatched! Join us, and wherever you go, you will have the strongest support!"

"Now, head into the barracks. The assessment begins at 18:00."

Xia Zhi followed the crowd into the barracks, entering a large square with rows of orderly barracks in the distance. The place buzzed with activity, and the camp had even prepared a lavish lunch for the quasi-warriors participating in the test.

In the afternoon, all 1,742 participants gathered in an open area. A high platform stood at the front, where leaders from the Northern Military District, the Extreme Martial Arts Hall, the Raiden Martial Arts Hall, and some high-ranking HR alliances observed.

"Next, register

your name and collect your combat gear," an officer announced.

"Liu Hong."

"Li Gan."

One by one, names were called out. Each person would run up to the designated area, collect their combat uniform and weapons, then return to the group.

"Xia Zhi."

Upon hearing his name, Xia Zhi quickly sprinted forward. As he reached the front, several high-ranking leaders on the platform turned their gaze toward him.

"Is this the young man who signed the A-level agreement with your martial arts hall?" Major General Dong Hao asked Zhuge Tao, standing beside him.

"A promising youth," Zhuge Tao replied, keeping his response brief.

"Doesn't look like much compared to Zhang Lei, our hall's star talent this time," Wang Zhiheng, the chairman of the Raiden Martial Arts Hall, remarked smugly.

"We'll see how they fare during the assessment," Zhuge Tao replied with a calm smile.

At the receiving area, an officer gestured toward the equipment on the ground. "Here's your combat uniform and boots. This is the Bloodshadow Sword you requested. The heaviest one we have is 98 kilograms, which can only handle two styles. We didn't prepare anything heavier."

The officer eyed Xia Zhi with curiosity. Few participants requested such heavy weapons, especially swords.

"This is your communication watch—it has tracking and communication features. You can call for help if you're in danger. And this is your six-sided shield."

Ignoring the officer's skeptical look, Xia Zhi smiled and quickly gathered the nearly 200 kilograms of gear, then jogged away.

Soon, all 1,742 participants had collected their personalized combat uniforms and weapons. Cold weapons were mandatory for the test, and everyone's gear was made of the same durable material to ensure equal defensive capabilities. This was a standard condition for warrior assessments, where the use of thermal weapons was forbidden, creating a fair challenge for all.

After receiving their gear, the participants dispersed, returning to their quarters to change into their combat uniforms and boots. The air buzzed with excitement and nervous energy.

Xia Zhi laced up his alloy boots, while his combat vest and trousers, made of a special alloy, fit snugly against his body. He strapped on the six-sided shield and slung the Bloodshadow Sword across his back. Yang Ming, his companion, held a Blood-Drinking Spear, gleefully chatting beside him.

"With all this equipment, we're looking at close to a million yuan," Yang Ming marveled. "First time wearing this, Xia Zhi?"

"Yeah," Xia Zhi replied, feeling the cold alloy against his chest. "Warriors earn fast, but they burn through money just as quickly."

"No kidding," Yang Ming agreed. "After we pass the assessment, most of our initial funds will go straight into buying more gear and learning new techniques. Otherwise, heading out into the wilderness would be suicidal."

Just then, a voice called out, "Xia Zhi."

Looking up, Xia Zhi saw their martial arts instructor, Jiang Tao, walking over with a serious expression.

"Brother Yang, the instructor needs me," Xia Zhi said, excusing himself.

As Jiang Tao approached, Xia Zhi noticed the concern on his face. "What's going on, instructor?"

"Li Qiang was asking around about you," Jiang Tao said grimly. "I've got a bad feeling. It looks like they're planning something during the assessment."

"Li Wei's taking part too, but I haven't spotted him yet. Only saw Li Qiang talking with some other warriors from our community."

"They might be planning to target you during the test," Jiang Tao warned.

"Target me?" Xia Zhi muttered thoughtfully. "Well, if they're coming for me, they'd better be ready. I've got a few scores to settle with them myself."