Chapter 38

Chapter 38

As soon as An Tianran finished speaking, the freshmen’s expressions changed, and they began to speculate about the instructor’s intentions.

They had never heard of such a method for the first lesson at Dark Star Military Academy.

However, the senior students watching the scene shared knowing smiles, eagerly anticipating what these overconfident Alpha newcomers would face next.

While the freshmen were still confused, An Tianran’s expression changed, and he nodded towards the front. Before anyone could react to his gesture, the ground beneath their feet began to shake violently. The surroundings spun wildly, causing many unprepared Alphas to stumble, eliciting mocking laughter from the spectating Alphas and Betas.

Most of the freshmen, not used to such public scrutiny, bashfully lowered their heads. But they soon found themselves too preoccupied to care about the outside world’s gaze—

In an instant, the once open-air training ground, simply enclosed by a railing, underwent a drastic transformation. Sturdy metal walls shot up from the ground, segregating the new students into individual compartments within small cubicles. Companions who were just conversing vanished in the blink of an eye, leaving everyone isolated in their own confined spaces.

To the students within, the true nature of the structure was obscure, but from the outside, this sudden construction resembled a square, formal academic building.

In other words, the Combat Division's freshmen were now confined in individual small classrooms.

"What's going on?! Wasn't I just on the training field?!"

"Where is this?!"

"Where did everyone go?!"

"Hello! Is anybody there?!"

"What kind of place is this, why did the setting suddenly change?!"

A chorus of astonished voices erupted, their confusion and surprise filtering through the seemingly impenetrable walls to the ears of everyone outside.

Qiuqiu, of course, was also inside one of these "classrooms."

He too was startled upon entering this space, but recalling what An Tianran had said earlier, he quickly regained composure, surmising that this was likely an entrance examination.

Although the Empire's technology was advanced, it probably hadn’t teleported so many individuals from one real location to another. Therefore, Qiuqiu quickly deduced that they were still in the training field and not actually moved elsewhere.

The voices coming from all directions confirmed this, indicating that even though they couldn't see each other, they were still in the same space. Qiuqiu could even hear Tang Butian's howls and cries.

As for the seemingly classroom-like structure they were in, it was likely just a visual trick to make the occupants believe they had been transported to a completely unfamiliar place, when in reality, it was just a virtual space.

Qiuqiu tried opening the classroom door and found it operable. The cold touch of the handle was startlingly real, a testament to the advanced technological level of this world.

As Qiuqiu opened the door, a cold, emotionless system voice echoed from above: “Welcome, Combat Division freshmen, to the simulated combat mode. This will be your first large-scale combat exercise since joining the Si Ku Star Military Academy. Your performance will be recorded, so give it your all.”

After hearing the system announcement, the initially frantic Alphas calmed down a bit. Recalling the details before and after entering the space and considering the announcement, they belatedly realized it was just a simulation and breathed a sigh of relief.

However, before they could fully relax, An Tianran’s voice came from outside: “I know you've all relaxed, thinking it's 'just an exercise', right?”

The Alphas in the simulation, each one hit by An Tianran's words, guiltily lowered their heads.

An Tianran’s voice rose again: “It's okay, every batch of Combat Division freshmen makes the same mistake. But soon, they all regret their mindset, crying in pain. Now, let me explain the rules of the simulation. I hope after hearing them, you'll abandon any wishful thinking.”

The students in the simulation all looked up, not wanting to miss any information.

“Rules: There’s no time limit. Being defeated by an opponent or surrendering counts as elimination. The last person standing wins. Students are allowed to use any means to secure victory, including but not limited to ambushes and alliances.”

An Tianran, ensuring clarity, added: “The simulation won’t end until a sole winner emerges. Don’t think about hiding unnoticed to last till the end. Your only shortcut to victory is to fight with all your might. And remember, only the sole winner will receive a grade for this exercise. Don't fantasize about completing the simulation without giving your all.”

He chuckled coldly: “This means it’s not just a simulation. Only the winner can leave with a grade. The rest must stay and fight in the next round until another winner emerges, in a continuous cycle.”

“When only ten students are left in the simulation, you can stop fighting and leave,” An Tianran concluded.

As An Tianran finished explaining the rules, the simulation was abuzz with shock. No one expected the Combat Division’s selection process to be so stringent, with the constant risk of expulsion even after admission.

No one wanted to face the shame of being ousted after finally seeing a glimmer of hope, so the students who initially didn’t take the simulation seriously were now more agitated than anyone. Even in isolation, their eyes gleamed ferociously, as if they had transformed into bloodthirsty beasts in an instant.

It must be said that this 'cultivating gu' style of selection effectively weeds out those fit to be a battle machine.

Qiuqiu remained calm throughout. He had accurately guessed his environment early on, so An Tianran's rules for the simulation did not surprise him; he was composed from start to finish.

Wandering the deserted corridors with his back exposed to potential dangers, he was prepared for any confrontation, be it man or Buddha.

Within the simulated battlefield, the outside world was invisible, and vice versa. But An Tianran, having guided countless students, knew the process inside out and was aware of the extent to which the new Alpha students were provoked.

He curled his lips into a meaningful smile and uttered his final words: "Well then, I wish you all good luck."

“Good Luck。”

As his voice faded, the Alphas trapped in the simulation transformed, their eyes revealing the ferocity of hunters, even the weakest among them.

Outside, the watching Alphas and Betas, unable to see the specifics inside, heatedly debated the outcome, speculating who would emerge as the first victor among the new students.

“Do we even need to guess? This batch has an A-level Alpha who’s repeated a year and been on the battlefield!”

“Are you talking about Feige? Indeed, even in the whole school, his strength ranks among the top.”

“That's not necessarily true. Knowing he's the strongest and poses the greatest threat, he might actually be the first to get eliminated.”

“Any Alpha with a bit of brains, not just a brute who can fight, should know to unite and eliminate the biggest threat first.”

“Yeah right, our Combat Division's Alphas are all brash and brainless, only you Command Division's Betas are the smartest.”

“In the 23rd batch of freshmen, there’s not just Feige as an A-level Alpha. Aren’t there a Rhino Alpha and an Eagle Alpha too?”

“Looks like this batch is quite strong, with three A-level Alphas.”

“I bet ten bottles of soothing agents that Feige will be the first winner!”

“You lost everything last time, even your pants. Betting again?”

Besides speculating who would clinch first place, discussions on who would be eliminated also became a hot topic. As the only Omega in the Combat Division of Dark Star Military Academy over many years, Qiuqiu became the center of attention, with almost everyone discussing his fate.

“Isn’t it obvious? It’s going to be that Omega who insisted on staying in the Combat Division.”

“Not necessarily. I heard that Omega subdued the out-of-control Feige with bare hands. And Feige is an A-level Alpha, the hot favorite you guys are talking about.”

“That’s because Feige didn’t really attack him. Otherwise, it’s uncertain who would win or lose.”

“In this scenario, Qiuqiu is probably the weakest. If I were those Alpha rookies, I’d target him first.”

“Would any Alpha dare to attack an Omega? Are they looking for trouble?”

“So what if he’s an Omega? Should we make exceptions for him in an entrance exam crucial for survival? Will the enemy be so considerate on the battlefield?”

“After all, keeping an Omega in the Combat Division is just for good luck, right? Sending him to the battlefield? Impossible, who would risk such a precious Omega in battle?”

“Why can’t an Omega go to battle? Are Omega lives more valuable than Alpha and Beta lives? Choosing the Combat Division but avoiding the battlefield is just for show.”

As the discussion about Qiuqiu grew more heated, with some discordant voices emerging, Fei'er and other loyal knights couldn’t stand idly by. They glared fiercely, ready to confront the naysayers.

“The simulation just started, how do you know our princess can’t handle it?!”

“Calling him a princess already? Isn’t it obvious that such a delicate little Omega doesn’t stand a chance?”

“No matter what, Qiuqiu will give it his all. Don’t look down on Omegas!”

“Strange to hear Alphas praising an Omega for giving his all. But even if your prince doesn’t fully commit and slacks off, he’s still an Omega. The school won’t expel him. So, does the result really matter for an Omega who always has special privileges?”

As the two sides made compelling arguments, neither able to convince the other, An Weiran turned and scanned the boisterous onlookers with a commanding presence, coldly warning, "Shut your mouths, or leave the training ground!"

With his command, the previously noisy crowd quietened, resorting to whispers, but no longer openly confrontational, exchanging resentful glares instead.

After restoring order, An Weiran turned back to the transformed training ground.

The recent discussions about Qiuqiu, both positive and negative, echoed in his mind, creating a deadlock, with neither side gaining the upper hand.

An Weiran had to admit, his thoughts were in disarray.

Rationally, he knew that unless the Alpha rookies were foolish, Qiuqiu was unlikely to be the final victor and even faced the risk of early elimination. Emotionally, however, he didn't wish to see this unique Omega leave Dark Star Military Academy in disappointment.

He respected and empathized with every Omega of the Empire, especially Qiuqiu, the only one who had ever affirmed his actions. Yet, if Qiuqiu were to be eliminated, as the chief instructor of the Combat Division, he couldn't disregard the rules and allow Qiuqiu to remain at Dark Star Military Academy, even though Qiuqiu was a valuable Omega and the Academy had no entry requirements for any eligible Omega.

An Weiran's assessment of Qiuqiu was accurate; he indeed was a staunch defender of rules.

It was precisely for this reason that An Weiran often found himself torn between emotion and ideal, his mental state increasingly disturbed.

Inside the simulation battlefield, the situation unfolded as An Weiran had anticipated: Qiuqiu faced an attack by five average C-level Alphas from the start.

Everyone knew that Qiuqiu, as an Omega, was supposedly the "weakest" among all the new recruits.

Yet, none of the Alphas wanted to bear the infamy of attacking a defenseless Omega. Despite their numerical advantage, they hesitated, not daring to strike first.

They looked at each other, none wanting to be the villain who initiated the attack, so they decided to nominate a leader to persuade Qiuqiu to surrender voluntarily.

"You know, we don't want to hurt you, so please choose to give up voluntarily."

Hearing such patronizing words, Qiuqiu didn't even bother to waste an expression.

As the one being surrounded, he was ironically the most relaxed, exuding an air of disengagement.

Responding to the Alphas, Qiuqiu replied, "I appreciate your concern, but if I were on the battlefield, would I ask the enemy to hand over victory and surrender like today?"

“Th-this…” The orange cat Alpha, pushed forward to speak with Qiu Autumn, stammered, his round tail twitching nervously.

He looked at the temporary allies who quietly surrounded Qiu Autumn, and swallowed hard, saying, “You don’t have to go to battle, we will protect you.”

Qiu Autumn politely responded, “Thank you, but I don’t need your protection.”

After speaking, in just a moment, the previously relaxed Omega’s demeanor changed dramatically, startling the surrounding Alphas.

Taking advantage of a brief pause, Qiu Autumn pivoted on his right heel, his left leg sweeping high, spinning his body backwards. With gathered momentum, he delivered a forceful kick to the chest of the pufferfish Alpha blocking his way. The Alpha took the hit squarely, stumbling back several steps, clutching his chest and groaning in pain.

The remaining four Alphas, unaccustomed to such a scene, were still processing when Qiu Autumn bent his knees for leverage, leaping into a high kick. The targeted Alpha only realized the danger at the last moment, frantically crossing his arms to guard his face, but still overwhelmed by the descending force, his body gradually gave in, knees bending lower and lower, almost kneeling on the ground.

Qiu Autumn retracted his right leg, propping himself on the Alpha's shoulder to flip behind him. Pressing his left knee against the Alpha's back, he immobilized him while hooking his arm around the man's neck. The sudden chokehold forced the Alpha to flail helplessly in the air, unable to break free from the Omega's firm grip.

"He-he—" The Alpha's eyes bulged, struggling to utter a few words through a nearly airless throat: "I-I give up, I give up!"

Only then did Qiu Autumn release him. The poor Alpha, his face swollen and turning purple, was discarded aside like a rag.

The Little Rose, after this warm-up exercise, rotated his wrist and turned his innocent, sparkling golden eyes towards the remaining three Alphas, smiling both beautifully and naively, yet with a sharp edge.

“What about you guys?”

Witnessing two examples, the remaining three Alphas, who had just seen the submissive little lamb fiercely beating up Alphas, were sweating with fear. No longer in a daze and disregarding the idea that "hitting an Omega is unbecoming of an Alpha," they exchanged glances and charged at Qiu Autumn with fists raised.

Qiu Autumn eyed them, slightly more satisfied: "Hmm, at least they’re not like fighting a bunch of wooden dummies."

The three Alphas charged at him from different directions: front, back, and side.

Three assailants charged aggressively, but Queqiu, alone and outmatched, showed no fear. Petite in stature, his agility was more apparent in these moments. With a swift turn and retreat, he evaded the fastest approaching orange cat Alpha, then bent down to flip the charging gazelle Alpha onto the ground with a back throw. The unlucky gazelle Alpha lay there, clutching his arm and howling in pain.

With a rare fierceness in his eyes, Queqiu aimed his foot at the opponent's throat, frightening the gazelle Alpha into submission: "I've lost! Spare me, princess!"

Queqiu withdrew his leg, amused and irritated: "At a time like this, still calling me princess?"

The gazelle Alpha sighed in relief. But recalling the moment the innocent-looking Omega coldly raised his foot to step on him, he strangely regretted not experiencing the feeling of being under the princess's foot.

In an instant, Queqiu decisively dealt with three Alphas. The other two, shocked and fearful, abandoned their foolish teammates and decided to flee.

The gazelle Alpha shouted anxiously, "Don't let them escape, Princess! Those disloyal cowards!"

Queqiu didn't need reminding; he wasn't planning to let them go that easily. He counted their steps as they ran, finally moving on the count of ten.

His slender legs, hidden under baggy cargo pants, tensed powerfully. He stepped on the gazelle Alpha to leap off the corridor wall, sprinting forward with the rebound. His dagger earring in his right ear swung erratically, occasionally reflecting a cold silver light under the bright overhead lights, narrowly missing his tightly pressed lips.

After a brief chase, Queqiu intercepted the fleeing orange cat Alpha and python Alpha, blocking their escape.

With one hand on his hip, the movement accentuating his slim waist and his chest rising and falling from the exertion, Queqiu looked at the panicked Alphas with an expressionless face but a mocking look in his eyes.

Queqiu, slightly out of breath, his golden pupils shining brightly, seemed to glow in the dark corridor.

He was like a rose on a cliff, innocent beauty mixed with sharpness and danger. His allure was fatal, tempting others to step into the abyss, reaching out for the rose even at the brink of death.

He made everyone in the world willingly bow down to him.

Author's note:

Once again, loudly stating: Queqiu is beautiful and strong!