Chapter 102 Get Up for Work

Chapter 102: Time to Get Up for Work

But the next day, things did not unfold as Zhong Wan had wished.

Sentinels at the Center, much like Guides, were required to earn a fixed amount of credits each month based on their rank. Credits could be acquired through various means, such as undertaking missions or participating in training sessions.

The primary path for Sentinels to advance and achieve breakthroughs was through continuous combat, complemented by efficient Purification. To elevate the overall proficiency of its Sentinels, the Center stipulated that higher-ranking Sentinels must complete a set number of training days each month, thereby helping their peers gain more combat experience.

Training was typically an easier way to accrue credits than executing missions, yet some, like Fu Zhangzhou, paid it no mind.

Previously, as the commander of District 4’s Center, Jin Ming had consistently overlooked Fu Zhangzhou’s behavior. However, with Lu Tianlin now at the helm of District 4, the coordination of Sentinel operations had been entrusted to his eldest son, Lu Wenshan.

Lu Wenshan was a stickler for rules and would certainly not indulge Fu Zhangzhou simply because of his high rank.

Thus, early the next morning, a knock resounded at Fang Ran and Zhong Wan’s door once more.

"Knock, knock, knock."

Fang Ran, stifling a yawn, went to answer. It was far too early; he had literally just dragged himself out of bed and was still in a state of semi-consciousness.

When a face strikingly similar to Lu Wenchuan’s appeared at the door, Fang Ran was momentarily disoriented.

"Sentinel Lu Wenshan? How can I help you?"

Perhaps due to just waking up, Fang Ran’s hair was disheveled, his eyelids half-closed, and his skin possessed a cool, pale tone. The slightly oversized T-shirt hung loosely on him, revealing the distinct lines of his collarbone.

Lu Wenshan paused, as if struggling for control, his gaze flickering several times before he calmly responded after a brief moment:

"I can’t locate Sentinel Fu Zhangzhou."

Huh?

Fang Ran didn’t notice the Sentinel’s lingering gaze, but hearing this, he became considerably more alert.

He subtly glanced at the bed behind him, where the blankets formed a distinct mound in the center.

That dog was still nestled inside; no wonder you couldn’t find him.

Feigning confusion, Fang Ran asked, "Can’t find Fu Zhangzhou? What do you need him for?"

Lu Wenshan had by then resumed his usual stern demeanor, checking the terminal in his hand.

"It’s already late August. The system indicates he hasn’t completed a single training mission this month. According to regulations, a certain number of credits must be deducted. However, his credits for this month have already hit rock bottom."

Fang Ran was taken aback. Credits?

But hadn’t Fu Zhangzhou performed exceptionally well in the coastal mission earlier this month? Based on the "battle record" statistics, the number of monsters he had eliminated was overwhelmingly the highest.

Seeing Fang Ran still looking puzzled, Lu Wenshan proactively extended the terminal.

Fang Ran looked down.

"Sentinel 97: 3 credits"

???

That can’t be right?

Fang Ran’s eyes widened in disbelief. "But this month, he..."

"His performance on the coast earlier this month was indeed commendable," Lu Wenshan seemed to anticipate his unspoken question. "However, he also inadvertently injured 12 Sentinels—8 from the Center, 3 from the Guardians, and 1 from the National Guard."

"According to regulations, these incidents all incur credit deductions."

"..."

Well, this meant Sentinel Fu had fought for seven days and seven nights, only for all his efforts to be in vain.

Back when he was on a mission in District 4, he had heard the Center’s Guides speak ill of Fu Zhangzhou. At the time, he dismissed it as prejudice, but it turned out to be entirely true.

Being called a mad dog was certainly not an unfair label for this guy. He’d have to remind him to be more careful in the future.

Fang Ran pondered for a moment, then asked, "So now... he needs to undertake training missions?"

Lu Wenshan nodded, his voice cool and detached. "Precisely. Although we cannot return to District 4 for the time being, completing missions at District 5’s training grounds will still be credited."

"Alright, I’ll inform him." Fang Ran paused, feeling as though he had let something slip, and added, "If I can find him, that is."

Just then, a sudden "thump!" echoed from within the room.

Fang Ran froze, turning his head to see the once neatly arranged blankets on the bed now in a chaotic heap.

A black furball tumbled out from under the blankets, rolling twice on the floor.

The dog then bumped into the bedside cabinet, producing an even louder thud. It lifted its head, looking somewhat bewildered. Upon seeing the two figures standing at the doorway, it paused for a moment before swiftly leaping back onto the bed and deftly burrowing under the covers.

"......"

Fang Ran tried to block the view, but it was too late. Lu Wenshan was considerably taller than him, and as a Sentinel, his senses were acutely honed—he had, of course, seen everything far more clearly than Fang Ran had.

Fang Ran lowered his head slightly, not daring to meet the Sentinel’s gaze. The evidence was undeniable; unless Lu Wenshan was a fool, he could easily deduce who was hidden beneath the covers.

"See you at the training grounds later."

As expected, Lu Wenshan uttered this curt remark and departed.

Fang Ran closed the door and sighed.

He glanced back at the bed, where the blankets formed a perfect arc, rising and falling with the rhythm of breathing.

Hah, still feigning deep sleep. But Fang Ran knew it was an act.

A cunning dog. It had deliberately revealed itself just now so Lu Wenshan would see it there, even timing it perfectly.

He slowly approached the bed, grasped the edge of the blankets, and flipped them over in one swift motion.

The black furball beneath was exposed.

The puppy twitched its ears first, then slowly lifted its head and yawned, its eyes glistening with a wet sheen.

Seeing Fang Ran standing expressionlessly by the bed, it tilted its head, seemingly attempting to curry favor.

But Fang Ran reached out and lifted it up.

"Fu Zhangzhou, time to wake up and go to work."

Fu-dog: ?

He wasn’t even angry?

......

The Sentinel training ground in District 5 was located on the western side of the top floor, occupying a full third of the entire floor space.

Fang Ran had never visited the training ground in District 4, so he was naturally quite curious.

This structure, built atop the roof, resembled a colossal indoor stadium, with towering walls on all sides and an arched, semi-transparent canopy overhead.

Zhong Wan and Lu Wenchuan followed closely behind him and Fu Zhangzhou.

Although Lu Wenchuan had already completed his training tasks, Zhong Wan, upon hearing there was an observation area within the training ground, developed a keen curiosity and persuaded Lu Wenchuan to join them.

As soon as they entered, Fang Ran was met by a series of thunderous roars.

At the heart of the venue lay an expansive, flat field delineated by white lines, encircled on all sides by a translucent, pale blue barrier designed to absorb the energy impact from within.

A Sentinel was already engaged in combat within the training ground.

One Sentinel stood at the center, surrounded by three opponents.

Bathed in flames, he roared loudly as he unleashed his abilities. The energy fluctuations characteristic of an S-class Sentinel instantly permeated every corner of the training ground, causing the temperature to rise noticeably.

Witnessing this, Fu Zhangzhou frowned. "Since when did District 5 acquire a fire-type S-class Sentinel?" He glanced back at Lu Wenchuan. "Have you heard anything about this?"

Lu Wenchuan’s eyes also held a hint of shock. "I haven’t heard either. But he might have just transferred here... or perhaps recently advanced."

Fang Ran was also intently observing the Sentinel in the center of the field.

This person exuded an imposing aura, yet despite his fire-based ability, his face was pale, with obvious dark circles under his eyes and sunken cheeks—something felt amiss.

This peculiar state... the more he looked, the more it resembled Zhao Hengming’s frenzied episode that day.