Chapter 56

Chapter 56

"Young man, close your spiritual sight. The world seen through it isn't very pleasant." A gentle voice spoke. Evan was startled and looked toward the source. He saw a lady, dressed in a black-and-white dress and wearing a beautiful hat adorned with silk flowers that covered half her face, gliding over gracefully. Her steps were light and elegant, like a fairy stepping out of a painting. She sat down opposite Evan, carrying a faint scent of perfume.

Only then did Evan get a clear look at this lady, who appeared to be around twenty-eight or twenty-nine, wearing light makeup. Her features were not striking, but her elegant and intellectual demeanor was arresting, like an independent woman with a history. Her aura was more captivating than that of a merely pretty lady, making one want to learn about her past and her stories.

"Hello, ma'am," Evan greeted with a smile, his eyes filled with simple admiration. He was drawn by the lady's elegance, his heart brimming with curiosity.

This elegant lady took out a cigarette and gently placed it between her lips. She sized up Evan, her gaze lingering a moment longer on the scratches on his neck and wrists. "Your spiritual power is high, and having just been intimate with a mid-sequence powerhouse, your spirit has experienced another breakthrough, formally opening your spiritual sight. With just one more potion, you can officially become a Sequence 9 professional." Her voice was calm and gentle, as if stating an ordinary matter.

Evan's face flushed instantly. He hadn't expected his secret to be seen through! And by a lady, no less! He felt extremely embarrassed and at a loss.

The lady, being someone who frequented this place, was not conservative. Even after pointing out the secret that made Evan blush, this elegant woman simply lit her cigarette, the courteous smile on her face unchanged. Her composure and calmness made Evan feel respect and allowed him to relax a little.

"Given the nature of their powers, professionals rarely seek out ordinary people." This was also why she had noticed Evan. Such powerful spiritual remnants, belonging to a mid-sequence powerhouse, appearing on an ordinary person were like a strong spotlight in the dark night—impossible to miss. And on a rather handsome young man, no less. The elegant lady didn't mind offering some inconsequential small advice. "Spiritual sight is like your eyes; you can shut it just by willing it."

The elegant lady watched Evan with great interest; little about him was hidden from her. She seemed able to see through Evan's heart, understanding his thoughts and feelings. "You can intensify your practice of the Knight Breathing Technique these next few days; you might reap unexpected rewards." After all, that was the spirituality of a mid-sequence powerhouse, containing immense power and potential. If Evan could utilize it well, he might achieve significant breakthroughs in his cultivation.

Taking out a pocket watch for a glance, the elegant lady stood up. "Lovely boy, I hope our paths cross again, and by then, you have entered the mysterious world." Her voice was full of expectation and blessing.

The elegant lady, carrying a faint scent of perfume, walked past Evan just as she had come to him. Evan still didn't know this lady's name; he only felt as if it were all an illusory afternoon dream. He didn't know where she came from or where she was going. Her appearance and departure were so mysterious, filling one with reverie.

Monday, the sunlight was brilliant like golden gauze, gently spilling over the earth. At nine in the morning, all the freshmen, filled with anticipation, walked with either hurried or steady steps into the grand auditorium where the opening ceremony had once been held. The chairs placed here last time had now vanished without a trace, as if they had never existed. On one side of the auditorium, neatly displayed were the various weapons the freshmen had learned to use over the past month. From cold weapons like daggers, their sharp blades gleaming coldly in the sunlight as if ready to charge into battle for their masters; to military sabers, their sturdy lines and exquisite craftsmanship showcasing their dignity and practicality. Then to firearms: the heavy feel and dark barrels of muskets exuding a powerful deterrent force; the massive bodies and complex structures of cannons inspiring even more awe. It could be said that the variety of weapons here was extensive, covering almost everything.

This spectacular weapon display made the freshmen in their training uniforms light up with excitement. Their eyes were filled with curiosity, excitement, and longing, as if seeing countless possibilities and challenges. However, the stern expressions and imposing presence of the several homeroom teachers and school leaders standing at the front immediately made these freshmen, who had undergone a month of military training, rein in their excitement. They automatically lined up according to their squads, standing tall and straight, not daring to move a muscle out of place. They knew that at this moment, discipline must be maintained, and commands must be followed.

Dean Constantine gently stroked his white beard, which was as white as snow, shimmering faintly in the sunlight. His eyes slowly swept over the freshmen, somewhat satisfied with their discipline. "The Freshman Competition will begin in ten minutes. You will enter a mysterious place containing one hundred and fifty white cards engraved with the academy emblem, like this." Dean Constantine raised the white long card in his hand, which shone with a metallic luster in the sunlight, its texture hard and durable. It seemed like a key to a mysterious door, attracting the gazes of all the freshmen. "Your task is to find these white cards. Five days later, the squad with the most cards will be the final winner. You may choose any weapons you can carry away."

A mysterious and dangerous smile suddenly appeared on Dean Constantine's face, like lightning in the night sky, making hearts shudder. "The academy does not care about your methods; killing or crippling is also permissible." As these words fell, the entire auditorium seemed to have a bomb dropped into it; everyone's expressions changed dramatically. Some students showed panic, their eyes filled with fear and unease, as if unable to accept such cruel rules. More students, however, were thrilled, their eyes burning with fighting spirit and desire, as if seeing an excellent opportunity to showcase their strength. Several homeroom teachers silently noted down the students who showed panic, having already decided to intensify these individuals' training after the Freshman Competition, to make them stronger and braver.

"Now begin selecting weapons. In seven minutes, the Freshman Competition officially begins." Dean Constantine took out a pocket watch, exquisite and small, with a sparkling gem embedded on the cover. He glanced at it, then lightly waved his hand, like a general commanding a vast army. The one hundred freshmen immediately surged toward the weapon racks like a tide, their movements swift and decisive, as if scrambling for precious treasures.

Evan also acted quickly, his gaze firm and calm. He selected two daggers, carefully inserting them into his boots; their sharpness gave him a sense of security. A military saber was fastened at his waist, its weight giving him a feeling of strength. A bow and a quiver of steel-tipped arrows—his tools for ranged attacks. A pack of long needles went into his pocket, for unforeseen needs. For firearms, he only chose two revolvers and a small box of spare bullets; the revolvers' refinement and power gave him confidence. Then, from the miscellaneous area, he selected a small first-aid kit containing a small roll of bandages, a small box of wound medicine, anti-inflammatory drugs, and hemostatic powder. He knew that in this unknown world, injuries could happen at any time, so he had to be fully prepared.

Looking back at the others, the squad members, as previously discussed, only chose revolvers for firearms, ensuring sustained firepower. They selected both close-combat and long-range cold weapons, in case they got separated in this mysterious world. Additionally, Louis chose a small bundle of thin steel wire, which could be used for setting traps or climbing. Ista tucked a colonial native blowgun for poison darts into his chest—his secret weapon. Nancy used a small backpack to carry a small barrel of kerosene and three or four military lighters, which could play a huge role at critical moments. Lily carried many small copper bottles; when asked what was inside, Lily just coldly said one word: "Secret."