C26 The Powerful Ones Were Silent

"This academy must be rolling in cash to deploy so many helicopters for just one combat test!" Feng Yixiu whispered in awe as he surveyed the long rows of helicopters before him.

"That's just the tip of the iceberg. You should know that the Battle Companion Alliance is currently the wealthiest organization, and the Battle Companion Academy is a key beneficiary of their support. So naturally, they're well-funded," Han Xiao explained with a grin.

"I see. But isn't the duration of this assessment excessively long? A full 24 hours?" Shen Ruyu remarked with a pout.

Hai Yunxing, who was nearby, overheard the conversation and chimed in, "This second round isn't as straightforward as you might think. Securing a gray iron-level Dark Companion card within 24 hours is quite challenging for the candidates. You'll need to use your time wisely."

"Thanks for the heads-up, Hai Yunxing. We'll definitely make the most of the time we have," Shen Ruyu responded, slightly embarrassed but smiling.

"Don't lose heart just because you've been placed in Class D. With determination, you can pass the combat test. Becoming a Fighter offers a glimmer of hope," Hai Yunxing encouraged, aware of their class assignments.

"Thank you, Teacher. We're committed to passing the combat test," Feng Yixiu replied earnestly.

"Alright, the helicopters are about to depart. Everyone, follow me," Hai Yunxing announced, gesturing to his students as the helicopters stood ready.

All the examinees following Hai Yunxing promptly boarded a large helicopter, gearing up for their journey to the Iron Forest.

As the helicopter was about to lift off, Lee Kaiyuan made a last-minute dash aboard. Spotting Feng Yixiu and the others, he settled into a seat and sneered, "I'm surprised a country bumpkin like you made it through the first round. Quite the anomaly!"

"If someone like you can awaken a Battle Companion, why shouldn't I be able to?" Feng Yixiu retorted with a sneer of his own.

"Be that as it may, from what I've heard, you only have a low-level Battle Companion and got placed in Class D. Even if you scrape through this second round and by some fluke become a student at Blue Sky Academy, you'll still be at the bottom of the heap. Unlike me—I have an intermediate Battle Companion and got into Class B," Han Xiao boasted with a mocking air.

"You seem to be quite well-informed!" Feng Yixiu managed to say, despite the discomfort he felt upon hearing the other person's voice.

"Yet, with your pathetic Battle Companion, I doubt you'll make it as a student at Blue Sky Academy! I can hardly picture a pet snake taking on a magic beast. Your little snake probably wouldn't even make a decent snack for them. How do you plan to get your hands on a Dark Companion card?" Han Xiao taunted mercilessly, his voice icy.

"You needn't concern yourself with that. Rest assured, we'll pass the combat test," Shen Ruyu retorted, her face darkening.

"Oh, I almost forgot you had her backing you up. But aren't you in Class D as well? And this big oaf beside you must have awakened a useless Battle Companion too! Haha!" Lee Kaiyuan burst into laughter.

"I can't take this anymore!"

Finally having had enough, Han Xiao grabbed Lee Kaiyuan by the collar and shoved him out of the helicopter, leaving him dangling precariously.

"I was wrong, I was wrong, please pull me back in!" Lee Kaiyuan pleaded, nearly wetting himself in fear.

Feng Yixiu and Shen Ruyu were shocked but impressed, giving a thumbs up. "That's my big brother for you—tough as nails and not one for idle chatter!"