C118 Acceptance Test!(2)
"How many?"
The boss paused, a realization dawning on him.
His expression turned grim.
How many could there possibly be?
If he hadn't made countless contributions to the Stellar Knightage, if he weren't a senior member, he wouldn't even have a single recommendation to offer.
"Just one!"
"Are you trying to secure one for your girlfriend, too?!"
At this, the boss was visibly upset.
He may have seemed somewhat servile before, but the Stellar Knightage was not to be disrespected!
The boss was well aware that many saw the Stellar Knightage as the Terran Federation's golden goose, with everyone eager to pluck a feather, but such concerns were beneath him.
True to the Stellar Knightage's creed, as long as they could safeguard the heavens, nothing else mattered.
But now...
"What do you take the Stellar Knightage for!"
"This isn't a place people can just waltz into!"
"If you don't want to join, just say so!"
Chu Yi could tell the boss had gotten the wrong idea.
"Boss, that's not it..."
"I really do want a recommendation for my girlfriend."
"There's no rule against that!"
Chu Yi carefully chose his words: "Her name is Lee Zi. You might want to look her up."
Upon hearing this, the boss began his search.
But soon, his face betrayed a mix of emotions.
"So it's her..."
"What a shame, such a shame..."
Shaking his head, the boss turned back to Chu Yi: "If this were the Lee Zi of old, she would certainly qualify for the Stellar Knightage. But now..."
Chu Yi was aware that Adirang Academy had already spread the word about Lee Zi's downfall.
With a slight smile, Chu Yi said, "Boss, is everything people say necessarily the truth?"
"Maybe their statements are true, but does that make them the whole truth?"
The boss looked puzzled, but Chu Yi didn't elaborate, instead adding, "Lee Zi's current situation will become clear during the college entrance exams."
"Then you'll see for yourself whether she's fit to join the Stellar Knightage..."
After a moment's thought, Chu Yi came up with a solution.
"Let's do this, Boss: give my spot to Lee Zi, and I'll take the Stellar Knightage's test as well."
"I've heard that to join the Stellar Knightage, one doesn't necessarily have to pass a test, right?"
To relinquish the spot to someone else...
The boss was somewhat taken aback.
This was, after all, a coveted spot within the Stellar Knightage!
True, the Stellar Knightage did have an assessment, and passing it meant one could become a member.
However, the Stellar Knightage's assessment was notoriously difficult. Otherwise, there wouldn't be so many top-tier geniuses and prodigies gaining entry through recommendations.
Chu Yi...
The boss believed in Chu Yi's ability to pass the assessment.
But certainly not at the moment.
It was simple. Just a month ago, Chu Yi was an ordinary person. Even if Chu Yi had employed some special method that had no adverse effects on him, it didn't mean he could master his current level of combat power!
In the boss's eyes, Chu Yi might be at the Perfection stage of Silver, but he was only slightly stronger than the average at that stage. Compared to the true prodigies who had climbed their way up step by step, or even to some geniuses, the boss considered Chu Yi to be lacking.
The time he had was just too short.
Of course, Chu Yi was bound to be among the most elite prodigies in the future, a fact that was evident from his recent display of extreme power.
Now, by giving away this quota, Chu Yi was severing his chance to join the Stellar Knightage for some time.
The loss was indeed substantial.
Moreover, the boss harbored reservations about Lee Zi.
This was about her future, after all...
Chu Yi seemed to read the boss's mind and offered a reassuring smile. "Boss, you can set aside the quota for Lee Zi for now."
"Of course, it doesn't have to be Lee Zi, or even necessarily me."
"We'll see when the college entrance exams come around."
Chu Yi's intentions were clear.
He planned to wait for Lee Zi's performance in the college entrance exams. If Lee Zi didn't perform well, then there would be no need to relinquish the spot.
But if Lee Zi's performance was truly exceptional...
Then, without a doubt, giving away the spot would be more than worthwhile.
After a moment of contemplation, the boss finally nodded in agreement.
Despite his lingering doubts, he knew that Chu Yi was the ideal candidate for the spot.
"Are you truly considering forfeiting this opportunity and opting to take the assessment on your own?"
There's a distinct difference between being recommended for the assessment and taking it upon oneself to participate.
As a recommender, the boss stood to gain a considerable number of benefits.
Yet, the rewards for personally earning the spot were significantly less than those for a direct appointment. On the flip side, the risks involved were also reduced.
It was a situation with both advantages and disadvantages.
But deep down, the boss was rooting for Chu Yi.
He had seen potential in him from the start.
After a lengthy silence, the boss finally consented.
After all, if Lee Zi could exceed his expectations, she would prove to be a top-tier Genius, and that would certainly be no small feat.
"Prepare yourself well. The Stellar Knightage's examination is notoriously challenging."
"Of course, should you pass and join the Stellar Knightage, the privileges and benefits you'll gain are even greater."
Chu Yi's interest was piqued.
He hadn't anticipated such an outcome.
"So, when can the assessment commence?"
Chu Yi was eager to begin.
"If you're prepared, we can start anytime."
Upon hearing this, Chu Yi quickly decided, "Then, let's set it for tomorrow!"
With only four days until the examination, Chu Yi was not inclined to procrastinate.
The boss was taken aback, clearly not expecting Chu Yi to be so precipitous.
"Chu Yi, I must emphasize that the Stellar Knightage's assessment is exceedingly difficult!"
"Even those at the Genius Level may not succeed."
"Please, give this considerable thought."
After a brief pause, the boss added, "Moreover, there's a limit to the number of times you can attempt the assessment!"
Each genius and Genius Level individual has a finite number of attempts. Exceeding the failure limit means that even with a recommendation, they would no longer be eligible to join the Stellar Knightage.
This policy is in place to prevent the squandering of resources.
Additionally, the level of access granted varies depending on the number of attempts it takes to pass.
Passing on the first try naturally yields the greatest benefits.
The boss had the idea that Chu Yi should spend some time cultivating before undergoing the assessment, believing it would increase his chances of success.
With a light smile, Chu Yi exuded confidence. "Boss, rest assured."
"I've got this under control..."
Despite the boss's reservations about Chu Yi's decision, he couldn't persuade him otherwise. Reluctantly, he reached out to the Stellar Knightage headquarters that very night.
Each major district of Earth Civilization boasted a central hub for the Stellar Knightage, with numerous branches scattered across the larger cities.
As the capital of the Adirang Region, it was only natural for Redmarsh to host a significant presence of the Stellar Knightage.
Chu Yi's application was swiftly processed, and the boss received a prompt response. The appointment was set for ten o'clock the following morning.
The venue for the meeting? Your Martial Arts Stadium.
Chu Yi did not take the night off to rest; instead, he continued his cultivation, not bothering to recalibrate his essence, energy, and spirit.
For Chu Yi, an assessment was trivial, certainly not warranting any special preparation.
The next day dawned quickly.
Chu Yi and the boss stood in silence outside the old black bull Martial Arts Stadium. A flying car soon arrived, and three individuals stepped out. The boss approached them with a greeting.
"Welcome, esteemed examiners..."
He had previously informed Chu Yi that these examiners were handpicked from the Stellar Knightage, summoned only when their expertise was needed.