Chapter 123: The Second Trial, Sea Beasts (Part I)

Others feared being driven away, but she did not. It was merely one less option for her.

At that moment, a more refined man approached. “It’s hot today, and everyone’s a bit on edge. This matter, admittedly, stems from our side’s failure to investigate thoroughly—a lack of consideration. Miss Jiang, we were indeed tasked from above to select personnel and send them to the front lines. It’s definitely not about some team-building cultural nonsense as you mentioned. But collective cohesion is crucial; no one likes someone who abandons their teammates.

“Of course, Miss Jiang has made ample arrangements and is certainly not that kind of person. The misunderstanding arose from imprecise wording. We made the mistake of drawing conclusions without verification. We apologize sincerely and will provide you with compensation for this matter. We hope everyone will keep calm.”

Jiang Huan smiled lightly. “Apologies at every turn, yet each word is double-edged. Enough—no compensation, no insincere apologies. Just don’t give me a hard time going forward, and that’s settled. I never thought you wanted to kick me out, so I’m back on the team.”

The man chuckled awkwardly, assuring her there was no intention to expel her. Jiang Huan nodded and went down to line up.

Below, the others were still agitated. Even though Jiang Huan appeared indifferent, the commotion continued for a while longer. Her words had stirred them up as well.

They had all come for the official benefits—why should they be judged without cause? Today it was Jiang Huan, but what about tomorrow?

“Could it be that coach has some connection with those two?” someone whispered.

“Surely the higher-ups aren’t imposing gender restrictions? Otherwise, why say selection is based on ability? They might as well just admit whoever they want.”

Men understood men best; a few words from them made the head coach so angry he stormed off.

The very next day, a new coach took over.

It was the refined, gentle man from yesterday. Originally an advisor, today he stepped forward to lead.

The following training was so intense that no one had time to dwell on past issues. The head coach rejoined the management team but kept silent, avoiding any problematic remarks.

There was one benefit: Jiang Huan was now always grouped with Sister Chen and A Lin.

The only three girls on the entire team formed their own group. They looked out for one another. The training was grueling—no less than six hours daily—but Jiang Huan gritted her teeth and endured.

Along the way, A Lin and Sister Chen both suffered injuries and illness, yet Jiang Huan remained steadfastly healthy, much to their envy.

Eating the same food and undergoing the same training, how did she stay so vibrant every day?

Her physique was truly extraordinary.

In truth, Jiang Huan simply had extra rations and equipment that helped her recover.

Finally, after endless days of training, it came to an end. The three-day assessment period began.

“We’re pleased you’ve reached the final phase,” the instructor announced. “The three-day schedule is as follows: Day One—Comprehensive Training Assessment; Days Two and Three—Practical Shooting Evaluation. We will conduct fair and impartial evaluations throughout.

“The first assessment begins in half an hour. Please warm up properly. According to the colored strips you received at lunch today, you will be divided into Basic Skills and Shooting groups, rotating to complete all assessments within one day.”

This arrangement resembled staggered health checkups, designed to avoid crowding.

Jiang Huan glanced at the blue strip in her pocket, now understanding its purpose.

Divided into two groups, everyone promptly began their basic skills and shooting tests.

Shooting practice had been limited. Though the post-apocalyptic arms factories surely had stockpiles, rumors of sea beasts had circulated recently, so ammunition was tightly conserved—using it for practice was out of the question.

Jiang Huan was different. She had acquired a gun early in the apocalypse and possessed a machine capable of producing bullets whenever metal was supplied, allowing her continuous training. As a result, she scored average in the morning’s basic tests but excelled in afternoon shooting.

She asked Xie Congzhou and Uncle Kui about their scores. Uncle Kui’s were average in both categories, while Xie Congzhou’s performance was the opposite of hers—top marks in basic skills but average in shooting.

Not bad, at least not bad enough to be easily eliminated. That night, Jiang Huan sneaked out to the RV for a thorough wash, avoiding body wash to be cautious, and then slept soundly.

At dawn, the assembly whistle roused her instantly. She sprang from bed, slipped on her shoes, and dashed out, managing her hair with one hand while carrying her backpack with the other.

Recent training had conditioned her into such reflexes.

Within about three minutes, everyone had left their rooms, and in less than another minute, they were all assembled.

The head coach sternly addressed them: “Today, you will face the sea beasts in person. Until now, you have only seen pictures and heard descriptions from staff. Facing them directly is naturally nerve-wracking but also exciting.”

After a hurried breakfast, everyone boarded the ship. At the gangway, each person received a full inflatable suit.

Jiang Huan carefully inspected her gear, comparing it with others’ before stowing it away.

With a mixture of anxiety and anticipation, they spent most of the day at sea.

They had passed Wānwān Island some time ago, yet the destination was still distant.

Meals were eaten onboard—just a few compressed biscuits per meal. Jiang Huan and Xie Congzhou hoped to prepare something extra, but with only two crowded ships and nowhere private to eat besides the cramped toilets, that was impossible.

They compromised by eating an extra energy bar and reducing their biscuit intake.

As dusk approached, they finally neared their destination.

They saw an island—not particularly large, about two or three thousand acres.

If it were a school, that would be sizable—some universities cover similar ground.

But as an island, it felt small.

Upon disembarking, they followed guides to a gathering place: a cluster of low wooden and brick buildings, or so it appeared.

Surrounding them were people in strange, colorful attire. Jiang Huan thought the scene resembled the task halls and mercenary guilds from the Western fantasy comics she had read.

“Keep up,” Xie Congzhou called back after falling a few paces behind.

Jiang Huan realized she had stopped, lagging at the rear.

Snapping back to attention, she caught up with the group, entering a hall large enough to hold a thousand people. It was the only two-story building she had seen, and they were on the first floor.

“Bringing in newcomers, must be the final assessment,” someone familiar with the head coach remarked as they approached.

After a brief exchange, the head coach spotted the person he was looking for and handed over the group. Today, these newcomers would be led by several veteran fighters.

A burly man with a tuft of red hair stood before them. Jiang Huan, close enough to notice, caught a strange scent emanating from him.