The others also managed to open their cases.
Just as they had seen from afar, the suits were black, sleek, and form-fitting. Near the head area, each suit had a dark red ear device mounted on a small raised platform.
Theo reached out first, lightly touching the fabric to feel its texture. It was smooth—seamless, almost like it wasn't synthetic at all, but naturally grown. Meanwhile, Max stood frozen, practically seeing stars in his eyes.
Without wasting any more time, they all began to suit up.
One by one, they slipped into the black suits and secured them tightly. Finally, they fixed the ear devices in place.
The moment the gear settled on them, a faint pulse ran through the suits.
'Ting'
The system panel opened in front of Leo.
[Item Equipped – Battle Suit Common_LvL 1]
A regenerative suit that protects the user and molds to fit the user's physique.
"Hmmm… I see," Leo murmured to himself. "But what's the use of the ear gear then?"
{Well, if it's a battle suit, then I'm guessing the ear gear is what allows you to connect to the system—and also a larger server,} Primo explained.
{If my speculation is accurate, you'll likely need to register the suits on the main database.}
Leo nodded, realizing he had reached a similar conclusion.
Chris approached them with a smile.
"How do they feel?"
They all raised their thumbs in response, signaling everything was fine.
"Good," Chris said. "We'll begin training first thing tomorrow morning. For now, we need to head to the main hall to register the squad. After that, I'll explain whatever is left about this whole 'Apex Forge' system."
--------
The seven youngsters and Chris were back in the Training Zone, seated in a circle on the floor, with Chris at the center.
"The reason we are here is not only to be groomed," Chris began, "but also to select the best of the best to form Terra's main Special Squad."
He paused briefly, letting the words sink in.
"Each region of the new world has its own Apex Forge. The top talents from each region will undergo a series of drills and training programs. Beyond training, you will also be sent on missions to complete specific objectives."
"These tasks will vary—from settling minor riots in towns to hunting mutated monsters."
Chris's gaze swept across the group, measuring their reactions.
The eyes of the six lit up with excitement the moment they heard about hunting beasts. But Leo frowned slightly.
Yes, the idea of hunting mutated monsters sounded thrilling—but as someone who had already encountered one, he knew it wouldn't be all "beer and Skittles."
He let out a quiet sigh, hoping everything would go smoothly.
Chris continued, "After every successfully completed mission, you will be awarded points. These points will determine your rank, and your rank is directly proportional to the resources available to you."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"The ranks are: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Vanta. Each rank is divided into ten sub-ranks, represented by stars. For example, a two-star Bronze squad is higher than a one-star Bronze squad."
"As much as squad performance will be measured, individual performance will also be tracked. Your ear gear will record every member's contribution during missions, and all accomplishments will be evaluated and rewarded with points."
"The individual ranking system follows the same structure as the squad ranking. There is also a leaderboard ranking all elites within the Forge."
"You can improve your ranking either by accumulating total points or by challenging those above you."
Chris folded his arms slightly.
"So that's the gist of it. Apex Forge is designed to groom and transform all of you into veteran soldiers for what is to come. And it has ensured you will face the pressure you need to grow."
Leo looked puzzled and asked, "If they want to pressure us, then why are the rooms already this luxurious?"
Chris smirked.
"You think this is luxurious?" he said lightly. "Heh… you haven't seen anything yet. Improve your rank, and you'll understand."
He leaned back slightly.
"They're using a carrot-and-stick method. You keep chasing the carrot, but you never quite reach it. And even if you do, another carrot appears ahead of you to keep you moving."
"You think what you've seen so far is luxury, but there's much better waiting higher up."
Everything Chris said painted only one image in Leo's mind.
His eyes lit up instantly.
So there's an even softer bed… I want it.
{Really? …Man, your world is in a state of emergency and the only thing you're thinking about is a softer bed? Why did I choose you again?}