The moment the instructor announced that only three teams could be formed, the atmosphere on the training ground changed completely.
What had begun as an ordinary gathering of trainees instantly became a battlefield without weapons.
Everyone wanted to become a captain.
After all, the captain's position did not only come with authority—it also came with extra academic credits, future recognition, and the chance to prove leadership ability in front of the instructors. For ambitious cadets, it was too valuable to ignore.
Naturally, many trainees immediately began trying to gather followers around themselves.
Some shouted confidently.
Others used charm, promises, or personal connections.
A few simply relied on reputation.
However, among all the trainees present, only a small number possessed enough influence to truly attract people.
Mo Guanguan and Shao Han were the most obvious examples.
The moment the announcement ended, trainees naturally drifted toward the two strongest and most famous candidates. Their talent, strength, and backgrounds made them safe choices.
When grades and future opportunities were involved, no one wanted to gamble recklessly.
Near one side of the field, the members of Dormitory 207 stood together.
Meng Qiuqiu looked at Zhao Mu and urged him excitedly.
"Xiao Mu Ge, why don't you call people over too? You're first on the points leaderboard right now! If anyone should fight for captain, it's definitely you!"
The others nodded in agreement.
Zhao Mu folded his arms and quietly surveyed the field.
On one side stood Mo Guanguan's growing crowd.
On the other was Shao Han's gathering supporters.
Between them remained many scattered trainees, hesitant and undecided.
A faint smile appeared on Zhao Mu's lips.
"People calling people often go unanswered," he said calmly. "But goods calling people will always attract buyers."
Meng Qiuqiu blinked.
Zhao Mu continued, "Boot Camp is already halfway over. Everyone now has a rough understanding of each other's strengths."
"Other than the very top few, most trainees are close in ability."
"So there's no need to rush."
"We still have an hour. Once everyone thinks clearly about their interests, they'll make better decisions."
His voice was calm and certain.
He understood the situation better than anyone.
Although he ranked first on the points board, many trainees still looked down on his E-rank Talent.
To them, Zhao Mu's current success came from effort and physical ability alone. In their minds, his future ceiling remained low.
Many people were unwilling to lower themselves and follow someone they considered talentless.
Zhao Mu knew that.
So instead of trying to recruit others desperately, he simply turned, walked to an empty section of the field, and stood there quietly.
His meaning was obvious.
He would not join another team.
He intended to build his own—and become captain.
Without hesitation, everyone from Dormitory 207 moved to stand beside him.
Over the past half month, the people in their dormitory had already been completely convinced by Zhao Mu.
Whether it was his discipline, work ethic, intelligence, or calm leadership, he had naturally become the backbone of their small group.
In their hearts, he was already like an elder brother.
The Crowd Begins to Think
The noisy excitement across the field gradually faded.
Once emotions cooled, people began thinking rationally.
Mo Guanguan and Shao Han were certain to become captains.
No one doubted that.
That meant other capable trainees now faced a difficult question.
Should they challenge for leadership themselves?
Or simply become supporting members under someone else?
For talented individuals, joining another person's team often felt like sewing a wedding dress for someone else to wear.
Before long, one boy led several trainees toward Zhao Mu's side.
He wore a broad smile and walked with easy confidence.
It was Jin Xiangcheng—known jokingly by some as Golden Elephant City.
"Zhao Mu!" he called out. "Let's form a team together!"
Dormitory 207 immediately became alert.
Jin Xiangcheng was no fool.
He knew the group around Zhao Mu was valuable.
Meng Qiuqiu had intentionally gathered capable people into Dormitory 207 using money and connections. Several members were strong in their own right.
Lu Yan, though underperforming during Boot Camp, possessed A-rank Talent. His future potential was unquestionable.
Anyone who controlled Dormitory 207 would instantly gain a strong foundation.
Jin Xiangcheng looked directly at Zhao Mu.
He understood clearly that everyone there followed Zhao Mu's lead.
Zhao Mu smiled faintly.
"You want to join my team?"
"That's not a problem."
Jin Xiangcheng's expression froze.
Then he laughed awkwardly.
"I think… perhaps I'm more suited to be captain."
He spread his arms dramatically.
"Team battles require cooperation. A captain's command ability is the most important factor."
"And in command ability…"
He pointed at himself proudly.
"I'm stronger."
"You saw it during the entrance trial, didn't you?"
Zhao Mu narrowed his eyes.
"That only proves you're eloquent and good at gathering people."
"That's different from command ability."
He took one step forward.
"And a train moves because of its engine."
"A captain's personal strength is also crucial."
"How do you know future team missions won't require the captain to personally break through impossible situations?"
Jin Xiangcheng scratched his head impatiently.
"So you won't join me?"
Zhao Mu shook his head.
"I won't join anyone."
"I'll have my own team."
Jin Xiangcheng snorted.
"Unfortunately, there are only three teams allowed."
"We'll see if anyone wants to follow you."
He glanced at Meng Qiuqiu and Zhuo Yun, but both clearly rejected him.
With no success here, he turned and left to continue recruiting elsewhere.
The Pressure Builds
As time passed, Mo Guanguan and Shao Han's groups became larger and larger.
Soon they had so many applicants that they began selecting members instead of recruiting them.
This only increased pressure on everyone else.
Those who had not joined a team yet grew anxious.
Many talented trainees still wanted captain positions for themselves, but reality was becoming harsher by the minute.
If they waited too long, there would be no room left.
Zhao Mu quietly observed the scene.
Then he judged the timing was right.
He stepped forward and addressed the scattered trainees still without a team.
His voice was not loud, but it carried across the field.
"Everyone."
"Isn't it about time?"
The restless crowd turned toward him.
"No matter how much we hesitate, each of us must eventually choose a side."
"Since none of us wants to become ordinary members…"
He paused.
"Then let strength decide."
The words instantly stirred interest.
Many eyes sharpened.
This was the language trainees respected most.
A tall and heavily built young man stepped out from the crowd.
Though only eighteen years old, he already wore a thick beard and had the fierce appearance of a grown warrior.
He smiled broadly.
"Zhao Mu."
"What exactly are you proposing?"
This youth was Zhu Meng.
One of the B-rank special recruits.
Currently ranked seventh on the points leaderboard.
A trainee known for strength, aggression, and fearless combat.
Many nicknamed him the Lion.
Zhao Mu looked at him calmly.
"It's simple."
"The strong are respected."
"Everyone wants to be captain."
"But there is only one captain's seat left."
He spread his hands.
"So let's compete."
"Whoever is strongest becomes captain."
A wave of murmurs spread through the crowd.
Many secretly nodded.
This truly was the cleanest and fairest solution.
The instructor had intentionally given them one hour.
Perhaps he had already expected exactly this kind of situation.
Zhu Meng stared at Zhao Mu, excitement burning in his eyes.
"So if I defeat you…"
"You willingly become my teammate and follow my command?"
"Correct," Zhao Mu replied immediately.
"Haha!"
Zhu Meng laughed loudly.
"Good!"
"I like this proposal!"
Then he strode toward Zhao Mu without hesitation.
All Eyes Turn
The movement immediately drew attention from the entire field.
Even Mo Guanguan and Shao Han paused their own recruiting.
Many trainees turned to watch.
Because this confrontation mattered.
If Zhu Meng defeated Zhao Mu and absorbed Dormitory 207, he would instantly become a powerful third force.
If Zhao Mu won, then his independent team would gain real legitimacy.
Talented trainees such as Jin Xiangcheng, Lin Meier, and another B-rank special recruit, Wang Jiaojiao, all fixed their eyes on the scene.
Everyone wanted to know the same thing.
Could Zhao Mu, the E-rank freak ranked first on points, truly stand above them all?
Or would reality finally catch up to him?
Zhu Meng stopped in front of Zhao Mu.
His shadow alone seemed imposing.
He crossed his arms and grinned.
"Tell me."
"How shall we compete?"
Then his smile widened further.
"I'll say this first."
"In terms of physique, I know I'm not your match."
"So we won't compare brute strength."
The crowd grew silent.
The challenge had officially begun.
Zhao Mu looked at the Lion-like youth before him and smiled faintly.
For the first time that day, true interest appeared in his eyes.
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