Chapter 21: Medical Bay & Rumors Explode
The medical bay smelled like antiseptic, blood, and quiet panic.
Lin Yan lay on a white metal bed, shirt torn, chest wrapped in glowing medical seals that hummed softly as they repaired muscle fibers and micro-fractures. Every breath felt like inhaling through broken glass.
He groaned.
"…I survived, right?"
Star's voice responded instantly.
"Unfortunately, yes."
"Congratulations on not dying."
"Current survival rating: barely acceptable."
Lin Yan cracked one eye open. "Wow. Emotional support level zero."
A nearby medic snorted before quickly pretending not to hear anything.
Rumors Don't Walk—They Run
Outside the medical bay, chaos.
Whispers became shouts.
Shouts became legends.
"That's him—the miner!"
"He forced Mu Qingxue back!"
"No one's ever done that in the first combat round!"
"They say he absorbed beast genes illegally!"
"I heard he laughed while bleeding!"
By the time Lin Yan sat up, he had already become three different rumors, two conspiracies, and one exaggerated myth involving lightning, fire, and a dragon that definitely did not exist.
Chin Lin leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, face pale.
"You idiot," Chin Lin said.
"You absolute suicidal idiot."
Lin Yan smiled weakly. "You watched?"
"I watched you almost get frozen into modern art."
Star added helpfully:
"Your posture during near-death was suboptimal."
Chin Lin rubbed his temples. "Who are you trying to impress?!"
Lin Yan shrugged. "Apparently… everyone."
She's Watching Too
Across the medical bay, separated by glass and guards, Mu Qingxue sat on another bed.
Perfect posture.
Minimal injuries.
An ice-blue bandage wrapped around her wrist where Lin Yan had shattered the arena floor.
She stared at him.
Not with anger.
With calculation.
When their eyes met, the air between them sharpened.
Mu Qingxue spoke calmly. "You fight like someone who knows he shouldn't win."
Lin Yan blinked. "That's… weirdly accurate."
"You hide power," she continued. "But not skill. You move late on purpose. You misjudge distance intentionally."
Star whispered loudly in Lin Yan's mind.
"She is dissecting you."
"Emotionally and tactically."
"Very rude."
Lin Yan grinned. "You sound jealous."
"I am a system. I do not experience jealousy."
"…But if I did, she would be annoying."
Mu Qingxue stood.
Her steps were silent, precise—each foot landing exactly where balance demanded. Even walking, she looked like she was fighting gravity and winning.
"Next time," she said, stopping in front of him, "I won't step back."
Lin Yan tilted his head. "Next time I'll charge rent for living in your head."
For the first time—
She smiled.
Just a little.
The Government Arrives
The atmosphere changed instantly.
Heavy footsteps.
Black coats.
Cold eyes.
Three figures entered the observation deck above the medical bay.
No insignias.
No expressions.
But everyone felt them.
Chin Lin stiffened. "Those are—"
"Government observers," Star said.
"Martial Talent Evaluation Division."
"Threat classification specialists."
Lin Yan's smile faded. "They're here for… me?"
Star paused.
"…Yes."
"…And her."
"…And anyone who survives the next round."
One of the observers tapped a tablet. Another whispered something. The third stared directly at Lin Yan—as if the glass wasn't even there.
Lin Yan shivered.
"That guy looks like he eats geniuses for breakfast."
Star replied, "Correction. He evaluates whether geniuses should be allowed to exist."
"Wow. Worse."
Final Round Announcement
The speakers crackled to life.
"Attention candidates."
"The Scholarship Examination will proceed to its final combat phase."
"This round is unrestricted."
"Medical intervention will be limited."
"Death is… acceptable."
The entire facility went silent.
Lin Yan slowly stood up.
Every movement was described in pain:
Muscles tightening.
Bones clicking.
Breath controlled.
Mu Qingxue watched closely.
This time, she nodded.
"Good," she said. "You can still move."
Lin Yan stretched his neck. "I was worried you'd be disappointed."
Chin Lin grabbed his sleeve. "Lin Yan—this isn't a joke anymore."
Lin Yan looked at the arena doors.
The final gate.
"I know," he said softly.
"That's why it's getting interesting."
Star cleared his nonexistent throat.
"Master."
"Probability of death in final round: 72%."
"Probability of exposure: 61%."
"Probability of you doing something stupid anyway: 99%."
Lin Yan laughed.
"Then let's not disappoint the statistics."
As the doors opened and the roar of the crowd crashed in, rumors exploded one last time—
Not about who would win.
But about who would survive.
And above it all, the government observers leaned forward.
The real test had begun.