Chapter 12: Reward and Pressure
The next morning, the camp felt different.
Not calmer—
Just heavier.
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News of the mission had already spread.
A newly formed squad going out for the first time and returning with injuries… that wasn't unusual. But what was unusual—
Was that they won.
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As Lin Yuan stepped onto the training ground, he could feel the gazes.
Curious.
Evaluating.
Some even hostile.
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Pang Hu leaned closer and whispered, "Brother Lin… why are they looking at us like we stole their food?"
Lin Yuan replied calmly, "Because we survived."
"…That makes people angry?"
"It makes them uncomfortable."
"…I don't like uncomfortable people."
"…They don't like you either."
"…That's fair."
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Before anything else could happen, a voice rang out.
"All members of the mission squad—report forward."
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The same scarred officer stood at the front.
Cold eyes.
Unchanging expression.
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One by one, they stepped forward.
Lin Yuan.
Pang Hu.
Others.
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Su Yan arrived last, still slightly pale—but standing.
Her steps were slower than usual, but steady.
When she reached Lin Yuan's side, she didn't look at him.
But she didn't move away either.
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The officer's gaze swept across them.
"You completed the mission."
No praise.
Just a statement.
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"Casualties avoided. Objective cleared."
A pause.
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"Acceptable."
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Pang Hu whispered, "…That's it? I almost died for 'acceptable'?"
Lin Yuan replied, "…Be grateful he didn't say 'barely acceptable.'"
"…Now I feel worse."
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The officer raised his hand slightly.
A soldier stepped forward with a small box.
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"Mission rewards."
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Each of them received a small pouch.
Inside—
Low-grade spirit stones.
Healing pills.
And…
A thin jade slip.
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Lin Yuan's eyes flickered slightly.
Another technique?
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"Basic combat enhancement method," the officer said. "Stackable with Infinite Battle Law."
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Pang Hu's eyes lit up.
"Stackable?! So I can get beaten up faster now?!"
"…That's not how you should understand it."
"…Too late."
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The officer's gaze shifted again.
This time—
It stopped on Lin Yuan.
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"You."
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The air seemed to tighten slightly.
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"Step forward."
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Lin Yuan did.
Calm.
Unhurried.
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"You reacted fastest during the mission," the officer said.
"You neutralized a key threat."
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Silence.
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Then—
"You'll be moved to a higher training group."
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A faint ripple passed through the recruits.
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Pang Hu whispered loudly, "Brother Lin… you're abandoning me already?!"
"…It's called promotion."
"…Same thing."
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Lin Yuan didn't react much.
"…Understood."
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But before he could step back—
Another voice spoke.
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"Wait."
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A figure stepped forward from the side.
Different uniform.
Sharper presence.
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Young.
But dangerous.
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His gaze locked onto Lin Yuan.
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"So you're the one."
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Lin Yuan looked at him calmly.
"…Depends who's asking."
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A faint smirk appeared on the newcomer's face.
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"Zhao Feng."
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The name alone caused a reaction among the surrounding recruits.
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"Top of the previous batch…"
"Already at peak Body Tempering…"
"He's almost in the inner division…"
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Pang Hu whispered, "…Brother Lin, I think this one can actually kill me just by looking."
"…Then don't look."
"…Too late."
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Zhao Feng stepped closer.
His eyes sharp.
Evaluating.
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"I heard you modified the Infinite Battle Law."
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Silence.
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Even the officer didn't interrupt.
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Lin Yuan's expression didn't change.
"…Rumors spread fast."
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Zhao Feng smiled faintly.
"…So it's true."
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A pause.
Then—
"Fight me."
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The words were simple.
Direct.
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Pang Hu almost choked on nothing.
"WHY DOES THIS ALWAYS HAPPEN?!"
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Lin Yuan didn't respond immediately.
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Not because he was afraid.
But because—
He was calculating.
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His current integration:
✨ [Integration Progress: 28%]
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Not enough for an easy win.
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But—
Not hopeless either.
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"…Now?" Lin Yuan asked.
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Zhao Feng tilted his head slightly.
"…Unless you're afraid."
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Before Lin Yuan could answer—
A voice cut in.
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"He's injured."
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Su Yan.
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Everyone turned.
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Her expression was calm—but firm.
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"He just returned from a mission."
"…If you want to fight, wait."
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Zhao Feng looked at her.
Then back at Lin Yuan.
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"…You need protection?"
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Lin Yuan sighed slightly.
"…No."
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Then stepped forward.
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"But she's right."
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A small pause.
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"Give me three days."
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Zhao Feng stared at him for a moment.
Then—
Smiled.
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"…Fine."
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He turned and walked away.
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"Three days."
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The pressure didn't disappear.
It lingered.
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Pang Hu immediately grabbed Lin Yuan's arm.
"…Brother Lin."
"…We're in trouble."
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"…Maybe."
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"…No, definitely."
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Lin Yuan glanced slightly to the side.
At Su Yan.
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She didn't say anything.
But her gaze held concern.
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"…Three days is enough," Lin Yuan said quietly.
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✨ [New Objective]
Reach 40% Integration
Prepare for Challenge
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A faint smile appeared.
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"Let's see…"
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"…how far I can go."