Translator: Abyssruler Editor: Lucas
Nobody was sure when the girl dressed in military uniform walked in. She looked a little different, because Wang Zheng was used to a different image from Zhang Runan. But ever since Zhang Runan’s ability had evolved, that image had disappeared, even if Zhang Runan was not satisfied with the way that things had turned out.
“Oh my, Senior Runan, when did you get back!”
A group of girls immediately abandoned Yao Ailun and Chen Xiu to throng around Zhang Runan. There were many more students at the door, clearly attracted by Zhang Runan.
This was after all a military school, and any major competition in the last few years would be graced with Zhang Runan’s presence. She was the emblem of indomitability, with her despotic weapon held in one hand and sweeping the other military school challengers aside. Working in the army also reinforced military power. The most famous was eliminating pirate groups. As a student, she had already personally gone to the frontline, and fought and killed pirates. It fit her aloof character, killing men and women alike.
In fact, Zhang Runan was the biggest celebrity in the school now. This was why people said that Ares College’s was on the rise.
The doorway was filled with people, and who knew how many more hundreds were waiting outside, just to catch a glimpse of Zhang Runan.
Zhang Runan had heard the news from General Meng Ao, and had rushed over as soon as possible.
Zhang Runan paid not the slightest mention to her fans. She was not one to care about the spotlight. Looking at Wang Zheng, a flash of emotion shimmered in her eyes.
She snapped to a crisp salute. “Leader!”
Such a cool stance and phrase coming from Zhang Runan was really something.
Wang Zheng was taken aback, and stood up to return the gesture. He smiled knowingly. “Runan, long time no see.”
The onlookers were surprised… Leader?
What leader?
“I say, the two of you. Find a better place to reminisce.” Yao Ailun smiled painfully, gesturing outside to the sea of curious heads.
Zhang Runan still held an indifferent face, but this was clearly not the place to talk. They would have to move.
Zhang Runan had clearly rushed back on purpose. Recently, she did not have any missions, but had not taken leave, which would have been all too easy to apply for. Everybody knew that Zhang Runan was favored by General Meng Ao, and Zhang Runan had used her ability to carve her own place in the military. A strength-type ability X user was fearsome indeed.
Zhang Runan’s ability X had risen to C rank, but it was now impossible for her to enter Elite Academy. Elite Academy’s views towards age and ability was very strict.
Zhang Runan was now much more easygoing than before. It looked like her time with the military had given her a modicum of slack. She quickly let her hair down in the presence of Chen Xiu and Yao Ailun. These two clearly had the knack.
“Leader, let’s find time tomorrow to test each other’s skills. Zhang Runan said.
“Oh, that’s good. Let’s see how much you’ve improved recently.” Wang Zheng smiled affably. Actually, with his analysis ability, he could already roughly gauge Zhang Runan’s current ability. This was the gap between them.
Zhang Runan chatted with Wang Zheng about the others from IG. After all, only a minority had gone to Elite Academy, while the majority stayed in the Solar System. Those who had stood out could enter the Federation and work there to accumulate military experience. They had not stopped toiling, only Wang Zheng had already jumped to a different level.
In just the short span of a year, the distance had exacerbated. The world was like that. Therefore, everybody wanted to stand on a higher plane. Even if they were the smallest fish there, they would still develop a different understanding and perspective.
Besides Zhang Runan, Raston, Taros, Lin Ruofeng had not done badly for themselves as well. They had grown since returning from IG, and were indeed stronger than the average soldier. They were gradually growing, to become the new core strength of the Solar System.
From Zhang Runan’s words, Wang Zheng could feel the resolve that grew anew in the Solar System.
The two of them chatted for a long time, about their past stories and lives. It was hard to believe that such a reticent person like Zhang Runan could talk so much, even giving a carefree laugh occasionally. She showed a side of her that was feminine.
From the side, Yao Ailun was gnawing on Chen Xiu’s leg, muttering about why this pork leg was a little scrawny. Yao Ailun was drunk and spouting nonsense, occasionally taking a break from his gnawing to cry a little.
Wang Zheng and Zhang Runan exchanged glances. “Ailun is not as popular as I thought he was.” Zhang Runan said, although she did not understand CT.
Wang Zheng nodded. He had seen it from the start, although he had not expected the journey to be this difficult.
All these years, Old Deer had done much for Ailun. Who would have thought that his greatest CT opponent back in the day would actually become his most dependable friend?
Yao Ailun had done his best this time to give Old Deer face, even rejecting Old Deer’s introduction offers. It was not for himself, but to tell others that Old Deer had not chosen to give his favor wrongly!
But not everything could be accomplished through sheer determination alone.
Mars, Sage Sect.
After Lie Xin and Lie Guang returned, there was no carefree vacation to speak off. What waited for them was even more arduous training, because both of them clearly felt the strength of others. Clearly, the Lie Flame Technique alone was insufficient to hold their own.
Either back down, or give it all you have!
Although Lie Xin was a girl, but her heroic heart was a fitting tribute to the Lie family tradition. She could not lose to the likes of Zhang Shan and Luo Fei.
The Martian version of difficult cruelty brought to its limit! Sage Odin wanted to force every last bit of ability out of them, and forge them into steel.
Lie Xin and Lie Guang had no complaints. They gritted their teeth, and endured Odin’s drilling. This holiday was very important to both of them. They did not wish to be dropped from the team once school reopened!
Lie Xin did not say a word. In Elite Academy, although she had not fallen behind by too much, but she was far from the likes of Wang Zheng, Lear, and the rest. Besides, this distance was growing bigger! Now that she was back on Mars for holiday, she had no intention of slacking off, but rather to surpass her own bottleneck. And as for talent, Lie Xin had never doubted that she was as good as the rest.
Lie Guang was a little less receptive, squawking his complaints. “This method of training is really barbaric. Mentor, isn’t this a little unscientific? Going too far is just as bad as going too little…”
Although he worked hard as well, but his character was clearly different from Lie Xin’s. Besides, the time he spent dispirited was not easily made up for. That barren period was significant.
“Mentor, I’m hungry. Could I have something to eat?”
“Mentor, I’m thirsty.”
“Mentor, I want to eat suckling pig for dinner.”
Odin was exasperated with him, and simply increased his training difficulty. This brat was too big-mouthed. The harder the training was, the more his mouth groaned. But he also understood that this was simply Lie Guang’s way of relieving the pressure and agony.
Some people held it in and brooded. Some moaned and groaned. Clearly Lie Guang was of the latter type.
