The next day, children and teenagers under the age of 17 gathered on the field outside the city. The same field that was capable of holding the capacity of hundreds of students looked even more packed today. Many of the students have to cross the perimeter to the forest because the space was not enough.
"Even though the number has decreased because they lack qualification, this is still quite a sight to behold," Lu Wan commented. Just like the previous training, he wore light robes that didn't seem to have any defensive properties. It made one wonder whether he was overconfident or just plain stupid.
"More than half of them wouldn't be able to pass the first stage," Ye Jiao said from behind. She was dressed in her training clothes because it would be hard to move if she used her usual clothes. Her long black hair was tied to the back in a simple bun, making her look similar to boys.
"Of course they won't," Lu Wan yawned. "The only quest to finish this stage is to provide rank 2 beast's core and the limit of a group member is just 5. Unless they have some strength, they wouldn't be able to pass."
Normally, no matter how strong someone was, it would be impossible for Eon Energy Master rank 1 to defeat rank 2 beast without the help of Eon Energy Master Rank 2. There might be some Eon Energy Master rank 2, but their number was not as much as the rank 1 because of the age limitation.
In addition, trying to carry other people to win was simply too hard. They would have to work much harder to hunt.
"Well, I don't have to worry about that, though," Lu Wan grinned and put his hand on the back of his head.
Ye Jiao smiled bitterly. "It'll be better if you can hunt by yourself, Senior Brother Lu. The mission clearly stated that you have to hunt one."
"...Let's pick the weaker one."
The two of them might still stand a chance to win a fight against rank 2 beast if they used their original weapon. However, they would have to make sure that they bypassed the surveillance first. It meant they had to travel further compared to other students to be able to stay alone.
"Young Master Lu Wan!"
The two of them saw Mu Xin came closer. After not seeing her for a few months, Lu Wan was stunned. The reason was no other than the fact that Mu Xin has reached rank 2!
Mind you, he betted with Wei Cheng that he would reach rank 2 faster. Now, he saw it for himself that someone had used lesser time than him. He clearly remembered that Mu Xin only used slightly above one year to reach rank 2 while he had been in this rank for nearly two years. This made him feel that the harsh training he had all these time was for naught.
'Damn! Now I also lose to her?'
While Lu Wan felt despair at the realization, Mu Xin had reached the two of them.
"Congratulations for breaking through, Miss Mu Xin," Ye Jiao nudged her senior brother and gave her congratulations.
Mu Xin smiled. "Thank you. I use a bit of help to reach this rank, so I doubt that I can advance faster."
There was some help that they could have to advance faster. It would make them reach the rank faster, but their strength would be slightly weaker compared to those at the same rank.
"Why?"
"My father worried that I won't be able to survive if I don't raise my rank," Mu Xin replied honestly. "Rank 2 has higher defense and that's what he wants me to achieve. However, it means that I have to make use of this hunt to stabilize my rank and strengthen my foundation."
"I wish you good luck, Miss Mu," Ye Jiao expressed her heartfelt feeling.
Mu Xin nodded. She looked at Ye Jiao with worry. "If you're not confident enough, you shouldn't come to participate in the hunt. I don't want anything to happen to you."
"Don't worry, I'll be alright, Miss Mu."
Lu Wan rolled his eyes at these two's politeness. He had heard for himself how casual they usually talked to one another that it sounded irritating. Unfortunately, it couldn't be helped as there were too many ears around them.
"Let���s get going. The long speech is over now," Lu Wan noticed that the group of students started to enter the forest after they came to the teacher at the front.
"Ok."