Seeing the beach houses, Wuxing wasn't that surprised, thinking it was quite a valid method of motivation for the candidates. Who wouldn't want to rest in a fancy house instead of a smelly barracks where everyone wants to kill you.
"Will there be gender separation in the tents?" Dongmei asked curiously, knowing this could lead to many issues.
Ash pursed her lips and shook her head, "As much as I hate to admit it, there won't be any. Everyone is equal in the camp. Women won't have any advantage and will be treated exactly like men. All tests will be graded equally too."
"Isn't that unfair…?" Scarlet pointed out. "Men are much stronger than women…"
Ash didn't reply to this question as Wuxing explained instead, "Scarlet, in this occupation, there is no man and woman. Either you are strong or not. Your target or enemy will not go easy on you just because you are a woman. This is normal in this business."
He patted her head and then took opportunity to receive more information, "Can multiple people live in one beach house?"
"Good question," Ash commented with a smile and nodded, "Yes, that's right. Top ten has the right to bring an additional person into their beach house."
"Only one?" Wuxing frowned, secretly hoping two people would be allowed. He was confident he would place in the top ten while abusing his experience and ability but it was different for the girls.
Dongmei had the chance but it was still difficult to overcome the biology. Although she had the help of her Spirit, it wasn't an ability that improved her physical strength.
Just as he thought about it, Dongmei grasped his hand and assured him, "Don't worry about me. I can fight for my own beach house."
Devil Face also commented right after her, 'Don't underestimate evolvers. Her body is much stronger compared to an average man. She has the chance to rank well.'
"Alright," Wuxing accepted her confidence but at the back of his mind, he still worried about her. He would rather swap his place with the girls and let them sleep in the house while taking the spot in the barracks instead of letting them suffer.
Ash watched the cute scene from the side and replied after they were done, "We decided to allow only one person as we try to limit illegal situations. We are aware that many female participants will try to buy their way into top ten houses while using their bodies as payment but we can't stop that from happening."
"Won't women suffer even more in the barracks?" Dongmei argued calmly. "They could be easily abused at night without proper supervision."
Ash only smiled and assured her, "That won't happen often. We will announce the rules later when the preselection ends. I will lead you to the gathering plaza where every participant waits right now."
"Sure," Wuxing agreed for the rest and ask while they continued walking, "You said we already belong to top ten. What's the ranking?"
"Both you and Dongmei are at the top, occupying first and second place. Naturally, this ranking can change by the evening after the first series of tests will be held," Ash explained patiently, watching him curiously.
Wuxing knew what she was thinking. It was obvious that anyone on the initial ranking list must have deep connections in Seven Stars headquarters or are simply insanely good.
As they ventured deeper in the camp, they noticed more workers walking around. It was the first day of the selections so everyone was busy. Some were setting up the last tents while the other transported goods across the base.
When they reached the middle of the camp, they turned into barracks area and saw hundreds of people sitting by the tables in the middle of a spacious grass plaza. The vast majority were men and only a small amount were women. It was to be expected, knowing the dangers in this business.
Some participants were wrapped in bandages but no one was heavily injured, signalling most passed the pre-selection without much effort. Only now the real selection would start, involving the best of the best.
Wuxing looked around the place in search for Katherine and Anna but they were nowhere to be found. He guessed they were helping with organization so he didn't worry too much.
'Pass the message to Sandra that we arrived safely,' Wuxing ordered in his mind as they were led by ash towards a podium in the plaza.
'Sure, you don't have to ask twice!' Devil Face quickly replied and he disappeared happily.
As they approached, they could see fifteen tables on the platform for everyone to see. Aside from the tables there was also a grill with a personal cook, a bar with drinks and snacks together with a waiter to handle all tables.
Wuxing couldn't help but comment to Ash, "Isn't it too much?"
He was expecting the top ten to receive better food but giving them all-inclusive service would make everyone hate them. Now it felt more like a vacation instead of selection.
"Haha," Ash laughed at that question and explained, "It was supposed to be the corner for all instructors and staff but we decided to add top ten into it. The better reward the better motivation."
The tables were spacious enough to fit a few people so he expected them to sit with other instructors as they eat. He didn't need long to figure the real reward Ash was talking about.
Connections.
Getting to know any instructors would be a great help later on after joining Seven Stars. All of them were active mercenaries which could head start careers if they wanted.
Just as Wuxing thought, the price for such luxuries was naturally hate. As they walked in between of the normal participants, they received many stares which didn't belong to pleasant. One of the officials was showing them around and direction which they were heading was naturally the platform. It was obvious they belonged to top ten.
Scarlet suddenly walked forward and hugged onto his arm, looking scared but he understood it. There were hundreds of scary men around staring at her.
"Don't mind them. They can't do anything to you," Wuxing assured her and glared back at the nearby table of men. They didn't mind that and only smiled wickedly. Unfortunately for them, Ash heard Wuxing and checked the situation.
The moment she saw men glaring, she pulled out her gun from under her uniform and aimed at one of the guys while cursing, "Who do you think you glare at?! Do you want to swim with sharks?!"
From a gentle lady, she turned into a killer in the matter of seconds. Four from five men averted their gazes immediately but one was late, his gaze still lingering in Ash's direction.
She quickly approached him and sent him a kick straight at his chest, sending him flying out of the wooden bench.
"Who else wants to glare at me?! It has been a while since I shot my gun! I need some practice!" Ash shouted to the rest of the people but no one dared to look anymore.
"Humpf!" She grunted for the last time before returning to the guy who was on the ground, clutching his chest in pain. "You are lucky you didn't defend else your next days would be pain!"
Hiding the gun, she returned to Wuxing's group, reverting back to her cheerful attitude. "They won't glare at us now," she commented casually.