บท 13: Chapter 10: Targeted by the Pupil God_1
Various chaotic noises broke her reverie, and Dita noted everyone's reactions. She knew that life wasn't going to be easy for Feynman in the coming days.
Zhuang Zhou, a Tianjing Mecha battler, licked his lips, his face revealing a mix of self-satisfaction and smugness, with a hint of mischief. He knew some serious drama was about to unfold. The Puppet Master was stepping out of his circle.
Seeing Puppet's profile dim, indicating his disconnection, he quickly returned to the forum. In that brief moment, his post had skyrocketed in popularity. By now, everyone should know who the adversary was.
"Puppet Master kills Feynman with three strikes, a shocking beheading!"
"See, the Moon people aren't that astonishing, damn it, our real top-tier combatants haven't even stepped out yet!"
"Who said the virtual world could not produce a master? Here comes the Puppet teaching you a lesson!"
"Need a clarification: is a beheading really that easy? I've played more than 6000 rounds, and haven't succeed even once…"
…...
The incident was the talk of the entire virtual world, overshadowing all the exceptional hosts. As everyone knew, the virtual world was full of gimmicks, which were entertaining but lacked substance. Especially when it came to battles against other federations, there were wins and losses daily, and yet, they amounted to nothing.
In the decisive real world, USE players were very cautious. Even the arenas were off-limits to spectators because a loss could utterly humiliate them. The pressure of reality was immense, and even some famous players had their identities revealed on the net. Most were military college students, and the pressure was enormous, especially since their familiar mechas and battle styles could be studied and exploited by enemies.
Puppet's battle was the most satisfying victory since the conclusion of the Solar System Championship. He had defeated a renowned player from the NUP, and had done so magnificently, venting a whole lot of frustration.
A single battle typically wouldn't mean much, but against this backdrop, it sparked an unstoppable wildfire.
Feeling helpless, Li Hao had just begun when he was hit with continuous calls. First, it was Musashi, then Class leader, followed by a wave from Zuo Xiaotang, and others who joined in the fun. The class leader wanted the team to assemble for a meeting on the team's inception.
Zhou Naiyi and Ye Tong were rather influential. Principal Long was also a very decisive person. Zhou Naiyi had already secured an exclusive training field for team practice.
When Li Hao arrived, everyone else was already there - Zhou Naiyi, Ye Tong, Musashi. Surprisingly, Zuo Xiaotang was also present, along with Tang Yu and Xue Gang. Considering that Xue Gang was also in the Sixteenth class and Tang Yu was an expert from the Eighteenth class, it looked like Zhou Naiyi was building a team with these year mates as the base.
In the middle of the training field was a fighting ring where Zhou Naiyi and Musashi were sparring. Musashi was an earnest person who took every fight seriously regardless of gender. The Wu Family he came from was a martial arts family, and he'd been receiving training from a young age - his foundation was rock solid.
Watching Zhou Naiyi and Musashi battling it out, neither was conceding defeat. True, Musashi had the better basic skills, but Zhou Naiyi's agility and perceptiveness were genuinely formidable – qualities inherent in female golden gene carriers, being wise and cool-headed. In this era's mecha battles, tactics took precedence over capabilities.
Of course, it was just a spar, and both parties were just testing each other's skills, not fighting for victory. After a few rounds of exchanged strikes and kicks, they pulled apart.
Musashi remained cool and composed, with Zhou Naiyi breathing slightly heavier but still within her control. She chose to engage on his strongest front, showcasing her magnanimity and winning his respect. She definitely had the qualifications to be team captain.
"Did you come to the wrong place, Li Hao? This is our private training," Xue Gang said carelessly, making no attempt to hide his disdain for Li Hao.
Zhou Naiyi smiled. "Xue Gang, Li Hao is also our team member and was appointed by the Principal personally. He is a former member of the Heavenly Revelation Elite Class."
This introduction was the most impactful. Moreover, Li Hao didn't have much else to his credit, but this introduction should hopefully reduce the resentment he'd face from his teammates.
Li Hao couldn't help but touch his nose. "Class Leader, please stop advertising it, I feel like an exhibit in a zoo."
Xue Gang was taken aback and said speechlessly, "So you are that idiot who lost to Shang Zhongyong. Captain, this really isn't playing fair. Given his level, he probably wishes he could forget that incident in a few lifetimes. If you make a big deal about it, he could become a stepping stone for those who are desperate for fame. If that happens, Li Hao will be in trouble."
Xue Gang, the big foold, couldn't resist mocking him. The Heavenly Revelation Elite Class was indeed prestigious, but not everyone who came out of there was a winner. There were plenty of mediocrities. The prestige could sometimes be an enormous burden.
"Let's see who the mule is, and who the horse is. Li Hao, it's your turn to go up." Wearing a form-fitting suit that accentuated her figure, Zhou Naiyi beckoned at Li Hao.
"Class President... I want to be a human."
"Hao, get on with it. Everyone has to fight once, and we've all done it." Zuo Xiaotang reluctantly said. His left eye was a bit darkened. The poor child wore a face full of grievances. He didn't know why he was chosen. The problem was, why did a sniper have to get in a brawl?
Upon learning that Li Hao was once a member of the Apocalypse Youth Class, Zhou Naiyi felt the urge to make a move, even though he was a has-been. She examined Li Hao eagerly, feeling truly curious of late. The principal was strange, and so was Ye Tong. Was this all because of the reputation of the youth class?
Li Hao knew he couldn't escape. This was obviously Zhou Naiyi's bid to confirm his position as team leader. Wanting to be the leader, wanting to unite the team, couldn't just be achieved by the principal's decree. They needed to win over their teammates, both in mind and word.
Li Hao climbed onto the fighting platform, "Class President, why don't you rest for a while?"
Zhou Naiyi gave a slight smile, "No need, let's start."
Li Hao nodded, then just stood there. The atmosphere was a bit tense. Zhou Naiyi was annoyed when she saw Hao, who seemed completely unguarded and indifferent.
With a sudden step forward, she lunged at Li Hao and kicked out. Li Hao evaded, quickly moved to the other side of the field. Agility is a trait of girls; with just one turn and a stride, she managed to land a kick on Li Hao. Li Hao's body was thrown back, and Zhou Naiyi followed up immediately with a sweeping kick. Li Hao quickly dodged. Zhou Naiyi flipped and delivered an angled kick, which Li Hao again avoided, moving to the other side.
Zhou Naiyi did a flip and stood up, ready to go again, but suddenly the atmosphere got intense.
Li Hao pointed at Zhou Naiyi, "Class President, well, it's open."
The thread under the left armpit of Zhou Naiyi's uniform popped, revealing a bit of white skin. Several boys around them looked on enviously. Zhou Naiyi blushed, "I'll change my clothes. Musashi, spar with Li Hao. It seems our classmate Li Hao is quite capable."
Musashi knew the ropes. Although throughout the sparring match with Zhou Naiyi, Li Hao had been dodging, he coped well under pressure, hinting at his strong hand-to-hand combat skills. If he didn't gauge distance well, he could be easily KO'd.
"Alright, Captain. Hao, let's spar." Without further ado, Musashi rushed toward him.
While Zhou Naiyi was adept at using her legs, Musashi excelled in boxing and kicking. After a bit of testing, he realized that Li Hao's skills were quite good and started a full-scale attack.
Li Hao wanted to protest, but what was wrong with them today? Nobody was giving him a chance to speak. What about human rights? What about humanity?
Up on the stage, the two sparred fiercely. Musashi clearly dominated. Li Hao was mostly on the defensive and dodging. Before long, Zhou Naiyi came out in a fresh set of clothes and looked at Ye Tong, who was watching intently.
"Is he what you thought he would act like?"
Ye Tong, who had chatted deep into the night with Zhou Naiyi, watched Li Hao with curious eyes, "He's better than I expected. He hasn't slacked off these years."
Musashi on stage was having a good time, continuously increasing his power, but no matter how much he intensified his attacks, his opponent defended all of them.
Bam...
As a kick came out, Li Hao blocked it with both arms, then pushed out, warding off Musashi and putting some distance between them.
"Damn, Class President, what's the deal? I'm just a substitute. Has this turned into my solo performance?" Li Hao was speechless.
"Li Hao, this is where you're wrong. Hiding your abilities even when sparring with your dormitory brothers. Musashi, I don't know about your temper, but I certainly wouldn't tolerate this if I were in your place," Ye Tong suddenly said.
Musashi was startled, took a look at Li Hao, who inwardly cursed. Why was this girl always giving him a hard time?
(Actually, I'm not really good at describing girls, nor at writing romantic scenes. To compensate for this weakness, I've watched a lot of idol dramas and Korean dramas. Hopefully there has been some improvement. I appreciate any guidance from the Candy Duck God.)
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