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Chapter 58 - Chapter 58: The Freshman Assessment! (Part 5):

With the final match of the evening concluded, the first stage of the freshman assessment officially came to an end.

Zhu Ziyang's team had achieved nine consecutive victories, making them one of the few undefeated teams and securing their place in the elimination round as the top-seeded team from Arena 12.

"Sigh, so many classmates are leaving…" Tang Ya said wistfully as they left the classroom, a trace of sorrow on her delicate face.

"Yeah… I didn't expect the academy to be so ruthless," Jiang Nannan added, her heart still heavy. She recalled the grim expression of Teacher Xia Yu and the sorrowful, painful faces of the students he had called out. The kind-hearted girl couldn't help but feel sad.

After the ranking phase, each freshman class held a meeting. Following that, ten teams—thirty students—from Class Four had to leave Shrek Academy.

Across the entire grade, a total of 100 teams—300 students—were eliminated.

"Don't dwell on it," said Zhu Ziyang, his tone calm and clear. "This isn't necessarily a bad thing for them. With their level of talent, even if they managed to stay, their lives here would be miserable. Imagine being surrounded by classmates who are all stronger than you and cultivate faster—you want to catch up, but no matter how hard you try, you can't. That kind of despair is unbearable."

Jiang Nannan and Tang Ya trembled slightly at his words. Just imagining that feeling was enough to crush one's spirit.

Especially Tang Ya—she was already starting to feel the pressure. Seeing Yu Beibei and Jiang Nannan break through to levels 27 and 28 while she remained stuck at level 22, she was beginning to understand the gap between herself and true geniuses. It was a heavy burden.

"I don't even want to talk about it," Tang Ya muttered bitterly.

Zhu Ziyang and Jiang Nannan exchanged helpless glances and shrugged.

"Xiao Ya!" Yu Beibei called out, walking over with Xu Sanshi and Xue Weiwei beside him.

"Beibei, how many students were cut from your class?" Tang Ya asked.

"Fifty-one," Xu Sanshi answered for him before Beibei could speak.

"Why is the academy so heartless?" Xue Weiwei said sadly, clearly frustrated by the harsh system.

"You'll get used to it," they could only reply.

After the ranking phase, all students were given one day of rest.

But for those advancing to the elimination round and aiming for a top finish, this "rest" day was more like a day of intense preparation.

That morning, Zhu Ziyang's team was called to the office by Teacher Xia Yu.

"Brother Yu, we're here," Zhu Ziyang said as he casually knocked and entered. Xia Yu was the only one inside.

"Great! Come in," Xia Yu greeted them warmly with a smile.

"Brother Yu, what's up? Are we getting a reward?" Tang Ya asked playfully, grinning.

"Hahaha!" Xia Yu burst out laughing. "You wish!"

"Well, if it's not a reward, what's it about?" she asked, still cheerful. She hadn't expected anything serious anyway.

"It's about tomorrow's elimination round," Xia Yu said, his tone turning serious.

"Ohh, I see." The three immediately composed themselves.

"You three are our class's best chance at winning," Xia Yu said, scanning each of them before focusing on Zhu Ziyang. "If you have the ability, go win the championship! This might be the only freshman assessment of your life—don't leave any regrets!"

"Don't worry, Brother Yu. Our goal has always been the championship," Zhu Ziyang replied firmly on behalf of the team.

"Good. That's what I wanted to hear." Xia Yu looked very satisfied. His stern expression relaxed into a smile again. "Xiao Ya, didn't you ask about a reward? I don't have one, but the academy has prepared incredible rewards for the champions of this assessment!"

"Really?! What kind of rewards?" Tang Ya and Jiang Nannan lit up, eyes wide with excitement. Jiang Nannan asked eagerly.

"I don't know the details," Xia Yu admitted, "but I can guarantee this: it's the most generous reward in the last fifty years! I heard that Dean Yan personally selected the prizes from the inner court's treasury!"

As he mentioned Dean Yan Shaozhe and the inner court, a look of awe and reverence appeared on Xia Yu's face.

Tang Ya and Jiang Nannan grew even more excited. Meanwhile, Zhu Ziyang's expression remained calm, though his eyelids twitched slightly.

"Brother Yu, is that all you called us in for?" Zhu Ziyang asked, shaking the two girls gently back to reality.

"Not quite." Xia Yu smiled and handed him a document. "This is information on the top 64 teams from the other classes. Study it when you have time. I believe in your strength, but it's always good to be prepared."

"Got it. Thanks, Brother Yu," Zhu Ziyang said as he accepted the file.

"Alright then, I won't take up any more of your time. Go on now," Xia Yu said.

"Goodbye, Brother Yu!" the three said as they left the office.

Outside, near Sea God Lake, they found a quiet place to sit.

"Zhu Ziyang, let me see the team list," Tang Ya said.

"There's not much to see," Zhu Ziyang replied, though he still handed over the document. "Besides Yu Beibei's team, none of them pose a real threat."

"What martial soul does that girl in Beibei's team have? I didn't see her fight last time," Jiang Nannan asked.

"Xue Weiwei, martial soul: Golden Crystal Mystic Deer, level 25 control-type Grandmaster," Tang Ya read aloud.

"Golden Crystal Mystic Deer? What kind of martial soul is that?" Jiang Nannan asked Zhu Ziyang, puzzled.

"It's very rare," he answered. "Apparently, it applies debuffs to enemies—negative status effects. We need to be careful. I don't know her exact soul skills, but if we face them, Nannan, you and Tang Ya should prioritize taking her out."

"Understood," Jiang Nannan nodded.

"So, what now? Practice?" Tang Ya asked, handing the document back.

"No. We rest," Zhu Ziyang said firmly.

"Huh?" Jiang Nannan and Tang Ya were both surprised.

Zhu Ziyang smiled at their confusion. "We've spent three days in intense battles. You need to balance stress and recovery. Rest today—tomorrow will be even more intense. We need to stay in top condition."

"Okay, fine," Tang Ya relented. "Then I'm heading back to the dorm to sleep. I haven't slept well these past few days!"

"What? You slept like a log last night—you were snoring!" Jiang Nannan teased.

"Ah! Jiang Nannan, how could you say that?!" Tang Ya shrieked and lunged at her.

Jiang Nannan dodged easily, laughing, and the two girls ran off playfully toward the dorms—bickering the whole way. Zhu Ziyang followed behind, smiling warmly.

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