"Each school must send seven freshmen to represent them in the competition!"
"Five as main team members, and two as substitutes..."
After listening to Instructor Terry Yan's explanation, Vincent Fox finally understood what was going on.
In truth, it was a national-level freshman combat tournament.
The government used this event to assess students' growth over the past two months and to encourage them to dive deeper into the Forbidden Zones.
After explaining the competition format, Terry added, "This year's rewards are particularly generous!"
"All teams that make the top ten will gain access to a special Forbidden Zone that's not open to the public."
"And the champion team? Not only will they get access, each member will receive a large cash prize and a dose of Super Soldier Serum!!"
"The Super Soldier Serum is a rare treasure. It's said that a single dose can instantly turn an ordinary person into a powerhouse."
"Past rewards were never this good!"
Terry let out a sigh of amazement before continuing, "Our Martial Saint Academy has always ranked at the bottom, but this year is different. We have you two!!"
As he said this, his eyes burned with conviction as he looked at Vincent and Autumn Summer.
"Although neither of you started with heroic compatibility, your performance in the first two Zones has been the best among all freshmen. In terms of overall ability, you're not inferior to those so-called prodigies."
"The principal has promised: if you two can lead the team into the top ten, you'll get an additional cash reward as a bonus!"
It was clear that while Terry Yan had confidence in them, he didn't dare dream too big. After all, Martial Saint Academy didn't have much to show besides these two standout students.
Vincent's eyes flickered.
Super Soldier Serum?
Of course he knew about it. That was straight out of the Marvel universe, the stuff that made Captain America who he was.
But honestly, Vincent wasn't impressed.
With his Saitama Physique, a few days of training could bring about stat gains comparable to, or even better than, the effects of the serum.
What really interested him was the reward for breaking into the top ten.
Access to a secret Forbidden Zone that wasn't open to the public?
That had to be where the real treasures were hidden.
He and Autumn exchanged a look, both immediately understanding what the other was thinking.
"If it's for the school's honor, of course I'm willing to step up," Vincent said with a smile.
Autumn followed suit, "I think the same as Vincent."
Seeing how decisively they agreed, Terry Yan lit up with joy.
"Excellent!" He laughed heartily. "With you two in the lineup, there's no way Martial Saint Academy finishes last again!"
Vincent, however, was a bit speechless.
So this old man's real goal... was just to not finish last?
All that passionate speech earlier, just smoke and mirrors?
Then Terry continued, "Right, you'll need a few more teammates. Do either of you have any recommendations?"
Vincent waved it off. "I don't mind. I'll go with whoever the school assigns."
Not that he had much of a choice anyway.
Vincent didn't usually hang out with the noisy and energetic crowd, so naturally he didn't have any close friends at school… except for Autumn Summer.
Terry turned to Autumn. "And you? Anyone you'd recommend?"
"I do, actually," she replied with a smile. "I'd like to nominate my roommate."
Three days later.
At the academy's training field.
Terry stood in a tracksuit, his expression serious as he looked over the seven assembled freshmen.
These seven were the students selected to represent Martial Saint Academy in the freshman tournament.
"Now I'll announce the official lineup for the National Freshman Tournament. The five core team members are: Vincent Fox, Autumn Summer, Quentin Lewis, Zoe Harper, and Ben Carter. The substitutes: Darren Blake and Yana Brooks."
"You now have five minutes to choose your team captain."
Upon hearing this, the five others all turned instinctively toward Vincent and Autumn.
Everyone knew the real strength of the team lay with these two.
Naturally, the captain should be one of them.
Autumn was just about to speak when Vincent beat her to it.
"I nominate Autumn as team captain."
The captain's job was to issue commands and coordinate strategy during matches.
Vincent figured Autumn had the brains and tactical instinct for it.
As for himself? He wasn't lacking in confidence he just didn't want the hassle.
Autumn was a little stunned.
She hadn't expected Vincent to put her name forward. She had planned on nominating him instead.
But since he spoke first, she held back.
She knew Vincent never acted without a reason.
Seeing that Autumn didn't object, the others quickly chimed in.
"I vote for Autumn too!"
"Agreed!"
"Same here!"
A unanimous vote!
Terry nodded to Autumn. "As team captain, your main duty will be to analyze opponents and make the right calls during combat. Since everyone's chosen you, I hope you'll rise to the responsibility."
"I will do my best!" Autumn answered earnestly.
"Good!"
Terry swept his gaze over the team. "There's still half a month left before the tournament. I'll be teaching you team-based combat strategies during this time. Make sure you absorb everything!"
Everyone listened carefully except Vincent, who wore his usual relaxed expression.
Terry chose to ignore that and carried on.
"The competition will take place in a very safe Forbidden Zone. It's open-access, and there'll be many spectators watching. So no dirty tricks are allowed."
"Each match will be five-versus-five, fought in a special dimension called 'King's Canyon.'"
"To optimize your lineup, it's best to have a variety of roles. Vincent, with your fire talent, you'll take the middle lane and act as the main attacker. Autumn, your archery skills are top-notch you'll handle the bottom lane. Zoe Harper, you've invested all your points in durability, so you'll serve as the tank, absorbing damage..."
"Make sure you protect your base crystal. If the crystal gets destroyed, you lose."
Terry kept going, explaining tactics and formations nonstop.
Meanwhile, Vincent stood there frozen in disbelief.
King's Canyon?
Wasn't that the map from Honor of Kings…?
(To be continued...)
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