Chapter 777
Chapter 777
After showing Aria and Owen around the base, Tessa arranged for someone to take them to their dorm and said, “See you at the cafeteria later”
“See you later, Ms. Langford,” Aria and Owen replied in unison.
As soon as Tessa left, more eyes turned to Aria and Owen.
Owen looked at the guide and asked, “Could you take us to our dorm first?”
“Sure, this way,” the guide said.
Two hours later, Cathy texted Aria: [The Skills Evaluation is tomorrow. Want to grab dinner together and get to know each other a bit?]
Aria replied: [Sure.]
Cathy texted: [Do you know where it is? Need me to come pick you guys up?]
Aria replied: [No worries, I know the place.]
The State Security Bureau’s cafeteria was spacious and bright, serving everything from Huthailian–style stir–fries to steaks, plus desserts, fruit, and drinks.
Tessa was walking and chatting with a few of the veteran members. When she spotted Aria and Owen, she smiled and said, “Look, they’re here.”
One leader gave Aria a once–over and whispered to Tessa, “Is this the girl you brought in as a special recruit? She’s good–looking, but that could be a disadvantage out in the field.”
He thought, ‘At the State Security Bureau, being attractive could sometimes be a burden–it makes one an easy target. Plus, this girl has a cold, sharp look in her eyes. She is not someone you’d want to mess with.
‘The instructors especially love putting tough types like her in their place.
Tessa smiled and said calmly, “In the face of absolute strength, none of that matters.”
Another veteran said, “This is the first time in years Tessa’s bent the rules for a special recruit. The girl must be something else. Let’s just wait and see how she performs in the competition. Come on, let’s go meet our backers.”
Aria spotted Cathy’s team and said to Owen, “I’m going to join Cathy.”
“Okay,” Owen replied. Then he walked over to Tessa and the others.
The leader warmly extended his hand to Owen and said, “Mr. Shaw, thank you for your support of the State Security Bureau. Your investment has been a huge help in advancing our research projects.”
The State Security Bureau didn’t just accept any investment–they cared about the background and character of their backers.
Owen shook his hand and said, “It’s my pleasure. I’m honored to contribute.”
Meanwhile, Cathy had saved a seat for Aria. She said, “Come sit here, let’s eat together.”
Aria thanked her and sat down. She then introduced herself, “Hey everyone, I’m Aria. Nice to meet you all.”
A short–haired girl spoke up first, “I’m Emily, I handle recon.”
A blonde, blue–eyed foreign girl next to Emily extended her hand and said, “Hi, I’m Caroline. Like you, I’m a fighter.”
Next was the girl with glasses. She said, “I’m Jocelyn, the tech expert.”
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Chapter 777
“I’m Liz, also a tech expert,” said the next girl.
The last girl, with a ponytail, smiled and said, “I’m Allison, the intelligence officer.”
After everyone finished introducing themselves, Cathy started explaining the competition rules. She said, “The Skills Evaluation will take place in a forbidden zone deep in the no man’s land. The State Security Bureau has set up all kinds of challenges there.
“The competition will start with an elimination round, and no guns or explosives are allowed.
“All contestants have to wear a necklace with an elimination button–if you take down an opponent and press their button, they will be instantly knocked out of the game.
“At the beginning, everyone needs to scavenge for resources–food, weapons, medical kits, tents, maps, and more. These supplies will be dropped at random locations, and anyone can fight to claim them.
“The no man’s land is full of natural hazards like swamps and cliffs, and on top of that, the State Security Bureau has set up extra traps, ambush spots, and patrol guards.
“If you got spotted by a patrol, they’d open fire right away. If you were injured and couldn’t go on, you could choose to forfeit.
“To get your hands on resources, you have to clear checkpoints–each one specially designed to test your strengths. There are thirteen teams in the game, but only eight supply stations are up for grabs.
“Each team has to claim a supply station–if you don’t lock one down within 48 hours, your whole team is out. So after two days, at most eight teams will move on to the team round.
“In the team round, we have to gather encrypted intel, crack the clues, and track down the final boss’s coordinates.
“Once the team gets the target, everyone has to take on their trial–each challenge is tailored to your specialty, pushing you to your limits.
“The team and individual scores are connected–the entire team has to survive if you want a shot at the final boss. The whole competition has to wrap up
in fourteen days–if you run out of time, you’re out.
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