Brutal Reality

Pie Xhi, one of the Hell shadows, silently gazed at Ji Shen deeply.

He was officially assigned to watch over 10 recruits in this batch... at least till the day they left this place.

As per usual, he had been given a mix of recruits that were strong, normal or weak, just like all the other Hell Shadows under The Keeper.

At first, he thought this guy wouldn't be able to last for at most 3 days.

But now, it seemed that there was more Ji Shen than what meets the eye.

Pei Xhi couldn't help wondering if his actions in the previous examinations were a stunt or not.

Well, whatever the case, Recruit Z-360 had successfully piqued his attention.

It wasn't just Pei Xhi who looked at Ji Shen with interest.

The recruits who made fun of him earlier on couldn't believe their eyes.

What was this situation?

"F***! Didn't you say that this guy would fall after 5 minutes tops?"

"Yeah! It's been 18 minutes now.

So why is he still on his feet?"

"Heh. Relax. Have you all forgotten that he has great perseverance? At the end of this, he might even faint again."

"Dammit! If I knew, I would've gambled on him falling after 3 wounds or so. Why did I have to place a bet on him falling after running half a lap?"

"~Pui! What a weakling! How can someone like him be taken into the barracks? Wouldn't he lower the overall strength here? People will make fun of us for having the weakest recruit in history!"

"Tch! Some people think that they could keep relying on luck to be a soldier. Just let the idiot dream. This is the barracks and not his father's home. So do you think that they'll allow him to advance with just luck and perseverance?"

"Hey! People can be used as dead soldiers at the frontline or hostages."

"Hahahahaha! You're right. A worthless person like him can only be used in this way."

and not his

….

Everyone secretly sneered in disdain, grumbled, mocked and gambled on when Ji Shen would finally faint and drop like a fly.

Chong Tsay looked at him deep in thought and once again had that strange feeling.

What was this?

Ever since leaving the village, why did he always feel somewhat threatened by this bastard?

The fact that the bastard could make it this far was all due to his perseverance and nothing more.

So why should he feel threatened?

Feeling Chong Tsay's change, Teng Ghu and Ku Fan, his closest lackeys, squinted their eyes murderously at Ji Shen.

Indeed. He was truly an eyesore.

"Boss. Do you want us to make a move?"

Chong Tsay thinned his lips coldly: No... At least not now. We need to understand our situation first. Additionally, the Keeper and his men are watching. So lay low for now and don't make any moves."

"Right."

Both nodded and decided to forget about the maggot called Ji Shen.

They would have many other opportunities to deal with him.

Tsetu Zhi also thought Ji Shen was interesting, while Ren Senko and Lin Chindu secretly affirmed their suspicions that this guy was far from the image he showed many.

From the first day they met him on the way here, they had already felt that he wasn't what many thought he was.

What weak chicken?

This was clearly a wolf pretending to be a sheep!

"Bro, why do I feel like you hide too deeply?"

"Hmhm. Brother Shen, are you sure you aren't the strongest in our batch?"

Seeing their strange gazes only smiled back mysteriously: "I never personally said I was weak, yes?"

The duo chuckled and dropped the matter.

This guy had his own plans and secrets. So everything must be for a reason.

They said he was weak.

But since running, this guy's breathing has been steady and controlled.

At this point, they dared not believe the rumours.

Of course, Ji Shen's change was all due to the bonus attribute points from his novice pack.

He divided it up to his various attributes, boosting his overall performance.

But, he was still very far off from being a super-soldier.

.

Time passed swiftly, and before they knew it, the entire batch had barely finished the run, with some dropping and crawling on the ground after 4 laps.

Their breathing became heavy as they smiled bitterly while drenched in sweat.

The ridiculous thing was the person they looked down on the most was able to complete the run before them.

Everyone looked at Ji Shen, who was quietly seated on the ground unwillingly.

Why?

The feelings of envy from them on Ji Shen's perseverance, coupled with the feelings of satisfaction, caused Ji Shen's ears to ring.

~Ding.

[Congratulations, host. Your Army Reputation has gone up from -180,000 points to -153,000 points.

You are now on the path to becoming a Super Soldier!]

Ji Shen calmly nodded after getting the system's notification.

At least his reputation was improving.

To get to the top and take on well-respected and dangerous tasks, he needed an impeccable reputation.

So how negative figures will all have to go!

'System, why don't I have any missions yet?'

[Because the host hasn't triggered one yet.

Host, you haven't even gotten approval to enter the massive ring-shaped building before you.

So what mission do you wish to have?

Unless you have been accepted by The Keeper and taken in, this system will remain silent.]

'_'

Okay?...

Ji Shen rubbed his nose embarrassedly.

The system was, of course, right.

Not only has he not entered the building, but he didn't even have a name tag or any other military items that were typically given out to recruits.

What about the uniform?

Everything depends on the Keeper.

.

"Line Up now!"

The loud commanding voice instantly caused everyone to stand up hastily in straight lines.

The Keeper placed his hands behind his back with an expressionless face as usual.

"I'll make this quick.

You all were given tasks to complete. But some of you failed, while others succeeded.

Let's start with the good news.

Those who completed 5 laps under the time limit will be taken inside.

But as for something in, that will depend on your capabilities.

As for those of you who failed, you will stay out here and sleep outside for as long as I say so.

The valleys, hills and streams have creatures and fish in them.

Whether you live or die out here has nothing to do with me."

What?

(°0°)

Everyone who failed opened their eyes in disbelief.

Some of them had completed 4 laps while others only ran 3 laps.

So how was it fair to group and sanction them all together?

And what did this guy mean by talking about death?

Could there be dangerous wild beasts out here?

For the first time, many took this place more seriously.

Would they be able to survive a single night? Or would they end up perishing instead?

Some had already made up their minds to hunt fast and rush back here to camp later on.

The area around the buildings should be safe, right?

The Keeper couldn't be bothered with their emotions.

"Tomorrow, this same time on the dot, all those who failed, to line up here for another task.

Don't think it will be the same as this one.

The more you fail, the harder it will be.

And after a certain number of tests, if you still can't get in, then too bad! Your time is up!

Now, get out of my sight!"

"_"