The Eye of Truth

Ethan had seen information about the Si in the Behemoth Knowledge class. This bovine-like Behemoth could easily demolish a building with its charge. They typically wore a layer of blue-black fur, and when they charged at full speed, they resembled a moving black cloud.

After the Exploration Corps detected the presence of Behemoths, the sound of gunfire and artillery began to echo from the front of the convoy. Soon, the broadcast inside the vehicle announced another sighting.

"To the northwest, at 10 o'clock, a second Behemoth has been spotted."

"It's also a 'Si'!"

"Projecting its path, it will collide with the academy's convoy."

Hearing this, the students' faces turned pale. Ethan, however, gripped his rifle tightly.

"Stay calm," Marshal said evenly. "He Hao and his team will protect us."

Ethan looked outside. The heavy mech known as 'Black Thunder' was already striding forward. Inside the cockpit, He Hao, a rugged figure, spoke over the team channel, "Standard procedure, use the 211 formation."

"Roger that."

"Understood."

As the team members responded, two Mystic Mechs positioned themselves directly in the path of the Behemoth, each raising a thick-barreled, black rifle.

Ethan's mind immediately flashed with the corresponding information: a Behemoth-specific rifle, the Divine Might Type-3!

The rifle was 48.21 meters long, with a barrel length of 22.35 meters and a caliber of 37 centimeters. It had a magazine capacity of 30 rounds, an effective range of 1500 meters, and a muzzle velocity of 950 meters per second.

As He Hao, piloting 'Black Thunder,' and Su Jiu, controlling 'Greedy Wolf,' spread out in a slight crescent formation, 'Black Thunder' opened all its weapon systems on its arms and chest. 'Greedy Wolf's' back armor also unfolded, revealing an extending cannon.

"It's the 211 formation," Marshal commented offhandedly. "Who knows what the 211 formation is?"

Eliot adjusted his glasses and explained, "The 211 formation involves two mechs providing the main firepower while the other two offer support. The supporting mechs can move freely depending on the situation during the firepower output. That's the 211 formation."

"Very good, reward 10 credits," Marshal nodded.

A murmur of envy spread through the carriage. Answering a question could earn 10 credits? If only Teacher Wei had said so sooner!

The students could now feel the ground vibrating beneath them. Then, from a dense forest in the distance, a black cloud burst forth. It was a Behemoth resembling a water buffalo, its long, thick fur flapping as it ran.

The Si!

It had a thick, pointed horn in the middle of its forehead, spiraled with grooves that glowed with a blue-black light, like a burning demonic flame!

"Fire!" He Hao commanded from the cockpit.

The next second, all four mechs opened fire. The two Mystic Mechs responsible for the main firepower continuously fired their Divine Might Type-3 rifles. Bright flames shot from the muzzles, and bullets streaked toward the target with fiery trails. Large shells fell at the feet of the mechs, kicking up mud and stones.

Ethan knew those shells with engraved patterns were armor-piercing rounds designed for Behemoths. They were particularly effective against the thick-skinned creatures. Under the barrage of fire, the distant black cloud was sprayed with blood.

As 'Black Thunder' and 'Greedy Wolf' joined the attack, the people inside the carriage felt as if an earthquake was occurring in the gorge! The fierce artillery fire knocked down swathes of trees, and the Behemoth Si staggered under the assault.

Then, 'Greedy Wolf's' abdominal armor opened, and two guided missiles emerged with the help of mechanical arms. As flames shot from their tails, the missiles streaked through the air with piercing whistles, striking the Behemoth's front limbs. The explosions shattered the limbs, and under the force of inertia, the Si cried out and slid forward, crashing to the ground.

Seeing this, He Hao roared and charged the Behemoth with the heavy mech. As he approached, 'Black Thunder' raised its fist and struck with ferocity. The steel fist cut through the air, howling with a deep resonance, and the fist's tip flashed with a dark light. The punch landed squarely on the Si's head.

A solemn, bell-like sound echoed through the gorge as the shockwave spread, causing nearby trees to bow down. The windows of Ethan's vehicle vibrated with the impact.

As the dust settled, 'Black Thunder' turned around and pulled out the horn that had been embedded in the ground, raising it triumphantly overhead. Cheers erupted inside the carriage. To the new students, 'Black Thunder' appeared like an invincible war god.

The Exploration Corps had also defeated their target, so the convoy paused to collect organs, horns, claws, and other materials from the Behemoth. The most important of these was the Behemoth's 'core,' the essence of its being.

"You all saw what happened," Marshal took the opportunity during the rest to instruct the students. "In battle, it's standard procedure to use ranged attacks first. Ammunition can be produced again, but mechs and pilots are irreplaceable. Any damage is a significant loss."

A student raised his hand, "Teacher, was that last move by 'Black Thunder' a combat technique?"

Marshal nodded, "Correct."

"That was He Hao's combat technique, 'Double Thunder Strike.' It can deliver two impacts, with the second being even more powerful and fierce. Through the resonance system, amplified by the mech, it can kill a Behemoth with a single punch. When you go to the battlefield, you should do the same. First, use guns and artillery to deplete the Behemoth's strength, and when an opportunity arises, use combat techniques or mystic arts to decide the outcome."

The students nodded in agreement. Marshal then asked suddenly, "What is the basis for the classification of Behemoth tiers?"

Ethan immediately answered, "It's based on their abilities and threat level."

Marshal nodded and asked another question, "And what about the classification of Behemoth levels?"

This time, Serena seized the opportunity, "It's based on their size and weight. Therefore, within the same tier, one cannot blindly judge a Behemoth's strength by its level."

Marshal was pleased, "Correct, both of you performed well. Reward 10 points."

A chorus of frustrated sighs filled the carriage. The collection work continued until evening, and the convoy decided not to move forward, setting up camp nearby. After a simple dinner, Marshal gathered the students.

"Now we'll draw lots to decide the groups. Tomorrow, you'll assist the Exploration Corps in collecting herbs in small groups. Completing the task will earn you credit rewards."

Hearing about credit rewards, Ethan was pleased. But the idea of grouping didn't thrill him. He was used to going it alone. Then he remembered Eliot's words about needing to adapt to the group if he wanted to continue as a mech pilot.

Ethan thought to himself that he would start adapting with this herb collection task. Soon after, the group assignments were announced. Ethan's teammates were Wu Renfan and Cedricl. Wu Renfan was a skinny, bespectacled guy with thick lenses. He was unremarkable, and Ethan had no impression of him. Cedricl was tall and broad, with bushy eyebrows and big eyes. He had been so excited to pass the academy test that his eyes turned red, and he cheered loudly. Ethan had some impression of him but no real interaction.

Looking at the two, Ethan stated succinctly, "I'll be the team leader for tomorrow's task."

He didn't like being ordered around, so he took the initiative to make the request. If they didn't agree, they could go their separate ways.

"Fine by me," Wu Renfan said with a smile.

Cedricl nodded, "You scored the highest in the academy test, and I respect that. I have no objections to you being the team leader."

With that settled, Ethan turned to find Marshal. When he found him, the teacher was swallowing a capsule with water. After taking it, Marshal chuckled, "An old ailment from the past. What do you need?"

Ethan sat down beside him. "Teacher, if I get a 'Primordial Stone Fragment,' will my 'Gaze of Qi' mutate?"

Marshal glanced at him, "Definitely. But 'Primordial Stone Fragments' aren't something just anyone can get. They're the highest-grade materials, awarded only to those who have made significant contributions. Of course, you might have a chance in the future."

Seeing the conversation heading in the right direction, Ethan continued, "If I have the opportunity to get one, what kind of Divine Concealment could my 'Gaze of Qi' mutate into?"

Marshal casually replied, "Barrier Breaking Eye. Its abilities are barrier breaking, illusion detection, far sight, strong memory, and qi observation. After the breakthrough, it becomes the 'Eye of True Essence.'"

"Barrier Breaking Eye."

"Eye of True Essence?" Ethan was surprised. "Divine Concealment can break through?"

Marshal smiled, "Why not? If the levels and stages of Visualization Techniques can be broken through, Divine Concealment is no exception. It's just that the course hasn't reached that point, so you don't know about it yet. If you're interested in 'Divine Concealment,' I'll give you a book when you get back. You can read it yourself."

Ethan happily agreed and didn't dare to disturb Marshal further. He returned to his tent. Along the way, Ethan was filled with joy. He finally knew the name of his mutated Divine Concealment and that Divine Concealment could break through. The future seemed bright. Then he saw Wu Renfan coming out of his tent, and Ethan narrowed his eyes.