Chapter 134: Becoming the Captain

Xu Han smiled and took the milk. "Thanks, Miss Lost-in-Space."

Hua Piaowu’s face flushed with anger, and she glared fiercely at Xu Han. If looks could kill, Xu Han would have died a thousand times over by now.

"Haha, good morning, little ones."

An elderly figure approached from a distance with a light, brisk gait, laughing heartily. It was Ye Yuanzheng.

"Good morning, Principal," everyone greeted in succession.

Ye Yuanzheng scanned the group and nodded slightly. "Excellent, everyone is here."

"Let’s start by getting to know each other. For the time being, you are all teammates. You must understand and trust one another to stand any chance of standing out among the elites from other nations. Piaowu, you start."

Hua Piaowu nodded obediently and began her self-introduction. "My name is Hua Piaowu. I’m a freshman, a level 21 Spirit Puppeteer, and I specialize in combat using spirit puppets."

Following her, the others introduced themselves one by one.

"Zhu Junjie, sophomore, level 59 Burst Mage," Zhu Junjie said coldly.

Xu Han looked him up and down. This guy didn't seem like a fire mage at all; he looked more like an ice mage.

Jiang Yuchen also spoke up. "I’m Jiang Yuchen, sophomore, Assassin, level 59."

Xu Han examined the two of them with some surprise. Both were at level 59, just a step away from the third tier. It was no wonder Ye Yuanzheng had chosen them. Furthermore, their professions complemented each other perfectly. Hua Piaowu’s spirit puppets could serve as a frontline to absorb damage or deal output, regardless of her own physical strength. Zhu Junjie was a high-output backline mage, while Jiang Yuchen handled assassinations—either cutting through the enemy’s backline or protecting their own.

As for Su Li, although her level wasn't high, her profession was exceptional: an S-class Holy Priest, primarily responsible for support and healing—an indispensable role in any team.

Ye Yuanzheng nodded. "Next, there is a very important matter: choosing a captain. Since this is a squad, you cannot fight as five individuals; someone needs to lead. Who is willing?"

Everyone looked at each other, but no one spoke. Xu Han couldn't be bothered to be a captain; it was thankless work. Seeing the silence, Ye Yuanzheng frowned. "It seems none of you little ones want the job."

"Then I shall appoint one." He pointed directly at Xu Han. "You be the captain."

Xu Han curled his lip, about to refuse, when he heard Ye Yuanzheng continue: "Being captain comes with an extra three hundred academic credits, as well as priority selection rights for equipment found in secret realm ruins."

Xu Han’s eyes lit up. That was a great perk. With those three hundred credits, his total would reach nine hundred—one step closer to redeeming the Dark Moon Body. Plus, the priority on equipment made the captaincy very attractive. He nodded, accepting the position.

An indignant voice rang out: "Why?"

Everyone turned to look. Zhu Junjie stood there, frowning with dissatisfaction. "He’s just a freshman, not even at the second tier yet. With that level of strength, he dares to be captain? Aren't you afraid of being the laughingstock of other countries?"

Ye Yuanzheng showed no surprise. He looked at Zhu Junjie with a smile. "Then how do you suggest we choose?"

Zhu Junjie stared at Xu Han and said coldly, "A spar! If he can beat me, I have nothing more to say. But if he loses, he isn't fit to be captain!"

Ye Yuanzheng didn't object and looked at Xu Han. "What do you think?"

Xu Han’s mouth twitched. He had already guessed Ye Yuanzheng’s motive: to test his true strength. He didn't intend to refuse. Since he had just become captain, he needed to earn the group's respect; otherwise, any disagreement inside a dangerous ruin could be fatal. A match against Zhu Junjie was the perfect opportunity to show his strength to the two sophomores.

He nodded. "Shall we go to the arena?"

Ye Yuanzheng shook his head with a smile. "No need, too much trouble." The training arena was at least a twenty-minute walk away. He waved his hand, and a dark purple barrier instantly enveloped the area. "Fight in here; unless you are above the seventh tier, this won't cause any disturbance to the outside. Give it your all, and I’ll act as the referee."

Xu Han nodded and cupped his hands toward Zhu Junjie. "Senior, please enlighten me."

Zhu Junjie snorted and pulled a staff from his spatial ring. A fist-sized, fiery-red gemstone was embedded at the top, radiating intense heat. The temperature in the training area rose rapidly.

Before long, everyone nearby was sweating profusely. Su Li said worriedly, "The temperature of Senior Zhu’s flames is so high! Can Xu Han handle that?"

Hua Piaowu waved her hand. "Don't worry, don't worry about that jerk Xu Han! It’ll be good for him to make a fool of himself so he isn't so arrogant! Hmph!"

Ye Yuanzheng watched Zhu Junjie and nodded slightly. He could tell at a glance that the staff in Zhu Junjie’s hand was epic-grade, which explained the terrifying heat. "It looks like this kid Xu Han has met his match."

Zhu Junjie lifted his head and gestured to Xu Han. "You go first."

Xu Han nodded and raised his hand. "Blade of Gales!"

Fifteen sharp wind blades appeared around him. He didn't summon his Spirit Beast; it was just a spar, so there was no need. If Zhu Junjie knew what Xu Han was thinking, he would likely cough up blood in frustration. To be looked down upon! He was someone expected to join the university’s elite team while still a sophomore—one of the best of his year! Even seniors in their third and fourth years treated him with respect. How dare he be underestimated!

Facing the incoming blades, Zhu Junjie raised his hand. "Burst Fireball!"

A searing fireball quickly gathered before him and roared forward, colliding head-on with the wind blades.

*Boom!*

A violent explosion echoed through the space. The wind blades were completely swallowed, and sparks flew toward Xu Han. Xu Han took two steps back, easily dodging the flying embers. He was slightly surprised; the power of this Burst Fireball was significantly stronger than his own. It wasn't just a difference in mental power, but also in proficiency and understanding of the spell.

Senior Zhu Junjie was indeed impressive. However, Xu Han was determined to keep the captaincy. Since magic wouldn't suffice, he would try melee. After all, for a mage, there was nothing more terrifying than an assassin. He drew the Ice-Blue Edge and, utilizing the Shadow Flash, charged instantly toward Zhu Junjie.