257: Chapter 257 The Second Round of the Competition Begins

"In the first round, Holy Light Monastery currently holds a slight lead. Next, I will announce the rules for the second round."

On the platform woven from World Tree branches, the Elf Clan Grand Sage emotionlessly waved his staff.

The Golden List, marked with scores in the void, immediately dissipated, transforming into a three-dimensional star map.

Lines of text appeared beside it as he narrated:

"The three participating teams will be randomly teleported to a certain location on the planet..."

"No external items may be used..."

"Each person can only rely on the knowledge they possess to gather resources on the planet, craft weapons and armies, and defeat opponents..."

"For every non-allied examinee killed, ten points are awarded..."

"In addition, there are some special monsters and natives on the planet. Defeating them can yield rare resource points, some treasures, and even score rewards..."

"When the number of surviving examinees is less than or equal to 10, those still alive will receive an additional 1 point per month, up to a maximum of 30 points."

"..."

"That's the basic situation. In ten minutes, you will enter this modified planet via true virtual projection."

After narrating the complete rules, the Elf Clan Grand Sage paused his staff again.

Immediately, branches spread, carrying thirty virtual hibernation pods down.

Zhang Huaiyuan glanced at them curiously.

He saw a clear logo engraved on the bottom right corner of the hibernation pods: Produced by Origin Star Sea True World Game Modification Company.

While resting on the 41st floor of the Tower of Knowledge previously, he had read some detailed explanations about the major forces in the Origin Star Sea.

Besides the Elf Race and the Zerg at the top, there were many powerful merchant associations and empires.

This "True World Game Modification Company" was one of them, primarily serving those powerful figures who had lived for long ages and lost interest in most affairs.

They would customize a real existing world into the world their clients desired, according to the clients' requirements.

For example, "Return of the Dragon King," or "The Son-in-Law Playing the Pig to Eat the Tiger," etc.

Their advantage was that they wouldn't directly brainwash the native creatures of that world into puppets. Instead, they would subtly influence them through gentle means, creating various 'coincidences' to ensure the client's experience.

Most of these powerful figures would seal their memories and re-experience a customized, cheat-enabled journey from scratch to rediscover their long-buried emotions.

It is said that many natives were brought to higher-dimensional worlds after the powerful figures recovered their memories, their fortunes rising dramatically.

"It seems this competition will also take place in a real world then."

Zhang Huaiyuan mused thoughtfully.

"The random teleportation mode isn't very friendly to us."

A student from Time Book House frowned slightly and said:

"If we can't bring any items, our initial combat power is almost zero. Many in Leviathan Laboratory and Holy Light Monastery also cultivate cultivation-side things, so it would be very disadvantageous for us if we encounter them at the start."

"The probability of such a coincidence is less than 0.023%, which is almost impossible from a scientific perspective."

Talix looked at the planet's parameters and instantly calculated the answer in his mind.

"We're about to enter the assessment, so we must quickly determine a feasible strategy: whether to choose to kill opponents to seize points, or to prioritize survival and try to be among the last ten survivors..."

Saying that, he paused and looked at the thoughtful Zhang Huaiyuan, asking, "Junior Brother Zhang, what do you think?"

The others also turned their gazes towards him upon hearing this.

Evidently, after the first round of competition, Zhang Huaiyuan, whose results were far ahead, had subtly become the core of the team from a marginal figure.

"I think we should primarily avoid combat."

Zhang Huaiyuan did not decline and, after a brief thought, said:

"With our abilities, as long as we can get through the most difficult initial period, construct mechanical fortresses and mechanized troops, and then push for urbanization, the situation will only increasingly favor us..."

"Junior Brother is right."

Seventh Princess Fang Qingran was the first to respond, her eyes showing an undisguised admiration for Zhang Huaiyuan.

Ever since she personally witnessed him solve a problem that had plagued her for over ten years in less than a day, she no longer had any doubts about his talent.

"I also think so."

Talix nodded upon hearing this, adding:

"Furthermore, under the premise of guaranteed safety, we can prioritize developing communication radios to establish contact and assist each other as much as possible..."

"Our focuses are different; if we can unite quickly, it will greatly accelerate the industrialization process..."

As the original top student of the academy, although Talix had lost in the previous round, he was still a Scholar with real talent and quickly supplemented many details one by one.

Then, he raised his head, his gaze sweeping over everyone, and said in a deep voice:

"Let's all work hard! Just a few points short, everything for the honor of the academy!"

"Everything for the academy! Go!"

The others also responded with solemn expressions.

"Time's up. All examinees, please proceed to the virtual hibernation pods for the second round of assessment."

At this moment, on the high platform, the calm voice of the Elf Clan Grand Sage sounded again.

The thirty hibernation pods, divided into three formations, slowly opened.

"Let's go, depart."

Everyone exchanged glances and walked towards their respective faction's hibernation pods.

Zhang Huaiyuan's peripheral vision swept over the other two academies.

He saw that Holy Light Monastery still maintained its original formation, with a group of missionaries surrounding the woman, their expressions gentle and calm, seemingly unaffected by any pressure.

However, the people from Leviathan Laboratory were somewhat different.

Perhaps influenced by Zerg technology, most of them had undergone extensive biological modifications. Through their exposed skin, fine scale-like substances and sharp claws like those of Insect Beasts were clearly visible.

Just looking at them made them seem formidable.

Zhang Huaiyuan couldn't help but recall Emperor Luo from the initial world.

The Insect Beast he had transformed into back then came from the Zerg of the Origin Star Sea, allowing him, who had just stepped into level 2 rules, to instantly kill two Xuanjian Sect elders.

"I wonder how powerful the true Zerg are."

Zhang Huaiyuan's vigilance deepened involuntarily.

"Junior Brother Zhang."

Just as he reached the hibernation pod and was about to enter, a soft call came.

"What is it, Senior Brother... Hmm, what are you doing?!"

Zhang Huaiyuan raised an eyebrow, turned his head, and saw a hint of determination flash in Talix's eyes before he suddenly bowed deeply.

"Junior Brother, please forgive any previous disrespect. I know your knowledge far surpasses mine, and I am willing to fully cooperate with you to bring the honor of first place back to the academy!"

"Senior Brother, you overstate things."

Hearing this, Zhang Huaiyuan's expression also became serious, and he nodded heavily, saying:

"I will do my utmost."

"That's good."

Talix seemed to let out a sigh of relief and turned to lie down in the hibernation pod.

And the Grand Sage on the high platform watched all the hibernation pods slowly close, announcing faintly:

"The second round of the competition officially begins."

...