Chapter 279 - 279 260 Choices

Words : 999 Updated : Oct 9th, 2025

279: Chapter 260: Choices 279: Chapter 260: Choices Perhaps many have forgotten that Lu Ping’an is not only a university student, but also a freshman whose school term has yet to start. Technically, his admission into Special Service Team Three was early, as part of a summer internship in the form of an advanced student (freshman). The internship was supposed to last two weeks…these two weeks, filled with so many events, had long passed. “What? We have to report back? There might even be a meeting? Why me alone? Why aren’t Xue En and Hua senior sister required to?” When he got the notification, Lu Ping’an from Special Service Team Three was a bit stunned, but the unarguable explanation was given soon after. “In this incident, in less than three days, twelve of the top hundred freshmen died in battle…” This support roster consisted not only of sophomores and juniors but also of priority freshmen among the top hundred. Everyone knows battles claim lives, but no one likely anticipated so many casualties beforehand. These outstanding candidates were selected for Special Service Team because of their verified combat capabilities and widely acknowledged potential, serving as temporary reinforcements. Their average strength was above the 2-tier level so it couldn’t be said that they were weak… “…average age of the fallen, 17.1 years old…” Most of the freshmen might have had sufficient power, but they lacked the experience and battle exposure. Overexcited or fearful novices on the battlefield often meet a swift end. Those slightly weaker, slower, unfamiliar, or even more gullible can easily meet their end. This can’t be blamed on the captains or members of the other teams for not being able to save them. When disaster strikes, all special agents’ first instinct is to protect themselves and then try to save others…However, in their memories, many incidents didn’t require support and they were not always cautious of the weakest link in their team. More than a lack of skills, the deficiency in mentality was the root cause of the shocking casualties. “Did any parents make a scene?” Lu Ping’an asked casually, and the staff member on the other end of the phone became silent for a moment. “…Yes.” An anticipated scenario, perhaps the children were prepared to be warriors, but their families might not have been. All they knew was their children were promising students admitted to a university with a great future ahead when they received the death notice and compensation. “…I understand, the return to school will be at nine-thirty tomorrow morning, I’ll be there.” Only Lu Ping’an was asked to return to school. Xue En and Hua senior sister were brought in through regular internships, and Meow didn’t concern Ancient City University as an “outside hire”. Ancient City University recalled the remaining freshmen, presumably to do something… but seeing what Ping’an saw, the general direction was unlikely to change. “Everyone still lacks people, they desperately need them…” And the progression of things seemed to confirm Ping’an’s judgment. Only about half of the 88 remaining students had shown up the next morning during their internships, filling up a lecture hall. Lu Ping’an saw Li Dao’an, who was ranting, with his right arm bandaged, seeming to have sustained some injuries. From what he heard, it seemed like he was complaining about some people making a fuss over nothing. “…Is there a battle where no one dies…” Lu Ping’an looked around, there were quite a few injuries, but with gloomy expressions, everyone seemed to be in a bad mood, and it seemed like there were even more having problems with their mindset. It seems that many who were not injured are now doubting themselves due to how they failed to contribute or just stood by on the sideline during the battle. “Yo, Lu Ping’an.” And next to him, Wang Hai just sat down. He, as always, was a third-tier veteran, not to mention he didn’t lag behind, he could even serve as a pillar. “What’s the status?” “Worked like crazy, I hope it will be solved soon. My captain is urging me to work overtime.” For Wang Hai’s side, this seems to be the daily routine of most special service teams. “Hmm, it’s fine on my side, all have been hospitalized. The defense zone has been handed over to other teams, now I’m busy writing reports.” Lu Ping’an’s answer was quite interesting. “…I heard, seems like you guys made quite a mess?” Wang Hai’s expression became somewhat intriguing, the matter in Zion District didn’t have a conclusion yet, but rumors were flying all over the place. “It’s okay, no one died.” “I’m envious.” Through the simple conversation, you could tease out numerous bitter realities. Lu Ping’an also realized something he ignored. During this incident not only did a large number of ordinary people suffer, but due to the scarcity of agents in the Special Service Team, many likely sacrificed their lives. Soon, campus leaders arrived, and it fell quiet. “…Let’s observe a three-minute silence…” “…Future pillars of society, while you have the freedom to choose, do note your personal safety. It may sound harsh, but the value, or at least the cost, of training a soldier far surpasses an ordinary person, so protect yourself first…” The unfamiliar leader on stage droned on a bit. But the key aspect was the “Internship Completion Certificate” handed out later. Probably, this was an opportunity to make a choice. You could choose to stop now, complete the internship, and nothing would be affected, you could continue your studies immediately. This was definitely, in theory, the correct route to take. As shown by Lei Huoren’s and Xia Qin’s stories, a professional necesarily takes six to seven years to become a reliable reserve, and regardless of whether the progress stops there or continues further, it all takes time. Being an average sixteen or seventeen-year-old, the pinnacle is still a long way off.

Chapter 279 - 279 260 Choices

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