A Chemist's Interstellar Saga

Chapter 201: The Price of Success
Chapter 201: The Price of Success

Kellan strolled alongside the president, his eyes catching sight of his younger siblings. He smiled and waved at them.

Arix and Drexel were taken aback at first, but soon, they grasped the situation and waved back, grinning.

Arix and Drexel’s reaction seemed typical, but the nearby military students thought the Vice Admiral was waving at them. Suddenly, the place exploded with cheers, as if a rock star had just walked in.

”Did you see that? The Rear Admiral waved at me! I’m over the moon!”

”No way, he was waving at me!”

”Sir, you’re my hero for life!”

”Sir, look over here!”

The entire square buzzed with excitement and shouts.

Gunder, the president, sighed, unable to handle the overzealous students. He shook his head and said to Kellan, ”Rear Admiral Kering, forgive the students’ shouts and yells. They can be a bit unruly.”

”That’s very kind of you, sir. The students are wonderful. Also, please just call me Kellan,” Kellan responded modestly.

Gunder nodded with a smile, his respect for Kellan soaring. It was hard not to admire such a polite and respectful young man. Feeling content, Gunder and Kellan continued to chat as they walked to a spot a few meters ahead of the students.

Gunder, the president of HMA, stepped forward after sharing a nod with Kellan. Clearing his throat, he began, ”Everyone, please quiet down.”

The students immediately hushed, their eyes fixed on Gunder.

”Hello, my dear students. I am your president, Gunder. You all know why you’re here today. I need to remind you that this competition is very dangerous. One moment of carelessness could cost you your life. If anyone wants to quit, you can leave now. Those who lack the determination to fight should also quit early because if you fear death or hard work, enduring the harsh training and the future mecha competition will be impossible. That’s all I have for you. Now, if anyone wants to quit, you can turn and leave and there won’t be any consequences.”

Gunder scanned the crowd, looking for any signs of retreat. But after a few moments, no one moved.

A mix of relief and solemnity washed over Gunder. He looked seriously at the students and said, ”Since no one wants to quit, we’ll have Rear Admiral Kellan explain the rules of this selection. Please give him some applause.”

Then Gunder stepped aside, making room for Kellan. He raised his hand, signaling for silence, and the students immediately hushed, their eyes glued to him with eager anticipation.

”Hello everyone, I’m Kellan Kering, your examiner for this selection. Time is short, so let’s dive right in. There are three stages in this selection. The first stage is the simplest. All you need to do is fill this Subgiant Class container with psychic power. Those who succeed will advance to the next stage. Those who fail will be eliminated,” Kellan announced with a stern tone.

The students’ expressions turned serious as they recognized the container in Kellan’s hand. Filling a Subgiant-Class psychic power container required at least Subgiant-Class psychic power.

Some students with lower psychic power looked as if they’d just seen a disaster. They knew they couldn’t fill it no matter how hard they tried. These students sighed and chose to quit the test early, although they stayed to watch the others.

Kellan continued, explaining the next stage. ”The second stage involves passing through a level-three dimensional training ground, but you can’t bring any equipment or weapons, including mechas,” he added ruthlessly.

The students erupted in disbelief. The idea of navigating a level-three training ground without any equipment or mechas seemed like a death sentence. Their initial admiration for Kellan quickly morphed into fear, and they looked at him as if he were a monster.

Arix and Drexel were stunned. Drexel leaned in, trying once more to persuade Arix, ”Arix, maybe you should quit. I don’t want to lose you.”

”Shut up!” Arix snapped, glaring at Drexel. They hadn’t even started yet, and he was already doubting her!

Seeing Arix’s anger, Drexel clammed up. Arix snorted and began plotting how to tackle the level-three training ground unarmed.

Though she’d never faced a level-three training ground before, Arix had heard it was like fighting through a bug nest solo.

Without equipment or weapons, it was almost certain failure. But she wasn’t about to back down.

Like Gunder had said, ”if you don’t have the determination to fight to the death, you might as well quit early.” Success always comes at a price.

If others could do it, and Drexel could do it, then Arix wouldn’t back down.

With this mindset, Arix’s resolve solidified.

...

Kellan observed the students’ reactions with a cool face. When the moment felt right, he said, ”The second stage is a bit tough, but don’t worry. If you encounter life-threatening danger, you can opt out. However, keep in mind, quitting means losing your shot at selection.”

Hearing this, the military students felt a wave of relief. It was still risky, but at least it wasn’t a death sentence.

Once everyone settled down, they turned their attention back to Kellan, eagerly awaiting the details of the third stage.

Kellan raised a finger to his lips, adding a touch of mystery, ”The third stage is a secret. Only those who pass the second stage will find out. Now, get ready. I officially announce the start of the selection.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, the military students surged toward the first stage. There were ten passages, each monitored by a selection officer from the military, keeping an eye on Subgiant Class containers.

The students lined up, each placing a hand on a container and channeling their psychic power. Once the container was full, the officer would gather the psychic power into a special bottle and say, ”First stage passed. For the second stage, head left for 305 meters to No. 55 Dimensional Training Field.”

”Thank you, sir,” the student would reply before heading to the designated location.

The line moved swiftly, and soon it was Arix’s turn.

”Name,” the selection officer asked bluntly.

”Arix Kering,” Arix responded, saluting smartly.

The officer’s eyes widened slightly in surprise, not expecting to encounter the renowned developer of psychic power healing potions.

”Arix, the second stage is very dangerous,” the officer warned, unable to hide his concern. He knew he was overstepping, but he couldn’t help it. He didn’t want this talented young woman, who had saved many of his comrades, to risk her life in this selection. Her safety seemed far more important than the freshman mecha contest.

”Don’t worry, sir. I’ll be careful,” Arix replied confidently, though she couldn’t understand why the officer was so concerned.

Seeing that he couldn’t change her mind, the officer sighed, ”Put your hand on the container.”