"I heard a lot about you from my Second Uncle, but..." At this point, Jin Tongâs still-youthful face looked conflicted.
"Just say it. Whatâs there to be conflicted about?" Lin Xinghai said with a smile.
"Alright!" Jin Tong wasnât conflicted anymore and said directly, "I think my Second Uncle was just bragging. The way he described you was way too exaggerated."
"If you were really that amazing, you could probably take on ten of those top geniuses I just mentioned."
Lin Xinghai smiled humbly. "Taking on ten of them would be tough to say. In a melee fight, it would depend on what Superpowers they have."
"Of course, if we can use Firearms or Mechas, then taking on ten of them should be no problem at all."
Jin Tong stared blankly at Lin Xinghai. After a long moment, he finally managed to squeeze out, "Youâre a pretty big braggart yourself."
"But since youâre so bold with your bragging, you must have some real skill."
Thinking of this, his eyes lit up slightly. "Brother Lin, Iâll need you to look out for me during this assessment."
Hearing this, Lin Xinghai couldnât help but chuckle. He didnât bother arguing. Once the assessment started, the other party would naturally find out what he was capable of.
The people ahead were registering quickly. Since there were many registration windows, none of the lines were actually that long. There were only about a dozen people in front of them.
Soon, it was their turn. Jin Tong was at the front of their group, so he went to register first.
The registration process was actually quite simple. The academy already had their files, so it was just a matter of facial recognition and fingerprint verification.
After passing verification, they had to hand over all their personal belongings before entering the examination area.
This included things like weapons and equipment.
For the practical combat assessment, to ensure fairness, everyone would use standard-issue weapons provided by the academy.
The procedure was simple, but turning in equipment was a bit of a hassle, since they even had to take off their Combat Suits.
However, the academy had prepared many mobile changing rooms, so it didnât take too long.
As Jin Tong was handing over his gear, a commotion suddenly erupted from the line next to them.
"Taking my weapons and Battle Armor is one thing, but why are you taking my Huaxia Coins too? You think I can cheat with this stuff?"
Hearing the words "Battle Armor," Lin Xinghai couldnât help but look over. He saw a little fatty pointing at a pile of Huaxia Coins in front of him, his voice filled with anger.
âThere sure are a lot of rich people in the East Sea Base!â Lin Xinghai glanced at the thickness of the pile of money and estimated it to be at least 10 million Huaxia Coins, sighing inwardly.
Of course, he also knew this Little Fatty was more than just rich. Battle Armor was still an experimental product from the labs; it wasnât something you could get just by having money.
At this moment, many people around them turned to look. When they saw the pile of Huaxia Coins, expressions of surprise and shock appeared on their faces.
"Iâm sorry! According to the rules, items unrelated to the exam are not permitted. Besides, why are you bringing so much money into the exam hall? What if you lose it?" the staff member said, neither servile nor overbearing.
"If I lose it, thatâs my problem. If I donât bring money into the exam, how am I supposed to bribe... I mean, make friends?" the Little Fatty said, craning his neck stubbornly.
"No, the rules are the rules." The staff member still shook his head.
"Fine! Consider this a tip. Is that okay now?" The Little Fatty pulled out ten 10,000-denomination Huaxia Coin bills and shoved them into the staff memberâs hand.
100,000 Huaxia Coins. That was by no means a small amount.
"No. The rules are the rules." This time, the staff member was getting a little angry.
âBribing me is one thing, but doing it so openly? Is he trying to get me killed?!â
"Hey, can you not be so stubborn? Iâm not afraid to tell you, Iâve already been accepted by the academy in advance. Coming here for the assessment is just a formality," the Little Fatty said angrily.
An uproar erupted.
Instantly, a clamor arose from everyone, whether they were the students currently registering or those who had already finished and were waiting in the square.
The news was simply too explosive. Immediately, looks of righteous indignation appeared on many faces.
Every spot at East Sea Academy was extremely precious. They might kill themselves trying and still not get in. But if this guy could secure a spot just by casually spending some money, who would be able to accept that?
The uproar grew louder. Seeing that the situation was getting out of hand, the staff member quickly pressed his earpiece and urgently reported what was happening to his superiors.
Before long, a middle-aged man walked over slowly from the direction of the main academic building.
The man had an ordinary face and wore a teacherâs uniform. He approached step by step. But each step he took felt as if it were landing on everyoneâs hearts, making the people present feel a sense of trepidation.
Lin Xinghaiâs eyes narrowed slightly. âIf Iâm not mistaken, this must be some kind of technique for applying oneâs aura. To be able to intimidate us with his presence alone, he must be a powerhouse at the Body Shaping Realm at least.â
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Yuan Yong, an Intermediate Tutor at East Sea Academy. I am responsible for the specific affairs of this yearâs admissions. I have been briefed on the situation here and will give everyone an explanation shortly." As he spoke, his gaze fell upon the Little Fatty.
The Little Fatty, however, met his gaze without a care in the world.
Next, this tutor named Yuan Yong didnât do much. He just glanced at the Little Fattyâs file and then used his Communication Device, seemingly to contact someone.
As the conversation progressed, Lin Xinghai could see the tutorâs calm expression gradually shift, showing signs of being moved. Soon, the man ended the call and scanned the crowd.
"I have conferred with the academyâs upper management. This student, Ye Xin, has indeed been admitted to our East Sea Academy in advance."
As soon as he said this, the uproar from the crowd grew even louder.
"On what grounds does he get to be admitted in advance?"
"Doesnât East Sea Academy claim that everything is fair and just? Is this what you call fairness?"
The crowd erupted, and many people began to shout their objections directly.
Yuan Yong raised his hand, signaling for everyone to be quiet, before continuing, "Student Ye Xinâs family donated 1,000 Type-I military combat Mechas to the East Sea Base Military Department. Therefore, the Military Department used one of their special admission slots to recommend Student Ye Xin to our East Sea Academy."
"Additionally, the Military Department has nine more of these special admission slots. If any of you would like to be recommended, youâre welcome to go and build some connections over there."
Instantly, the commotion in the area vanished. Even Lin Xinghaiâs mouth couldnât help but twitch.
1,000 Mechas. The entire Star Shield Shelterâs Mecha force probably amounted to that number.
And this family had just casually given them away for a single enrollment spot.
He didnât know whether to call them prodigal or just absurdly powerful.