Chapter 291: The Practical Combat Test Begins
As for [Authority], Xu Zhi’s simple and rather rough understanding of it was: the right to connect to and control everything.
A bit like a backend GM?
Of course, this right was still limited by her current strength.
However, one thing was certain—up until now, she had never encountered any extraordinary ability ranked above [Authority]. After all, this was a power that could even tame [Rules].
Even the tests at the Light Institute failed to detect it, which only made Xu Zhi more certain—this extraordinary ability was extremely, extremely special.
As for why she possessed [Authority], after much thought, Xu Zhi arrived at a conclusion: she was simply too much of a genius.
In short, because of the existence of [Authority], she was able to conceal the true nature of the [Eye of Secret], completely hiding the aura of the [Moth] within the [Lamp]. It was as if a moth had fully merged into the flame—its wings burned into the same color as the fire. Even upon close inspection, it would appear to be nothing more than flames swaying in the wind, coincidentally forming the shape of a moth. No one would ever question that it was not a [Lamp], but a [Moth].
The testing lasted for more than half a day. The further it progressed, the more amiable the Director of Studies became toward Xu Zhi. Although her attitude had already been good, the increasingly gentle tone made it clear—Xu Zhi’s test results were likely quite extraordinary.
In fact, although those who entered the [Longevity] stage generally obtained three extraordinary abilities, that mostly referred to inner academy students. Moreover, the third actively usable ability was usually newly acquired, with unstable level and proficiency. Xu Zhi’s rapid advancement had once made her worry that she might lack familiarity in using her abilities—but now it seemed…
As expected of someone gifted. Not long after awakening, she could already wield her abilities with such proficiency. Furthermore, the quality of all three abilities was quite high. According to Xiao Yi’s test results, the “pet” formed from her extraordinary ability possessed extremely strong physical attributes, along with its own innate ability to conceal its movements. It was an excellent primary offensive extraordinary creature.
This pet alone was enough to go one-on-one against other primary offensive extraordinary users who had just stepped into the [Longevity] stage without falling behind.
This perfectly compensated for the lack of offensiveness in Xu Zhi’s other two abilities. In truth, [Cursed Speech] could not really be considered lacking in offense—it was very comprehensive, but at the same time heavily restricted. When used properly, it could serve as a powerful trump card, but if countered, it would be almost useless.
As for the [Eye of Secret], it was the most perfect support ability.
Yes, Xu Zhi listed [Cursed Speech] as a separate [Extraordinary Ability], after all, her [Spiritual Body] was not something she could reveal, and [Authority] was even more impossible to disclose.
She had to present at least two abilities.
After the comprehensive evaluation, Xu Zhi not only had strong 1v1 capability, but could also play a significant role in team battles. In fact, she could even serve as an exceptionally perfect commander—after all, she possessed both battlefield control and analytical abilities, and could even protect herself!
The Director of Studies was already making calculations in her mind.
Originally, the student council president, Chu Xiaoyue, had been the designated team leader, because she was strong enough. But when it came to command ability…
To be honest, Chu Xiaoyue was indeed powerful in combat—so powerful that she could be somewhat arrogant. The team only needed to cooperate with her. She would become the spear that pierced through everything. There was hardly any need for tactics or command—just follow her charge head-on and that was enough.
Thus, in a team centered around Chu Xiaoyue, the role of commander was actually optional.
After all, if even she could not break through a situation, then no matter how brilliant the command, it would likely be useless.
But with Xu Zhi, things might be different. The role that the [Eye of Secret] could play in battle was simply too significant. She could even direct Chu Xiaoyue—the sharpest spear—to strike at the enemy’s weakest point.
That alone was enough.
Of course, obtaining the position of team commander would not be easy. There was no need to rush—it would depend on Xu Zhi’s performance in actual combat later on.
While thinking, the Director had already decided how to arrange Xu Zhi’s team.
Soon, all tests were completed, and everyone returned to the assembly point.
Standing at the front, the Director of Studies spoke in a voice that was not loud, yet clearly reached everyone’s ears: “I have reviewed the test results. Grouping is underway. Next, there will be continuous combat tests, with a thirty-minute rest between each round. Those whose names are called should proceed to the designated rooms to participate.”
A thirty-minute rest—truly strict.
It was already approaching evening, yet the instructors showed no intention of dismissing them. It seemed the tests would continue overnight.
This was not surprising. After all, they were all extraordinary individuals. It was impossible for them to be exhausted after just a single day of testing.
Moreover, once they entered the Lost Lands, there would be no safe place to relax and rest. These continuous tests were also meant to push the students’ potential and limits.
The grouping process was swift. With several data analysts and the inner academy’s system, the teams were quickly arranged.
Since she did not know many people, Xu Zhi felt some anticipation toward the grouping. This was her first time directly witnessing what kind of strength extraordinary individuals of her age in the real world possessed.
The senior she had defeated earlier did not count—he was too weak, and he did not even qualify for the selection, so there was no need to mention him.
Soon, Xu Zhi’s name was called. Her test room number was 7. On her way there, she noticed three others heading in the same direction. Presumably, they were her opponents as well as her temporary teammates.
Inside the test room was a complete set of equipment and circuits capable of collecting various data during combat. However, since there was no life-reversal formation, each room’s referee would add an extra line after explaining the rules—stop at the appropriate point.
The test room was about 800 square meters. Xu Zhi was instructed to enter through Door A. Inside was a preparation room, with a ten-minute countdown displayed above—likely the time given for her and her teammates to discuss strategy.
Her teammates had already arrived. When the second person pushed the door open and they saw that it was this mysterious freshman, their expressions immediately turned somewhat grim.
It was not that they looked down on freshmen, but there was indeed a gap between new and senior students. Even if this freshman was exceptionally talented, the difference in experience and time was difficult to make up for—especially since those gathered here were the strongest among the upper years, not some mediocre crowd!
Although they could not see who their opponents were, this match was probably doomed.
He gave a bitter smile. Still, he did not complain and quickly accepted the reality. Looking at Xu Zhi, he asked, “Junior sister, may I ask what your extraordinary ability is? Let me see if I can coordinate with you.”
