Chapter 526: New Arrivals
"Additionally, the academies are sending a batch of newcomers to us."
"Technically, it's supposed to be a random assignment, but I noticed that your alma mater is sending some newcomers, so I took the liberty of requesting that Tianyan Academy's newcomers join our Ninth Squad."
"Team Leader Ling, this shouldn't be an issue, right?"
As she spoke, Zhou Xue'er carefully looked at Ling Zhan.
"No issue."
Ling Zhan replied succinctly.
These so-called newcomers were actually the group of freshmen that included Zhu Yaoguang.
This year, the performance of the freshmen at all the prestigious academies was quite remarkable, especially in terms of talent, which was impressive.
So, it was inevitable that some newcomers would be assigned to the front lines for training.
For those with sufficient talent and strength, the earlier they experience the battlefield, the better.
For Ling Zhan, even if Zhou Xue'er hadn't taken the initiative to make the request, his Ninth Squad would still receive a batch of newcomers.
Rather than taking newcomers from other prestigious schools, it would be better to welcome those from his alma mater.
Besides...
He had shared a period of time with Zhu Yaoguang and the others before, so he was quite familiar with them.
So Ling Zhan was not only unopposed to this but actually pleased.
It would save him a lot of trouble as well.
Soon...
The following noon.
Ling Zhan and Zhou Xue'er headed to the port in Area A of the Hundred Ghost Fortress.
Previously, when Ling Zhan arrived at the Hundred Ghost Fortress by magic airship, he had landed here.
Naturally, the newcomers would also arrive by magic airship.
When Ling Zhan reached the port,
the first thing he saw was that familiar silver hair.
Zhu Yaoguang.
Her striking appearance and aura made her the first person anyone would notice upon arrival.
But Ling Zhan's second glance was directed at the others.
All of them were familiar faces.
Ji Wuming, Gao Yao, Charlotte, Anna, Hell, Temuris, Xia, and Qi Biyu.
It was worth mentioning...
Their auras had noticeably strengthened since the last time.
Zhu Yaoguang was now level 55.
Ji Wuming at level 52.
Charlotte at level 51.
Anna, Hell, and Temuris were all level 50.
Xia and Qi Biyu were at level 49.
While their levels were still far below the junior and senior members at the Hundred Ghost Fortress, let's not forget...
These were only freshmen!!
The first semester of their freshman year had only just ended!
For many students at prestigious schools, reaching level 40 and completing a second-tier transition as a freshman was already impressive.
To put it in perspective, students from Hua Qing Academy, who were about to enter their sophomore year, ranked at the bottom among prestigious schools.
They were only around level 20.
Typically, students at the bottom ranks of prestigious schools received few resources.
The academy allocates academic credits based on a student's ranking each month.
Credits are needed to redeem tickets to secret realms, items, equipment, and materials.
Students ranked at the bottom don't earn credits, so they're left watching other students pull further ahead.
That's why some students were willing to run errands for admissions officers back then.
It was their only way to earn a few credits.
After being crushed at school for so long, some students vented their frustration when they saw the unprecedented non-specialist.
"I can't beat others at the academy, but surely I can take on a high school graduate fresh from exams?"
As we all know, one bottom-ranker was severely beaten by Ling Zhan at that time.
Now, that Zhu Yaoguang and her group had reached these levels as freshmen...
Honestly,
it's fair to say their talent was outstanding.
Even the likes of Li Zhaoge, from the same generation, couldn't compare with this new generation of prodigies led by Zhu Yaoguang.
Of course...
Ling Zhan was an exception.
Without prior knowledge, one would never guess that Ling Zhan himself was also a freshman!
Leveling up is hard enough for a non-specialist.
Yet here he was, nearing level 70 before his first year even ended!
Ling Zhan was a unique case globally.
At that moment, Zhu Yaoguang and her group noticed Ling Zhan walking toward them.
They couldn't help but notice!
When the non-specialist appeared, even the captains and members of other squads welcoming newcomers from various academies instantly directed their attention toward Ling Zhan.
Zhu Yaoguang and her group noticed that none of these people looked at Ling Zhan with contempt or disdain; instead, their gazes were filled with respect and admiration.
Indeed...
It was exactly as the rumors described!
This guy had once again won over the reserve squads with his monstrous strength!
Zhu Yaoguang and the others exchanged glances, all smiling wryly.
They had thought that the speed at which they'd gained strength over the past few months was already impressive.
Yet, they still couldn't catch up to this non-specialist!
Especially...
They had heard that within half a month of entering the front lines, this non-specialist had earned the title of best contributor in two battles, securing the highest merit rewards.
This achievement propelled him directly onto the Sky List.
How could they possibly compare?
Ji Wuming, Hell, and others who had hoped to spar with Ling Zhan now abandoned the idea.
They didn't want a repeat of their experiences from the freshman exchange competition.
Back then, their elf dean, who looked like an elegant lady, constantly pushed them to train by fighting Ling Zhan.
They ended up beaten and bruised every time.
Now, understanding the gap in strength, they had no desire to relive that experience.
Compared to Ji Wuming and Hell's complex feelings,
little Charlotte wasn't concerned with such thoughts.
Upon seeing Ling Zhan, her gem-like amber eyes sparkled with joy.
With a happy shout, the little girl took a running leap, her small figure hurtling toward Ling Zhan like a cannonball.
What shocked everyone was...
Normally indifferent to any woman, Ling Zhan didn't dodge or push her away; instead, he caught her securely, as an older brother might catch a younger sister.
"Hee-hee..."
Snuggled in Ling Zhan's arms, Charlotte looked up at him with a radiant, adorable smile.
And on Ling Zhan's typically cold, stoic face appeared a gentle smile!
This...
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