Chapter 22

C22 – Phantom Team

Jiao Yuanju stood in silence on the now-empty plaza. The clash had concluded, and classes had resumed, but they had already stepped beyond that realm.

Glancing at the small notebook in his hand, the word “Flame” stood out boldly. It was his reward for rescuing Pei Xiaobo and the others and for uncovering the beast tide crisis—a crisis orchestrated by someone. Pei Xiaobo had confided in him that beyond the city’s borders lay chaos, with numerous human-established bases and powers.

The meteor’s devastation had obliterated many nations, and the survivors had banded together, forming an organization that sent shockwaves through the world. They called themselves “new humans.” While Pei Xiaobo kept the details close to his chest, this revelation exposed Jiao Yuanju to the world’s raw underbelly, hidden beneath the veneer of their seemingly tranquil lives.

Yun Zhengchu had hastily upgraded his military rank after witnessing his participation in the competition, thinking Jiao Yuanju might join the military. This token of appreciation, though small, could be immensely beneficial. Jiao Yuanju accepted it without hesitation, fully aware of his own vulnerability and the transformative power of Eoldrai and the system he possessed.Folloow current novÊls on nov/3lb((in).(co/m)

That conversation, however, had pivoted Jiao Yuanju’s aspirations. Could he rise to become one of the nation’s preeminent Combat Pet Masters?

Each of the four Grandmasters of the Puwhary Alliance was a force to be reckoned with, a general in their own right.

With these thoughts, Jing Dehai, Hong Yangqiu, and Lei Sheng approached with palpable animosity. Jing Haokuo, bursting with excitement, lunged at Jiao Yuanju exclaiming, “Boss, how did you become so formidable?”

Jiao Yuanju gently pushed him back, at a loss for words in the face of such unabashed admiration.

Beside him, Zhen Heyi observed Jiao Yuanju with a newfound sense of estrangement and reverence. In that moment, he radiated the aura of a true leader.

Three others, previously unknown to them and mere spectators during the battle, had also made it into the top ten by default. They had now joined Jiao Yuanju’s squad, wisely choosing to remain silent.

Jiao Yuanju glanced at Eoldrai and proposed with a smile, “Let’s go with Phantom Team. But first, let’s introduce ourselves.”

Lei Sheng introduced himself, “I’m Lei Sheng.”

“Jing Dehai.”

“I’m Hong Yangqiu.”

“Xie Ziyu.”

“Jing Haokuo.”

“Zhen Heyi.”

The last three added their names: “Jing Junbo, Cao Jun, Rong Yichen.”

Jiao Yuanju presented a badge, saying, “This is our team emblem. We’re not the only team from the Combat Pet Academies; three others have also joined the army. You’re all dismissed for now. We won’t have classes because our immediate task is to complete the missions assigned by the army. Let’s meet here tomorrow morning. Any questions?”

Jiao Yuanju spoke with grave seriousness, and not a single person challenged his statement.

“Then it’s settled. I’ll see everyone tomorrow.”