Meng Huai and the others were still strolling around the commercial street. The materials she wanted had already been delivered to the dormitory building. She had asked the dormitory management personnel to help sign for them, and she would go pick them up when they returned.
Upon returning to her dormitory, Meng Huai took out the materials and arranged them one by one. She then released her mecha. Although the single dormitory felt quite spacious normally, there was little room left once the mecha was deployed.
Meng Huai sat directly on the ground and began modifying the mecha according to her ideas.
Whenever she encountered a difficult spot, she would go to the library to consult reference materials. She also continued to attend classes in the Mecha Engineering department, using the opportunity to discuss problems she encountered with the professors.
The professors in the Mecha Engineering department were obviously unaware that she was modifying her mecha, nor did they suspect that her perception could achieve such things.
The day before the freshman assessment, Li Wei's mecha was returned, and Meng Huai's mecha was finally completed after modification. It was just a pity that the time left for them to adapt was very limited.
Soon, the freshman assessment arrived. All students from the Combat Academy were taken away to the assessment grounds. This naturally included the Logistics department, where Meng Huai and her peers were. However, in previous years, students from the Logistics department had always been at the bottom.
Ten large aircraft carried these freshmen to Floating Seal Star. North of Floating Seal Star was an undeveloped region. The main reason for its undeveloped status was the scarcity of resources, but it was abundant in star beasts. Therefore, assessments were sometimes held here. The military academy assessments were always conducted with real weapons and were never a joke.
Of course, considering the freshmen's lack of experience, they would not be thrown into undeveloped areas in their first year. Instead, a specific area on Floating Seal Star would be sectioned off for their assessment.
As Floating Seal Star was located at the borderline of undeveloped areas, thick protective walls were erected along the planet's periphery.
The students disembarked from the aircraft one by one, each filled with curiosity about the place. Most of the students were looking around, observing everything here.
The aircraft carrying the Logistics department students landed last. After disembarking, Meng Huai and her group instinctively surveyed the surrounding environment.
This place was different from the bustling yet tranquil atmosphere of Imperial Capital Star; it felt noisy.
Meng Huai's gaze was drawn to the protective wall in the distance, and she couldn't look away. She released her mental power and saw the situation on the other side. Star beasts were repeatedly ramming their heads against the sturdy wall, yet the wall did not even budge.
"What is that?" Meng Huai asked Ju Yiqiu and Li Wei beside her.
Ju Yiqiu introduced them: "That's the protective wall. On the other side of the wall are star beasts, constantly assaulting the protective wall every day. However, this wall was constructed by several SSS-class engineers of the Federation using the most robust materials. Furthermore, there are many single soldiers guarding it, preventing them from breaking through."
Meng Huai nodded as she listened to Ju Yiqiu's explanation, her interest piqued by the materials. However, it was clear that at this moment, she was not in a position to contemplate such matters.
Once all the students were in position, a military academy teacher stepped forward to preside and explain the assessment rules to the freshmen.
The teacher, dressed in a Federal military uniform, exuded a powerful aura. His voice was stern and cold: "Imperial Military Academy Freshman Assessment: Firstly, the assessment environment is full of unknowns. You must prioritize your own safety while striving to earn points and achieve a ranking. If you encounter any problems, release your signal immediately, and rescue personnel will escort you out of the competition area."
Meng Huai listened while thinking, "Signal?"
The teacher continued: "Secondly, the assessment adopts a point system, and the final ranking will be based on accumulated points. I believe everyone knows that each assessment is related to the future. Points are acquired by eliminating star beasts. Always remember that you are military academy students, the future of the Federation! If you dare not even participate in the assessment, withdraw immediately! The Imperial Military Academy cannot afford to lose face."
As the teacher spoke, his gaze was fixed on the students from the Logistics department.
Ju Yiqiu whispered to Meng Huai: "This Vice Principal is truly something. His words are contradictory. He tells us to prioritize safety, yet he doesn't want us to appear timid. Also, that last sentence was clearly directed at us in the Logistics department!"
Indeed, that last sentence was a pointed remark towards the Logistics department students. This was because the Vice Principal strongly disapproved of the behavior of Logistics department students who would signal for extraction as soon as they entered the competition grounds every year! Therefore, this year, he specifically addressed this issue.
"Thirdly, you may form teams freely during the assessment. However, the points earned from eliminating star beasts will be divided equally among team members. The assessment duration is five days, and you will need to manage all your living supplies yourselves."
"Finally, I wish everyone excellent results."
The military academy teacher clearly did not have a penchant for rambling. He concisely explained the competition rules, and these individuals would soon be sent into the arena.
At this point, the lines of students, arranged by department and class, had dispersed. The students were now looking for their companions.
Since team formation was permitted during the competition, many had already formed small groups. A rational combination allowed each person to maximize their contribution.
Meng Huai and her group obviously lacked this foresight, simply waiting to enter the arena.
Meng Huai asked Ju Yiqiu beside her: "Do you have those talismans with you?"
Ju Yiqiu showed Meng Huai her pocket, where some talisman papers were peeking out. Seeing this, Meng Huai felt reassured.
"It's good that you brought them. When you're in danger, just throw one out. Remember the incantation I taught you."
The bag of talismans Ju Yiqiu had was clearly drawn by Meng Huai, but they were all low-level ones. It wasn't that Meng Huai was stingy and unwilling to give her high-level talismans. It was because driving high-level talismans required spiritual energy, whereas low-level talismans only needed an incantation.
"I remember it. Don't worry, even if I'm in the mecha, I'll keep this small bag attached to the mecha's arm."
Soon, the assessment for these freshmen began. At this time, live broadcasts of the freshman assessment were playing in many places.
These live broadcasts of various assessments were also a source of income for the major military academies. Everyone who wanted to watch the live broadcast had to pay a fee.
The middle-aged uncle on the mecha parts street had also subscribed to this live broadcast. Hearing the sound, he knew the freshmen had entered the arena. He finally opened his eyes, which had been closed behind his glasses: "It has begun."
He clearly did not see the figure he wanted to see among these students. He did not know that Meng Huai was a student from the Logistics department. It was only natural that a Logistics department student would not receive much screen time, so it was difficult to see Meng Huai at this moment. However, the uncle was indifferent; he closed his eyes and fell asleep again.
The live broadcast, however, continued. Some of these freshmen were already well-known students. After all, outstanding individuals are never buried, and the cameras will always follow them.
However, one day, Meng Huai would also become one of them.