Chapter 44: Random Teammate Matching

That very evening, Shen Xing checked out of his hotel and returned to the military district.

Ouyang Lin opened the door for him while draping a robe over her shoulders, looking puzzled.

"Why are you back at this hour? Didn't you go find your fiancee?"

Shen Xing walked in with brisk strides and briefly filled Ouyang Lin in on the situation regarding the Tang family.

"So that's how it is. Then... what are your thoughts? If you're going to ask me to look after that fiancee of yours, I won't be very happy."

Shen Xing shook his head.

"No, that's not what I'm thinking. It's just as well that they've left. For the time being, I can devote myself entirely to enhancing my strength."

Ouyang Lin looked into his eyes and smiled softly.

"Although I have no desire to meddle in her affairs, it's very easy for me to simply gather some information. In any case, Kyoto is the place where I grew up. Do you want to know? I can have someone investigate and compile a dossier for you."

"There's no need. Let nature take its course with this matter; I neither want to interfere nor to understand."

"Well, the two new sets of outfits I bought you arrived today. Come and try them on to see if they fit."

Visibly pleased by his answer, Ouyang Lin hurried over to a nearby cabinet and pulled out a brand-new outfit with the price tags still attached.

"Clothes? Can we try them on a bit later? I'd rather spend some time together first."

Shen Xing said, giving a playful and suggestive wink.

"…Not too late, though. You have an important matter tomorrow."

Ouyang Lin said with a slight blush on her pretty face.

...

The next day.

After having breakfast together, Shen Xing and Ouyang Lin took her car to the rookie trial grounds.

Every recruit must undergo a trial upon graduating from training.

The primary purpose is to help them recognize what they will face in the future.

Difficulty is secondary; the main goal is simply to familiarize themselves with the procedures.

After all, the vast majority of combat missions in a military career are likely to involve "Gates."

Whether it is subjugating monsters pouring forth from a Gate or competing with other factions for sovereignty over one.

In short, Gates are both perils and resources.

Once someone has truly experienced a single combat mission, coping with future encounters becomes much easier.

"It's... a lot more crowded than I imagined."

Stepping out of the car, Shen Xing looked somewhat surprised at the registration area, which was packed almost to capacity.

"Didn't expect so many people to enlist in this era, did you? Actually, it's quite normal. Although the military district doesn't offer extraordinary compensation, compared to various private organizations, it has a massive advantage in terms of reliability and fairness. Ordinary people don't have many opportunities for trial and error, so naturally, they choose the safest path possible."

Shen Xing nodded and waved to Ouyang Lin.

"I'm off then. Wait for my news."

"Mhm, don't be nervous. It's only an F-rank Gate; the probability of an accident is very low."

Shen Xing remembered those as the last words Ouyang Lin spoke when they parted.

...

"Ouyang, you're never allowed to jinx things like that again... If you're not careful, you really lose your life. Just like... them."

Covered in blood and panting heavily, Shen Xing leaned against a corner of the rock wall. He gazed at the three wretchedly mutilated corpses scattered not far away, along with the other surviving woman who was completely paralyzed with shock. As he sighed, he inexplicably recalled those parting words.

Time turned back three days, right after Shen Xing completed his registration.

Whether Ouyang Lin had pulled some strings or his identification credentials were special.

In short, shortly after finishing the registration, a staff member quickly approached and led him to a quiet, comfortable room to wait.

Compared to the noisy, crowded area outside, this place was practically a VIP lounge.

When Shen Xing entered, the room was completely empty.

The staff member only told him to wait a moment before leaving.

Left with no choice, Shen Xing began to wait, and five minutes later, a second person finally entered.

She was a young, cute girl who looked to be of high school age.

Strangely enough, she was