The beginner's assessment was a bonus assessment for the senior high school students before they graduated.
Although the assessment results would affect their priority in selecting examination venues later, this was not particularly important to most of them.
Experts would be present to protect them during this assessment, so they could level up very safely.
However, the time limit was only twelve hours, and within this period, they had to try their best to increase their strength.
After all, experts wouldn't be there to protect you every day in the future.
Only those from influential backgrounds could enjoy the daily protection of such experts.
But who with a truly significant background would attend their little Seaside Second Middle School?
The students in this school were all children from ordinary families without influential connections. This beginner's assessment was, therefore, a very precious opportunity for them to level up with peace of mind.
Under normal circumstances, students should try to find teammates with high damage output at this time. Chen Mo was somewhat surprised that Shen Bingbing had actually come to ask him about forming a team.
"I don't know; I haven't thought about it yet," Chen Mo replied after a moment's thought.
Recalling the scene when the Aliens made their move as Yan Yingyue awakened her five-star profession, I'm still not sure if I should reveal my own extraordinary talents. The mere awakening of a five-star initial profession was enough to provoke a hidden Alien operative among humans into action. If they discover someone like me, whose potential far exceeds a five-star initial profession, won't they form a group to eliminate me? Although I might receive some protection from human powerhouses, there's an old saying: 'One can be a thief for a thousand days, but one cannot guard against a thief for a thousand days.' Human powerhouses themselves need to constantly grow and achieve breakthroughs; they can't possibly provide me with meticulous, round-the-clock care. Ultimately, it's still safest not to let anyone know my true capabilities for the time being. If I had some high-grade equipment or skills to put on a front, I could perhaps conceal it. Otherwise, behaving differently from a normal Skeleton Mage will obviously arouse suspicion. For these reasons, I'm not actually keen on teaming up with anyone right now.
"I see you get along very well with Fang Datong. I guess you'll team up. We also happen to have two people..." Shen Bingbing paused for a moment, then continued, "How about we team up?"
"You're a four-star combat profession; it should be very easy for you to find teammates with high damage output. Why would you think of teaming up with me?" Chen Mo looked at her strangely.
"I was thinking your summons could help pull aggro, so I could deal damage more easily," Shen Bingbing quickly stated her reason, as if she had prepared it in advance.
Shen Bingbing's reason sounded logical.
Chen Mo was temporarily at a loss for words.
While the two were talking, the number seven students from Class Two and Class Four had already completed their awakening.
After the recent appearance of a five-star profession, it was clear that everyone's mood was not particularly high.
Everything adhered to a principle of conservation, and the luck of Seaside Second Middle School was no exception.
As expected, both individuals received one-star professions: one combat and one lifestyle.
Once those two were done, it was number eight, Fang Datong's turn.
Seeing that Chen Mo had only awakened a two-star combat profession, Fang Datong's heart leaped into his throat.
Although his academic results were not as good as Chen Mo's, he had always trained hard. Yet, even Chen Mo, with his excellent results, had 'failed' to awaken a high-star profession. Fang Datong had no confidence in himself either.
As Fang Datong stepped into the Awakening Array, Chen Mo didn't immediately respond to Shen Bingbing's proposal, instead turning his gaze to his good friend.
The Principal tapped his Magic Wand, and three stars immediately appeared above Fang Datong's head.
A three-star profession. In previous years, the Principal would have at least mentioned it.
But this year, three-star professions no longer qualified for an announcement.
Meanwhile, the student from Class Three, also number eight, next to Fang Datong, unluckily awakened a one-star lifestyle profession and walked back to his class's rest area, his face ashen.
Seeing that the Principal paid him no mind, Fang Datong walked out of the Awakening Array himself, smiling as he headed towards Chen Mo.
For him, awakening a three-star profession was already a very satisfying outcome.
"Mr. Mo, I've awakened as a three-star warrior! Awesome! I'll carry you when we level up later."
While speaking, Fang Datong noticed Shen Bingbing sitting next to Chen Mo. His eyes darted between Chen Mo and Shen Bingbing for a few moments, and he quickly grasped the situation.
He sat down with a chuckle and said, "Bingbing, you awakened a four-star profession—that's so awesome! Will you consider helping us out in this beginner's assessment? I'm a warrior, so I can pull aggro. You're a Mage with burst output. The two of us, with our friends, will be as effective as four. I'll bring Mr. Mo, and you bring your friend from Class Four with the lifestyle profession."
As soon as these words were spoken, Chen Mo immediately said, "No, thanks. I'm afraid I'll slow you down."
"What are you talking about, Mr. Mo? We're good brothers! There's no such thing as slowing anyone down. I insist on carrying you!" Fang Datong declared righteously, slinging an arm around Chen Mo's shoulders.
This gesture warmed Chen Mo's heart.
True brothers are those who treat you the same, regardless of your successes or failures.
"Alright then, I guess I'll have to rely on you guys."
"Don't worry! You just focus on safely summoning Little Skeletons from the back. As long as I'm alive, I absolutely won't let you get hurt!"
Looking at Fang Datong's carefree demeanor, Shen Bingbing smiled and said, "Although the warrior profession is tankier, you should still prepare plenty of healing potions. We don't have any healing abilities."
"Of course! Even though I, Fang Datong, might not look the brightest, I'm not stupid."
As they chatted and laughed, no one mentioned Chen Mo's two-star profession anymore.
Fang Datong was very considerate, refraining from saying anything to console Chen Mo from beginning to end.
Sometimes, understanding how the other person feels is enough. Comforting him at this moment might actually be counterproductive.
Seeing that Chen Mo's mood was stable while they talked, Fang Datong felt greatly relieved.
An hour passed quickly.
Apart from the initial five-star profession and two four-star professions, the awakenings of the remaining students were unremarkable.
Even so, the students' performance today was enough to greatly relieve Principal Shen Rulong.
Today's performance by Seaside Second Middle School was the best in the school's history.
He could hardly wait to report to the Academy Alliance to apply for a school upgrade.
If the school upgrade were successful, they could be allocated more training ground resources and higher enrollment quotas.
Even if he were to die in battle, he would be able to meet the old principals in the underworld with his head held high, beaming with pride.
"Students, today's awakening ceremony has concluded. According to the regulations of the Academy Alliance, all students who have awakened combat professions can receive reward funds. The amount will vary based on the star level of their awakened profession. You can use this money to buy some initial supplies and prepare for tomorrow's beginner's assessment.
Later, remember to submit your team lists. Be sure to gather at the school at eight o'clock tomorrow morning. We will dispatch experts to protect you during the beginner's assessment!"