Regarding this matter, Lao Gao just wanted to say, "Special training shouldn't be a problem. No matter how strong we are, we're just ordinary ability users who don't know much. Besides, we're already living in the base. We can't just avoid missions. So special training should be fine. Still, let Xiao Huang and I ask around first. Once we know more, we can decide if we want to sign up."
"Fine, ask around first."
No sooner had she spoken than Huang Jinghe and Lao Gao were already restless. The two immediately left the house. After wandering around for the afternoon, they brought back news.
Huang Jinghe said, "I called my parents. After I said I wanted to join the special training, they paused for a moment before saying, 'Then go ahead' and practice your skills. Sounds fine, but I asked why they paused. My parents said it's because the training is really tough. They worried I wouldn't adapt. But since I already have abilities, it wasn't really up to me. With this identity, I had to participate."
That sounded fine, but somehow every answer seemed to hide a problem.
Then Lao Gao said, "I also asked around. This kind of special training isn't new for the base. But after each training, the teams have to go out on dangerous missions. They say it's to train skills, but it's more like the base has a plan and uses the training to send people out.
Everyone knows this, yet many still scramble for special training spots. After finishing missions, a generous amount of contribution points is added to your residence ID. These points can secure several years in the base. Of course, missions are dangerous. You might not come back. Statistics show that after each mission, less than a third return.
Another point: ability users didn't exist often before, and they were forced to participate. Last time, after a mission, only a few returned. Now those leading the ability teams are here. Somehow rumors got to the mountains below, so ability users outside don't want to come to the base."
No wonder there aren't many ability users inside the base. Judging by survival numbers, you can imagine how dangerous the missions are.
While Lan Jin was hesitating, Ling Jiang said, "Whether we go or not is fine, but I suggest putting Grandma Ling and Qiao Qiao, plus Nana, into the space. Otherwise I won't feel safe."
Lan Jin's previous suspicions had already made her uneasy, and now knowing about the conspiracy, who would dare leave this old and young pair alone in the base?
Lan Jin agreed, "Of course. I wouldn't feel safe leaving them outside either. I'll just ask Qiao Qiao's kindergarten for leave, say I'm not in the base. She won't go to school then."
These things were easy to solve, but joining the special training was another matter.
Lao Gao said, "One more thing. I heard this time the training isn't just for our base. J city base, the farther N city base, and R city base will also send people. I think this mission may be more dangerous than usual. We need to think carefully."
They hadn't been to other city bases, so it didn't matter much. But J city base had Lao Shi. It would be unlikely to meet him outside the base otherwise. Since the mission was dangerous, careful consideration was necessary.
But after only a few days of hesitation, Brother Zhang grew restless. Pressured and half-forced, they signed up without surprise. Special training can't be avoided. At least the rewards must be clear.
Brother Zhang said, "Complete the mission, and each person gets ten thousand contribution points. Any mutant creatures hunted or captured on the way are counted individually or by team. Points are returned once you're back at the base."
Lan Jin asked, "We four are a team. During the mission, we won't be separated, right? We won't separate. This is the tacit understanding between us."
Lan Jin's attitude was firm. Separation meant no participation. Not because she couldn't do it without the others, but the world was dangerous. Even during training, trust wasn't guaranteed. Staying with familiar people was safest.
Brother Zhang hesitated, "Fine, you won't be separated. Cooperation is mandatory. You're strong, but if training fails, not all teammates may go. And any sign of slacking will get you expelled from the base. You will never enter a military base again."
He worried they might try to slack off, hoping to stay in the base without completing the mission. But they had no such idea.
"Don't worry. We won't do that."
Half a month passed quickly.
During that time, they only repelled occasional attacks from mutant creatures. Time passed leisurely for them.
Finally, August came. The day of special training arrived.
Early in the morning, the four changed into clean, practical sports gear. Lan Jin's space had plenty of clothes, but she also made sure everyone had water bottles. She picked a 2.6L bottle for each and filled them with spirit spring water before heading to the training room.
H city base had no tall buildings. The special training room was underground, on level B2.
Level B2 was empty at first glance but divided into many areas, covering a huge space.
At the entrance, two soldiers stepped forward, "Comrades, please scan your residence ID. Once verified, you may enter and submit to inspection."
Lan Jin and the others scanned their IDs at the machine. After a 'beep' and the message 'Verification Passed,' they entered.
Inspection checked body temperature and whether trainees carried dangerous items, similar to the checkpoint outside.
Their check was quick. Once cleared, a staff member led them inside.
"Walk that way. Assembly is over there."
Following the direction, they saw a crowd of people already gathered.
Lan Jin glanced at the time and whispered, "Isn't assembly at 9? It's only 8:40. Did they move it up and we didn't know?"
Ling Jiang said, "Probably excited last night and couldn't sleep, so they came early."
Lao Gao said, "Yes, looking at how lazy they are, we're definitely not late."