Minister Tiansuo of the Planetary Education Department stepped forward and made the announcement.
"This competition includes twenty-six planets, with a total of 1,024 contestants. Each contestant represents their own planet, and the goal is to locate a rare herb called Skyward Herb, hidden deep within the tropical rainforest of Planet 65."
The herb's leaves gave off an incredibly strong fragrance that could easily attract wild animals. The deeper into the forest one went, the greater the danger. Its medicinal properties were extraordinary. Just a single drop could increase the toughness and durability of a mecha by one rank, for instance, a B-rank mecha could instantly gain the resilience of an A-rank mecha. This would be a huge advantage, not only for personal survival but also for one's planet and even the school.
I felt a thrill of excitement, my eyes sweeping across the crowd. Everyone seemed to understand that the true goal of this rainforest survival exercise was the Skyward Herb.
Minister Tiansuo continued.
"Each contestant will be equipped with a signal gun, which serves two purposes. First, for emergencies: if you face danger beyond your control, fire the signal gun, but you will immediately withdraw from this twenty-four-hour survival exercise. Second, to report the discovery of the Skyward Herb: once you locate it, fire your signal gun at once. Staff will arrive with a special container to collect the herb. Do not harvest it yourself, as its fragrance could spread and trigger a beast surge.
Remember this: the signal gun does not open a permanent link, but a time window. During that short span, your location will be locked by our systems, and rescue teams will rush toward you. But the very same pulse and released scent can draw beasts just as quickly. Once the window opens, survival depends on how long you can hold out until we arrive."
The mechanical hum of equipment signaled the start of the twenty-four-hour survival challenge. Teams from all planets scattered quickly, seeking safe spots for temporary camps while simultaneously conducting a thorough search for the Skyward Herb.
The rainforest immediately came alive with sounds: rustling leaves, snapping branches, and the occasional low growl of a distant beast.
I observed my surroundings calmly. The Planet 173 team prioritized water sources and high ground, while the mechanical students scanned the terrain and marked potential ambush points.
My mecha had been modified to be light and agile, with wings capable of gliding at low altitude. I activated them quietly, skimming above a creek to avoid snapping dry branches. Flying low allowed me to move quickly over mud and dense vines while keeping an eye on the ground, marking possible enemy paths. My storage system and hidden weapons were ready for any sudden encounters.
I followed the creek slowly, splitting my attention between the terrain and observing the movements of other teams. In the distance, several teams were already clashing over a patch of land suitable for a temporary camp.
Deeper into the forest, shadows grew longer and light fell in narrow shafts through the canopy. I glanced to the side and noticed a figure crouched quietly near a clearing, making almost no sound. Golden hair glimmered in the mottled light, and his blue eyes scanned the surroundings and other teams carefully.
Unlike the other fast-moving teams, he did not rush or scramble for resources. Instead, he moved deliberately, gathering information, analyzing routes, and marking potential ambush points. His calm and strategic approach immediately caught my attention—this was the legendary 3S student.
My heart raced, and I couldn't look away. A mix of excitement and tension surged inside me. Tonight's rainforest survival was not going to be peaceful.
Soon, the forest quieted again, leaving only the occasional rustle of leaves. Each team had found their gathering point. Mechanical students, after marking potential ambush points, stayed at base to support the teams as needed.
Bai Tou and I led the Solo Combat Department team and split our squad into two, heading in different directions toward the forest's deepest area.
Before we separated, Bai Tou and I exchanged a glance, both wearing faint, knowing smiles.
He looked at me with a hint of challenge. "Kid, don't fall behind. If you do, don't complain when I make you pay for it."
I replied calmly, "Don't worry. I won't slow down."
He snorted, slightly dismissive. "We'll see how long that lasts. Remember, the first to find Skyward Herb is the true victor."
Although his words were challenging, they also acknowledged that our immediate goal was the same. We set off in opposite directions, fully aware of the danger that lay ahead.
Night fell. The forest was divided into patches of light and shadow by the thick canopy, and the humid air carried the scent of soil and plants. As I led my squad carefully, avoiding patrolling monsters, a sharp scream cut through the night. I looked up and saw a group of figures struggling not far away.
I spread the wings on my mecha and glided low for a better view. Through the gaps in the leaves, I saw a team huddled together, clearly under attack. Wang Mian was among them, trapped in his mecha, and the situation was critical. Thinking of our bond, I decided to intervene before it became deadly.
I whispered instructions to my squad. "Stay by that large tree. Make sure you're safe and only act if necessary."
Then I piloted my mecha silently toward Wang Mian. The closer I got, the more shocking the scene became. Several long, snake-like translucent creatures were clinging to his teammates' mechas, feeding on their surfaces. Mutant leeches, their saliva highly corrosive, even able to penetrate a B-rank mecha. Any forceful struggle would make the injuries worse. Crawl marks suggested more dangers nearby.
I assessed the situation quickly. My plan was to first eliminate a few of the writhing leeches with my meteor dagger, then help Wang Mian's team escape. Adjusting the hydraulics to silent mode, I glided low, scanning for any hidden threats.
Wang Mian looked up in surprise. His gaze fell on the wings and modifications of my mecha, vaguely recognizing it as a variant sponsored by his family, but slightly different. Before he could speak, I shouted, "Quick! Follow me!"
As we freed them, a low growl echoed from deep in the forest. Several massive mutant beasts were approaching, their dark brown fur shining under the moonlight, eyes glowing, teeth sharp. Shadows stretched across the forest floor, making the scene feel oppressive.
I quickly charted a route, deciding to fly low through gaps in the canopy. Wings fully extended, I maneuvered the mecha with precision. Wang Mian and his team followed closely, guided by my hand signals.
Several times, my mecha nearly scraped branches. I adjusted its posture to glide like a night hawk. Using my meteor dagger, I cleared vines while scanning for threats with infrared sensors.
After several tense minutes, we reached a relatively open area and could finally pause. Wang Mian stared at my wings with admiration. "I didn't expect your modifications… it flies incredibly smoothly."
I nodded but stayed alert. The rainforest still held unknown dangers.
Hovering low, I took a breath. Then a strange, strong plant scent filled my nose, carrying a subtle sharpness.
I whispered to Wang Mian, "Do you smell that?"
He frowned. "No, I don't."
I added softly, almost to myself, "Could it be… the Skyward Herb?"
Wang Mian looked at me cautiously. "Are you sure?"
I shook my head, both excited and uncertain. "Not sure… I have to check."
My instincts told me to explore alone. I signaled, "You rest here. I'll scout ahead."
I spread my wings and glided low toward the source of the scent. It grew stronger, but the surroundings looked ordinary, without any dangerous cliffs or traps.
Landing on what seemed to be a normal patch of forest, I crouched to examine the ground. The scent came from beneath the soil.
I drove my dagger into the earth, following the aroma. The soil was cold, damp, and soft. Either someone or nature itself had created a hidden cavity here.
I whispered in disbelief, "No way… the Skyward Herb grows underground?"
No wonder no one had found it. Its fragrance was faint to ordinary noses, almost imperceptible, and without careful attention to the subtle changes on the surface, its source would have been nearly impossible to detect.
Time Window: a short duration triggered by the signal gun during which both rescue teams and surrounding beasts are drawn to the same point.