Pretending to be a genius starts with the civilization advancement assessment.

Chapter 205 Planning and Collapse, the Glory of the Grassroots (6K Three-in-One)

Thinking of this, Lin Yi couldn't help but turn his gaze to the shining figures on the battlefield.

These people are basically the backbone of Earth's future, and their talents and character have been fully tested in this long war.

"Liu Yuan, Elizabeth, and the other top talents have already established a solid foundation and accumulated enough experience. Their soul power is also nearing its critical point. In a few more years, or even sooner, they should be on the verge of reaching the Star Core level."

"Once this battle to recapture the capital is completely over, it's time to officially put the 'Star Core Training Program' on the agenda. We'll pool our resources, provide the most crucial guidance, give them a final push, shorten the distance to the finish line, and prevent them from taking unnecessary detours."

Lin Yi silently calculated in his mind, and soon, an educational plan for these high-level Origin Warriors who had touched the threshold of the Star Core level gradually became clear and perfect in his mind.

"However, once they truly reach the Star Core level and gain the initial foothold in the Star Sea, qualifying as 'Space Marines,' the current set of experience and skills, primarily targeting Abyssal Beasts and emphasizing frontal destruction and defense, will be far from sufficient."

"It just so happens that we need to find a way to teach them how to fight and deal with enemies with high intelligence during this training course. The abyssal beasts above the star core level also have considerable intelligence, and some of them are humanoid, so they are quite suitable as training targets."

Having made up his mind, Lin Yi collected his thoughts and turned his gaze back to the imposing momentum below, surging like a tidal wave towards the distant battlefield of pursuit.

"Eat one bite at a time, walk one step at a time. Right now, let's finish what's in front of us."

Lin Yi silently recited in his heart: "Xuanji".

"Principal, I'm here."

A calm and clear electronic voice rang out directly from the portable communicator he was wearing next to his ear.

“Those who performed exceptionally well in this operation will be selected and given an opportunity to receive direct guidance from me.”

Lin Yi gave an instruction.

Then, his gaze swept over the figures charging bravely below, and he added, "Note that the selection scope should not be limited to high-level powerhouses who are already famous, such as Chen Yu and Elizabeth."

"For mid- to low-level Origin Warriors, even those who have just entered the initial stage of Stardust level, as long as they demonstrate extraordinary courage, wisdom, or willpower in battle, they will also be considered and given this opportunity."

Xuanji responded quickly.

"The instructions have been recorded. Selection criteria have been updated: a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's contribution in combat, tactical execution, adaptability, willpower, teamwork, and individual growth potential. Weighting will be tilted towards outstanding performers who are not among the well-known powerhouses."

"The screening process will be conducted concurrently with the pursuit operation, combining battlefield recorder data with real-time system observation and analysis. The preliminary list of those who meet the criteria is expected to be submitted within 10 minutes after the end of the battle."

"very good."

Lin Yi ended the communication and turned his gaze once again to the land in the distance that was being reclaimed by human forces with unstoppable force, his eyes deep and unfathomable.

His decision was not a spur-of-the-moment decision or simply out of kindness.

Although the powerful leaders are the sword and banner of civilization, determining its upper limit and deterrent power.

However, the vast number of middle-class and grassroots workers are the cornerstone of civilization.

After all, he can't do everything himself, so cultivating capable middle and senior managers is equally important.

Therefore, in Lin Yi's view, ordinary soldiers who struggle and forge ahead in the mud and fire, shining with unique brilliance through their own efforts, wisdom, and even indomitable will, should also have the opportunity to receive guidance and recognition from higher authorities.

This in itself is a great opportunity for discovery and inspiration.

This may have a more profound significance for shaping the spiritual outlook of civilization and activating its long-term development momentum than simply killing a few more Star Core-level Abyss Beasts.
-
Meanwhile, the steel torrent never stopped.

Under the order to pursue with the phrase "the offensive and defensive positions change and the crowd surges," the allied forces, like a sophisticated yet ferocious war machine, swept through the path of the fleeing abyss beasts, crushing everything in their path.

Scorched earth, ruins, and the scattered remnants of the Abyss Beasts putting up a stubborn resistance could not stop this torrent that combined human will and technological power.

The tank tracks and armored vehicle tire marks are deeply imprinted on the land that was originally occupied by the abyssal beasts, as if declaring the return of sovereignty.

Along the way, you may occasionally encounter small groups of abyssal beasts attempting to launch a counterattack by taking advantage of the complex terrain.

However, under the overwhelming firepower and the rapid clearing by the Source Warrior squad, this resistance was like a stone thrown into a torrent, quickly annihilated before even creating a ripple.

The elite-level abyssal beasts that were once feared have now become targets with clearly marked prices on the merit system, and are being frantically pursued by people.

The progress was faster than expected.

In just over half a day, the massive purplish-black vortex of the capital's giant nest was clearly visible at the edge of the vanguard's field of vision.

However, unlike when they attacked large nests before, the allied forces seemed much more relaxed this time.

About five kilometers away from the core area of ​​the lair, in a relatively intact old city square and surrounding blocks, the troops began to quickly construct a simple arc-shaped defensive position according to Xuanji's blueprint.

No longer needing to be as sturdy as an "iron wall," it serves more as a warning, early warning, and fire support point.

Simple power base stations were quickly erected, flashing with a steady light, and "Watchdog" robots spread out, forming a mobile sentry network.

All the Source Warriors, whether they had chased after the enemy all the way here panting for breath or followed by transport vehicles, seized this last moment of peace before the battle. Some sat cross-legged to absorb crystals and restore their Source Energy, while others silently checked and cleaned their weapons and equipment and replaced their Energy Crystals.

The atmosphere was serious, but not too tense; a silent belief that "the situation is already settled" was flowing through the air.

Everyone knew that this giant nest was already a sitting duck.

After a short rest, everyone's merit bracelets vibrated again.

[Final Stage Mission: Source of Purification]

Mission Requirements: Stardust-level Tier 4 and above personnel will participate in the neutralization of the source energy of the capital's giant lair, in assigned batches. Other combat units will be responsible for outer defense, eliminating any remaining resistance and interference units that may emerge from the lair.

Mission Rewards: 80000 base merit points, with additional rewards based on neutral contribution and defense performance.

The commands are easy to understand.

Soon, the first batch of Source Warriors to participate in Source Energy Neutralization were selected.

Zhou Yuxuan closed the tactical tablet he was carrying, took a deep breath, exchanged a glance with Chen Yu, who was already eager to try, and the two walked side by side toward the vortex of the nest that exuded a suffocating sense of oppression.

Elizabeth straightened her collar and hair, which were slightly disheveled from the battle, and a hint of seriousness flashed in her icy blue eyes. She then stepped forward steadily with her deputy.

Andrei grinned, patted his greatsword, slung it over his shoulder, and roared, "Brothers, this is the last job! Let's go home and drink after we're done!" This prompted a group of tough members of his squad to howl in response.

More than three hundred top Stardust-level powerhouses from various countries and forces stood around the giant purplish-red vortex, which had a diameter of over a thousand meters and seemed to connect to the abyss of hell, following Xuanji's instructions.

"Everyone, listen to my command, output in unison!"

The voice of a high-ranking officer from the Training Corps, who was in charge of on-site coordination, came through a loudspeaker.

"Three, two, one! Go!"

In an instant, more than three hundred beams of source energy, of varying thickness but equally condensed and dazzling, poured into the massive purplish-red vortex from different directions, like swords of dawn piercing the darkness.

"Buzz!"

The entire giant nest resembled a primordial beast that had been thoroughly enraged, emitting invisible waves that were a hundred times stronger than those of the previous large nests.

The terrifying pressure, like a tangible tsunami, assaulted the minds of everyone involved in the neutralization process.

However, unlike in the past when energy neutralization was carried out, at this moment, all the powerful figures standing here, though solemn, felt no fear.

Everyone knows that there is no other abyssal beast force in this vicinity that can compare with the nest in front of them.

It is now isolated and at its wit's end.

Chen Yu felt the source energy within his body surge out like a floodgate opening, flowing into the enormous neutralizing energy field.

He looked at the struggling, twisting vortex ahead, and even had the leisure to grin, calling out to Zhou Yuxuan, who was completely focused beside him, and Elizabeth, whose face was cold and aloof, not far away:
"Hey, tell me, isn't that what it calls 'help'? Too bad, keep screaming, scream as loud as you can! Look at this godforsaken place, who's going to come to your rescue? Screaming your lungs out won't do any good!"

His somewhat roguish words seemed abrupt in this serious setting, but they instantly drew low chuckles from many powerful figures around him. Even Elizabeth's lips seemed to twitch slightly, easing the tense atmosphere.

Zhou Yuxuan shook his head helplessly, but did not say anything to stop him. He just focused more on regulating his source energy output to ensure that it was stable and efficient.

Energy neutralization is a long and costly process.

Under Xuanji's skillful command, more than 300 powerful individuals were divided into three groups, taking turns to fight in a relay.

Each batch lasts for about three hours before being replaced by the next batch. Those who are replaced immediately retreat to the back, sit cross-legged, and frantically absorb the high-level source energy crystals that have been prepared in advance in order to recover their strength as quickly as possible.

Time flows slowly through the cycle of alternation.

As the setting sun once again painted the horizon orange-red, creating a poignant contrast with the purplish-red vortex on the ground, the giant abyss nest finally teetered on the brink of collapse.

"Everyone, give it your all! It's about to give out!" The coordinating officer's voice was filled with barely suppressed excitement.

All the powerful beings who were currently unleashing their power, whether in the first or third batch, stepped forward simultaneously and unleashed all of their remaining source energy.

In an instant, the source energy shone brightly, as if hundreds of small suns were lit up at the same time, completely engulfing the distorted vortex.

"Crack. Bang!"

The purplish-red vortex, with a diameter of a kilometer, suddenly contracted inward, and then burst open like a punctured balloon.
There was no deafening explosion, only countless purplish-red fragments, like fireworks out of control, shooting in all directions, eventually turning into scattered points of light that gradually dissipated.

The giant lair that had occupied the capital of Xia Kingdom for several years has completely disappeared.

silence.

It lasted for a few seconds.

Immediately, deafening cheers erupted like a volcanic eruption from every corner of the defensive positions and from the mouths of everyone who had participated in this final battle. Many embraced and wept, while many more raised their weapons and roared vehemently towards the sky.

The notification sounds of the merit bracelets rose and fell, like the most beautiful music.

The rewards for completing the tasks arrived in the accounts one after another, and the generous amount of merit points made countless people beam with joy.

Even more eye-catching is the beautifully designed badge pattern that automatically pops up on the wristband screen.

Against a backdrop of shattered vortexes, the rising sun and city silhouettes are highlighted, with the words "Capital Restored, Dawn Forever" below.

At the same time, the forum title "Summer Dawn" was automatically loaded after each person's ID.

Almost instantly, the relevant sections of various platforms, such as the Dongfeng Military Academy's internal forum and the Source Energy Home, were flooded with posts boasting about their achievements.

[Screenshot.jpg] See that? Limited edition badge! "Summer Dawn"!
[A historic moment, I participated! Capital, we're back!]

[Haha, my merit points are in my account! I can finally exchange them for that 'Skybreaker-III' battle blade I've been longing for!]

Joy and excitement filled the air.

However, in a temporary rest area at the edge of the square, the five members of the "Lynx" team huddled together, staring at the screen of the merit bracelet on Old Cat's wrist, completely frozen, as if they had been hit by an invisible shockwave of source energy.

On the screen, besides the normal mission settlement information such as a full 600,000 merit points and that enviable badge, there was also an additional message in bold, with a faint gold border:
[Special Award Notice]

To all members of the "Lynx" team:
According to the comprehensive evaluation by the Xuanji System, your team performed exceptionally well throughout "Operation Dawn" (including the initial reconnaissance, defensive operations, and pursuit phases). Your team demonstrated decisive tactical execution, perfect teamwork, and turned the tide of battle on several occasions at critical moments, showcasing a tenacious will and combat wisdom far exceeding your own level.

Special reward: You will receive a chance to be personally instructed by Commander Lin Yi.

Specific time and location will be notified separately.

Please keep your communication channels open.

"Fuck!"

The monkey was the first to react. He rubbed his eyes hard and pinched his thigh, wincing in pain, before confirming that it wasn't a hallucination.

"Old... Old Cat, pinch me. Wait, look at this. Is this real? Commander Lin Yi personally instructed us?"

Big Bear stared blankly at the screen, his honest face full of bewilderment. He looked at the screen, then at his teammates, seemingly unable to comprehend the meaning of the words combined.

Even the nightingale, with its aloof nature, couldn't help but breathe rapidly.

Old Cat took several deep breaths to barely suppress his excitement. He looked around at his teammates, wanting to say something but not knowing what to say. In the end, he could only manage to say, "Brothers, I think the merit system won't play a joke on us. We've been chosen."

"Ahhhh!"

The monkey finally couldn't contain itself and roared wildly, jumping up and down in excitement, grabbing the still bewildered bear next to it.

"Brother Xiong! Did you hear that? Commander Lin Yi! He's going to give us pointers! Give us pointers!"

Overwhelmed by a tremendous sense of happiness and honor, this grassroots team, which had been struggling from the bottom up and had worked hard and luck to get to where they were today, was instantly overwhelmed.

They pounded each other's shoulders, expressing their excitement incoherently.

After the initial excitement, the monkey, almost trembling, took a screenshot of the "Special Commendation Notice," removing sensitive information such as the team number, and posted it directly to the "Source Energy Home" forum, which had the widest audience and the largest traffic. The accompanying text was a simple yet eye-catching sentence:
"Guys! Am I dreaming?! [Screenshot.jpg]"

Within ten seconds of the post being published, the number of replies began to explode.

"?????"

"Holy crap!!! Commander Lin Yi personally gave guidance?!"

"So sour! I've eaten a ton of lemons!"

"Which team are you on, OP? I'm bowing down!"

"Sharing the joy! Congratulations, boss!"

This is just the beginning.

Soon, several similar posts sprang up on the forum like mushrooms after rain. The posters had different IDs, came from different teams, and even different countries, but the core content was the same—showing off the golden "Special Reward Notice".

Clearly, the Lynx team was not the only one to receive this honor.

Some are lone warriors who hold key points in defensive battles, enduring heavy blows without retreating.

Some were well-coordinated pairs who cleverly set up an ambush during the pursuit and killed an extremely troublesome elite-level abyss beast.

Another post claimed that the poster was just an ordinary soldier of the first tier of Stardust level. He risked his life in the chaos to replace the source energy crystal of a "Ring of Judgment" and activate it, buying his teammates a crucial respite.

The emergence of these posts further proves the breadth and fairness of Lin Yi's reward program.

We value not only ability, but also performance and potential.

The forum was in an uproar.

Posts expressing envy, congratulations, curiosity, and analysis abound.

Finally, someone asked the crucial question:

"If you don't understand, just ask. I'm a newbie, so I'll ask you a question: How many merit points is this opportunity of 'Commander Lin Yi personally guiding you once' worth?"

The replies below were varied, with some jokingly saying it was priceless, and others guessing it was worth 100,000 or 200,000.

Until one reply was quickly liked and pushed to the top, the poster's ID was prominently displayed with the official certification mark of "Stardust Level 6":

"Sigh, if only this opportunity could be transferred. I would rather spend 500,000 merit points to buy it once, and I would never bargain."

Five hundred thousand merits!
This number was like a bomb, silencing the forum for a moment before sparking even more frenzied discussion.

Everyone realized that the value of this reward far exceeded their previous expectations.

Just as the forum was abuzz with discussion about this "guidance opportunity worth 500,000 merit points," in reality, everyone who received the reward, including the still-excited "Lynx" team, received the same notification from Xuanji:

"Principal Lin Yi will be holding a Q&A session in the core ruins area of ​​the lair in thirty minutes. Those with a 'Special Commendation Notice' may ask one question. Others may listen in; please proceed in an orderly manner."

The news caused a stir among the crowd, which had just begun to calm down.

Without any organization or orders, everyone who could spare the time—whether they were powerful individuals who had just finished a neutralization mission, soldiers responsible for perimeter security, or even logistics and engineering personnel—spontaneously flocked to the core area of ​​the recently collapsed nest, as if on a pilgrimage.

There, the original towering nest has disappeared, leaving only a huge crater with traces of vitrification, like a scar on the earth.

People spontaneously searched for their place on these ruins.

The top of the heavy armored vehicle was soon filled with rows of soldiers, who held onto the weapon racks on the roof and looked on expectantly.

The surrounding buildings, which had been affected by the previous battles and had not yet completely collapsed, were crowded with people in every window, on every balcony, and even on every relatively stable edge of the floor.

Even the broad shoulder platforms of the surrounding "Guardian" heavy robots became highly sought-after viewing seats.

There was no scrambling, only a tacit order; everyone tried to remain quiet, their eyes focused on the center of the crater.

There were about a dozen people who were qualified to ask questions. Under the invisible guidance of Xuanji, they silently walked to the front and formed a loose semicircle around the center point.

Chen Yu, Zhou Yuxuan, Elizabeth, Andrei, and others were among them, their expressions solemn and thoughtful.

The five members of the "Lynx" squad stood closely together, able to clearly hear each other's heavy breathing and heartbeats. Looking at the powerful figures around them, whose names they could only hear in rumors, they felt like children who had strayed into a land of giants.

I felt tense, excited, and filled with boundless anticipation.

The afterglow of the setting sun bathed the entire ruins in a warm golden-red hue, creating a strange harmony with the cold remains left from the battle.

Just then, a figure appeared silently in the very center of the pit, on the flattest patch of glassy ground.

It was Lin Yi.

He was still wearing that seemingly ordinary combat uniform, with no powerful energy fluctuations emanating from his body, as if he had blended into the surrounding environment.

But simply by standing there, he naturally became the center of the entire world, attracting all eyes that converged there.

He didn't speak, his gaze calmly sweeping over those who had been granted the right to ask questions, and over the figures holding their breath on the ruins, on the roofs of vehicles, and by the windows.

The wind blew, stirring up the fine dust on the ground, making a soft whistling sound, which further accentuated the silence of the moment.

A solemn and sacred atmosphere slowly permeated the ruins that had just experienced final destruction and rebirth.

From the sky, radiating outwards from that solitary yet powerful figure at the center are eager questioners, and beyond that, a dense crowd of people.

They stood amidst steel wreckage, broken buildings, and armored vehicle rooftops, bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun.

Destruction and rebirth, despair and hope, questions and answers, past and future—all seem to intertwine and collide at this moment on this silent ruin, ultimately freezing into a magnificent scene.

Once he estimated that everyone had arrived, Lin Yi slowly began to speak.

His voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached the ears of everyone present, as if it resonated directly in the depths of their hearts.

"let's start."

(End of this chapter)