Ancient Dragon in Arknights

The discipline of military academy students was relatively well maintained. Before long, Nesario and his classmates gathered at the designated testing site.

This place is essentially a giant stadium, except that its facilities are quite different from those of traditional sports.

'Special anti-hit structure, high-speed camera, urban warfare simulation site, enclosed testing space...'

As Nesario looked around, he saw that the training ground had many of the most advanced testing devices on the market, the purpose of which was probably to test the students' various data. Sure enough, the school did not intend to just talk about theory; actual combat was still an indispensable part.

Nethario could almost imagine the outcome: the outstanding students would shine brightly, while those "sickly" or "weak" students would likely have a tough time. Their teammates would weigh their abilities, and they might even face ridicule and discrimination.

This phenomenon is unfair, but it is also just.

It's unfair because everyone's race is different. Some races excel in strength, like Ursus; some races excel in speed, like Felin; some races excel in endurance, like Kuranta; and some races are born sorcerers, like Sarkaz. Of course—there probably won't be any Sarkaz in this school. That race is discriminated against and feared by every other race. It's hard to imagine what the Sarkaz paid to get into this place.

Fairness comes from the fact that machines don't lie; your efforts and sweat will be translated into the most accurate numbers on paper. If you're weak, lift weights; if you're slow, run; if you lack magical talent, use Originium to heal yourself. Okay, and lastly, don't study it—it's a life-or-death endeavor.

In short—any result that follows is the result of talent and hard work combined!

"First... let me introduce myself. My name is Angelia. I used to belong to the Victoria Iron Fist Squad, and now I'm a teacher at the Royal Guard Academy. I'm also your teaching assistant—let me make it clear beforehand, I was forcibly assigned here. So, I have none of those teachers' sense of responsibility, mission, or love! If you don't cause trouble, I naturally won't touch you, but once you make a mistake... hehehe."

'I'm definitely going to die!'

'Openly declaring that you have no sense of responsibility...that's it!'

See you in the next life, Mother.

'...'

Very well, this unique meeting has already won over most of the students.

Nesario sized up the very distinctive woman in front of him. He could only say that she was indeed a former soldier; she was completely different from everyone else present.

Her long black hair was casually tied into a ponytail, and her resolute face bore several scars. Even though she was a woman, her muscular physique was still visible. Despite being a military academy teacher, she wore a black men's suit—the other teachers also wore military uniforms, making her stand out. There must be a story behind her.

Why does Nesario dare to say she's special?

Because of her imposing presence—her wolf ears standing erect like a sentinel scanning her surroundings, her tail as straight as her stance, resembling a sharp blade, and even more terrifying was the woman's gaze. It was the kind of gaze one could only possess after surviving a mountain of corpses and a sea of ​​blood; none of the students present dared to meet Angelia's eyes.

As for Nesario? He didn't go to see him either.

However, he deliberately avoided it because making eye contact with that creature would definitely provoke the Odogaron's killing intent—Nesario would unconsciously glare back with an even fiercer and bloodthirsty look, and the result would be obvious: he would definitely attract the attention of this "madman" and then be tortured in various ways.

"Enough chit-chat, I'm looking forward to leaving get off work early. The first test is 'physical strength.' See that machine over there? You can test your punching power by punching it once. Of course, some of you who are more skilled with weapons can choose to use them, but the testing machine and standards will be changed."

"My personal suggestion is to test your punching power. The fist is the weapon that can generate power from the whole body."

Yes, Nesario wholeheartedly agrees with this statement. Weapons represent tools, and the power displayed by powerful weapons is the wisdom of civilization—but this power does not belong to humans. Only by forging oneself to be like a weapon can one be a true strongman!

"Alright, follow my instructions."

"First place, Mark Grant!"

"Yes!"

...

As each name was called, everyone received their test results, revealing that the racial disparities remain insurmountable.

The worst record currently belongs to a Li Boli, whose punching power is only 503 pounds; the strongest is 1509 pounds, achieved by a Felin.

In Nesario's memory, that film's fur color should be called "tiger," and this guy was indeed a size larger than the other films.

The highest and the lowest—there's a three-fold difference! How much effort and sweat would it take to bridge that three-fold gap? Nobody knows.

"Next up, Rita Scamanderross."

'What?! It's Scamanderos?!'

'This family actually showed up again?'

'Isn't that the name...'

'It's not surprising to encounter this surname at a military academy.'

As Angelia read out Rita's full name, the student group instantly became noisy. Because the voices were so mixed, Nesario couldn't hear everything clearly, but he could tell from just a few words that Rita's family reputation seemed to be quite chaotic.

"Keep quiet! Only speak when necessary; this is one of the essential qualities of a soldier!"

Whoosh—the noise quickly disappeared as everyone succumbed to Angelia's oppressive aura.

"'White Wolf' has always been one of the most famous legends in the army. I hope you can uphold its name."

"...I will."

Just as Nesario had suspected, Miss Rita's family was indeed quite 'peculiar'. Some people spoke of them with fear and malice, while others admired them as if they were worshipping them. What magic did this family possess? Nesario had found what he needed to do tonight.

Under the watchful eyes of the entire class, Miss Rita slowly walked towards the testing equipment.

For others, it was merely a test, but for her, it took on a different meaning—if she made a fool of herself, it would definitely damage the family's reputation; some in the crowd were looking forward to this scene, while others were watching quietly, but no one offered any words of encouragement.

This is what Rita carries on her shoulders: the gazes of those around her, the inexplicable hostility and expectations, and the "dilemma" of having nowhere to retreat—this is what everyone who bears the name "White Wolf" must face.

Chapter Eighteen: Betting Tonight's Dinner!

As Nesario watched the girl walk away, a pang of pity stirred within him. Excessive expectation and malice are alike; both possess the power to push someone into the abyss.

Nesario deeply understood this; "Saria's shadow" was the source of his empathy. However, unlike Rita, he matured quickly and no longer cared about such matters, while Rita was just an ordinary girl.

Moreover, Nesario has Saria by his side, and she wouldn't allow anyone to bully her brother; Rita, on the other hand, Nesario doesn't believe that the "White Wolf" title that makes everyone around him tremble is such a gentle thing.

That girl not far ahead has probably been through a lot.

The people around her continued to stare intently at Rita's retreating figure. Some tried to find glimpses of the "White Wolf" within her, while others sought to uncover a pathetic stain. They were like a group of indifferent spectators; whatever the outcome, they would have something to talk about and even criticize the protagonist.

So—what about Nesario?

What role should Nesario play in this play?

Upon closer reflection, his relationship with Rita was still quite distant—a single meeting, a lunch, and some trivial information—which didn't seem to reach the level of "friendship."

If this happens to her, what can we gain by supporting her?

The opinions of the various descendants of the Victorian aristocracy are mixed, with some good and some bad. He will be categorized into the "White Wolf" camp, welcomed by his followers and slandered by his opponents. Just thinking about it is incredibly troublesome.

More importantly—what kind of family is the "White Wolf"? If it is indeed glorious and boundless, can Neltharion's choice be defined as opportunism? If the "White Wolf" family is despicable, shameless, vile, and greedy, then wouldn't he be incredibly stupid?

Moreover, it's uncertain whether Rita will accept his kindness. If Nesario extends a helping hand only to be rejected, then he'll just be a self-deluded clown.

Thinking about it this way, watching quietly is the best course of action.

Rita inherited the surname, and with that came the troubles—it was her destiny.

"Hey! Rita, how about a match with me? The loser treats the winner to dinner."

"...?"

Angelia's earlier reprimand was effective; at least no one dared to make a sound, and the whole group was quiet. So Nesario's words reached Rita's ears clearly and without any error.

The girl bearing the name "White Wolf" was initially confused, but when she turned around and saw Nesario's enthusiastic expression, she confirmed that what she had just heard was accurate.

"I accepted."

Whether it was her own strong will and competitiveness, or her desire to defend her family's reputation, she had no reason to refuse.

"Then you'd better work hard. If you make a mistake later, my appetite is huge."

Nesario continued, his tone relaxed, but it sounded completely provocative.

Several people who disliked the "White Wolf" family even gave him "well done" looks.

These guys couldn't understand what Nesario meant. Nesario was at the front, and everyone else could only watch his back as they moved forward. At this moment, only Rita herself could see his eyes.

Nesario's eyes were gentle and slightly smiling; he meant no harm and was instead encouraging Rita.

This experience was quite novel. Rita had never imagined that there were such people. Unlike feelings of admiration or disgust, Nesario only offered encouragement, but he wrapped this goodwill in "provocation".

"Who wins and who loses is still uncertain, isn't it? You should also be careful, I don't have a big appetite, but the dishes I like are all very expensive."

Rita stood in front of the testing machine, her eyes showing no sign of confusion. Her already firm belief was now as unbreakable as a tower shield.

At this moment, she not only has to defend the honor of "Scamanderos", but also win the bet with Nesario!

Stand with your legs apart, use your waist to drive your shoulders, and the powerful impact gathers in your fist like a heavy cannon—thud!

With a dull thud, those who had previously looked down on Rita vanished instantly.

The guys who hit the testing device before made no sound; their power was completely absorbed and turned into a string of calm numbers on the machine.

Rita's punch broke the previous record—2109 pounds! That's more than 500 pounds higher than the previous record!

My God, if that punch landed on someone who was completely unprepared, they would probably be killed instantly!

'This performance is outstanding even within a military assault team. And she's just a greenhorn student... White Wolf, indeed not to be underestimated.'

"This...isn't that a bit too much!"

"Is this the power of the 'White Wolf'? Could those rumors be true...?"

"That kid who just made a bet with her is probably going to lose a lot of money."

"Serves him right for coming to us... Haha, serves him right."

The crowd, which had quieted down, stirred again; Rita had broken the silence with her power! The crowd was agitated.

"quiet!"

Angelia unleashed her power once again, and the slightly agitated crowd quieted down.

"Next up—Fiona Young."

Unfortunately, Neltharion's number wasn't after Rita's, otherwise the outcome of the duel would have been immediately clear. Although most people believed Neltharion had already lost.

The White Wolf family are too monstrous; they are not people that normal people can deal with.

While everyone was lost in their own thoughts, Fiona quickly ran to the testing machine.

The orange-haired young lady, Vayvan, was completely unaffected by the previous scheming and infighting. She was now eagerly anticipating whether anyone would bet with her on dinner. Fiona assured her that she wouldn't eat much; she simply enjoyed the fun of fooling around with others.

Unfortunately, even after she threw that punch, no one stepped forward to bet her dinner.

1800 pounds!

Another monster!

Wow—everyone watching was in disbelief; how come today's records are getting more and more terrifying?