Card simulation, starting with the Goblin Deserter

It's the fifth day since we arrived here. There are three days left until the practical test.

Under the midday sun streaming in through the window, Hayes yawned and got up.

He used up all three simulation attempts in the early hours of the morning and didn't go to sleep until 2 a.m.

This also led to his poor mental state, not entirely because of staying up late, but more because—he was stuck!

"That wolf attack was a death trap for me..."

Hayes sighed as he got up and washed.

In the early hours of the morning, he lost his first life, completely unprepared for the goblin squad's desertion.

I've obtained a new card—the 1-star, high-quality [Foolish Goblin Commander]. Its effect is to summon a group of goblins to command in battle, but the commands issued by the commander have a chance to have negative consequences...

After a brief summary, Hayes simulated again. This time, he chose to abandon those parasites who only knew how to run away and had no fighting spirit, and instead stood with his superior, Kaka!

During the previous simulations, he discovered that these goblins were incredibly powerful, unlike anything he had ever seen before!

None of those fierce gray wolves could withstand a single blow from him!

However, this brute became bloodthirsty in battle. No matter how Hayes called out, he kept rushing into the wolf pack, completely ignoring the defeated soldiers behind him and Hayes' safety.

Hayes, who had been following Kaka the whole way, survived for a while before dying in the jaws of a gray wolf that pounced from behind.

With his second life, he obtained the [Goblin Cheerleaders] – a one-star excellent item.

The effect is quite good; it can boost the combat power of a friendly unit, making it an excellent support card!

In his final attempt, Hayes pondered for a long time and, after confirming that the team was simply unmanageable, once again chose the "deserter" route.

Just a second before Kaka charged into the wolf pack, Hayes threw down his giant club, trying to escape in advance.

His plan was simple: take advantage of Kaka's distraction to get ahead of the pack and use his "anticipation" ability to evade the wolf pack's pursuit.

Although the chances of survival are extremely low, at least his marathon-like escape method will allow him to live for a long time!

Who knows, you might find a good card that works well and sell it for a good price?

However, to Hayes' surprise, he ran away a split second before the wolves appeared, only to be instantly caught up by the stunned Kaka and smashed in the head with a single blow...

He unlocked a new spell card: Taunt.

A one-star, common quality item whose effect is to cause an enemy to prioritize attacking the user...

Hayes felt this card had huge potential, but it was somewhat weak for card players with fragile builds...

"No, with my current abilities, I simply cannot survive a wolf attack. No matter what I do, it will only prolong my life a little longer."

Hayes bit his lip, his brow furrowed.

If we can redeem and consume the "Dragon Blood" from the shop, perhaps our predicament will turn around.

But where was he going to get the million from Dragon Blood? After deducting the four hundred thousand Norton gave him (and sending one hundred thousand home), six hundred thousand was not something that could be blown away by the wind!

"Is selling cards the only option?"

Lost in thought, Hayes suddenly noticed an unread text message on his phone.

It was sent by Norton half an hour ago.

Are you free now?

The two exchanged contact information casually during yesterday's transaction.

Hayes thought for a moment and then sent a question mark.

"What is it?"

He was about to put down his phone when he was surprised to receive a reply from the other end instantly.

"Lynnlinda is looking for you."

-

Ten minutes later, following the location sent by Norton, Hayes arrived at the entrance of a coffee shop near the college.

The welcoming staff did not treat Hayes casually because of his simple attire; on the contrary, they greeted him warmly. After Hayes gave them the name of the private room Norton had given him, they led him to the second floor.

The aroma of coffee carried a hint of money. Hayes glanced at the patterns on the wall relief and silently calculated how much money he would have to pay to get a cup of water here.

As he walked into the private room and pushed open the door, his eyes were immediately drawn to a splash of gold.

"This person... is Linda?"

The blonde girl smelled the aroma of the tea and sipped it, her neck curving like a swan's.

Despite wearing a simple dress that wasn't particularly luxurious, and was even somewhat understated, this person managed to make it look like a glamorous ball gown.

Most importantly, the moment their eyes met, Hayes's "preemptive instincts" kicked in spontaneously.

What he sensed from the other person was not danger, but an ancient and mysterious spiritual power...

In a daze, Hayes even saw a proud, silver-maned lion coiled beside the girl. But in the blink of an eye, it vanished.

In contrast to her, Norton, sitting next to her, completely lacked the air of an aristocrat.

"My God, Brother Hayes, you've finally arrived!"

Norton perked up when he saw Hayes walk in!

He hurriedly moved closer to Hayes, but his eyes kept glancing at Linda, as if he was quite afraid of her.

He lowered his voice: "She said she needs to talk to you."

"Watch your words. Even if they're not in power, the Ryan family is still a behemoth in the kingdom..."

Hayes was somewhat surprised; he hadn't expected Norton to be so considerate, reminding him of such a small detail.

"Thank you, brother!" Hayes's "brother" was genuine.

While the two were talking quietly, Linda didn't seem to mind, simply enjoying her coffee.

She didn't look up and greet him until Norton left and Hayes sat down in front of her.

"Lynnlinda".

"Patton Hayes." Hayes sat down, skipping all pleasantries, and went straight to the point: "What brings you here?"

Linda glanced at him, smiled, and asked in return, "Do you know my current situation?"

Hayes was stunned. He wanted to blurt out, "Who doesn't know that your mother eloped with the enemy and caused your father's death? Even I, a transmigrator who's only been here five days ago, know..."

However, remembering Norton's warning before leaving, Hayes held back. He didn't want to be resented by a group of nobles before becoming a great card master.

"I've heard some gossip," Hayes said vaguely.

Linda tapped the table and looked him straight in the eye: "As the person involved, I am now telling you this solemnly."

"The gossip you've heard... is all true, not just rumors."

Hayes: ?

Ignoring the surprised look on his face, Linda continued speaking with her eyes lowered.

"Unlike the tests that other candidates have experienced, my test is so difficult that a candidate like you can't even imagine it..."

"As my teammate, you will die in the test one hundred percent."

Linda pointed at Hayes, her tone filled with unwavering certainty.

Before Hayes could respond, she pulled out a stamped copy of a document from behind her and pushed it over, pointing to a clause with her fingertip.

"Look here—Special Practice Regulations. When the examiners unanimously determine that a candidate possesses an exceptionally high level of ability, they have the authority to administer a more challenging test for score calculation..."

"How long do you think it will take those important figures to gain the unanimous approval of the judging panel?"

Linda's gaze was fixed on Hayes; though she didn't say it explicitly, her meaning was clear.

If you don't want to get caught up in the power struggle and lose your life, then obediently withdraw and don't get involved in the Ryan family's affairs!

At this point, Hayes couldn't hold back any longer and interrupted.

"Wait, you're not going to take a picture of a bank card next, tell me how much money is in it, and then... make me withdraw from the assessment, are you?"

Linda raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised: "You guessed half right."

"I want you to withdraw from the assessment to save your own life, but I'm not planning to give you a bank card or anything like that, you..."

Linda didn't finish her sentence, but her bright eyes conveyed what she was thinking.

Have you been reading too many romance novels?

"Ahem...sorry, this scene just looks familiar."

Hayes smiled awkwardly, surprised that the Duke's daughter was such a nice person.

After learning that he had been forced to team up with her, she actually came to remind him to quit.

It seems they don't want someone as insignificant as themselves to be dragged into the conflicts between the nobility.

Hayes was pondering how to answer when suddenly, a brilliant idea flashed into his mind!

"Hey! If you give me 170 million in compensation, I'll agree to your request and withdraw from the assessment!"

"How is it?"

Linda: ?