C21 Young Genius

The medical team arrived swiftly, finding that the injuries sustained by the group were minor. Their pets, now bound by contract, were unharmed—their Combat Pets' vitality incredibly robust, only faltering if their owner perished.

As the medics approached Jiao Yuanju, they couldn't help but feel awkward at the sight of Xie Ziyu, who was clinging to him in a daze.

"Let us take care of your girlfriend. We'll make sure she gets the treatment she needs," they assured him.

With a gentle wink, the nurses coaxed Jiao Yuanju to pry Xie Ziyu's hands away.

Jing Haokuo and the rest were unscathed.

Grinning, Fatty teased Jiao Yuanju, "Feels good to be held by the goddess, doesn't it?"

Jiao Yuanju gave Jing Haokuo a slap and responded coolly, "She doesn't interest me."

"I, for one, am quite taken with this sister-in-law!" came another voice.

Jiao Yuanju remained silent.

Pei Xiaobo hurried over, his laughter booming. "Jiao, you're more impressive than I thought!"

Jiao Yuanju offered a smile, then turned his attention to another onlooker who had been intently watching him—none other than the high-ranking official from the Skysea Military District seated beside Pei Xiaobo.

Pei Dong's eyes sparkled with recognition of the enigmatic bond between Jiao Yuanju and Pei Xiaobo.

With a smile, he introduced, "Jiao Yuanju, meet Yun Zhengchu, the Chief Military Instructor of the Skysea Military District and the esteemed captain of the Krukshire Team. He's looking to recruit exceptional students like you for military training."

Pei Xiaobo chimed in, "I'm the vice-captain of the Krukshire Team, and this is my captain."

Yun Zhengchu studied Jiao Yuanju for a moment before posing his question, "Is your Combat Pet a genetically mutated new species?"

Jiao Yuanju's heart raced at the inquiry, but he confidently replied, "It appears to be a mutation. Its abilities have long surpassed those of any ordinary snake."

Yun Zhengchu dropped another bombshell, "You were the one who took down those assailants, weren't you?"

Pei Dong and Pei Xiaobo froze, their gazes fixed on the prodigious newcomer with a mix of shock and admiration.

With years of military wisdom under his belt, Yun Zhengchu knew talent when he saw it, even in a sixteen-year-old like Jiao Yuanju. Realizing this, Jiao Yuanju owned up to his actions without hesitation, "Yes, that was me."

The three adults in attendance shuddered, overcome with emotion to the point of speechlessness. They understood the magnitude of the moment.

Being a Combat Pet Master was a globally esteemed profession, yet high-level masters were scarce. Those at the Grandmaster level were national cornerstones. Most competitors brought valuable and rare combat pets, yet they fell effortlessly to Jiao Yuanju's prowess. This not only proved his combat pets' strength but also that his psychic force was elite. In all of Krukshire, fewer than five Combat Pet Masters reached this level.

A prodigious talent had emerged!

This was the singular thought resonating in their minds.

Yun Zhengchu, managing to contain his excitement, addressed Jiao Yuanju earnestly, "As you're aware, the top ten among you will form a squad. You'll be qualified to support our military district in combat and enjoy the same benefits as regular soldiers. You can also redeem rewards with your merit points. But that's just the basics. I'd like to extend an invitation for you to join Krukshire's Ace Combat Team. Are you interested?"

"The Ace Combat Team of Krukshire!"

Pei Xiaobo was astounded. This was the crème de la crème of Combat Pet Masters in Krukshire, a linchpin capable of withstanding repeated large-scale beast tides. The team was the elite of the elite, with its central figure rumored to be at the Grandmaster level. Joining the Ace Combat Team would surely place him among the nation's core combat forces.

Jiao Yuanju, equally stunned, quickly regained his composure and inquired, "Would I still be able to live a normal life?"

Yun Zhengchu fell silent, reflecting before responding, "Once you're part of the Ace Combat Team, you can't just appear in public at will. Our adversaries aren't limited to Mutant Beasts. You'll become a secret, continuing your training in a specialized military facility."

"I refuse," Jiao Yuanju declared, his tone resolute and calm. "I won't do anything that sacrifices my freedom."

Pei Xiaobo couldn't contain himself, "Jiao Yuanju, this is the chance of a lifetime, coveted by many but attained by few. You'd have access to the nation's resources for life. Plus, with your father's injuries, not only could this opportunity provide his cure, but your family would also gain round-the-clock military protection."

It wasn't surprising that Pei Xiaobo was familiar with Jiao Yuanju's background. A teenager with exceptional skills appearing out of nowhere in the wilderness would naturally draw attention. Pei Xiaobo had taken the initiative to look into it, and Jiao Yuanju's family was no secret, easily uncovered. Pei Xiaobo's desire for Jiao Yuanju to join their ranks was fueled by his knowledge of the family's struggles.

Jiao Yuanju shook his head, his decision already firm in his heart. The enhancing system's wonders were just beginning to unfold, and he was confident that with his abilities, he could restore his family's happiness. The thought of losing his freedom at such a young age was unbearable for Jiao Yuanju. Besides, he couldn't risk the military discovering his capabilities—the outcome would be disastrous.

Yun Zhengchu sighed, respecting his choice, and didn't press further. He presented two items: a badge inscribed with "Krukshire" and a small notebook.

"This is your team's official badge. As the first member, you're naturally the captain. This badge marks you as a formal member of the Combat Pet Team. As for this," he said, handing over the notebook, "have a look!" Yun Zhengchu teased, leaving Jiao Yuanju intrigued.

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