C15 Illusion Breaking Eye Voting

The ancient text "Nei Hai Jing" describes the swan as residing east of Shun's burial site, south of the Xiang River. It resembles a cow, with a dark black complexion and a single horn.

In the "Classic of Mountains and Seas," the swan is depicted as an auspicious creature similar to a water buffalo, entirely black with one horn. Yet, in reality, the swan is a formidable, vicious beast.

Currently, the naming of these known colossal creatures largely draws inspiration from the "Classic of Mountains and Seas." They are named according to their resemblance to the descriptions found within this ancient tome.

Luo Yan had come across information about the swan during a lecture on Giant Beast Knowledge. This bovine-like behemoth could effortlessly demolish a building. Typically covered in a layer of blue-black fur, the swan's thick, long coat makes it appear like a roving black cloud when it charges at full speed.

Once the Exploration Corps detected the presence of these massive beasts, the sound of gunfire began to echo ahead of the convoy. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle's radio crackled to life again.

"A second huge beast has been spotted at 10 o'clock to the northwest."

"It's another 'swan'!"

"It's projected to collide with the academy's convoy."

The announcement drained the color from the students' faces. Luo Yan clenched his rifle firmly.

"Stay calm," Wai Fenghua stated coolly. "Hee Hao and his team will protect us."

Luo Yan peered outside. The formidable mecha known as Hell Thunder was advancing with large strides. Inside the mecha's cockpit, Hee Hao, the embodiment of ruggedness, spoke over the squad's channel, "Stick to the old rules, deploy the 211 standard formation."

"Roger that."

"Understood."

As the team members acknowledged the order, two Mysterious Machines positioned themselves directly in the path of the giant beast. They each hoisted a hefty black rifle with a thick barrel.

The details of the weapon flashed through Luo Yan's mind: the Hell Thunder, specifically designed for taking down giant beasts. The rifle measured 48.21 meters in length, with a barrel of 22.35 meters and a caliber of 37 centimeters. It held 30 rounds, had an effective range of 15,000 meters, and the bullets could reach a muzzle velocity of 950 meters per second.

At that moment, Hee Hao piloted the Hell Thunder, and Su Jiu controlled the Greedy Wolf, positioning themselves on either side of the formation.

They spread out to form a gentle crescent.

The Hell Thunder's arms and all its chest weapons systems sprang to life.

Similarly, the Greedy Wolf's back armor unfolded, revealing a cannon barrel that extended outward.

"It's the 211 formation," Wai Fenghua remarked offhandedly. "Does anyone know what the 211 formation is?"

Lee Bohang adjusted his glasses and explained, "In the 211 formation, two mechs provide the main firepower, while the other two offer support."

"The supporting mechs can move freely as needed while the others focus on firepower output. That's the essence of the 211 formation."

"Excellent. You've earned 10 credits," Wai Fenghua affirmed with a nod.

A murmur of excitement rippled through the carriage.

Ten credits for a single answer?

If only Teacher Wai had mentioned this sooner!

By now, the students could feel the ground trembling beneath them.

Suddenly, a dark cloud burst from the dense forest in the distance.

It was a gigantic vicious beast resembling a buffalo, its long, thick fur rippling as it charged.

Shi!

At the center of its forehead was a thick, pointed horn, spiraled patterns etched upon it, glowing with a greenish-black light as if a demonic flame were ablaze.

"Fire!" Captain Hee Hao commanded from the cockpit.

In the next instant, all four mechs unleashed their firepower.

The two central Mysterious Machines, tasked with the main offensive, fired their Divine Might III Rifles relentlessly.

Bright flames shot from the barrels, bullets trailing fire as they zoomed towards their target.

Large shells dropped at the feet of the mechs, pelting the ground and sending mud and stones flying.

Observing the patterned shells, Luo Yan recognized them as specialized armor-piercing rounds for the vicious beast.

They proved highly effective against its thick hide.

In the midst of the intense gunfire, the distant black cloud burst with sprays of blood.

The Hell Thunder and the Greedy Wolf escalated their assault, joining in the fray.

Inside the carriage, Luo Yan felt as though an earthquake was rocking the canyon. The relentless cannon fire toppled swathes of trees in the forest, and the vicious beast Shi was sent reeling.

At that moment, the Devil Machine known as Greedy Wolf unfolded the armor on its abdomen. Guided missiles emerged from each side, assisted by mechanical arms. As flames burst from the rear, the missiles streaked across the sky, their shrill whistles heralding a direct hit on the beast's front limbs. The limbs shattered, and the beast, propelled by inertia, let out a mournful cry as it crashed to the ground and skidded forward.

Hee Hao let out a thunderous roar and piloted his heavy mecha towards the fallen creature. As he closed in, Hell Thunder raised its arm, fist clenched, and struck with ferocity. The steel fist sliced through the air, emitting a deep, resonant howl, its edge flickering with a dark glow. The punch landed squarely on the beast's head, and a sound as solemn as a great bell echoed through the canyon. The impact sent shockwaves rippling out, causing nearby trees to bow in submission.

The windows of Luo Yan's carriage vibrated intensely from the force. As one assault ended, another began. Hell Thunder's fist, still pressed against the beast's head, reignited with black light and exploded with force.

The beast's body convulsed, catapulting over Hell Thunder and crashing heavily to the ground, raising a tidal wave of earth that spread wildly. Inside the carriage, the students were thrown to the floor, their exclamations filling the air.

Luo Yan, now back on his feet, was surrounded by a halo of silver light, having activated his Aura Pupil. Through it, he saw the gray-white aura of the beast fading fast, its fiery red light dimming. The vitality points, once in the thousands, plummeted to zero in an instant. Even without the Aura Pupil, the outcome was clear. The beast's head had burst open, its horn embedded in the earth—it was undeniably dead.

Hell Thunder turned and strode over to the solitary horn.

He yanked it free and hoisted it triumphantly overhead.

Instantly, the carriage erupted in cheers.

To the newcomers, Hell Thunder was like a deity of battle—towering and invincible.

Having vanquished the vicious beast, the Exploration Corps called a temporary halt to the convoy.

Harvesters bustled about, retrieving organs, horns, claws, and other valuable parts from the massive creature.

Of all these, the beast's core was the most crucial, containing the very essence of the creature.

"You all witnessed it," Wei Fenghua said, seizing the teaching moment during the break. "In combat, prioritizing long-range attacks is standard protocol."

"Ammo can be replenished, but mechs and pilots are indispensable."

"Any damage to them is a substantial loss."

A student raised a hand to inquire, "Teacher, did Hell Thunder use a battle skill at the end?"

Wei Fenghua nodded affirmatively. "Indeed, that was He Hao's battle skill, Scorching Thunder Two."

"The technique delivers two strikes, with the second being even more potent and ferocious."

"Amplified by the Synesthesia System, it can slay a giant beast with a single punch."

"When you enter the battlefield, you should follow suit—use cannons to weaken the beast, and when an opportunity arises, finish it with battle skills or Profound Arts."

The students nodded in understanding.

Wai Fenghua then posed another question, "What criteria determine the classification of a beast's rank?"

Luo Yan was quick to respond, "It's based on their capabilities and level of threat."

Wai Fenghua nodded, then asked, "And what about the division of the beasts' levels?"

Lin Wei seized the chance to answer, "That's determined by their size and weight. Hence, we can't blindly assess the strength of beasts of the same rank by their level alone."

Satisfied, Wai Fenghua commended them, "Excellent, both of you performed well. You'll be awarded 10 points."

A chorus of frustrated groans filled the air as the recovery efforts continued into the evening.

The convoy halted its advance.

Nearby, the students and soldiers pitched their tents.

Following a modest dinner,

Wai Fenghua summoned the students.

"We'll draw lots now to determine the teams."

"Tomorrow, your teams will assist the Exploration Corps in harvesting medicinal herbs."

"Complete the mission and you'll earn academic credits."

The prospect of earning credits delighted Luo Yan.

But the idea of being grouped made him somewhat displeased.

He was accustomed to solitude.

It was then he recalled Lee Bohang's advice:

To succeed as a Warcaster, one must adapt to working in a team.

Luo Yan resolved to start adapting with this gathering mission.

Shortly thereafter, the team assignments were announced.

Luo Yan was paired with Wu Renfan and Zeng Shan.

Wu Renfan was slight and wore thick glasses, often going unnoticed.

Luo Yan had little recollection of him.

Zeng Shan, on the other hand, was tall with prominent eyebrows and eyes.

Luo Yan remembered him from the academy exam—his eyes had reddened with joy as he cheered with raised arms.

Yet, they rarely interacted.

Facing his new teammates, Luo Yan stated firmly, "I'll lead the mission tomorrow."

He disliked taking orders from others, so he volunteered to lead.

If they disagreed, they could part ways.

"Fine by me," Wu Renfan said with a smile.

Zeng Shan nodded in agreement: "You scored the highest on the exam; I respect that."

"No objections here to you leading."

With that, the leadership was decided.

Luo Yan then went to find Teacher Wai.

Upon arrival, he saw the teacher swallowing a capsule with water.

Teacher Wai chuckled, "An old ailment of mine. What can I do for you?"

Luo Yan took a seat beside him.

"Teacher, will my Aura Pupil change if I acquire a Primordial Stone Fragment?"

Teacher Wai glanced at him and affirmed, "Definitely."

"But remember, the Primordial Stone Fragment isn't something just anyone can obtain."

"This is the highest level of resources, awarded only to those with notable achievements."

"Of course, you might get your chance in the future."

Feeling that the groundwork had been sufficiently laid, Luo Yan asked, "If I get the chance to obtain it, into what kind of treasure could my Aura Pupil evolve?"

Wai Fenghua replied offhandedly, "The Illusion Breaking Eye."

"Its abilities include breaking through barriers, discerning illusions, enhanced vision, powerful memory, and Qi observation."

"After breaking through, it becomes the 'Thusness Eye'."

"The Illusion Breaking Eye."

"The Thusness Eye?"

Luo Yan was astonished. "Can the Divine Treasury undergo a breakthrough as well?"

Wai Fenghua smiled. "Why not?"

"The levels of the meditating and thinking skill can be broken through."

"The Divine Treasury is certainly no exception."

"It's just that the curriculum hasn't covered that yet, so you're not aware of it at the moment."

"If you're interested in the 'Divine Treasury', I'll send you a book when we return. You can read it for yourself."

Luo Yan readily accepted.

He didn't want to impose any further and made his way back to his own tent.

As he walked, Luo Yan was filled with elation.

He had finally learned the name of his Divine Treasury after its mutation and that it could indeed undergo a breakthrough.

He saw a bright future ahead of him.

That's when he noticed Wu Renfan stepping out of his tent.

Luo Yan squinted his eyes thoughtfully.