Chapter 15: Chapter 15: Losers from Haoxing University
"There is nothing abnormal in the readings, but there is something," he said with hesitation. "Your brain activity is higher than average."
"What does that mean?" she asked sharply.
"It is not dangerous," he said quickly. "It just shows higher mental stability."
He removed the electrodes and handed her the results. "You are cleared for an ID," he said.
He looked at the retreating figure of Liora and snorted, What a waste, she does not even have a power but still can look this beautiful.
She must be clinging to someone powerful... The technician spat at her back.
The earlier respect and nervousness were nowhere to be seen in his eyes, only disgust.
Liora stepped out of the chamber and returned to the counter. The staff exchanged disinterested glances after looking at the results.
their demeanor instantly changed, and they spoke with disgust and loathing like they were looking at the rat of sewage who would waste their food.
At the counter the man stamped a card and handed it over without looking up. "Here is your ID. Do not lose it and do not cause trouble," he said flatly.
Liora stared at the card in her hand. Her name was printed in bold letters, followed by the word Ordinary in smaller letters.
She rejoined the trio. Yinuo spoke first. "Ignore, them they are just like that. Now we just need to find a mission."
Chen Wei led them to the mission board. It was a board listing tasks. Most were marked High Risk or Elite Team Only.
"We need something low risk," Yinuo said while looking at every list. "We cannot afford to get hurt again."
Chen Wei nodded grimly. "We are down to our last thousand points. If we do not earn more, we will lose the apartment."
"Here," Liang Zihan said, pointing to a task. "It is a supply run outside the base. It is low risk and pays five hundred points."
"Low risk does not mean no risk," Chen Wei said firmly. He selected the mission anyway.
As Liora scanned the mission board, her mind tuned out the chatter of Zhou Yinuo and Liang Zihan. They were debating which mission was the least suicidal. Suddenly a sharp ding echoed in her head. It startled her.
Liora stared at the mission board. Her eyes skimmed the descriptions of tasks that promised either fortune or doom. Her mind was not fully on the board. She was waiting and counting down in her head until—
Ding!
The notification appeared in her mind.
[Survive 24 Hours, Mission completed.]
[Reward: +50 Survival Points, +5 Strength, +15 EXP points]
A small smile tugged at her lips. Finally, she thought. She glanced casually at the others to ensure no one noticed her distraction.
Almost immediately, another notification followed.
[Find shelter, Mission completed.]
[Reward: +30 Survival Points, +10 Endurance, +20 EXP points]
She bit the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling too widely. The system's voice chimed in her head. It was smooth and oddly cheerful.
"Congratulations, Host. Two missions completed successfully. Your survival is improving."
"Of course it is," Liora replied inwardly. Her tone was light. "You really doubted me?"
"Never," the system replied. Its tone dripped with mock sincerity. "I am merely impressed you did not trip over yourself in the process."
She rolled her eyes but let it slide, she did not want to ruin her mood by fighting this arrogant system.
The system could be insufferable. But, she had to admit it was useful.
Before she could dwell further, another announcement lit up her mind like fireworks.
[Congratulations, Host.]
[Level Up, You have advanced to Level 2.]
The warmth that followed was instantaneous. It spread through her body like a gentle wave of energy. She flexed her fingers subtly. She felt the faint difference.
"Well, look at that," she thought. "Level 2 already. Guess I am not as hopeless as you thought."
"Your progress is adequate," the system replied. It was clearly not willing to feed her ego. "But do not get cocky. The apocalypse does not care about levels."
Liora smirked. "Neither do I. But I care about the rewards. Speaking of which, show me the stats."
With a single thought, the familiar translucent screen appeared before her. It looked as if it was projected onto the air.
[SYSTEM PANEL]
=============================================================
Name: Princess Liora
Age: 20
Title: Royalty (Former Dynasty Princess)
Class: Survivor (Awakening)
Race: Human
Stats:
~~~~~
Health: 37/100
Stamina: 30/80
Strength: 65/80
Agility: 40/80
Intelligence: 35/80
Endurance: 50/80
Inventory:
~~~~~~~~~~
Broken Glass Shard (Weapon)
Durability: 10
level 1 Clothes
Defense: 10
+1 Dagger (Common Tier)
+1 Bag of Rice
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+1 Rare Item: Reinforced Boots.
Character Progression:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Survival Points: 0
Loan: -420
Level: 2 (EXP to next level: 30/500)
Special Features:
Map: [Base] (As she explores, the system will mark key locations.)
===============================================================
Her eyes scanned the numbers quickly. Satisfaction bloomed in her chest. Almost all the stats has upgraded their capacity by double.
"Not bad," she admitted. "Not bad at all."
"You are welcome," the system quipped.
She ignored the smug tone. Instead, she let her happiness simmer quietly. This was a small win. Afterall, Small wins will lead her to a big victory one day.
"Liora?" Zhou Yinuo's voice broke through her thoughts.
"Hmm?" Liora turned. Her face was composed and calm as always.
"You have been staring at the board forever. Did you find something?"
"No," Liora replied smoothly. She stepped back from the board. "Just thinking."
Yinuo gave her a curious glance. But she did not press further.
Liang Zihan quickly tore of the mission slip from board and walked towards the administrative counter.
It was the custom to tore up the mission slip from the board, so no other group take the same mission and waste their time and resource.
It is also used to avoid conflict between different groups, there is also cases like some start fighting over taking a similar missions. So whoever tore the slip from the board will eventually be assigned to the said mission.
The group moved toward the administrative counter. The staff handled mission registrations and IDs there.
Soon they were assigned with the missions and a card was given to them, with all their group members name listed on them and the mission and mission level also. With this card they can go outside without any problem.
"hey, See who it is? Is not the losers from Haoxing University?", A sharp voice of female interrupted their peaceful time.