Luo Zhe seemed to fall into deep thought.
After a while, he raised his head, "Fine, consider this part of your assessment for joining the Patrol Team. The two of you can go up together."
Anger appeared on Ma Jiafeng's face.
He and his brother, both third layer Awakeners and grandmasters, had an impeccable synergy. Together, they could even make a fourth layer Awakener take a brief step back.
However, the next moment, Luo Zhe released part of his aura.
This aura was fleeting.
Ma Jiafeng's expression turned solemn, no longer hesitating, he called his brother over, and they stood shoulder to shoulder.
The Awakeners also widened their eyes.
They hadn't expected to have the chance to witness a battle of this caliber.
"The Iron Hammer Brothers are actually teaming up, this might be the first time."
"Can Captain Luo win?" This was asked with tension.
"It's hard to say." A member of the analytical group's eyes twinkled with keen insight, "If it were one-on-one, I'd favor Captain Luo, but in a two-versus-one situation, I think Captain Luo would be at a disadvantage."
"Nonsense, Captain Luo is so powerful that even facing the Iron Hammer Brothers together, he can fight and emerge victorious."
"Captain Luo is strong, but how strong? Has anyone here actually seen him in action? After all, Captain Luo is just a high-ranking official in a small Sanctuary. Indeed, Green Shadow Sanctuary is stronger than other Sanctuaries, but the Iron Hammer Brothers are stronger than the strongest in most Sanctuaries. Not to mention when they join forces, you can imagine who has the higher chance of winning."
The analytical group hit the nail on the head.
The Awakeners supporting Luo Zhe suddenly fell silent.
After all, it wasn't a battle to the death.
The Iron Hammer Brothers did not use weapons, exchanging glances before rushing towards Luo Zhe from both sides.
The younger brother, Ma Jiazze, short and plump, moved with surprising speed, taking the lead and using his height disadvantage to attack Luo Zhe's lower body.
Ma Jiafeng followed closely with a heavy punch.
Solace flashed in his eyes.
Such an attack, such coordination, how could Captain Luo handle it?
Fists and kicks intersected, wind howled, dust billowed.
The onlooking Awakeners couldn't help but cover their faces with their hands, shielding themselves from the swirling dust.
This level of strength, this calibre of battle was something many of the Awakeners present had never witnessed before.
Far more terrifying than they had imagined.
Many realized that, if they were one of the combatants, they likely wouldn't last a single round before being defeated and retreating.
"Hey, aren't you the best at analyzing? Who's got the upper hand?"
The analytical group member had cold sweat sliding down their forehead, "I, I, I freaking can't even see clearly, how am I supposed to know who has the upper hand? But from the looks of it, they seem to be evenly matched."
Someone beside him shook their head.
The analytical group member was not convinced, "Even though I can't see clearly, with both sides exchanging blows back and forth, even if one has the upper hand, the difference must be very small, pretty much evenly matched."
The Awakener glanced at him and still shook his head.
With his strength, he could discern more but he was too focused on the fight in the arena to bother answering.
Beside them, Lan Qingya's eyes were also unblinking, fixedly staring for a long time before she finally took a deep breath.
"It's because Captain Luo hasn't used his full strength."
"Not at full strength? Impossible. How could anyone hold back in such an intense fight?"
Lan Qingya shook her head, "It's precisely because Captain Luo is so powerful and in complete control of the battle's rhythm that he's able to suppress his own strength and even, throughout the battle, Captain Luo is merely defending, or rather, feeding moves."
Ma Jiafeng's punches flew like cannonballs, his eyes reflecting only the figure of Luo Zhe.
He had entered the most focused state of combat.
This state excited him.
He felt that in such a state, he could unleash 120% of his strength.
The three combatants separated, both Iron Hammer brothers panting heavily.
After the battle, exhilarated, their clothes had been torn up quite a bit, appearing tattered and drenched in sweat.
Both of them had looks of satisfaction on their faces.
Ma Jiafeng looked at Luo Zhe, who remained unfazed, and had a sudden realization.
No wonder he had fought so smoothly. Upon reflection, he noticed that many of his mistakes in battle had been forcefully corrected.
This was a guided combat.
Captain Luo's strength was far greater than he had imagined.
He couldn't even begin to fathom the extent of Captain Luo's prowess.
Yet, Ma Jiafeng was not disheartened but rather excited, grateful, and respectful.
He conceded defeat, acknowledging his shortcomings, with the intent to exert himself to become stronger and one day challenge Captain Luo again.
He then heard the other say, "You've passed the Patrol Team's assessment."
Lindong, South City Gate.
The place was bustling as always, with a constant stream of survivors coming and going.
Many Awakeners were still excitedly discussing yesterday's battle.
"You have no idea, the Wang Qiang squad who lives next to us struck it big yesterday. They killed quite a few Demonized Beasts at the front lines. They used to be just like us, part of the impoverished lower class, but now, it's a complete turnaround for them."
"Give me a break," retorted another Awakener with an eye-roll, "You do know how many Awakeners died at the front lines yesterday, right? Those who survived indeed made a fortune, but if you're so envious, why don't you apply to go to the front lines next time?"
The two continued their conversation as they walked away.
Despite their envious tones, the new weapons and equipment they were sporting showed that they too had reaped considerable rewards in yesterday's large-scale mission.
The battle participants of Lindong moved in and out, showing their passes to the guards at the gate, while the newly arrived survivors queued up at a nearby registration area in wait.
A young man with an unassuming face joined the back of the line.
He had disguised himself, altering his appearance slightly to ensure he wouldn't be recognized by Lin Wei's men.
After completing the registration, Grey Blade entered the Lindong Sanctuary.
Just as before, many survivors at the entrance eyed each new entrant keenly, seeking potential wealthy patrons.
Grey Blade ignored them, feigning surprise and curiosity before disappearing quickly into the crowd as if he couldn't wait to explore the Lindong Sanctuary.
Unlike the aimless wanderers, Grey Blade had a clear purpose.
To establish an information network in Lindong.
His Space Backpack was filled with Source Crystals and various items of equipment; resources he did not lack.
What he was missing, however, was manpower, something he had to resolve himself.
But Grey Blade was unconcerned.
Throughout his years as an assassin, he had often encountered similar situations where he needed to gather information and recruit informants.
He was well-versed in these practices and had a complete set of operational procedures.
Grey Blade walked into the assistance zone.
The area was the most densely populated in Lindong, with rows of tube houses built so close together that there was barely any space between them.
It was also aptly dubbed the "refugee zone" by the upper classes.
It truly lived up to its name.
Crowded, dirty, and chaotic, the environment was very complex, and one could easily get lost in its depths.
Grey Blade navigated the narrow alleys, which only allowed two or three people to walk side by side, with practiced ease, turning left and right until he reached his destination.
Above it hung the sign: Forget Sorrow Bar.
As the only bar in the assistance zone, it naturally lacked sophistication and was very run-down.
Yet, it bustled with activity, and despite it being daytime, many people were indulging themselves.
The noisy chattering echoed in the bar.
Grey Blade entered, his expression blank as he automatically tuned out the noise, his gaze scanning left and right, searching for something.
Soon, he headed towards a corner of the bar.
In contrast to other places, this corner seemed quiet, with just an old man, staring blankly at an empty bottle in his hands.
Grey Blade approached and tapped the table.
The old man lifted his head, burped after a swig of liquor, and asked, "What do you want?"
Grey Blade drew a symbol on the table.
The old man's eyes perked up a bit, "What do you need? Just say it."
Grey Blade smiled and spoke to the old man, "I need you to…"