Chapter 9: The Trial of Valor, The Pinnacle of Glory

Mao Ling took the phone and read in a milky, childish voice, "Tomorrow at nine in the morning, the Superpower Administration will hold the Primary Esper Assessment. All candidates, please arrive on time."

"Primary Esper Assessment?" Mao Yu rubbed his chin, his eyes flickering. "It seems it is time to show them my true skills!"

Before the assessment, Mao Yu could not help but recall the times he had been bullied for his weak powers. The images of mockery and humiliation flashed through his mind, fueling his desire to prove himself in this test. He clenched his fists in secret.

The next day, the sun was bright, and the sky was cloudless.

The entrance to the Superpower Administration was packed with people, bustling with activity. Espers in all manner of eccentric costumes gathered there, the air thick with tension and excitement.

Mao Yu arrived at the testing grounds with Mao Ling and Feng Yao. Feng Yao wore a sleek black leather outfit today, which accentuated her tall figure and cold, elegant temperament, drawing glances from many onlookers.

"Good luck, Young Master Mao!" Mao Ling cheered, waving her small fists to root for him.

Feng Yao, as succinct as ever, said, "Don't embarrass yourself." Despite her cold tone, her eyes held a hint of subtle concern.

Mao Yu grinned. "Don't worry, once I make my move, I'm bound to stun the crowd!"

At the assessment site, the atmosphere was solemn and tense. The examiner was a brawny, middle-aged man with sharp, eagle-like eyes and an air of natural authority.

"The content of this assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of your precision in superpower control and practical combat ability," the examiner’s voice boomed. "I hope all candidates will give it their all and demonstrate your true strength!"

The assessment began, and a dazzling array of superpower energies illuminated the arena. Some candidates manipulated flames, others controlled currents of water, while some commanded metal—the variety was dizzying.

Mao Yu took a deep breath, channeling his internal energy to its peak state. He knew this assessment was crucial; it was his chance to prove his worth.

The first task was precision control. The examiner required candidates to focus their energy on a specific target without the slightest deviation. Mao Yu stilled his mind, condensing his power into a thin beam of light that struck the target with pinpoint accuracy.

"Not bad!" The examiner nodded in approval.

Mao Yu performed excellently in the subsequent tasks, demonstrating a powerful command over his abilities.

However, the final task pushed Mao Yu into a corner. It was a simulated combat scenario requiring candidates to fight a powerful virtual enemy. The virtual opponent possessed immense attack and defense capabilities and would adapt based on the candidate's fighting style.

Mao Yu’s energy was draining rapidly; sweat soaked his shirt. His breathing grew shallow, and his body began to tremble slightly.

"Looks like this guy is about to hit his limit..."

"Yeah, that virtual enemy is just too strong..."

The surrounding candidates began to whisper.

Feng Yao’s brows furrowed slightly, a flicker of worry crossing her eyes.

"Big brother..." Mao Ling clenched her fists tightly, praying silently for him. She also secretly observed the expressions of other candidates, using them to gauge how well her brother was performing.

Mao Yu gritted his teeth, a determined light flashing in his eyes. He knew he could not give up; he had to hold on!

He drew a deep breath and released his final reserves of energy... "Urgh!"

As Mao Yu bit down, the system’s voice echoed in his mind: "Host detected in extreme danger. Activating emergency auxiliary program!" A powerful surge of energy instantly flooded his body. Mao Yu felt a scorching heat rise from his dantian, rapidly spreading along his meridians. With every inch it traveled, his fatigue was dispelled, and his muscles were infused with renewed strength. The energy surged like a torrential river, finally pooling into his hands and pushing his power to an unprecedented intensity.

"Holy cow, System-daddy is awesome!" Mao Yu was ecstatic. This was like divine intervention!

The energy resources he had earned from previous system tasks erupted like a volcano, merging perfectly with the energy granted by the system.

The power that had been fading instantly burst into a dazzling radiance, illuminating the entire arena like a brilliant galaxy!

In that moment, Mao Yu’s energy intensity shattered the limits of a primary-level esper!

"What is happening?!" The examiner’s eyes widened in disbelief.

The surrounding candidates had their mouths hanging open, eyes wide as saucers, as if they were looking at a monster from another world.

Mao Yu’s figure blurred, his speed too fast for the naked eye to track, and he lunged at the virtual enemy like a bolt of lightning.

"Boom!"

The moment his fist connected with the virtual enemy, time seemed to stand still. Then, ripples of energy expanded from Mao Yu like a physical shockwave, flapping the clothes of nearby candidates and causing spiderweb-like cracks to appear on the arena walls. The light lingered for several seconds before fading, leaving everyone stunned.

The virtual enemy had been blasted away by Mao Yu’s punch, slamming into the wall and shattering instantly!

The entire arena fell into a deathly silence. Everyone was shocked speechless.

"This... this is too heaven-defying!"

"It’s like he’s cheating!"

Mao Yu stood in the center of the arena, radiating a powerful aura like a god of war.

He exhaled slowly, a confident smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

The examiner snapped back to reality and hurried over to Mao Yu, shaking his hand firmly. "Congratulations, Mao Yu! You have passed the Primary Esper Assessment with flying colors. Furthermore, the potential you’ve shown has far exceeded our expectations!"

The examiner produced a badge glowing with golden light and pinned it solemnly onto Mao Yu’s chest. "This is a special reward, awarded only to candidates with exceptional performance!"

Mao Yu took the badge, his heart swelling with pride and joy. He knew he had succeeded!

"Wow, Big Brother, you were so cool!" Mao Ling threw herself into his arms, her eyes filled with adoration.

Feng Yao watched Mao Yu quietly, a complex look in her eyes...

She bit her lip gently, as if wanting to say something, but ultimately remained silent.

She turned away, leaving only the words, "I'm leaving now."

Mao Yu stood in the center of the arena, his powerful presence drawing looks of awe from the candidates and the examiner.

His gaze was steady, and a confident smile played on his lips, as if the whole world lay beneath his feet.

"Wow, Big Brother, you were so cool!" Mao Ling cheered, throwing herself into his arms with pure admiration and joy.

Feng Yao stood quietly to the side, a glimmer of complex emotion flickering in her eyes.

She bit her lip, as if hesitating.

Suddenly, she walked with a light step to Mao Yu’s side. Her internal monologue echoed: "This blockhead, he’s always pushing himself so hard. Why am I worried about him? But he’s so dazzling right now, I don't want to just leave..." Her voice remained cool, but her tone held a hint of gentleness. "You did well in this assessment."

Mao Yu turned to look at Feng Yao, feeling the shift in her emotions, and a wave of warmth washed over him.

He smiled slightly, his eyes full of gratitude. "Feng Yao, thank you for your support."

A trace of hidden affection flashed in Feng Yao’s eyes, but she quickly regained her usual cold, elegant composure. "I'm leaving now," she said softly. However, she did not walk away immediately, pausing as if there was more to say.

Ultimately, she simply nodded and turned to leave.

Watching this, Mao Ling laughed happily and clapped her hands. "Big Brother, does Big Sister Feng Yao have a crush on you too?"

Mao Yu smiled, his heart filled with sweetness and warmth.

He knew that this assessment had not only proven his strength but had also brought him and Feng Yao closer together.

Because of his outstanding performance, Mao Yu’s status in the esper world rose significantly.

His name began to spread, and he became a standout among primary-level espers.

Officials from the Superpower Administration looked at him with approval, and several prestigious esper organizations sent him invitations.

Standing on the arena floor, Mao Yu took it all in, filled with a sense of achievement.

He knew this was only the beginning of his journey; he still had a long way to go before reaching the pinnacle of the esper city.

He gazed into the distance, his heart full of anticipation for the future.

A new chapter of his life was about to begin, with more challenges and opportunities awaiting him.

He took a deep breath and said firmly, "Esper Academy, here I come!"

Mao Yu stepped forward with a resolute gait, walking toward the unknown world ahead.