Chapter 196: The Skill to Turn the Tide (Training)

Chapter 196: The Skill to Turn the Tide (Training)



Lu Heng reevaluated his skill set, noticing that all four of his current skills leaned towards offense or offensive support.

Considering the skill combination strategy, he realized he lacked a life-saving skill that could turn the tide of a battle or a defensive-oriented skill.

In the Abyss Era, Metahumans possessed all sorts of peculiar abilities, and anything could happen.

Moreover, heat weapons were incredibly powerful, especially long-range snipers, which were hard to defend against.

Or, high-explosive bombs and even missiles could cause injury if one wasn't careful.

Without a skill to turn the tide, any injury would leave him vulnerable to the enemy's onslaught, making him extremely passive.

Therefore, having a skill to reverse the situation was crucial.

Previously, there were too few skill slots, leaving no room to learn defensive skills.

Now, with the number of skill slots increased to five, and one slot available, he could consider a defensive skill to turn the tide.

As he thought about this, a memory surfaced in his mind.

In his past life, Lu Heng had joined a mercenary organization with an official background.

As the Abyssal invasion intensified, Metahuman teams would gradually merge into larger mercenary organizations.

The greater the survival pressure on humanity, the faster these teams would consolidate.

Only large mercenary organizations could thrive in such an apocalyptic environment, and even official entities would establish mercenary groups to participate in military operations.

In this era, the greatest motivator for Metahumans to contribute was self-interest.

In fact, before the Abyss Era, proxy wars among major powers frequently employed mercenaries.

This was even more prevalent during the Abyss Era, as Metahumans needed resources to grow stronger.

With this motivation, the formation of mercenary organizations was an inevitable trend.

Some mercenary groups even had official backing.

In his previous life, Lu Heng had joined such an officially-backed mercenary organization.

Within this group, he encountered various people and events.

He experienced life-and-death struggles, suppression, and betrayal.

The reason Lu Heng recalled this was that someone in the mercenary organization had obtained an incredibly powerful defensive skill.

This skill was, in fact, an official reward.

Based on the timing, this skill should appear around this time.

Lu Heng had earned merit twice but had not yet received a formal reward, and this skill was both powerful and suitable for him.

After careful consideration, Lu Heng called Jian Qing and explained his purpose, expressing his need for such a skill.

Jian Qing smiled after listening, "You're quite well-informed. There is such a skill, and we're considering who to give it to. If you want it, come over, and I'll send you the address."

The next day, Lu Heng arrived at the Coastal War Zone Abilities Warrior Training Base according to the address.

Guards were stationed outside the base, preventing ordinary people from approaching.

Jian Qing was already waiting outside when Lu Heng reached the entrance.

She greeted the guards and then led Lu Heng into the base.

As they walked, Jian Qing said, "We didn't talk much on the phone yesterday. You want the 'Damage Reversion' skill, right? The organization is considering who to give it to. If you want it, I can help you negotiate, but it's not guaranteed."

The skill Lu Heng desired was indeed 'Damage Reversion', an A-Rank skill with a powerful effect, capable of turning the tide of a battle.

The two arrived at the base's combat training ground.

On the field, a captain with two bars and three stars on his shoulder stood at the edge, observing the Abilities Warriors' training.

Jian Qing approached and greeted him, "Commander, Lu Heng is here."

Fang Zhengru turned and shook Lu Heng's hand, "Welcome to our base."

Jian Qing added, "Commander, Lu Heng came here for the 'Damage Reversion' skill. He earned two first-class merits, and a reward was promised."

Fang Zhengru nodded, "This matter requires discussion. Comrade Lu, you may not know, but the skill crystal core was already decided for either Jian Qing or Zhuo Hongjun. If you want it, you'll need to negotiate with them."

Lu Heng was slightly surprised by this statement.

In his memory, this skill belonged to Zhuo Hongjun, not Jian Qing.

If the skill belonged to Jian Qing, Lu Heng wouldn't have competed with her for it, as they had participated in rescue operations together and were friends.

In his memory, Zhuo Hongjun had acquired this skill.

After his rebirth, Lu Heng had always suspected that his betrayal in the Abyssal Demon realm was connected to this person.

Moreover, Zhuo Hongjun was a classic example of someone with modest abilities but a powerful background, allowing him to rise quickly.

In his previous life, Lu Heng was unaware that 'Damage Reversion' was a skill contested between Jian Qing and Zhuo Hongjun, assuming it was meant for Zhuo Hongjun.

This additional information further confirmed that Zhuo Hongjun indeed had a strong background.

Jian Qing had earned a personal first-class merit, while Zhuo Hongjun, the Golden War God, only possessed group medals.

Despite this, Zhuo Hongjun obtained the skill, while Jian Qing was a super warrior who ventured deep into the battlefield.

In fact, having a set of support skills and standing behind the team to assist in battle would not be an issue.

The problem was that Zhuo Hongjun had a set of super warrior skills but only stood behind the team, pointing and giving orders.

This was why Lu Heng wanted to compete for the 'Damage Reversion' skill.

If the skill belonged to Jian Qing, Lu Heng wouldn't have competed for her opportunity.

But since this skill was given to someone who only stood behind the team and gave orders, why not compete for this opportunity?

Fang Zhengru suggested, "Let's find Zhuo Hongjun and ask his opinion. After all, this is a settled matter, and any sudden changes should be discussed with them." He waved towards the training ground and called out, "Zhuo Hongjun, come here for a moment."

An Abilities Warrior training on the field approached, his gaze sweeping over Jian Qing and Lu Heng's faces before turning to Fang Zhengru and asking, "Commander, what's the matter?"

Fang Zhengru explained that Lu Heng wanted to compete for the 'Damage Reversion' skill.

Skill Crystal Core

"This is Comrade Lu Heng, who has made significant contributions and repeatedly distinguished himself. The organization has promised him a reward. The originally planned Skill Crystal Core, could you two let him have it first? Let's give it to Comrade Lu Heng."

Zhuo Hongjun glanced at Lu Heng and replied, "Sure, we're all serving the country. I'm just curious, which war zone is Comrade Lu Heng from, and what merits has he achieved?"

The Metahumans at this training base were all transferred from various war zones.

Lu Heng wasn't actually part of the military command structure, but he had indeed made notable contributions. However, his background and connections weren't particularly strong.

Of course, in the Abyss Era, strength was the most solid background.

Jian Qing helped explain, "Comrade Lu Heng has been awarded First-Class Merit twice, and the organization promised him a reward."

Zhuo Hongjun nodded and said, "I understand. Since Comrade Lu has achieved so much, we, who haven't achieved as much, should definitely give way. Commander, I have no objections. However, this Skill Crystal Core was originally meant for me and Jian Qing to compete for. If it's now allocated to Comrade Lu Heng, shouldn't the organization compensate Jian Qing?"

These words sounded reasonable, but there was a hint of sarcasm beneath them.

The implication was that Lu Heng, having achieved merit, was taking resources from both him and Jian Qing.

Hearing this, Jian Qing quickly spoke up, "I won't compete for this Skill anymore. I'm withdrawing."

If Lu Heng had taken the Skill Crystal Core from Zhuo Hongjun, he wouldn't have felt any psychological burden.

However, if it was taken from Jian Qing, that would be a different matter.

Although Lu Heng knew that Jian Qing couldn't obtain this Skill, this was knowledge brought back from his rebirth, and it hadn't happened yet.

In other words, if he obtained this Skill, in Jian Qing's eyes, it would seem as if he was forcefully taking the Skill Crystal Core from her and Zhuo Hongjun due to his merits.

Lu Heng had a favorable impression of Jian Qing and didn't want her to have such a misunderstanding, so he said, "You don't need to withdraw. This Skill would suit you well too. Why don't I choose another reward instead?"

Jian Qing smiled and said, "It's fine. If you need it, take it. I really don't mind."

Zhuo Hongjun put on a seemingly generous smile and suggested, "Commander, why don't we have a fair competition among the three of us? What do you think?"

After saying this, he looked at Lu Heng and smiled kindly, asking, "A fair competition, you don't mind, right?"

In fact, Lu Heng knew Zhuo Hongjun from his previous life, as they had both been part of the same official mercenary organization, 'Sabre-toothed Tiger'.

It was just that when Lu Heng joined the Sabre-toothed Tiger Mercenary Group, he became an ordinary mercenary.

Zhuo Hongjun, on the other hand, was directly appointed as the deputy commander of the Sabre-toothed Tigers.

Because of this, Lu Heng wasn't unfamiliar with Zhuo Hongjun. Hearing his suggestion, Lu Heng smiled with hidden meaning and replied, "That's fine too."

Fang Zhengru showed a thoughtful expression and asked, "Comrade Lu Heng, are you sure? With your merits, if you want this Skill, the organization will definitely allocate it to you."

Lu Heng watched Zhuo Hongjun's impressive performance and thought, 'If I don't let him finish his act, how can I enjoy the show?'

"It's fine, three of us is good."

Fang Zhengru thought for a moment, "If you all agree to this arrangement, then let the three of you compete."

Zhuo Hongjun seized the moment and said, "Commander, why don't we have a direct competition? Whoever wins gets it, that's the fairest way."

Lu Heng raised an eyebrow, not expecting such a direct competition proposal.

If it were decided by a simple fight, it would be over with a single punch.

But Fang Zhengru scolded, "What do you think this unit is? Is competition decided by brawling?"

Zhuo Hongjun continued with another suggestion, "How about this. A few days ago, wasn't there news of a super-warrior from the Americas coming to our country? Moreover, this person's target might be the technological data of our Academy of Sciences.

"Let's make him the target. Whoever captures him first gets the Damage Reversion Skill Crystal Core. That's fair, right?"

After hearing this plan, Fang Zhengru thought it was a good idea, as it could motivate the Metahumans under his command to actively engage in combat.

If they could capture Alex Austin, it would be even better, considering it a significant merit.

He turned to Lu Heng and asked, "What about you two? Do you think this arrangement is acceptable?"

"Sure. I have no problem with it."

Although the situation had become a bit more complicated, Alex Austin was someone they needed to deal with anyway, and this A-Rank Skill Crystal Core was just an additional benefit.

Jian Qing had intended to withdraw, so she naturally didn't object.

Seeing that all three of them had no objections, Fang Zhengru said, "Since you all agree, then it's settled. Comrade Lu Heng, don't worry. This Skill Crystal Core is the reward for capturing Alex. The organization will have another arrangement for your First-Class Merit reward."

After settling the matter, Lu Heng bid farewell and left.

Jian Qing saw him out.

They strolled in the lawn outside the base for a while.

Lu Heng asked curiously, "You wanted to withdraw from the competition, is it because of me?"

Jian Qing laughed, "You've figured it out."

Lu Heng had probably guessed, "So, you know you can't get this Skill, right?"

Jian Qing nodded and spread her hands, "Yes, I'm almost certain that I can't obtain this Skill."

This was the real reason she withdrew from the competition.

She could also use her withdrawal to help Lu Heng.

For her, it was a likely outcome that she wouldn't get the Skill.

For Lu Heng, he already knew she couldn't get it.

The situation was indeed quite intriguing.

Lu Heng looked at her curiously and asked, "So, do you want me to obtain this Skill?"

Jian Qing shrugged, "It's up to you. I've decided to withdraw, and this Skill suits you well. If you can get it, that's great.

"But if you want it, you'll have to put in more effort. Don't treat this as a fair competition."

She didn't need to remind him, as Lu Heng also knew that it wouldn't be a fair competition.

Whoever captured Alex Austin would get the Damage Reversion Skill Crystal Core.

And there was a very intriguing point here—there was no rule stating that it had to be captured personally.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end