Chapter 249: It

Let's be honest, Xu Jingming's presence was so overwhelming that Tao Guan felt threatened and couldn't help but cry out.

None of those present laughed at him, because they all understood the sheer pressure he exuded.

Yao Fang, who was relatively familiar with Xu Jingming, couldn't help but silently scream inside.

A monster! Absolutely a monster!

I never expected that after just a winter break, Xu Jingming's strength had increased so dramatically!

No wonder he scored 1 million in combat power!

Taking a deep breath, Yao Fang was the first to call out:

"Captain, hello!"

After her words, the others quickly snapped out of their shock and respectfully greeted him one by one, including Kong Shi:

"Captain."

"Captain Xu."

「......

In the past, as senior fourth-year students, they would have naturally resented Xu Jingming, a freshman captain.

But now, they shouted "Captain" with genuine willingness.

"Hello, seniors," Xu Jingming replied with a smile, showing no arrogance.

Though Magic University values strength above all, seeing Xu Jingming so courteous made everyone feel impressed.

Even those meeting Xu Jingming for the first time couldn't help but smile.

Yao Fang, in particular, took the initiative to introduce them: "Captain, you probably don't know them well yet—I'll introduce you."

"This is Tie Xiong Kong Shi, and this is..."

For the National University League, each school fields eight members: five official players and three substitutes.

Magic University is no exception.

Since Vice Principal Ling Shuang entrusted him with the captaincy, Xu Jingming naturally took it seriously.

As soon as the official team roster was announced at 8 a. . today,

he used the AI Eva in his villa to thoroughly research the profiles of the other seven members.

Among them, the four official members besides himself are Kong Shi, Yao Fang, Shen Dongling, and Gu Wan.

Shen Dongling and Gu Wan are both female—one with an enhancement-type ability, the other with a support-type—but neither has arrived yet.

All three substitutes are present: Tao Guan, Li Changfeng, and Su Ruoyun.

Under Yao Fang's introduction, Xu Jingming shook hands with each of them and got acquainted.

Soon after, Shen Dongling and Gu Wan arrived on the scene.

Xu Jingming had already met Shen Dongling before, but this was his first time seeing Gu Wan.

She was a quiet girl wearing black-rimmed glasses.

Though an ability user, she gave off the vibe of a top-performing academic student from high school.

"Captain Xu, are we late?" chuckled Shen Dongling, known as "Blood Hand."

"Captain, hello," Gu Wan echoed beside her.

Her beautiful eyes, framed by her glasses, curiously studied the young captain who had shaken Magic University just that morning.

His ruggedly handsome face, tall and muscular build, and the faint aura of danger and divinity

made Gu Wan, a girl seeing him in person for the first time, silently admire him.

So handsome and so powerful—no wonder he's stirred up such a storm at Magic University, among so many prodigies.

"Of course you're not late," Xu Jingming replied with a calm smile.

"Good," Shen Dongling and Gu Wan said, smiling as they joined the group.

With eight young members total and Xu Jingming's decent emotional intelligence,

plus lively personalities like Yao Fang and Tao Guan to lighten the mood,

the group quickly bonded and the atmosphere became lively and enjoyable.

"Looks like you're getting along well."

Shortly after Shen Dongling and Gu Wan entered the conference hall, Dean Yang Zhentian of the Weaponry Academy arrived.

"Hello, Dean," Kong Shi and the others respectfully greeted.

Xu Jingming nodded in unison: "Teacher."

"Good, since everyone's here, let's enter the virtual space and begin training."

Under Yang Zhentian's guidance, everyone stepped into the virtual immersion pods...

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh...

In the virtual space, on an endless expanse of silver ground, Xu Jingming and the others slowly materialized.

"Team competitions test our coordination with each other.

To coordinate effectively, you must understand each other's abilities and combat techniques.

Before we begin training, I'll give a brief overview of each member's profile.

In our team, there are two support-type ability users: Gu Wan and Su Ruoyun.

One is an official member, the other a substitute—they..."

As soon as they entered the virtual space, Dean Yang Zhentian got straight to the point.

Through Yang's explanation, Xu Jingming gained a preliminary understanding of each member's abilities and roles.

First, Vice Captain Kong Shi possesses an A-rank enhancement ability: "Iron Giant Bear."

When activated, his physical strength is massively amplified, granting him terrifying bear-like power.

His role in the team is tank and frontline warrior.

Shen Dongling also has an A-rank enhancement ability: "Demon Moon Blood Fox."

Upon activation, her agility and speed skyrocket, making her the team's assassin.

Yao Fang wields an A-rank elemental ability: "Absolute Frost Soul," serving as the team's ranged mage.

Gu Wan possesses an A-rank support ability: "Ten Thousand Turning Spirits," functioning as a healer and buffer who can restore health or enhance allies.

Notably,

Gu Wan's combat power ranks among the top ten on the leaderboard.

However, in virtual trials, support-type users are automatically paired by the system with a slightly lower-ranked combat-type partner.

Even though she only supports others, her ability to break into the top ten proves her exceptional support skills.

As for the three substitutes: Tao Guan has an A-rank enhancement ability, "Bronze Body," and serves as a warrior.

Li Changfeng possesses the same A-rank fire elemental ability as Lei Zhou: "Fierce Inferno," functioning as a mage.

Su Ruoyun has an A-rank support ability: "Gentle Spirit Water," serving as a support.

Warrior, mage, healer—this classic MMO trio mirrors the team's composition.

"Finally, let me introduce you to your captain, Xu Jingming."

After a long while, Yang Zhentian finally turned to Xu Jingming.

"Dean, there's no need to explain the captain's info—we already know: he's one of the rare S-rank ability awakeners."

Yao Fang chuckled from the crowd.

"S-rank? No, no, no."

Yang Zhentian shook his finger and revealed the truth: "Xu Jingming possesses an SS-rank lightning ability: 'Celestial Divine Thunder!'"

"SS-rank ability... 'Celestial Divine Thunder'?!"

At these words, everyone—including Kong Shi—was stunned into silence.

When did Xu Jingming's ability upgrade from S-rank to SS-rank?

When did Xu Jingming's ability change from S-rank to SS-rank?