Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 2008: Bleeding

The return of Ye Zhongming instantly tightened the mood across the Bronze Camp.

This tension was inevitable, given how rigorously he had overseen the camp before. Word of Ye Zhongming's comeback sparked genuine joy in some hearts and deep unease in others.

The newly established Assault Camp brimmed with delight. In under a month, they had surged ahead remarkably—not just in raw power, but crucially in mindset, building unshakeable self-assurance.

They flawlessly executed Ye Zhongming's mission without detection, eliminating more than twenty spies and killers in Darkstrip City. This halted their relentless hunt for the Changxu Water Race's hideout, safeguarding He and her people.

Ye Zhongming had tasked them with this vital mission right before departing.

The principle of rewards for success and penalties for failure was deeply ingrained by Ye Zhongming. With such outstanding results, the Order Leader would surely bestow prizes, the Assault Camp fighters were utterly convinced.

The anxious ones were the rest of the Bronze warriors, uncertain about how the Order Leader might judge them now that he was back.

Shi Yong and Ou Chong eyed Ye Zhongming's cheerful expression. The duo leading the Assault Camp fidgeted eagerly, craving commendation.

"Well done." Just those four words stretched their smiles ear to ear.

"However, have you slacked on your recent training?"

Ye Zhongming shifted gears, inquiring about their advancement over this time.

Shi Yong replied at once, "We've made gains. The fastest improvers boosted their Furelai by hundreds; even the slower ones picked up dozens. On average, everyone gained roughly one hundred Furelai."

Gaining this much Furelai in less than a month was already impressive.

Yet Ye Zhongming's frown dropped Shi Yong and Ou Chong's spirits.

The boss clearly wasn't pleased.

The Bronze Camp's overall average Furelai hovered near four thousand. Assault Camp edged higher, past four thousand five hundred. Still, Ye Zhongming demanded more.

This edge wouldn't cut it; it lacked true sharpness.

"Listen up first. The clan will soon pick one hundred for Library Palace training. Bronze Camp gets fifty slots. But I won't assign them to Assault Camp—you'll train under me directly. Spread the word when you return. Don't see it as favoritism."

Shi Yong and Ou Chong exchanged glances. They held no grudge here, unfamiliar with Library Palace anyway, but they relished the Order Leader's personal guidance.

"From tonight, post-daytime drills, the whole Assault Camp reports to my quarters. I'll run special sessions for you."

"Also, fetch the mission logs from your operation while I was gone."

"Alert all Thousand-Person Leaders, Deputy Thousand-Person Leaders, and heads of logistics, medical teams, and such to assemble in the conference room."

With that, Ye Zhongming eyed them and added, "You two join these meetings from now on."

………………………………

In fifteen minutes, more than twenty gathered in the conference room, eyes fixed on Ye Zhongming, eager for his words.

"Is this your showing from the past month's exams?"

Ye Zhongming slapped a paper on the table. His tone carried discontent, though his face stayed neutral.

"Well, we're all adjusting to your goals and approaches. Once adapted, results will soar. Our ten Thousand-Person Leaders have pushed hard—no slacking at all."

The Tenth Thousand-Person Team's head responded warily, subtly nudging Ye Zhongming toward his ally Jie Kui.

Jie Kui caught Ye Zhongming's gaze and nodded affirmatively.

"Outstanding performers documented?" Ye Zhongming pressed.

"Yes, recorded."

Zhong Hongke spoke up this time, passing another list to Ye Zhongming.

Ye Zhongming scanned it and hummed approval. The details were thorough, hitting all his marks, with bonus insights too.

"The top fifty here, plus fifty more from the clan, head to Library Palace for thirty days with B-level access. Clan foots the bill."

The announcement stunned them all; no one foresaw Ye Zhongming leading with this bombshell.

"Instruct these fifty individuals to treasure this chance, as the Library Palace holds numerous lessons for them to absorb. Their conduct inside will be documented and factored into their evaluations."

As Ye Zhongming gazed at these people while speaking, "Studying at the Library Palace will soon become routine for the clan. You're free to apply too; I'll acquire A-level permissions for you. But make no mistake: you must truly learn something in there, or don't expect to return in the future."

"Additionally, I told you earlier to select those in your teams unfit for the Star-Eye Clan's techniques, correct? You also picked out ones with strong talent for stealth strikes and assassinations, right? Along with those possessing unique traits? Once back, inform them that from tomorrow, they'll join the newly formed Assault Camp reserve squad."

Seated in the corner, Shi Yong and Ou Chong instantly drew everyone's attention. In this manner, the Assault Camp's forces would expand dramatically at once; they had advanced past being mere Hundred-Person Leaders.

"Ten days hence, a grand examination will occur, culling the weakest performers. The hundred lowest scorers will face immediate expulsion, no second chances. Concurrently, a recruitment decree will spread across the clan. Bronze Camp aims to enlist 100 members without qualification barriers. Whoever believes in their prowess, distinctive abilities, exceptional talent, or similar, may register. Selections commence right after the exam frees up the slots."

Not even allowing the Thousand-Person Leaders time to react, yet another announcement sent ripples of unrest through the gathered crowd.

"Even though you're exempt from the test, never slack in your cultivation. If I deem any of you unfit for your roles, expect reassignment without delay."

"Lastly, Thousand-Person Leaders and their Deputies placing in the top three of the exam will each claim one Red Condensation level gear. Hundred-Person Leaders and Deputies ranking next receive one Ke Steel Grade piece apiece. Regular soldiers get basic level equipment."

"Those claiming first in specific exam categories earn one Red Condensation level item. Top three get Ke Steel Grade. Top hundred secure basic level gear."

"Rewards stack fully."

The Thousand-Person Leaders erupted in fervor this time. Quick-witted ones rapidly computed that following the exam, this Order Leader would need to distribute at minimum over a dozen Red Condensation level items, hundreds of Ke Steel Grade ones, and thousands of basic pieces!

Setting aside everything else, those more than ten Red Condensation level equipments alone demanded hundreds of thousands of Moonspan Gold! To the Star-Eye Clan, that sum was astronomical!

Previously, their obedience to Ye Zhongming arose from dread over his slaying of Ka Lanka and his unparalleled top Novice ranking. Now, all present realized they couldn't fully grasp the man seated in the position of authority.

Ye Zhongming comprehended the crowd's sentiments well. The entire Star-Eye Clan—even its Clan Leaders—remained destitute, to say nothing of these subordinates.

"I've emptied the warehouse, so I owe everyone an explanation, don't I?" He smiled while glancing at the logistics officer Wu Qian.