Zombie Survival System-Chapter 141: Back to reality

Jack Blade spoke with his characteristically cold and ironic tone, his voice resonating clearly throughout the academy's main courtyard.

— "Now that this relatively easy trial is over and an initial temporary ranking has been established, it's time to explain what's next in your program. As you already know, your points will remain unusable until the end of the trimester. To avoid overwhelming the fragile incompetents you are, the academy has set up a board of weekly objectives allowing you to regularly earn additional points. These objectives will include various practical training sessions, intensive physical exercises, and specific missions designed to develop your physical and mental endurance. Additionally, you'll find another board listing various internal jobs at the academy; these jobs will provide opportunities to earn some extra points and even a little money. Some of these tasks will involve maintaining equipment, assisting instructors during practical sessions, or managing logistics and resource organization within the academy. With that, I'll see you in exactly one week for your written exam. Don't be late, as it will be crucial for your future progression! Now, I leave you in the capable hands of your substitute teacher!"

A tall, imposing black woman in her thirties, dressed impeccably in a military combat uniform, with an athletic physique and a horrifying scar cutting across her face, stepped forward decisively toward the students. Her stern yet determined expression left no doubt as to her seriousness. Her powerful voice, accentuated by a strong African accent, immediately captured everyone's attention, further intensifying the already tense atmosphere.

— "Hello everyone, I am Hunter Kouyat, Rank C, and I'll be your substitute instructor for this first trimester. My goal is crystal clear: by the end of this trimester, I'll teach you, bunch of worms, the essential basics of wilderness survival and fundamental Hunter combat skills. This will include survival in hostile environments, finding food and water, building shelters, as well as weapon handling and critical self-defense techniques. Prepare yourselves to step far outside your comfort zones—I will not tolerate any weakness!"

A murmur of enthusiasm immediately spread among the students. At last, they would learn something concrete, tangible, something that could genuinely help them become accomplished Hunters. This newfound feeling, a mix of excitement and apprehension, began to galvanize the students despite their fatigue, providing a fresh surge of morale.

— "We will start tomorrow morning at precisely 6 a.m. in Amphitheater 101! I strongly advise you to be punctual and attentive! I will not tolerate lateness!" concluded Professor Kouyat firmly, her authoritative gaze sweeping the assembled students. ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom

With the trial finally concluded, the sun began slowly dipping below the horizon, casting the main courtyard in shades of orange and purple, throwing long shadows across the ground. Yet, despite the relief they felt, many students remained unable to rise after the grueling ordeal. Medical teams moved swiftly among the ranks, administering stimulants, applying bandages, and assisting those in the worst condition to stand. Some students remained sprawled on the ground, trembling, dizzy, or even unconscious, occasionally requiring oxygen from the paramedics. Many vomited violently, their bodies forcefully rejecting the superhuman effort they'd just endured. Others sat with vacant eyes, barely aware of their surroundings, completely disconnected by extreme fatigue, murmuring incomprehensible words due to sheer exhaustion.

After roughly twenty minutes of rest, Alexandre, Marlon, and William finally decided to head back to their apartment. The path leading to the dormitories resembled a battlefield after a fierce battle. It was littered with exhausted students leaning against walls, sitting on staircases, or curled up on the ground, their faces pale and covered in cold sweat. Some comrades, unable to walk unaided, were supported by medics or transported on stretchers, occasionally groaning in pain.

The trio walked slowly and silently through this spectacle of distress, a palpable heaviness hanging in the air. Their silent exchanged glances conveyed mutual understanding and solidarity, forged from the shared experience they'd endured together.

After a grueling half-hour of silent marching through the human chaos, the three young men finally reached their room. Without exchanging a single word or even taking the time to eat, they collapsed immediately into their beds, their bodies weighed down by overwhelming exhaustion.

Only William, who'd had a relatively pleasant day, remained awake. Taking advantage of the free time, he opened his computer to check something online, quietly enjoying a moment of peace.

Alexandre and Marlon, however, slept like logs.