“Searching brain wave. Verifying virtual communication encryption. Scanning program body…”

“Identity verification complete. Welcome, Lieutenant Colonel Haruko!”

A silverish-gray metallic door with a swirling petal pattern printed on it opened slowly, revealing the white light within.

“Let’s go!”

Haruko entered first. Following behind her were Feng Luo, Big Pineapple, Phoenix, and the Scout player, who was still wearing his tactical goggles.

“Welcome everyone!”

After walking past the sci-fi style door, an extremely unique and wonderful scene unfolded before them!

An Asian military officer NPC smiled from his seat behind the large conference table. Apart from the officer and the chairs and tables, there was only white light that seemed to stretch on forever surrounding them.

However, Feng Luo and the rest did not think it was odd.

They knew that it wasn’t the “real” world; instead, they were in a virtual reality game, which was why such an improbable scene could exist!

It might be difficult to understand when explained like this. To put it simply, their in-game character bodies were still inside the spacecraft, while their consciousness had used the spacecraft’s internal login device to connect to the Federal government’s in-game virtual network.

It was like when players needed to login when PKing in cities.

“Everyone, please wait a moment. The rest of the examinees will be arriving soon!” said the Asian NPC. He had the Federation military rank of major general pinned on his chest, and he was seated in the main seat in the room. Then, about 20 silver chairs appeared around the table.

After that, he signaled to the “number two” seat on his left and said, “Sakura, this is your seat!”

“Yes, sir!”

Haruko nodded without any expression, walked over, and sat down.

“What a nice little atmosphere!” Big Pineapple whispered into the player comms channel. Now that they had left Hunter Island, the player communication channel that NPCs couldn’t hear could be used again.

After that, the four players also sat down, respectively.

However, from the seating position, one could easily determine the relationships between them.

Feng Luo and Big Pineapple sat together. Phoenix, who had become cold and silent, sat right in front of them across the table.

The Scout player who had a habit of hiding himself and had never taken off his tactical goggles sat alone, on the far end of the table.

However, in this place, it no longer mattered if they hid their identities. After they entered the virtual space, Feng Luo noticed that every player’s face became blurry, even their bodies changed slightly. If they weren’t already familiar with each other, it would have been impossible to recognize someone from just their gear and equipment.

This time, they did not have to wait long. Ten seconds later, the door of the virtual space opened again as about a dozen people with blurred faces entered!

“Someone’s already here? Wow, that woman and NPC look superb!” Exclaimed the Scout player called Young Master Gou. His eyes lit up as he unconsciously sat between Phoenix and Haruko.

“These four can’t be the people that the Hound Organization claimed took part in that crazy secret mission, right?”

After taking their seats and assessing Feng Luo and the others, the Young Master Gou whispered through the player’s channel to the Wind Manipulator called “Young Master Xiao.”

“Fifteen took part, and only four survived… As expected, my decision not to take part in that ‘Big Escape’ game back then was a wise one!”

After that, he showed a sly smile and said, “Once those idiots were eliminated, 11 spots instantly cleared up on the ranking list.”

“Moreover, the other three guys who initially took part in the bidding have all been killed in the Big Escape game, so now the entire Hound Organization can just focus on us.”

“Although the efficiency is much lower after the method change due to the system’s previous warning, Brother Xiao, you’ve actually managed to reach the second rank now, which is much better than the points they accumulated on the secret mission!”

“Moreover, you’ll soon reach 2,000 points. Even the third-ranking number 187 is over 100 points behind you. Although I’m in a slightly worse situation, my total points are still ranked fifth, and I am still qualified to change my profession!”

“Those who went to Hunter Island to fight to the death and ended up dropping levels can’t even compare to those of us who stayed in the city, huh?”

“That’s why… Hidden profession mission or absolutely fair game…”

“When you’re playing a game, money is the decider. If you spend 10 million, even a hidden profession can become just child’s play!” The blurry image of Young Master Gou had an incredibly confident expression.

“You’re certainly right there. Nothing can be compared to money… However, I’m still a bit annoyed that I’m only ranked second…”

Young Master Gou looked a little sullen.

“He must just be lucky. Or perhaps he used some trick that the system hasn’t discovered to cheat. That’s probably how he managed to stay in the first spot after the previous top ten had their points deducted.”

“Wait until we find out his identity after we successfully change profession! We’ll have more than enough methods we can use to screw him up…” Young Master Gou spat spitefully. “Number 99!”

…

By the time everyone sat down, the NPC with the Major General rank had started to speak. “I’m sure you know the reason why we’ve gathered all of you here!”

“Due to some special circumstances, the ten-day examination has to be cut short!”

“However, in the eight days of examination, everyone has been able to show their strength and abilities. That is why we’ve already achieved the objective of this examination!”

“Based on the initial provisions, the top five in the ranking will become the Federation’s Special Agents. Those ranked from sixth to 15th will directly qualify to take part in the next round of examination!”

“Now, without further ado, I’ll announce the ranking!”

After he finished speaking, a large screen appeared behind him, showing the ranking and points of everyone there!

No. 1: Number 99 (Feng Luo). Points: 2,340

No. 2: Number 302. Points: 1,990

No. 3: Number 187. Points: 1,820

No. 4: Number 205. Points: 1,540

No. 5: Number 172. Points: 1,520

No. 6: Number 9 (Phoenix). Points: 1,420

No. 7: Number 105 (Big Pineapple). Points: 1,370

…

“Hey, look, Brother Xiao.”

“The official ranking is out. This way, it’s confirmed that we’ll be able to change to the hidden profession. Thank f*cking God the eight million star coins did not go to waste!”

Young Master Gou smiled immediately after seeing the ranking.

“Yup. Looks like the Hound Organization is still pretty useful!”

Young Master Xiao nodded quietly; however, he did not seem very comfortable.

“It’s just that the 1,990 number kinda annoys me… If it weren’t for the fact that the exam ended two days early, I’m sure I would have definitely surpassed number 99 and changed my profession as number one!”

“Or perhaps if it weren’t for the fact that our points were deducted in the first place, I would have been qualified to change my profession long ago. Then, I wouldn’t have to spend two days working so hard, even having to obtain intel on the rebel army’s assault in advance at the last minute, to push my points over 1,900.”

“Just consider him lucky!” said Young Master Xiao.