On Qin Feng’s tray was a standard D-rank contract Energy Meal.
A palm-sized patty made from a compressed high-protein composite, seared to a slight crisp on the surface and releasing an enticing aroma; a glob of dark green algae paste rich in various vitamins and trace elements; and a small bowl of thick porridge boiled from high-energy grains.
He picked up his utensils and began to eat, silent and swift.
As the food entered his mouth, it transformed into streams of pure energy, sliding down his esophagus into his stomach. It was rapidly absorbed by his body, replenishing the massive amount of energy he had expended during his morning training.
However, when the last bite went down, Qin Feng’s brow furrowed slightly.
The meal that had once left him feeling full and brimming with energy now only produced a faint warmth in his stomach. The energy supplement felt like a tiny stream flowing into a great river—gone in an instant, bringing little satisfaction.
’This Energy Meal doesn’t provide enough Spiritual Energy anymore.’
Qin Feng put down his utensils, stating a simple fact.
"That’s normal."
Shi Potian, who had just finished eating beside him, wiped his mouth with a napkin and began to explain.
"Your life force index has broken past 3.0, so your body’s demand for energy is increasing exponentially. According to the *Standard Martial Artist Energy Intake Guide* published by the Imperial Martial Artists Association, Martial Artists in the 3.0 to 6.0 range need to consume the pure energy equivalent of at least four primary Spiritual Energy Potions per month to maintain high-intensity training."
He held up two fingers.
"With our current D-rank contracts, the school only provides two primary Potions for free each month. The cafeteria’s Energy Meals can supplement that, but the energy they provide is impure, with low conversion rates and poor efficiency. So, it’s inevitable that you’re feeling it’s not enough."
Qin Feng looked at Shi Potian and asked, "What about C-rank contracts?"
"A C-rank contract is a qualitative leap."
Shi Potian’s expression grew more serious. "Every month, the school provides two Mid-Level Spiritual Energy Potions. Don’t be fooled by the number—the quality is on a completely different level."
"A single Mid-Level Potion contains at least ten times the pure Spiritual Energy of a primary one. Plus, its purity, absorption rate, and conversion efficiency are all far superior. When you absorb a Mid-Level Potion, very little energy is wasted. With a primary Potion, nearly fifty percent of the Spiritual Energy is lost during the absorption and conversion process, and it also puts a significant metabolic burden on your body."
He summarized, "Simply put, in terms of actual training effectiveness, the resources from a C-rank contract are at least ten times better than those from a D-rank. That’s why everyone is desperate to reach C-rank. With a C-rank contract, your life force index can truly enter a period of rapid growth."
After hearing this, Qin Feng’s gaze became even more determined.
"This afternoon, I’m going to do my placement matches."
He announced his decision calmly.
"Great! It’s about time!"
Qian Duoduo’s face lit up with excitement. "With your Thousand Army Spear at the ’Minor Accomplishment’ stage, getting to First Rank will be a piece of cake! You’ll get 50 merit points, and with the 55 you have now, that’s 105 total! You can apply for a C-rank contract right away!"
Shi Potian nodded in agreement. "Good idea. Getting that C-rank contract early is crucial for your future training."
"Speaking of which, Brother Shi,"
Qian Duoduo changed the subject, looking curiously at Shi Potian. "Your life force index must be close to 10.0 by now, right? Once you pass ten, you’ll be a Second Level Martial Artist. Why haven’t you applied for an early promotion to the second year?"
This was an unspoken question among the three roommates of Dorm 402.
Shi Potian’s strength was about to reach the level of a Second Level Martial Artist.
Logically, he could have applied for promotion to the second year, but he never did.
"The timing isn’t right for a promotion now."
Shi Potian shook his head and explained patiently.
"If I move up now, my life force index would put me at the bottom of the pack for Second Level Martial Artists. The way second-years earn merit points, whether through the difficult monthly exams or the intense academy missions, is all calibrated for their level. If I go in with a D-rank contract, my resources won’t be enough. My training speed would be dragged down, and I’d have a very hard time competing against those true second-year geniuses for a high number of merit points."
His eyes held a calm and rational gaze that seemed beyond his years.
"My plan is to wait until after next month’s exam. I’ll earn another batch of merit points, add them to the 50 I have now to reach 100, and upgrade my contract to C-rank first. Then, I’ll use the Mid-Level Spiritual Energy Potions to push my life force index steadily past the 10.0 mark in one go, maybe even higher. At that point, when I get promoted to the second year, my foundation and resources will be solid enough to establish myself in the new environment and compete for better opportunities."
"I see!!"
Qian Duoduo’s eyes widened in realization, and he gave a sincere thumbs-up.
This strategy of holding back at a lower level to maximize resource acquisition in the "newbie bracket" was nothing short of brilliant.
Of course, this only applied to a genius like Shi Potian, who was already on the cusp of the next level.
As for Qian Duoduo himself, the path to becoming a Second Level Martial Artist was still a long one, so he didn’t need to worry about such things.
After lunch, the three of them rested briefly in their dorm to digest their food.
「1:30 PM, the public Martial Arts Room.」
Unlike the morning’s hustle and bustle, the Martial Arts Room was now sparsely populated.
Most students were either resting in their dorms or had gone to the library or virtual classrooms for their academic lessons. The room would only start to fill up after two o’clock.
Arrive half an hour early, leave half an hour late. This was the trio’s creed. Over time, that extra effort would surely give them an edge!
The three found an empty corner.
Qian Duoduo and Shi Potian moved off to the side and began their sparring practice.
Flashes of a saber and the shadow of a shield danced in the air, punctuated by the frequent clang of metal on metal.
Meanwhile, Qin Feng sat down cross-legged and activated the silver Subspace Network Pass on his wrist, which had taken the form of a wrist-mounted terminal.
He extended a finger and tapped lightly on the smooth metal surface.
A pale blue screen of light instantly projected in front of him.
[Imperial Arena]
Without a moment’s hesitation, his consciousness followed the command and submerged itself.
[Connecting to the Imperial Arena...]
[Identity verification successful...]
[Welcome back, Martial Artist "Qin".]
A cold, mechanical voice echoed in his mind.
The scene before him shifted, and when his vision cleared, he found himself on that familiar, massive arena floating above a vast nebula.
Beneath his feet was a solid metal floor; overhead, a magnificent Star River flowed with brilliant colors.
An endless sense of magnificent desolation washed over him.
Qin Feng stood silently in the center of the arena, regulating his breathing and calming his mind to a state of perfect placidity, like a tranquil well.
The next ten battles would be the ultimate test of his past month of spear practice and the key to unlocking the door to a C-rank contract.
A moment later, he looked up, his eyes sharp and focused.
A large virtual selection box appeared before him.
[Matchmaking]
[Ranked Mode]
[Challenge Friend]
[Spectator Mode]
He reached out and, without hesitation, tapped the second option.
[You are about to begin your placement matches. There will be a total of ten matches. The system will assign your initial rank based on your overall performance.]
[Confirm to begin?]
’Confirm.’
Qin Feng affirmed in his mind.
[Command confirmed.]
[Matching you for the first placement match...]