Chapter 17: Signing the Contract, Advancing to the Base, A New Journey

"Congratulations! You have successfully completed all courses in the Black Hawk Youth Training Camp. From today onward, you will leave the camp and head to the Forward Base in the wilderness, where you will hunt mutated creatures and accumulate evolution energy until you advance to become Evolvers. However, before setting out, you must sign a contract!"

Facing the trainees before him, Instructor Colin clapped his hands. Soon after, contracts were handed out, passing to every trainee.

“One million Black Hawk coins? That’s outrageous!”

Glancing through the contract, Zhang Ran couldn’t help but silently complain. The contract clearly stipulated that, as Zhang Ran had received training from the Black Hawk Youth Training Camp, he would be required to repay the company one million Black Hawk coins in training fees after becoming an Evolver. Until the debt was settled, half of his mission earnings would be forcibly taken as commission by Black Hawk Company.

Though he felt a bit helpless, Zhang Ran knew that, given his current abilities, there was no other choice but to sign the contract.

“Very well. Now, assemble at the training ground. Once you have received your final equipment, you may depart. Lastly, I wish you all good luck—come back alive!”

Once all trainees had signed, Instructor Colin nodded slightly and offered his blessing. The trainees were then led to the training ground, where rows of fully packed military backpacks awaited them.

“This is the last gift the training camp will give you! Once you enter the Forward Base, you will no longer receive any free supplies. Water, food, weapons, lodging, ammunition—all must be paid for! You’ll have to hunt or complete missions to earn Black Hawk coins to survive!”

Looking at the backpacks, Instructor Colin explained, then each trainee was assigned one.

Inside each backpack was a set of field gear, a Silver Hawk pistol, fifty rounds of ammunition, some medicines, high-energy food, and miscellaneous items. Each also received a stiff card, redeemable for a melee weapon at the base. These supplies would suffice for one or two hunting trips; after that, trainees would have to rely on their own combat skills to earn more.

After collecting their backpacks, the trainees again boarded closed carriages. Escorted by two instructors, they left the Black Hawk Youth Training Camp, heading toward the wilderness.

“Finally free! Life from now on won’t be as peaceful as it was in camp, but that’s what makes it exciting! The secrets of the Evolvers—here I come!”

Climbing into the carriage, Zhang Ran looked back at the distant training camp. Though a trace of reluctance lingered in his heart, he felt far more awe and anticipation for the future.

The Black Hawk Youth Training Camp was situated at the edge of Black Hawk Company’s territory, only about twenty kilometers from the Forward Base in the wilderness. After about an hour and a half, the carriages came to a stop. The trainees disembarked and found themselves before a massive cave, dark and deep.

“All right, follow me. I’ll take you to register at the Forward Base. Until you advance as Evolvers, this will be your place for taking missions, selling materials, trading for supplies, and finding some rest.”

Seeing the children’s surprise, an instructor explained, then led them into the cave.

Inside, Zhang Ran discovered a world apart. The cave’s walls were entirely concrete—clearly man-made rather than natural. Heavy machine guns lined the passage, manned by several soldiers. After checking the instructors’ credentials, the group was finally permitted entry.

“Hey, more newcomers have arrived!”

"It’s about time. Two intakes a year—it's been six months since the last batch, hasn’t it?"

"Yeah, I still remember when we first arrived. It’s been a year and a half already."

"This must be the third intake since then—yes, a year and a half has passed! I think in another month or two, I’ll finally be able to leave this hellhole!"

As the trainees, still wearing their Black Hawk training uniforms, streamed into the base, men and women nearby cast their gazes over and whispered among themselves.

"Chip, scan the data of everyone present!"

With a thought, Zhang Ran gave a silent command. A silver flash crossed his vision, and the attributes of the surrounding base members appeared before his eyes.

As Zhang Ran expected, most base members’ stats had reached two points—the limit for ordinary people. To advance further, one needed to accumulate an evolution point and ascend to Evolver status.

These members were all trainees here for their trials, mostly aged between eight and ten. Apart from them, there were service staff in the base, generally weaker, older, and some even with white hair.

"Newcomers, welcome to the Forward Base. I am Eugene, the administrator here. Compared to your previous life in the Black Hawk Youth Training Camp, this place is much freer—no training, no strict camp rules. The only prohibition is violence inside the base. Offenders face fines at best and execution at worst! However, unlike the training camp, everything here has a price."

"Let me introduce the base: it’s divided into three main areas—living quarters, trading zone, and mission hall. If you want to eat or enjoy other comforts, head to the living quarters. For arms and equipment, go to the trading zone. To take or complete missions, or sell materials, the mission hall is your destination. One more thing: the base opens at six in the morning and closes at ten at night."

At that moment, a lean, gray-haired man of about one meter seventy stepped forward, smiling at the trainees as he gave a brief introduction. Then, several staff members handed out booklets and cards.

“This booklet is a gift from us! Inside is a map of the surrounding area, with danger zones and resource points marked, as well as the base’s buying and selling prices for supplies.”

“This card is your ID, which also serves as a debit card. Keep it safe. You’re now first-level members of the base. Whenever you complete missions or sell materials to the base, you’ll earn points in addition to Black Hawk coins. With enough points, you’ll become second-level members and enjoy certain benefits.”

Pointing to the booklets and cards, Eugene patiently explained.

With their maps and cards, the children shed their trainee identities and became full members of the base. No one would force them to train or practice anymore, but for the sake of survival, they would have to venture out, battle all manner of mutated creatures in the wilderness, and grow stronger to become Evolvers. Those who failed would become food for the monsters.

A new journey had begun.