Chameleon: My True Face

The Selection Camp was busier than ever, as expected with the announcement that points would be tripled. This gave participants at the bottom of the ladder renewed hope of avoiding elimination, while putting pressure on those at the top to maintain their points. Wuxing's team, however, was so far ahead of the competition that even if they took a day off, they would still be in the green zone.

It didn't mean they would relax and allow anyone to take over their top spots.

"It seems like over half of the participants decided to visit the jungle today," Wuxing observed, noting the size of the competition. "I doubt a quarter of them will return to the camp." The jungle was sure to become a massive bloodbath with the deadline approaching.

"More will enter once they announce the small event prepared in the jungle," Katherine whispered as they walked towards the exit. "I'm not sure what they are planning, but we expect to be left with two hundred participants by the end of today."

Everyone in the group was shocked by this. With so few participants remaining, around 80% would not make it. Even Wuxing didn't anticipate such a high elimination rate.

"I thought the Selection was supposed to last two weeks," Wuxing said in surprise. "If we're cut down to two hundred, it would mean the Selection might as well end tomorrow."

"If it were up to me, I wouldn't be so radical," Katherine replied with a shrug and a glance at Dongmei. "But we can't argue with the higher-ups. Someone really wants to end the Selection by tomorrow and we all know who it is."

Katherine didn't need to say more. They all knew she was referring to Dongmei's powerful grandparents, who had the influence to shape the Selection for the Seven Stars.

"What about tomorrow? Do you know anything about the Grand Challenge?" Wuxing changed the subject as he gazed into the distance. They were already close to the exit, and they couldn't discuss such plans with other people.

"I don't know the exact details, but I heard we're supposed to prepare the arena. I'm guessing the remaining participants will have to either battle mutated beasts or each other," Katherine explained. "The points will be used to buy gear and weapons to help you win."

The challenge sounded straightforward, but Wuxing knew to always expect the unexpected. One could never know what last-minute changes could happen.

"Thank you," Wuxing acknowledged with a grateful smile.

All the confidential information Katherine shared with them was naturally against the rules, and she risked getting punished or even suspended. Wuxing made sure she knew he was thankful for all her help.

"It's nothing," Katherine replied casually, pointing to the supply table, which had a small queue. "Let's focus on training for now. We only have two hours until the special event starts. You three should gear up with what you need first. I'll be right back."

The group of instructors at the gate was already eyeing them from a distance, so Katherine walked up to talk to them. They seemed suspicious of her friendliness with the participants, so it was clear none of them knew about her mission. Their faces quickly grew serious once they read the orders from the higher-ups, and they began scrutinizing Dongmei from afar.

"Are you two okay?" Wuxing asked, glancing at the two women by his side. It was clear that both of them were bothered by something, each with their own issues.

"I'm fine, just worried about tomorrow," Dongmei replied, hugging Scarlet from behind. "Let's get a lot of points today, just in case."

"I'll do my best too," Scarlet added with a sweet smile, trying to mask her stress. It was clear she was anxious about the upcoming training, but determination shone in her eyes.

The two looked like real sisters, matching in their long camo pants and green long-sleeved shirts. Even though it was hot, the jungle would eat them alive if they dared to venture with exposed skin. The insects were sometimes more dangerous than mutated beasts.

"Alright then," Wuxing nodded, also calming his mind. He had similar worries as he would be the one being tested in tomorrow's challenge.

The final boss of the Guan family wouldn't allow any weaklings into their circle, so he was bound to make his life hell. Judging by Dongmei's father's reaction in the past, Wuxing could only expect the worst.

When it was their turn to pick up their gear, they didn't hesitate to go all out, swiping their cards. They could buy everything necessary for hunting, including machetes, hunting knives, and various throwing blades. Rifles and bows were not available as they would be too dangerous.

One could even buy a stab-proof vest for ten thousand points, but they only opted for comfortable harnesses to store their gear and all their food. It would be too tiring to carry a heavy vest all day and they would rather preserve their energy for the training.

"Are you ready?" Katherine questioned as she arrived, her two katanas strapped to her back. "We're free to explore as we wish. I already handled the paperwork, so no one can complain."

However, that only applied to officials. Other participants began calling out the unfairness as soon as their group left through the main gate.

"What kind of bullshit is that? How come the instructor is going with them?"

There were still many people right in front of the camp, so they all looked at Katherine as she led the group. The whole reason why hunting gave the most points was because of its dangers. If a general like Katherine was helping participants with hunting, it would be like a walk in the park for them.

"Aren't they the top 3 in the ranking? This is so unfair."

"Let's report it to the higher-ups."

All three men were complaining out loud when Katherine suddenly walked towards them without saying a single word. She stretched her fingers before placing them on a single katana handle.

Everyone's eyes widened as they thought she was going to do something dangerous but she only withdrew the blade for just an inch before sighing in relief and putting the blade back in its sheath and letting go of the handle.

"Oof, I almost thought she was going to..." The surrounding participants commented only to pause as they didn't know what to say.

Everyone thought the three men were safe when their eyes suddenly rolled back and their heads separated from their bodies. Katherine just walked back under the spectators' gaze without any action.

"Anyone else wants to share their opinion?"