After the graduation celebration, everyone embarked on their new paths in life.
Mu Qing carried her luggage and stepped onto the road leading to the frontlines.
Lin Ran joined the Tiger Soul Research Institute, delving into the study of magical techniques.
Wang Jinsheng arrived at the Crimson Research Institute to initiate the decoding of Flesh Sacrifice.
Meanwhile, Feng Qi continued his relentless pursuit of strength.
Despite their separate paths, they all shared a common dream—to fight for humanity's rise.
The New World, Eastern Region, Northern Area
North of Winterfell City lay the supply zone.
This region was perpetually blanketed in snow, its landscape buried under a thick layer of frost. Yet amidst this frozen expanse stood a small supply town.
Though referred to as a "supply zone," every such area was a frontline outpost in the battle against domain invasions. These towns also served as the bases for domain battle squads.
Every facility in the town was established to support these squads, and the area was equipped with advanced technological weaponry both inside and out.
Through the falling snow, a transport aircraft descended onto the runway, guided by the flashing signal lights.
Moments later, Mu Qing disembarked, her oversized backpack slung over her shoulders as she wheeled her luggage through the town.
She glanced at the New World map in her hands, then made her way toward the northern section of the supply zone.
The New World was the name given to this transformed landscape following the cataclysm. It was divided into five regions: East, South, West, North, and Central.
The Eastern Region comprised six cities: Galaxy City in the west, Star City in the south, Future City in the center, Victory City in the east, Old Day City in the northeast, and Winterfell City in the north.
Each city had developed its own unique characteristics. Due to the fragmented nature of domain fields, these cities operated independently, resembling allied states from the pre-cataclysm era. However, their ties remained exceptionally close.
When one city faced a domain invasion, others would dispatch aid. For example, when Star City assisted Future City, the latter built a memorial cemetery honoring the Star City volunteers.
Governance over each city rested with a council comprising representatives from major research institutes, military departments, and other top organizations.
Additionally, the six cities of the Eastern Region had jointly formed the United Research Institute and the United Military Department. They also established the Eastern Region Supreme Council to liaise with other regions of the New World.
Though the cities seemed scattered, humanity's forces were deeply interconnected.
The principle of mutual survival was clear to all. Years of aiding one another had forged strong bonds between the cities.
For ordinary citizens, traveling from one city to another felt no different from pre-cataclysm provincial travel. The cities shared a unified database and were connected via a comprehensive network.
Strict regulations in each city ensured severe penalties for actions that jeopardized intercity relations.
Mu Qing soon arrived at her destination—a towering building shaped like a clenched fist. At its center hung a metal plaque reading Battle Squad Recruitment Office.
Brushing the snow from her shoulders, she adjusted her backpack, which was larger than she was, and stepped inside.
The spacious hall buzzed with activity. Warriors clad in standard-issue gear filled the space, some still bearing the uncleaned blood of domain creatures on their armor.
The recruitment hall was the town's core facility, serving two primary purposes.
First, it recruited new members.
Graduates of academies had two ways to join a domain battle squad: direct invitation or self-registration. Mu Qing, who had remained low-key throughout her time at Star City Academy, chose the latter.
The second function of the hall was to assign missions.
Research institutes submitted requests for domain materials or specific tasks to the recruitment hall's management, where they were registered and displayed on the central screen alongside corresponding rewards.
Surveying the bustling hall, Mu Qing approached the recruitment desk. She collected a form and pen from a staff member and began filling in her details.
After submitting the form, she found a seat in the hall, placing her backpack beside her. Opening it revealed an assortment of snacks and compressed energy bars.
These were farewell gifts from Yang Xiaoxin and the others, who feared she might go hungry out there.
Smiling at the thought, she grabbed a snack and began eating.
Half an hour later, with her backpack noticeably lighter, Mu Qing hoisted it over her shoulders once more.
A pang of worry crept into her expression. If she ran out of food before finding a squad to take her in, the days ahead would be grim.
Approaching the large display screen in the hall, she waited for her assignment.
Hours passed before her name finally appeared on the screen:
Mu Qing – Star City Academy Combat Department Graduate – Assigned to Snow Wolf Domain Squad – Report to Snow Wolf Recruiter, Contact: 1852...
Seeing her assignment, Mu Qing couldn't help but pump her fist in excitement.
She quickly pulled out her phone and dialed the number.
"Hello, this is Mu Qing," she said politely when the call connected.
"Ah, Mu Qing. Report to Snow Wolf at 156 North Street in the supply zone," replied the voice on the other end.
"Got it. I'll head there right away."
Ending the call, Mu Qing stepped out of the recruitment hall and consulted her map before setting off toward North Street.
An hour later, she reached her destination.
The area was a cluster of estate-like buildings, each marked with a number and the name of the respective domain battle squad. This was the base zone for the squads stationed in the supply zone.
After some searching, she found the estate labeled Snow Wolf Domain Squad (C-Rank Squad).
Standing at the entrance was a woman in a fur coat, smiling warmly as Mu Qing approached.
"Mu Qing?"
"Yes, that's me. Hello, senior," Mu Qing replied respectfully with a nod.
"Come inside. The captain is here today. Once you've introduced your abilities, we'll decide your role in the team."
Following the woman into the estate, Mu Qing couldn't help but glance curiously around her surroundings.
The grounds were filled with green vegetation, now blanketed in thick snow. A frozen pond lay further in, and beyond that were a series of individual buildings belonging to the team members.
Military vehicles, each painted with the Snow Wolf emblem, were parked in front of the buildings.
As they walked, the woman introduced the history of the Snow Wolf Domain Squad.
The squad was initially formed by Class Eight combat students of Winterfell Academy's 48th graduating class.
During their final domain field training before graduation, they had worked together to kill a Snow Wolf and brought it back to their academy.
After graduating, they founded the squad and named it after the first domain creature they had slain.
Today, the Snow Wolf Domain Squad had seen eight generations of leaders.
Though it wasn't renowned for extraordinary feats, its C-rank evaluation was a badge of honor earned through the blood and sacrifice of its members.
Reaching the estate's rear, they approached a building labeled with a metal plaque: Snow Wolf Assembly Hall.
Brushing the snow off her coat, Mu Qing followed the woman through the thick doors into the building.
The warmth inside was immediate. The soft orange glow of the lamps lit the room, and a fireplace burned brightly.
The hall was filled with a smoky haze, and a dozen or so people sat around a couch in discussion.
"Captain! The newcomer's here! Take care of them!" the woman shouted cheerfully.
The chatter in the hall ceased as all eyes turned toward the entrance.
A burly man with a scar on his left cheek stood up, his gaze locking onto Mu Qing. A grin spread across his face as he beckoned her over.
"Come, have a seat. Let's start with an introduction."
Without hesitation, Mu Qing stepped forward confidently, placed her luggage beside her, and sat down.
Meeting the curious gazes of the squad members, she began her introduction.
"My name is Mu Qing, a graduate of Star City Academy's Combat Class Three. It's an honor to join the Snow Wolf Domain Squad…"
Before she could finish, the captain waved his hand to interrupt.
"That's too formal. You're part of the family now. Just get to the point—be yourself."
"Yeah, we're all family here. Don't bother with the fluff," others chimed in, their voices light and playful.
The warmth in their smiles eased her nerves. With a relaxed grin, she opened up about her aspirations for joining the squad.
After listening to her, the squad members took turns introducing themselves.
"My name's Tuo Yan. I'm the current captain of Snow Wolf. The one who brought you in is Ye Yiqian, our squad secretary. She handles recruitment and mission assignments…"
Each member introduced themselves with a smile and a nod.
"There are a few members currently on missions. I'll introduce you to them when they return," Tuo Yan added.
Then he turned to Mu Qing with a grin. "Now, tell us about your abilities. That'll help us decide your role in the team."
Mu Qing met his gaze without hesitation. "I specialize in close combat, with exceptional strength and physical defense. I also have rapid self-healing capabilities. I'd like a frontliner position as the main combatant."
The room went quiet for a moment, then a few members began shaking their heads.
"You just graduated," Tuo Yan said, his tone gentle but firm. "You don't have enough experience for such a demanding role yet. For now, you'll handle logistics."
"Logistics?" Mu Qing raised an eyebrow.
"You'll carry supplies or protect resource equipment during our field missions," Tuo Yan explained.
Though she wasn't surprised to be underestimated, Mu Qing wasn't here to remain in the background.
She didn't join the squad to keep a low profile—she was here to grow stronger.
She rose to her feet and approached the coffee table, crouching down in front of the group.
"Arm wrestling, anyone?" she asked, her tone steady yet challenging.
The room erupted into laughter.
"This rookie's got guts. Challenging us on her first day? A calf unafraid of the tiger!"
Judging by her demeanor, the team guessed she had some pride as a fresh graduate. However, they knew that the top graduates had already been recruited by elite squads.
Tuo Yan turned to a towering man in the corner. "Wild Bull, why don't you welcome our new member?"
"No way. Let Xiao Long do it. I'm not bullying the rookie," Wild Bull replied, shaking his head.
"Do it," Tuo Yan insisted, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Wild Bull reluctantly stood up and walked to the coffee table. He crouched down, extending his hand toward Mu Qing.
The difference in their physiques was glaringly obvious, as if they belonged to completely different leagues.
"Go ahead, use your strength," Wild Bull said solemnly, his eyes fixed on her.
Without hesitation, Mu Qing pressed lightly to the left. Wild Bull's eyes widened in shock.
Realizing her immense strength, he held his breath and began exerting all his might.
But no matter how much effort he poured in, her wrist didn't budge an inch.
Mu Qing appeared calm and composed, while Wild Bull's forehead was soon covered in beads of sweat. The coffee table beneath their locked hands started to creak and crack under the strain.
"Ah!" Wild Bull roared, unwilling to admit defeat, pouring every ounce of strength into one final push.
At that moment, Mu Qing decided to end it. With a sudden burst of power, she slammed his hand down onto the table.
Crack!
The coffee table collapsed under the impact.
Gasps echoed through the room as the other members stared in disbelief.
Wild Bull was the squad's primary frontline warrior, renowned for his strength and ability to shield his teammates while breaking through enemy lines. His physical prowess was unmatched within the Snow Wolf Domain Squad.
And yet, this newly graduated recruit had effortlessly crushed him.
Holding his slightly sore arm, Wild Bull's face was full of shock. For the first time, he understood that Mu Qing's claim of immense strength wasn't just bravado—it was entirely real.
Mu Qing turned to Tuo Yan with a calm but determined expression.
"Captain, I'm willing to prove my worth in any way necessary for the main combat role."
Tuo Yan's grin widened. The excitement in his eyes revealed that he realized the squad had just gained an invaluable asset.
"Good. Show me what you've got," he replied.
"How about live combat?" Mu Qing asked.
Tuo Yan didn't hesitate. "Fine. Let's take it outside."
The group quickly left the assembly hall and headed to a snow-covered open field.
Though snowflakes swirled around them, the squad members were clearly excited.
"Wild Bull, one more round. Real combat this time," Tuo Yan ordered.
"Understood!" This time, Wild Bull didn't object. He stepped into the center of the field with resolute determination.
Mu Qing followed, taking her position opposite him.
Without warning, Wild Bull launched the first attack. He stepped forward, his fist glowing with a faint red light. The heat emanating from it melted the snowflakes before they could touch him.
Smack!
Mu Qing raised her left hand, intercepting his punch with a calm, controlled motion.
Though this was supposed to be a sparring match, Mu Qing was careful not to use her full power.
She knew her strength wasn't something she could completely control yet. If she wasn't careful, she might accidentally harm a future teammate.
After pulling back his fist, Wild Bull followed up with a side kick, his body shrouded in a fiery aura that vaporized the snow around him.
Mu Qing blocked the kick effortlessly and gave a light push, sending him flying backward.
"Holy crap! This newbie's insane!" someone shouted from the sidelines, their astonishment echoing everyone else's thoughts.
Wild Bull landed on the ground but quickly flipped himself upright. The flames around him burned brighter as he locked eyes with Mu Qing.
"I'm going all out now. Watch yourself," he warned.
"Bring it on," Mu Qing replied with a nod.
What followed was an intense barrage of attacks from Wild Bull. He used every ounce of his strength and even his trump card body-tempering combat techniques, but none of it fazed Mu Qing.
No matter how he attacked, Mu Qing countered each move with minimal effort, neutralizing his strikes like a seasoned veteran.
The gap between their abilities was plain for all to see.
Finally, Wild Bull stepped back, panting heavily. He raised his hand in defeat.
"Boss, I'm not her match. I'm willing to step down as the primary tank and let her take the role," he admitted.
Tuo Yan, who had been watching with wide eyes, nodded immediately.
"Alright."
In a domain squad, roles weren't assigned based on status or seniority. They were decided by ability.
The efficiency of the entire team and the lives of its members often depended on these decisions. In this world, the strong naturally took the lead.
"Mu Qing," Tuo Yan said, turning to her with a smile. "From now on, you're our squad's primary tank. But before you officially take the position, I want you to train under Wild Bull for a while. Learn everything you can about the role so I can trust you to handle it fully."
He then turned to Wild Bull.
"Wild Bull, you'll be her mentor. Once Mu Qing is ready, you'll move to secondary tank, and Lion will shift to tertiary."
With the squad roles reorganized, Tuo Yan's grin widened.
"Alright, everyone! Let's welcome our new member with a feast tonight! Party hard!"
A cheer erupted from the squad as they celebrated.
Standing in the falling snow, Mu Qing turned her gaze back toward Star City Academy. A smile graced her lips as she silently vowed:
Wait for my good news.