12: Chapter 12 New Assessment

Linzhou City.

Gu Changming rode a motorcycle, slowly cruising down the road.

Knowing how to drive is a basic survival skill in the apocalypse; of course, so is picking locks. This was a bike he had just hot-wired after arriving.

The original owner was still alive; Gu Changming had swiped the bike while the man was away for a meal.

While driving, Gu Changming occasionally turned his head to observe his surroundings.

He only knew the approximate location of that special Assessment—an abandoned park in the suburbs. However, there were several abandoned parks in this city, making it no easy task to find.

This was the second park he had searched.

As he was looking around, his phone's navigation chimed, signaling he had reached his destination.

He looked up and saw a derelict garden ahead. The trees inside had clearly been neglected for a long time, growing wild and appearing quite overgrown from the outside.

Gu Changming parked the motorcycle by the roadside and walked over.

Just as he neared the park entrance, Gu Changming's footsteps faltered.

He had found the right place.

It wasn't because of any obvious signs, but rather a feeling. After undergoing so many Assessments, his body naturally sensed this unique "Assessment atmosphere."

Just now, as he stepped toward the park's perimeter, he had clearly felt that vibe.

Gu Changming glanced into the depths of the park and stepped inside.

The interior of the park looked just as messy as the exterior; tall trees cast long shadows, and the ground was blanketed in a thick layer of unswept fallen leaves.

Gu Changming cautiously observed his surroundings as he ventured further in.

Before long, a massive figure appeared on the path ahead.

Gu Changming stopped immediately and looked up.

The figure was not human. It had a burly physique similar to a bear, yet it stood upright like a man. Upon closer inspection, one could see the armor it wore, its entire being radiating a blend of nature and wildness.

The moment he saw the creature, Gu Changming's heart stirred.

A Druid?

At that moment, the creature noticed him as well, its shimmering eyes locking onto Gu Changming.

Gu Changming's body tensed slightly as he mentally opened the shop interface.

If the creature showed any sign of attacking, he would immediately purchase items to boost his strength. Otherwise, his current frail body wouldn't survive a single swat from those paws.

However, looking at the creature, Gu Changming had no intention of retreating.

If this Assessment was merely a fight to the death, there would have been no need to buy that wine for 20 points.

While he was pondering, the towering creature suddenly raised a thick arm and beckoned to him.

“Come here.”

Its voice rang out, unexpectedly not gruff, but rather possessing a certain steadiness.

Sensing that the creature seemed to have no hostile intent, Gu Changming relaxed slightly.

He complied, slowly making his way over.

He didn't stop until he was only a few paces away.

The Druid-like creature looked down at him and asked, “I am Willy. What brings you to my Grove?”

Hearing this, Gu Changming blinked and stared at the creature for a good while.

Then, without answering, Gu Changming thought for a moment before reaching into his coat. He pulled out the jar of clear spring brew in its translucent jade bottle, held it out to the creature, and uncapped it.

The instant the clear spring brew appeared, the creature's shimmering eyes suddenly lit up.

It took a deep breath, as if catching the faint, elusive aroma of the wine in the air.

“clear spring brew... It has been a long, long time since I smelled the wine of my homeland.”

Gu Changming nudged it toward the creature, signaling that the wine was for him.

He took it joyfully and had a small sip, his face filled with bliss.

Suddenly, he looked up and gazed solemnly at Gu Changming. “Thank you, young man. Thank you for this fine wine. In return, I shall grant you an opportunity.”

Upon hearing this, a smile touched the corners of Gu Changming's mouth.

Just as he had suspected.

The 20-point clear spring brew was merely the entry fee. Now that he had paid, the Assessment could begin.

Without waiting for Gu Changming to speak, Willy continued, “I brought a treasure from my homeland. If you can pass a small test and prove your ability, I will give it to you.”

Gu Changming's eyes brightened slightly. He nodded cooperatively and asked, “What kind of test?”

The creature extended a broad palm and gave a gentle wave toward a nearby clearing.

Specks of magical light, like fireflies, drifted down to the ground.

Once the light faded, a curled-up little white rabbit appeared on the ground. One of its hind legs was injured and bleeding, and its body was trembling slightly.

Beside the rabbit lay eight or nine herbs of various shapes and sizes.

“Look,” Willy said in a low voice. “Use these herbs to heal this little creature. It's simple, right? If you succeed, the treasure is yours.”

Gu Changming nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the rabbit and the herbs.

Instead of acting immediately, he focused his mind, attempting to summon the System Interface in his head.

He wanted to see if this special “test” also had hidden rules.

Unfortunately, this wasn't an official Assessment, just a test of ability, so there were naturally no rules or hidden mechanics to be seen.

Gu Changming frowned slightly, finding the situation a bit tricky.

He was rich in combat experience, but when it came to healing, he was far from an expert.

Still, it was fine; with some trial and error, he should be able to figure something out.

Just as Gu Changming was about to crouch down to examine the herbs closely, he suddenly heard extremely faint footsteps behind him.

Gu Changming paused mid-motion and immediately turned around, alert.

A young man in his early twenties emerged from the woods.

He wore a clean white shirt and jeans; his hair was soft and his features clear, making him look like a college student who hadn't graduated yet.

Seeing Gu Changming and Willy, a slightly embarrassed expression crossed his face.

“Uh... am I interrupting something?”

He had just been passing by outside when he suddenly sensed something within, prompting him to come in and take a look.

To his surprise, he walked right into a non-human creature and a boy who looked like a high schooler.

Recalling the Assessment he had just gone through, he managed to keep his footing and didn't immediately turn tail and run.

The moment he saw the newcomer, Gu Changming's eyes flashed; he knew the “protagonist” had arrived.

Before Gu Changming could respond, Willy spoke up, “I am Willy, young man.”

He pointed at Gu Changming. “He is attempting my test. If he heals this rabbit, he will receive my treasure.”

After listening, Jiang Shu's eyes brightened slightly. Looking at Willy, he asked tentatively, “Um... could I participate too?”