29: Military merits are settled! Honors are awarded!

“Are they looking for me?”

Looking at the expressions of the two people in front of him, Ye Ze suddenly felt like a lamb entering a tiger's den.

But this was the Demon Suppression Army camp after all, so there shouldn't be any danger.

As Ye Ze walked over, Captain Xu Feng of the Scout Camp and another officer greeted him with smiles:

“Hello, Ye Ze. I am Captain Xu Feng.”

Captain Xu Feng of the Scout Camp stepped forward to shake Ye Ze’s hand.

“This is Regimental Commander Chang Zhengping, Regimental Commander Chang, from the East China Army’s Northward Advance Regiment!”

Regimental Commander?

Ye Ze was a bit bewildered for a moment.

A Regimental Commander was already a heavyweight leader in a military region, so why would he come looking for me?

Regimental Commander Chang Zhengping showed a benevolent smile, “Nephew Ye Ze, don’t worry…”

“Your Teacher Liu Boyan and I are old comrades-in-arms. He asked me to look after you.”

Regimental Commander Chang Zhengping’s original plan was not to mention this to Ye Ze if he didn't need to help.

But now, with a genius he could recruit right here…

Of course, he had to say something to build a good relationship!

Camp Leader Xu Feng, who was standing nearby, looked heartbroken. He now only regretted not knowing Ye Ze’s Teacher…

“I see. Thank you, Regimental Commander Chang.”

Upon hearing this, Ye Ze immediately understood the reason, thinking that his Teacher was indeed still worried.

Unexpectedly, Regimental Commander Chang Zhengping’s eyes were full of admiration as he said:

“Heroes emerge from the young; we should be thanking you!”

“Thank me?”

Captain Xu Feng seized the opportunity to speak: “You alone have increased the reclamation speed of the 19th Contaminated Land several times over!”

Ye Ze didn't know yet that each Demon Elite he killed meant that other scout teams faced much less threat.

This greatly increased the reclamation speed.

Just like Hu Shan and Lin Feifei’s team, whom he saved, if they didn't encounter Demon Elite, their reclamation speed wasn't slow; but once they encountered Demon Elite, they could be severely injured or even wiped out.

Because of this, the military’s reclamation mission could be completed very smoothly.

And what excited Camp Leader Xu Feng and Regimental Commander Chang Zhengping even more was that:

Ye Ze was only level 7, yet his combat power was so exaggerated. What would happen when he became high-tier!

No one wanted to let go of such a genius!

Camp Leader Xu Feng quickly led Ye Ze back into the camp:

“Come, Ye Ze, I’ll first calculate your military merits for the reclamation of the Pollution Land!”

Ye Ze nodded.

Although he didn't need to accumulate military merits to exchange for Summoners anymore, who would complain about having too many military merits?

After reaching level 10 and Tier 1, he would gain one or more Summoner spaces, and perhaps he could exchange for more then.

Ye Ze was brought back into the Scout Camp.

A Captain and a Regimental Commander, one on his left and one on his right, chuckled as they surrounded Ye Ze.

It was a grand display.

A temporary scout nearby couldn't help but grumble, “Damn, who is this guy?”

“Why can he calculate military merits without waiting in line, and have the Captain personally come to pick him up…”

The person speaking was standing in one of two long queues.

After a day of reclamation missions, all temporary scouts calculated their military merits at two settlement points set up in front of the military camp. When there were many people, naturally, they had to queue.

Unless, like Ruan Xiaoyou, one didn't want military merits at all and just left after reclamation, that was also an option.

But 1 military merit could be exchanged for at least five thousand yuan, and no one was willing to give that up…

A temporary scout who was an Archer nearby said sourly:

“Maybe he’s the illegitimate son of some big shot, or a rich second generation…”

A disdainful voice came, “Tsk!”

“He’s probably killed more Demon Elite than you’ve killed regular Fiends!”

The speaker was Lin Feifei, the long-legged beauty from the Hunter Guild, speaking up for Ye Ze.

She had witnessed Ye Ze’s strength and was not surprised by his special treatment.

“If you could instantly kill Demon Elite, you wouldn’t have to stand in line here either!”

The two who were rebutted didn't believe it at all. “Instantly kill Demon Elite? Just him, a level 7 Summoner? Dreaming!”

At this moment, Lin Feifei’s Captain, Hu Shan, spoke:

“It’s true. The Blood Bone Demon that was instantly killed was right in front of me, struck dead by his Summoner with one punch…”

This scene had indeed left a deep impression on Hu Shan.

And Hu Shan’s words immediately startled everyone around, leading to a flurry of discussions.

Because Hu Shan of the Hunter Guild had a good reputation in the circle of civilian professionals; he was upright, and his words were trustworthy.

Coupled with Ye Ze’s extremely special treatment…

In an instant, the news that a formidable person had appeared in the 19th Contaminated Land spread like wildfire.

The two who had initially been annoyed with Ye Ze immediately fell silent.

Since he was a big shot who could punch and blast Demon Elite, blasting their heads probably wouldn’t take much effort either…

…

Inside the Scout Camp.

Ye Ze was being led by Camp Leader Xu Feng and Regimental Commander Chang Zhengping to a large light screen control console, where he placed his identification tag.

A unique travel route map was generated, showing an unstoppable progression, as if he had pierced through the 19th Contaminated Land.

It seemed to be displaying Ye Ze’s ‘historical achievements’.

A clerk nearby calculated as he watched:

“Your personal reclamation progress accounts for approximately 30% of the 19th Contaminated Land, and the military merit settlement is 900 points.”

Camp Leader Xu Feng added to Ye Ze, “Do you have any objections?”

Ye Ze shook his head. This result was similar to his estimation, and 900 military merits were quite generous.

Regimental Commander Chang Zhengping on his left admired him more and more as he watched:

“Hahahaha! Old Liu would probably be scared to death if he knew about your achievements!”

With that, he said with a smile, “Nephew Ye Ze, are you interested in the Northward Advance Regiment…”

“Cough, Regimental Commander, the military merit settlement isn’t over yet!”

Camp Leader Xu Feng quickly interrupted Regimental Commander Chang Zhengping.

At the same time, his mind raced…

How could he snatch a genius for his Scout Camp in front of a Regimental Commander?

The Scout Camp was special within the Demon Suppression Army; it was an independent unit, enjoyed regimental-level benefits, and was not under the jurisdiction of any Regimental Commander.

But it was still a camp-level unit, so it lacked confidence when a Regimental Commander tried to poach someone.

The clerk nearby cautiously said, “Ye Ze, you’ve killed Demon Elite, right?”

Evidence of killing Demon Elite was also part of the military merit calculation.

Ye Ze nodded and took out the 9 Blood Bone Demon corpses he had kept in his storage space.

Although they had somewhat anticipated it, the number still surprised everyone:

“This…”

“A level 7 can continuously kill 9 Demon Elite! What combat power!”

“Brother Ye Ze, are you interested in the Scout Camp…”

After being shocked by Ye Ze’s combat power again, Camp Leader Xu Feng finally couldn't help but speak.

“Cough, military merit settlement…” Regimental Commander Chang Zhengping immediately reminded him.

Camp Leader Xu Feng waved his hand and said, “Don’t worry, just let the clerks handle these…”

But before he finished speaking, Ye Ze spoke again:

“I have even stronger Demon Elite corpses, but they don’t seem to fit here.”

Upon hearing this, Camp Leader Xu Feng and Regimental Commander Chang Zhengping’s expressions instantly froze, “There are more?”

A moment later, a few people arrived at a wide area outside the camp.

Even Camp Leader Xu Feng, with his extensive reclamation experience, couldn't help but feel that things had exceeded his expectations.

Ye Ze completely emptied his storage space:

The corpse of a Cursed Knight, the corpse of a corrupted giant beast over seven meters long, and that batch of lost supplies…

For a moment, the surroundings seemed to fall silent.

Ye Ze added, “The level 30 Cursed Knight wasn’t killed by me; only this corrupted giant beast was killed by me.”

Hearing that the level 30 Cursed Knight was not killed by Ye Ze, the two felt somewhat relieved instead.

Camp Leader Xu Feng even roared inwardly, “If a level 30 special Demon Elite was killed by you at level 7, then you can be the Captain!”

But even the corrupted giant beast that was killed made the two officers look at each other in dismay.

After a series of verifications.

Camp Leader Xu Feng quietly left, seemingly to ask for instructions on something…

And a group of clerks collectively recorded everything, finally converting it into Ye Ze’s military merits:

2150 points!

This was the result of including bounty missions and special Demon Elite corpses, which was extremely generous!

If converted into money, it would be tens of millions!

Ye Ze watched the clerk input the military merits into his file, feeling exceptionally pleased.

2000 military merits, if not exchanged for money, could be used to redeem items from the second-floor treasury of the Demon Suppression Army.

He had inquired, and the quality of items on the second floor of the treasury ranged from rare five-star to excellent five-star.

But Ye Ze chose not to exchange them for now, saving them to select his fourth Summoner after Tier 1!

At the same time.

Camp Leader Xu Feng returned, accompanied by two Vice Principals, one of whom held a red square box.

Camp Leader Xu Feng said seriously, “Ye Ze, on behalf of the Demon Suppression Army’s Scout Camp, I award you the bronze medal for your contributions in fighting against the Abyss and Fiends!”

???

Ye Ze truly hadn't expected this; he was actually eligible for a medal?

Merit medals were special medals awarded by the military to those who made outstanding contributions in fighting against the Abyss and Fiends.

Their honor and influence were immense, comparable to a ‘third-class merit’ in his previous life.

Regimental Commander Chang Zhengping patted his shoulder and said, “Don’t be surprised, your reclamation contribution this time was indeed outstanding enough!”

“This corrupted giant beast was the mount of a level 30 special Demon Elite. If you hadn’t killed it, we probably wouldn’t have been able to take down the Cursed Knight.”

As soon as he said this, it proved that they had also investigated Ruan Xiaoyou’s strength and background.

At the same time, they gained more understanding of the killing of special Demon Elite.

The Vice Principal next to Camp Leader Xu Feng opened the red square box, revealing a bronze medal.

The bronze medal - Battlefield Pioneer!

Camp Leader Xu Feng chuckled, “Take it, you’ve earned it. With the death of the level 30 special Demon Elite, the reclamation of the 19th Contaminated Land will save many lives!”

Ye Ze’s reclamation record was already excellent enough, coupled with the killing of the corrupted giant beast this time, and the merit of assisting in killing the special Demon Elite.

And, his level 7, and his identity as a high school student…

Prompted Camp Leader Xu Feng to directly apply for a bronze medal for him!

“Don’t despise the simplicity of the medal ceremony; this is the front line, so everything is kept simple.”

Camp Leader Xu Feng took out another piece of paper and said, “Of course, if you want to hear the commendation speech, I can read another eight hundred words…”

“No, don’t read it!”

Ye Ze quickly stopped him. In his previous life, he hated nothing more than leaders’ meaningless long speeches.

He unceremoniously put away the medal.

The medal was very beautiful, with a brassy luster, a circle of patterns around it, and small characters engraved with Ye Ze’s name and the date of the award.

This was not just for commemorative purposes; it came with actual privileges in many places, and even military subsidies and discounts for purchases, etc…

Ye Ze had seen it in textbooks.

There were six types of merit medals:

Bronze, Silver, Gold, Starfall, Lunar Eclipse, and Sunflare, each made from six special materials.

Moreover, they also had a certain anti-detection and anti-peeping effect.

He hadn’t expected that something from a textbook would actually be in his hands.

The moment Ye Ze received the medal, Camp Leader Xu Feng suddenly sighed… He felt that his Scout Camp couldn’t keep Ye Ze.

Regimental Commander Chang Zhengping glanced at the time and said:

“Nephew, tomorrow you still have to participate in Qingfeng City’s super large team dungeon, right?”

“I’m going that way; I’ll give you a ride back!”

Camp Leader Xu Feng gave him a disdainful look, too lazy to expose him… Your Northward Advance Regiment is in the south, and the War College is in the north. What kind of detour is that?

It was indeed getting dark.

Because waiting for the Mantis’s evolution and settling military merits took a lot of time.

Even Ye Ze’s physique was a bit tired, so a ride would be good.

…

Lin Yuan City, War College Investigation Department.

“Teacher Liu, I order you to call Ye Ze back immediately, no matter what method you use!”

“Students nearing the college entrance examination should stay obediently in school. Who gave him the guts to leave the city?”

Deputy Director Zhou, sitting opposite Liu Boyan, said unceremoniously.

Liu Boyan frowned but still replied, “I’ve already found someone to look after him. He’ll be back soon.”

Deputy Director Zhou snorted coldly.

He had originally planned to contact Ye Ze today, wanting him to mention himself more to the media, but who would have thought Ye Ze would completely ignore him!

It made him, a Vice Principal, lose all face!

He then warned Liu Boyan, “Leaving the city without my permission when the college entrance examination is approaching! This is a disciplinary violation!”

“If he doesn’t return by 12 o’clock today, I will consider canceling his opportunity to participate in the team dungeon!”

Liu Boyan had been silent, but upon hearing about canceling the dungeon opportunity, he immediately flared up in anger:

“Vice Principal Zhou, are you crazy?”

“A genius student who achieved the first clear of hell difficulty in all of East China, and you dare to cancel his team dungeon opportunity?”

“I need to correct you, Teacher Liu.”

Deputy Director Zhou sneered, “He’s a genius student from the ‘Ordinary Class’.”

He emphasized the words ‘Ordinary Class’, his meaning self-evident.

“Have there been few geniuses from the Ordinary Class before?”

“But talent, or rather luck, will eventually run out!”

“As professionals rise in rank, they will struggle more and more, become more and more powerless, and eventually become ordinary… including Ye Ze!”

He again emphasized Ye Ze’s name, clearly quite displeased with him.

Liu Boyan stood up, glaring angrily.

The aura of a retired veteran made the Vice Principal involuntarily step back two paces.

“According to you, if the Ordinary Class doesn’t find its own way out, should it wait for you to arrange things?”

“Even if they don’t have money to enter dungeons in the academy, should they be trapped here and die?”

Listening to Liu Boyan’s questioning.

Deputy Director Zhou said indifferently, “I am the homeroom Teacher of the Elite Class; I don’t manage the Ordinary Class.”

“However, leaving the city is a violation of school rules!”

“You figure it out yourself!”

With that, he disregarded Liu Boyan’s expression and turned to leave.

However, at this moment, a Teacher rushed in from outside the door.

“Teacher Liu, Teacher Liu! Uh, the Vice Principal is here too…”

“Regimental Commander Chang from the East China Demon Suppression Army is here.”

“He said, your student, Teacher Liu, has been awarded a medal…”