Dimensional Codex System: I'm really not a cultist!

Chapter 875: Chapter 874: A Brand-New Combat Group Combination

”I think you have already heard from Argo.”

Although the personalities of these three people in front of him are quite difficult to deal with, Fang Zheng obviously didn’t mind this at all. Simply put, as long as they are not particularly troublesome, they would be an asset to Fang Zheng.

”Our goal is not for gathering and support. Simply put, the reason I need team members is because our goal is to eliminate the lord BOSS of this area and fight for this purpose.”

At this point, Fang Zheng paused for a moment, then carefully scrutinized the three.

The girl named Aoba was obviously a bit nervous and uneasy, while Black Cat showed a confident expression. As for the last girl named Asuna... Fang Zheng couldn’t see her face at all.

”Let me state in advance, this is not an ordinary battle. It is very likely that someone will sacrifice during the battle, but I require each one of you to absolutely obey my orders, learn how to fight, and how to face the BOSS. If you want to join my team, then you must be mentally prepared that what lies ahead will not be easy—at least it will be like that initially for you. If anyone wants to quit now, you can leave directly, I will not stop you.”

”......”

Upon hearing Fang Zheng’s words, the three exchanged glances, and then Aoba was the first to clench her fists.

”I, I will do my best!”

”Hmph.”

Black Cat also snorted lightly, putting her hand on her chest.

”Do you know who I am? I’m the Fallen Heaven’s Black Cat, ordinary demon creatures are no big deal!”

As for Asuna, she didn’t speak, but judging by her appearance, she didn’t seem to intend to withdraw either.

”Very good.”

Seeing that none of the three intended to withdraw, Fang Zheng also nodded.

”Then next, I will conduct a test for you... Follow me.”

After that, Fang Zheng led everyone through the streets, using a Teleportation Crystal to return to the forest area. Because it was deep into the night, the forest area was almost desolate, but this was also a good thing for Fang Zheng. He casually found an open spot and then spoke to the three of them.

”Next, I want each of you to go forward and deal with those creatures.”

As he spoke, Fang Zheng pointed to a group of creatures in the distance consisting of a wasp, a beetle, and a worm.

”I want to see your performance in battle, and then I’ll make a decision... Aoba, you go first!”

”Yes!!”

Upon hearing Fang Zheng call her name, Aoba was obviously a little nervous, but she still nodded, then gripped her weapon and stepped out, subsequently starting the battle.

During this process, Fang Zheng also analyzed the girl in front of him.

From the battle performance, Aoba’s skills were quite average, neither outstanding nor poor, basically balanced. What reassured Fang Zheng was that Aoba was strictly following the procedure he laid out when facing those creatures, which was to play it safe and, under the premise of ensuring her safety, seize the opportunity to wear the enemy down slowly.

The weapon Aoba used was also the beginner outfit recommended by Fang Zheng, the classic longsword and shield combo. Her actions were meticulous, clearly the result of earnest study and training... For a female player, it was quite promising.

Of course, the monster group Fang Zheng selected wasn’t chosen randomly. Although the wasp, beetle, and worm aren’t particularly strong creatures, their unique traits are very suitable for player training. The wasp’s attacks are relatively quick and swift, while the beetle will focus on piercing strikes and heavy blows against defenses, and the worm is tough and hard to break through, encompassing all the monster characteristics players currently need to face.

Generally, such creature groups are easier to handle in teams, but for Fang Zheng, this was a ”trial”, so he naturally wouldn’t allow others to help.

Clearly, Aoba hadn’t encountered such a situation for the first time. Holding a sword in one hand and a shield in the other, she engaged with the three creatures back and forth, ultimately taking three or four minutes to completely eliminate them. Although it took some time, her health was barely affected, which made Fang Zheng quite satisfied—his Survival Manual wasn’t written in vain.

”Well done.”

Seeing Aoba walk back somewhat anxiously, Fang Zheng smiled and nodded to her, and Aoba also showed a happy expression. Then Fang Zheng turned his head, taking a look at the black-haired girl beside him.

”Next, Black Cat.”

”Hehehe, let me show you the power of the Black Cat from Fallen Heaven!”

Evidently eager, Black Cat laughed out loud upon hearing Fang Zheng’s words, then took out her weapon and approached the creatures.

Unlike Aoba, Black Cat opted for a scimitar. Of course, according to her own words, it was called... Black Claw, or something like that. Well, it’s a game after all, let her be.

However, in the ensuing battle, Black Cat proved that she wasn’t just about being nerdy.

The Black Cat’s performance was just like her name, seemingly transforming into an agile black cat weaving through the creatures, and the scimitar in her hand was like the sharp claws of a black cat, delivering a formidable force. Not only that, but Black Cat’s observation and reaction in the battle were also top-notch. She first took down the fastest-reacting wasp, then dealt with the beetle that posed the greatest threat to her, and then used her speed and reaction ability to toy the remaining worms to death.

”So amazing...”

Watching this scene dumbly, Aoba widened her eyes in surprise and marveled, and Fang Zheng also nodded. As Aoba said, reaching such a level among players is extremely rare; apart from being a bit edgy, this girl is almost perfect. I never expected to stumble upon a treasure...

”Humph! Howl under the claws of Fallen Angel Black Cat!”

After taking down the last creature, Black Cat struck a pose she thought was cool but others saw as edgy, then walked back triumphantly, while Aoba clapped vigorously.

”Miss Black Cat, so amazing!!”

”Indeed, well done.”

Fang Zheng also clapped his hands. Although Black Cat seemed quite edgy, her performance was truly excellent. On the surface, she seemed a bit showy, but from the almost unchanged HP of Black Cat, it could be seen that she perfectly dodged every enemy attack. Hmm... But in Fang Zheng’s view, Black Cat still had room for improvement.

”Next up, Asuna.”

”......”

Upon hearing Fang Zheng’s words, Asuna didn’t respond, she just nodded, then walked forward straight into the battle. But as he watched, Fang Zheng frowned.

Asuna used a rapier, her skills were well-practiced, but her fighting style was quite dangerous. Aoba and Black Cat both managed to attack the enemy while ensuring their own safety strictly. However, Asuna was different; her approach was almost like fighting to the death with the enemy. Facing the creature’s attack, Asuna hardly dodged, instead, she relied on her Sword Skill to forcefully counter.

In doing so, although her damage output was high, Asuna’s HP dropped rapidly. For the same creature, Aoba took three minutes, Black Cat took one minute, while Asuna solved it in about thirty seconds.

But unlike the previous two, at this point, Asuna’s HP was just over half.

And when Asuna sheathed her sword and came back, everyone’s reaction was quite awkward, Black Cat frowned in silence, and Aoba didn’t know what to say.

At this moment, Fang Zheng spoke up.

”Your skills are not bad, clearly you have practiced diligently, but...”

Here Fang Zheng paused, looking at Asuna.

”Aside from technique, you’re as dumb as a pig in everything else.”

”......”

Hearing Fang Zheng’s blunt statement, both Aoba and Black Cat looked at him in surprise. After all, in Japanese social culture, such blunt scolding is rarely seen. Asuna also trembled slightly, then raised her head; although she didn’t speak, the cold aura emanating from her showed her immense dissatisfaction with Fang Zheng’s evaluation.

However, Fang Zheng certainly didn’t care about the opinion of such a little girl and continued without hesitation.

”Have you ever read the Survival Manual? What’s the first rule in it? Remember, preserving yourself is the primary key, but you? You are actually fighting life and death with a bunch of small creatures? Are these creatures your mortal enemies or did they eat your rice? I really don’t know how you leveled up to this point, it seems likely just pure luck. And think about it, with your current HP level, if you attract other creatures, what are the odds of you successfully breaking through? No matter how high your rank is, dying means dying, and you’ll be completely done! Don’t you even understand this basic principle?”

At this point, Fang Zheng was quite serious, and his stern reprimand even made Aoba shiver somewhat. However, Asuna didn’t seem to react at all, just standing there. Fang Zheng also unceremoniously waved his hand toward her, pointing at the Teleportation Crystal not far away.

”I’ll say this sternly, if you wish to join my team, then your fighting style must change, and significantly! If you’re unwilling to follow my commands, you can leave right now. My team needs those who obey orders and can support and depend on each other. Not some reckless fool who charges ahead and ends up getting others killed.”

”......!”

Hearing this, Asuna was evidently angry, she clenched her fists tightly and abruptly turned to leave in the direction of the Teleportation Crystal. Fang Zheng didn’t even spare her a glance, simply turning his head to look at Black Cat and Aoba.

”Don’t follow her example, that’s not a good model, but you can remember her name, I think it won’t be long before it’ll appear on the Black Stele.”

Saying this, Fang Zheng waved toward Ester.

”Ester, you go teach Aoba.”

”Yes, Master.”

Hearing Fang Zheng’s command, Ester immediately walked over, then took Aoba aside and began to explain quietly to her. As for Black Cat...... hmm......

”...... Black Cat.”

Fixing his gaze on the girl in front of him, Fang Zheng hesitated for a moment, then spoke.

”Have you ever thought about...... changing weapons?”