Coincidentally, this time, it was Ian Song and David Zhao who took the stage first.
David Zhao stood over 1.9 meters tall, exuding a fierce and imposing aura just by standing there.
He looked at Ian Song, his opponent, with a hint of disdain and said calmly, "Your movement and that short-strike boxing are decent, but you're not my match. Just admit defeat."
"Your weak point is at the back of your neck, isn't it?"
Ian Song suddenly spoke.
Horizontal-training martial arts can greatly boost one's defense, but they always have a vital node. If that spot is struck, the power leaks out. So, those who practice hard-body skills usually keep their weak point hidden—even from their closest friends.
But Ian Song's level was far beyond ordinary—he saw through David Zhao's weak spot at a glance.
As soon as Ian said this, David Zhao's expression changed dramatically.
Ian Song continued, "With my speed and movement, no matter how you defend, I can still strike your weak point. So, I think you should concede."
For a moment, David Zhao hesitated, but in the end, he made his decision—he conceded!
David Zhao actually surrendered!
This left everyone utterly astonished.
The Special Police brass from Plumridge City were especially thrilled, and with two consecutive wins and two points, Ian Song now had a very high chance of making the top five.
This time, Daisy Morgan also faced an eighth-level Warrior.
After a hard-fought battle, she narrowly claimed victory and earned one point.
Soon, the second round of the top ten battles ended, and the third round of groupings was announced.
This time, Ian Song's opponent was also an eighth-level Warrior.
His opponent was tough and powerful, but in the end still lost to Ian Song.
As evening approached, the top ten matches finally ended. Ian Song fought nine matches and won all nine, becoming the number one expert in the Westchuan Provincial Special Police Department.
David Zhao took second place thanks to his nearly invulnerable hard-body martial arts.
Seeing this, Frank Lu frowned slightly, clearly displeased. This Landon Lu really was...
After the banquet, Ian, Mason Hu, and Evan Lin returned to the hotel together.
The next day.
Special Police Director Jason Gong summoned the top three finishers of the tournament.
Jason Gong, nearly forty, had sharp eagle-like eyes. He swept his gaze over Ian Song, Daisy Morgan, and David Zhao, saying, "I've called you here mainly to discuss your tournament rewards."
Hearing this, Daisy Morgan realized the reward was no ordinary matter.
David Zhao showed no particular reaction.
Ian Song’s expression remained calm as ever.
Director Gong continued, "There are two reward options. The first is five million credits and a high-grade martial arts manual. The second is an assignment to the Tenth Natural Planet. If you choose to go, your rank will be immediately promoted to major for three years. After three years, your performance will be reviewed: average performance keeps your current rank, outstanding performance earns promotion to lieutenant colonel, and if you achieve great merit, colonel isn’t out of reach."
David Zhao’s breathing grew noticeably quicker at Director Gong’s description.
Just agreeing to go to the Tenth Natural Planet meant instant promotion to major—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"Which reward option do you three choose?" Director Gong asked.
"I want to go to the Tenth Natural Planet!" David Zhao blurted out eagerly.
"Excellent."
Director Gong nodded in satisfaction.
"Director Gong, I also choose the Tenth Natural Planet," Ian Song said.
"Good! Very good." Director Gong’s smile grew even brighter. Then he turned to Daisy Morgan.
"Director Gong, may I have some time to consider?" Daisy Morgan asked.
"Alright, but you must tell me your decision within twelve hours."
That afternoon, Ian Song returned to Plumridge City.
Before deciding to go, Ian Song had already researched the Tenth Natural Planet on the LightNet.
The Federation descended on the planet twenty years ago. After two decades of war, they had nearly conquered all native species.
But plenty of resistance forces still refused to submit, fighting the Federation at every turn.
On the main planet, with the SkyGrid network in place, Special Police work was relatively easy. But on other natural planets, without SkyGrid support, officers were nearly blind.
No wonder they gave out the major rank right away—the work out there was anything but easy!
Ian Song wasn’t worried at all. With or without SkyGrid, it made little difference to him. Still, before leaving the main planet, he planned to strip the systems from the remaining Hosts in Westchuan Province.
A month later.
Ian Song boarded the interstellar passenger ship Dark Ash, carrying a small suitcase.
This ship would travel directly to the Federation’s Tenth Natural Planet.
Not much happened that month, except Ian Song stripped the systems from four more Hosts in Westchuan, upgrading his own system to three stars.
Several interesting new items appeared in the System Mall as well.
Ian Song’s ticket was provided by the Special Police, and he was assigned a private cabin.
He had just entered his cabin when there was a knock at the door.
Ian opened the door to find Donna Dong, dressed in her military uniform, standing smartly outside.
"You’re headed to the Tenth Natural Planet too?" Ian asked.
"Are you really going to make me answer you out here?" Donna Dong gave Ian a sly look.
"Then come in!"
Ian stepped aside and invited Donna Dong into his cabin.