Chapter 262

Evelyn's eyelids grew heavy as she processed the information. 'Three assessments in just half a month? That means I must apply within the next seven days.' She mentally calculated the numbers. 'The maximum score per assessment is sixty points. To pass, I need to accumulate at least one hundred twenty points total.'

As evening fell, Rachel led Evelyn to the mess hall for dinner. The spacious dining area spanned two floors, buzzing with activity. At first glance, male trainees significantly outnumbered females.

"You'd better eat quickly once the food's served," Rachel warned with a knowing look. "Otherwise, you'll be left with scraps."

Evelyn smirked. "Sounds like you're speaking from painful experience."

Rachel responded with an embarrassed chuckle.

While queuing for their meals, Evelyn accidentally tripped over someone's outstretched leg. Only Rachel's quick reflexes prevented her from tumbling to the floor. The offender—a man lounging with his beret covering his face—nearly toppled from his chair from the impact.

Snatching off his hat, he sprang up angrily. "Who the hell—" His furious tirade died mid-sentence when he saw Evelyn's delicate features. The anger melted into stunned admiration. "Oh... it's... never mind."

Evelyn offered a polite nod before quickly moving away with Rachel.

A companion waved a hand in front of the dazed man's face. "Earth to Felix Boucher! She's gone!"

"Shut it," Felix growled, shoving the hand away. His gaze remained fixed on the retreating figures. A slow grin spread across his face. "Since when did we get such a goddess in this training camp?"

Swallow County had been testing his patience with its lack of attractive women—until now. Suddenly, his mandatory stay here didn't seem so unbearable anymore.

At their table, Rachel leaned in urgently. "Listen, you should avoid that guy you bumped into. He's the camp bully. Most people steer clear of him."

"That bad?" Evelyn arched an eyebrow.

"His family connections make him untouchable. While we're here training, he treats this place like his personal playground—you'll rarely see him in actual sessions."

Evelyn merely smiled. Her sole purpose here was passing the assessments; camp politics held no interest for her.

Their conversation was interrupted when Felix sauntered over, flipping his hair dramatically before propping himself at their table. "New goddess, care to get acquainted?"

Evelyn met his gaze with an indifferent smile. "No."

The rejection sparked raucous laughter from Felix's entourage, drawing curious stares from nearby tables.

Felix shot his friends a withering look before turning back to Evelyn, undeterred. "No need to be shy, beautiful. Name's Felix Boucher. Remember it—mention my name if anyone gives you trouble here."

"That won't be necessary," Evelyn replied coolly.

Rachel tensed beside her, beads of sweat forming on her forehead. 'This is dangerous. If he loses his temper...'

But Felix merely grinned wider, clearly enjoying the challenge. His eyes gleamed with predatory interest as he studied Evelyn's unimpressed expression. The game, it seemed, had only just begun.