Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 224

Chapter 224 Final Week of Training 

‘You two were classmates?‘ Keith exclaimed. ‘Never would’ve guessed. 

Finished 

‘We’re the same age, Mason reminded. ‘Is it that surprising that we were classmates? What, do you expect me to introduce myself everywhere by saying I went to school with Laurent?‘ 

‘My business partner teaches at Starry Heavens University.‘ Ethan typed. ‘If he asks me to guest–lecture in the future, I’ll go.‘ 

At that, Keith said, ‘You know what, if that’s the case, I’ll reluctantly accept Starry Heavens University’s invitation too. My schedule’s tight, but I can squeeze something in.‘ 

‘Huh! Old fox,‘ Mason sneered. 

‘Goodness gracious. Starry Heavens University isn’t a film academy!‘ Ryan grumbled. 

Soon, it was time for a new round of model cadet selection. Aside from daily training scores, the final round of target practice would be included in their total. Ava didn’t feel entirely confident, but she was determined to give it everything she had. 

Clearing her mind of every distraction, Ava ended up achieving a score she would’ve never dared to imagine on a normal day. Immediately, Zoey rushed forward and threw her arms around her. “Oh my god, Ava, that was bad*ss! Your mental fortitude is insane. And the speed you’re improving at–seriously, hats off!” 

Naomi slung an arm over her shoulder and grinned. “Come on, girl, spill it. How’d you suddenly jump this far? Be honest–did Instructor Cavalli give you some secret one–on–one coaching?” 

Ava gave her an exasperated look. “I can’t believe you. Instructor Cavalli? Really? I’m surprised you’d even suggest that.” 

As Noelle stepped up to prepare, she glanced at Ava. “Want me to go easy on you, Ava?” 

Ava knew Noelle was a pro, but she didn’t need her friend to throw the match for her. “Nope,” she said. “I think this was the best round I’ve ever shot. I might actually give you a run for your money.” 

Noelle laughed at that and lifted a hand in salute. “I’m proud to call you my classmate, Ava. I sure as hell won’t go easy, but you really impressed me today.” 

Ava patted her shoulder. “Go on, you’ve got this. I don’t care if I get the model cadet title or not. What matters to me is that I gave it my all.” 

The final results were surprising–but not surprising. Noelle and Ava ended up with identical scores. 

Ivan knew Noelle had always performed solidly, so this was just another stable round for her. Ava, on the other hand, was the real dark horse. 

With that, he cleared his throat and announced, “Since Lane and Morren tied, and both of them worked hard throughout training. I suggest we vote. I’ll hand out paper ballots in a minute. Anonymous, of course.” 

In the end, Ava secured the model cadet title again with an overwhelming majority of votes. 

Noelle leaned in and whispered in her ear, “You earned it, girl. I voted for you too. I can’t wait to see you 

18:26 Thu Jan 22 B C D 

Chapter 224 Final Week of Training 

take the title for the third time.” 

Finished 

Time flew, and the freshmen finally faced their last military–training assignment–the toughest one yet: a week–long wilderness survival challenge. 

Before throwing them straight into the wild, the instructors conducted three days of survival skills training. 

During the seven–day challenge, the team that reached the final checkpoint first would win, and their performance would account for 60% of their final grade Combined with earlier results, the academy would then select one male and one female student as the outstanding cadet representatives. 

After the academy performance ceremony, the outstanding cadets would be formally recognized by the military, awarded a medal, and receive five extra credits 

For this final event, teams would be mixed–gender, with each group assigned two to three female students. Teams were generated by the system–no personal pairing allowed. 

Ava took meticulous notes during Ivan’s briefing, reading them repeatedly and committing them to memory. The last thing she wanted was to freeze up once she was actually in the wilderness. 

Soon, the team assignments were released. When Ava read the list for her group, she spotted a familiar name–Malory Rayner–which genuinely surprised her 

“Students, tomorrow marks day one of your wilderness survival challenge. I hope that in seven days, we’ll all meet at the final destination. Anyone who withdraws without a valid reason will have their credits wiped. If you encounter a true emergency, report it immediately, and we’ll send someone to escort you out. 

Jasper spoke passionately at the mobilization meeting, looking out at the students standing neatly in formation. Their eyes were sharper now, their posture stronger–after twenty days of training, they really had transformed. 

“One more thing–this challenge is about teamwork, not lone–wolf heroics. Every one of you is critical to your team’s success. You must trust each other and be someone your teammates can rely on to watch their back.” 

With that, he glanced to the side. “Now, let’s welcome our chief instructor to say a few words. Everyone, please give him a warm welcome.” 

338 

18:26 Thu, Jan 22 B C D 

The Five Powerhouses Who Match the Unwilling Bride