Chapter 99
Chapter 99 Ivan Caldwell
Joanna could only open her mouth and accept the food offered to her.
It did taste great.
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So for a while, she focused only on eating whatever was handed to her and completely ignored the performances on stage.
At that moment, someone walked up to her.
“Joanna, would you mind adding me p>
Joanna was surprised. After all, she was the only S-rank here and the top scorer. Most people had lost to her, yet many still looked down on her because of that S-rank label. Their feelings toward her were complicated.
But she couldn’t sense any hostility from the guy in front of her.
It looked like he genuinely just wanted to add her as a friend.
Connections mattered, especially for the future.
So Joanna agreed.
“Sure. I’ve blocked strangers, though. What’s your name p>
He gave a bitter smile. “Ivan Caldwell p>
“Oh p>
Oops.
The one in first place never paid attention to who came in second, let alone someone ranked 34th.
She honestly didn’t recognize Ivan.
“Nice to meet you p>
They exchanged contact info and removed each other from their block lists.
“I’m sorry,” Ivan said, his resolute features tinged with embarrassment and guilt.
“I took your guaranteed admission spot. I did argue against it, but Mr. Chandler said that with my situation, I might fail badly in the trial. Voidstar University gives special treatment to SSS-
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Chapter 99 Ivan Caldwell
rank tanks and pastors. My guaranteed admission was actually approved some time
A strong tank was rarer than a good pastor.
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ago.
Finding even one was difficult.
On top of that, Ivan’s damage output was low, putting him at a disadvantage in the cross-stellar
trial.
“I prepared a small gift for you. It should suit you well. Please take it as compensation for my guilt p>
Why does everyone want to compensate me?
Joanna couldn’t help glancing at the gift. It was a small box already opened, showing a badge inside.
War Badge (Common-tier-Growable p>
All Attributes +1.
Condition to advance to Iron-tier: Kill 10,000 monsters in public or pioneer dungeons not below your level.
Note: The War Badge is awarded to brave pioneers. It’s an item that can stay with its owner for life. After death, it may be passed to a friend or family member, but all battle records are reset.
That wasn’t some cheap item.
It represented a pioneer’s honor.
If she had to describe it, it felt like Ivan was handing over his grandfather’s Medal of Honor.
The meaning behind it was heavy.
Joanna refused right away. “This is too valuable. I can’t take it p>
“I just think it suits you. Your contracted companions can cast spells almost like forbidden magic. In public dungeons, you’ll wipe out huge numbers of monsters.
“The War Badge only needs ten million monster kills to reach Gold-tier. Before the cross-stellar trial, it’ll give you a solid boost in attributes.
“It might even help you reach the top ten thousand.
“Also… I have an impudent request p>
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Ivan looked even more embarrassed, his face turning red.
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Joanna felt that if it were just an apology, such an expensive gift was unnecessary. But if he had another request, it made more sense.
At that moment, Nighthowl and Alwyn both stared sharply at the awkward young man standing in front of Joanna.
Does Joanna like this type?
It was the first time they’d seen her be so gentle toward a guy her
age.
“If it’s impudent, maybe you shouldn’t say it,” Joanna reminded him.
She didn’t want to hear anything unpleasant.
Ivan hurriedly clarified, “You can refuse! It’s just… Since I’m getting guaranteed admission, my team will be missing one person. In upcoming star-domain battles, they might be at a disadvantage. So I was wondering if you’d consider joining my team and fighting alongside them.
“You have both a mage and a tank among your contracted companions. That could cover my position.
“I also know you have a Memory Tome. Your dungeon guidance ability should be strong. Our team suffered badly on the SAT because we lacked proper guidance.
“And I saw a lot of information about you online. Your high school principal even gave an interview praising your command skills. You could act as our team commander p>
Joanna interrupted him.
“So your team is missing a tank, DPS, and a commander, and you want me to fill all those roles. What can your team offer me in return p>
Ivan looked down at the War Badge in his hand.
Joanna understood.
That growth-type item was valuable enough.
After all, War Badges were extremely rare.
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The Battle Queen They Blindly Kicked Out
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