Chapter 88
Chapter 88. Oppa, Today’s the Day, Right?
The instant the evaluation sheet was placed in my hands, the bold letter “A” immediately caught my attention.
I had already anticipated reaching A-rank status, so my curiosity was directed far more toward the exact figures underneath.
[Yoon Minjun / A / Swordsman
Strength: 54 (+4)
Stamina: 50 (+4)
Agility: 50 (+4)
Mana: 58 (+4)
Average: 53 (+4)
Special Skill: [EX] ??? (+4)
Skill Description:
-
##: Upon trigger, the wielder’s ### is totally ## # ##. Nevertheless, ## ## ## ### #### ### ### ## # ##.This technique can be manually canceled during its effect. (Duration: ###, Cooldown: ###)
-
???: (Unsealed following the fulfillment of ???)Final Average: 57]
Examining the numerical values first, the figures stood considerably higher than my initial expectations. A Hunter possessing average parameters ranging between 50 and just under 60 typically fell into the A-rank tier, meaning my calculated score of 57 situated me comfortably in the upper echelon of that category.
‘It wasn’t that long ago when I was barely hanging onto B-rank.’
The astonishing speed at which my combat values had surged was incredible enough, yet that was hardly the only baffling element present.
The foremost riddle was the supplementary “+4” modifier appended to each attribute. Throughout my earlier appraisal, that addition had merely read as +3, and I possessed no clue regarding what hidden prerequisite had triggered its further elevation.
Perhaps it was connected to that concealed EX-rank ability that still resisted complete unsealing. If partially cracking its constraints had influenced my underlying parameters, that explanation would carry some logic.
Even so, that remained pure speculation on my part; the genuine catalyst remained entirely unknown.
Another puzzle branched directly off the very same dilemma: the Stealth technique refused to register in any coherent manner.
During the encounter with what seemed to be Bellium’s lingering will, the designated name “Stealth” along with its precise functional text had appeared unmistakably clear. In fact, I had relied on that exact art right after returning to Earth.
Back then, activating Stealth had been my only way to slip past the swarming Hunter Association personnel and other Hunters trying to overwhelm me with countless inquiries.
And yet, looking down at the current documentation, nearly all lines detailing that skill were heavily scrambled and unreadable.
“Haa.”
What had prevented the measurement machinery from properly identifying Stealth? What was the true nature of these persistent bonus values, and why had their numbers increased once more?
Far from obtaining clarity, it seemed every small step forward simply piled on fresh obscurities.
After scanning every line of the document down to the bottom margin, I shifted my gaze toward the appraiser. As expected, her features displayed a deeply conflicted web of thoughts.
My earlier reassessment had already showcased plenty of anomalous readings. Now, a scant two weeks later, an even more bewildering sheet had emerged before her, making her bewilderment entirely understandable.
‘Frankly speaking, she’s just as lost as I am.’
If the person holding the status screen could not decipher it, how could an outside observer possibly make head or tail of the outcome?
With far too many unanswered questions remaining, I figured my best course of action was to bring the document to Rokan and consult him directly.
Just as I prepared to exit the testing chamber, the appraiser spoke up abruptly from behind.
“Hunter, would you mind waiting a second?”
“Is there something else?”
“A test model of an advanced rank simulation unit was completed just recently. Might you be open to taking part in its preliminary trial?”
The mention of a novel rank-gauging simulator instantly drew my focus.
“Would you mind providing some additional context?”
“Certainly. As you are well aware, our current methodology for assessing rank leaves a good deal to be desired.”
Over the span of several years, combatants and industry specialists across the globe had steadily pushed for systematic overhauls to the existing measurement framework.
A multitude of shortcomings justified that demand, though the primary flaw lay in how existing testing gear fundamentally struggled to measure an individual Hunter’s practical battlefield capability.
Two operatives might share equivalent numerical parameters, yet contrasting battle intuition, unique traits, and endless shifting circumstances could create a massive disparity once actual conflict erupted.
“Because of that reality, we have spent the past few years collaborating alongside nations such as the United States and France to engineer a dynamic simulator capable of assessing combat efficacy with far greater precision.”
As she described it, the machinery was virtually finished and had finally transitioned into its operational trial phase.
‘The logic behind the project makes complete sense.’
Even so, one specific curiosity lingered in my mind.
“Why present this proposal directly to me?”
It felt as though prospective volunteers would be simple enough to recruit without intentionally approaching me.
The appraiser did not hesitate to clarify.
“In contrast to typical Hunters, the velocity of your advancement is remarkably anomalous, and several of your attributes alongside specific skill profiles fail to register cleanly on regular assessment tools. You match the exact participant profile we have been searching for.”
Reflecting on her statement, they were likely gathering fighters who would reap the greatest practical benefit should this updated simulator achieve universal implementation.
‘There’s no downside for me.’
I still had an enigmatic EX-rank technique that neither Sia nor Rokan could properly discern after my awakening, alongside that inexplicable +4 numerical modifier that defied comprehension.
I harbor no illusion that a single prototype trial would resolve every lingering anomaly surrounding my profile, but securing even the slightest hint would make the effort worthwhile.
“I’ll do it. Where do I register?”
For the very first occasion during our meeting, the appraiser’s expression lit up noticeably. Judging by that visible relief, securing candidates who matched their stringent prerequisites must have proven exceedingly difficult.
“I will fetch the registration forms right away. A modest stipend will also be provided for your involvement.”
I completed the designated paperwork on the spot and returned it. Securing the documents, the appraiser extended a contact card toward me.
“That covers everything for now. Our team should reach out to you within approximately three days.”
“Understood.”
Parting ways, I walked out of the evaluation facility. The second I cleared the entrance, my fingers curled tightly into a celebratory fist.
“Yes!”
The moment these records were processed, my standing as an official A-rank Hunter would be formally acknowledged.
Just a handful of months back, a life-altering turn of fortune like this would have seemed entirely out of reach. With buoyant steps, I made my way toward the lobby.
‘Time to share the news.’
The primary individuals coming to mind were naturally Sia alongside my parents.
Sia had most likely anticipated this milestone all along, whereas my mother and father possessed no realization of how dramatically my power had grown, to say nothing of my journey into an alternate plane.
Only about sixty minutes had elapsed on Earth while multiple days slipped past me in Pangaea. Sia had nearly broken the news of my disappearance after the portal pulled me in, yet my return materialized at the precise split-second that rendered such a confession unnecessary.
Disclosing the reality afterward would only have loaded them with needless anxiety, so I opted to keep the whole ordeal concealed.
Consequently, this announcement would likely stun them beyond belief, given their complete ignorance regarding my recent experiences.
As soon as my official credentials validating my A-rank status were secured, I placed calls to Sia and my folks to pass along the exciting development.
Sia, who had already foreseen the eventual outcome, offered her congratulations with a cheerful tone. My mother and father, having never envisioned such a leap occurring, responded with infinitely greater shock.
‘Good gracious, Minjun. Is that genuinely real? My ears aren’t playing tricks on me, are they?’
‘How bizarre. April Fools’ Day won’t be arriving for months…’
‘You truly reached A-rank? That is simply marvelous!’
Their elation ran so intense that my ear felt practically numb from the sheer volume before the conversation ended.
Having contacted everyone, I proceeded straight toward Rokan’s domain. Beyond wanting to inform him of the achievement, I carried an urgent need to discuss the baffling anomalies present within my reassessment records.
“Step inside.”
Rokan offered a cordial greeting the moment I stepped across the threshold. He appeared to have adopted a novel pastime, meticulously tending to a cluster of potted plants with a metal can.
“Those greenery pots look new.”
“I acquired a few of them not long ago. Cultivating a calm hobby seemed like a pleasant diversion.”
Emptying the final droplets, Rokan placed the watering container aside and turned his full focus toward me.
“Shasha mentioned earlier that you were scheduled for another measurement session today.”
“Yes. To be frank, that is precisely why I dropped by.”
Taking a seat in the chair he offered, I outlined everything that had unfolded across the appraisal process.
When my recount drew to a close, Rokan sat in quiet contemplation before finally opening his mouth.
“…Regrettably, I fear I possess very little meaningful counsel to offer you at present.”
“What does that mean?”
His response diverged entirely from what I had hoped to hear.
“We have previously examined the topic of that obscure technique and those supplemental parameters. As for why this particular Stealth craft remained unreadable to their machinery… unfortunately, I lack any specialized insight on that subject as well. Simply put, I cannot furnish the answers you seek.”
I had harbored an unspoken hope that meeting with Rokan might yield at least some faint clue, so finding that even his vast wisdom yielded nothing brought a prickle of disappointment.
Then again, despite the immense breadth of Rokan’s intellect, expecting him to comprehend every obscure mechanic throughout creation was fundamentally unreasonable.
“Given that you have already made the journey here, remain and dedicate some hours to practice. I shall oversee your drills personally.”
“That was actually something I planned to request.”
Having spent the preceding period recovering and traveling across regions, rigorous physical conditioning had fallen by the wayside.
Right then, my thoughts shifted to the state of the Garden of Dragon Swords. The overall returns of my regimen swung drastically based on whether that specialized grounds could be utilized.
“Sir Rokan, forgive me if I appear hurried, but how are the restoration efforts advancing there?”
“The progress proved favorable. The structural work is finished, leaving only final verifications. It should be fully accessible come nightfall.”
Hearing that brought immense relief. I had braced myself for extended delays, yet the entire undertaking had concluded far ahead of schedule.
And the positive updates did not end there.
“Speaking of developments, our guild registration trajectory has unfolded far smoother than anticipated. Formal validation should arrive within the coming week.”
“The guild is that close as well?”
Once our cooperative syndicate achieved legal recognition, the constant headache of hunting down unclaimed portals independently would vanish.
“Indeed. Every required dossier has already been submitted to the authorities, meaning the green light should manifest shortly.”
At long last, belonging to an authentic guild was becoming my reality.
It marked the very first association I would ever call home since stepping into the profession, and knowing Sia would stand alongside me under the same banner heightened my joy even more.
Naturally, Sia would seldom engage in outward, high-profile missions herself, yet the symbolic reality was enough to delight me. Long before the tragedy that claimed her existence, the pair of us would regularly muse about how wonderful it would be to stand within a shared guild someday.
Through this peculiar journey, a long-cherished dream of our earlier days was finally finding form.
“Keep this in mind for the near future. As soon as the establishment is officially registered, we ought to venture into a portal together.”
“Alongside you, Sir Rokan?”
“What? Does the prospect fail to appeal to you?”
“Not in the least! Sharing an expedition with you would be an absolute privilege.”
I had previously coordinated an assault on a gate with Sia, but the idea of venturing into an expedition side-by-side with Rokan had never even entered my imagination.
“Confining our interactions exclusively to repetitive sparring and conditioning must eventually turn monotonous. Once our authorization is settled, taking on occasional gates together will serve us well.”
“Understood!”
The notion of demonstrating my competencies before Rokan stirred a flicker of apprehension, yet the overarching sensation was raw excitement.
What kind of sensation would it bring to traverse a rift beside an ancient ruler of dragons?
My individual growth would undoubtedly occupy the center stage, meaning Rokan would likely refrain from heavy involvement during routine clashes. Even so, he would surely display a demonstration here and there, granting me a direct view of his unfathomable might.
Just picturing myself close enough to observe that magnitude of power sent a rush through my veins. It would undeniably push my drive to even greater heights.
“For the remainder of this day, however, our immediate focus rests on training.”
In the wake of that evaluation, I spent the ensuing days pushing through intense conditioning, pouring out sweat to make up for my recent downtime.
A clear objective played a substantial part, but the sheer pace of my physical development made the exertion far more invigorating and noticeably less draining than in earlier days. Routines that previously would have driven me to utter collapse could now be endured with unwavering grit right to the end.
The upward trajectory made itself apparent with each passing dawn.
Almost without realizing it, the scheduled day for the simulation assessment was already at hand.
<Oppa, 🙂 I a day for get going good hope result right? test, that the today’s you you’re>
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