Chapter 48: Shock and Suspicion!
Meanwhile, back at the guard post by the elevator door, Lucen stood silently, his hand raised near his mouth. A faint click echoed as he tapped a small stud embedded in his wristband.
From a pinhole-sized lens on the device, light spewed outward, forming a semi-transparent holographic projection before him. The image shimmered and slowly resolved into the figure of a broad-shouldered man with a sharp jawline and an expression carved from steel.
Lucen straightened immediately and bowed slightly. "Sir, I bring news."
The holographic man, Bale crossed his arms, his voice cool and unimpressed. "News? What is it this time, Lucen? Another rookie fainting before the test?"
Lucen shook his head. "No, Sir. This one’s different. There seems to be a prodigy among the new recruits."
The holographic figure regarded him for a moment before speaking again, his voice deep and laced with cold authority. "Lucen, is a prodigy joining a test really such a rare event? I know you’re eager to test that new toy on your wrist, but don’t waste my time with minor updates."
Lucen stiffened. "Please, don’t hang up, Sir. He’s different."
"Oh?"
"Yes, Sir. An anomaly," Lucen said, his voice steadying. "The boy’s name is Bruce. According to Sir Ozai, he awakened just three days ago."
"Hm. Three days?" Bale’s tone remained calm. "What about it?"
Lucen drew a slow breath. "Sir Ozai might not know this, but I do. That boy is already S-Ranked."
Bale’s eyes sharpened instantly. "What?!"
"Yes, Sir," Lucen confirmed.
Silence filled the line.
The holographic man leaned forward slightly, elbows resting on an unseen surface. The faint hum of machinery surrounded him on the other side of the connection.
"...S-Rank? In three days?" he muttered. "That’s not just fast—that’s impossible."
"Exactly my point," Lucen replied quickly. "And I didn’t reach that conclusion from rumors. I came to it because of suppression—the kind only S-Ranks and above possess."
Bale’s expression turned grave. "Explain."
Lucen’s gaze hardened. "When he approached the elevator earlier, I felt it; a crushing weight. It seeped into my bones, forcing me down by instinct alone. I’ve felt S-Rank suppression before, Sir. You never forget that feeling once you’ve been under it."
He clenched his fist slightly. "I’m certain of it. The source was him."
Sir Bale exhaled slowly, rubbing his chin as his hologram flickered faintly.
"Hm. So it’s true then... the first of his kind," he murmured. "A fresh awakened hitting S-Rank in days. That’s either genius, or something far stranger."
Lucen nodded, his expression firm. "That’s why I called. The pods, they’re still in prototype phase. If he enters one, there’s a chance it might not withstand his power output. If that happens..."
"It could overload," Bale finished grimly. "Or worse, collapse the entire simulation grid. A feedback surge like that could knock the others unconscious, or worse kill them."
A heavy silence lingered. The faint hum of the Guild’s machinery filled the background of both ends of the call.
Then Bale spoke again. "Do you think the pods can contain him, Lucen?"
Lucen hesitated. "...Honestly, Sir, I doubt it. The mana stabilizers inside those pods are built for up to A-Rank readings, maybe S-Rank under controlled conditions. But this is different. The only safe option is to let him try first while exercising extreme caution."
Bale leaned back, his holographic outline pulsing softly. "If the system can’t simulate him properly, he’ll undergo the physical test instead. We’ll compare his raw data to other S-Ranks, strength, agility, mana control, reflex synchronization."
Lucen frowned. "Then he won’t get to experience the Outlands scenario like the others."
"Yes," Bale said quietly. "A pity. The Outlands simulation would’ve given us valuable data about his adaptive response."
Lucen lowered his wrist slightly. "What should I do then, Sir? Should I report him to the Director?"
Bale shook his head. "No. Not yet. Observe first. If the pods reject him, we’ll step in and move him to the physical sector. We’ll record his readings manually."
Lucen nodded.
"Still," Bale’s tone dropped an octave, "keep this quiet. If word spreads that a three-day awakened reached S-Rank, we’ll have chaos in recruitment."
Lucen straightened. "Understood."
Bale’s gaze hardened. "Good. But keep your eyes on him."
Lucen gave a curt nod.
Bale’s voice deepened. "S-Rank after three days doesn’t just happen. Either he’s blessed... or cursed. And if it’s the latter, with the recent incidents of divine possession, people won’t take this well. We need to tread carefully."
He paused, his expression caught between concern and curiosity.
"The Guild may have just invited a storm into its walls. Or maybe," his lips curled faintly, "we’re misreading a blessing."
Lucen’s jaw tightened. "If he loses control?"
"Contain him if possible," Bale said sharply. "If not, make sure he never reaches the upper floors."
Lucen’s face hardened. "Yes, Sir."
"And since you sensed that pressure directly," Bale added, "there’s no guarantee he’s just S-Rank. He could be higher; SS, maybe even SSS. Unlikely, but we can’t rule it out."
Lucen nodded solemnly.
Bale gave one last look. "Good. Keep me updated. I’ll prepare contingency protocols just in case. And Lucen, don’t let him suspect anything. The last thing we need is to make an enemy of a future powerhouse. Someone who could become a standing pillar for this world against the invaders."
The hologram flickered, static rippling through the projection.
Then, with a faint hum, the light dimmed and the image collapsed into a thin stream that retracted back into the wristband.
Lucen lowered his hand slowly, the glow fading completely.
For a moment, he just stood there, silent, thoughtful.
"...An S-Rank in three days," he muttered under his breath. "What kind of monster are you, kid?"
Then he turned, eyes narrowing toward the sealed elevator.
And waited, then he let out a sigh, "handling this set is a bit troublesome. If only Sir Bale takes interest and decide to supervise the test as well, it’ll be really good..."
***
A/N;
Guys please vote. Golden tickets, powerstones... Anything will do...