Chapter 232: B5 Rank |
"So, you fought with that 'Tai Bai' senior?" Lin Shuman stood in the infirmary, looking at the young man sitting in the chair, his arm wrapped in bandages, and asked with a mixture of amusement and disbelief.
The test had ended ten minutes ago, and her first task was to escort Guan Shan to the medical unit.
She had been scared, fearing serious injuries, but the situation was much better than she imagined. It was just some minor injuries, like fractures, a mild concussion, and internal organ damage...
Well, for a physical enhancement-type Esper, these were indeed minor injuries.
If Lin Shuman had been slower, Guan Shan's wounds would have healed completely.
Guan Shan remained calm. "It wasn't just one fight."
He held up three fingers. "It was three."
Lin Shuman: "..."
Guan Shan sighed. "One test per ability—physical enhancement, Gravity Control, and a combination of both. The space ability didn't involve fighting; it was just testing the storage space's limit..."
However, since Wang Yue had no intent to kill, the simulator didn't activate. Without the simulator's "datafication," normal items couldn't be stored in the backpack, so there was no way to test how large an item the backpack could hold.
The storage distance was "must be in contact," and the storage type was "specific items," particularly Panspirit Objects.
As a result, Wang Yue gave a very low rating for the storage ability—only D rank, with the comment, "Very suitable for working at 'Free Logistics.'"
Given that Guan Shan was suspected to be connected to the destruction of the "Free Logistics" branch, this comment was quite ironic.
Gravity Control and physical enhancement were tested first with instruments, then in actual combat.
Guan Shan controlled it to around level 5 of the [Gravity Control] skill, which was 1000kg. Due to the significantly reduced duration and range, the actual effect seemed lackluster under deliberate control.
Wang Yue's final rating was B7, noting that with further honing, it could be more effective in combat. However, the short range and duration were limiting factors. Without improvement, reaching A rank in this lifetime seemed unlikely.
But Guan Shan noticed that Wang Yue seemed somewhat pleased when he said this.
Guan Shan was initially puzzled, but after Xia Lei explained the incidents involving the previous gravity Espers, he felt relieved. If he had reported the original [Gravity Control] data, he might have become a key watch subject. In the current situation, keeping a low profile was better.
The evaluation for the physical enhancement ability was slightly lower, at B3 rank—this was Wang Yue almost pummeling Guan Shan into submission.
This outcome didn't surprise Guan Shan. He had never learned systematic combat techniques, relying entirely on skills. Without the simulator's assistance, he couldn't beat a combat-specialized "Immortal."
And... he feared pain.
Yes, because in the simulation, Guan Shan felt no pain. This was his first real fight with an Esper in reality.
It wasn't as unbearable as expected but still quite painful.
Even though Guan Shan could endure it, his body far tougher than an average person's, another person might have been reduced to tears.
Wang Yue didn't come out unscathed either. He deliberately held back his strength, resulting in him sustaining several times the injuries of Guan Shan, without the latter's recovery speed.
Guan Shan was now sitting outside this "Tai Bai" senior's recovery room...
In summary, Wang Yue rated Guan Shan as B5 rank.
Xia Lei watched the whole time, his eyes filled with deep shock. Wang Yue might not have known, but Xia Lei had witnessed Guan Shan's meteoric rise from D rank to B rank in three months.
Such a rapid ascent was unprecedented, beyond mere "frightening."
If not for this, the higher-ups wouldn't have paid so much attention...
Xia Lei exited the recovery room and patted Guan Shan's shoulder. "The evaluation results have been uploaded. Other teams will soon know. Your mission file has also been officially issued. I've sent it to you. Make sure to read it."
Guan Shan nodded and asked, "Got it. By the way, is 'Tai Bai' senior okay?"
Xia Lei coughed. "He's already left."
Guan Shan was surprised. "Left? I didn't see anyone at the door."
Xia Lei's expression became strained. "He jumped out the window, saying it was too embarrassing."
Guan Shan: "..." Jumping out the window isn't embarrassing?
Guan Shan's face darkened. "Didn't he hold back? How is this embarrassing..."
Xia Lei sighed. "That's just how he is, cares a lot about face. He felt that getting hurt by you was already a failure, and in the end, he said, 'I never want to see you again.'"
I don't really want to see him either... Guan Shan touched the bandages on his arm, feeling a twinge of pain.
Xia Lei added, "Oh, by the way, since you have an official rating, your corresponding benefits will also be upgraded. I've already had this month's money transferred to your account, and the shortfall from the previous months will be compensated."
Previous months will be compensated!
Wow, the Special Security Group is really generous. This beating was worth it!
Guan Shan's eyes lit up, the pain gone. He quickly took out his phone, checked his account, and gasped, almost choking.
"Thank you, organization."
Guan Shan shook Xia Lei's hand gratefully. "I'll do my best on this mission."
Xia Lei's expression turned serious. "Actually... you don't need to try too hard. Well, never mind."
He smiled. "Next time we meet, you might be a member of an independent squad."
Guan Shan sensed that Xia Lei had something more to say but couldn't. He felt a bit uneasy but outwardly just nodded. "An independent squad requires A rank. I'm still far from that. Besides, 'Tai Bai' senior said I might never reach A rank in this life. Many people get stuck at this level."
Xia Lei sighed. "With great power comes great responsibility."
...
Guan Shan returned home and opened the encrypted mission file on his phone.
"On January 17th, gather in Shanghai and meet with other team members... Then there will be further instructions. This mission is quite mysterious."
Guan Shan narrowed his eyes. Wouldn't each person receive different instructions?
A game of Werewolf?
Guan Shan shook his head. "No, the Special Security Group wouldn't play such tricks. Anyway, Chief Li is leaving in a few days. I'll figure it out in Shanghai. I also need to ask White Night about how to access the black market."