Gin moved back to the home page of the Ranker site and selected the Techniques section, to see the cost of advanced martial skills available for purchase.
No matter how wondrous the Hybrid Martial art 'Burning Skull' is, it's only a low-level technique.
He needs High-level skills if he wants to compete with some genius-level figures scattered across the continent.
But when he peered into the technique section, it made him freeze,
'It's a complete rip-off.' Gin cursed.
He saw a single High-level technique cost over 2000 Ranker Credits and that too it's a crappy one.
There are some good techniques too, but all of them were priced above 5000 Ranker credits.
If it's normal credits then it won't be a problem, but earning Ranker credits is troublesome. One needs to complete countless missions before they could earn 2000 Ranker credits.
One could also raise their Ranker credits by selling information, rare herbs, weapons, valuable items, etc. But, Gin has nothing on him that could earn him some credits.
'Ring' 'Ring'
Gin noticed the call is from his friend, Hammer. As soon as he clicked the accept button, he heard an excited voice, "Gin, you finally passed the Ranker exam!"
"I know," Gin smirked.
"What the? Show some emotion, buddy." Hammer said discerning Gin wasn't as excited as he thought.
"It's just passing a Ranker exam, nothing worth mentioning." Even though it may sound arrogant, it's the truth!
Anyone with a strength of 3 stars and above will be able to easily pass the ranker exam so it's not worth mentioning for many people in the world. Only peoples whose standings are quite low like Gin will strive for it.
"So, what are you gonna do now?" Hammer asked.
He knows Gin very well and his goal to join the Ranker division so that he can pursue his dream of the martial path.
Hammer's truly happy for Gin, but without a spirit seal no one can improve their strength, that's what worries Hammer.
"Not me, it's us. We lack combat experiences so we are gonna create a Ranker team and complete some missions." Gin replied.
"Well, you got a point but won't it be dangerous for us to go on missions without an expert overseeing us," Hammer stated, hesitant.
"Don't worry, we will be fine—just consider it a small adventure. Besides, You and Yirene are pretty strong for our age."
Unlike him, Hammer and Yirene are strong with strength equal to that of 6-star rankers. With their strength, they can easily cut and run from any problems in their way.
"If you say so. I am up for it!" Hammer said.
"Great! We will meet up at our usual gathering place - Bamboo Garden, 5 P.M sharp. I will also inform Yirene." Gin said and hung up.
In order to create a Ranker team, one should have a minimum of four members and sufficient strength.
Even though he knows many students in his middle school, only Hammer and Yirene are his closest friends.
Gin sent a voice message to Yirene since she won't accept calls in her home. Soon, he received a message from Yirene, affirming, 'I will be there'
When Gin was contemplating about the fourth team member, he thought of Astro and decided to call him. If Astro is interested in joining his team, he will be a good ally.
"Call Astro" Gin spoke to his communication bracelet.
Burr! Burr! Clang!
"Hello!" Astro's voice came from the other side.
"Bro! It's Gin," spoke Gin.
"Ah! Brother Gin. How are you?"
"Are you free? Can we talk?" Gin asked.
"Yes, I am free."
"I plan on creating a Ranker team but I am short on one teammate, interested to join?" Gin proposed.
"I..." Astro hesitated.
"If you are worried about safety, you don't have to; My friends are Rankers with high strength. And, my reason for creating a team is mainly for gaining experience."
"You can take your time to consider." Gin explained.
"Brother Gin, I will join your team!" Astro replied after a few seconds, with a hint of determination in his tone.
"Wonderful! I will send you a location, let's meet up there today at 5 PM."
"Sure"
"By the way, congratulations on passing the Ranker exam!" Gin felicitated.
"Thanks, brother and same to you," Astro responded.
--
Bamboo Garden is the best restaurant among school and university students because it's a little cheap and provides private space with high-quality foods.
It's located in District 7, which is also called as 'Central District' of Silver Mist Region. Central District is the core area of the entire Silver Mist Region where various academies, powerful families, towering skyscrapers reside.
It's a place where famous rich second-generation youngsters flaunt their wealth.
Gin arrived at Bamboo gardens restaurant around 4.30 and settled in a private cabin.
Bamboo Garden is a beautiful and serene place that is filled with graceful bamboo pillars stretching as far as one could see.
The entire place is illuminated in the evening light while stone pathways are connected to various private cabins around the garden for comfortable walking.
The important thing is, this Bamboo garden is owned by one of the powerful organization of the Silver Mist Territory - Aqua group.
Thanks to the strong protection presented by them, no one has to worry about their safety or their conversation being eavesdropped.
Gin messaged Hammer, Yirene, and Astro of the cabin number he was waiting and then, began to analyze what type of mission is suitable for them as rookies.
He knows it has to be Risk-free and safe since this will be their first mission.
After 20 mins, Yirene arrived first and sat opposite to Gin.
'She looks stunning, as always!' Gin thought.
Yirene looked beautiful in her white T-shirt and grey jeans, which perfectly showed her smooth curves.
"Yirene, you look beautiful." Gin said, suddenly.
He has feelings for Yirene from the first moment he met her. She knows it too! But, he bottled up his feelings for her because of the circumstances he was in before.
There was an abrupt silence.
Gin gazed at her beautiful cold face which didn't show any abnormality but her pure blue eyes betrayed, revealing the shyness of a girl.
Yirene soon recovered from her trance, peered at Gin and said, "You look different and completely transformed."
"Because of what I said?" Gin asked.
"No, it's your demeanor. Previously, you were stone-faced and hesitant in your actions. But now, you look confident, calm, bold and there's also a hint of arrogance in your eyes!" Yirene spoke, embarrassing Gin.
"Stone-faced? Come on, Yirene, is it how you saw me before?" Gin asked while his face displayed a hurtful expression.
"Yes," Yirene returned a heartless reply.
"I don't know what changes you have undergone, but your current bearing is much to my liking," Yirene spoke and there's a red tinge in her cheeks.
The bashful appearance of Yirene enhanced her beauty to another level! Without Gin's control, his hand moved forward to touch Yirene's beautiful face.
Yirene became nervous and remained still like a statue, watching the hands of Gin which is striving forward to feel her face.
"Gin! My bro, I am here."
At that moment, the loud voice of Hammer came and awoke both Gin and Yirene from their stupor, destroying the sweet atmosphere between them.
When Hammer came in, he saw Gin and Yirene awkwardly trying their best to remain normal.
Confused, Hammer asked, "Gin, Yirene, what happened?"
Gin cursed Hammer in his mind and casually replied: "Nothing, Come and sit."
Not knowing his friend already cursed him more than a hundred times in his mind, Hammer sat next to Gin and greeted Yirene, "Yo! Yirene, when did you come?"
"Just a few mins back," Yirene replied, with her usual cold tone as if the blushing girl before few seconds is a completely different person.
"So, what do you want to discuss?" Hammer asked.
"I called a friend, he hasn't arrived yet, let's wait till he comes. In the meantime, you guys can order something." Gin said.
"Who?" Hammer curiously asked.
Before Gin could reply, a gentle knock came from the door. "Brother Gin?"
"Astro, come in" Gin spoke, recognizing Astro's voice.
Astro came in, dressing in a white shirt and black pants. Gin introduced Yirene and Hammer to Astro.
Soon, they familiarized themselves since Hammer is a social person, he easily became friends with Astro. Finally, they are set and ready to discuss the mission they are going to take.