Clay knew that his system rating might not fit in the F to S rating category given that it showed a question mark for a rating instead of the normal letters.
But even if Clay had an S class system, he was feeling pretty sure that the progress wouldn't be as fast as having the '?' rating. And that made him feel a little bit terrified of not knowing anything related to his new system rating, what if there was a consequence in having a fast progress that Clay didn't know? After all, humans were most scared of the unknown.
Being influenced by the reward of the quest, Clay decided against keeping a low profile, just this time at least.
'Accept quest' Clay thought with a sigh.
*Ding!*
With another sigh, Clay grabbed the device and inspected it for a while before finally squeezing as hard as he could.
It didn't take long before the numbers began to show up.
With his muscles straining and bones groaning, Clay finally let go of the device the moment he heard the system prompt once again.
[Yes/No]
But Clay's attention wasn't focused on the virtual screen in front of him, rather he was focused on the holographic numbers that appeared on top of the device.
"O-one hundred sixteen" the secretary muttered with quivering lips as she held her pen with a shaky hand.
But even then, that wasn't enough to stun her for a long time as her composure returned to that of a professional shortly after.
While people were still stunned by Clay's result, the person in question was busy reading lines of text in the air in front of him.
'Claim reward'
'Ah, great, now I got to get used to my new strength again' was the only thought Clay could muster before the itching and cooling sensation came simultaneously.
Clay took a deep breath.
And exhaled as the feelings slowly subsided.
'System, open stats'
Stats|
Race: Human|
Level: 25(305/400)|
Health: 1375/1375|
MP: 2705/2705|
Strength: 270|
Agility: 272|
Intelligence: 257|
Dexterity: 271|
Vitality: 275|
Mystic: 258|
Mapping: 8|
Unallocated Stat point(s): 299|
Remarks: Wow! Your growth is promising! Can you feel the power?|
Feeling a little bloated because of suddenly seeing his stats double, Clay decided to close the prompt as he tried to focus more on what was happening around him.
"Excuse me, can you please use the device again? There might have been a malfunction in the device" the secretary spoke to Clay as she refused to believe the result.
Sighing again, Clay proceeded to grip the ball, and right before he started to squeeze it, another system prompt appeared.
*Ding!*
Time seemed to slow down as Clay's thoughts were much faster thanks to his newly enhanced physical capabilities.
'Open quest'
Hoping that it wasn't what he thought it is, Clay read on.
Quest name: SQUEEZE!(2)|
\Beat your previous record/
{People doubted your prowess, this time, make them doubt themselves, by setting a higher record of course}
Quest rewards: 1500 SC, 3000 EXP, and 300 Stat Points|
Quest Failure Penalty: -100 Exp|
Quest Time Limit: 1 Hour|
[Yes/No]
It was what Clay thought it was.
Once Clay saw the quest time limit his entire being felt like it was being soaked in cold water, but then he remembered that this quest is probably the most easiest one to accomplish alongside the previous one. Which brought peace to his mind but he still can't help but think that something might go wrong.
All of this happened within half a second after Clay gripped the device.
Thinking that it was a no-brainer, Clay accepted the quest.
*Ding!*
Clay then squeezed the device with all his strength once more, with his muscles and bones straining themselves to the limit Clay was surprised at seeing how the device was holding up so well despite his inhuman strength.
The same hologram appeared on top of the device, this time it wasn't showing the same numbers though, it was showing more than double the previous one.
'Two hundred sixty-seven' Clay thought in amazement as he let his muscles finally rest.
[Yes/No]
As Clay was about to mentally press yes, someone shouted from behind.
"O-outrageous! There is clearly something wrong with the device! He is just an F-Class nobody!" A teenager who failed to qualify wailed, like Clay, there were other people who wanted to try their luck to see if they could get recruited as well.
Clay grimaced as he couldn't really blame the person, if he was somebody else he would also not be able to believe the result he had.
Since a person had already expressed similar thoughts, the crowd soon followed after.
"That's unfair!"
"He shouldn't be allowed to qualify!"
"If he gets to test twice then I should be able to as well!"
People openly attacked Clay verbally, hoping to bring him down even though it wasn't his fault if the device truly malfunctioned.
Clay's face darkened at the sight of an angry crowd.
"Silence!" The secretary spoke out in a clear and crisp voice that is hearable even through the angry shouts that were permeating throughout the hall.
An invisible pressure enveloped the entire area as the secretary glanced at the now docile crowd. People who were unlucky enough to meet her gaze sweated profusely as though they were placed inside a boiling pot.
"Come with me" the secretary gestured to Clay.
Left with no choice as well as not wanting to be with around the previously angry mob, Clay followed after her, glancing at Josh before entering the room the secretary had entered through.