Chapter 22: A Clash In The Waiting Room
"Welcome, sir. May I inquire about the purpose of your visit today?" a courteous lady behind the reception desk asked, poised with a pen and a notepad, ready to record the details of each visitor. Her friendly demeanor conveyed a sense of professionalism and warmth.
'Huh? Other than evaluation, is there some other reason to visit?'
'Maybe entering the first floor…', he thought.
He looked towards her and said, "I came to have my rank evaluated..."
The receptionist was visibly taken aback by his response. Her eyes widened with excitement and curiosity as she exclaimed, "Eh!? Are you an awakened angel?" Her voice filled with anticipation, eager to confirm his extraordinary status.
Zain hesitated for a moment, his gaze meeting the receptionist's eyes that were filled with sparkling curiosity. With a slight nod, he acknowledged her question, confirming his status as an awakened angel.
"Oh! Then please, follow me to this room," she said with a hint of excitement in her voice.
She personally guided him down the hallway, her steps slightly hurried and her expressions revealing a mix of nervousness and eagerness. It seemed like she was relatively new to the job, making every effort to ensure a smooth process for Zain.
The door swung open, revealing a room filled with several other individuals waiting for their evaluations. Zain's eyes scanned the room, taking in the sight of people from various backgrounds.
The lady guiding him gestured towards an empty seat, positioned at the front row, the first seat, as if it held a special significance.
"Hmm, let's see, sir, please have a seat here," she said, her voice filled with a mixture of apprehension and professionalism.
For some mysterious reason, there was an air of hesitation and reluctance surrounding the seat assigned to Zain.
Though unaware of this peculiar atmosphere, Zain nodded politely and made his way towards the seat, settling down without a second thought.
As he took his place, an unsettling tension seemed to grip the room, causing beads of sweat to form on the brows of those around him.
Whispers and sidelong glances were exchanged among the other individuals, their eyes fixed on Zain, as if he held some unknown significance in their collective journey.
"Hmm…" Zain observed the individuals around him, his keen senses allowed him to gauge the strength and power levels of each person present. With a discerning eye, he evaluated their auras and energy signatures.
Among the group, he detected only four individuals who possessed the strength of a 3 or 4-star angel, while the rest seemed to be limited to a maximum of 2 stars. This realization confirmed his initial impression that most of them were relatively inexperienced or less skilled in comparison to his own capabilities.
He noticed three individuals who possessed the strength of A-rank 3-star angels. Their composed demeanor and aura of confidence set them apart from the rest of the group.
However, his attention was particularly drawn to the last angel, standing near the water can at a distance. Despite being a 4-star angel, their talent level seemed surprisingly low, indicating that they were ranked at E-rank.
Despite his calm demeanor, there was something about him that set him apart from the rest, leaving Zain intrigued and cautious. As Zain settled into his seat, he couldn't help but notice the intense gaze coming from the 4-star angel standing near the water can.
The atmosphere shifted as the man ceased drinking and locked eyes with Zain, emitting an unsettling energy that made the others in the room visibly uncomfortable.
Zain maintained his composure, unaffected by the intense gaze and bloodlust emanating from the approaching man.
As the man approached Zain, his intense aura of bloodlust grew stronger and stronger. He could feel the waves of killing intent directed at him, yet he remained unaffected, his own resolve unshaken. Zain could feel his instincts kicking in, warning him of the imminent threat.
"You masked punk... get the fuck out of here!"
The man's voice echoed through the room, filled with venomous hostility. His words cut through the silence like a blade, piercing the tense atmosphere. The intensity of his gaze seemed to challenge Zain's very existence, as if daring him to defy the man's command.
The other angels in the room held their breath, their gazes shifting nervously between the two figures locked in a confrontation that seemed poised to escalate at any moment.
All this time Zain had been wearing a half mask. It concealed his identity while revealing a mere fraction of his countenance. The mask exuded an aura of mystery and enigma. It covered the area from his eyes to his chin, leaving his nose, mouth, and the lower part of his face exposed.
Despite the lack of complete coverage, there was an inexplicable veil of anonymity surrounding him, rendering him unrecognizable to those around him. His true identity remained shrouded in secrecy, hidden behind the mask's deceptive allure.
Zain's eyes met the intense gaze of the towering figure before him. The man, standing at an imposing height of six feet, possessed a formidable presence, reminiscent of a seasoned wrestler.
His muscular physique and youthful appearance indicated his prime age, somewhere between 21 to 23 years old.
Unfazed by the man's hostile words, Zain remained composed, unfurling a sense of tranquility that seemed to emanate from his very being.
With a calm determination, he lowered his gaze, closed his eyes, and allowed himself to sink into a state of deep relaxation, shutting out the world around him.
The man's rage intensified as he unleashed a torrent of profanity, his voice echoing through the room with a booming ferocity.
"You fucker! This is my seat! Get the fuck off of here!"
His outburst triggered a sudden disturbance in the atmosphere, unleashing a powerful gust of wind that swept through the space. The force of the mini-storm sent other occupants of the room sprawling, struggling to maintain their balance as they were buffeted by the turbulent winds.
As the raging storm raged on, the three individuals whom Zain had identified as 3-star angels stood firmly rooted to the ground, their stances unwavering amidst the chaos.
They seemed to possess an inner strength that shielded them from the violent winds, their calmness contrasting starkly with the chaos surrounding them.
Zain, too, remained unperturbed, his equilibrium unbroken despite the tempest swirling around him.
This only served to fuel the man's anger further, his face contorted with rage as he witnessed the defiance displayed by Zain.
With a primal scream, the man launched himself towards Zain, his right fist aimed directly at his target. The air crackled with unrestrained power as his fist cut through the space, leaving a wake of destructive energy in its path.
*Bam*
*Bam*
In a blur of movement, a man clad in a pristine ebony uniform materialized beside the enraged angel, his presence commanding attention and respect.
He effortlessly intercepted the incoming punch, catching the powerful blow with just two fingers. The force that was meant to crush Zain's skull dissipated harmlessly against the man's unyielding defense. His aura radiated authority and power, leaving no doubt about his status.
The official's calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the seething anger of the angel. His eyes bore into the assailant with a piercing intensity, a silent warning that dared him to make another move.
Zain's gaze shifted to the mysterious man who had effortlessly halted the enraged angel's attack. As his eyes met the man's, Zain sensed an overwhelming aura of strength and authority. It was clear that this man was no ordinary angel; he possessed the power and prowess of a 4-star S-ranker.
'I thought becoming a 4 star angel was hard…'
'I find many here…'
Zain observed the awe-struck expressions and sparkling eyes of the other awakened individuals in the room, directed towards the official who had intervened.
It was clear that the official held a significant position and commanded respect among those aspiring to climb the tower. However, Zain remained unaware of the official's identity and the reasons behind the admiration.
Unbeknownst to him, the official possessed a reputation for being a formidable figure, renowned for their accomplishments within the tower.
Remaining seated, Zain maintained an air of detachment amidst the respectful commotion unfolding around him. The actions of the others seeking to honor the official held little significance to him.
With his sights set firmly on his own objectives, Zain patiently awaited his turn to enter the tower.
"No fights in the waiting area," the official proclaimed as his voice resonated with authority.
The man who had been poised to throw a punch abruptly halted his movement, as if compelled to obey the official's words.
With a commanding presence, the official turned his attention to the standing individuals and issued a directive, "Please, have a seat." His authoritative voice brooked no argument, and one by one, they obediently returned to their seats. As if a wave of compliance had swept over the room, the tension gradually subsided.
Without further ado, the official began making his way towards the exit. Just before departing, he cast a piercing glare in Zain's direction, his gaze laden with a warning. In a final authoritative proclamation, he declared, "Let it be known that any further displays of aggression will result in the suspension of rank evaluations."
Zain maintained his serenity, unfazed by the collective gaze of both the official and the fellow participants in the room. Though he didn't overtly react, he keenly sensed the weight of their scrutiny. The intensity of their stares bore into him, conveying a mix of curiosity, suspicion, and perhaps even a hint of envy.
"What an ignorant fool... He shows no respect for the high-rankers!" The whispered murmurs of disapproval filled the room as Zain's ears caught wind of their disdainful comments.
Yet, he chose to remain silent, not allowing their petty words to penetrate his resolve. To him, their voices were mere buzzing of inconsequential ants, unworthy of his attention.
The man who had earlier attempted to strike Zain with his clenched fist, now made his way towards another seat in the room. His movements were filled with a simmering rage, and his eyes burned with a malicious intensity.