Chapter 27: Rank Evaluation [3]
The man who was evaluating Zain's rank stood frozen in awe as he observed the level of Zain's internal energy. The sheer magnitude and quality of his power surpassed anything he had witnessed before. The machine, designed to measure up to a maximum of 5-star rankings, fell short in accurately capturing the true extent of Zain's abilities.
In that moment, the man couldn't help but wish for a device capable of measuring beyond its limitations.
If only there existed a means to accurately gauge the extraordinary potential radiating from Zain. The intensity of his energy surpassed the conventional standards, leaving the evaluators in a state of wonder and curiosity.
However, while the measurement of internal power held significance, it was not the sole determinant of one's abilities. Internal power could be cultivated and enhanced through various means, such as training, refining techniques, and consuming specialized pills that purified and eliminated impurities.
The evaluators understood that measuring Zain's internal power alone wouldn't provide a complete understanding of his true potential.
"Good," the evaluator remarked, jotting down Zain's preliminary rank on a piece of paper, alongside the information he had collected earlier. As he completed the task, he couldn't hide the surprise on his face.
The Vice Master and the other man standing nearby caught a glimpse of his expression, their curiosity piqued.
Just by observing Zain, the evaluator, the Vice Master, and the other man could intuitively sense that his internal energy was extraordinary and distinct. The sheer brilliance radiating from him was undeniable, leaving no room for doubt.
Such a profound reaction from the evaluator, who assessed numerous individuals on a daily basis, only solidified their belief that Zain's rank was undoubtedly of the highest caliber—an S Rank.
It was a rare sight to witness someone so young possess such an unparalleled level of power.
The Vice Master and the other man exchanged knowing glances, silently acknowledging the exceptional nature of this evaluation. Ria, too, stood among them, her eyes widening in amazement at the revelation.
The evaluator's eyes gleamed with anticipation as he approached the next machine, eager to delve deeper into Zain's extraordinary physical prowess.
He knew that what he had displayed earlier was merely a glimpse of his true power, a fraction of the strength he possessed. Now, he yearned to push his limits, to showcase the full extent of his physical abilities.
Zain stood before the imposing contraption, his gaze steady and his muscles primed for the challenge ahead. The machine hummed with latent energy, ready to unleash its tests upon him. The evaluator input the necessary parameters, configuring the machine to measure Zain's true physical capabilities.
The machine was adorned with a punching bag-like apparatus. It stood tall and sturdy, inviting Zain to unleash his power upon it.
This particular test was designed to measure not only his physical strength but also his defense and attack capabilities. The evaluator explained its significance, emphasizing how crucial it was in assessing an angel's combat prowess.
"So I just need to punch it?" Zain asked, his gaze fixed on the punching bag-like apparatus.
The evaluator nodded, a smile playing on his lips.
He had little idea of what would transpire, but he was resolved to complete this evaluation as swiftly as possible.
Zain pulled his right arm back, his gaze fixed on the square-shaped punching bag-like apparatus. He was ready to unleash his strength and strike with precision, but before he could deliver the blow, the man abruptly halted him with a shout.
"W-wait a second!" the man exclaimed, a sense of urgency in his voice.
Zain furrowed his brow, puzzled by the interruption. "What happened?" he inquired, his readiness momentarily halted.
Without wasting a moment, the man swiftly moved behind the machine, his hands deftly adjusting and configuring something that was unseen to Zain's eyes. The room was filled with a hushed anticipation as Zain and the others waited for the man to complete his task.
'With his strength the machine might get broken, so let me just...'
The man quickly realized the potential impact of Zain's punch and the risk it posed to the machine. With a swift motion, he grabbed a set of metal plates and strategically positioned them, reinforcing the structure of the apparatus.
By bolstering its hardness and stability, he ensured that the shockwave generated by Zain's punch wouldn't disperse uncontrollably, minimizing the risk of damage to the surroundings.
Once satisfied with the modifications, the man stepped back, a faint smile of reassurance on his face. The enhanced machine stood prepared, ready to withstand the force of Zain's strike.
"Okay, now you can proceed. And yes, remember to unleash all of your power," the man smiled, his face still marked with black stains from his quick adjustment.
Zain nodded, his gaze fixed on the center of the reinforced punching apparatus.
However, a moment of hesitation crept into his mind.
'Should I really punch it with my full strength..?'
As Zain stood before the reinforced machine, the weight of his power bore down on him. He was acutely aware of the immense strength pulsating within his muscles, capable of obliterating anything in its path.
The machine, however, appeared fragile in comparison, a delicate contraption that would crumble under the might of his full force. His blow would be enough to take care of an adult dragon!
A flicker of concern danced in Zain's eyes as he contemplated the consequences. The financial burden that would befall him if he unleashed his unrestrained power and reduced the machine to a pile of shattered remnants gnawed at his thoughts. The image of a hefty bill looming over his head tainted his enthusiasm.
'Uhh, I don't have enough money with me. If I were to use my full power and this breaks, then I'll be left with a hefty bill to pay…'
After much deliberation, Zain made a tentative compromise. Determined to reveal more than a mere fraction of his power, he decided to exert approximately 5-10% of his true physical strength.
It was a calculated risk, surpassing the force he had exerted earlier to create the impressive crater. While it fell short of his full potential, it still carried a formidable punch, enough to make a significant impact without shattering the delicate balance between power and financial security.
*BAM*
As Zain's fist made contact with the reinforced machine, a tremendous force reverberated through the air. The impact echoed through the room, shaking the very foundation of the contraption.
Metal plates groaned and strained under the immense pressure, and the once sturdy screws and shackling materials that held the machine in place succumbed to the overwhelming power.
With a resounding crash, the machine was sent hurtling backward, its pieces scattering across the floor. Zain's eyes widened in disbelief as he took in the aftermath of his strike.
"Huh...!? It was the right decision, right...?" Zain questioned himself, a mix of astonishment and uncertainty swirling within him. He hadn't anticipated that even a fraction of his power would yield such destructive results.
The man overseeing the evaluation stood there, mouth agape, unable to tear his eyes away from the spectacle before him. "Oh my God!!! Amazing! Your strength!!!" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with awe. He couldn't fathom the magnitude of power Zain possessed.
Within the evaluator's mind, a realization dawned. "His strength is almost on the level of an A ranker... That's pretty awesome!" he marveled.
In a flurry of excitement, the man overseeing the evaluation quickly dashed towards the scattered pieces of the broken machine, grabbing a piece of paper and a pen.
With a mix of astonishment and enthusiasm, he hastily noted down the unexpected result, capturing the extraordinary strength that Zain had displayed.
As the man's excitement grew apparent, the Vice Master and the others observing the evaluation exchanged understanding gazes. It was clear to them that Zain had exhibited a level of strength that surpassed their expectations.
The slight movement of the machine, which had been pushed back by the force of Zain's strike, served as a visual confirmation of his exceptional abilities.
As the evaluation progressed, a question began to swirl in the minds of the Vice Master and the unknown man who had been observing the proceedings. If Zain's strength was truly on par with that of an A ranker, it raised an intriguing dilemma. The machine that Zain had managed to move was a testament to his remarkable power, but it posed a perplexing conundrum.
It was widely known that even A rankers, let alone S rankers, would struggle to budge the machine an inch.
So, what made Zain different? What unique quality did he possess that allowed him to exert such force? The question lingered in the air, as both the Vice Master and the unknown man exchanged puzzled glances.
The unknown man who had been overseeing the process seemed to have a grasp on the underlying reason behind Zain's impressive display of strength. It was a rather straightforward explanation, yet one that carried significant weight.
Unlike other awakeners who often struggled to control the full extent of their power during the evaluation, either missing the center or exerting only a fraction of their true strength, Zain appeared to possess a unique ability.
Zain's power seemed to disperse evenly throughout the machine, encompassing even its smaller and weaker components.