Chapter 29: Hell Stare
Zain's mind swirled with confusion and doubt as he tried to make sense of the perplexing situation.
The announcement of the results had left him with more questions than answers, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his own abilities. He wondered why the true outcomes were withheld, causing his confidence to waver for a fleeting moment.
Yet, even upon rechecking, the same disconcerting feeling persisted, intensifying his bewilderment.
The enigmatic letter, adjoined to the mention of stars and ranks, seemed to be a mystery in itself. It appeared to be detached from the other tests, shrouded in a veil of mystery. Its significance lay not in conventional measures, but rather in the efficiency of star utilization.
As one ventured into the realms of higher ranks with more stars or advanced star realms, their proficiency in controlling the preceding star seas dwindled to near insignificance. This revelation added another layer of complexity to the already intricate evaluation process. It hinted at a delicate balance between ascending through the celestial hierarchy and maintaining mastery over the existing realms.
'Weird...'
'Why did they not reveal my rank? Pretty sure I am one of the high ranked ones…'
Zain's mind buzzed with frustration and confusion as he pondered the withheld revelation of his rank. Yet, a sudden realization struck him like a bolt of lightning, cutting through the fog of uncertainty.
The association responsible for the evaluation had purposefully concealed his true rank. They sought to ensnare him within their grasp, recognizing his exceptional talent as an invaluable asset. This clandestine act, withholding his rightful rank, was a strategic ploy employed to entice him into their fold.
He couldn't help but acknowledge the lengths to which they would go to recruit exceptional individuals, even resorting to such deception. The realization shed light on their relentless pursuit of talent, using subterfuge to secure their desired acquisitions.
Only the top 5 ranks were announced, and as soon as the names were revealed, a frenzy erupted in the room. Like a pack of hungry animals, the aspiring angels rushed towards the bulletin board where the results were posted.
The atmosphere was filled with a mix of anticipation, excitement, and disappointment as they scanned the paper, searching for their names and ranks. Some faces lit up with joy and relief, while others couldn't hide their frustration.
Meanwhile, the Vice Leader discreetly left the room, making his way to the security control room where he could observe the chaos unfolding on the CCTV monitors.
As he watched the flurry of emotions and reactions, he couldn't help but notice certain individuals who displayed not only exceptional rankings but also remarkable discipline and potential.
Perhaps, it was indeed part of the association's plan to create an atmosphere of anticipation and competition by posting the results on the bulletin board.
In the midst of the chaotic scramble to check their ranks, some participants couldn't resist the temptation to engage in small skirmishes, challenging those they perceived as weaker than themselves. It was a display of power and dominance, a chance to assert their newfound status.
Unbeknownst to them, the association carefully observed this behavior, taking note of how they handled the competition and their interactions with others. It was a hidden evaluation, the final test that went beyond physical abilities and delved into the depths of their character.
In their quest to build a team of honorable and just angels, the association had a firm belief in eliminating those who would use their power to oppress and exploit others. Those who demonstrated a tendency to bully or take advantage of their rank were swiftly identified and removed from consideration.
On the other hand, those who stood up for the weak, defended the underprivileged, and championed the cause of justice were highly regarded. Their actions spoke volumes about their character and their commitment to using their powers for the betterment of society.
As the chaos ensued with everyone rushing to check their ranks, Zain seemed unusually disinterested. He glanced at the commotion around the result sheet but made no move to join the frenzy. Instead, he turned away with a calm demeanor, as if he already knew the outcome.
'Hmm, no use looking for my rank anyway…'
The Vice leader, intrigued by Zain's indifference, watched him closely, his curiosity piqued. He wondered why Zain didn't share the same eagerness to discover his rank like the others.
'Huh? He isn't going to see the result sheet?'
The man who had been announced as a 3 Star A Rank suddenly materialized in front of Zain, blocking his path. His posture exuded arrogance as he twisted his head and tilted it slightly, a cocky smirk playing on his lips. "We have some scores to settle," he taunted, his voice laced with condescension.
Zain, however, remained unfazed by the man's attempts to provoke him. With a calm and composed demeanor, he continued walking without breaking his stride. He had no time for unnecessary conflicts or petty rivalries that would only serve as distractions on his path to self-improvement.
As Zain effortlessly passed the man, the air of indifference surrounding him seemed to unsettle his would-be antagonist. The man's arrogance wavered for a moment, replaced by a flicker of uncertainty. He watched as Zain disappeared into the distance, leaving him behind with his hollow taunts.
Harey, consumed by anger and fueled by his bruised ego, could no longer contain his frustration. With a surge of rage, he unleashed the full force of his strength and aimed a powerful punch at Zain's back.
The force of Harey's blow was meant to be punishing, to teach Zain a lesson and assert his dominance.
*BAM*
The deafening sound reverberated through the room, capturing the attention of everyone present. Startled, all eyes turned towards the source of the commotion, their gazes fixed on the scene unfolding before them.
A cloud of dust billowed up from the cracked floor, momentarily obscuring the view. Floating rock fragments danced in the air, caught in the aftermath of the powerful impact. As the dust began to settle, the figures locked in battle gradually emerged from the haze.
There, amidst the swirling debris, stood Zain and Harey, locked in a confrontation that seemed to defy logic. The intense clash of wills and physical force created an aura of tension, drawing the attention of onlookers like a magnet.
All who witnessed the thunderous punch stood frozen in awe and disbelief, their jaws agape at the sheer display of power. The force behind Harey's strike was so tremendous that the crack in the floor continued to spread, extending its reach like a sinister web.
The small crater left by the impact seemed to grow wider with each passing second, its boundaries expanding as if unable to contain the aftermath of the devastating blow.
But what truly astounded the onlookers was the sight of Zain, standing unwavering in the face of such raw strength. He remained rooted in his place, his posture unchanged, as though carved from unyielding stone.
Not a single inch of ground was conceded under the weight of the assault.
The shockwave generated by the attack rippled through the air, unsettling those who stood even a few paces away. Yet, it was as if Zain had become impervious to the force that had sent shockwaves rippling through the room.
Whispers of disbelief and admiration fluttered through the room, as the spectators grappled to comprehend the spectacle before them.
The atmosphere in the room shifted abruptly as Zain's motion came to a halt, his body turning ever so slowly to face Harey. The intensity of his gaze pierced through the air, locking eyes with his aggressor. In that moment, an overwhelming sense of dread washed over Harey, freezing him in his tracks. His entire being trembled uncontrollably, as if a bone-chilling wind had swept through the room, leaving him at the mercy of an unseen, malevolent force.
Zain's eyes, once filled with calm determination, now emanated an aura of unbridled power and menace.
It was as if Harey found himself standing before an entity straight from the depths of hell itself. The air grew heavy with an ominous presence, as if the very fabric of reality quivered under the weight of Zain's silent fury.
The fear that gripped Harey was unlike anything he had ever experienced. It seeped into the depths of his being, paralyzing his every limb. His shivering intensified, his body involuntarily quaking as if in the presence of a godlike entity. He was at the mercy of an indomitable force, a force that left no room for doubt or escape.
"I... I..." Harey stammered, desperately attempting to form an apology, but his voice seemed to elude him. It was as if the weight of Zain's gaze had stolen his ability to speak, leaving him a mere trembling shell of his former bravado.
Zain maintained his piercing glare, unyielding in his intensity, as minutes stretched on like an eternity. Yet, as the minutes passed, something changed within Zain. His gaze shifted away from Harey, breaking the spell that had held him captive.
Slowly, deliberately, he turned his attention back to his path, his resolve unwavering. It was a remarkable display of self-control, a testament to his restraint in the face of provocation.