Outpost, Diagnostic Center.
Tianyang lay on an automated examination bed. A white medical diagnostic device with mechanical arms conducted a comprehensive examination of the young man.
The examination took 15 minutes to complete. Once finished, the diagnostic device retracted into the ceiling, transmitting the data to the personal control panel of the attending physician.
The control panel looked like a silver foil card and displayed Tianyang's physical information. After reviewing it, the attending physician folded the control panel into a card-sized shape and casually put it in her pocket.
With a gentle smile, she said, "All your indicators are normal, with no signs of contamination by the Black Mist. However, your left eye's vitreous humor is completely damaged. Later, I'll need to perform a removal surgery."
Tianyang covered his left cheek. "Is there no way to repair it?"
The physician apologized, "The damage area is more than 70%, and many nerves are damaged. This is irreversible. Of course, you can obtain a brand new eye through the medical 3D printer at the fortress's medical center, but it's expensive."
"Alternatively, you can apply for a work-related injury assessment from your department later, which will entitle you to certain subsidies. At the very least, an electronic prosthetic eye should be an option."
An electronic prosthetic eye? Well, it's better than being blind.
Tianyang contemplated, thinking that he could exchange for a fully functional tactical electronic eye with his contribution points once they were released.
Swish.
A light sound, and the automatic door of the diagnostic center opened, and someone entered.
Chestnut-colored tousled hair flowed with a tea-colored luster under the light. The young and rugged face bore an imperceptible hint of weariness.
A pair of simple, non-prescription glasses rested on his straight nose bridge. Even so, the eyes behind those lenses still emitted a sharp glint, as if they were razor-sharp.
He wore a dark military uniform with a silver emblem on the chest, depicting a crescent moon and a traveler, the emblem of the Nightstalkers Exploration Corps!
"Oh, General Ling Can, why have you come!" The female physician's face was filled with surprise, and her eyes showed an open admiration.
The young man, Ling Can, nodded slightly. "Sorry, Doctor. Could you let me have a few words with him in private?"
The female physician naturally wouldn't refuse, though she seemed reluctant to leave, casting a few more glances before exiting the diagnostic center.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Ling Feng, the Chief of Staff of the Nightstalkers."
Tianyang quickly jumped off the bed and clenched his fist to his chest. "Soldier Tianyang from the Collection Team, reporting to the Commander!"
Ling Feng's gaze fell on the emblem on the back of the young man's hand, and he said calmly, "The Commander isn't at the Lighthouse Base, so I've come to see you. You mentioned awakening to a new job category?"
"Yes, sir! The job category I awakened to is called 'Avenger.'"
Ling Feng extended his hand and gently pushed up his glasses. "Avenger job category? I haven't heard of that before. Can it harness Star Essence?"
Star Essence was a type of energy within Ascendants' bodies, a vital resource for using their abilities.
"I'm not very skilled with it yet. It might take some time," the young man replied somewhat hesitantly.
Ling Feng took a step back. "Show me."
Tianyang nodded and closed his eyes, focusing on sensing the power within him.
After a moment, a faint light emerged from his hair, like stardust.
The emblem on the back of his hand, depicting the hand of dark flames holding a sickle, flickered with a slowly undulating flame-like aura, almost like a living entity.
There was a peculiar aura emanating from the young man, one that Ling Feng had never felt from any other Ascendant. Furthermore, the emblem was unique, something he had never seen before. The fact that it could be activated with Star Essence indicated that it wasn't a forgery!
The Chief of Staff said softly, "That's enough. Now I believe that you've awakened a brand new job category. So, tell me, what's your purpose in wanting to meet the Commander?"
Tianyang opened his eyes, his expression earnest. "I want to join the Nightstalkers."
Ling Feng said straightforwardly, "No problem. We welcome every Ascendant in the Nightstalkers. I'll have my adjutant process your entry paperwork, and in 48 hours, you'll receive your notification."
"No, sir. I want to become a Nightstalker and gain all the privileges of an Ascendant, such as the status of an Opulent."
Ling Feng's face turned cold. "What you're asking for takes time, even for us."
Tianyang stood his ground. "Perhaps this new Avenger job category can expedite the process. If the Nightstalkers can't do it, the Stormtroopers, Ironwall City Guards, or the Lords of War Church might."
Ling Feng narrowed his eyes, his pupils gleaming with a sharp light. "Soldier, are you threatening me?"
Tianyang gritted his teeth, enduring the intense pressure from the young man before him, an almost tangible aura of killing intent. "I'm just stating a fact, sir. A new job category, complete job rank information, and ability diagrams. With all of this, the Nightstalkers can apply for more financial allocations. Compared to that, my small request is insignificant."
Ling Feng remained silent.
Tianyang stood at attention.
The atmosphere in the diagnostic center was heavy.
After a few breaths, Ling Feng finally said, "Why? Why do you need all this so urgently?"
Tianyang clenched his fist, a hint of resentment flashing in his eyes. "I have my reasons, sir."
Ling Feng relented. "Very well, you are now a Nightstalker and have the status of an Opulent, with all associated rights. I am your guarantee for all of this."
Tianyang saluted. "Thank you, sir!"
Ling Feng nodded. "I will arrange your specific duties later. Rest for now. Also, regarding the new job category, do not mention it to anyone. It's best to conceal the emblem on your hand."
As he walked out of the diagnostic center, Ling Feng glanced back at the young man inside.
"A completely new job category. If this news gets out, the Golden Court and the Four Major Churches will be in an uproar. You underestimate your own value. With your status, you could have made more demands..."
From the first Ascendant's appearance to the present, a thousand years had passed. In that time, nine job categories had been created. Countless battles had shown that job categories had counterbalances. Each fortress city focused on developing different job categories due to resource constraints.
Therefore, the diplomatic focus and strategic layout of a fortress were often adjusted based on the job categories its side possessed. The appearance of a new job category could have a huge impact on the existing order.
Throughout history, there had been several instances where the emergence of a new job category reshuffled the world order.
Now, the tenth job category had appeared. Through research and observation, by understanding its job rank information and ability diagrams, one could determine which job categories it countered. If used correctly, an Ascendant who awakened a new job category would become a significant deterrence.
In diplomacy, they would be crucial bargaining assets. But Tianyang had just awakened not long ago. This seed needed protection and nurturing to grow into a towering giant.
Back in his office, Ling Feng sent an encrypted message to his superior and then met with those who had interacted with Tianyang, imposing a gag order.
The fewer people who knew about the new job category, the better. Especially the Lords of War Church, Ling Feng didn't want the young man getting involved with the Church. After all, the Church had a keen interest in Ascendants and the many mysteries of the Inverted World!