Every profession in the world has its role and importance. We need the police to maintain law and order, doctors and nurses to take care of the sick, garbage collectors to properly dispose of our waste, and even street sweepers to keep the cities clean and beautiful.
But if you were to ask which is the most important profession in this new world, everyone would give the same answer: Miners.
Miners are the ones who drive the world forward. The future of humanity depends on the work of every Miner. Becoming a Miner doesn't require a high level of formal education—you just need a strong body and mind, ready to live in the mines for extended periods. Yet, it's not as if anyone can simply become a Miner. Like every other profession, being a Miner requires a license, legally certified, which is obtained by passing an exam set by the Guild.
Miners are divided into two types: those with stars and those without.
Starless Miners are those who haven't yet passed the certification exam but have a temporary license. These individuals can only assist as low-level laborers in the mines and are not authorized to explore or battle monsters. Ejin is categorized as a Starless Miner, which explains why the wages for Starless Miners are quite low.
On the other hand, Starred Miners are those who have passed the certification and are legally able to work as Miners. Their work ranges from mining resources to exploring new areas and fighting monsters. The lowest rank is one star, while the highest is ten stars. The more stars, the higher their pay rate—and the greater their potential.
Ivy, who was once a six-star Miner, was among the top tier. Out of billions of people, only a few thousand have reached her level. If you want your Miner career to be filled with success, it starts with obtaining a one-star Miner license.
But Asic didn't need to take the exam.
Asic graduated from Miner High School, a specialized school for training professional Miners, before moving on to the Police Academy. This meant he could submit his Miner diploma to obtain a one-star license without even leaving his home.
However, a one-star rank wasn't his goal. He was aiming much higher.
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November 15th, 2075, Miner Guild Office, Cryptopolis Branch
The massive building occupied several hundred square meters and was the first office the Miner Guild had established in this new world. It had been expanding every year, fully equipped with the latest technology. Any Miner-related transactions—such as getting certified or advancing ranks—had to be conducted through the guild's representatives here. Because of this, the place was constantly bustling, earning it the nickname "The Office Where the Carpet Never Gets Clean."
Asic arrived by public transport, dressed in his usual coat and hat, wearing black gloves and a silver watch. He carried a brown folder under one arm and a sleek black cane in his right hand. He looked like a character out of a spy movie, and he immediately drew attention as he stepped off the bus.
[Master, you are a target of attention.] OC said in Asic's mind. After watching countless movies, OC had started calling Asic "Master."
"It's only natural for a gentleman as dashing as myself to attract attention." Asic wasn't bothered by the eyes on him—he even smiled proudly. Looking this good wasn't just a matter of good genes; it took effort, daily care, and attention to detail.
[According to Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection, the strong survive while the weak perish. A handsome and capable master like you would naturally attract females. It's an inherent drive for organisms to pass on their superior genes to the next generation. These women likely want to bear your offspring to ensure their survival.] OC analyzed using cold, logical reasoning.
[However, OC doesn't understand why men are also staring at you. Can males and males breed together?]
"Appreciating someone who looks good doesn't require a reason, OC. Attraction isn't always about sex. You still have a lot to learn," Asic advised his Ego, like a parent teaching a naive child. He knew OC had a lot to learn, and it would be his job to guide it.
Asic entered the office and submitted the documents he had prepared. He was here to take the exam to upgrade to a two-star Miner. After receiving his queue number, he waited until his number was called. Once it was, he stepped into the changing room and switched into the tight black bodysuit provided by the office—a mandatory safety measure designed for agility and protection during the assessment.
Asic left his coat outside, donning only a simple black t-shirt and jeans over the bodysuit. His well-trained physique drew the attention of several onlookers, who couldn't help but swallow hard at the sight.
'With a face like that and a model's body, why risk your life as a Miner? Just become an actor! Stop hogging opportunities meant for the rest of us!' some muttered internally.
The more prominent he was, the more he stole the spotlight. A star that shone too brightly dimmed all those around it. In the eyes of many, everyone else was a competitor fighting for the same chance. Asic's presence drew the interest of talent scouts from various companies, which meant less attention for everyone else.
'Looks won't get you anywhere if you're weak.'
'All looks, no skill.'
'Pretty boys should just drop dead.' People whispered, some even mentally cursing Asic.
The Miner Guild officials entered the room. They were in charge of supervising this ranking exam. One of them, an older, tan-skinned man with half his face implanted with metal and a left eye made of special mineral that glowed faintly red, stepped forward.
His aura was intimidating—like that of a retired soldier.
"My name is Higgs, a four-star Miner. I am the head examiner for you hatchlings. Whether you pass or fail depends solely on my judgment."
"Higgs? That's Higgs the Zombie Hunter!"
"The real Higgs? He works here?"
"I thought he was dead!" Several participants whispered amongst themselves. Higgs was a well-known Miner. One-star Miners were a dime a dozen, and with enough effort, most could eventually reach two stars. But to become a three-star Miner required significant talent, and four stars were well-known figures, often with their own titles.
Those with five stars and above were treated like celebrities. Even as a four-star Miner, Higgs was well-known—a testament to how much attention the profession commanded.
"Silence!" Higgs shouted, his voice so loud it immediately silenced everyone.
"We will now begin the rank advancement assessment. There are two parts: a physical capability test and a combat skills test."
"Each mine has its unique environment. To become a two-star Miner, you must have a body that can adapt to harsh conditions at any time. If you can't survive in a mine, don't call yourself a Miner."
"Two-star Miners aren't like one-stars. You will have to fight monsters and explore the mines. You hatchlings must prove your worth by fighting real monsters. Begin the test!" Higgs shouted, and the staff began leading the candidates to a testing room equipped with special machinery.
The first test was Asra Power.
Asra power was the basic ability every Miner needed. Starless assistants didn't need to use Asra, but from one-star and up, it was mandatory. Without it, survival in the mines or the new world was impossible.
The test was simple—stand on a circular platform and release as much Asra as possible. The computer would then calculate the amount of Asra energy in a numerical value. The staff began calling out names.
"Candidate Nicholas Anderson."
"Yes," Nicholas replied as he stepped up. He was a man with naturally reddish skin, inherited from his father who had undergone genetic modification. Nicholas took a deep breath and focused, releasing his Asra energy. The energy flowed from his body into the measuring device, and the more he pushed, the higher the number rose. His face twisted in concentration, trying to push the value as high as possible.
Finally, the officials read out his score.
"Nicholas Anderson, Asra Power: 2 Units."
"Only 2..." Nicholas muttered, visibly disappointed. The average Asra power for humans was 2.5 units, which meant he was 0.5 units below the average.
Nicholas's face went pale upon hearing his score. It was far too disappointing, being below average. He walked away from the platform, mumbling to himself like a lifeless doll.
"It's over... my future is over."
Higgs looked at Nicholas with emotionless eyes. This was a common sight for him. Without hesitation, he called out the next name.
"Alan Yuri."
"Finally, it's my turn!" Alan Yuri announced loudly, exuding confidence. He was a man with bold, coiled eyebrows, large eyes, and fangs that made him look almost like an ogre. Everyone could tell that this guy was destined for big things.
Alan raised his arms and shouted with overflowing self-assurance. His striking features—coiled eyebrows, greenish skin, and those ogre-like fangs—caught everyone's attention as he confidently marched up to the Asra measuring platform. His self-confidence made him a focal point for scouts watching through high-security glass windows, observing potential rising stars.
The representatives from various companies had been allowed to watch the exam from a secure observation room. Their job was to recruit promising new Miners to strengthen their companies.
Alan stood on the platform, crossed his arms, and began to release his Asra energy bit by bit.
"Hnnngh!" Alan growled as he unleashed his power, and the computer began to read his Asra level.
"Alan Yuri, Asra Power: 5 Units."
"Yes!" Alan Yuri yelled triumphantly, his voice echoing throughout the examination hall. Others followed, cheering along with him.
"5 units—he's definitely going to get scouted!"
"Damn, so jealous," muttered others, casting envious glances at Alan. An Asra power of 5 units was double the average, an impressive feat. Unless some kind of prodigy showed up, Alan Yuri would be the standout of this test. Both Asra cards and Ego abilities required a minimum Asra power to activate, and the higher your power, the more options you had.
"Tch." A hulking man standing near Asic glared at Alan, clearly displeased.
"Just a bit taller, with that lanky body managing 5 units of Asra power? I'll show everyone who the real standout is today!" the large man grumbled to himself. Asic heard him but didn't pay it any mind, simply waiting for his own turn.
"Handsome Ubertaker!"
"Hahaha! My turn!" Handsome was the giant man who had been standing next to Asic earlier. As soon as his name was called, he unleashed an intimidating wave of energy, forcing other candidates to make way for him lest they be bowled over by his massive frame.
"I am Handsome from the Green Giant Training Grounds! My motto? Muscles! My passion? Muscles! My strength? Muscles! My dream? To have the strongest body in the world!" Handsome roared, unleashing a dark yellow Asra aura that continued to grow. His power increased so rapidly that the computer struggled to keep up.
"Hnnngh! Behold my muscles! Muscle Engine!" Handsome shouted, the yellow Asra energy splitting off from his body, forming a muscular golden apparition. His clothes tore from the rapid expansion of his muscles.
An Ego!
He was an Ego user.
"Handsome Ubertaker, Asra Power: 7.5 Units!"
"Hahaha!" Handsome lifted both arms in triumph, his roar resonating across the hall. The scouts were thrilled—7.5 units of Asra energy, combined with the fact that he was an Ego user, made him a prime target for recruitment.
Handsome walked off the platform, attracting the gazes of everyone around. Years of muscle training had not gone to waste; they had given him both substantial Asra power and a powerful Ego. No one here could shine brighter than him.
"7.5 units of Asra—almost three times the average. Alan Yuri was impressive, but Handsome's on another level."
"No one can outshine Handsome now." Candidates murmured amongst themselves as Handsome's laughter echoed even louder. Alan Yuri, who had been boasting moments before, now had a sour expression, unable to compete with Handsome's show of power. His Asra power paled in comparison, and he had no Ego to boast of.
'Damn it,' Alan muttered, biting his nails in frustration.
"Next, Morgan Freze."
Morgan stepped up to the platform. No one paid him any attention—most were still focused on Handsome. Dressed in a skull-patterned t-shirt with piercings in his lip and ears, and sporting short-cropped hair, Morgan had a slender frame, almost feminine in appearance.
"Proceed with the test," said one of the officials.
Morgan began to channel his Asra energy, a faint blue aura forming around him. It wasn't flashy like Handsome's, but it took the computer a considerable amount of time to finalize the reading.
"Morgan Freze, Asra Power: 9 Units."
9 units!
Three times the average.
Everyone stared in shock. Though Morgan didn't reveal an Ego like Handsome, his Asra power of 9 units spoke volumes. Alan Yuri's face went pale. Just dealing with Handsome was enough of a challenge—now this guy had stolen the spotlight too.
"Hmph. Looks like a girl, but somehow has more power than me, Handsome the Great?" Handsome eyed Morgan like a rival, though Morgan didn't seem to care about anyone else.
"Next, Asic Quadro."
Asic's name was called. He walked up to the platform, passing Morgan as he stepped down. Morgan glanced at him, sensing something peculiar about Asic.
'OC, any suggestions?'
[According to our plan, the more attention you attract, the greater your chances of success. OC recommends that you demonstrate your power honestly, as in the coming months, your strength will not remain the same.] OC advised its master. With OC's support, Asic knew he would surpass his current limits. Today's power wouldn't compare to what he would be capable of in just a month or two.
There was no need to hold back. It was time to show everyone the prowess of a former top agent.
"..." Asic exhaled, releasing his Asra energy, which coalesced into a dark purple aura.
"Hah..." He took a deep breath, his amethyst eyes glowing faintly. Bit by bit, the energy stored within him flowed out, forming a deep purple aura. The darker the aura, the greater the power. Asic clenched his right fist, and in an instant, the purple energy turned into electricity.
Purple lightning crackled around Asic, wrapping his body in its embrace. The oppressive pressure from his power spread across the entire hall, even reaching the glass observation room where the scouts stood. The measuring device worked intensely before finally giving a reading.
"Asic Quadro, Asra Power: 21 Units!!"
"Holy shit!" Everyone gasped. 5 units was impressive. 7.5 units was astonishing. 9 units seemed unbeatable. But 21 units—where had this guy come from? Not only that, but they had seen him transform his Asra into lightning—an indication of elemental mastery, and with the rare attribute of lightning at that. Asic was clearly an extraordinary individual—someone every scout desperately wanted to recruit.
Asic stepped off the platform, and without realizing it, everyone moved aside to make way for him.
Asic Quadro was no longer the government's secret agent. He didn't need to hide his abilities or pretend to be weak. With such exceptional potential, he was determined to draw all the attention to himself alone.
Asic instinctively locked eyes with Higgs, the four-star veteran Miner. Higgs looked down at him, a mix of skepticism and suspicion in his gaze.
'Is he a mercenary or a cop?' Higgs thought. He had been in the Miner business for a long time and knew everyone of note. For someone to reach this level of Asra power, they had to undergo intense training, usually under the guidance of an organization or corporation. From Higgs's point of view, there were only two possibilities—either a cop or a mercenary.
'Interesting.'