"General Garry, was it wise to designate Zain as a C-rank?"
Karen stared at the hologram of a DNA structure as she asked this. General Garry, who was also observing the same hologram, glanced at Karen and shrugged.
Karen continued, her voice laced with concern.
"Isn't it a bit too much, General? The boy is only twelve years old and hasn't even consumed monster blood yet. We both know the power and influence a C-rank can wield. Do you really trust him to handle all that pressure?"
The young woman's worried tone hung in the air. General Garry smiled calmly, exuding confidence.
"Karen, my young subordinate, Zain is a promising young man who, I believe, will change the fate of this dying world. I have a hunch, and I'm putting my full trust in him. You saw what his mundane strength could accomplish. According to the Scavenger's Code, under the Ascension section, if a recruit defeats a monster, they are to be assigned the rank of the monster they killed as their first rank and are to consume its blood."
He paused, his tone more serious.
"But, Karen, Zain hasn't officially become a recruit yet. We couldn't fully adhere to the Scavenger's Code. Instead, I exempted him from consuming the armored bear's blood and attaining the B-rank at his age. That was a conscious decision."
Karen nodded in understanding.
"I see now, General."
---
At the Academy
In the faculty room, the teachers were gathered around a long table, listening intently to the principal. The man stood at the head of the table, his short but commanding presence filling the room.
"I have called you all here to discuss the new student who arrived today. For those of you who are not yet briefed on the matter, listen closely. The new student's name is Zain Xenos," he began.
At the mention of the name, concerned expressions appeared on several teachers' faces. The principal anticipated their reactions.
"Yes, I understand you may be wary of hearing the name 'Xenos,' as it's the term used for humans mutated into monsters. However, I assure you, the boy is safe to interact with. We received an extensive report from the association branch this morning."
The principal, Benedict, displayed a hologram of a DNA structure. Beneath it was the name: Zain Xenos.
Benedict was a chubby, short man with blond hair and a long beard. His stature was dwarfish, but his aura commanded attention. At forty years old, he had achieved what few in his field could: becoming the principal of a prestigious academy. Though many of the teachers were his age, Benedict's reputation as an S-rank human and a master tactician set him apart. His nickname, "The Tactician," stemmed from his unparalleled quick thinking and critical assessment skills. While he didn't appear to be a combatant, his proficiency in close combat made him a lethal fighter.
"I want all of you to ensure your students are not alarmed by Zain's presence," Benedict instructed.
A middle-aged teacher seated at the table cleared his throat.
"May I speak, Principal?"
Benedict gestured for him to proceed.
"Principal, I was informed the boy has been designated as a C-rank. Could you clarify why?"
Benedict smiled knowingly.
"Mr. Lanard, it's truly astonishing, and I find it a bit difficult to put into words. But I will explain. Zain was given a test by General Garry. In this test, he was tasked with escaping an armored bear. Instead of running away, he killed the bear with his bare hands and calmly walked to the exit."
Gasps and murmurs filled the room as the teachers processed this revelation. Many were astonished; some were even impressed.
Mr. Lanard, now staring intently at the DNA structure, spoke again.
"With all due respect, Principal, why was the boy then handed over to the scientists for further testing? And if he achieved such a feat, why not assign him the B-rank instead of C-rank?"
Benedict nodded thoughtfully.
"I understand your concerns, Mr. Lanard. Zain is still a child. He struck a deal with General Garry to attend this academy and focus on his education. As for his rank, it was decided to assign him C-rank because, while his strength is extraordinary, he has not yet mastered the battle skills required to fight monsters effectively. Does anyone have any further questions?"
The room fell silent as most of the teachers, now satisfied with the explanation, exchanged glances.
End of Chapter 9