CHAPTER 52: CH-52 - BONUS CHAPTER

As soon as I stepped onto the marked spot, a grid of red lasers sprang to life, tracing precise, calculated lines across my body from head to toe.

The sensation wasn’t painful, but it wasn’t comfortable either, a subtle, static-like tingle crawled over my skin while they scanned and mapped every detail of me.

I couldn’t help but wonder if it would give me cancer; something about it screamed radioactive.

[DING!]

[Host: System has detected an external scan from primitive technology. Do you want to temper the data?]

’Yeah, just give me a D rank. Not too high, not too low.’

[Affirmative]

(Physical parameters recorded,) a computerized voice announced.

(Subject: Ace Mercer. Height, weight, and body composition within normal range.)

The lasers shut off, leaving me standing alone inside the glass chamber.

For a few seconds, silence filled the room—then a terminal rose from the center of the floor, displaying two hand-shaped scanners.

"Mr. Mercer, please inject your power into the device," the examiner instructed.

Placing my hands, I focused and channeled my power into the device.

(Energy level detected. Processing...) the terminal announced with mechanical voice.

Everyone else poured their all into this test, desperate to secure their future. And here I was, doing the exact opposite—so outrageous that even the examiners wouldn’t believe it if I admitted it.

"Mr. Mercer, the energy test is complete. Could you demonstrate your ability?’

"Sure"

Taking a deep breath, I clenched my fist and exhaled... then BANG!

A shockwave rippled through the air, released with the force of my first strike.

I continued, and although the feat was impressive for a human, none of the examiners looked amazed; some even shook their heads in disappointment.

Among all the types of powers, Physical Enhancements was probably the least popular.

The glass door slid open, and I stepped out casually.

"Your results, Mr. Mercer."

I took the white envelope and casually tore it open.

Physical Strength: C

Energy Level: D

Ability: D

Potential: C

Overall Rank: D Rank.

"Your Physical Enhancement is above average, but its flexibility is limited, so we can only give you this rating."

"Is my potential really that low?"

"Potential ratings measure your projected growth ceiling based on current parameters. Your body simply doesn’t have the capacity to channel higher energy levels. However, once you gain more training and experience, you can return to update your ranking."

They still treated me with respect because of my status. If I were a nobody, they wouldn’t have even bothered explaining the details of my result.

I folded the paper and slipped it into my pocket, nodding stiffly.

"Thank you."

***

***

***

I stepped outside without showing any expression and headed for the window to pick up my license.

[DING]

[Mission: Create your own party]

I was taken aback by the sudden mission. My plate was already full—figuring out how to deal with Daniel and now this on top of everything else.

[Host: The secrets of the Mercer Family—and the organization backing them—run deep. You can’t win alone; you need people you can use like pawns.]

A smirk crossed my face.

Fair enough. One person can only do so much. Too bad I don’t have the power to raise the dead and command an army of overpowered minions—guess I’ll have to settle for a regular team.

Time to find people worth putting to use. And what better place for that than here.

I looked around, and as luck would have it, I spotted the girl who had earned a B Rank earlier. Her skin had a warm, sun-kissed glow, clearly from spending long hours under the sun.

Her brown eyes darted nervously across the crowd, and her brown hair was tied into a low ponytail that swayed slightly as she moved.

Every so often, she brushed a strand of hair from her face, showing self-consciousness despite her achievement.

"Hi, congrats on getting B Rank."

She was surprised by my greeting but forced a smile anyway.

There was something in her expression... softness which made me think she was a little too timid, maybe even too innocent for her own good.

"Mind if we talk for a bit? Just some friendly chat."

She didn’t know it yet, but my ability was already doing its work.

"Sure."

"Too many ears around here. Let’s head over to that bench,"

Because of her personality, it was easy to lure her over. Once we sat down, I started the conversation with a simple introduction.

"My name is Ace Mercer."

Her eyebrow twitched. "Mercer...? Are you, by any chance, related to Mercer Corporation?"

This makes things much easier.

"Just between us... I’m actually the only son, but I’m keeping a low profile right now."

"Really?" she exclaimed, quickly checking her phone. Her eyes widened a moment later.

"Wait, it is you? Oh my god—I didn’t mean to be so casual earlier. I’m so sorry!"

She nearly stood up, but I reached out and gently grabbed her hand.

"Don’t worry about it. Like I said, I’m trying to keep things low-key. By the way, what’s your name?"

"I’m May Sanders," her voice was now more controlled.

"Did you sign any contract already?"

"Not yet. I was actually waiting for my father’s friend to come pick me up. She was a recruiter for Moonlight Guild."

The name didn’t ring a bell, so it probably wasn’t an impressive group.

"Look, I get it—you’re excited. But rushing into a contract right after getting a high rank? That’s how people get stuck. If you just wait a little and let the guilds come to you, they’ll start throwing better offers your way. Trust me, playing it cool pays off."

"Is that true?" she gasped. "Sorry, I’m not familiar with it."

Convincing her might be easier than I anticipated.

"Yes, your best option right now is to join a training center first and raise your value before signing any contract that could lock you in."

Although a training center was mandatory, there was a way to finish the course ahead of schedule: prove we are combat-ready.

I saw hesitation in her eyes. "But training centers cost a lot of money. I couldn’t afford it without joining a guild first."

A chance!

"I’m putting together a party of my own. How about joining me? I’ll cover your training expenses, and once we’re cleared to climb the towers, you work under me for three months. Fair deal?"

Her eyes didn’t flicker, maybe because my offer was too direct.

I needed to sweeten the deal first, and from her words earlier, what she needed right now was one thing.

"Don’t worry. I’ll front you an advance—say, 200,000? That should be more than enough to get you started."

Her pupils lit up at the offer, but before I could seal the deal, a woman approached us.

She looked to be in her mid-forties, with black hair and matching eyes.

"May will be signing with the Moonlight Guild."

Standing up, I met her gazed confidently. "So, what’s her signing bonus?"

"300K"

I chuckled, finding the offer predatory for a B Rank.

"I’m offering 500K. Go ahead and try to beat that, but let’s be real—you’re just a recruiter. You don’t stand a chance against me."

"Are you insane? What guild are you even with?"

"I’m not from any guild. That amount is just for her to work with me temporarily. After that, she can decide for herself."

She narrowed her eyes. "You’re seriously offering half a million for a party member ?"