Chapter 48: C-Level Ability Rating, An Invitation (Extra Chapter for [Phantom]'s Reward and Recommendation Votes)

"I understand." As he spoke, Zhang Ran also moved a few steps to the left, coming to stand before the fourth mannequin. He repeated the process, activating the rune of the "Blood Plunder" ability.

As Zhang Ran focused his thoughts, the first crimson rune on the Tree of Evolution within his mind flickered. He extended his right hand, pointing directly at the fourth mannequin.

With a sharp whoosh, an extremely sharp blood spike shot forth, slicing through the air and aiming straight for the mannequin’s chest.

There was a screech of rending metal as the blood spike pierced the mannequin’s level-2 alloy armor. However, faced with the armor’s three-centimeter thickness, the spike’s force waned. In the end, Zhang Ran’s blood spike failed to penetrate the heavy armor, leaving only a pit two centimeters deep in its surface.

“Congratulations. Your ability is classified as C-level, and it’s among the more powerful in that category. Your prospects are exceptionally bright—there’s every chance you’ll advance to become a level-6 or higher evolver, perhaps even reach level 9!”

Though Zhang Ran’s blood spike hadn’t managed to pierce the level-2 alloy armor, Reno’s eyes couldn’t help but flash with envy as he looked at Zhang Ran. He announced the results with a smile and offered his congratulations.

“Mr. Reno, thank you for helping me with the assessment,” Zhang Ran replied, expressing his gratitude. Inwardly, he was quite pleased with his own ability.

Although his ability had only been rated at C-level in this evaluation, Zhang Ran knew very well that “Blood Plunder” was at least a B-level power. During Black Hawk Company’s testing, he hadn’t revealed the ability’s full potential—for instance, he could unleash up to five blood spikes at once, not just one. Moreover, Blood Plunder also carried vampiric and regenerative effects, both of which were formidable in actual combat.

“No need to thank me. Little brother, with your C-level ability, you’re already a prime candidate for special training at Black Hawk. The five Executive Lords will surely send their secretaries to invite you to join their ranks. Have you given any thought to which of the Executives you’ll choose to follow?”

Reno grinned at Zhang Ran’s thanks, then continued his inquiry.

“Not yet. I don’t know much about the five Executives. Could you tell me a bit about them?” Zhang Ran shook his head and asked sincerely.

Within Black Hawk Company, ultimate authority lay with the five Executives, each an evolver of level 10 or above—a Hunter-level figure. Their names were Link, Sardin, Schwarze, Terry, and Marcy. The first four were men; the last, a woman.

Zhang Ran had only heard their names during his time at the Black Hawk training camp, nothing more. He thus turned to Reno, hoping for more information.

“Of course! First, I must recommend Lord Sardin, whom I serve. He’s the eldest among the Executives and has the best temperament. If you choose to follow him, he’ll place you in the best hunting squad, ensuring you develop rapidly and safely.”

Reno answered Zhang Ran’s request with enthusiasm.

“Thank you for the introduction, Brother Reno! However, instead of joining a hunting squad, I’d prefer to be a lone operative. So, I wanted to ask: among the five Executives, whose followers have the most freedom to go out alone, hunt, or take on missions independently?”

Zhang Ran thanked Reno once more, then posed his next question.

“A lone wolf, eh? If that’s what you want, you should follow Lord Link. But I’ll be honest: his terms aren’t as generous as Lord Sardin’s, and he’s got a bit of a temper. Honestly, I think you’d be safer with Sardin. Hunting solo does help you evolve faster, but it’s also much more dangerous. With a C-level ability like yours, there’s no need to take such risks.”

Reno’s tone was frank, and he offered his advice earnestly.

“Thank you for your advice. I’ll take everything into consideration.”

Zhang Ran politely declined, though inwardly, his decision was already made.

With the chip’s assistance, Zhang Ran could quickly locate large numbers of mutant creatures. If he were part of a team, he’d never dare reveal such a capability, which would only hamper his hunting efficiency. Only by operating alone could he truly maximize his growth.

Furthermore, thanks to the “Transcendent Evolution” skill, Zhang Ran would gain a new ability with each advancement. If he were in a hunting squad, he wouldn’t be able to use these abilities freely, which would severely slow his progress. For these reasons, Zhang Ran had long decided that he would continue hunting alone after becoming an evolver. After listening to Reno, he resolved to follow Link.

“Well then, it seems you’ve set your mind on following Lord Link. I won’t try to persuade you further. Come on, let’s get the rest of your paperwork sorted out.”

Seeing Zhang Ran’s determination, Reno simply shook his head in resignation and led him to the guild hall to handle the remaining procedures.

Ten minutes later, the formalities were complete. Zhang Ran received a small silver medallion bearing his name and a single star—his new badge of identity.

Afterward, Reno escorted Zhang Ran to the third floor of the guild hall, where five people awaited him. They were the resident secretaries of the five Executives, responsible for administrative matters and for recruiting promising or powerful evolvers. Upon learning of Zhang Ran’s ability rating, they had gathered to issue their invitations.

“I am a follower of Lord Link. If you choose to serve under him, you will enjoy the greatest freedom in your training. Aside from meeting a yearly quota of contribution points, Lord Link will not restrict your movements. Furthermore, you’ll receive a starting fund of fifty thousand Black Hawk credits, your debt will be reduced to five hundred thousand, and until your debt is cleared, you’ll only need to remit a quarter of your earnings from each mission.”

A young man in black armor was the first to step forward and extend his invitation to Zhang Ran.