Chapter 104: Getting Ready ( PLAT )

"You wouldn't be attempting to persuade me to engage in combat with a Rank Four psychic, would you?" As Ethan listened to Mayor Everett Thorne's proposal, he thought it was so absurd, so utterly unthinkable, that it almost seemed crazy. He was a new Rank Two, a child.

Like a calm lake in a storm, the Mayor's voice was soothing and calm as he said, "No, no, no, Ethan." "I'm not asking you to engage in combat with a Rank Four."

Unaware that he was holding his breath, Ethan released it. Phew!

"Fight a C-rank monster."

Ethan's mouth fell open. He let out a choked, disbelieving cry. "Gosh! What actually separates those two statements, then? As if to confirm that the Mayor was staring at the correct person, he pointed at himself in shock. "Me???"

The Mayor nodded calmly, confirming, "Mm-hmm."

"Take on a C-rank monster!"

"Mm-hmm."

Ethan's voice rose with panicked sarcasm as he said, "My years of language experience tell me that those two sentences cannot possibly be mixed together in any sane conversation!"

"Aiya, I'm not asking you to kill it, Ethan," the Mayor explained, his tone finally tinged with amusement. "You simply need to serve as a deterrent and offer a helping hand on the side. We'll be alright.

"That won't work either!" Ethan sprang back, wildly waving his hands. "A Rank Four! A C-rank! With just one breath, it could blow me away!

The Mayor's eyes glistened with a knowledge that made Ethan shudder. "That's why we need you to use that… other form," he said.

His blood froze. "Are you aware of the amount of psychic energy that form uses? I can only hold it for three and a half minutes at my current rank. Do you think you could defeat a C-rank monster in three and a half minutes?

The Mayor's response was direct and concise. "No."

"Then, what on earth are you discussing?" Now that he was really nervous, Ethan's words came out quickly.

"Calm down," Everett Thorne said, his composure unflinching. Naturally, we have thought about this. We will give you the tools you need to refuel your psychic energy during the battle when the time comes.

"Is that currently the main point?" Ethan objected. "I still haven't agreed!"

"There's a prize."

"I need to be alive to accept a reward, even if there is one."

"Slow down," the mayor demanded. Naturally, we'll do everything in our power to ensure your safety. Furthermore, this procedure is not as risky as you may think.

Ethan countered, "You are all Rank Four masters." You don't consider it dangerous, of course. You can simply "swoosh" and flee when you're in actual danger.

"Ethan, I'm telling the truth. I'll give you a hint right here. Pointing to the screen, Mayor Thorne pulled out a sleek datapad and opened a secured intelligence file. At first, New Veridia's wild surroundings were surrounded by the domains of four C-rank monsters. Additionally, there are just three Rank Four psychic masters in the city. They have never dared to launch a coordinated, full-scale attack because we have an advantage inside our walls thanks to our defensive fortifications.

With everything beginning to fit together, Ethan looked up at the Mayor. However, the local monsters are now at a strategic disadvantage because you and the General previously killed that C-rank Red-Feathered Eagle. When they are weak, you want to use that advantage to your advantage and defeat them.

Mayor Thorne gave a headshake. It's not that easy. We are not afraid if we are defensive, as I mentioned. However, we are limited to using our three Rank Four combat powers if we decide to attack them in the wilderness. The game evens out at three on three. The danger is too great.

Ethan understood and nodded. "You came to find me, then."

The Mayor gave Ethan a serious look. "That's correct. You have the strength to take on a C-rank monster, as demonstrated by your performance against the Deacon. I can't find anyone else in the entire city who can serve as a fourth powerhouse, except for you. He leaned a little forward. We can have one more combatant at the Rank Four level if you join this operation. We will have a far better chance of winning.

Ethan fell silent as he considered the true motivation for this unexpected request. Then his mouth opened slowly. "If my understanding is correct, the new college entrance exam this year is the true reason you are all doing this now, right?" He stared at the Mayor, searching his face for a response.

With a slight, impressed smile on his lips, the Mayor nodded. "That's correct. The exam this year has changed drastically, requiring students to go outside of the city to take part in a real beast hunt.

Ethan furrowed his brows. "A major, unstable factor close to the designated exam zone is a C-rank monster." It is extremely dangerous just by existing. To pass the exam, you have to get rid of it right away.

The Mayor gave another nod. "Exactly. Additionally, this exam serves as a grand practical exercise for a new paradigm of psychological education in addition to being a test. It will have a significant effect on the entire Global Concord if it is successful here. However, without three to five years of successful trials, it would typically be impossible to persuade the central government to approve such a drastic change for the entire country.

He looked up, his face now entirely serious. However, you should not undervalue the speed of our nation's central government. This new policy may be implemented nationally as early as next year if our trial in New Veridia is successful. And the reason we are unable to seek outside assistance is because this issue is so crucial. We must demonstrate that we are capable of doing it on our own.

The Mayor looked directly at Ethan and said earnestly, "Calm down, Ethan, I won't let you lose. I can personally give you an additional hundred military merit points once the issue is resolved, provided you consent. Don't assume it's insufficient. One hundred military merit points is all that a typical C-rank mutant creature is worth. There are four of us on the team this time. This is the same as you taking half the spoils before we've even begun.

Ethan looked perplexed and said, "Four people? General Valerius, you, me... And who else?

"She is the other Rank Four psionicist in our New Veridia, and also the manager of The Undercurrent Market," Mayor Thorne said with a faint smile and a hint of mystery.

Ethan's eyes widened in surprise at this. "The black market manager!" The manager was a mysterious and powerful Rank Four psionicist, according to the rumors he had heard. It never occurred to him that this individual would also be involved in a covert operation run by the city.

In his heart, Ethan made calculations in silence. Three C-rank monsters are up against four Rank Four-level fighters. The benefit was clear. Additionally, he could receive such a substantial reward.

This transaction was guaranteed to be successful.