<Round Robin/>

Data crystals weren't just useful for equipment upgrades—they also played a critical role in rank advancement. 

Every awakener's rank was tied to Data Accumulation (DA), a system that measured progress in increments of up to 100%. Once the DA threshold was reached, the system automatically elevated the awakener's rank level.

Interestingly, ranks weren't expressed as simple numerical values but instead as nodes:

Low-level (1–5 nodes)

Mid-level (6–10 nodes)

High-level (11–15 nodes)

For example, a low-level S-rank awakener couldn't compete with a high-level S-rank. While I was classified as an EX-rank awakener by codebreaker, I was still in the low-level tier of this rank. These data crystals were vital to bridging that gap, and I made a mental note to gather more. 

The higher the class rank, the greater the number of data crystals required to increase the level. For lower-tier ranks like D or C, just a handful of crystals might suffice to bridge the gap between nodes. 

However, for high-tier ranks such as S or even SS, the demand for data crystals skyrocketed. 

Each incremental level required exponentially more DA, which meant that high-ranking awakeners often went to great lengths—or great expense—to secure these precious resources. 

The scarcity of data crystals further fueled their value in the market, making them a sought-after commodity not just for rank advancement but also for upgrading weapons, armor, and other critical equipment.

For someone like me, currently sitting at the low-tier of EX rank, gathering a substantial supply of data crystals wasn't just advantageous—it was essential. 

If I wanted to maintain an edge and climb the ranks, these crystals would become a cornerstone of my strategy.

The thought of how many data crystals I'd need to raise my EX rank felt like a weight pressing down on me.

Could be substantial.

Every data crystal is like a rare commodity, and gaining enough to elevate my rank... well, it's not something that happens overnight.

The strain hit me for a moment, the idea of gathering them all—a mountain of work, a continuous grind. It'd take time, effort, maybe even risks I wasn't ready to take just yet. I couldn't afford to let the numbers overwhelm me, though.

One step at a time. No shortcuts.

Next, I examined the EX-grade blueprint I received as a reward for surviving the first wave of Cason's attacks. 

It turned out to be a blueprint for Advanced Drone Manipulation, which would enable me to upgrade my drones to a higher operational level. 

That upgrade would have to wait, but I was already envisioning the enhanced combat capabilities it would bring.

Finally, the moment I'd been waiting for arrived: unlocking my new sub-skill. A familiar chime rang in my mind.

[Randomly Unlocking Sub-skill…]

Congratulations! You have unlocked the sub-skill: Nano-tech Rebirth (EX).>

[Nano-tech Rebirth (EX): A sub skill of Nanotech Infusion (EX), a skill that integrate nanotechnology into objects, allies, or your own body to enhance physical and magical capabilities.

Cooldown: None

Effect: Instantly heal any injury, including death, by reconstructing matter at the molecular level. Can also be used to alter molecular implants, including genetically infused trackers or bindings.]

I couldn't help but grin. Codebreaker never failed to impress me. This wasn't just a skill—it was a solution. With Nano-tech Rebirth, I now had the ability to manipulate the tracking tattoo implanted in me, turning it into a tool for my own benefit.

This was more than just a reward—it was a weapon, and I couldn't wait to put it to use.

The arena fell into an eerie silence as the Instructor, who presided over Initiation Day, strode in with an air of authority. His sharp, calculating gaze scanned the room, and the condescending smirk on his face made every rookie tense up.

"Rookies," he began, his voice dripping with mockery. "Congratulations to the survivors." 

He flashed a grin, but it quickly twisted into a scowl. "And for the rest of you maggots who failed, prepare yourselves for hell. The next three months of your pathetic existence will be nothing but grueling, soul-crushing training as punishment!" His laughter echoed, sending shivers through the crowd.

The atmosphere grew heavier as he continued, his tone oozing menace. "Now, for the next and final phase, we'll determine your individual rankings. Of course, you'll remain in your current teams, but here's the catch—this time, you'll be fighting each other in this arena."

A wave of murmurs spread through the rookies, but the Instructor silenced them with a glare. 

"Here's how it works. The phase consists of two rounds. The first round is a round-robin tag team battle. Each team will face off against another in a series of random matchups. The objective is simple—defeat your opponents."

The instructor sneered as he paced in front of us, his tone dripping with disdain.

"Alright, rookies, listen up—assuming your pea-sized brains can handle this. Let me explain the Round Robin Tag Team Battle, which means one-on-one fights. You send one fighter into the ring, your partner waits their turn. Got it so far? Good."

He stopped, glaring at someone who dared to yawn.

"Tagging is simple: touch your teammate or call their name to swap. If you get knocked out—which pathetic!—you're out, and the next fighter in line steps in. Stay in too long? You'll burn out, and you'll wish you tagged out sooner."

His boots echoed as he circled us like vultures eyeing roadkill.

"Oh, and don't even think about hogging the fight. Smart teams substitute. Defensive player for an attacker, healer to patch things up. You get the picture. And yes, tagging gives your replacement a little boost—brief, so don't waste it."

He crossed his arms, smirking like he was addressing a pack of toddlers.

"To win? Either you wipe out the other team or score enough wins in one-on-ones to take the match. Simple. But let's face it, most of you will probably flop before it gets interesting. Any questions? No? Good. Try not to embarrass yourselves."

He paused, letting his words sink in before delivering the twist. "Each team will battle twice. But here's the fun part—you're betting your points. Both teams will wager an equal amount, and the winning team takes it all. Losers? Well, they'll be bleeding points." 

The Instructor's grin widened, and the rookies' unease deepened.

I clenched my fists, biting back a retort. One day, I'd wipe that smirk off his face.

"Do you understand what this means?" he asked, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "For some of you, this is your chance to climb out of the dirt. For others, it's where you'll fall. Hard."

The stakes were clear, and the tension in the room was palpable. All eyes were now locked on the Instructor, their expressions a mix of determination, fear, and anticipation.