The SS- Rank

The scientists in the room stared at the monitor with wide eyes, their expressions betraying disbelief. One of them, an elderly man with gray hair and a face marked by years of witnessing unspeakable horrors, finally spoke.

"How can this be?"

"What's the issue? What is his rank?" General Garry asked, his voice calm but laced with urgency.

The old man, who had seemingly become the spokesperson for the younger scientists, turned to him and answered, "The boy... His rank is above S-rank. It's SS-rank. However, his body needs to be tempered to effectively regulate the immense energy within him. General, it seems that his prolonged exposure—more than a year in the Monstron fluid—has evolved his blood, granting it new traits. Who knows what abilities this boy might manifest."

The words echoed in the room, heavy with meaning. General Garry stood motionless for a moment, his gaze fixed on the monitor.

"That's... remarkable. I'll make the report," he sighed heavily before turning and walking away.

"What is his rank again?" the doctor pressed.

"It's SS-rank," the old man repeated firmly.

The doctor's eyes widened in shock, and he gestured for the scientists to remove the cube from Zain's testing chamber.

"All right, we're finished. Good work. Zain… we'll come to check on you soon," he said, his voice carrying a mix of curiosity and disbelief.

'This boy… how is this possible? He's on the same level of power as the Supreme General. How intriguing,' the doctor thought as he silently left the room, his mind racing.

Zain, lying on the bed inside the chamber, glanced at his hand, which he had used to release energy. He sighed softly.

'I wonder why the doctor looked so surprised. Maybe I didn't do it right… or maybe I'm just weak,' he thought before drifting off to sleep.

---

General Garry immediately began drafting a report to the Supreme General. The report detailed Zain's awakening and the subsequent assessment, which confirmed his SS-rank. It also highlighted Zain's fragile physical condition. While Garry refrained from including his personal speculations, he knew deep down that the Supreme General would personally come to assess the boy.

When the report reached the World's Central Scavengers Association (WCSA) headquarters in Europe, where the Supreme General worked, it was reviewed with a meticulous eye. The Supreme General, a man known for his unmatched strategic mind, narrowed his eyebrows as he finished reading.

Placing the report on his desk, he leaned back and stared at one of the monitors on his screen.

"A new SS-ranker... How long has it been since I achieved this rank? Two decades now," he murmured with a deep sigh.

He tapped a key on his keyboard, bringing up Zain's file. The boy's profile stared back at him, the words "SS-Rank" prominently displayed.

"This boy… He might truly be the diamond we've been seeking. But will he be able to handle what fate has in store for him? Only time will tell. For now, I'll do my best to guide him," he said to himself.

He pressed another key, initiating a call to General Garry.

"General Garry, I've read the report. I will visit the boy at the end of the year. In the meantime, start tempering his body. Do it slowly, though—if the energy circulating within him is left unchecked, it could violently shred him apart."

The Association had never been wrong about a rank since its inception, and the Supreme General was not about to doubt their findings.

---

Zain had made some progress. He could now walk, though only for about twenty steps before collapsing. Even so, it was enough for him to reach the window in his room. His assigned quarters were in a dorm-like military base with low-rise buildings, allowing fresh air to rush in through the windows.

The base itself was nestled in a vibrant savanna. The grass appeared greener than usual, and the trees seemed to radiate an almost ethereal beauty. Zain sat on his bed, staring out at the rustling trees.

"Ria…" he muttered absentmindedly.

"What's that?" General Garry asked as he entered the room.

"It just popped into my mind. When I was unconscious, there was a girl… She spoke to me. I think her name was Ria," Zain replied, his gaze distant.

"So, you weren't completely unconscious?"

"I'm not sure," Zain admitted, turning to face the General.

General Garry, dressed in a sharp suit, walked closer.

"General, how come you never seem to go on missions like the other generals? Are you avoiding them?" Zain asked curiously.

The General smirked. "No, I don't avoid missions. In fact, I'm considered one of the deadliest among the generals. Besides, I'm the leader of the Association's branch in Africa. That's a full-time responsibility," he explained.

Zain chuckled softly. "I see. Well, sir, when will I be able to return to school?"

The General's expression turned somber. "You won't be able to return to school for a while, Zain."

Zain tilted his head, confused.

"You see, Zain, your body isn't physically ready yet. And with your new rank, we need to ensure you're properly trained and tempered," the General explained.

"Does that mean I'll be able to go back afterward?" Zain asked hopefully.

General Garry gave him a faint smile, then extended a hand to pat his head.

"We'll see. Now, tell me more about this Ria girl," the General said, steering the conversation in another direction.