Team Coordination
Sienna moved like a conductor, orchestrating the flow of the workers with precision that made everything seem effortless. She wasn't the loudest on-site, nor was she the most physically intimidating, but she had a presence that made others listen.
Even Nathan didn't mess with her.
I stood a few feet away, arms crossed, observing the way she worked.
"You're watching closely," she noted, stepping back toward me. The corners of her lips twitched in the faintest hint of amusement.
"You told me to learn," I replied.
She smirked. "Fair enough."
She turned back to the workers, signaling to one of the younger guys, Leo, who had been struggling with moving a load of steel bars.
"Leo," she called, her tone even. "Instead of dragging them one by one, stack them two at a time and use the dolly. You'll move twice as fast with half the effort."
Leo blinked before nodding. "Right. Got it."
She didn't just give orders—she explained why. That was what set her apart.
Another worker, Omar, had been working on securing the scaffolding when she approached him. "Double-check the fastenings before stepping up, and make sure you call for a spotter."
Omar grimaced. "I've been doing this for years, Sienna."
"And yet you almost broke your leg last month." She arched an eyebrow. "It takes two seconds. No one wants another hospital bill."
A few chuckles broke out among the workers. Omar sighed but nodded. "Fine, fine."
She turned back to me.
"Confidence matters," she explained. "You give a half-assed order, you get half-assed work. But push too hard, and people shut down. It's about balance. Command without being overbearing."
I nodded, absorbing every word. Even without my System, this was valuable.
It continued like that for the next hour. Sienna gave instructions, adjusted plans, and explained everything to me. How she chose her words carefully. How she adapted to different personalities. How she built trust so that even those ranked higher respected her input.
And then—
[System Notification: Absorption Complete!]
I inhaled sharply. A rush of understanding flooded my mind—not just memories, but instincts. It was like my brain had rewired itself, filling in gaps I hadn't even known existed.
[Skill Acquired: Team Coordination (Lv. 3)]
And then, another pop-up.
[Congratulations! First Absorption Successful!]
As a reward for your first-ever skill absorption, you may select one of the following:
1. Boost Absorbed Skill to Lv. 6 (One Level Higher Than Original User).
Warning: Further Absorption from Individual Sienna Locke will be disabled. Only Copy will remain available.
2. Keep Skill at Lv. 3 and Maintain Absorption Access.
I froze, considering.
Staying at Level 3 meant I could continue learning from Sienna. But getting to Level 6 would take months, maybe longer.
No contest.
I tapped Option 1 without hesitation.
A surge of clarity washed over me. Conversations I had overheard in passing suddenly made sense. I could anticipate responses before they were even spoken. I instinctively knew how to phrase things in a way that would resonate with different people.
This was more than just learning—it was mastery.
[Skill Upgraded: Team Coordination (Lv. 6)]
The world didn't look different, but it felt different.
Sienna turned back to me, unaware of the transformation I had just undergone. "Alright, you've been watching long enough. Let's test what you've learned."
I raised an eyebrow. "Test?"
She nodded toward a group of lower-ranked workers. "Go over and give them instructions. Organize them for the next phase."
I almost laughed.
This was too easy now.
I strode forward, confidence settling into my posture. The group—four men, one woman—turned as I approached.
"Alright," I began, my voice carrying just enough authority. "We need to move these supplies to the next section efficiently. Mark, you're the strongest here—you focus on heavy loads. Janice, you're the fastest—handle the smaller materials so nothing slows you down. The rest of you, assist as needed, but keep communication open. If anything feels off, call it out."
They exchanged glances, then nodded.
"Got it."
"Understood."
"Sounds good to me."
No hesitation. No pushback.
Even Mark, who was known for being stubborn, nodded in approval. "Damn, Vale. Didn't think you had it in you."
I just smirked. "You and me both."
I walked back to Sienna, who had been watching with arms crossed. She let out a low whistle.
"Not bad."
"All thanks to you," I replied smoothly.
She chuckled. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you just leveled up mid-conversation."
She had no idea.
The day carried on, smoother than ever. My mind worked at a pace I had never known before, processing interactions, predicting responses, and adjusting my approach on the fly.
Even Nathan seemed perturbed by how easily I was fitting in now.
And then—
[System Notification: Event Alert!]
The entire worksite paused. Everyone received the same message at once.
[Important Construction Assignment Received: Hudson Bridge Project]
A government contract. A major infrastructure job.
Recognition. Opportunity.
For most workers, this was a golden chance to gain experience, potentially even new skills.
For me?
Something much bigger.
Because I had received a different message.
[Jobmaster (SSS-Class): Rank Up Quest Available!]
Your direct involvement in a critical construction project has triggered an opportunity to evolve your profession.
Requirements:
- Successfully integrate yourself as a core part of the project.
- Demonstrate value in leadership and execution.
Completion Reward:
Rank Upgrade: Unskilled Laborer (F) → Construction Worker (B)
B-Rank.
The same rank as Sienna.
A real step up.
I exhaled slowly, my fingers curling into a fist.
This was it.
Nathan Crowley wouldn't be laughing for much longer.
[SYSTEM INTERFACE]
Name: Reynard Vale
Job Title: Jobmaster (Rank SSS)
Job Skills:
Endurance Boost (Lv. 2): Reduces fatigue from manual labor
Strategist (Lv. 2): Improves planning and problem-solving abilities
Heavy Lifting (Lv. 2): Boosts physical strength, making it easier to carry heavy objects
Material Efficiency (Lv. 1): Optimizes use of resources, reducing waste and improving precision
Team Coordination (Lv. 6): Enhances team management and leadership
Jobs:
Unskilled Laborer (F) → [Rank-Up Quest Available]
Special Skill:
Scan, Absorb, Destroy
Cooldown:
Skill Copy (17h 12m Remaining)