Core City of Truth, Combat Power Test Zone.
Mike walked into the hall and looked around. The usually crowded hall was exceptionally empty today.
"That makes sense, with the buffs, everyone is busy challenging the Tower of Truth. The Combat Power Test can be done anytime."
Mike noticed that even the staff were not an exception. Many service windows were lit with red lights, displaying [Service Suspended]. The staff had taken leave to go to the Tower of Truth, trying to advance further.
"Please check in at the self-service machine and collect a number to queue."
Following the voice prompt, Mike found a machine. The information required was simple: [Level, Class, Tower of Truth floors], etc. Even combined, these details couldn't pinpoint Mike personally.
Clearly, to keep Thor's identity hidden, the Defense Headquarters had made comprehensive arrangements. Moreover, here in the Core City of Truth, with IDs hidden, no one could trace it back to Mike!
"Have you participated in the Combat Power Test before?"
"No."
"Your test will start from [Battle Soldiers Tier One], serial number 338, please go to window 3 to queue."
A piece of paper with the serial number printed on it was dispensed from the machine, which Mike took.
"Window 3... huh, why are there so many people?"
In the entire hall, only 3 windows were operational, and naturally, all those participating in the Combat Power Test gathered together. Mike hadn't expected to see dozens of people ahead of him, forming a long line.
Looking at the situation, even if it took 5 minutes per person, it would still be hours of waiting!
Mike frowned slightly,
"Strange, why aren't they at the Tower of Truth leveling up, instead of here at the Combat Power Test?"
Among these dozens of people, Mike spotted a familiar face-James!
Above James's head floated a note:
[Drowned by a lava eruption, as for who's to blame, well, cough cough...]
Ah, this...
Mike couldn't help but cringe.
Drowning in lava was indeed a frustrating way to go.
As Mike spotted James, James also noticed him.
"Mike, what are you doing here?" James looked over, slightly puzzled. "Did you go to Thunder Valley too?"
"Uh... yeah, I went to Thunder Valley," Mike replied earnestly.
James clearly misunderstood; he thought Mike had also been killed by lava or monsters.
"Ah, tough luck for you too. If you had died a bit later, you wouldn't have had a weakening period!"
The rules of the Tower of Truth are strict. After Thor's SSSS-level clearance, all human players received various powerful buffs. However, those who died before this still suffered the weakening penalty!
"I see..." Mike nodded, understanding why James and the others were here. They had died in Thunder Valley and were stuck in a lengthy period of weakness.
Originally, James and his group were hanging out in the Trade Zone, looking for opportunities to snag a deal. But after everyone received the buffs, they all left!
That left them, the unlucky ones, with nothing to do in the Core City of Truth. Finally, someone suggested they come to the [Combat Power Test Zone] and try the Battle Soldiers test. They were just there to see the sights, not really expecting to pass the Battle Soldiers test!
The difficulty of the Battle Soldiers test was so high that many Level 30 seniors couldn't pass it. Only those of higher levels could hope to become a Tier One Battle Soldier. Even geniuses with A or S level talents typically needed to be Level 20 to pass.
"If anyone can pass the Battle Soldiers test now, they'd be comparable to the legendary Thor!"
As they chatted in line, James just greeted Mike and didn't continue the conversation. After waiting a few minutes and seeing the line wasn't moving, Mike said, "I'm going to check the front."
He had a VIP card from [Mystic Market] with Battle General level privileges. If he could use it, it might save him a lot of time in line.
James glanced at Mike's retreating figure and didn't say much.
Today, it seemed Jessica was somewhat involved with that guy, but James wasn't worried. He didn't see Mike as a threat to himself, especially with his A-level talent.
A Thief named [Hawkeye] suddenly spoke up, "James, what class is your classmate?" "Mike? I'm not sure," James replied casually. "I wasn't really close to him before."
With so many people at school, probably only Cain had a good relationship with Mike. "I'll check the database. Mike... Mage... Watcher's Eye. Why are you interested in this?" The group of geniuses was curious. Hawkeye's talent was in identification, and perhaps he could discern something extraordinary about Mike.
"He's a Mage... not a Warrior," Hawkeye muttered. "Never mind, I thought I saw something else. I thought he was..."
Previously, Hawkeye had used his talent to scout deep into Thunder Valley. In a fleeting glimpse, he saw a Warrior awakening a boss alone, attempting to solo the boss.
That glance had cost Hawkeye his life. But it was all too rushed, and his attention was mainly on the Minotaur Battle General, so he didn't pay much attention to this Warrior. The appearance was somewhat blurry.
When Hawkeye saw Mike, he felt a resemblance and consoled himself, "Maybe all handsome people look similar."
Under everyone's gaze, Mike walked straight to the front to a working robot, showed a card, and was allowed through immediately!
"Why does he get to skip the line?"
"I don't know, skipping the line... you need at least Battle General level privileges for that,
right?"
"I think I saw him pull out a card, a Mystic Market VIP card?!"
".....
The conversation made James's face darken. A Mystic Market VIP card with Battle General level privileges. With Mike's abilities and background, how could he possibly have something
like that!
It must be from Jessica! Damn it!
James said disdainfully, "No matter, let him go in for the test. The Tier One Battle Soldiers
test-I bet Mike won't last even 10 seconds!"
The people around nodded frequently. Although James's words were harsh, they made sense. A Mage with D-level talent lasting 10 seconds would be incredibly difficult!