The silence lingered in the air, thick with disbelief. Their expressions—a mixture of awe, confusion, and thinly veiled frustration—were a familiar sight to me.
I had seen this before.
And I would see it again.
But there was no time to revel in their astonishment. The moment my first test concluded, we were ushered toward the next.
The others had barely caught their breath.
Test 2: Spacecraft Operations – Piloting, Docking, Emergency Procedures
The simulator loomed before us—a scaled replica of an actual NASA spacecraft cockpit, complete with controls mimicking real-life conditions.
"Your objective," the instructor announced, "is to complete a manual docking with a simulated space station. No autopilot. You will also be tested on emergency procedures—engine failure, decompression events, and onboard fire scenarios."
The European man from earlier scoffed. "Last time was a fluke for sure."
The simulation commenced.
I sank into the pilot's seat, hands moving with practiced precision. [Spacecraft Operation (Lv. 3)] provided a solid foundation, but I didn't rely solely on it—I had studied, absorbed knowledge, prepared for every possible situation.
Throttle: controlled.
Attitude thrusters: adjusted.
Docking alignment: pinpoint accuracy.
I performed each maneuver seamlessly, my grip on the controls unwavering. The emergency scenarios activated, throwing unexpected challenges my way. Engine failure? Rerouted auxiliary power. Cabin depressurization? Engaged safety seals before the warning fully flashed. Fire outbreak? My Fire Suppression (Lv. 3) handled it before the system could simulate the flames spreading.
I completed the docking sequence.
The screen flashed SUCCESS in bold white letters.
The European, still mid-task, miscalculated his trajectory. His virtual spacecraft collided with the station's outer hull.
Test 3: Scientific Research & Experiments – Lab Work, Biological Tests, Chemical Analysis
Rows of workstations filled the room, each equipped with a set of samples and microscopes.
"Your task," an instructor explained, "is to analyze a microbial sample, identify contaminants, and determine its viability for spaceborne agricultural growth."
With [Scientific Research in Space (Lv. 3)] guiding my methods, I worked through the tests with efficiency. Identified key contaminants, cross-referenced results, documented findings.
Others stumbled, double-checking their results.
I had already finished.
My conclusion was precise. Verified. Undisputed.
Test 4: Robotics & Mechanical Skills – Operating Robotic Arms, Maintenance, Assembly
A massive robotic arm hovered above the testing bay, its controls linked to a complex interface.
"The goal," the instructor said, "is to use this arm to assemble a series of components, simulating real-time space station construction."
[Mechanical Mastery (Lv. 4)].
[Precision Engineering (Lv. 6)].
[Fast Assembly (Lv. 2)].
They all came together like pieces of a puzzle. I maneuvered the robotic arm with near-human dexterity, assembling the structure flawlessly.
Fumbling, struggling, overcompensating.
Test 5: Emergency Response – Fire, Depressurization, Toxic Leaks, CPR
"Each of you will face a randomized emergency scenario," the instructor announced.
A triple event: fire in the oxygen system, rapid depressurization, and an unconscious crewmember.
Fire? I suppressed it effortlessly, my firefighter instincts kicking in.
Depressurization? Sealed the affected module.
Crewmember? CPR administered with mechanical efficiency.
I finished before my competitors even diagnosed their problems.
Test 6: Navigation & Communication – Orbital Mechanics, Radio Protocols, International Teamwork
I listened to the problem.
[Astrophysics Understanding (Lv. 5)] combined with [Team Coordination (Lv. 6)] made this trivial.
Test 7: Physical & Mental Resilience – Muscle/Bone Maintenance, Stress Management, Psychological Endurance
A treadmill tilted at a harsh incline, simulating the physical toll of prolonged space travel.
A mental endurance test flashed before us—complex puzzles under extreme time pressure.
The treadmill? I ran at full speed while solving the mental test.
Others struggled to focus, bodies and minds failing them.
Test 8: Spacecraft Repair & Maintenance – Troubleshooting Systems, Electrical and Software Repairs
I diagnosed the issues before the instructor finished speaking.
[Mechanical Mastery (Lv. 4)].
[Precision Engineering (Lv. 6)].
[Structural Reinforcement (Lv. 7)].
Each error, each malfunction—eliminated.
Test 9: Survival Training – Harsh Environment Survival, Extreme Temperature Adaptation
A chamber mimicking hostile planetary conditions.
Test 10: Basic Medical Training – First Aid, Space-Related Health Concerns, Radiation Exposure
The European man from earlier failed his CPR attempt.
I performed mine flawlessly.
When the final results were displayed, my name stood alone.
Record-breaking completion times.
Unprecedented success rates.
The European snapped.
"This—THIS IS A JOKE!" His voice cracked under frustration. "No C-Rank does this! You're a fraud!"
He lunged forward, trying to grab my shoulder.
I tilted my head, my voice soft but absolute.
He trembled, caught between rage and disbelief.
I released him, taking a slow step forward.
"Tell me, then," I continued, my words sinking deep, "if I, a mere C-Rank, can surpass every one of you so effortlessly..."
My gaze swept across the room, locking onto each stunned face.
"What does that make you?"
Because they had seen it.
Because they believed it.
I turned, leaving them with their shattered pride.
Let them struggle with their doubts.
Let them fear what they refused to understand.
There was no one above me.
And soon, the world would know it.