"Is that him?"
An unfamiliar masculine voice echoed from the shadows. The door creaked open as a figure clad in sleek jet-black suit walked in.
Escorted by two other figures who stayed behind.
The figure stood tall, his presence commanding attention and respect. His age evident in the lines etched on his face.
But his eyes burned with a fierce intensity, a testament to a power and authority that only grew stronger with time.
His features were chiseled, his jawline strong and defined.
He exuded an aura of confidence and authority, his very presence seeming to demand attention and respect.
With just a single glance. One could tell this man is no ordinary player.
A Japanese player whose power level is on a different level entirely.
His hands tucked deep into his pockets, a casual gesture that seemed to convey a sense of relaxation and comfort.
He stood behind a glass partition, his eyes fixed intently on the Genos as he navigated the challenges of the test.
And before him stood the proctor of the test.
Ms. Helen Jerner.
A warm smile spread across her face as she was approached by this esteemed figure. Her eyes crinkling at the corners in a genuine display of respect and admiration.
She bowed her head before this figure, showing her respect.
"Welcome Mr. Howard, I wasn't expecting you to be here"
She spoke out.
He softly exhaled.
"I came here because I overheard that the survivor of the mutated dungeon will be taking his first certification test"
"I needed to see it for myself. Is that him?"
He asked.
Mr. Howard Shaw is an American-Japanese player. An S ranked player who controls the Ares Guild.
One of the top ten guids in Japan.
And he's here to see if the trending survivor of the mutated dungeon is worthy of being recruited into the Ares Guild.
Ms. Helen's lips curled up into a knowing grin.
She returned her gaze back to the glass.
They watched Player Genos from where they stood. Only Player Genos remained isolated in the battle arena.
Surrounded by Ziglets.
She gently adjusted her glasses.
"Well as you can see. Player Genos is the trending survivor of the mutated dungeon and you came right on time"
"His certification test has just begun…."
She stated.
**
Unbeknownst to him that he's being watched by an S ranked player. Genos focused on clearing the task.
Within the Demon Slave's Echelon.
Ziglets are only a single rank above the Furies. And unlike Furies who manifest themse in different shapes and races.
Ziglets are only a single race.
The creatures dark skin seemed to absorb the light around it, giving it a foreboding and menacing appearance.
Their features were twisted and asymmetrical, with thick, bulging muscles that seemed to ripple beneath its skin like a living, breathing entity.
Their essence corroded with demonic mana.
Humans had a thing for hunting Ziglets as a means of testing their fellow players abilities since Ziglets are commonly found in dungeons.
Same thing as Furies.
Genos watched, unwavered and unmoved.
He clenched tightly to his semi-automatic dessert eagle he held.
"They're coming"
Genos whispered.
The Ziglets screeched as they lunged at him, their sharp poisonous claws ready to rip him to shreds.
Genos evaded the first attack, he fell back.
Controlling his momentum as a Ziglet leapt forward, it's fangs barred and ready to devour him.
Genos only knew the basics of mana manipulation.
He could only balance the flow of radiating mana within his body. Increasing his speed and strength.
Genos was skilled.
After all he was once an archangel. He has seen many fighting techniques when it comes to swords.
He has watched many sword arts.
But when it comes to guns. He's imperfect.
He evaded another attack again, his eyes rolled as he observed the Ziglets who had him enclosed.
They had covered every single area, blocking his escape route.
And since he's all alone in the battle arena.
Their full attention were fixed on him.
They snarled, gritting their teeths as they slowly crawled towards him. Genos gulped down the content within his throat.
He could feel the intensity of his situation.
A Ziglet charged against him from behind, it's fangs ready to rip off his arm.
Genos was quick to react.
He evaded the Ziglet's attack, channeling mana into his right foot. He sent the Ziglet flying with a kick.
A mana enhanced kick which tore through the Ziglet.
1 Ziglet down.
The rest attacked simultaneously, not even giving Genos a chance to react.
Genos was extremely skilled.
He could control the entirety of his muscles with precision. Since he knew the basics of mana manipulation.
A direct collision with the Ziglets wasn't as dire as one would expect.
Just using his physique and mana amplification techniques was enough to take down a few Ziglets.
But the numbers were overwhelming.
And he wasn't strong enough..
His body was that of an average human who just transitioned into a player.
If he must take out this creatures. He needed to activate his card.
His eyes scanned through the rampaging Ziglets. His instincts were spot on.
Genos sensed something behind him.
A Ziglet spawned right behind him, it's claws were just an inch away from ripping him apart.
And with a fluid motion, Genos launched himself into a backflip. His body arching through the air as he narrowly avoided the monster's snapping claws.
The movement was almost ethereal, a testament to his agility and athleticism.
While mid air, Genos twisted his body.
His eyes squinted as he gazed down upon the encroaching Ziglets.
The Desert Eagle's trigger clicked crisply beneath his finger, the sound echoing through the air as they squeezed off round after round.
Bang!
Bang!
The Marker's bullets were mana amplified, capable of taking down any demon slave caught in its grasps.
Bodies of Ziglets fell as he increased his pace.
Genos made his landing, his feets hit the ground in a fluid manner.
Just when he was about to be overwhelmed by the enraged Ziglets.
A shimmering virtual panel spawned into existence.
It's blinding light engulfed his face.
"Huh?" Genos exclaimed with a confounded look evident on his face.
**
[Notice…..]
[Host's life is in danger]
[Would you like to activate your Card?]
[Yes] [No]
Genos instinctively replied Yes.
[Permission received]
[Activating Host's Card]
[Card: Nuclear Ordinance]
~~
Genoa's eyes broadened. Completely unable by the burst of mana radiation which surged out of his body.
His mana sensitivity heightened to the core.
His eyes flickered.
His body overflowing with intense radiations, he instinctively pulled the trigger button.
And there was a reaction.
The Marker's bullet wasn't just an ordinary bullet amplified by mana anymore.
It became a literal mana bomb!