Stacking My Abilities

Chapter 12 - Sanctuary (4)

Looking at Jeff with a raised brow, Broadsword continued. "Before we start the exam, allow me to briefly explain how the sanctuary's expedition team works."

"Scouts locate and estimate the threat levels of monsters."

"Hunters are responsible for eliminating monsters in foreign areas."

"Scavengers enter the cleared out areas and look for valuable assets."

"Escorts protect the scavenger teams against potential threats."

"True. Hunters have the best pay here. But we also have the most dangerous job. You'll be involved with fighting a lot of monster, dangerous maniacs, and loose criminals."

Hearing this, Jeff lightly smiled in anticipation.

"Every expedition, you'll be putting your life on the line."

"There is a high bar for battle prowess if you want to become a hunter. We are not sending anyone to their deaths here."

The dudes in this room started to take playful glances at Jeff.

"Sounds good to me." Jeff nodded.

"I like this one." Some random dude laughed.

"You've got heart boy!"

Another round of laughs.

Jeff squinted and nodded. 'Alright. I see how it is. Keep laughing.'

"Hmm... Very well. Alright then." Broadsword nodded. "In this case, I'll get you guys to sign this liability form. Anything happens during this exam is on you."

For a moment, only the sound of writing and flipping papers could be heard here.

"Alright. I'm sure you all have read the exam description." Broadsword collected the forms.

"No written exams. No ability testing. This is a combat role. We'll have you spar with each other."

"Based on what I see, I'll give you a rank."

"As written on the forms you are holding, the perks, mission access, and pay you get corresponds with your rank."

"Any questions?"

"Can we use firearms in this assessment?"

Broadsword did not even look surprised anymore. "If you can make ammo or get monsters to drop ammo for you, sure."

"How many rounds do we go through?"

"Until a final winner is decided. Or, when I get a good feel of what you are capable of."

"Alright. Anymore questions?" Broadsword looked around.

"In this case, you know what they say, early come early have-a-go. Let's see. Do we have a number 225 here?"

A big dude walked forward. "225 right here."

It's a mid-aged dude wearing a leather jacket and jeans.

"Alright. You may choose your opponent."

The dude pointed at Jeff.

"Awww man. Seriously?"

"Come on!"

The crowd started to jeer and rant. Some shook their heads in disappointment. Some started laughing.

"Hey. I deserve this one for coming early alright. I've waited 4 hours here for this." The big dude shrugged at the crowd. "Looks like I get to save some stamina."

"Alright." Jeff shrugged and casually walked into the empty space. "I see how it is. So I'm the easy prey here."

"Let's give these guys some more space." Broadsword walked away with his clipboard.

"Gentlemen. Let me remind you, this is only a friendly spar."

"If things get out of hand, based on my judgement, I will jump in and stop you."

"Whenever you are ready, you may begin."

"Hoho..." The big dude pointed his chin at Jeff and chuckled. "Looks like I'll have to hold back on you."

"Look at you and your skinny bones."

"I might break you even at 10% of my strength."

"Try it." Jeff shrugged with his arms crossed.

"Ooohhhh~" The crowd cheered Jeff on? Kind of?

"You asked for it." The dude smirked.

Without hesitation, the big fella threw a side kick at Jeff's shoulder.

The speed of that strike made a whistling sound in the air.

This was certainly not 10% strength. If Jeff was a normal untrained college student, he'd definitely get hit by that. Without doubt, he'd get a broken arm from that blow. Maybe even a dislocated rib bone.

However, Jeff was at supernatural-tier physique now.

This common-tier attack was moving at snail-pace in Jeff's view, even without [Haste] activated.

'Trying to use me as a human dummy huh. To show off your strength.' Jeff squinted.

Bam!

That strike connected with Jeff's shoulder.

Yet, Jeff wasn't knocked over. He didn't even waver at the blow.

"Oooff. Tsss..." The big fella's face reddened. Wearing a pained expression, that guy clenched his fists. Looked like he'd just hurt himself.

The room fell silent.

Retracting his leg, the dude took in a deep breath.

"What. The. Shit..." The big dude growled. "What the heck are you wearing!"

Before Jeff made his response, that big dude landed a punch onto Jeff's cheek.

Jeff rotated his neck a little. "Yeah. I felt something."

That big dude stared at his fist in disbelief. Looked like he was questioning the meaning of his existence.

"You... have to be joking right?" Someone gulped.

"God. What are we fighting against..."

"Is he still human? Can we do that check first."

Most people here looked at Jeff in disbelief. Others seemed to have gotten excited, anticipating their turn with Jeff with a smile.

"How about this then!" That big dude gritted his teeth and jumped at Jeff, trying for a tackle.

"Not today." Jeff's gaze turned cold. He wasn't overly fond of being hugged by men.

Copying this dude's previous strike, Jeff returned a side kick.

In an instance, Jeff's opponent was sent flying towards the wall.

BAM!

The dude hit the wall and fell onto the floor. Jeff retracted his leg.

Holding his arm, that dude's face paled and started to sweat in pain.

Dead silence in the room...

"Not laughing anymore huh." Jeff turned to the crowd with raised brows.

"Good..." Broadsword nodded. "What should we call you."

"Jeff."

"Alright... Jeff." Broadsword nodded. "One second."

"Sir, the medical room is on the second floor." Broadsword apathetically looked at Jeff's opponent. That big fella was still holding his arm in pain.

"Did I pass?" The dude panted.

"Sorry. Not this time."

The dude took a look at Jeff, then nodded at Broadsword. Without more words, he left this gym.

"Okay. Now, Jeff. You may select your opponent."

"To be honest. Let's cut this short. Whoever wants to challenge me here, you can all come at me at once." Jeff looked around.