Huh!. Everyone turned away in disappointment, "Is he that weak?" Someone commented from the crowd. Even Denzel was shocked by his rank test because in his past life he was B-rank and was expecting at least an A-rank in his second life. What luck he had. Everything was going too smoothly he guessed to himself. Ella, the secretariat conducting the experiment didn't now how to conclude about what she had just seen. How can someone be Soo weak that the [ether machine] didn't even glow. So she gave Denzel the only logical rank she could because there was no lower rank, "Denzel Rünter, F-rank player". Denzel was confused because to him he had gotten a lot stronger than in his past life, no too many variables have changed. The crowd burst into loud laughter, "He's the lowest rank here" a chubby bearded guy with overgrown hair commented. The crowd fixed their gaze back on Ryan, 'The new star'. Ryan's new rank test was confirmed by the association and he became only the 21st S-rank in the whole world recorded and the 5th in the Netherlands. The Dutch now were officially the new powerhouse country boasting the highest number of recorded S-rank players surpassing that of the US & Japan. The people crowded around Ryan, trying to get his autograph or a picture. I mean who wouldn't want a picture with a new worldwide famous person. Denzel was left alone wallowing in his despair at a corner. The tension died down and Ella,(The secretariat [for the last time🙄) told Ryan that the association chairman wanted to speak with him. Ella escorted Ryan and [the person who nobody knows why he tagged along], Denzel to a room on the highest floor of the building. The moment they stepped into the room they could feel the shift in atmosphere, a strong aura emanating from the figure seated in the desk facing them. The figure was an older man probably in his late 50s or early 60s and had a neatly cut beard. It was inhuman to think some would have got the time to climb the tower to the degree that their aura had such a strong and commanding presence.
[Entrenched Players]
The dungeons and towers only appeared about a week ago but some individuals out there who have maxed out their stats already. These individuals are called 'Entrenched Players' and their systems are what you would call 'locked systems". This is because they can't tamper with any of their system stats. They also lack the ability to level up. They also have knowledge about the dungeons and towers even though they can't enter them. These players are mostly in their old age or occupy a high position in society just like the association chairman who used to be the "Minister for Finance" of the Nertherlands before becoming an 'entrenched player'. The chairman Ruud Van Hasten stood up from where he was seated and approached Ryan. Denzel's legs were shaking like crazy,(He was cooked). The chairman raised his hand and curled it up into a fist and tried to hit Ryan who dodged the punch instinctively. The aftereffects of the punch blew a large hole through the building and Denzel was shocked at what the chairman just did. Did actually try to kill Ryan, if he did Denzel was ready to fight. The chairman turned towards Ryan in his new position and burst into laughter. Ryan was pissed!
~Ryan:- Grandpaaaa!, I've told you to stop punching me. [He punches the wall because he knew he could not retaliate against his Grandfather yet] Do I look like a punching bag to you. It looks like your brain gets rotten the older you grow huh!
~Ruud Hasten:- [He laughs]You never change Ryan, you still have that awful energy and it has also affected your fashion sense I see[ He scans Ryan]
~Ryan:- [shocked] What! I have the poor fashion sense? You once wore a tie and suit to the beach.
~Ruud Hasten:- I had a meeting before I came to the beach numbskull. Well if this is what you fell most comfortable in then suit yourself [He shrugs his shoulders]. I almost forgot, congratulations on your rank test. I heard you're an S-rank player. There are a lot of formalities involved but you can skip those[ waves his hand]. There's one thing I want to ensure from you. You have to avoid forming allegiance with any other country (especially because of your grudge with me). We will also give you authorization to enter all dungeons and the tower as you will. Mind you this only applies to the confines of the country.
~Ryan:- I won't lie you're dumber than I thought. You think I'd switch allegiance because of that? I'm not that petty. But I'll admit the previlages are good but I'd like to add my own[ Points at Denzel]. Give him the same previlages and we've got a deal.
~Ruud Hasten:- Oh! Him, I think I can pull a few strings. [ To Denzel] By the way aren't you my grandson's best friend? This shouldn't be hard
~Denzel:- [Trembling] Yes Sir! [He salutes]
~Ruud Hasten:- Okay I hope we are done here. The two of you can get your player IDs and 'gold passes' from my assistant here. [Points at Ella]
They thanked Ruud Hasten as they left with Ella for their cards. Ruud Van Hasten stared through his window as he watched his grandson and Denzel leave the building. His eyes began to glow in a silver hue as his gaze was fixed on Denzel. Then from the ground behind Hasten something or someone emerged from a dark portal in the ground. The entity was not visible because he was covered from head to toe by darkness and his eyes emanated a purple aura.
~Ruud Hasten:- That kid with my grandson, according to Ella is an F-rank. Keep an eye on him [eyes glow silver]. I can't sense his aura at all. That's not possible for a Rockie like him. Find out what he's hiding and if he becomes a problem. Kill Him!
~Unknown:- Got it sir[ eerie voice]
Hasten was weary of Denzel because it turned out he could not see Denzel's level and aura which no ordinary player could hid from him. This brought Hasten to the conclusion he drew.
1) Denzel was too weak that his aura and level could not be detected by his ability. Hence, the reason the ether machine did not react.
2) Denzel was a dangerous variable who was extremely strong even for his ability and even the ether machine.
Hasten was on edge and could only wonder if Denzel was actually an F-rank.