Chapter 939: Part 1: Test Chapter 939: Part 1: Test Federation Headquarters: Silence descended over the room like a heavy fog.
The tension was palpable, thick enough to cut through.
Moments ago, Clinton and Sally had made their stance clear-rules were rules, and breaking them would have serious consequences.
Yet, there was no denying the significance of Zack Lockwood.
A lightning warrior was an invaluable asset, especially one with his potential.
If he slipped through their fingers and was snatched up by another organization, it would be a devastating loss for Star University.
Ben, seated across from them, was clearly not ready to give up.
His eyes burned with determination, unwilling to let the opportunity slip away.
He knew the weight Clinton and Sally carried in the Star University-their authority, their experience.
If anyone could find a loophole or a creative solution, it was them.
“Is there no other way?” Ben asked, his voice a mixture of hope and desperation.
Clinton and Sally exchanged a look.
They didn’t need to speak to know they were both weighing the possibilities.
There was a quiet understanding between them, forged through years of navigating the complex hierarchy of the Star University. Sally’s eyes gleamed for a moment, as if a thought had just occurred to her.
She shifted slightly, signaling to Clinton that she might have an idea.
Clinton, perceptive as ever, noticed her subtle change in demeanor.
His brow furrowed for a moment before he realized what she was thinking.
He met her gaze with a silent question, and Sally gave the barest nod, confirming that she had a potential solution.
But it wasn’t without risks.
“Could you step outside for a minute, Ben?
We need to discuss something privately,” Clinton said, his tone firm but not unkind.
Ben’s face lit up with a glimmer of hope.
He stood up eagerly, a wide smile stretching across his face.
Without a word, he nodded and quickly left the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
The silence that followed his departure was thick with unspoken tension.
Once Ben was out of earshot, Clinton turned towards Sally, his expression serious.
“So, what’s on your mind?” he asked, leaning forward slightly.
Sally sighed, a hint of caution in her voice.
“We can’t recruit that kid according to the official rules.
The guidelines are clear, and if we go against them, we’ll face consequences.
Follow new episodes on the "N0vel1st.c0m".
Worse, the people in our Tier-4 region will see it as an opportunity to exploit our decision and use it against us.” Clinton’s expression hardened.
“You’re right.
The political landscape there is more cutthroat than anything we deal with here.
Any wrong move and they’ll pounce on it.” His mind began to churn, weighing the pros and cons of taking any action that would jeopardize their position.
Sally nodded, her eyes sharp with understanding.
But there might be a way around it.
If we can’t recruit Zack officially, we might be able to do it indirectly.
Perhaps we can offer him a different kind of mentorship, a training program that keeps him within our influence without officially making him part of the university.
Sally’s smile widened as the idea took shape in her mind.
“We can’t recruit the kid directly,” she said, her voice calm but laced with a hint of cunning.
“But you could recommend him to someone-a specific someone who could take him under their wing as a disciple.
That way, Zack Lockwood wouldn’t need to go through the dangerous trial process.” Clinton’s eyes flickered with sudden realization.
The solution was clever, subtle, and avoided breaking any of the Star University”s rigid rules.
He glanced at Sally, then fell silent, letting the implications sink in.
In Star University, there were several powerful warriors who wielded lightning abilities, and many of them held prestigious positions-Teachers, Elders, even individuals in higher-ranking roles who commanded immense respect.
The university was divided into various departments and factions, each with its own hierarchy of influence.
Sally’s idea was to bypass the standard recruitment process and go straight to one of these influential figures.
If someone with a high enough rank took Zack Lockwood as a disciple, it would solve their problem neatly.
Not only would they avoid the bureaucratic mess of recruitment, but it would also position Clinton as the one who had recommended such a promising seed to a respected elder.
Gaining the favor of a powerful figure was no small thing in Star University, where alliances and recommendations often shaped the political landscape.
More than that, it would strengthen the university as a whole.
A talent like Zack Lockwood, a lightning warrior, could become one of their greatest assets if nurtured correctly.
The university had always prided itself on producing the best warriors, and a rare talent like Zack would only add to its prestige.
Clinton was deep in thought, his mind running through the names of potential candidates.
Several warriors with lightning affinities came to mind, but it wasn’t just about finding someone powerful.
It had to be the right person-someone who would take Zack seriously, someone whose reputation would not only benefit Zack but also enhance Star University’s standing.
Sally noticed his contemplative look and broke the silence.
“What’s on your mind?” she asked, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
“I know exactly what you mean,” Clinton said, a smile forming on his lips.
“In order to recommend Zack to a certain elder, though, we’ll need to test him first.
If he’s as talented as we think, there’s no doubt they’ll accept him.
But we can’t present him without proof of his abilities.” Sally nodded, her smile returning.
“Exactly.
If Zack can pass a private test, it will be enough to convince any elder worth their salt.
And the best part is, we’ll be able to avoid the politics surrounding the standard recruitment process.
It’s a win for everyone.” Clinton’s smile deepened.
He could already see the pieces falling into place.
By recommending Zack, he would not only help the boy bypass a dangerous trial but also secure his own position within the university’s intricate web of power.
Sally’s smile widened as she continued, “Lightning warriors are rare, especially in the Tier-4 region.
Even among the most developed areas, there are only a few young talents with such a unique affinity.” She paused, her expression thoughtful.
“But what’s more impressive is that Zack is growing at an extraordinary rate in a region that’s underdeveloped in terms of resources and opportunities.” Clinton nodded in agreement, her words solidifying his decision.
“Exactly.
If he’s this promising now, we can only imagine what he’ll be capable of with the right guidance and resources.
Summoning him for a test will show us just how far he’s come-and if his potential is as great as we think, I can confidently recommend him to one of the elders.” Without wasting any time, Clinton reached for his communicator and summoned Ben, the Federation Head, back into the room.
Moments later, the door opened, and Ben stepped in, his expression hopeful.
“We’ve found a solution,” Clinton said, leaning forward.
“First, we’ll need to summon Zack Lockwood.
We want to test his abilities ourselves to make sure he’s the real deal.
If he passes, we’ll know exactly who to recommend him to.” Ben’s face lit up with relief and excitement.
“Of course!” he said, eager to move forward.
Without hesitation, he contacted Zack.
– From MC’s Perspective: Meanwhile… I was in my room, lying on the bed, trying to relax after a long day when my communicator suddenly buzzed.
I glanced at the screen, and my heart skipped a beat when I saw the call was from the Federation Head, Ben.
I knew immediately what this meant-they were summoning me.
I could feel the tension in my chest tighten as I answered the call.
“Zack, come to my office immediately,” Ben’s voice came through, calm but firm.
“Yes, Elder,” I responded, my voice steady despite the nerves beginning to churn in my stomach.
As soon as the call ended, I wiped my forehead, realizing that I had begun to sweat.
The weight of what was about to happen hit me.
This was it-the opportunity I had been waiting for, but also the moment I had dreaded.
They were going to test me, and everything I’d worked for would be on the line.
I walked over to the mirror, taking a moment to steady myself.
My reflection stared back at me, eyes sharp, determination flickering behind the tension.
I straightened my clothes, making sure I looked presentable.
My heart was racing, but I couldn’t afford to show weakness now.
With one final deep breath, I turned and left the room, heading toward the office.
My fate was waiting, and I was ready to face whatever came next.
Meanwhile, the three of them were waiting patiently.
Shortly after, I arrived at the top floor.
As the elevator doors slid open, I stepped out.
I was gripped by a sense of dread as my heart raced uncontrollably.
With a glimmer of hope, I pushed open the door and stepped into the room.
CREATORS’ THOUGHTS Aravind_S Creation is hard, cheer me up!
VOTE for me!