Chapter 27: Join the SMD
Jason brought out the large dagger-like tooth and Liam chuckled. This was impressive.
"I didn't think any newbie would be capable of such a perfect Gate clearance I understand you didn't have anyone else, but you've done the work of an entire B-rank guild on your own. Well, this was an insightful conversation, and I want to have the honor of being the first to welcome you into the world of Superhumans. Things might get stressful from here on out, especially with your sudden propulsion into fame, but I can assure you that it'll get better with time."
Jason thanked the man for his words and Liam then continued.
"If you want to appraise and sell those drops, then you can approach the SMD Appraisal Department tomorrow. There will be an official test in a few days to register your ability for the Superhuman Database, so you should expect a call."
Jason nodded. He was about to leave, but Liam suddenly spoke up again to stop him in his tracks. Jason turned to Liam, and Liam smiled apologetically before talking.
"I'd appreciate it if you heard me out for a few more minutes."
Jason nodded while leaning against the wall, and Liam continued.
"We at the SMD are not independent like the rest of the guilds in the country. We don't go into Gates or fight monsters on a daily basis. But what we do here is just as—if not more—important. We keep order among the Superhumans and ensure the lives of the regular humans are not affected by the presence of Superhuman beings. Why am I telling you all this? It's simple. I think you would make a good addition to the SMD. Your skill set and power align with our values, and we will work well together. As far as monetary compensation goes, your salary will equal or surpass the average salary of your rank in guilds across the country. It's very favorable working conditions."
Once Liam finished his speech, he waited patiently for a response. Just like all the other guild representatives who were waiting outside for Jason to appear, Liam was also interested in Jason's power, as well as how powerful he would be in the future. Awakening as an A-Rank meant that Jason had the potential to become just as strong as the Five Rulers, and that was not something any recruiter could overlook.
It was just that Liam had more power than the others, which allowed him to talk to Jason before anyone else.
There were many benefits that came with being a part of the government!
But the moment he finished talking, Liam could already see Jason's reaction plainly on his face. At that moment, Jason had the same look that many others who were asked to join the SMD had at one point or another. The look of someone who desired more in life.
Whenever people hear about joining the SMD, they immediately assume that they're signing up to become office workers or slaves for the government. There was a bias surrounding them that would never be removed, and Liam could tell that Jason also held the same bias.
Liam smiled as Jason spoke.
"Sorry, but I'm not thinking of joining any organizations right now. Especially the government. There's too much protocol to observe."
Liam hummed. He already expected as much, so he wasn't surprised.
"Well, if you ever change your mind, the SMD will always be available to you. We'll contact you at a later date for your assessment. Oh, and before I leave, you should keep in mind that you will be required to pay reparations for the damage you did to the city. This is only your first offense, so the payment will suffice, but on future offenses, there will be more consequences. The use of Gifts are prohibited outside of the Gate for the safety of the civilians. I'm sure you understand..."
Liam stretched his hand out for a handshake, and Jason took it in a firm hold and nodded before he watched Liam leave.
Jason didn't really have any issue with paying for the street repair. He was going to make so much money selling the Magic Crystals that he wouldn't even know what to do with it all.
A doctor and nurse entered the hallway as Liam was leaving, and Jason was surprised when the nurse gave him a seductive smile while passing. Her hips began to swing more as she walked away, and Jason only tilted his head to one side and watched her ass move invitingly until she turned the corner.
She was nowhere near as endowed as Gina, but that didn't mean she wasn't sexy.
'Not bad.'
Jason huffed with a small smile before he turned to enter his mom's hospital room. It would take some time for him to get used to girls coming on to him like this. When he was a regular human with no money, it didn't really matter how good he looked, most girls just didn't see him as a candidate for partnership. Most of the high-class girls in his high school didn't even bother talking to him because he didn't drive a car like the high-class boys. In their eyes, he was a member of the lower class, so he wasn't worth their time.
'Right, how the hell am I going to go back to school? Should I drop out like Gina?'
Jason really didn't see any reason for him to still be in school now that he was a Superhuman. He had the means to make more money than he knew what to do with, and he was going to be busy gate-diving to bother with school.
But then he remembered that he wasn't going to be the only superhuman in his school, even though he goes back now. There were more than ten Superhumans in his academy, and they all had their own fan clubs and clique that they hung out with!
Going back might not be as big of a deal as Jason thought. Besides, his mother would definitely not be happy if he decided to drop out. If there was one thing she always put her foot down about, it was him finishing school.
'I'll talk to her when she wakes up. I'll be too busy to focus on my studies, so I might just drop out...'
Jason entered her room, and he felt his eyes widen when he realized his mom was awake. Gina was sitting at his mom's bedside and talking in hushed whispers, and his mom laughed when Gina said something funny.
"Mom, you're awake."
Jason spoke up and his mother turned to him with a wide smile. She told him to come closer and Jason came over and took his mother's hand. He asked her how she was feeling and smiled.
"I'm fine, Jason. I should be the one asking you if you're okay. You were in that Gate for so long, I thought..."
Mira closed her eyes as she got rid of that thought and she sighed while trying to calm herself. The fact that Jason had almost died was still heavy on her heart, but he was here now, so she knew she didn't have to worry about anything.
Mira was more surprised by the fact that Jason had awakened as a Superhuman. It was so sudden that she still didn't know how to react to it. Mira's eyes trailed to the pendant that was still around Jason's neck, and she stretched her hand out towards it. The pendant had lost its purple color and it was now a simple glass pendant with a long crack down the middle!
"Did this happen in the Gate?"
Mira asked this, and she smiled when Jason nodded. She had no idea what the necklace was meant to do or why Richard had given it to Jason, but there was no doubt in her heart that this necklace was somehow responsible for protecting Jason. Even when he wasn't here, Richard was still looking after them.