Unholy Player-Chapter 102: Power Ranking (Part 5)

"Mr. Adyr, let me give you the final score," Corven said as he entered the room, glancing down at the notes in his hand.

He looked slightly troubled. After a brief frown, he continued, "Your force output is 125. Congratulations. Even among the first generation, you’re likely the strongest unarmed combatant recorded."

"Isn’t that almost my whole score?" Victor muttered, covering his face with one hand and letting out a sigh.

Adyr ignored him. Raising a brow, he asked, "What’s the record for the strongest first generation?"

"The highest recorded is 110," Corven replied.

But the look on his face made it clear—"recorded" didn’t mean "strongest." It meant someone had witnessed a mutant’s full strength and lived long enough to report it.

Adyr felt a flicker of surprise.

The only reason he reached 125 was the power boost from using a Rank 2 Spark. The idea that a first-generation mutant could release a force of 110 using only raw physical power was... unsettling.

If Adyr had taken the test without a Spark, his output—measured through punches or kicks—would’ve landed somewhere between 50 and 60. The gap was clear.

"Okay, Mr. Adyr. If you’re ready, we’ll proceed to the next test: reflex and overall speed," Corven said.

"Okay. Let’s go," Adyr replied, giving his approval before heading toward the next room, the research team and Victor trailing behind.

This time, Adyr stepped into an even larger room, spacious, well-lit, and unlike the previous chambers, not empty. The walls and floor were the same sterile white, built from reinforced composite material that looked durable enough to withstand serious impact. The lighting was bright but diffused, eliminating shadows and making every structure clearly visible.

The space resembled a high-level obstacle course. Scattered throughout were a variety of constructions in different shapes and sizes, some low to the ground, others towering near the ceiling. Sloped ramps, vertical walls, narrow pillars, and elevated platforms created a labyrinthine path across the room.

There were horizontal bars suspended at different heights, wall grips shaped for climbing, and narrow walkways barely wider than a foot. Despite their utilitarian purpose, everything from the smallest handhold to the tallest incline was the same uniform white, blending seamlessly with the environment.

The place reminded Adyr of the tutorial zones in FPS games—the kind that appeared before the real action began, teaching players the controls.

There was also, just like in the previous rooms, a glass observation chamber positioned at a higher elevation, overlooking the entire area. Inside, monitors were already active, tracking every inch of the field. The researchers who had followed Adyr this far had taken their seats, waiting in silence for the show to begin. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com

"Let me explain the mechanics of the current test," Corven said, starting to speak beside him.

"This test will consist of three phases. In the first, drones with high maneuverability and speed will be released into the room. Their number will increase or decrease based on your performance and our discretion, but there will always be at least one. Your goal is to evade them," Corven explained, then continued.

"In the second phase, while still avoiding the drones, an additional element will be introduced." He pointed toward the small, barely visible gaps along the walls. "These are laser emitters. As you run, lasers will appear in your path and surroundings at regular intervals. Your objective is to dodge both the drones and the suddenly appearing lasers without making contact." He paused, ensuring the information had registered, then moved on.

"In the third and final phase, while continuing to avoid the drones and the laser beams, we’ll also dictate which surfaces you’re allowed to touch. As you can see, the floor, walls, and all other surfaces are designed with square tiles. Each of these tiles is also a light. Right now, they’re all glowing white—but once you enter the third phase, some will turn red. Your task is to avoid touching any red-lit tiles."

Adyr processed all the information, filtering it through his internal logic. This was essentially a high-level version of a game of tag—an advanced course designed to test reflexes, rapid decision-making, real-time strategy, and speed. A well-constructed setup, at least on the surface.

Of course, in his previous life, there had been nothing this technologically advanced. Or if there was, he had never seen it. But Adyr had run plenty of parkour routes across rooftops and buildings in the cities he once lived in. Sometimes for the thrill. Sometimes, to chase down prey.

He had even run those routes while dodging police bullets and evading security drones more than once. There was even a time when a helicopter tracked him from above, a sniper locked on his position. So this setup wasn’t entirely unfamiliar.

"I understand," Adyr said, signaling that he was ready to begin.

"Good," Corven replied, then exited the room and sealed the door behind him, leaving Adyr alone.

A few seconds later, a voice echoed through the chamber. "Now I’m releasing the first drone. I’ll continue releasing them based on your performance if we determine the current number is insufficient to properly assess your abilities."

The voice cut off, and moments later, Adyr noticed a small hatch open on one of the walls. From it, a black drone about the size of a clenched fist emerged, its buzzing hum filling the space.

It hovered for a brief moment, then locked onto Adyr and began flying toward him, not too fast, but not slow either.

Adyr stood completely still, waiting.

The drone approached closer and closer. In the observation chamber, the researchers and Victor exchanged glances, wondering why he hadn’t started moving yet.

Then, at the last possible moment, Adyr shifted sideways and dodged the drone with precision.

It wasn’t what they had expected. Most subjects began running the moment a drone was deployed, instinctively racing through the course.

But Adyr’s unorthodox start offered the researchers something far more valuable—a glimpse into his mindset.

He wasn’t panicking. He wasn’t rushing. He was analyzing. Testing the drone’s behavior. Assessing the threat level.

After avoiding the first rush, Adyr tracked the drone’s motion carefully. As it looped back for a second pass, he ducked low, letting it zip over his head without resistance.

Its maneuverability was impressive. Without hesitation, it turned sharply and came at him again for a third strike. But Adyr’s reflexes and speed still outmatched it. This time, he jumped, letting the drone pass beneath him with ease.

In the elevated chamber, the researchers sat speechless. Adyr wasn’t treating this like a test. It was as if he were simply playing a game with the drone.

He was observing its movements, evaluating its speed and response patterns.

"Send in four more," one of the researchers finally said with a breath. Normally, they would release drones one by one and gradually scale up to gauge the subject’s limits. But with Adyr, that process felt unnecessary. They needed at least five drones in play before he’d even consider using the actual course.

Soon, as he kept dodging the drone, a familiar buzzing reached Adyr’s ears—this time from multiple directions. He didn’t need to look. He already knew.

Four more had been released. Five drones in total now closed in on him.

Still, Adyr didn’t panic. He didn’t even move.

And then, something happened that none of the researchers had anticipated—something that left them speechless. When they had designed this course, the idea of someone attempting what he was about to do hadn’t even crossed their minds.