Chapter 532 Test results
The live stream's chat section on the various streaming platforms began to buzz with activity as soon as the bell that signaled the end of Erik's trial rang out. The conversation began to be inundated with comments from the thousands of viewers following Erik's mercenary adventure with great interest.
"Wow! He did it! Erik completed the test!" wrote one viewer.
"Seriously, after watching him, I understood I still have a long way to go. This guy's on another level," another added, peppering their comment with applause emojis.
A digital scoreboard located in the corner of the broadcast kept track of the points Erik collected for completing the various tasks. The air was heavy with expectation throughout the websites, homes, and bars, and the chatter went nonstop the entire time.
"He's going to get a stellar score. Those robots were no match for him," a fan predicted.
Another admirer noted, "His agility and tactics against those robots? Unprecedented for a newbie. He's a natural talent!"
Even though many viewers debated and contrasted Erik's methods with those of other participants from previous streams, the consensus was unanimous: Erik had introduced a distinctive and successful strategy.
However, amidst the praise, a recurring topic of discussion was Erik's choice to wear a mask. "Why's he wearing that mask? What's the story there?" a curious viewer pondered.
"I don't understand the need for it. Unless there's some scar or something he's hiding," another speculated.
A more understanding viewer responded, "Perhaps he just wants to keep his identity private. In this age, sometimes being in the limelight can be more of a burden."
The chat was rife with theories about Erik's true identity. "Could he be the offspring of some legendary mercenary? Maybe Erik isn't even his real name!"
"Yeah! Or he might have been trained at some clandestine academy, and the mask is their trademark," another viewer mused.
However, a section of the audience seemed more focused on his abilities than his appearance. "The mask doesn't matter. It's his skills that have left an impression. That's what counts," one viewer pointed out.
The stream's host then appeared on screen, addressing the captivated audience. "What an incredible display of prowess and tactical acumen, ladies and gentlemen! As we await Erik Kay's final score, let's revisit some of his most memorable moments."
The screens shifted to a highlight reel as the switch occurred, displaying Erik's incredible actions, clever decisions, and spectacular rooftop pursuit.
Even though the conversation was buzzing with activity, one thing was abundantly clear: the adoration for Erik's apparent skill, even if he hid his identity.
The host returned as the highlights wrapped up: "The moment of truth is upon us. Erik Kay's final score will be unveiled soon. Don't go anywhere! Stay tuned!"
The vibe was pure electricity online and in the physical viewing halls. Everyone was on the edge of their seats, waiting eagerly to find out the test results that had kept their attention for the entirety of its duration.
***
After stepping out of the unusually lateral-moving elevator, Erik saw that he was in a contemporary locker room with low lighting. It was a startling change from the bustling metropolis with a medieval flavor that he had just finished navigating. This location exuded peace and was a refuge for modern architecture and design.
The chamber continued into a corridor that took Erik back to the door he had used to enter the building when he arrived.
As he progressed deeper into the locker area, he became aware that it was empty of anyone. Instead, a silent order was maintained by rows of sleek gray lockers, each equipped with an electronic security pad.
The quiet hum of the air conditioning system whispering in the background contrasted with the clamor of the virtual environment he had left behind.
To his left was a wooden bench that ran the length of the room and was covered with towels and water bottles arranged in an orderly fashion. Across from the seat was a table with a selection of snacks, including various fruits and beverages.
But Erik wasn't concerned with these comforts at all. Maintaining his secrecy was his major priority at all times.
His mask wasn't only for show; it also protected him. Even at a location that appeared to be safe, he couldn't take the chance of being exposed because he lived in a society where monitoring was always taking place.
Erik chose a location at the far end of the room, away from potential distractions, and sat down on the bench there.
The pressure of the examination and the difficulties it presented pressed down on him, but he started feeling the weight wear off. The cold atmosphere in the room did a great job of balancing the simulation's intensity.
On Erik's side of the room, an electronic board built into the wall began to light up. It presented the findings of various test measures, ranging from strategy to agility, but the results still needed to be filled in.
Erik's thoughts wandered as the minutes ticked by in front of him. He reflected on the grueling workouts, the never-ending search for perfection, and the numerous self-denials he had to make along the way.
It was like he was watching a movie in his head as images of the mechanical foes, the high-adrenaline chases, and the feeling of Lucy's weight in his arms kept playing like a reel.
After an eternity, the board finally started updating the information. The screen was covered with many 8s and 9s, with a few flawless 10s thrown in here and there.
About fifteen minutes into his wait, numbers began populating next to each category on the board. A series of 8s, 9s, and perfect tens filled the screen, leading to an average score of 9.
Even though it wasn't ideal, it was a testament to his abilities. He had advanced to the pupil rank, which opened the door for him to participate in actual missions and earn real money.
He took a few deep breaths and gave himself a momentary break by leaning back in his chair. While most people would be content to revel in the glory of such numbers, Erik set his sights on a more significant objective: growth. The scores were a demonstration of his ability, but they were not the goal of his game.
As he sat there, lost in thought, the soothing atmosphere of the room wrapped itself around him and comforted him. This was only a tiny part of Erik's adventure, yet it marked a significant turning point in his development as a mercenary and a man on the path to independence.
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