C27 The Choice of the Test Genius Assessment
Upon waking the next morning, Chu Yi found that his mother had already left for work. He hastily ate the food left on the table and stepped out the door. With three days remaining before the holidays ended, he had ample time.
Chu Yi located a public flying car and set off directly for the central district of Redmarsh. The heart of both Redmarsh and the Adirang Region, the center boasted significant importance. Yet, when it came to the hustle and bustle, it couldn't hold a candle to its neighboring areas, which was to be expected. Greater prosperity brought larger crowds and heightened security risks.
As the political, economic, and cultural hub of the Adirang Region, the central district of Redmarsh tolerated no disturbances. Disembarking from the flying car, Chu Yi was greeted by imposing buildings towering into the sky, starkly contrasting the sparse pedestrian traffic.
Without a second thought, Chu Yi consulted his map and pinpointed his destination. After a half-hour walk, he stood before the Warrior Center, the very heart of all Warrior Centers across the Adirang Region.
Gazing up at the colossal columns, some over fifty meters high, Chu Yi was awestruck. The Warrior Center lacked traditional doors and walls, protected instead by a vast dome—a testament to the strength and resilience of the warriors within, who were indifferent to the extremes of weather, rendering civilian comforts unnecessary.
Chu Yi paused to take in the grandeur of the structure before entering the great hall. It was a far cry from anything in his past life, both in scale and design. Inside the expansive, open hall, people moved with purpose, their activities partitioned into distinct areas for efficiency. Chu Yi quickly oriented himself using the massive layout map, and with a clear goal, he proceeded to his next destination.
Guided by the map, Chu Yi navigated through a series of turns and eventually found himself in a small square within the grand hall of the warrior center.
Indeed, this was a small plaza nestled in the heart of the massive warrior center. Chu Yi had done a quick search earlier and discovered that the center was circular, spanning an impressive ten square kilometers. The entire colossal structure was supported by eighty-one enormous pillars. Its vast size was the very reason a plaza could be accommodated within.
The plaza was neatly arranged with various types of equipment, each categorized accordingly. Chu Yi recognized many of these from the internet, but it was clear that the gear here was far more advanced than what he had seen online. Some of the equipment, however, was beyond his comprehension.
As Chu Yi was lost in observation, a young and attractive girl approached him.
"This gentleman—"
Upon seeing Chu Yi's youthful and handsome appearance, the girl paused, her smile growing even more radiant.
"Sir, are you here for the strength test?"
While many young people visited the center, most were there to purchase warrior resources. Those who came to this particular area were usually here to undergo warrior level testing.
Chu Yi responded with a light smile and a nod. "Yes, could you tell me where I need to register?"
The girl inquired, "Are you registering for yourself, or are you assisting someone else?"
Chu Yi was momentarily puzzled. "You can apply for others as well?"
The girl, quickly grasping Chu Yi's intent, eagerly began to explain the warrior center's proxy application services. However, Chu Yi's interest waned after a short while since he was there to apply for himself.
The girl wasn't offended; she simply kept her smile and led Chu Yi to a counter further ahead. As they walked, many greeted her, and she always returned their salutations with a warm smile.
Observing this, Chu Yi commented, "It looks like you're quite popular around here."
The girl stood a little taller, her pride evident.
"Well, I am the beloved little princess of this place," she declared.
Chu Yi internally chuckled.
From the girl's attire, he had suspected that she wasn't a staff member, and her response confirmed his hunch.
But whether or not she was staff was irrelevant to Chu Yi. His goal was to find someone who knew the center's procedures well enough to help him expedite his application process.
Quickly led by the girl, Chu Yi and his companions reached a central counter.
"Uncle Wang, could you register my friend, please?"
Upon hearing the girl's call, the middle-aged man behind the counter looked up.
A fond smile spread across his face as he saw the girl, and then his gaze shifted to Chu Yi.
That look, however, carried layers of complexity.
Chu Yi could discern scrutiny, contemplation, and even a hint of hostility.
Seemingly catching on to the tension, the girl's cheeks flushed. "Oh, Uncle Wang, don't get the wrong idea!"
"This is someone I just met—"
"A friend!"
While speaking, the girl stole glances at Chu Yi, apparently concerned about putting him in an awkward position.
Chu Yi might be a bit blunt at times, but he was certainly not insensitive. He wouldn't make a foolish mistake.
"Hello, Uncle Wang. My name is Chu Yi, and I've come to certify my warrior level."
"Thank you for—"
It was then that Chu Yi realized he hadn't asked for the girl's name.
But then again, he wasn't interested in pursuing her, so why bother asking her name?
"Muyao, Jing Muyao."
Chu Yi nodded. "Thank you, Miss Jing Muyao, for guiding me here."
Uncle Wang fixed his gaze on Chu Yi, and after seeming to confirm that Chu Yi was telling the truth, his smile broadened.
"Haha, so you're a friend that Yao Yao just met."
The earlier hostility vanished from his eyes.
Uncle Wang was no fool; he could tell that Chu Yi had only just learned Jing Muyao's name, indicating he had no designs on his niece.
Thus, Uncle Wang assessed Chu Yi with an unbiased eye.
Indeed, Chu Yi was quite a handsome fellow.
And...
Uncle Wang was aware of Chu Yi's reason for visiting.
He was here to apply for an assessment, for his own sake!
This meant that Chu Yi was already a Bronze-level warrior.
Attaining such a rank at his age was quite impressive.
Uncle Wang was well aware that Chu Yi wasn't from a prominent family; otherwise, he wouldn't be here for an assessment.
So, putting aside Jing Muyao's presence, this young man really was quite remarkable.
"Wow, becoming a Bronze warrior at such a young age is quite an achievement!" Uncle Wang remarked, his face beaming with praise. Chu Yi responded with a modest smile, neither boastful nor restless.
He wasn't like those naive youngsters who could be easily swayed by a couple of flattering remarks.
Where was this, after all?
This was the warrior center, the epicenter for all warriors!
Geniuses were no strangers here. Chu Yi had a good sense of self-awareness; while he was indeed a genius, he was merely an ordinary one at that.
Uncle Wang's satisfaction grew upon observing Chu Yi's demeanor.
He shot a glance at Jing Muyao, which seemed to spark a thought, and his smile took on a peculiar twist.
"As a young genius, you ought to undergo a genius assessment."
"Would you prefer to take the genius assessment or the standard one?"
Chu Yi, caught off guard, had never heard of such options.
The assessments were described online.
Typically, the assessment was straightforward: just a routine test using the equipment, and at most, it would confirm Chu Yi's human identity.
The assessment was just a formality, which is why Chu Yi didn't expect it to be time-consuming.
But now, with Uncle Wang's mention...
A genius assessment?
When had that become a thing?
Yet, seeing Jing Muyao's eyes sparkle, Chu Yi realized the genius warrior assessment was indeed real and far from simple.
After a brief silence, Chu Yi inquired, "Could you explain the differences between these two assessments?"
Adding the term 'genius' implied a distinction, and Chu Yi was skeptical that the rewards following the genius assessment would be on par with those of the standard one.
Otherwise, why would anyone opt for the genius assessment?
Uncle Wang gave Chu Yi a meaningful look and spoke softly, "The differences between them are quite significant..."
As the name suggests, the genius warrior assessment is tailored for geniuses and wouldn't just be a mere formality like the standard one.
The genius assessment consisted of numerous small tests, each requiring the participant to attempt them.
Naturally, passing the genius warrior assessment came with its share of substantial benefits.
On the other hand, passing the standard assessment would grant one the status of a Bronze level warrior, along with First Level authority and a monthly stipend of 20,000 federal dollars from the federal government.
Aside from these perks, ordinary Bronze-level warriors didn't receive any additional benefits.
After all, they were merely Bronze-level warriors, not Genuine Bronze-level warriors!
But the Genius Assessment was a different story.
The Genius Assessment was categorized into various levels based on performance.
Your final score determined your ultimate rank and the corresponding privileges you would be entitled to!