Chapter 14
Hunter stood before the masses as he introduced the heroes to the Virtual Genocide Reality system. The machine that was on his right appeared nothing out of the ordinary, a reclined chair, computers and a head scan device that goes over the user's head. "Behold, a combination of experience, virtual reality and ingenuity! Ladies and Gentlemen of A and B Class, this is the test of heroes!"
Beside him was Genos who took over. "In this simulation, you will be encountering monsters from my past experiences as well as some completely forged for the purpose of testing. We have established a concept idea of what is to be expected from heroes from various levels. For example, those in A Class looking to reach the S Class, we have concluded and agreed that for such a hero to make it, they need to defeat a high demon level threat and a dragon threat on their own power and talents."
"What? That's not fair!" protested Iaian. "I have trained with my fellow disciples in the way of the sword, we…"
"Iaian, there will come a day when you will have no one but yourself to rely upon," explained Hunter. "There is nothing wrong with having excellent team work, I get it. But what happens if you are the only one standing?"
He was about to speak, yet held his tongue.
"We have called for you all here today to test the system, for this may assist in promotions and ranks. You will be placed in situations where you must defeat the monster. No one else will see these images but those of the association, Hunter and myself to help determine if your ranks should increase. Those who are deemed worthy and pass the virtual challenge will face a physical, real life one. Pass that, and the association will take into consideration on whether you are permitted to bypass and move on to the next class. And so you are aware, there are members of the association watching and observing this as we speak. Your rank could change today."
Whispers soon began, some were smiling at the thought. "So this could be an easy ticket into S Class?" asked Stinger.
Hunter laughed. "Far from it." He said. "Your physical challenge, if you get that far… is against me!"
The confident grins vanished. Heroes began to go a little pale in the face as more nervous whispers began to fill the room.
"What if we fail the test?" asked Blue Fire.
"You do not decrease in rank, you can try this test again in six months after," said Genos. "Now. Who wishes to go first?"
"I will!" Hunter looked down and saw a rather ordinary man come forward. "I'm called Glasses. Class B, Rank 20!"
Hunter waved him up. Glasses got into the chair as Genos hooked up the system. From there on a tablet, Genos started the test. All the other heroes heard were the sound effects. There were noises of monsters, people screaming, weather factors and then…
CRASH!
Glasses jumped in the machine, yet as quickly as it happened. The computer went off. "Simulation over, victor, Glasses."
"He took out a Tiger level threat." Hunter announced. "Next test."
This one made him sweat. Glasses was turning red in the face, his brow dripped with perpetration as he appeared to be struggling hard and yet violently. Suddenly. "GGGGAAAAHHHHH!" he roared.
The simulation stopped, the computer blipped. "Simulation over, victor, Glasses."
The heroes were starting to look worried. Glasses eyes opened, as he appeared beaten up and looking like hell. "Do you want to continue?" Hunter asked.
"Yeah, I won't stop now." He said. Hunter turned to Genos and gave the nod. The next test began, yet as quickly as it started.
"Test terminated, Glasses, loss." Glasses nearly jumped out of the chair.
"What the hell was that?!" he demanded.
"I will explain later, however, Glasses, you managed to defeat a level demon monster on your own." Stated Genos. He inputted the data and nodded, next thing he knew a blip came to the tablet Genos was holding, he gave a nod and turned to Glasses. "Congratulations, you are now in Class A rank 40."
Glasses froze to the news. "What?" he whispered.
"Class A." Hunter said with a grin on his face. "You proved yourself in the simulation. I have no doubt with more training, you will climb up the ranks here in Class A, keep up the great work!"
"Wait, how can a simulation determine that!" demanded Heavy Tank Loin Cloth.
"Very well, Glasses, would you spar with me?" Hunter asked.
The young hero froze to the request, but nodded. They cleared a section of the room. There Hunter stood and invited Glasses to go all out. "Don't hold back, let it out and let's see what you got!"
He nodded and stood at the ready. "Combatants, ready?" Genos called. "BEGIN!" Glasses ran at him hard. One punch Hunter could tell this one had great potential. His speed was impressive, his strength growing with each strike. Despite how tried he was from the simulation, Glasses still possessed the power, and was able to keep up when Hunter began to move about and tried to avoid the attack. Even the other heroes were impressed when Glasses kept going. Hunter struck him once, it repelled him back quite a ways. He didn't hit him hard, he wasn't looking to harm Glasses to say the least, yet he knew the hero felt it. Yet, the important part, he kept on his feet.
"Enough" Hunter called.
"Whoa, I didn't know you were that strong!" said Stinger.
Death Gatling was impressed. "I recruited him to help me hunt your father back in the day." He said.
Hunter smirked. "I can see why!"
They spent the next few hours testing the heroes. Other than Glasses, no one moved up in rank. Not even Atomic Samurai's disciples could move beyond their position. Yet, they all agreed that it was challenging, the test was valid and eye opening. "So, with everyone done here, are there any complaints about the system? Who thought it was unfair?"
A few heroes raised their hands, yet the rest did not. "So, what do you do now? You train!" Hunter announced. "Thank you all for coming."
With that the heroes left the room. "This has been very insightful." Said Genos.
"I was hoping Saitama would have shown up, it would get him into S Class easily."
"There was a sale today…"
"Damn it, I forgot to check that…" suddenly the side doorway open. He slinked out and came to inspect the machine.
Genos on the other hand got defensive. "You are not Snek!" he warned and charged his weapons.
"It's okay Genos, he's cool, and he's with me."
Genos paused and stared. "Amai Mask?" he asked.
He took the hoodie off, revealing his face. "Yes, and I would appreciate that this information does not leave this room."
"I am confused…"
"Oh right you weren't at the meeting dad called for a few days ago. Long story, we'll tell you tonight at dinner."
"Tonight?" asked Sweet Mask.
"A little arrangement dad made with Saitama after he helped him get home to confront you. Genos and Saitama come over for dinner once a week."
"Oh… I see…" Amai paused but turned back to the machine. "It appears impressive, but I am not convinced it can prove a hero's worth."
"It's only being tested right now. Glasses however did deserve the promotion," said Genos.
"Still, I don't think one should trust a machine to gauge another's power and strength…"
"Coming from the man who determines that by looks and beauty of a hero."
He was about to say something, but a small smirk came over Amai. "Touché."