The 35% Revolution: The New Standard
Following Kavir's induction, the N.D.A. witnessed a technological renaissance. Magitech advancement had surged to 35\%, and the impact was felt immediately across all combat units.
The most critical breakthrough was that the new suits no longer suppressed the wearer's potential.
Previously, heavy plating caused energy leakage, but the new alloys acted as mana-conductors, actually 'boosting' the user's natural output.
The Result: A standard B-Rank Dunger equipped with this gear now possessed the durability and mana-resistance of a Sub A-Rank elite. This allowed mid-tier squads to sustain themselves in high-danger zones that were previously suicide missions.
The Gathering of Giants
A suffocating silence gripped the main laboratory of the N.D.A. High-ranking Defense Ministers and the top brass of the Association were gathered, their eyes fixed on Kavir's masterpiece—The Omega Scanner.
"Kavir, is the system ready?" the N.D.A. Commissioner asked, his voice laced with anticipation.
Kavir adjusted the holographic displays without turning around. "System stabilized. Calibration complete. This machine no longer scans just mana rank; it measures 'soul density.' Nothing can hide from its gaze."
The Choice: Adiraj's Shield
The lab doors hissed open, and Adiraj walked in with Rudra trailing behind. Adiraj's expression was stony; he knew the officials were hunting for an excuse to seize the boy.
Adiraj pulled Rudra aside, whispering, "Listen, kid. This Omega Scanner is the real deal. Kavir built it for the 'Absolute Truth.' If you're uncomfortable, tell me now. I'll clear this room in ten seconds. They won't touch you while I'm standing here."
Rudra looked at the machine. There was no fear in his violet eyes.
"Master... do not falter," the Ruin Soul's cold voice echoed. "You are Level 25. Gluttony has devoured your SSS+ aura and stored it within the Abyss. To them... you are a Zero. Proceed."
Rudra gave Adiraj a slight nod. "I'm ready."
The Omega Scan: The "Empty" Anomaly
Rudra stepped into the center of the scanning array. Cyan beams of light swept over him, analyzing every fiber of his being.
[ANALYZING SOUL CORE...]
[CALCULATING RANK...]
The only sound in the lab was the rhythmic humming of the machine. Suddenly, a long, high-pitched beep signaled the end of the process, and the results flashed onto the primary screen.
[OMEGA SCAN RESULTS]
Name: Rudra
Rank: D (Gold)
Mana Output: 0.005\ MHz (Extremely Low)
Presence Status: EMPTY HUMAN (ZERO ANOMALY)
Verdict: No hidden mana reserves found.
The officials stood frozen. The Commissioner's face paled. "Empty? But the reading from the training hall..."
Kavir re-checked the data streams, his brow furrowed. "The machine doesn't lie, sir. Rudra's body is like an 'Empty Shell.' Perhaps the incident was just a temporary mana-glitch."
The Exit: Adiraj's Parting Shot
Adiraj let out a massive sigh of relief and barked a laugh. "Hahaha! See? I told you my disciple was just a regular kid. You lot were worrying over nothing."
Rudra stepped out of the machine and silently followed Adiraj toward the exit. Before crossing the threshold, Adiraj suddenly paused and turned back toward Kavir.
Adiraj flashed Kavir a confident, sharp smile. "Kavir, hurry up with my suit," he said, his tone carrying the weight of a commander's trust.
Kavir gave a short nod, but his eyes lingered on Rudra's departing back. Even though the machine showed a 'Zero,' Kavir felt an unexplainable weight—as if he were staring into a vast, silent abyss.