Chapter 444: Variables
Chapter 444: Variables
Before, Han Sen would’ve backed down against a B-level challenge. But after boosting his energy points, his power had reached B-level—a strong tier at that. No reason to fear now.
This wasn’t arrogance. He needed to assert dominance.
As a big shot, authority mattered. Without it, who’d take his words seriously?
“If I strike, you’ll get no chance.”
Han Sen’s tone stayed flat, though his presence was truly fitting for a big shot.
“Fine.”
Luo Ding wasn’t one for niceties. He’d only held back earlier to humor General Qing Gang. Since this priest wanted trouble, he’d oblige.
His shadowy arm lashed out like a demon’s claw.
Darkness swallowed the scene. A patterned hand materialized from nowhere, warping direction and senses. The frontal assault somehow struck from behind. Han Sen stood frozen, seemingly oblivious.
“Mental energy attack?!”
The bald crew scrambled back. They were B-level too, but newbies like Wang Bo. Against Luo Ding and Cai Jiu? They’d crumble in three moves.
“Not just mental energy… there’s more.”
Typical of the Special Operations Bureau’s strong individuals. Even side characters packed such power. No wonder Xia Country stayed stable post-mutation.
Han Sen tried to react.
But the attack came from angles he couldn’t grasp. Countering felt impossible. His rushed breakthroughs left his mental energy weak—a flaw glaringly exposed now.
“Since when do warriors cast spells?!”
Han Sen cursed inwardly. This brute fought like a mage!
“System! Help!”
Image mattered more than pride. If Luo Ding beat him here, his big shot facade—and future energy points—would vanish.
In his mind, Zuo Meng smirked and flicked a finger.
*Ding!*
*Spend 3 energy points for temporary stats?*
“Do it!”
Han Sen didn’t hesitate. Who cared about pricing? Reputation was on the line.
*+50 temporary stats!*
*Destructive capability upgraded to A-level!*
Power flooded Han Sen’s veins—all in a blink. Luo Ding noticed nothing until his Demonic Hand nearly clamped Han Sen’s shoulder.
This was Luo Ding’s awakened ability. That hand wielded demon god-like force, crushing even peers. He never considered this priest an equal but followed protocol: no holding back. Underestimating foes was forbidden in the Special Operations Bureau.
“Got you!”
Luo Ding’s lips curled into a smirk, but before he could relax his mentality, an unfamiliar voice emerged behind him.
“What kind of move is that?”
The voice rang in his ear, startling Luo Ding into jerking forward. His hand shot out faster, landing on the scammer Taoist priest’s shoulder. Yet he immediately sensed something wrong – no solid contact reached his palm, as if grabbing empty air.
Phantom Shadow?
When?!
With temporary attributes boosting his destructive capability to A-rank, Han Sen now wielded genuine big shot-level power. Luo Ding’s movements seemed snail-slow to him, effortlessly dodged. An A-rank Awakened One exerted absolute power over lower ranks – this was the qualitative leap in energy levels!
Han Sen finally understood how Qi Fei had mopped the floor with so many opponents before. This felt like fighting toddlers – ridiculously simple.
“Too slow. Attack together.”
Han Sen pressed a hand against Luo Ding’s back, freezing him in place while coolly eyeing Cai Jiu nearby.
Having spent 3 energy points, he had to cement his big shot status. If not for Qi Fei’s absurd strength, he’d have used higher-ranked targets for achievements.
“Wild Growth!”
Cai Jiu didn’t waste breath, instantly activating his power.
Plant Manipulation – his awakened ability to conjure forests within moments. Within his botanical domain, he reigned as vegetation’s monarch.
“Pathetic. Utterly pathetic.”
Holding the immobilized Luo Ding with one hand, Han Sen flashed beside Cai Jiu. His free palm descended casually.
The plants froze mid-growth.
Two B-rank strong individuals from the Special Operations Bureau were crushed like helpless chicks before Han Sen.
“That’s it?”
The bald man and others gaped. They’d anticipated an epic clash, not this one-sided crushing blow. Clearly, this Taoist priest wasn’t ordinary. His earlier divinations might actually hold truth!
Ding!
Potential points +6
Even Qi Fei showed flickers of doubt this time, letting Han Sen recoup expended energy with surplus remaining.
“Holy crap! Old Han, you on steroids?”
Wang Bo stared dumbfounded. Was this really the C-rank Han Sen? Changes didn’t happen this fast! Blue pills couldn’t cause this! Unaware of Han Sen’s B-rank breakthrough since leaving Jiangnan City – while Wang Bo himself only advanced after reaching Capital City – he’d never witnessed Han Sen’s rank-up.
“I was just being low-key.”
Having established dominance, Han Sen tossed aside his captives.
These two guys had disrespected him – a little throwing around wasn’t excessive, right?
“A-rank?!”
“Impossible!”
Freed from restraints, Luo Ding and Cai Jiu wore expressions of shock, involuntary awe coloring their gazes. Whatever Han Sen’s past records showed, they became irrelevant now. An A-rank big shot transcended such trivialities – not only would complaints vanish, but the Special Operations Bureau would actively recruit him.
“I’ve explained the hexagrams. We’ve wasted enough time.”
Han Sen ignored the pair, turning to Qi Fei – the mission leader, while others merely assisted.
“General, care to test me yourself?”
Victory wasn’t guaranteed, but projecting confidence was crucial – wisdom from the old Taoist priest. Since obtaining the system, Han Sen had mastered this principle.
“Unnecessary. I trust the Taoist priest.”
Qi Fei smiled.
True variables affected not just fate, but strength itself!