SSS-Class Profession: The Path to Mastery

The dawn of the Hudson Bridge Project came with a fresh wind blowing across the worksite. The sun had just started to rise, yet the atmosphere was already alive with energy. 

I fitted my gloves properly, breathing out gently as I made my way to the specified gathering location.

Six different teams had been assigned to the project, each group clustered in their own section. The workers stood ready, some stretching, others adjusting their gear. From a glance, it was clear—these weren't ordinary laborers.

I activated Scan.

My vision sharpened, subtle markers highlighting the most experienced members of each group. Their strengths, their specialties—they all became clear in an instant.

Nathan stood at the front of their team, arms crossed, radiating arrogance. The only A-rank present. His presence alone set them apart, at least on paper.

But the other groups weren't to be underestimated.

Each one specialized in something different:

Structural Assembly (Group 1): Experts in erecting scaffolding and framework with speed and precision.

Heavy Machinery (Group 2): Operators skilled in handling cranes, excavators, and other large-scale equipment.

Material Handling (Group 3): Workers with skills focused on efficiently managing resources and logistics.

Reinforcement & Safety (Group 4): A team dedicated to ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the entire site.

Precision Engineering (Group 5): Specialists in measurements, angles, and ensuring absolute accuracy in every task.

Balanced Labor (Group 6 – My Team): Good at everything but exceptional at nothing.

I couldn't help, but frown. Our group's strength was versatility, but this event was practically a competition and this strength could just as easily be a weakness.

And then there was the evaluator.

A woman with blond hair and thin-framed glasses stood near a temporary observation station. She wore a neatly pressed uniform, clipboard in hand, her sharp eyes moving over the workers with practiced efficiency.

She wasn't just any observer—she was a government evaluator, responsible for determining promotions, demotions, and even employment offers.

Curious, I activated Scan, the interface flickered, displaying the evaluator's details.

[Scan Results]

Name: Evelyn Mercer

Job: Government Evaluator (A-Rank)

Skills:

Keen Observation (Lv. 7) Analyzes subtle details in movement, efficiency, and coordination to assess performance accurately

Situational Analysis (Lv. 6) Processes multiple variables in high-pressure environments to determine optimal strategies

Psychological Insight (Lv. 8) Reads body language, tone, and behavior to gauge intentions, confidence, and potential

Authority Presence (Lv. 6) Commands respect and compliance with minimal effort, ensuring directives are followed without question

Normally, her observation skills would be a worry, but I wasnt troubled by it.

Evaluators worked based on historical data. They didn't make snap judgments. She would have already reviewed past reports on every worker here. And according to those records, I would be the worse person here, an F-Rank, an unskilled labourer. Meaning she wouldn't be paying attention to me. Which was exactly what I needed.

A loud whistle rang through the air.

"All right, listen up!" A site manager stepped forward, voice carrying over the crowd. "Before we start, each group's coordinator will meet to finalize workflow and ensure smooth execution. This will be a long job, and we're not here to waste time."

One worker from each team stepped forward.

For our group, it was Sienna.

Of course.

It made perfect sense. She had the respect of the crew, the experience, and the leadership skills to back it up.

I had no intention of interfering. My quest required me to be a core part of the project—but that didn't mean throwing myself into places I didn't belong. Getting attention from the evaluator would be problematic.

But before I could even take a step back—

"I want Vale with me," Sienna said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Silence.

Nathan turned, disbelief flickering across his face before twisting into pure irritation. "What? You're joking, right?"

Sienna didn't even glance at him. "He's been coordinating just as much as I have. Might as well make it official."

I was about to open my mouth to object—this was too sudden, too suspicious—but then Leo chimed in.

"She's not wrong," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Honestly, half the reason we've been working smoother this past week is 'cause of him."

"Yeah," Omar added with a shrug. "Might as well have him in there if he's already acting like a coordinator."

The rest of the team murmured in agreement.

I had spent an entire week building trust, guiding without forcing, influencing without commanding. And now, when it mattered most—

They had my back. I could feel the evaluator's gaze land on me. The last thing I wanted.

Nathan clenched his jaw, looking like he wanted to argue, but the decision had already been made.

"Fine." He spat the word like it burned. "Do whatever you want."

Sienna nodded in satisfaction and turned to me. "Let's go."

I hesitated for only a moment before following.

This wasn't how I planned it. I was hoping to do the same thing I did throughout the week. Small suggestions, nothing major, but just enough to allow my quest to be complete.

But the opportunity had presented itself.

Now, I just had to make it count.

The makeshift meeting room was set up inside a temporary office trailer near the worksite. The evaluators, planners, and coordinators gathered around a central table, blueprints and documents spread out in front of them.

I took a steady breath as he stepped inside, his mind already working through possible strategies.

This was it.

I was officially part of the Hudson Bridge Project's coordinators team.

And I can't waste this chance.

[SYSTEM INTERFACE]

Name: Reynard Vale

Job Title: Jobmaster (Rank SSS)

Job Skills:

Endurance Boost (Lv. 3): Reduces fatigue from manual labor

Strategist (Lv. 3): Improves planning and problem-solving abilities

Heavy Lifting (Lv. 3): Boosts physical strength, making it easier to carry heavy objects

Material Efficiency (Lv. 2): Optimizes use of resources, reducing waste and improving precision

Team Coordination (Lv. 6): Enhances team management and leadership

Structural Reinforcement (Lv. 2): Improves the stability and durability of structures

Precision Engineering (Lv. 2): Enhances accuracy in measurements and construction

Fast Assembly (Lv. 2): Increases speed in constructing frameworks and structures

Jobs:

Unskilled Laborer (F) → [Rank-Up Quest Available]

Special Skill:

Scan, Absorb, Destroy

Cooldown:

Skill Copy (Ready for Use)