A middle-aged man with some white hair patted Moss’s shoulder and said in a very suitable manner, “You did well this time, Moss. Keep up the good work!”
This person was Morse, the captain of Special Operations Team 007. As the captain, he was more encouraging toward his team members’ performance.
“Thank you, sir!” Moss nodded heavily, even though he felt conflicted.
It was his first time participating in a Special Operations Team mission, and it went smoothly. However, he was not too happy after returning. He thought about things as he walked toward the room the EDC had prepared for him.
Five of the seven people in Team 007, including Moss, were intermediate-level powerhouses. There was another person about to join that rank, while Moss was only a level 36 newbie who was not even a low-level powerhouse.
During this mission, the other team members took excellent care of him. The high-level and intermediate powerhouses treated Moss as a newcomer and a key target for protection, so Moss did not make any moves.
“I don’t understand why the deputy director arranged for a newbie to be on our team.”
“You’re right. This isn’t a training center, so we aren’t obligated to bring a newbie along. Fortunately, this mission was relatively easy. He would have gotten us in trouble if it were a tough one.”
Co-Captain Mullen heard his team members’ discussion, raised his eyebrows, and said severely, “All right, both of you stop talking. You might as well rest if you have the time to blabber. The next mission might come anytime soon!”
Even though he said so, he wasn’t genuinely angry. He knew his team members had complaints, but they did not understand the situation, so it was okay for them to vent a little. Mullen did not want Moss to hear those things.
He knew how outstanding Moss was since he had reached level 36 in his first year of college. He also knew Moss’s future was limitless.
However, he also thought it was too early for Moss to be here. Still, Mullen was the co-captain, and even if he did not understand the EDC’s decision now, he would consider the bigger picture.
Unfortunately, Mullen’s good intentions did not materialize as Moss had just entered the room and heard every word the trio said. At that moment, Moss wanted to become stronger and continuously prove himself.
…
Meanwhile, the office director reported to Hugo in his office about the completion of Moss’s first mission, “Director Hugo, this two-star mission is relatively straightforward, but it’s also gratifying.”
“Tell me about it,” a hint of anticipation flashed across Hugo’s eyes as he smiled at the office director.
“Your foresight is unique, Director Hugo!”
Although Moss did not do much this time, his calmness and maturity during the mission did not match his age. He gave others the impression that he was not a kid who participated in a Special Operations Team mission for the first time.
The office director’s eyes were full of admiration as he said excitedly, “This kid has a bright future ahead of him, Director Hugo!”
“Hahaha, he didn’t do much, eh? That kid is probably feeling depressed now,” Director Hugo revealed a gloating smile as he continued, “Morse and the others might feel the same. They misunderstood my meaning and took care of him a bit too much!”
The office director bowed and asked, “Some of Team 007’s members have complaints about Moss’s sudden addition. Do you want me to…”
“No need. This is good, too, so let’s see how Moss reacts. It’s useless to say more when they’re questioning his relevance. The best way to respond is with strength,” a smug smile flashed across Hugo’s face as he continued, “Increase the mission difficulty, and let’s see if they still have the energy to care for Moss.”
The office director immediately understood what Hugo meant and repeatedly nodded, “Understood, Director Hugo! I’ll make the arrangements right away!”
Under Hugo’s watchful eyes, the few missions that Team 007 had recently carried out had the highest star ratings among the other small Special Operations Teams.
The difficulty had gradually increased from the second three-star mission. The mission Team 007 had just completed was a six-star mission.
Six-star missions were challenging for teams that consisted of middle-level powerhouses, not to mention Team 007, which had a newbie like Moss, who was not even a low-level powerhouse.
The other teams wanted to see Team 007 make a fool of themselves when Team 007 got assigned to a six-star mission.
What shocked the other teams was that not only did Team 007 complete their mission but they also broke the record for the fastest completion time for a six-star mission within the EDC Management Bureau.
“You’re something else, Moss. I didn’t expect you to have such a skill!”
“With your defenses, even the co-captain might be unable to beat you!”
“You have a bright future ahead of you, young man! When I spoke about you behind your back, you treated it as nothing and let it go.”
A brilliant smile appeared on Moss’s face when Team 007’s members praised him.
Mullen revealed a look of admiration and thanked Moss from the bottom of his heart, “Thank you, Moss. If it weren’t for you blocking that Dark Tail Snake’s attack, I’d be lucky enough if I made it to the hospital.”
Moss looked at Mullen and said calmly, “You’re too nice, Co-captain Mullen. I was fulfilling my duties.”
The white-haired Captain Morse also looked at Moss gratifyingly and praised him, “You played a vital role in breaking the record, Moss. I will go to the vice director right now and ask for credit for you.”
“Thank you for your praise, Captain Morse. I will continue working hard,” Moss saluted Morse.
Morse patted Moss’s shoulder and said in a slightly serious tone, “Be aware of arrogance and impatience and continue working hard!” Then he hurriedly walked out of the door.
Moss returned to his room shortly after. Although he did not feel tired during that mission, he knew he had to fully prepare for the next one that might come at any moment.
He was about to rest when the system sounded in his mind, “Congratulations, you have fought against a formidable Magical Beast and blocked a fatal blow for your teammate! Your spiritual power has gotten an upgrade. Your 1000 Defenses have increased to 60%
“Congratulations, you have upgraded your spiritual power for the first time! Your spiritual power has reached an intermediate powerhouse level. You have successfully unlocked a condition.”
Moss felt a wave of emotions when he heard the system’s notification.
‘My 1000 Defenses are at 60%?! I’m one step closer to awakening the Unharmed Domain! I’ve upgraded my spiritual power too! I’m an intermediate powerhouse now! This happiness came a bit too suddenly.’
Knowing that his spiritual power had reached the level of an intermediate powerhouse, even someone as calm as Moss could not suppress the excitement in his heart.
It was inevitable. Moss had not even reached the level of a low-level powerhouse, but his spiritual power had already reached the level of an intermediate powerhouse. Anyone would laugh out loud.
Although his spiritual power had just gotten upgraded, Moss wanted to tackle a mission to test its effects. However, he also wanted to see the changes in the profession’s evolution on the control panel.
When he tapped on the red question mark behind the first direction change and saw what was inside, his eyes widened with excitement.