Mark Wilson.
The same bastard that Said to Simon to "Know his place."
Ivan mirrored Simon's grim, wide and sharp. "Well, look whose here"
Ivan did not know the full story but he knew enough. Mark had tried to mess with Simon -threatened him when he was still weak -and that alone was enough for Ivan to not like the guy.
So, they moved as one.
Their head held high, shoulder squared, an almost predatory energy radiating off them. The crowd, sensing the shift in atmosphere, instinctively stepped aside.
Simon's 1-Star peak strength mixed with Ivan's 1-Star starter strength created a dense, heavy aura- like an impending storm. Suffocating and Intense.
People whispered as they passed.
"they're heading for mark, aren't they?
Even Ethan arched a brow but didn't stop them. He simply crossed his arms, curious to see where this was going.
Mark stood there, arms crossed, wearing a smug grin -until Simon got closer.
Then he felt it.
The pressure.
Simon's aura wasn't that of a typical 1-Star. It was heavy. Dense. Almost like…
"No… this isn't right."
Mark's smile faltered as Simon and Ivan came to a stop just a few feet away.
"Long time, Mark." Simon's tone calm but laced with something darker.
Mark straightened, trying to reassert control. "Looks like you did well for yourself. But don't let one good show get to your head, kid. You're still a 1-Star- "
Simon stepped forward, cutting him off. His aura flared, raw and overwhelming.
Mark flinched.
"Still think I need to "know my Place'?" Simon's voice like steel -calm but heavy with threat.
For a moment, Mark didn't respond.
The crowd was silent, waiting.
Then, Mark's jaw tightened. "You got lucky today. But strength isn't just about power -its about control, experience- "
"And dominance," Simon Interrupted. "And right now? You feel it don't you? You know I'm right there… if not already stronger than you."
Mark swallowed hard, his 2-Star status suddenly felt fragile.
Ivan let out a low whistle. "Damn, Mark. You're really making this too easy."
The humiliation hit hard. The crowd felt it.
Mark's pride flared, but he didn't push it -because deep down, he knew.
Simon had closed the gap. And worse, everyone could see it.
Simon leaned in one last time.
"Next time you try to crush someone beneath you… make sure they don't grow strong enough to crush you back."
Then, without another word, Simon and Ivan turned and walked away.
The crowd erupted into whispers.
"He just humiliated a 2-Star Astral Lord…"
"Kids these days are fierce…"
Ethan Valor, watching from the sidelines, chuckled as he dialled a number.
"Miss, you're going to want to hear about this."
And Mark?
He stood there, fists clenched, seething with rage and humiliation. But he didn't chase after them.
He couldn't. Not anymore.
Every one returned back to their own home base.
"Simon and Ivan come early tomorrow both of you will be signing A+ contract" Ethan said surprising everyone including Simon and Ivan.
The room froze.
"A+ contract?!..." Tyler and other exclaimed in unison, eyes wide with disbelief.
Having worked at company for the past six months, they knew exactly what that meant.
An A+ Contract wasn't just a step up- it was a leap. Beyond the standard benefits of an A-tier, if offered a 55% discount on company resources and, more Importantly, granted access to the intermediate Astral absorption technique, Solar Eater, immediately upon signing.
This realization hit Simon and Ivan hard, a flutter of excitement stirring in their chests. The surreal weight of the moment pressed on them, but deep down, they knew -this was the reward for their hard work, their risk, and their relentless grind.
That night, Simon returned home, his father was waiting, and after hearing the news, he prepared a celebratory dinner, pride clear in every dish he made.
Later, in the quiet of his room, Simon logged into his company ID. Searching for Solar Eater.
The screen lit up, details flooding in.
His eyes widened.
"This… this could change everything!"
And he wasn't wrong.
Solar eater was a huge level above Planet Absorption Technique because where Planet absorption increased the speed of absorption 10 time whereas Solar eater increases this absorption rate by 100 time.
After calming his mind, Simon looked up other things in the website. Later Simon entered into training leaving everything for tomorrow.
Tomorrow morning.
Simon and Ivan returned early in the morning wanting to sign the contract as early as possible. But they were forced to wait until Eira Sylvana come to office.
In the conference room. The company's top echelon, Ethan and the other new recruits were all present in line as Eira Sylvana gave a concluding speech.
"It worth mentioning that Simon and Ivan have secured first and second place in the trail and greatly demonstrated the greatness of God Beetle, this is worthy of praise!"
Eira Sylvana's eye fell on Simon and Ivan as she smiled. "You two - come to my office after this. We will re-sign your contract"
"Thank you, Ms. Eira" Simon and Ivan responded in unison, their voice steady despite the weight of the moment.
"Keep it up and work hard!"
Eira Sylvana nodded slightly and looked at another newbie as said.
"Remember this— reward the strong, punish the weak: survival of the fittest. It's this philosophy that's kept God Beetle at the pinnacle, reigning as the world's number one Astral organization."
Looking at the newbie's expression, Eira Sylvana said, "I expect nothing less than your best in the upcoming tasks. The same rules apply—excel, and you'll be rewarded. But fall short…" Her voice hardened. "And the consequences won't be easy."
"Yes, Miss" hearing this Eira Sylvana nodded.
"Next, I'll talk about your work arrangements. All of you are now qualified Level 1 Astral Lords, and the greatest function of an Astral Lord is not to stay in the company as technical or clerical staff but to break into the wilderness and hunt the Dreadbeasts!"
Break into the wilderness and hunt down the Dreadbeasts!
Simon perked up as a look of anticipation appeared in his eyes.
"So, there are two paths ahead of all of you!" Eira Sylvana said indifferently.
"The first is to become a Wild Hunter! After becoming one, you can freely head into the wilderness and kill Dreadbeasts. Then, you may sell their corpses to the company or to other organizations!
"The difference is, if you sell to other organizations, the company will take 20% of the profit, while the same rule is not applied when it is sold to the company!"
Simon nodded slightly.
A Dreadbeast's entire body was a treasure trove, and the corpse of a high-level Dreadbeast was invaluable. Why would an Astral organization hire so many Astral Lords?
It was, of course, to hunt down Dreadbeasts!
Dreadbeast hunting was an extremely profitable business, making more money than any other industry. Be it telecommunications, computing, real estate, oil, aviation—none could compete with the Dreadbeast industry. It was the pillar on which many Astral organizations relied for survival.
Hunt the Dreadbeasts, dismember them, then sell them for profit.
The flesh of Dreadbeasts was eaten, their skin made into leather, and their bones crafted into weapons. The corpses of high-level Dreadbeasts contained rich Gene Astras that could nourish the human body, repair damaged and aging organs, strengthen key organs, and grant significant benefits to both mind and body.
In this world, people no longer ate poultry such as chickens, ducks, and geese, or domesticated animals like pigs, cows, or goats. Instead, all of them ate Dreadbeast meat.
It could be said that no other industry was more profitable than the Dreadbeast industry.
"The second path is to become part of the logistics crew!"