The formal reassessment chamber occupied the lower levels of the Hunter Association building, separate from the public dungeon gates and standard training facilities. Unlike live gates, the chamber was engineered for precision rather than unpredictability. Every fluctuation in mana output, reaction timing, and physical force could be measured without environmental distortion.
Jae-min entered without hesitation.
Two analysts stood behind the upper console, their screens already populated with his provisional review data from Gate Seven. Behind reinforced observation glass, several external observers had been granted clearance. Among them stood Han Seojun and Lee Hae-in of Silvercrest Guild.
This time, there was no attempt to conceal their presence.
Jae-min acknowledged them with a brief glance before stepping into the center of the chamber floor.
The lead analyst activated the system.
"This reassessment will measure combat output during active skill usage," the analyst announced through the overhead speaker. "You are instructed to engage the construct at full capacity. Baseline and activation thresholds will be recorded separately."
"I understand," Jae-min replied calmly.
The chamber floor shifted, and a reinforced combat construct materialized across from him. Unlike dungeon monsters, the construct operated under programmed combat routines designed to scale in response to measured force application. It did not tire, and it did not hesitate.
The signal tone sounded.
Jae-min activated Reinforcement at B-Tier.
The enhancement integrated smoothly, reinforcing muscle output and stabilizing movement efficiency without distorting balance. He advanced with measured precision rather than rushing forward.
The construct initiated its opening sequence, delivering a calibrated strike intended to test reaction time.
Jae-min redirected the attack instead of blocking it directly, conserving energy while gathering data. He countered with a controlled strike to the construct's central chassis, avoiding unnecessary overextension.
Above, the analysts monitored the surge in output.
"Activation output exceeding F-Rank threshold by approximately eighty percent," one analyst said quietly.
Seojun's attention sharpened.
"He is maintaining control rather than forcing acceleration," Seojun observed.
Hae-in's gaze remained steady on Jae-min's footwork rather than the numeric display.
"He is pacing his movements," she replied. "There is no wasted transition."
Inside the chamber, the construct shifted to a higher aggression protocol in response to the measured output. Its movements became faster, and its attack angles narrowed.
Jae-min adjusted accordingly.
Rather than escalating his force output further, he optimized positioning. He targeted structural weak points in the construct's design, applying reinforcement only where necessary to achieve efficiency rather than spectacle.
The exchange extended longer than a typical F-Rank evaluation.
After several sustained sequences, the construct's core destabilized under repeated targeted impact. It powered down gradually instead of collapsing violently.
Jae-min allowed Reinforcement to fade without dramatic motion.
His breathing remained steady, and his posture unchanged.
The analysts conferred briefly while reviewing the data.
"Baseline output remains within F-Rank parameters outside activation window," the lead analyst stated. "However, activation metrics align with lower D-Rank performance thresholds."
The chamber remained quiet as the implications settled.
"Formal reassessment result," the analyst continued, "is conditional D-Rank classification. Baseline remains F-Rank, but combat output during activation warrants provisional promotion pending continued stability."
The updated designation appeared on the internal system.
D-Rank Conditional.
It was an unusual classification, but it reflected the data accurately. His baseline measurements did not match his combat output under enhancement.
Jae-min inclined his head slightly.
"I understand."
As he exited the chamber, Seojun and Hae-in stepped away from the observation platform and moved into the corridor.
Seojun extended his hand with a composed expression.
"Han Seojun, Silvercrest Guild," he said. "Your growth has drawn attention."
Jae-min accepted the handshake without tightening his grip unnecessarily.
"Kang Jae-min," he replied. "I am aware."
Seojun studied him briefly.
"Conditional D-Rank within days of Awakening is unusual," he said. "Silvercrest values sustainable progression. If you are considering guild affiliation, we would be open to discussion."
The offer was measured rather than aggressive.
Hae-in stepped slightly forward.
"Your movement discipline suggests long-term scalability," she said. "Most rapid climbers sacrifice efficiency for visibility. You did not."
Jae-min met her gaze calmly.
"Efficiency preserves margin," he replied. "Margin allows adaptation."
Hae-in's expression shifted subtly, acknowledging the logic without challenging it.
Seojun folded his arms loosely.
"We will be watching your next evaluation closely," he said. "Conditional rank invites scrutiny."
"That is expected," Jae-min replied.
The exchange ended without hostility or overt tension. Instead, it left an unspoken recognition that their trajectories would intersect again.
After they departed, Jae-min walked alone toward the exit.
His phone vibrated with the public update.
Kang Jae-min — D-Rank Conditional — Performance Under Continued Review.
The shift was now visible to the entire city.
The system interface remained present at the edge of his awareness.
[Upgrade Available]
He did not activate it immediately.
Conditional D-Rank already altered the board.
Further escalation required timing.
Outside, pedestrians paused briefly in front of the updated ranking display before moving on. Stability had been disturbed, but not shattered.
For now, that was sufficient.