What does an SS-rank even mean? It's absolutely terrifying!
David, a level five mutant, was only rated S by the system. And yet, Director Fury had been evaluated as SS, instantly rewarding Ray with 300 exploration points.
This confirmed beyond doubt that the system's evaluation of "narrative characters" wasn't based solely on power or potential. There were clearly other factors at play.
Otherwise, there was no way to explain such high ratings for people like Fury or Hill.
As for what those additional criteria might be, Ray had his theories—but without more examples, he couldn't draw firm conclusions just yet.
Ray mused inwardly, "Let's use this opportunity to figure out the reward mechanics… and rake in as many bonuses as I can."
If he could gain a few more powerful alter egos, he'd have even more cards to play. And if things ever soured with S.H.I.E.L.D., he'd be able to leave without hesitation.
There was no rush for now.
He was still new here—it made sense to lie low for a while.
"Teaching at the S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy, huh? Doesn't sound so boring, actually…" Accepting his current role, Ray found himself—strangely—looking forward to it.
After laying out the next steps for Ray, Director Fury took his leave.
It was already late, and Ray had just been discharged from the hospital. Not exactly the best time for long conversations.
Hill and May stayed at the lodge for the night, making sure Ray was settled before departing.
The estate, owned by S.H.I.E.L.D., was normally used to host VIP guests—though high-ranking agents like Hill could also make temporary use of it.
Back in his assigned room, Ray had no intention of sleeping. He was far too excited about the rewards he'd just earned.
He hadn't dared look through the system logs during the entire trip—whether in the hospital or at the lodge—just to avoid arousing suspicion.
Now, finally alone, he could check things properly.
Ray thought silently, "System, display my current stats."
The system panel appeared instantly in his mind:
Host: Raymond
Strength: 0.9 Agility: 0.8 Constitution: 0.9 Spirit: 1.7
Exploration Points: 420
Alter Ego: "The Schemer" Kuro
"I guess this is what a windfall feels like."
Seeing 420 points filled Ray with a kind of joy that words couldn't describe. It was like discovering an extra zero on your bank balance after a big job.
Previously, after exchanging for Kuro, then encountering Shadow King and Raina, he had earned a total of 60 points.
But then he'd used the [Equipment Materialisation] function twice, each time costing 10 points, as it consumed one-tenth of a bronze character card's price (100 points).
Since one exploration point equaled one general point, he had used 20 and was left with 40.
Then Hill (50), May (30), and Fury (300) brought in another 380 points, for a total of 420.
That was enough to exchange four Bronze Character Cards—with some to spare.
"More hidden cards to play… I like that."
Even though it was deep into the night, sleep was out of the question.
"System, redeem two Bronze Character Cards."
After a moment's thought, he decided to draw two in one go.
"Activate Bronze Character Card now?"
"Yes," Ray answered confidently.
[Bronze Character Card Activation in Progress…]
Bronze Alter Ego – Deadshot (Floyd Lawton) – Successfully Activated!
Background: Floyd Lawton, alias "Deadshot," hails from the DC universe. A core member of the Suicide Squad, he's a master of hand-to-hand combat and all firearms, possessing supernatural precision. He can hit his targets blindfolded—and even curve bullets mid-flight!
[Bronze Character Card Activation in Progress…]
Silver Alter Ego – Tao Pai Pai, the World's Greatest Assassin – Successfully Activated!
Background: Tao Pai Pai, from the Dragon Ball universe. Brother of Crane Hermit and founder of the Crane School. Every part of his body can be used as a lethal weapon—even his tongue. Known for his ruthlessness and overwhelming power.
If Ray had remained calm after seeing Deadshot—DC's top marksman—as his first new alter ego, the second activation threw all composure out the window.
"Are you kidding me… Tao Pai Pai?!"
Seeing a Silver-tier alter ego emerge from a Bronze card was exhilarating at first.
According to the system's new-user guide, cross-tier activations were incredibly rare—rarer than winning a free drink from a bottle cap.
He'd only redeemed three Bronze cards so far, and one of them had yielded a Silver-grade character. His luck was off the charts.
But when he saw who it was…
"Why Tao Pai Pai of all people?!"
He remembered watching that character as a kid—ruthless, twisted, and undeniably gross.
"Killing someone… with your tongue? And you're a man?! Seriously?!"
Back then, Ray had been horrified. Tao Pai Pai had always struck him as a deranged lunatic. Never in his wildest dreams did he expect to be linked to him—let alone have him as an alter ego.
The problem was, alter egos—while technically an extension of Ray—still retained the full memories and habits of their original character. Their behavioural patterns were hard to suppress.
Just like how Kuro kept reflexively adjusting imaginary glasses.
Ray did have full control over when to activate or deactivate an alter ego. And they always acted in his best interest.
But the details, the style—those were impossible to change.
Which meant if he ever switched to Tao Pai Pai in a real fight… and that lunatic decided to kill someone with his tongue—Ray wouldn't be able to stop it in time.
"The idea that I might someday… lick someone to death? Chills. Actual chills."