HBWnovel Chapter 60: Wings of Deception
Chapter 60: Wings of Deception
Chapter 60: Wings of DeceptionThe massive doors of the assessment center stood before me—once more.
I entered, the subtle aroma of antiseptic and new papers enveloped the atmosphere, blending with the soft whispers of the employees and applicants dispersed throughout the space. Fluorescent bulbs buzzed above, illuminating the area with a sterile light
A few heads turned as I walked in. Understandable. My new look was a bit much.
The outfit Camille had crafted for me was undeniably extravagant. A flowing white coat with golden embroidery lined the sleeves, intricate celestial patterns forming constellations that shimmered subtly under the light. Beneath it, a high-collared black tunic hugged my frame, accentuating the contrast. Gold accents lined the shoulders, trailing down like streaks of shooting stars. The finishing touch? The pristine white angel mask obscuring my face, smooth and expressionless save for two elongated slits where my eyes peeked through. It gave me the air of something divine. An angel, untouchable and distant.
Which was exactly the point.
At the reception desk, Rebecca had been looking at a screen when I approached, her fingers flying over the keyboard. When she finally glanced up, she froze.
Her mouth opened slightly in shock, and I could almost hear the unspoken what the hell? echoing in her mind.
A few feet away, Evelyn reacted much differently. Her expression immediately soured, pinching the bridge of her nose before letting out a slow exhale.
"...Mister Angel," she muttered as if the very words caused her physical pain.
I tilted my head slightly. "Oh? You know of me?"
She fixed me with a deadpan stare. "I wonder why that is? Perhaps it's because you announced yourself to be above both Mr. Fox and Mr. Dust around a month ago."
Rebecca barely held back a snort.
I chuckled, stepping forward. "Oh, Evelyn. It's best not to dig for more than you need to know."
Her eyes sharpened at that. "How do you know my name?"
I let the silence stretch, then let out a soft laugh. "Intriguing, no? Call it a miracle of sorts." I stepped past her, approaching Rebecca. "Now, if you don't mind, I need to be evaluated. I have a flight to catch—to the USA."
Rebecca, still looking vaguely stunned, snapped out of it and nodded. "R-right. Just head inside for the evaluation."
The process was familiar though it seemed they upgrade their systems.
I stepped into the designated evaluation chamber, a sterile, dimly lit room with smooth metallic walls. At its center stood a single pedestal, upon which rested the evaluation orb—an intricate device humming with faint energy, its surface a swirling mix of blues and silvers.
Evelyn stood by the entrance, arms crossed, her sharp eyes analyzing me with unwavering focus. I knew exactly what she was doing—using her Psychological Insight to gauge if I was lying, insane, or something in between.
The problem? My bravado wasn't an act.
There was no hesitation, no nervous ticks, no subtle giveaways. I truly believed every word I said, and that confidence threw off her analysis. Her ability genuinely couldn't tell if I was a master manipulator, delusional, or something else entirely.
I met her gaze briefly before placing my palm against the orb.
It was cold at first, but then warmth pulsed beneath my fingertips, data surging through my body as the machine read my capabilities. Lines of energy flickered to life, scanning every inch of my being, every skill I had acquired. A low hum filled the chamber as numbers and text began appearing on the screen beside me.
The final results flashed across the display:
[MR. ANGEL | C-RANK ASTRONAUT]
Zero-Gravity Maneuvering (Lv. 4) – Enhances movement and coordination in microgravity environments, ensuring efficiency when performing tasks in space.
Spacecraft Operation (Lv. 3) – Improves control over spacecraft systems, including navigation, propulsion, and communication, both in orbit and during re-entry.
Scientific Re