Hero Hack: Reversing Heroes and Raising Harem-Chapter 164: I Need a Promotion

Zain looked at Blazren and shrugged.

"If you really believe there’s someone behind Velvet Demon," he said, "then go find out who it is."

Blazren let out a heavy breath.

"It’s not that easy."

Zain raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"

Blazren leaned on the table beside him, eyes tired.

"Velvet Demon is already AA-Rank. Not just barely—she’s solid."

Zain nodded slowly. "And?"

Blazren’s eyes narrowed. "If there’s someone behind her, they’re even more terrifying."

Zain stayed quiet, watching him.

Blazren continued. "I’m just A-Rank."

"I don’t have the power or the access to track someone like that."

Zain spoke again, casual. "Then why don’t you ask an AA-Rank hero to help?"

Blazren let out a dry laugh. "That’s the problem."

"They’re not easy to talk to."

"They’re too arrogant," he said. "Most of them act like they’re above everyone."

Zain smirked a little. "And yet, you still need them."

Blazren nodded. "I do. I can’t stop this alone."

He looked at Zain seriously.

"I believe the one behind Velvet Demon isn’t just strong..."

"They’re careful, smart, and hiding deep."

"That’s why I don’t want just any AA-Rank. I need the peak ones."

Zain crossed his arms. "And they don’t like to cooperate."

Blazren frowned. "Exactly."

"They don’t listen unless they see benefit for themselves."

"They move on their own. And some of them..."

"They don’t even care what happens in the B-Zones."

Zain glanced at the wall, then looked back at him.

"So that’s why you’re really frustrated now."

Blazren nodded. "Of course. I called a meeting. Only one AA-Rank showed up."

Zain raised an eyebrow. "Only one?"

Blazren crossed his arms. "Yeah. Just one. The others didn’t even reply."

Zain blinked. "Who was it? I don’t really know any AA-Rank heroes."

Blazren looked at him. "Neuro."

Zain tilted his head. "Never heard of him."

Blazren sighed.

"He’s one of the smartest. Peak AA-Rank."

"Not loud, not flashy, but everything he does is planned."

"His abilities are all connected to his brain."

Zain nodded slowly. "I see."

On the outside, he looked calm.

But inside, his thoughts turned serious.

So that’s the one I need to watch out for now.

A smart hero... one who doesn’t fight with strength alone.

That could be difficult.

Zain’s eyes narrowed slightly.

He might even figure me out if I’m not careful.

But instead of fear, Zain felt something else.

Still... this is interesting.

A smart opponent might be fun.

He smirked inwardly.

Let’s see what he does next.

Blazren cleared his throat, shifting the topic.

"By the way," he said, "what are you doing here, Heavenly Demon?"

"Are you here for another task?"

Zain shook his head. "No, not this time."

"I came to upgrade my rank to AA."

Blazren blinked. "Already?"

Zain nodded with a calm smile.

Blazren stared at him. "Your stats already reach AA? All of them?"

Zain replied without hesitation. "Yes. Every one."

Blazren crossed his arms. "And your abilities?"

"You need at least five mid-tier abilities to qualify."

Zain smirked. "Of course. I have them."

Blazren gave a small nod. "If that’s the case, follow me."

Zain nodded and walked behind him without saying more.

They moved through the hall, past a few patrol heroes and staff.

After a few turns, Blazren stopped in front of a door with a black panel.

He tapped a code, and the door slid open.

Inside was a simple room with machines.

"Here we are," Blazren said.

"This room tests your stats. We’ll know the truth in seconds."

Zain stepped in, looking at the machines without expression.

Blazren pointed to the circular platform in the middle of the room.

"Stand there."

Zain stepped onto it without a word.

The platform lit up under his feet, and small sensors on the ceiling began to move.

Blazren walked to the control panel and tapped a few buttons.

"Alright," he said. "Let’s see if you really have AA-Rank stats."

A soft hum filled the room.

The screen on the wall showed four categories.

Strength. Vitality. Agility. Intelligence.

The first test started.

A metal rod extended from the platform with two handles.

Blazren looked at Zain. "Grip and pull."

Zain grabbed the handles and pulled hard.

The rod shook, then locked.

On the screen, the bar under Strength rose quickly, stopping at the very top.

"Strength—AA confirmed," Blazren said, surprised.

Next came the second test.

A heavy pressure pad rose from the floor behind him.

"Vitality test," Blazren said. "Brace yourself."

Zain stepped back and stood on the pad.

The machine suddenly sent a pulse into his legs and chest.

Most people would flinch.

Zain didn’t move.

The pad flashed green.

"Vitality—AA."

Blazren blinked. "No reaction at all..."

The third test began.

Several blinking lights appeared around the room—red, blue, yellow.

A voice said, "Agility test: begin."

Zain jumped into motion, stepping on lights, dodging fast, tapping moving targets in perfect rhythm.

The lights blinked faster.

Zain kept moving, never missing.

After twenty seconds, the lights stopped.

Agility—AA.

Blazren narrowed his eyes. "Fast. Very fast..."

Finally, the last test.

A digital puzzle grid appeared on the screen.

Dozens of shifting lines and numbers moved quickly.

"Intelligence," Blazren said. "Solve the pattern in thirty seconds."

Zain didn’t speak.

He stepped forward and began tapping the screen.

One by one, the lines lined up.

Shapes matched.

Codes shifted into place.

Time left: five seconds.

Beep. The test ended.

Intelligence—AA.

Blazren stared at the results.

All four stats—green lights across the board.

"Damn," he muttered. "You’re really there."

Zain stepped off the platform. "Told you."

Blazren shook his head slowly.

"You’re stronger than most I’ve tested. No question."

Zain gave a calm smile. "So, I pass?"

Blazren nodded. "Of course, you pass. Your stats are solid AA-Rank."

He paused, then added, "But we’re not done yet."

"You still need to prove your abilities."

Zain tilted his head. "Abilities?"

Blazren pointed at another machine nearby.

"You need five mid-tier abilities to qualify. We’ll test them one by one."

Zain smirked. "No problem. Let’s get started."