Chapter 82 | You Are The Product
Dexter provided the necessary details. The doctor entered them, reviewed everything one final time, and then pressed a button on the terminal.
A moment later, a small slot beneath the desk whirred to life, and something slid out into a velvet lined tray.
The doctor picked it up and held it out to Dexter.
It was a license card. But it was not the card Dexter had expected.
Most license cards issued to new registrants were F rank, which was standard for first time examinees.
The F rank cards typically came in normal plastics. But for top 10,000, they receive theirs in Iron.
Iron cards for those in top 10,000, Bronze for those in top 1,000, Silver for top 100 and Gold for those in top 10.
This card Dexter was given was pure gold.
’Damn. They really went all out.’
Dexter chuckled in his mind as he looked at the card, then at the doctor.
"The card functions as identification, bank account access, dungeon authorization, mission registration, medical insurance verification, and emergency extraction identification."
She paused and then continued. "The gold card is issued exclusively to top ten registrants. It grants priority access to licensed dungeons, expedited processing at all guild affiliated facilities, and a few additional privileges that will be detailed in the document packet I am about to give you. The gold card also carries Tier 3 clearance—access to classified information and restricted databases that standard bronze and silver cardholders cannot view."
She turned to a folder on the desk and handed him a thick, sealed envelope. "This contains your full registration documents, a handbook of license holder privileges and restrictions, and a directory of training centers, guilds and facilities in your region."
"You will also receive a monthly stipend. Bronze-ranked licensees which is top 10,000 receive 1,000 dollars. Gold, like yours, receives 100,000 dollars monthly." She paused, something flickering in her eyes.
"As for Diamond cards, they are reserved for the top three and receives one million. Individuals like Aurora, for instance."
Dexter eyes widnened slightly when he heard the amount he would receive monthly.
It was insane.
’Hundred thousand dollars for doing nothing? There’s definitely a catch!’
If something is for free then you are the product. It was something that had stuck with Dexter for a long while and he squinted his eyes.
"What’s the catch?"
The doctor smiled prettily. "It’s actually not much. You will be requested to clear an F or E rank dungeon at least 3 times a month and also tasked with immediate response to any dungeon outbreak close to you."
’As expected.’
Dexter chuckled internally. But he wasn’t worried. Since he was getting paid, he would naturally work for the 100,000 dollars. Moreover, to grow stronger, he needed money to spoil his wives and increase his strength.
The doctor continued her speech.
"Your profile is already live on the Hero Association website," the doctor continued.
The doctor then did something that surprised him.
She bowed slightly.
"Congratulations, Mr. Ashford. And welcome to the licensed ranks."
From that point on, the staff treated him differently. Every person he passed in the corridor on his way out offered a nod or a polite greeting.
Dexter moved through it all calmly.
He tucked the gold card into his pocket, held the envelope under his arm and stepped back into the main corridor.
The supervisor from the observation room was waiting for him. Two staff members flanked the man in step.
"Mr. Ashford," the supervisor said, stepping forward. He held out an envelope, thick with documents or credits or both.
"One hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Compensation for the failures during your examination. I know it cannot compare to nearly losing your life, but I hope you can accept it as a gesture of our sincerity."
Dexter raised an eyebrow. These people truly didn’t want him to sue them.
He sighed and took the envelope.
He needed the money, his wives’ needs, his household’s expenses, the constant drain of maintaining even a modest noble lifestyle.
"Thank you."
"When the beast corpses from the examination are processed and sold," the supervisor added, "your share of the profits will be transferred by tomorrow. Standard procedure for participants, but given your... performance, it will be substantial."
Dexter nodded again. "Alright. I’m in a hurry so I will take my leave."
The Supervisor smiled and waved as Dexter left, then his eyes turned cold as he turned back to his staff members behind him.
"How the fuck did you two fail a simple task?"
...
Rachel was waiting for him in the main lobby.
She had been waiting since he went in. She fell into step beside him as he walked toward the exit.
"You got the gold card," she said. It was not a question. She had known he would eventually get a gold card.
Dexter nodded.
"I knew you would," she said simply.
They walked through the massive front doors of the building and out into the open air. The sun was high and the day was warm.
The garage where Rachel had parked was a short walk across a wide plaza paved with pale stone.
"Let me drive you home," she said. "Or at least to the bus station. Please."
Dexter shook his head. "I need to get some things first. For my wives."
Rachel looked at him for a moment. Then she smiled playfully.
"You really care about them, don’t you? It really makes me wish I was one of them."
Her eyes brightened up as she smirked.
Dexter stared at her with a raised eyebrow.
’What exactly does she mean?’
"Thank you, Rachel," he said, and extended his hand. "For everything today. I will see you around."
Rachel looked at his hand then looked at him.
"You’re truly cruel Dexter."
She took his hand and shook it but didn’t let go as she tilted her head and asked.
"Have you heard of a Finger trap?"
Dexter was a bit caught offguard by the change in subject.
’She’s up to something.’
He slowly nodded his head. "Yes, I’m familiar with it."
She smiled brilliantly and seductively. Her perfectly set, white teeth, pink lips and pink tongue as she licked her lips made Dexters heart trickle.
"The more you struggle..."