Chapter-9 Registering To Become A Runner

Before heading to the runner association Kofi decided to head back home instead also not taking the usual mode of transport, he decided to jog the 20 kilometers effortlessly due to his impressive stamina and agility.

Upon reaching an apartment complex, which seemed partly destroyed, he realized it was also midday.

Before leaving for the runner association, he had some time to spare at home, where his injury had already been informed to his work boss...Taking advantage of his spare time, he began his journey towards becoming a runner, enhancing his agility by three points to 16 and his stamina by two points to 15.

Entering a tall building housing the runner association for the first time, Kofi instantly was amazed by the mix of regular and advanced technology inside. While navigating through the maze-like interior, he approached one of the reception desks where other runners, clad in advanced gear, stood out from the crowd.

"Hi, I'd like to register as a runner," Kofi stated to the black-haired woman behind the counter.

"No problem, can I see your ID?" she asked.

After Kofi provided his ID, the woman processed his registration. A female clerk from the side then approached Kofi to verify if he had previously explored any mazes, which would indicate energy accumulation in his body. However, it showed that he had only tackled an E-rank maze not Brian's Playhouse but Kofi didn't know that.

"Alright, sir, follow me. I'll introduce you to the formalities needed to become a runner," the woman said, leading Kofi towards the registration process. Before proceeding, she explained the benefits of obtaining a runner's license, including healthcare, financial aid, death insurance, weather manipulation abilities, and fame.

...

To officially join the ranks of recognized runners, awakened individuals must undergo a rigorous licensing process administered by their country's hunters association. This process entails a series of tests, evaluations, and assessments designed to gauge the individual's proficiency, aptitude, and readiness to run a maze.

Responsibilities and Obligations

Once licensed, runners are entrusted to enter gates and mazes, explore uncharted mazes, and confront the myriad dangers that lurk within. They are duty-bound to heed the summons of the runnners association and respond promptly to any calls for assistance or aid. Failure to comply with association directives or being unavailable for three consecutive summons can result in the revocation of their runner's license, casting them out of the esteemed ranks of the chosen few.

...

In the world Benefits of Licensing: the privileges of runners extend far beyond mere fame and authority. Licensed runners are entitled to a myriad of benefits and perks designed to support them in their runs and helping of the world These benefits include:

Healthcare: Licensed runners have access to specialized medical care and treatment facilities tailored to their unique needs and challenges. Whether recuperating from injuries sustained in battle or seeking preventative care to maintain peak physical condition, runners can rest assured knowing that their health and well-being are in capable hands.

Financial Aid: In recognition of their invaluable service to society, licensed runners receive financial assistance and support to cover expenses related to equipment, training, and expedition costs. This financial aid helps alleviate the burden of living expenses and allows runners to focus their energies on honing their skills and fulfilling their duties.

Death Insurance Policy: Perhaps the most solemn benefit of all, licensed runners are covered by a comprehensive death insurance policy that provides financial compensation and support to their families in the event of their untimely demise in battle. This policy offers peace of mind to runners and their loved ones, knowing that their sacrifices will not be in vain and that their legacy will be honored and remembered for generations to come.

...

During Kofi's physical examination for the runner program, with his enhanced stats made the tests seem easy. The average runner's speed was 35 miles per hour, but Kofi clocked in at an impressive 43 mph, thanks to his upgraded stats. His strength and agility had surpassed the norm, thanks to the system's enhancements.

As part of the talent assessment, Kofi held a glowing crystal known as an Essence Crystal, obtained from mazes. These crystals were used to gauge a runner's innate talent. After a few moments of holding it, the crystal glowed sapphire, indicating he had a C-rank talent.

...

In this world, talent represented proficiency and potential for growth. C-rank talents like Kofi showed capability and dedication to running, with room for further improvement.

Like S Rank (Crimson) talents represent the pinnacle of runner abilities, possessed only by the most elite and legendary individuals. S Rank talents are incredibly rare and grant runners unparalleled mastery over their chosen class. 

A Rank (Gold):Gold talents signify exceptional prowess and skill among runners. A Rank talents are highly coveted and respected.

B Rank (Emerald):Emerald talents denote above-average proficiency and aptitude in a particular field. B Rank talents are considered solid and reliable.

D Rank (Amethyst): Amethyst talents indicate basic proficiency and foundational skills in a given discipline. D Rank talents are novice runners who are still learning the ropes and honing their abilities.

While they may lack experience compared to higher-ranked individuals, Amethyst-ranked runners are eager to prove themselves and rise to the challenge of more mazes.

E Rank (Ruby): Ruby talents represent the lowest level of proficiency among runners. E Rank talents are beginners who are just starting their journey and have much to learn before they can reach higher ranks of mazes

...

'C-rank is still better than most... I do wonder, can the system push me past a C to maybe to an S? But for now, let's not think about it I still don't know enough about the system' Kofi thought happily.

Then, Kofi took a stone from the clerk's hand which was a core stone. Its color was a simple grey.

Holding it for a couple of seconds, it transformed into a crimson red, displaying a question mark. This puzzled expression caused the clerk to raise her eyebrow, which Kofi also noticed.

"So, what's wrong?" he asked.

"You do have an affinity, but with this color, we aren't sure what affinity or class you possess... You'll have to return again to test it when you have time," the clerk explained apologetically, taking back the crystal. "So, for now, you won't know what class you are until you explore other weapons uses."

Kofi wasn't sure what went wrong, but he understood that in this world, affinity referred to an individual's innate connection to specific elements or energies. These talents could manifest as pyrokinesis, hydrokinesis, aerokinesis, or geokinesis. Those with a strong affinity for an element could manipulate it.

He also knew about compatibility talents, which referred to a person's aptitude for interacting with Labyrinthium or supernatural phenomena, such as telepathy, telekinesis, precognition, or empathy.

But he remained hopeful since he had the energy necessary, indicating that his affinity could manifest in the future.

...

Labyrinthium, imbued with magic and mystery, flowed through the fabric of existence, emanating from sources like runners, demonic creatures, and gates. It wasn't native to the human world, and its origins were shrouded in mystery. Only when a runner passed a maze after being chosen could they tap into Labyrinthium's power.

...

After completing all the necessary paperwork and formalities, Kofi received his runner card, a black card featuring the first five-ever runner on top and various weapon types depicted. It displayed his rank and other details, but only when scanned could one uncover more information.

While walking out the runner association building, he heard the voice of the system confirming his registration as a runner. Now he had decided that it was time he chose to open the mystery box.

When he opened it he saw it had a simple key an a card which he ignored, cause of the multiple Amethyst-colored lights spun in a circle before stopping. Kofi examined them, realizing he could choose his own personal weapon.

Surveying the options of bow, sword, shield, spear, and others, he deliberated, weighing the pros and cons. 'I think I'll go with the sword. It offers both attack and defense, which a runner mostly needs. With a bow, I'd have to stay back, and a shield would confine me to a defensive stance,' he thought, before deciding to choose the sword.

Then a sword that appeared in his hand it was an E-rank Silver Sword, shining brightly and exuding an intimidating aura. It was about 4 inches in length with a sturdy black hilt. Feeling the weight of the sword, he stowed it away in the system's unlimited storage before anyone noticed, then headed towards the maze association building across to registered his first official maze run.

[E-Rank: Silver Sword]

[Free E Rank Maze Key]

[Double XP Card]

[New Skill: Swift]