Entrance Test

"What about soft contribution points?" I asked to break the awkward silence that was threatening to form.

"Soft contribution points (SCPs) on the other hand are for more routine contributions such as generating tax income exceeding a certain amount, or having a certain number of people serving in critical government positions. SCPs are even given out for children with excellent achievements!" Julie looked at me seriously.

"The top scorer of the annual National Mecha Pilot Academy entrance test will win 1000 SCPs for the clan/family he/she represents and 10 SCPs personally."

"Hmmm. I see. No wonder the old man wanted me to beat the Lin Family so badly. Losing to them would mean that they get an SCP advantage on the Whitefrost Clan for that particular event. What's the difference between hard and soft though?" I asked.

"HCPs are permanent. We can claim the rewards and favors against those points but they will remain in our clan record. SCPs, however, disappear once we use them.