Suddenly, Simon found himself within a modestly sized room that contained a myriad of glamourous accommodations suitable for research.

The accommodations within this room encompassed both the technological and magical front. Along with the usual machinery seen in modern labs, even tools powered by magic were available here!

Only, the magical tools within this room looked to be quite crude and primitive to Simon... They were nowhere near the level of sophistication as what was available in his previous life.

Seeing this, Simon was startled for a moment, but then he abruptly frowned.

‘Crap, they already have rudimentary devices?’

He had initially wished to monopolize the magical technology within this new world. After all, he had the unique advantage of having interacted in a society where magic was widespread. As a result, contraptions, techniques, and strategies that were common in his old world could be introduced by him to this world, and he would reap the benefits of ‘pioneering’ these techniques.

However, seeing these crude tools, he knew that the benefits that he could gain would be limited.

‘Actually, it is fine. In any case, I have severely underestimated this world. Most likely, owning the entire market will not be within my capabilities. If that's so, then it is fine for others to have a share of the profits too. Only, they shouldn’t hope to keep such a thing.’ he eventually reassured himself determinedly.

All of a sudden, the voice of the Veracity World’s system rang in his head.

[Welcome to the Research Trial. In this place, you will be responsible for researching a variety of rare materials and sharing your findings. Based on your findings, you will be given a grade.]

[Please proceed, the materials and facilities have already been provided. You have one hour.]

When the system fell silent, an inventory-like grid suddenly appeared in front of his vision, filled with a variety of images of materials.

‘Mm.’ Simon nodded. ‘Very well, let's see...’

He then began solemnly studying the materials in the grid.

‘Uh…’

But he suddenly fell speechless when his gaze landed upon these images.

This was because he... recognized them. They were all materials from his past life! And their uses and properties were well known at that...

Simon scratched his head awkwardly. When it came to these materials, he was practically an expert. Any research that he could possibly do with such limited equipment would not yield him more information on these materials.

Still, he had to put up a show.

And so, after suppressing his feelings of silliness, he began ‘studying’ and ‘contemplating’ over which material to choose…

-----

An hour later...

Ding!

[The Trial has concluded. In 10 seconds, all facilities and materials within this room will disappear, and you will have to display your findings.]

Hearing this notification, Simon put down a tray of azure liquids and black stones and sat down, stretching.

Over the past hour, he had ‘experimented’ with nearly a dozen materials, ‘uncovering’ information about them.

Simon’s acting was very refined, as he had indeed carried out the proper steps to gain information from the various materials, along with feigning a measure of unfamiliarity with the process, taking a number of detours.

Thus, he found it unlikely that he would be caught.

Soon enough, ten seconds had passed. Now, in place of all the facilities that once lined the room, there was now only a computer with an empty online document in front of Simon.

Without skipping a beat, he began filling it out…

-----

Within a simple and dark room, three figures sat behind a desk, staring at a holographic screen in the air fixedly. Within this screen, a young man who was currently briskly typing into a computer could be seen.

Veturia, Tycho, and Luxuria all had somewhat comical expressions when viewing this young man.

Veturia looked at Luxuria incredulously and nudged his shoulder. “You said that this guy wanted to skip the testing process and directly join?” she asked with a tinge of disbelief.

Luxuria chuckled helplessly at this statement. After all, Simon’s skill in research looked to be horrifying! The rate in which he managed to improve himself was nothing short of monstrous.

However, what they did not know was that this was only a sample of his researching skills. In reality, what he had in store was far more incredible than the little show that he had put up.

“That is what Twila told me. Only, who would have known that he was so capable?” said Luxuria with a shake of his head. “Let’s wait for his results. Then, we can decide what to do. What do you two say?”

“Mm. We should wait for the results.” Veturia immediately agreed with a nod.

Tycho also nodded silently.

When Simon had revealed his combat skills, it was shocking but not exactly earth-shattering. After all, he was the acclaimed number one player, how could his skill in magic be lacking?

However, when he displayed his research skills… It changed the situation entirely.

Previously, it was assumed that Simon was a strong mage with weaker research skills in comparison. After all, he had asked for a direct acceptance. Why else would he do so, other than to join without needing research skill?

However, as it turned out, he was not weaker in the research front in the slightest. In fact, from what they had seen, his research skills were already on par with his combat skills!

As that was the case, he most definitely had the qualifications to enter the actual research team... This meant that they had a major decision to make.

To promote him? To rope him in with benefits? Or to do something else with him? This decision was an important one. After all, it wasn’t every day that an insanely talented researcher and mage wandered into their research school.

-----

As soon as Simon filled in the final lines detailing his findings, he clicked the ‘Submit’ button.

Ding!

[Evaluating results… Please wait.]

Simon laid back in his chair as he waited for the system to finish appraising his findings.

Sure enough, after nearly thirty seconds, the system notification that he had been waiting for rang in his mind.

[Result Evaluated. Grade Received: 8825 points (A-). You will be transported back in ten seconds.]

Hearing this, Simon was puzzled. ‘Huh? What does this mean?’

He didn’t know if this score was good or bad. But whatever the case, he did not place too much importance on his grade.

…

When Simon found himself back in the dimly lit room, his three superiors stared at him solemnly. Now, their gazes towards him were completely different than from earlier.

“Welcome back, your testing has been officially concluded.” Luxuria said with a faint smile. “Now onto official business.” his expression grew serious as he spoke.

“Simon Ji, as you have shown yourself to be a capable researcher and a powerful mage, if you accept a contract now, you will have the opportunity to join the official Research Team. I say this on the behalf of the entire Veracity Team”

Simon contemplated for a brief moment before sighing and shaking his head. He had long since decided upon his choice.

“I plan to wait and see what happens. After all, the storm which is to come will surely change the status quo, and I don’t wish to preemptively endanger myself.” said Simon solemnly.

These were his actual thoughts, as at the end of the day, the world was going through an earth-shattering change. Who knew, for instance, if forces stronger than the Veracity Team would show up and crush them in an instant?

The existence of the Veracity Team alone was enough to make the existence of other similar organizations a possibility. And that possibility alone… was enough to warrant his hesitance.

Moreover, the existence of the Gamer’s Truth Organization was even scarier. Who knew what they had in store? Their origins were truly unfathomable, and the depths of their power and influence had never been seen in their long history.

From their emergence three hundred years ago to now, not a single power was able to force them to expose more than a fraction of their strength.

“Don’t be in such a hurry to refuse.” Luxuria said with a chuckle, seeing Simon’s lack of interest in his proposal. He was not at all offended. After all, his point was certainly valid. “Let me show you what we have to offer first. Then, you can consider it further. How about it?”

“Sure.” Simon nodded. He was at least willing to hear them out.

Luxuria nodded in turn and pulled out a slip of paper from a pocket, before sending it to Simon with a wave of his hand.

“This is a contract of secrecy. We will need you to insert a wisp of mana into the contract. What I am about to tell you is classified information, after all.” he spoke as he gestured to the slip of paper in front of Simon.

Simon nodded and glanced at the paper. He could tell that it was imbued with a simplified version of an enchantment that was widespread in his old world, which would force one to secrecy.

Without a moment of hesitation, he conjured a wisp of mana and inserted it into the piece of paper, causing the inscriptions atop the slip to glow.

Seeing this, Luxuria exchanged glances with Veturia and Tycho, both of whom simply nodded.

With a smile, he then turned back to Simon, beginning to speak. “To tell you the truth, the true members of the Veracity Team are all... in a deep slumber. Us research team members are merely representatives chosen by the underlings of these figures.”

“These figures are terrifyingly powerful, with unfathomable quantities of magical accumulations. Their methods are infinitely more advanced than our current methods, and will soon awaken. And when they do... if you display enough talent, the benefits would be limitless.”

“Thus, the foundations for the team are truly sturdy. In the storm that is to come… it can be said that the Veracity Team is surely one of the main players.” Luxuria chuckled.

“Now, what do you think?”