Grey closed his eyes and took a deep breath, clutching his hands into fists before staring up at the colossal building in front of him. Shinning brightly in the sun like some arrogant beacon, it was completely pretentious as it stood towering over every building in the city.

  "Compensating much." Grey scoffed as he made his way into the building.

  A woman with a bright service smile waved him over to the customer service desk. "Welcome to U.H.H.A, Emerald City Hunter & Healer Association branch. Are you here for the ranking assessment test?"

  Grey nodded but held back a sigh at the fake smile, he knew how much it sucked to work in customer service. Bleh.

  "The Yin Healer assessment, right?" She asked while looking him up and down, as if it were obvious.

  He bristled and almost denied it to be petty, but knew now wasn't the time. He bit the side of his cheek to keep quiet and nodded with a look of indifference.

  "Right this way."

  Even though it has been quite some time since Yin Healers had gotten rights and protection laws, it was still a society that preyed on the weak and Yin Healers tended to be the easiest targets. Many people still looked down on them despite the fact that without them, humanity would once again face extinction. They literally held the lives of everyone in the world but were treated like shit by the world they protected. It was ludicrous.

  It wasn't just once or twice that Grey wished all Yin Healers in the book would just refuse to heal and watch the world come crumbling down as their Yang Hunters died from going on rampage -where they essentially exploded from their own corrupted powers consuming them or refused to fight afraid of rampaging.

  Haaaa.... the world would come to kneel before us.

  But sadly, his dumb ass friend and his writing skills made most Yin Healers small and timid. Super fucking frustrating. Another reason Grey was anomaly, his personality didn't fit the norm.

  "Please change into this and then head into the examination room when you are ready."

  "Thanks."

  The woman didn't bother replying and instead pressed the button that sealed the door behind her.

  After changing into the white scrubs, he pressed the button on the wall that opened to the space of the very white and bright examination room. It looked like something out of a futuristic sci-fi movie with a spaceship looking machine that was connected to a massive globe.

  Inside the room, three people in lab coats ushered him into the spaceship egg bed thing and then began to attach a shit ton of wires to his body as they asked him general information about his body.

  He tried to keep a smirk off his face as one of the dull looking technicians explained what the numbers would mean, how long it would take and what he would need to do while the exam was in process.

  Just like most novels in this genre, Yang Hunters and Yin Healers were categorized by the letters F through A. These were the average ranks and standard for most cases. Those out of the normal were categorized by S, R, L and M. S meaning Superhuman, those who were above the standard and surpassed the realm of humans. R was rare, it was a level reserved for those S ranks who had ranked higher than S. L was for Legendary, those who were so powerful that they surpassed all of the known ability users this world had seen. And M was for Mythical, realm considered to be godly.

  When the gates first appeared there were record cases of L and M, but in this age the strongest to come out were R -ranks but there were currently only a few here in this country. The highest ranking of a Yin Healer was S and that was considered a miracle.

  But Grey knew. He knew from the moment his energy connected him to this world, he was beyond anything ever seen in this world. In a way, he would have been stronger than M, he was X. Extraordinary. Unknown. An anomaly of this world. But there was no way in hell he was going to let them find out. Not with all of those toxic obsessive Yangs or all the kidnappings of A or S rank Yins.

  The only reason he is here now is because his chip had already alerted the association that he had awakened and the hospital had already scheduled the appointment for him after he gained consciousness and was ready for discharge. His hands were tied.

  Otherwise, he would have just left the city and found some other way to survive in this world. He had no intention of getting involved in this chaos but there wasn't a point in dwelling on things out of his control.

  As they finished hooking him up, he tried to focus. It would take all his attention to make sure he didn't get found out. This HAD to work. He silently sent a prayer to his friend, who was basically the god of this world, and asked him to be kind.

  The machine started to glow and a low hum vibrated the machine and into his body, into his very bones. He watched the levels and numbers change, as he concentrated on the adjusting his power and how much he let leak out.

  What Rank should he take? S and above were out of the question, a big FUCK NO. A was still a problem as they could still be assigned to S rank Yang Hunters. Fuck that. D and below was too low and treated like absolute garbage. B was too close to A so... C. Let's go for C.

  The levels fluctuated so much that the technicians were constantly writing notes and getting excited. Then when it finally settled, at C rank, they quieted down and he sighed in relief.

  Huuuuu fuck that was scary. But he did it. He was able to fool the test.

  He wiped the sweat from his face and then sat and waited for them to come unhook him when he heard them become excited once again. He froze for a moment, wondering if the machine was still on but realized that wasn't the case.

  What could they be doing?

  Finally, after a few of the technicians ran from the room, the dull technician that originally hooked him up came over and began to take them back off. Once, he was done he asked him to please follow him. From what he knew, those who were standard would then go back to the front lobby where they would receive their ID band and then be given their assignments. It was an in and out type of situation.

  The technician asked him to change back into his attire and then return to this room. Grey kept his face indifferent but inside he was panicking.

  Shit, shit, shit, shit..

  Something had happened. He went back to the changing room and quickly put his clothes on and then slowly made his way back to the examination room.

  "I've never seen anything like this before!"

  "I know right!"

  "How is this possible? He isn't even a high rank. This is crazy."

  As he approached he could hear the technicians chattering excitedly and from the bits and pieces he heard, he had fucked up somehow.

  It didn't sound like he fucked up on the rank, but maybe... hmmm... maybe it was his frequency? Well, there wasn't anything he could really do about that. Considering that he was extra OP, there wasn't a Yang Hunter in the world he couldn't purify. Yea.. that must be it. His frequency must have fried the system since he would be compatible with everyone.

  Shit. What could he do about that? Could he even fix that? No, he knew he couldn't. At least could keep his rank down. It was better than nothing.

  "Mr. Acero! Please come with me!" A technician ran to him as soon as he stuck his head around the corner.

  He nodded and followed the young man while dark circles under his eyes so dark, it could have been mistaken for makeup. His hair was frazzled and clothes were crumpled and his gait seemed to suggest that he was more zombie than human so he slowed his pace to match him but found the situation unreal. What the hell is this? Did we change the genre?

  "You can sit here." He said as he gestured inside a large meeting room surrounded by large windows overlooking the city.

  Ahhhh he done fucked uppppp. They brought him to the head people. This was similar to the scene with Reo when he ranked S. Fuckkkkkkk

  Special cases were known to be brought to the attention of higher ranking people which meant he wouldn't just be getting his certification and then assignment. Nope. He was about to be issued some crazy situation. He could tell. He cursed at himself as he took a seat at the large table in the middle and waited for his personal hell to show up.

  And show up it did.

  A man the size of a large bear with silver hair spread out like a lion's mane walked in after escorting in his very small and very gorgeous silver haired partner.

  There wasn't a person who didn't know who these two were. Even someone like him who wasn't originally from this world, knew who these two were. He had seen news stories and even watched documentary films on their history while he was in the hospital. The only S rank Yin Healer Julie Emerson and her husband R rank Yang Hunter Jack Emerson. Well she was the only S-rank until Reo awakened and of course, himself, but they didn't need to know that.

  Grey didn't particularly care about Yangs but he knew Yin Julie and she was someone he though was quite admirable.

  Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  Being small and good looking made one a target for bullying and most Yins were, especially by Yangs or the general public. Julie was someone who fought the system hard when she was in her prime and paved the way for Yin rights and protections for his current generation. There was no way he wouldn't admire her. But just because he admired her didn't mean he wanted to be like her. No thanks. He wasn't the hero type.

  Grey forced himself to sit still and keep a poker face. He had already fucked up earlier he wasn't about to make another.

  "Hello Mr. Acero. I'm Yin Healer Julie Emerson and this is Yang Hunter Jack Emerson. We are the heads of this branch of U.H.H.A. It's nice to meet you."

  She stepped forward with her hand out, only then did he allow himself to stand and shake their hands before sitting back down with indifference.

  "It is nice to meet you as well." He said simply and just stared and waited for them to continue.

  Julie smiled and looked at Jack, they nodded and sat down on the opposite side of Grey.

  "So today, you came in for your rank assessment? We were told you were released from the hospital only a day or so ago, that was quite fast."

  Grey only nodded and sat in silence as he watched them.

  "Well, to start off, your rank came out to be C. Just above D but not quite a high C."

  Grey worked hard to stop his lips from twitching and rising so he leaned forward and rested his face on his hand, covering his mouth as he responded. "I see. But something else must be up if I am meeting with you two very important people?"

  Julie smiled and nodded, "You're very quick, Mr. Acero. It seems that even though you are only C rank, you are a very special Yin Healer. One we have never seen before."

  Grey forced his face to frown as he asked, "Can I ask, in what way?"

  Julie looked to Jack who sighed and handed her the tablet near him on the table.

  "You are a very compatible Yin Hunter, so much so that you are compatible with all Hunters. And when I say all, I mean every hunter ever registered."

  She paused again as if giving him a chance to let that sink in.

  "To be honest, we don't know what to do with you. Every Yang Hunter you come across will likely become obsessed with you. There will be many who will try to force you into bonding as they won't be able to handle all the rivals since all Yangs will be their rivals. This is unprecedented, but it is also a blessing. You can purify anyone, B and below. That will mean anyone who has been having trouble finding a Yin that fits their frequency can now be purified and even those in emergency situations without their bonded can be saved by you."

  "However, this also makes you extremely high risk."

  Grey sat and listened making sure his face stayed neutral.

  He wasn't actually in any danger. Once he had connected to his ability, he could see the energy of others and could instinctively know that not one person could get near him if he chose not to let them. In fact, he was quite certain he was a danger to every Yang in existence, as he could kill them easily. So easily, he wouldn't even need to touch them. But... it wasn't like he was going to let them know that.

  "So what does that mean for me?" Grey asked with a feigned face of slight concern.

  Julie smiled brightly when he finally spoke up and looked to Jack.

  "We will set you up in the apartment with our high level security. For the times when you are purifying, you will report to the 27th floor and be given a private office but with security for your protection. We will be sure to assign Yangs of those A rank or higher so you don't have to worry about their attention since you are C rank."

  "I understand."

  "Great!" Julie shouted and stood up, walking towards the window. "See that building here?" she pointed to the large building next door.

  "That is where you will be living. So we will send you with a crew now to go get your stuff and move into your new accommodation."

  "Now?"

  "Yes, now. The news of your rank and frequency has already spread among the technicians so it is only a matter of time before others find out. So it is best to take precautions now."

  Grey nodded at the logic and turned when there was a knock on the door.

  "Alice!" Julie called as another beautiful woman with dark red hair appeared.

  "Yes, Boss Lady? What's up?"

  "Alice, what have I told you about addressing Julie that way?" Jack thundered, his voice deep but booming that my eyebrows rose at the feeling of it shaking my body.

  "Ah honey! Not so loud, you'll scare our poor dear, Grey!"

  "Ah Grey! Sorry. I'm not angry, I promise."

  Grey just stared and tilted his head as if not understanding. Alice laughed out loud and sat on the edge of Grey's seat and tapped his shoulder.

  "It seems this cutie isn't afraid of the Boomer over there. Hey, I'm Alice. I guess I'll be your guard from now on."

  Grey was tempted to ignore her hand after the "cutie" comment but decided to swallow and just smile.

  "Grey."

  "Nice. It's a cool name that matches your vibe. I like it."

  "Sigh. You can just ignore her nonsense, Grey. She may be weird but she's harmless."

  Grey nodded and looked at Alice whose mouth dropped and cried,

  "Hey! Don't say things that would make him believe that!"

  "You are very weird, sweetie, but that's your charm." Julie consoled.

  "Go ahead and get going. Grey, all your documents will be waiting for you at your apartment when you arrive. Hal my secretary will meet you there."

  "Got it. Thank you."

  "Let's go, cutie."

  "I'm pretty sure I am older than you." Grey said and stared at the fiery red head.

  "You? No way! What are you, 21? 22? I'm 27!"

  "haaa... a baby. I'm 38."

  "WHAT?!" Grey smirked as she shrieked in shock. "Let me see your ID!"

  Shrugging his shoulders, Grey handed over his ID and watched as her mouth dropped again.

  "Holy shit! You really are. Ah! Sorry. I thought your were much younger than me. You look like you are barely in your 20s. But seriously? 38? What magic potion did you drink? Are you a vampire or something?"

  Grey frowned for a moment. He wasn't a vampire but what if his ability is what made him look like this? He shook his head and rubbed her head, "Don't worry, kid. I won't hold it against you... much"

  Grey smirked as she bristled at "Kid"

  "This is revenge for calling you cutie isn't it?"

  "Yes, I'm petty as fuck," Grey said with a face of no apologies.

  Alice stared at him in shock for a moment before bursting out in laughter.

  "Amazing! I love you! Can we be besties? Let's do some petty shit together! Muahahaha!"

  She tossed her arm over his shoulders as they made they way down back to the main lobby.

  "I don't know if I want to deal with Yangs, to be honest. They suck, no offense, well some offense."

  Alice laughed harder, "Don't make me laugh! I feel like I'll piss myself." She clutched her stomach and then smiled, "Nah, I know a lot of Yangs give us a bad rap but trust me, bestie, I will make sure those fucks don't mess with you."

  "Why?"

  "Cause you're cool as fuck and I can tell we would have a blast together."

  "I'll think about it." Grey smirked as she cheered, "Yay-it wasn't a flat rejection!"

  Grey had to admit he already liked her. They chatted the whole way to the hotel and Alice frowned when they arrived at the entrance.

  "What are we doing here?"

  "Ah, this is where I was staying."

  "A hotel? Aren't you an Acero? Why would you be here?"

  "Don't pull any punches do you? I'm sure since you already know who I am, you must have heard the rumors about me?"

  "Yes, I've heard the rumors but they are obviously bullshit."

  Grey just shrugged. "Well regardless, let's just say I'm an orphan. It's better to think of me a such as I have no connections to those people."

  Alice frowned but nodded and decided not to ask anymore. Grey was smiling but the words he was saying were pretty sad. It was hard to think he wasn't hurt over their treatment but his face gave nothing away. As someone who also masked her pain with a smile, she figured he must be similar.

  Once inside, Alice found herself shocked again. The only thing he had was a duffle bag and himself. She stared at him for a long moment, not comprehending that he was ready.

  "Let's go." He said when she just stared at him.

  "Wait a minute, is that it?"

  Grey looked around and nodded. "Yes, this is it."

  "But.. " she frowned and then pulled her phone from her pocket and made a call.

  "You guys don't need to come. He does't have anything to move. Huh? Yea. Yea. Mmmhmm. Yep. You can go back now. Thanks"

  "Ah there were movers?" Grey asked realizing they must have assumed he had furniture and other stuff to move. But since he had already to think of himself as an orphan he made no move to go to his so called home and had come to the hotel with everything he owned which were the clothes he had been buying when he had awakened and the ones he had when he left the hospital.

  "Yea, but... ah. You're a lite packer."

  Grey laughed, "I'm fine, kid. Let's go."

  "Ah! The kid stuff again! Shall we take the balcony down?"

  "Huh? What?" Grey barely swallowed a scream as Alice swooped him up, opened the balcony door and then jumped all within a span of three seconds. He blinked and he was in her arms in front of the van they had come in. He covered his face and sighed.

  "Did you have to do the princess carry?"

  "Petty as fuckkkkkkkkk" She answered with a bright smile.

  Grey shook his head and stopped himself from laughing, "I hold grudges." Was all he said before pushing himself out of her arms.

  "Ohhhh the gauntlet has been dropped. Challenge accepted."

  The driver rolled his eyes as he watched the two bicker and let a breath out when they finally arrived back at the U.H.H.A residence building. The van pulled up to the curb and a tall and handsome blonde man with long hair waved as they stepped outside.

  "You two could be like opposite twins with your pretty faces and long hair. Black Beauty Grey and White Wonderful Hal, the long hair twins from the fairy world!"

  Grey sighed and Hal shook his head and then smiled at Grey, "You should just ignore her. Everyone else does too."

  Grey chuckled and nodded, "Yea, I see the wisdom in that."

  "Hey is this bash on Alice day?"

  Hal scoffed, "As if we would waste a day on you!"

  "Burn." She said and grabbed her chest in mock pain.

  "I'm Hal, Julie sent me to guide you and go over the paperwork. Follow me."

  Hal didn't bother shaking hands and got right to the point, turning around to guide them inside. The lobby was modern and had a cozy yet efficient vibe, it was simple but suited Grey's tastes as he wasn't a fan of flashy things. Once inside the elevator, Hal paused and noticed that it was just the two of them and he stared at his duffle bag.

  Grey noticed his gaze and spoke up, "This is everything."

  "Just that bag?" Hal asked again to confirm with a surprise of his face. When Grey nodded, he pressed the floor button.

  Alice not one to let the silence go for long, spoke " Yea, that was it. He was staying at a hotel and didn't have anything else to pack. You should have seen it."

  Grey smirked and then elbowed Alice.

  "Ow."

  "Faker."

  "Oopsy! You caught me."

  "Did you know each other before?" Hal asked with surprise once again on his face as he watched the two bicker.

  "No!" Alice answered with a smile and slung her body over Grey's, "Just met him today but he's already my bestie. It was like fate, meant to be."

  Grey sighed but didn't push her away and had to admit he liked the annoying Yang. She was interesting.

  "I was told to ignore the nonsense." He said and smirked at Hal who smiled in return.

  "Ah yes! Julie and Jack are wise and give good advice. She is certainly a troublemaker."

  "Yes, kids tend to be at that age."

  Alice growled, "Ahhhh so petty."

  Greg finally chuckled and patted her head. "There, there. You'll grow up soon, little one."

  "Yea, yea. Sure, gramps."

  "Mmhmm.. tantrums are all part of it."

  Hal laughed out loud and looked at the both of them , "You two seem like you're very close even though you just met. It's... well, it's interesting to witness."

  "I'm easy to get along with." Alice said with pride.

  Hal, shook his head and pointed at Grey, "I think it's because he has patience."

  Grey nodded and agreed.

  "Sage-like patience is absolutely needed."

  "Gramps keep complaining."

  Hal chuckled, "She may be foolish but she is competent and will do well protecting you."

  Greg looked at her with a look of doubt and then smirked and her pout.

  "I'll trust you."

  She smiled brightly and hugged him. "That's right! Leave it to me, bestie, I got you!"

  The elevator dinged announcing their arrival on the 23rd floor and Hal led them to the door at that was the furthest from the elevator.

  "Since you are now the new owner, we will setup your fingerprint scan and passcode."

  After pressing a few buttons on the keypad and inserting a special key the fingerprint scan and code pad lit up.

  "Please place your thumb here and think of a six digit code. Are you ready?"

  Grey paused for a moment and then smiled and nodded.

  3 15 15 8 ( I AM AN X).

  "Ok, we will turn away so make sure to type it in twice and then press the green button after each entry."

  Once he typed it in the screen displayed it's acceptance then asked for a scan and the code to open the door. So he pressed his thumb to the surface and then typed in the code and the door slid open with a soft hiss.

  The apartment was huge, it made the penthouse of the hotel seem like it could fit inside. What was he supposed to do with all this space?