Chapter 8: Breaking the Deadlock

Words : 1025 Updated : Sep 10th, 2025

Chapter 8: Breaking the DeadlockThe meeting room was filled with tension before the discussion had even started. Coordinators from each team stood around a central table, blueprints and documents laid out before them. The air was thick with unspoken competition. Each group wanted the best assignments—the ones that gave them the most visibility, the most credit. I could already see where this was going. I lowered my head, remaining silent as the conversation started. My strategy was straightforward—pay attention, watch, and allow the others to take care of it. The last thing I wanted was to attract more attention to myself, particularly with Evelyn Mercer seated quietly at the head of the table, pen in hand, quietly jotting down notes. I activated Scan. The coordinators' stats flickered into view. [ScanResults] Group1 Coordinator-LiamParker Job Skills: WorkforceCommand(Lv. 5): Enhances efficiency when directing labor forces. StrategicNegotiation(Lv. 4): Improves persuasion and deal-making in work environments. OperationalLogistics(Lv. 4): Optimizes task scheduling and resource distribution. Group2Coordinator-MariaHuang Job Skills: HeavyEquipmentCoordination(Lv. 4): Maximizes efficiency when directing large-scale machinery operations. TeamSynchronization(Lv. 5): Improves workflow between multiple operators. ProjectOversight(Lv. 4): Enhances ability to monitor large tasks and prevent inefficiencies. Group3Coordinator- DariusKent Job Skills: ResourceAllocation(Lv. 4): Improves efficiency in distributing materials and managing supply lines. On-SiteAdaptability(Lv. 4): Allows for quick problem-solving when unexpected logistical issues arise. NegotiationTactics(Lv. 5): Increases effectiveness in securing work assignments. And so on. Every coordinator had skills in planning, logistics, and delegation, all hovering around level 4 or 5. They were competent. That was good. It meant I didn't have to do anything. At least, that's what I thought. "We should handle the framework installation," Liam from Structural Assembly said. "No one else is as fast as we are." "We won't get anywhere without machinery," Maria countered. "Our team should be leading, not just providing support." "We need first claim on material handling," Darius interjected. "If we're not controlling the flow of resources, this whole operation will slow to a crawl." "Safety should be the priority," the coordinator from Reinforcement & Safety argued. "If we don't oversee everything from the start, there'll be mistakes that'll cost time and money." Within minutes, the conversation devolved into a mess of competing priorities. Everyone wanted to take charge. Everyone wanted the bulk of the workload, because in this world, opportunities weren't given—they were taken. The more work a group did, the more credit they earned. It didn't matter if it was inefficient or fairly distributed. The evaluator, Evelyn, showed no signs of intervening. She just continued to take notes, her expression neutral. Of course. From her perspective, this wasn't a problem. This was just how things worked. The arguing grew louder, overlapping voices clashing in a chaotic storm. I clenched my fists. I wasn't supposed to get involved. This was exactly the kind of situation I needed to avoid. And yet— THUD The sound of my hand slamming against the table echoed through the room like a gunshot. Silence followed. Every set of eyes turned to me. Even Evelyn—who up until now had been completely unreadable—raised her eyebrows slightly in surprise. I felt my pulse hammering in my ears. What the hell did I just do? I hadn't planned that. My body had moved on instinct, driven by Strategist and TeamCoordination without me even realizing it. And now, with my palm still pressed against the table, I had everyone's attention. I couldn't back down now. I took a slow breath, schooling my expression into something steady, something confident. "Let's reset." The words came out calm, measured—despite the fact that internally, I was scrambling to justify my own actions. "Instead of fighting for control, let's structure this properly," I continued. "Each group specializes in something different. Instead of competing for the biggest slice of work, we assign tasks based on strengths." Darius narrowed his eyes. "And if one group ends up doing more work than another? That's not fair." Sёarch* The ηovёlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Then we balance it," I countered. "Here's the condition—if a group finishes their task early, they're free to take on additional work. But if they make a mistake? They're barred from taking on extra tasks." That made them pause. They could still compete for opportunities, but recklessness would be punished. It wasn't about just grabbing the most work—it was about proving they could handle it without cutting corners. I could see the gears turning in their heads. Some were still skeptical, but they couldn't argue against it. If anything, it was the best compromise possible. Slowly, the tension in the room eased. One by one, the coordinators nodded. "...It's a fair system," Maria admitted. "We can work with that," Liam added. "Fine," Darius sighed. "As long as everyone agrees." Evelyn, who had remained silent all this while, tapped her pen on her clipboard. As I looked at her, she was gazing directly at me. Not just watching—evaluating. I forced myself to remain neutral, looking away as the meeting wrapped up. As we stepped out of the office, Sienna fell into step beside me. "Knew it was a good idea to bring you," she said, smirking. "Yeah," I muttered. But my attention was elsewhere. Evelyn Mercer was still watching me. And she was writing something down. [System Interface] Name: Reynard Vale Job title: Jobmaster (Rank SSS) JobSkills: EnduranceBoost(Lv. 3): Reduces fatigue from manual labor Strategist (Lv. 3): Improves planning and problem-solving abilities Heavy Lifting (Lv. 2): Boosts physical strength, making it easier to carry heavy objects Material Efficiency (Lv. 2): Optimizes use of resources, reducing waste and improving precision Team Coordination (Lv. 6): Enhances team management and leadership Structural Reinforcement (Lv. 2): Improves the stability and durability of structures Precision Engineering (Lv. 2): Enhances accuracy in measurements and construction Fast Assembly (Lv. 2): Increases speed in constructing frameworks and structures Jobs: UnskilledLaborer(F) → [Rank-Up Quest Available] SpecialSkill: Scan, Absorb, Destroy Cooldown: SkillCopy (Ready for Use)

Chapter 8: Breaking the Deadlock

Comments (0)