u/bbyoung33

Obviously Clive is higher rank NOW, but the fact that he was doing ground breaking research at iron rank makes no sense. Not that he isn't smart enough to do it, but the books explain that as you get higher in rank your intellect goes up and you literally get smarter. If your physical capabilities from normal rank to silver evolve that drastically, then mentally, it has to be like going from a smart guy to a genius. And we know that there are plenty of silver and even gold rank researchers in the magic society doing work as well.

What is really weird is that all of these high ranking people call Clive a 'monster' for how intelligent he is and even go as far as basically imprisoning him to work non-stop. Even if he is a genius by normal rank standards, shouldn't an intelligent silver ranker still be significantly more intelligent?

The way the mental attributes advance just doesn't make much sense to me.

I love the series and I love the world that Shirtaloon has built, but I seriously cant help but agree with the other characters when they call out Jason for being melodramatic, arrogant, overtly liberal, or any other number of his sins.

Let me also say that I do actually like Jason as a character. Many of his traits I find endearing and positive, but he feels like a good friend I could have that would just annoy the shit out of me all the damn time. Ive read all the books multiple times, but the most recent example of this is when Terrence, the network's media guy, wants to let the press interview Jason a few days after broken hill. The EOA is controlling the narrative on everything and Terrence very correctly states that despite the tragedy they need to take back the narrative. Jason proceeds to push his aura on Terrence and threaten him, stating he wont like what happens next if he hears Terrence use the phrase "thoughts and prayers". Thats so fucking cringe and authoritarian.

Despite Jason being overtly liberal to the point of it being annoying, and despite him heavily criticizing the USA and Australia's governments for their authoritarian ways, he acts more like a dictator than any of them. Threatening violence if he even hears someone use a phrase he doesnt like while criticizing others for their ways is so exhausting. I find myself rolling my eyes or telling Jason to STFU in my head so many times throughout the books.

Again, I like Jason for the most part, but Shirtaloon sure has done a great job creating a protagonist character with major flaws. My other curiosity is if Shirtaloon himself sees these as flaws, or if he's projecting an ideal version of himself through Jason. Last part doesnt really matter, just a curiosity I have.

Anyways, is it just me, or does anyone else find themselves telling Jason to STFU every other chapter in this series? Lol

Has anyone experienced of heard of anyone being selected for a rated slot while dual military. My wife and I are both MSgts right now with 2 kids. Wondering how it will go while at IPT/UPT.