“I've got to say, you keep coming back. No matter how many times I knock you down. Dr Xavier, are you sure she can be pushed so intensively this soon?” Stormflash asked as he flexed his knuckles.
Ayna stared at Dr Xavier with hope, only to be disappointed as he coldly scoffed, “I ran extensive tests on her physical parameters beforehand. The administration of Odyssey has left her physical state better than it has ever been. To waste time by not throwing her straight into extensive testing on her full capabilities will be a waste of time! Sentimentally, where it is not needed, continue!”
Stormflash laughed at that reply as he responded, “I have no complaints. It is good for me to let loose!”
Hurriedly, she got into a defensive stance to protect herself, but despite her best efforts, she found herself once again being overwhelmed.
Bang!
Damnit, he is way too fast!
Ayna was once again unable to react as Stormflash delivered a swift kick to her ribs. She staggered from the punishment, clutching her side as she felt an intense pain, letting out gasps, as if the air was sucked out of her.
As expected of a powerful Metahuman.
Despite Stormflash holding back immensely, he was still multiple times faster than a normal person. Though Ayna was technically also a Metahuman, she was newly awakened at the bottom of the power scalings, making her not much stronger than a well-trained mortal.
Metahumans were graded on a scale of F, E, D, C, B, and A based on their power levels.
Of course, A was not the limit, and it was possible to transcend even further, yet that was a long way to go from now.
The Metahumans in this universe cultivate their superpowers through use and repetition, allowing them to grow stronger over time. Even the less physically oriented powers experience a quantitative improvement in their physiques with each elevation in rank.
An improvement in rank is akin to a baptism for Metahumans, enhancing all aspects of themselves, including less tangible things such as lifespan. Metahumans at a lower rank naturally find it more difficult to affect those of a higher rank with their powers. However, factors such as the potential of an ability do affect the potency per rank.
Stormflash is a C-rank Metahuman, which meant he would be classed as being over a hundred levels above her. She knew he was C-rank, as he was among the Metahumans that had their abilities stolen by Subject Zero.
Dr Xavier was even stronger, yet Ayna was still unsure exactly what his powers were, as they had yet to be revealed in the current game, with an air of mystery surrounding his background.
Either way, he was leagues above her, and she knew it. Stormflash was showing great control of his strength, as he was striking her with enough force to hurt but not cause any real damage.
“Come on, get up! Move your feet, is that seriously your pathetic attempt at throwing a punch?” Stormflash barked like a drill sergeant as he continued to bash her around the training field under the scrutiny of Dr Xavier.
‘This is seriously tough… yet the rewards are good.’ Ayna thought with a slight smile, reading the interface.
Stormflash {Lvl 123} has taught you the general skill [Unarmed Combat]
Progress rate to learn: 10%
One of the advantages of the player interface was that it allowed the player to pick up skills much quicker than natives. Not only this, but it would also guide your movements to the correct form whilst steadily showing your progress.
Ayna was also fortunate at Stormflash, having evident expertise in the skill [Unarmed Combat] and, combined with his high level, she was currently in a situation most newbie players would dream of. If not for Stormflash being a straight sadist who seemed to revel in tormenting her, she would savour being taught by him. Combat trainers could be found in the game to teach such general skills, but usually, they would cost valuable credits and require challenging quests to unlock; therefore, a trainer on Stormflash level would be hard to find and impossible for a player to learn from at the level she was at.
Stormflash noticed her apparent slight happiness as the scowl on his face somehow deepened even further as he yelled, “Stand up! You think I’m going to waste my time whilst you sit around in dreamland? Now… let me demonstrate the proper technique to throw a good body kick.”
Ayna's face sank as she saw the violent look in his eye. Though knowing it would only make it worse if she delayed any further, she quickly stood to her feet.
Combat training continued to be punishing, but was straightforward, with the interface able to speed up her learning as she engaged in the action itself. Stormflash was also a good teacher when he wanted to be, and she was able to make quick progress. However, Dr Xavier remained displeased about something, and Ayna was confused about why, until a warmth suddenly began to spread through her body.
“Huh”, she mumbled under her breath as a glowing line of text reappeared before her.
Odyssey solution further absorbed.
+ 1 Intelligence.
You have received the Trait: Enhanced Learning
Ayna instantly realised what had happened. It seemed the Odyssey solution had yet to be fully absorbed. Dr Xavier did mention she was his perfect Test Subject, and there were multiple traits rumoured to appear from the solution speculated from Subject Zero.
Unfortunately, her distraction cost her as she once again crashed to the ground. They had undergone combat training for hours at this point. Ayna was both exhausted and bruised.
Though the new trait was not the only gain she made.
Stormflash {Lvl 123} has taught you the general skill [Unarmed Combat]
Progress rate to learn: 33%
Stormflash was about to lecture her until Dr Xavier waved his hand, and a strange flash appeared in his eyes as he said, “You can stop now. Time for a break, she has gained it even quicker than him.”
Stormflash had a look of shock as he contemplated what he said, and then an expression of warning appeared as he said, “Then she is far more dangerous than she looks. You'd better keep the leash tight on this one, Dr, you know that monster devoured my homeworld?”
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Dr Xavier returned the look challengingly as he closed the distance between them in an instant, as he replied, “I enjoy your company as you're not a complete bootlicker like the others. Yet, that absurd anger you have there is irritating. You compare the mere billions of worthless mortal lives in some trash heap you call a home to REAL PROGRESS. I create Gods! Just look at what an imperfect failure can do; you don’t have to worry about it. I have great plans for this one, and it won’t be ruined by something as foolish as disobedience.”
Stormflash bit his lip in rage to hold himself back as he said, “Yes, Dr.”
A delighted chuckle emerged from Dr Xavier as he squeezed Stormflash’s shoulder as he replied, “See, is it really that hard? You are on the side of greatness, my friend. Losing a few worlds of the dregs of humanity is nothing to concern yourself over, whilst making real progress. Now, let us move on to some shooting practice. The new trait my test subject has received should have something to do with learning efficiency.”
Ayna sucked in a breath at Dr Xavier’s rant. It made her speculate that Dr Xavier's powers included something to do with analysing. It made sense, given exactly how capable he was as a Scientist, despite his lack of morality.
Deciding to utilise the interface, she observed the description of her skills and traits.
Main Class Skills:
Basic Energy Manipulation {Lvl 1}: Improves your ability to control energy. Improving this skill increases the efficiency and potency of energy-related abilities.
Basic Energy Absorption {Lvl 1}: Improves your ability to absorb and recover energy. Improving this skill increases recovery outside of combat.
Traits:
Robust Physique: Has a strong body. CON/END attribute modifier +5%.
Enhanced Learning: Has a 15% bonus in efficiency learning and progressing skills.
It was scary how accurate Dr Xavier actually was in his assessment. She wanted it to be a pure analytical power, yet Stormflash seemed incredibly wary of him despite having a powerful offensive Esper ability.
“How about it, One? Up for some target practice.” Dr Xavier said jovially.
Despite her body aching and protesting, she replied, “Sure thing.”
Ayna still felt reluctant to tempt the ever-present mood swings of Dr Xavier, who switched between personalities and moods ludicrously quickly.
“Great! Stormflash, leave us. Major will be responsible for teaching shooting.” He said, waving Stormflash away dismissively.
Pulling her hand, he led her away quickly, turning his back on Stormflash, clearly done with interacting with him.
Ayna gave an apologetic look to Stormflash, who responded with a confused look before shaking his head as he trodded off downtrodden.
“Despite such a beating, you emphasise with him?” Dr Xavier said with a flat, bored tone, yet Ayna knew he was concentrating, his gaze fixated on her answer.
Ayna, for a brief moment, froze and thought she might be able to get away with saying nothing, yet seeing the impatient look he was giving her, she knew she needed to say something
“I…. I feel like he taught me a lot. I am grateful?” She said, unsure of how to reply.
“Interesting.” Dr Xavier replied as they continued their way to the shooting range.
Upon their arrival, they were greeted by Major.
Major was a stout, burly man with a prim moustache. He wore a set of grey overalls and did not seem to be a Metahuman.
Outside the powered system were mortals, who were individuals with regular classes, such as Major, likely having a soldier-related class of some kind.
Anyone with a powered class was considered a Metahuman and was a higher tier of life compared to a mortal, which made their attribute points more significant. Alien races had other terms for it, yet operated under a similar system. For instance, if a mortal and a Metahuman had 100 attribute points in strength, the Metahuman would still one-sidedly stomp them despite the attributes being similar.
This principle also applies to the improvement in a Metahuman’s grade, as each grade is a quantitative improvement in their life forms.
Only the powered classes have the attribute ‘Energy’. Energy was a core component of a Metahuman and the source of their power. It was a manifestation of the supernatural power that runs through their body.
Energy was required to unlock a powered class, and only a select few can do so, either through unlocking latent powers from their DNA, similar to an Esper, or other ways, such as Mages, who can harness and cultivate energy, but through a different system entirely.
Regarding attributes, strength and dexterity straightforwardly improve her power and speed, enhancing both melee and ranged attacks. The Constitution stat affects her natural resistance to things such as poison and disease, makes her body sturdier and increases her health by 5 points per attribute. Endurance increases her stamina by 5 points per attribute and helps with general recovery. Intelligence, Willpower and Charm are the most important stats for Espers. Intelligence increases her energy capacity by 5 and allows her to memorise and learn things more quickly. Willpower improves energy regeneration and mental resistance. Finally, Charm affects her natural appearance, makes her words more convincing, and enhances the potency of her powers.
Major likely had a high strength and dexterity attribute for a mortal. Not all mortals were weak in the age of cybernetic implants and body modifications, which helped bridge the gap with the powered slightly.
Dr Xavier introduced her quickly to Major as he said, “Punctual as always, Major. You will be her shooting trainer. Train her as you see fit. I will observe from the side.”
Major nodded as he greeted her before they lined up, with him handing her a small firearm.
Upon receiving the gun, she prompted her interface to show her its information.
Mark IV Hornet
Small Calibre Handgun
Grade: E
Rarity: Common
The firearm was a basic handgun and considered nothing special, a standard-issue weapon from Laxus, a weapons manufacturer known for producing reliable and stable firearms.
‘Perfect for a beginner.’ She thought inwardly, giving Major an approving glance.
“Are you familiar with this handgun?” Major asked, noticing her expression questionably, causing Ayna to curse at her foolishness.
Quickly recovering, she replied, “Not at all! I think you seem to be good at this, teaching, I mean.”
“I haven’t taught you yet.” Major chuckles lightly as he gestures for them to continue.
Ayna was gladdened that Major was friendly enough not to push further, yet their exchange was noticed by the watching Dr Xavier, who stared at her creepily.
Concentrating on not giving Dr Xavier further reason to pay attention to her, she engaged in the shooting practice with Major.
Unlike Stormflash, Major did not have a personal vendetta towards her and was a professional throughout.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Ayna made another ten shots at the ten targets Major set up for her; this time, she landed on six out of ten.
They had been at it for hours by this point, and Major had been a good teacher, contributing to her making some good progress. At one point, he set up ten targets and tasked her with hitting as many of them as possible. Initially, she did horrific, yet as time went on, she improved notably.
Major {Lvl 28} has taught you the general skill [Basic Shooting]
Progress rate to learn: 33%
Despite the difference in levels and Major having less expertise in his respective discipline, she found herself learning slightly quicker than with Stormflash.
‘So this is what Dr Xavier wanted to observe,’ She thought, verifying her thoughts as she looked at Dr Xavier, who nodded in approval, seeming pleased.
Strangely, I enjoyed training with Stormflash, despite the treatment. He can’t be passing his masochist tendencies onto me, could he? Well, he is not bad looking, but…
Shaking her head at her weird, delusional thoughts, she noticed Dr Xavier approached them as he said, “That is enough for now, Major, you're dismissed. One, I will take you to the recovery vats, then you will rest. Tomorrow, I have a big surprise for you, but for now, you can have some time to yourself.”
Thinking of the big surprise, she sarcastically thought, ‘Yipee.’
She could show Dr Xavier none of her true thoughts, though, as she said, “Sounds good.”
Dr Xavier smiled in reply, a calculating, menacing look hidden in his eyes as he stared at her.
‘Soon.’ He thought.
