Miranda Kalder," one of the assessors called, "please show us your ability."
Miranda stepped forward confidently, raising her hands toward the sky. In an instant, the air around her seemed to chill, and within moments, a flurry of snowflakes swirled in the air, forming a crystalline barrier around her. Her power was a mix of water and ice, and she effortlessly controlled the cold as if it were an extension of herself. With a swift movement of her arm, the ice shards shot forward, forming jagged spikes that shot into the air.
The instructors watched carefully, impressed by the control she demonstrated. The display was both beautiful and lethal.
"Impressive," one of them remarked. "Miranda, based on your performance, we're assigning you to Tier B."
Miranda's eyes sparkled with pride, but she didn't let herself become too distracted. She had work to do—this was just the beginning.
After her assessment, it was time for Alex. He had been trying to steady his breathing, but a wave of nervous energy had gripped him. His heart raced with anticipation. It had been days since he had truly thought about his abilities, and the idea of facing others with his new powers was daunting.
The instructor eyed Alex with a neutral expression. "Next, Alex Nightshade. Step forward."
Alex stepped up, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew he couldn't use his claws—not in front of everyone. But he still had his ghoul-enhanced strength and agility. That would have to be enough.
"What's your ability?" the instructor asked.
"Physical enhancement," Alex replied. It wasn't exactly a lie—it just wasn't his original ability anymore.
The instructor raised a brow. "Physical types should be tested through combat. Activate the BattleBot."
A circular platform shifted open and a humanoid training robot emerged. Its metallic body gleamed under the academy lights, and the glowing red eyes gave it an intimidating presence.
The match began.
The robot charged first, swinging a heavy metal arm toward Alex. He ducked—barely. The air whooshed over his head as he rolled to the side and scrambled to his feet.
Fast.
Alex could feel his body reacting quicker than ever, but not enough. Each dodge felt like a brush with death. Every swing of the robot's fists forced him to push his body to its limit, straining his stamina as he avoided blow after blow by a hair's breadth.
He tried to counterattack—twice—but his punches barely made the robot flinch. Its armored shell absorbed the impact with ease.
Why is it so tough?
He kicked, twisted, and jabbed—his movements enhanced, but not enough to leave a dent. The robot retaliated with a sweeping leg strike that caught Alex off-guard, sending him crashing to the ground. Groaning, he rolled away just in time to avoid a stomp.
It wasn't long before the instructor called the match.
"Enough!"
The robot froze in place. Alex, panting and bruised, stood with trembling legs. The crowd was silent.
The instructor jotted down something on his tablet. "Tier D. You've got decent reflexes, but your attacks lack impact. Needs work."
Alex's shoulders slumped. Tier D. He wasn't surprised, but it still stung.
Miranda, standing at the side, watched him with a mixture of sympathy and admiration. She didn't say anything but gave him a nod of encouragement as he walked off the stage.
Tier D? he thought bitterly. Aren't ghouls supposed to be strong?
His mind flashed back to the night he was attacked.
The ghoul I fought… that thing could've destroyed that battle bot with a flick of its finger. So why am I this weak?
Is it because I'm a halfling?
Suddenly, a familiar chime echoed in his mind.
DING!
System Notice: Ghoul Gene assimilation Increased.
Alex's eyes widened as lines of data flowed before him.
System Update Complete.