Ayna had much to think about as she relaxed. The escape pod she lounged in was small, yet compact and comfortable.
Stormflash similarly released a deep sigh as he leaned back, too. The man looked like he had been through hell and back, and she could tell from the occasional grimace that putting an end to Viper had taken a deep toll.
A C-grade super like Stormflash has astonishing vitality, even without a focus on physical stats; he should be showing signs of improvement by now, yet Viper had clearly left lasting damage that refused to heal.
Partly concerned, she decided to query him about it. She said, “So, how are you doing? I mean, Viper power was absurdly nasty, and…”
Ayna felt slightly awkward in her following phrase of questioning, and Stormflash chuckled upon noticing a light smile on the undamaged side of his face, which appeared somewhat unnerving with the other half melted to the bone.
“I will survive. I do admit I am constantly expending energy to battle the remnants of his full blast of power, stubbornly rooted in my flesh, yet I am stable for now. So, to answer what is written on your face, no, I am not at risk of dying anytime soon.” Stormflash replied as she felt a slight blush creep on her face.
Ayna decided to distract herself for a while by swiftly checking her incoming notifications.
You have completed the quests [The Secret of Thaumavore!] and [Hostile Incursion]
Congratulations, you appear to have slipped Thaumavore's grasp, or have you? Remain vigilant, not all is as it seems.
Surviving an incursion from a Zylaxar swarm and living to tell the tale is a rarity in the Galaxy, and not only that, you slew a Zylaxar a grade above you, a rare feat that is worthy of a reward.
Rewards received: Loot system unlocked. X500 Credits stored in inventory.
Bonus reward: Refined Zylaxar Vibroblade, x500 additional credits stored in inventory.
You have gained an abundance of experience towards [Esper (Novice)] and [Soldier (Novice)]
[Esper (Novice)] has levelled up.
Lvl 18 > 20 [MAX] You have reached the maximum level for this class; you meet the requirements to ascend to E grade. Additional experience will be stored until you advance.
Energy +10
Intelligence +4, Willpower +2, Charm +2.
You have received 4 attribute points.
[Soldier (Novice)] has levelled up.
Lvl 16 > 19
STR + 3 END +3
You have received 3 attribute points.
Per the rewards of your quest, you have received 2 Skill Points, 3 Attribute Points and have unlocked an additional Ability Slot for Esper power, Ability Absorption.
Ayna felt a wave of power fill her as something profound inside her unlocked.
Usually, a superpower naturally enhances through progression in grades, and she will naturally receive more slots for her power absorption ability. Yet, now she has an additional one before she even advances.
Natives in the Universe would refer to this as a sporadic event in which your power naturally expands and grows from strain or a fortunate circumstance, as your genes strengthen and your cells can accommodate more power than before.
Ayna did not expect that such a change would make Stormflash raise his remaining eyebrow in surprise as he suddenly blurted, “One, have you advanced to E grade? No wait, your aura is powerful, right at the peak, yet, you feel different… something other than…”
At that point, Ayna decided to be honest, to an extent. Though rare, even without the intervention of her game-like system, such a mutation to her superpower was plausible enough to occur in the circumstances she had been through without arousing suspicion of something more, and Stormflash had been truthful to her the moment before, so she decided to return the favour.
“My power has grown stronger suddenly, I feel I can absorb more than before,” Anya replied.
Stormflash's eyes widened even further. As a super, he understood her intent instantly, and Ayna soon discovered the reward for being truthful as he replied, “I was going to save this until you reached E grade, yet I guess whilst we’re stuck in here, I can provide another opportunity for you to grow.”
Ayna did not know his intentions until, in a flash, as Stormflash utilised a storage device of some sort, which caused a familiar head to appear.
She found herself staring into Viper's vacant eyes, observing an expression of utter shock and disbelief on his face, as if he did not expect to meet his end.
“You want me too?” Ayna asked questionably, as Stormflash once again chuckled.
“Of course, it would be a waste not to. I don’t want to come across as too cold. I was only able to retrieve the head, and I know enough about the nature of your power from Dr Xavier to know this is enough to gain something. Though I despised the nature of his power, Viper possessed a very potent and deadly ability in life, and I hope you will put it to better use.” Stormflash said meaningfully.
Ayna nodded in reply at that and said, “Thank you, though, can you call me Ayna now, instead of One? I want to discard that name.”
Stormflash once again had a look of surprise before he had a look of understanding as he replied, “I do not blame you for wanting to forget that place. Now go ahead and absorb his power, similar to you, I want to forget about that place, and this is a means to do that.”
Ayna smiled at that, placing her hand on the head of Viper, and she swiftly received a notification.
Your Esper power, Ability Absorption, has detected the Ability Toxigenesis. Would you like to absorb?
Power will fill 3/3 of your current available slots.
Ayna selected ‘Yes’ and, once again, felt the notes of energy fill her body as renewed vigour washed over her.
She could not get over the feeling of absorbing power, and Ayna knew she had to ignore the addictive feeling that came with it, or she might end up just another Thaumavore.
Toxigenesis was a power entirely different from when she absorbed Pyrokinesis and Cyrokinesis; it was as if a hostile, opposing energy invaded her body, only to suddenly become inviting and warm.
Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.
Viper's head soon began to disintegrate, and the C-grade super would quickly become a distant memory, as the last of his existence faded into nothing.
Your Esper power, Ability Absorption, successfully assimilated the ability, Toxigenesis.
You have acquired a new ability: Toxigenesis [3/3]
You have acquired a new class skill: Toxin Manipulation.
You have gained experience towards [Esper (Novice)] [MAX]. Experience gained is stored until you advance to the next class.
Ayna felt a great interest in the power. It appeared the power enabled her body to create toxins, which, depending on her grade and skill level, could be manipulated to varying degrees, allowing her to produce a gaseous substance like Viper or a liquid like spray, such as the Zylaxar. It was a deadly, versatile power, and she could see why Stormflash had a challenging time facing Viper.
Curiously, though the power did not give her general immunity to poisons or toxic substances, she was immune to what she produced supernaturally, yet she remained vulnerable to hostile toxins. It differed from her other two powers, which gave her resistance to fire and cold.
Either way, the power was useful, and she was glad that Stormflash, despite being heavily injured, thought to consider her.
Though, at that thought, am I apathetic? I just saw a severed head and am jubilant about gaining a powerful ability. Perhaps Dr Xavier's meddling did more than I thought. Though he no longer actively controls me, he has adjusted my mindset to gaining powers and has dulled my emotions to death.
Ayna shook her head at such thoughts; instead of worrying about that, she should continue to grow stronger. Taking a step towards becoming an E grade would be to ensure that such a thing does not happen again, as every grade in power naturally increases her resistance.
Ayna was interrupted in her thoughts as Stormflash said, “Ayna? So was it a success?”
A bright smile appeared on her face, since he already adopted her name so readily as she replied, “That is correct, and I got to say…”
Ayna was about to continue until she sensed something. Her new power not only allowed her to create toxins but also to manipulate them; for instance, if she was strong enough, she could effectively even control foreign toxic acids such as the Zylaxar, and though the rampaging toxins she felt in Stormflash felt far beyond her, remnants of a C grade, she instinctively thought she could manipulate them, though slowly.
Stormflash, noticing her in deep thought, said, “Is there anything wrong?”
Ayna thought before saying, “I think I can help you… I can remove the toxins in your body, though it will take time. I believe it because it was created through the same power, and despite Viper being way beyond me in power, his being deceased, left it possible for me to do this, as I feel it recognises me, would you allow me to try, I might be able to help you?”
Stormflash thought for a moment before gradually nodding, “Go ahead. Might as well try.”
Ayna accepted his response and instinctively drew on her newfound power. Despite the potent toxins wanting to respond to her, she was far weaker than Viper was, so it took her time, yet eventually she drew some of the toxins out, and Stormflash had a surprised yet thankful expression on his face as she did so.
She utilised the power to dissipate the toxin harmlessly, turning it inert, and, as she did so, a notification appeared for her efforts.
Your main class skill, Toxin Manipulation, has advanced to level 2.
Ayna felt pleased to be rewarded for her efforts, yet she thought she owed Stormflash this anyway, and decided she would remove all the toxins from his body before progressing to E grade.
“Is it good for me to continue?” Ayna asked.
Stormflash shrugged as he said, “Go ahead, we have plenty of time, the pod will be slow, yet we are in reach of an inhabited planet, though it will be hours until we reach it. I hope the Zylaxar provides a big enough distraction until we get there; if we can get there, it will be difficult for even him to find us. After all, it is a Federation-controlled world.”
“Oh, really? What planet is it?” Ayna said.
“Tanus. A big world, filled with corporations and work for people with our means, could buy our way onto a space shuttle and get as far away from here as possible after earning some creds. Supers are in high demand anywhere in the Galaxy.” Stormflash replied.
Tanus? The world was familiar, yet she knew, as a developer, it had been a victim of Thaumavore, and she had only a brief outline of its lore, since they never expanded on it; it was meant to be a backstory, not a real world for players to explore.
The system's ominous warning flared in her mind, and she knew the illusion of her escaping was not over yet. She had to move fast, follow Stormflash's advice on getting herself offworld as soon as she had the creds. Ayna had a wealth of knowledge and knew the perfect places to grow until she had the power to defend herself even against the likes of Thaumavore.
Deciding to continue, though she would prefer to avoid Tanus, there was no other nearby planet the pod could reach, and they were already fortunate enough to have one with the escape pods' limited capabilities.
It would also raise questions if she would sit such a thing with Stormflash, so she said, “Sounds like a plan. So, how about I try to remove all of the hostile toxin?”
Stormflash smiled once again at that as he replied, “I will not complain about you ridding me of such an annoyance. I can break it down eventually, yet Viper packed much power into this; it would waste much time and energy.”
Ayna said, “It won’t pose any trouble for me. It will just take time, which we have aplenty.”
She was eager to do it now for the skill levels. Ayna also wanted to do it for bonus experience; she knew it would likely offer reduced experience at E grade. She felt the system was so rewarding because of the disparity between her and the toxins lingering in Stormflash's flesh.
Therefore, for the next few hours as they drifted in space, Stormflash adjusted the pods' thrusters to put them on course for Tanus. As Ayna gradually removed the remaining toxins from Stormflash, she gained many levels for her newly gained main class skill.
Your main class skill, Toxin Manipulation, has advanced to level 5.
After she had removed the last of it, Ayna decided to review her interface for the first time in a while.
Name: Ayna Reagan
Race: Metahuman
Main Class: Esper Lvl 20 [MAX]
Sub-class: Soldier Lvl 19
Attributes: Strength 29, Dexterity 15, Constitution 19, Endurance 33, Intelligence 62, Willpower 49, Charm 44
Unassigned Stats: 16
Grade: F
Health points: 95/95
Energy: 395/395
Stamina: 165/165
Esper Ability: Ability Absorption SSS
Absorbed Abilities [3/3]: Pyrokinesis, Cyrokinesis, Toxigenesis
Main Class Skills: Basic Energy Manipulation {Lvl 10 MAX}, Basic Energy Absorption {Lvl 10 MAX}, Fire Affinity {Lvl 10 MAX}, Ice Affinity {Lvl 3}, Toxin Manifestation {Lvl 5}
Sub-Class Skills: Weapons Proficiency {Lvl 9}, Armour Proficiency {Lvl 5}, Athletics {Lvl 9}
Traits: Robust Physique, Enhanced Learning, Adaptable Physiology
General Skills: Unarmed Combat {Lvl 10 MAX}, Basic Shooting {Lvl 10 MAX}, Advanced Mental Resistance {Lvl 1}, Poison Resistance {Lvl 1}
Looking at her interface, Ayna couldn't help but feel proud of her achievements. She had come far, yet this is merely the first step.
She would need to move up her grade even more swiftly, and she knew it grew increasingly complex after E rank.
Knowing she has some attribute points, she decided to allocate them into her lacking physical stats, favouring dexterity and constitution with eight attribute points each.
Afterwards, though she initially wanted to progress to E rank after arriving at Tanus, she felt she did not want to leave it up to fate. Feeling a sense of urgency, she tried to advance now. She asked Stormflash who could control her breakthrough in the confined pod.
“You want to break through now?” Stormflash asked, then, seeing the sense of urgency in her features, nodded in understanding as he continued, “I can see your fears, I suppose you can, I can manage any energy discharge so that nothing will happen to the pod, though be warned, we usually release impurities from our flesh when increasing grade.”
“I have a plan for that, it’s toxins after all, remember?” Ayna said with a beaming smile.
After agreeing with Stormflash, she sat at the back of the pod and began her ascension. She will finally enhance her class and become an E-grade super.
To typically advance to E rank, you are required not only to reach the level limit but to have a minimum level in your main class skills, which Ayna already met easily.
Lvl 20 [Esper (Novice)] advancement requirements met.
You may choose one of the following three advancements: Manipulator, Devastator, or Generalist.
The options were difficult for Ayna, and she decided to ponder.
What should I choose?
