My Vampire System Chapter 4 Ability Level

When abilities first emerged within humanity, it became clear that some were far superior to others, leading to the creation of a power level system. This hierarchy spanned eight distinct levels, with one being the weakest and eight the most powerful. Each level could be further granulated into decimals from 1.1 up to 1.9, a structure that applied consistently across the entire scale.

There were two primary methods for acquiring these powers. With the onset of the conflict against the Dalki Race, individuals began sharing their secrets with the outside world, documenting their methods within what are known as ability books.

These volumes were made available for commercial purchase, though the military strictly hoarded the most formidable ones. Typically, only books from level 1 to 5 reached the public market, while the high-tier powers remained under the control of massive corporations and the armed forces.

The alternative path to power was being an Original. These were the individuals who uncovered abilities naturally and chose to preserve them within their specific bloodlines throughout the generations.

Not every possessor of an ability was willing to disclose their secrets to the public, preferring to keep their gifts confined to their lineage. Since these Original powers were often the most potent—frequently exceeding level 8—the government had no way to accurately gauge their strength, as they remained entirely outside public knowledge.

Due to these factors, Quinn had consistently been rated as a level 1. Lacking family support, he could not afford an ability book, and since his ancestors possessed no inherent gifts, he was certainly not an Original.

When Quinn initially acquired his book, he assumed it was just another ability manual. Now, years later, it appeared he had finally gained an ability, though he had never encountered anything like it and had no idea what power level it granted him.

Quinn glanced at the watch on his wrist, which displayed his current power level rating: one. Looking around, he saw everyone else’s devices reflecting that same digit.

Griff stood before the gathered students, calling out names in groups of five.

Those chosen were then transported to the testing zone. Quinn briefly allowed himself a flicker of hope, thinking he might finally see a change in his status, but that optimism vanished after he received a notification.

<You are being hit by direct sunlight>

<all stats will be halved>

Quinn wasn't entirely sure how to quantify 10 strength, 10 agility, and 10 stamina, though he assumed it represented peak human fitness. Right now, he felt anything but peak; he felt sluggish and profoundly weak.

His body radiated heat and he was sweating profusely. He was thankful to have consumed plenty of water earlier, as he would surely have been dehydrated otherwise.

"Hey, are you doing alright?" asked a stranger standing beside him.

The young man, Vorden, possessed slick blonde hair, striking hazel-green eyes, and a sharply defined jawline. Standing at 6 foot 2 inches compared to Quinn's 5 foot 11, he was exactly the type of person Quinn would have avoided in the past, as he preferred to shun the attention that usually followed such individuals.

"Do you need me to call for some help?" Vorden offered.

"It is fine, I am just a bit nervous about the upcoming test," Quinn replied, struggling to stand upright while ignoring the exhaustion draining his body.

Vorden scrutinized him. Quinn was thin, lacked physical definition, and currently appeared drained. Vorden clearly categorized him as the sort of student who would likely face bullying, assuming that was the source of his anxiety.

If he received a level 1 rating, that fate was all but guaranteed.

"Well, keep your chin up; I'm quite strong, you know. Should anyone give you trouble, you can just ask me for a hand," Vorden said with a grin.

Quinn usually struggled to connect with such hyper-energetic people, yet he found it difficult to form any resentment toward Vorden. Reflecting on his previous school days, he realized he hadn't truly connected with anyone at all.

"The name is Vorden," the stranger added, extending his hand.

Quinn stared at the hand. It was the first time in his memory someone had treated him with such kindness, though he suspected it would be short-lived once the others realized his lackluster rating. Still, he wanted to push those thoughts aside for once.

"I'm Quinn," he said, meeting Vorden’s handshake.

<Use of ability has been detected>

<The ability has been rejected>

Seeing the system messages pop up, Quinn felt a ripple of confusion. The messages appeared the moment skin touched skin. He noticed Vorden hadn't released him, and the system immediately generated the warning again.

<Use of ability has been detected>

<The ability has been rejected>

Quinn jerked his hand free. The system was clearly alerting him that Vorden had attempted to use an ability on him. Vorden stood there, frozen, looking utterly bewildered.

"You," Vorden stammered. "What exactly is your ability?"

"I..." Quinn hesitated, weighing whether to be honest, but ultimately decided he wanted to observe a genuine reaction. "I do not have an ability."

Vorden’s confusion seemed to vanish, as if the answer settled his curiosity, but before he could respond, Griff made a public announcement.

"Will the following students please move to the front for testing: Quinn Talen, Vorden Blade, Peter Chuck, Layla Munrow, and Erin Heley."