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Transcript
00:00Dad showed me how to do this.
00:02Fantastic, thank you.
00:03Quinn, you're up next.
00:05Looks like it's my turn.
00:09What the hell was that, Quinn?
00:10Do you even have a special ability?
00:12No, but my parents...
00:15Your parents what?
00:17My parents couldn't afford an ability book.
00:19No powers? And he's poor?
00:21Talentless talent! Talentless talent!
00:24Talentless talent! Talentless talent!
00:27So...
00:30You don't want superpowers?
00:31What?
00:32Someone checked in an unused ability book.
00:34Yeah, of course.
00:38What kind of loser would think I would just give them an ability book?
00:43Talentless talent! Talentless talent!
00:45Talentless talent! Talentless talent!
00:48Talentless talent!
00:51My parents died in a war with alien invaders.
00:54They left me an ability book.
00:56But for some reason, I haven't been able to open mine.
00:59Talentless talent, the name stuck to me, but not any longer.
01:03I do have an ability book and they shall regret it once I unlock my power.
01:11Aliens burned the world, killed my family, and all I got was this stupid book.
01:16A book that's impossible to open.
01:18Still, my parents must have left it to me for a reason.
01:22It's my one shot at answers.
01:25Okay, so far no reaction.
01:30I don't know why I keep trying.
01:35Damn it!
01:37It's like my parents wanted to taunt me with an ability book from beyond the grave.
01:41They could have at least left instructions.
01:46What the hell is happening?
01:47Congratulations, you have been granted the vampire system.
01:54Hello?
02:02Hello?
02:10Upload complete.
02:16What happened last night?
02:18Ugh.
02:23Wait.
02:24No way.
02:26I can see the whole room?
02:28How?
02:29Was it...
02:30The book!
02:31It's gone!
02:32Think, Quinn.
02:33Try to remember what happened.
02:34Menu, menu, menu.
02:36Main menu.
02:38Who said that?
02:40What is all this?
02:43This thing.
02:44It's controlled by my thoughts?
02:48A skills tab?
02:49It's like one of those old gaming systems.
02:52Did this come from a book?
02:53Ability books can be absorbed for additional XP.
02:57So my parents did leave me an ability book.
03:03Yeah!
03:07But I don't feel any different.
03:09It just seems like an old gaming interface.
03:12Okay, if you're a computer, do you have any information about my parents?
03:17Systems are often disregarded as simple computers.
03:20But with the right user, they can become quite powerful once leveled up.
03:25Okay.
03:26Cool.
03:27I'll play your game.
03:28So how do I level up?
03:30Drink two liters of water.
03:34Two liters for five XP.
03:36That's it?
03:38I can definitely do that.
03:41Ugh.
03:44My stomach feels like it's gonna burst.
03:46Challenge complete.
03:48Five experience points awarded.
03:50At least I know this system works now.
03:52Hopefully if I keep doing quests, I'll level up and get stronger.
03:58Quintalan.
03:59Hello.
04:00We've been waiting outside five minutes already.
04:02What?
04:03Don't play dumb with me.
04:05It's draft day, boy.
04:07Time for you to head to military school.
04:09That's right.
04:10How could I forget?
04:11The war with the Dalki wiped out most of the population.
04:14Now, like every student age 16, I'm required to attend military school for two years.
04:20No one expects the peace deal with the Dalki to last.
04:23Neither do I.
04:25It's so bright.
04:28What's happening to me?
04:30You okay, son?
04:32You're not gonna try to run, are you?
04:34Your stats are being reduced to 50% during exposure.
04:38You hear me?
04:39Please seek immediate shelter from direct sunlight.
04:42I'm weaker in sunlight now?
04:44What kind of drawback is this?
04:50Keep it moving, recruit.
04:52Sorry.
04:53Sorry.
04:54You are no longer in direct sunlight.
04:56Stats have returned to normal.
05:00What a relief.
05:02That was torture.
05:03When is the shuttle arriving?
05:05ETA 11 minutes.
05:07Keep it quiet.
05:09Keyword, direct sunlight.
05:13Another quest.
05:15At least this one's easy.
05:17I wonder what the military academy is gonna be like.
05:19Quiet!
05:21Whatever it's like, it's probably better than school.
05:25Warning.
05:26A foreign substance has been detected.
05:29Activating oxygen reserves.
05:31What?
05:32Your resistance to the substance has increased.
05:35Approximately 30 seconds of consciousness remaining.
05:37What's going on?
05:39Go in private, son.
05:44What the hell?
05:46Rise and shine, maggots!
05:48You spend the next two years of your miserable lives here, so you better get used to it.
06:05I knew the military was sitting on some experimental tech, but I had no idea it was anything like this.
06:11Daily rations and other privileges.
06:13Once you've been tested, it will show a number representing your corresponding power level.
06:18Power levels range from 1 to 8.
06:23Hey, I wouldn't do that if I were you.
06:25Huh?
06:26The harder you tug, the tighter it gets.
06:29You ever see someone on the street without a hand?
06:32That's the price for running.
06:34Thanks.
06:36Once you've been tested, it will be displayed as a number representing your corresponding power level.
06:40Power levels range from 1 to 8.
06:43I think I could get at least a 5.
06:46What?
06:47I heard no one's ever gotten higher than a 5 on the first test.
06:50Well, except originals.
06:52You know, people who don't need ability books for their powers to perform that way?
06:56Yeah, I know what originals are.
06:57Oh, okay, hotshot.
06:59I was just making conversation.
07:01I know. I'm sorry.
07:03So, name, ability, favorite color.
07:06Next group, Quintalent.
07:09Hey.
07:10Peter Chuck.
07:13Hide me.
07:14Hey, knock it off.
07:15Vorden Blade.
07:17Rough hands, bro.
07:19Ever tried lotion?
07:20Layla Monroe.
07:25And Aaron Healy.
07:29Finally.
07:30You five will be today's final group.
07:33Good luck.
07:34So, Quinn, right?
07:38Name's Vorden.
07:39What's his angle?
07:40Why is someone that looks like him being so nice to me?
07:42Use of foreign ability detected.
07:44What did you say your ability was?
07:46Ability attempt blocked.
07:48Ability blocked?
07:52Warning.
07:53You are being hit by direct sunlight.
07:55All stats will be reduced by 50%.
07:59First time teleporting?
08:00Second ability attempt blocked.
08:04Don't touch me.
08:05Look, I'm pretty strong, so if anybody messes with you, I just put them in their place, you know?
08:10Vorden.
08:11What's up?
08:12Vorden.
08:13Nice to meet you.
08:14Vorden.
08:15Nice to meet you.
08:16Vorden.
08:17Very nice to meet you.
08:18Hi.
08:19Vorden.
08:20Nice to meet you.
08:21Maybe he's just friendly with everyone.
08:22I hope I don't look as nervous as him.
08:24I definitely look more nervous than her.
08:26Cool box.
08:27What's inside it?
08:28Ow.
08:29Ow.
08:30What gives?
08:31Line up.
08:32Side by side.
08:33My name is Jane, and I will be in charge of testing today.
08:37Once you have finished your trials, I will be adjusting your wrist devices to match your decided ability levels.
08:44But before we get started, we have a couple things to take care of.
08:48Peter Chuck.
08:49Step forward.
08:54I bet he's in trouble.
08:55Why?
08:56For not having an ability.
08:57Now I understand why he was so nervous.
09:02Hey.
09:03It's your Earth ability book.
09:04They're pretty common, but really help.
09:06You want it?
09:07Knock yourself out.
09:10Unable to learn ability.
09:12Would you like to convert the ability book into ten experience points?
09:16Wait.
09:17This system prevents me from studying ability books?
09:22It's yours.
09:23I can't accept it.
09:24They just give these to us to keep us indebted to them anyway.
09:27Quintalent?
09:28Their records show I don't have an ability.
09:31But do I have an ability?
09:37Whatever this system is, my parents kept it secret for a reason.
09:46Standard issue Earth abilities.
09:48I can't.
09:50Pardon?
09:51I don't want to.
09:54Would you excuse me for one moment?
09:59Talon Quinn won't take the book.
10:02How do you wish to proceed?
10:05No abilities, no parents, no connection to Pure either.
10:09Let's see how he does without the help of military assistance, shall we?
10:12Understood, sir.
10:15My apologies.
10:17Please, await further instruction.
10:21Phew.
10:22That was a close one.
10:24All right.
10:25Testing will begin in groups of two.
10:28First up, Aaron Healy and Layla Monroe.
10:34Good luck, babe.
10:35Send that pretty little face my regards.
10:42She has ice abilities.
10:43She could freeze me anytime.
10:45What the hell's the matter with you?
10:46Stop touching people without their permission.
10:47Stop touching people without permission.
10:49Hey, that's what you sound like.
10:50If you are not Aaron or Layla, please move away from the immediate area.
10:57I'll try to go easy on you.
10:58It won't be a competition.
11:01We do this in twos to save time.
11:02It literally is not a competition.
11:05Please, stand back to back.
11:14It's a beast weapon.
11:16Not me.
11:18You know, I kind of had her pegged as a terrorist.
11:22Outside the military?
11:23The only other people who use them is a terrorist group called Pure.
11:27They want to rid the world of ability users.
11:30Beast weapons are made from crystal hearts of powerful alien beasts.
11:34Even if she's not a member of Pure, it's hard to imagine someone so young might have been to other planets.
11:42This test will measure your combat prowess.
11:44Use whatever tools you have available to decimate the targets.
11:49Three, two, one, start.
12:05What's she doing?
12:07She's telekinetic.
12:08Telekinesis is normally considered weak, but maybe when paired with a beast weapon, any power can be strong.
12:34She has a beast weapon, too.
12:37Damn.
12:39This next test will gauge endurance.
12:43We call it the blade test. Try to avoid getting struck.
12:51Radiance? Are you scared?
12:53No.
12:54Don't worry, they're just simple holograms.
12:58Three, two, one.
13:07They're moving so fast. Is it possible to dodge them?
13:14Guess they weren't holograms after all.
13:16Time.
13:17I have made my decision.
13:19Layla Munro, you have been awarded the rank of a level two ability user.
13:24Respect.
13:25You have been awarded the rank of a level two ability user.
13:28Respect.
13:29You have been awarded the rank of a level two ability user.
13:32Respect.
13:33You have been awarded the rank of a level two ability user.
13:36A respectable score for a first try.
13:38Level two?
13:40Congrats on your win, princess.
13:42Again, not a contest.
13:45Erin Healy, you've been awarded the rank of a level five ability user.
13:51Only the third person in history to do so on their first test.
13:54Congratulations.
13:55Five.
13:56That's it.
13:57Oh.
13:58I guess neither of them are happy with their scores.
14:01Next two up.
14:03Vorden Blade.
14:04Get ready to watch me blow these dames out of the water.
14:07There's no way he's that strong.
14:09Quinn Talon.
14:10What?
14:11No, you can't test me. I don't have an ability.
14:13And yet you refuse the ability book.
14:16My commander has instructed me to test your mettle regardless.
14:19They're making an example out of me.
14:21If you aren't Vorden or Quinn, please step aside.
14:24You two, get in position.
14:26Don't worry, Talon.
14:28I'll make sure to go easy on you.
14:29It's not a contest.
14:31Not with you it isn't.
14:32What?
14:33Boys.
14:36How am I supposed to hit those targets?
14:39All stats are reduced to 50% in the sunlight.
14:44This idiot couldn't really be strong.
14:47Could he?
14:48Will I be called talentless again?
14:55I thought it might be different here.
14:57But it's more of the same.
14:59I'm still a loser.
15:02If only there was a little shade.
15:08It can't be.
15:12Ice abilities?
15:14He also has ice abilities?
15:16What are the chances two people in the same class have such rare gifts?
15:20That's why he kept touching them.
15:22Nice to meet you.
15:23Hi, I'm Vorden.
15:24Nice to meet you.
15:25He was sampling abilities.
15:32Please, thank you, thank you.
15:34Make me blush.
15:36I really couldn't have done it without you in particular.
15:41Enough.
15:42Get ready for the blade test.
15:45Three, two, one.
15:47It was nice knowing you, Talon.
15:48I'm sure we would have made great friends.
15:52Come on, system.
15:53I know you can do more than this.
15:55Help me out here.
15:57All stats are reduced to 50% in the sunlight.
16:01My parents wouldn't leave me this book if it was useless.
16:04Come on.
16:05Please don't let me be talentless.
16:07Am I about to die?
16:15Time.
16:22That's enough.
16:24Vorden blade, level five.
16:27Quintalon, level one.
16:31Sorry about the frost, bro.
16:34It's okay.
16:36Thanks.
16:37Told you I'd protect you.
16:38Maybe he's not so bad after all.
16:41You didn't try to take my ability that time.
16:43Respect.
16:45You know no one's ever figured out my trick so fast.
16:48So is that your ability?
16:49No.
16:50You were pretty surprised when it didn't work.
16:52Well, credit where credit's due.
16:54Right?
16:55Yeah.
16:56You know, there's no ability book that teaches copy ability.
17:01You're an original, aren't you?
17:08This building was constructed to honor the lives lost in the Great Delqui War.
17:14This is where the tour ends.
17:16Great time to get to know each other a little better.
17:18Better use of your time.
17:20After all, you are classmates now.
17:24We'll break a bit here.
17:25All stats are being reduced by 50% during exposure to sunlight.
17:30I should have figured we weren't going to be friends.
17:33The rules here are the same as back home.
17:41I guess I will be called talentless Talon again.
17:44It's going to be a struggle to survive among them.
17:47Everyone wants to move up and I'm at the bottom again.
17:50Alone.
17:52Or maybe not.
17:57It's just a level, right man?
17:58Can't let it get to us, you know?
18:00Right.
18:01Thanks.
18:03You were great back there, by the way.
18:06Training on the test with no abilities?
18:08There you are!
18:10Hey.
18:11Dude.
18:12All of a sudden, all these students wanted a piece of me.
18:14Totally lost sight of you.
18:15Oh, oh.
18:18I've been here the whole time, man.
18:19Yeah, well.
18:21Let's be here together.
18:24Yeah.
18:25You too, sad boy.
18:26You can hang with us.
18:27Me?
18:28Really?
18:29Yeah.
18:30Unless you're too cool to hang with us.
18:31A level five befriending two level ones?
18:34He's like no one I've ever met.
18:37Alright.
18:38Let's see what room number I get.
18:4223.
18:43I got 14.
18:46Yo, Quinn!
18:48Dude.
18:49What room number did you get?
18:5023.
18:51Okay, cool.
18:53Oh.
18:54Fingers crossed we get the same one.
18:55Right?
18:56Yeah.
18:58Alright, see ya.
19:02Oh, no way.
19:03I'm in room 23.
19:04We're neighbors.
19:19Hey.
19:21What room number did you get?
19:2323.
19:2423?
19:25You're gonna trade with me.
19:27What?
19:28Why would I do that?
19:30Hey!
19:34Got any other stupid questions?
19:36Please, please.
19:37Just.
19:39Just take it.
19:43Tell anyone about this.
19:46And I will rip out your throat.
19:48Got it?
19:52Perfect.
19:55Don't forget to wash your hands.
20:01Do you really think it's gonna be different from the crapples we came from?
20:06One can only hope, right?
20:08Yeah.
20:10Yo.
20:12Guess who got room 23?
20:14Same as Quinn.
20:15Wow.
20:16What are the chances?
20:18Yeah.
20:19It's like, like fate wanted us to be best friends.
20:22Right, buddy?
20:23Yeah.
20:24Fate.
20:28We should throw a party in here.
20:30Tonight.
20:31Yeah.
20:32Yeah.
20:40Do you know who this is?
20:45There he goes again.
20:47Mr. Popular.
20:53Cool.
20:58Hey.
21:00I, uh, just wanted to say I thought you did really good in the field today.
21:05You know, a lot of people say that telepaths are actually, like, really weak.
21:08But I thought, I thought you did really good.
21:10I thought you were really impressive.
21:14Telepaths are weak?
21:16God, I'm an idiot.
21:17Idiot.
21:21I should see what Peter's up to.
21:25First year.
21:26Nothing out of the ordinary.
21:28Orphan boy.
21:30No abilities.
21:31And yet you'll notice he refused to take the standard ability book when offered.
21:35You can bump into me like that without saying sorry?
21:37I'm sorry.
21:38I can't hear you.
21:39I'm sorry.
21:40Peter?
21:41Hey!
21:42What's going on?
21:43There's much you don't know.
21:45We originals have a heavy burden that even you and your military might can never comprehend.
21:51Hey!
21:55There are abilities that are far darker and more dangerous than have been made public.
22:00Abilities that we're still discovering from books that have been lost to the hands of time.
22:05What is this?
22:06Another prompt?
22:07Another prompt?
22:11You think this boy has an ability powerful enough to end the world?
22:17Or end a war before it begins.
22:21What are you going to do, level one?
22:23You think you can do better than this twerp?
22:24I believe this Quintallon is hiding something.
22:28You can help me reveal it.
22:34Do you want to find out the hard way?
22:37I cannot guarantee any price.
22:40We need to run.
22:41Find Gordon.
22:42He's only level two.
22:43I can take him.
22:44Make his life hell.
22:46Make him suffer.
22:49And we'll see what he becomes.
22:52What's gotten into you?
22:55I think I've found an easy way to level up.
22:58Talon, where's Talon?
22:59Talon, where's Talon?
23:00Talon?
23:05Not anymore.
23:08Don't let your excitement die.
23:10The full audio series is on the Pocket FM app.
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