When a meteor hit this world, everyone was left in shock. More than half of the world's population was wiped out. However, because of that very meteor, the world today has become highly developed. Now, only seven countries remain in this world, and their names are: Country Y, Country X, Country Z, Country 4, Country 9, Country 11, and Country 5.
Zack is from C11 — that is, Country 11.
Zack stands in front of the portal in the Abyss.
Today is the ability test. This ability test is held every year. All awakeners take part in it, accompanied by instructors. Some instructors from the Abyss Academy observe the awakeners from outside using drone cameras.
Another purpose of this test is to give non-awakeners knowledge about the Abyss.
Although this knowledge is taught at the academy over the course of two years, it's only theoretical.
And now, Zack is ready for his ability test.
All the students stand in front of the portal, fully prepared.
Alongside them are five instructors who will be going into the Abyss with them.
Zack stood clad in his blue sword and armor.
"Hmm... In my previous life, something terrible happened during the ability test. Out of 200 students, 50 lost their lives, and more than half were severely injured — I was one of them. Among those who died were students with the potential to become powerful awakeners in the future. But I was helpless then. I didn't have enough strength to save anyone. But this time... I'm prepared for everything."
Then, the instructor gave permission for all students to enter the Abyss. One by one, the students stepped into the portal.
Zack was accompanied by Albus.
Zack thought to himself,
"I still can't believe it... The same Albus who's with me now will be the one who kills me in the future."
Albus turned to Zack and said,
"Zack, you've changed. Yesterday you suddenly attacked me, and now, looking at you, it seems like you're heading to war. You're wearing full armor — and there's no real need for it."
Zack replied calmly,
"Well... you never know when something — or someone — might come in handy."
"Hmm, alright then," Albus responded.
"I need to stay away from Albus, only then can I test my ability to copy others."
By now, all the students had entered the Abyss.
As soon as Zack entered the Abyss, he separated from the group without anyone noticing — not even Albus or the instructors.
"Where did Zack go?" Albus muttered, puzzled.
"I need to inform the instructor," he said and rushed off.
He reached the instructor and reported, "Zack has disappeared from the group."
"What? Zack ran off inside the Abyss on his own?"
The instructor scowled.
"Foolish boy. Who does he think he is? If anything happens to him, he'll have only himself to blame."
News of Zack separating from the group quickly spread among the students.
"Isn't he the same Zack who awakened the Swordsmanship talent?" one student asked.
"Yeah, but why would he just run off like that? Does he think he's stronger than everyone else?"
Joshua frowned, thinking to himself,
"Idiot."
Amber asked, "Who even is he?"
Sam smirked,
"Looks like a fool awakened this year too."
While everyone stood around making remarks, Zack had already taken down two monsters.
"I didn't expect I'd be able to defeat two Dark Wolves this easily," he thought.
"My past life's experience… and this sword — I have to admit, if this keeps up and I keep leveling up, it won't take long before I become powerful. Hahaha!"
"Now I need to test my ability… but how?"
He looked at his status window.
"How do I activate my copying ability?"
Suddenly, a glowing screen appeared in front of him:
> To activate your Copy Ability:
1. Approach the monster or human you've defeated.
2. Say "Show Talent" to view their talent.
3. Say "Copy Talent" to absorb 50% of their talent.
"Alright then."
Zack approached the fallen Dark Wolf.
"Show Talent."
A screen appeared:
> Dark Wolf – D Rank Monster
Talent: Poisonous Bite
"Poisonous Bite, huh? Not bad... Let's give it a shot."
"Copy Talent."
A notification popped up:
> Congratulations! You've copied the talent: Poisonous Bite.
Any target stabbed with your dagger will be infected with the same venom found in a Dark Wolf's fangs.
> Congratulations! You've leveled up.
New Level: 3
Zack smirked.
"Looks like I'll need to carry a dagger from now on too."
"And I'll have to use this talent in real combat to fully master it… to reach 100% efficiency."
Suddenly, he heard a loud explosion in the distance.
"That sounded like a C-rank monster just appeared... I need to head there right away."
To be continue...