Chapter 11: A New Outlook

Abilities were a strange but normal occurrence in the world of Clodia. Research had been carried out on why they existed and why one had to be at the age of 15 before they could awaken an ability.

It was a topic shrouded in a mystery that scientists and researchers have yet to come up with a valid reason for. There have been few occurrences when one would awaken their ability earlier and some later than they should have. These variable occurrences made it harder to pinpoint why humans developed abilities and at the age, they awoke them.

"Don't feel down, although I have not seen a result such as yours, it could mean you are just a late bloomer. I believe with time you will awaken an ability." Instructor Blake said in a bid to comfort Alex.

But deep down, Alex knew the truth. Was there any hope for him? He once had an ability, he was sure of it. He awoke an ability and all of a sudden, it disappeared out of the blue.

These feelings weighed him down. He was in a world where only the strong thrived. His utmost goal when coming to the Academy was to study his ability. He believed he could get information within the walls of an Academy about his mysterious ungraded ability but the moment he stepped his foot into the Academy, the moment when his goal didn't seem so farfetched; he lost the core of his goal.

Instructor Blake sighed as he looked at Alex who remained motionless. He gently placed both of his hands on Alex's shoulders. They were large with veins that were as steel cords, giving of the feeling that they could smash boulders into dust.

"Listen up kiddo. The best ability there is isn't the one you awaken at a certain age, rather, it is the one you were born with."

"What do you mean? What ability was I born with?" Alex asked a hopeful glint flashed across his eyes.

"Your body" Instructor Blake smiled.

"Many have forgotten how powerful and versatile the body is. They are drawn to flashy and colourful abilities like fire, water, and the likes, that they forget to strengthen their bodies. The body is full of potential. If you ask me, I'll say it is the best ability."

Instructor Blake said and then straightened up. He walked to one of the nearby walls, balled his knuckles, and threw a punch at the wall.

*BANG!!*

The impact of the punch was so strong that it made that whole of the wall vibrate. A wide dent appeared at the spot he had punched with a network of web-like cracks that were a few inches deep.

"Oops. I think I added more force than I intended to. Well, not to worry, I'll just have to pay for damages." Blake said with a sheepish smile, scratching the back of his head.

Alex looked bewildered at the strength of Instructor Blake. Seeing he had succeeded in captivating Alex, he smiled and continued his speech.

"My ability isn't offensive. It just makes me sense energies clearer and faster. What I just did now was done by pure brute strength."

"By the way, I am the Martial Arts instructor and I advise that you sign up for my classes. Not having an ability isn't the end of the world, kid. With proper training from me, you would be able to accomplish such a feat."

"I would surely do that. Thank you so much, Instructor!" Alex said happily. This opportunity was like a flicker of light in a dark tunnel.

'Who would have thought the human body could be this impressive.' Alex thought as he stared and the well-built body of Blake. He looked like a sculpted Greek god with muscles filled with power and vitality.

After the mind-blowing show of how incredible the human body is, Alex was dismissed and met the Lady on the lower floor.

He was given a metal wristband just like the others before him. It displayed the number '1' on its surface which was his ability level.

"The wristband has multifunctions. first, it is a method of tracking members of our Academy. Information would be sent directly to each student through the wristband and also, it is used for transferring and buying credits" the lady explained.

She handed him a palmflet that explained everything in detail. Credits are the monetary value used in an Academy rather than the usual coins.

Alex was informed that his uniforms and other necessities would be given to him soon. He was also given his student ID which had his room number on it.

After that, he took his luggage and walked out of the Administrative block. Zelah and the rest that took the test with him had long gone, new students were already seated in place waiting for their turn to be tested.

As Alex walked out of the building, he saw a familiar face waiting for him. No not one, but two since he recognized the student Tang who had brought him to the Administrative block.

"Um...I decided to wait for you...we are both new students so I thought we could explore the Academy together." Tom said sounding a bit more confident.

"Why don't I show you two around? I know a few places, it wouldn't be nice if you guys were to get lost." Tang said, a devious glint flashing across his eyes.

'They're both level one, taking that ring from him should be a walk in the park even if he puts up a fight' he thought.