The Ability Steal System

New Ability

"Ding"

[You have killed an F rank Esper and gained 100xp]

[You have levelled up to level 1 and all stats increased by 1 and you have also gained an additional stat point with 200 system points]

“System, am I dreaming? If I am not, then are you the one he was searching for?" Felix inquired of the system as he meticulously searched the body.

[You are not dreaming and unfortunately, yes, I am what he was after..]

"Of course you were what he was after, we have to hurry. They likely don't anticipate this assassin's failure, which means I still have sometime to prepare" Felix cut off the system mid-sentence, knowing time was not on his side. His decades of combat experience urged him forward, leaving no room for questions. In an instant, his instincts took over, hands moving with a swift precision.

[Actually, I was going to say that they still don't know that I’ve merged with you so you have to burn down your shop]

"Oh, you want to erase all traces and convince them I'm gone? I admire your creativity," Felix said with a sly grin, his mind racing at the brilliance of the plan unfolding before him.

[Yes, you have to make them think that you died in the fire otherwise they will continue to send assassins after you until they finally finish you off]

"Assassins, let them send more and I will kill them as I have killed this one," Felix declared with unwavering confidence. His fingers deftly extracted a card from the assassin's pocket, along with some F-rank beast cores and the dagger that had nearly claimed his life.

[Do you really think that you can kill an F+ rank assassin with your current strength, you forget that he hadn't even used his ability not to mention the fact that he could have killed you with that powder, he only died because he underestimated you too much, otherwise you would be the one on the ground]

"He works for an organization called ‘Shadow’, sounds shady, and that's the only information I have," Felix remarked after examining the card.

[You need to get stronger fast because a war is coming, take a look at your stats to see how weak you are]

“Wow.” Felix stood in awe as a transparent, semi-holographic screen materialized before him, displaying his personal information. Doubt lingered in his mind, questioning the reality of the phenomenon. Yet, a fleeting glance at his own body confirmed the truth he had been grappling with.

Name: Felix Argus

Age: 25

Level: 1

XP [0/200]

HP: 100

MP: 50

System points: 200

Stat points: 1

Strength: 6

Agility: 6

Vitality: 10

Luck: 10

Intelligence: 30

Esper abilities:

[Light Hand][Level 1]

Rank: ???

Cost: 50 Mana points

Description:

Releases a burst of bright light from the palm of the user.

Passive abilities

[Perception][Level 1]

Rank: D

Description:

Enables the user to perceive hidden threats that seem invisible to the naked eye.

[Enhanced Senses][Level 1]

Rank: A

Description:

Gives the user enhanced senses of touch smell, hearing, sight, and taste.

[Perfect Aim][Level 1]

Rank: A

Description:

Gives the user the ability to have a perfect aim to hit any target with precision.

Professional Hand To Hand Combat][Level 1]

Rank: A

Description:

The user of the skill is a pro at hand-to-hand combat and is able to execute deadly moves.

"Wait, aren't these techniques from my previous life?" Felix mused, a spark of realization hitting him. "It seems like I was able to bring back the experience of the skills from my past."

"So, HP represents my health points, while MP signifies my mana points. Stat points serve the purpose of enhancing my attributes. Strength measures the power I can wield, agility reflects my speed, and vitality indicates my overall health. Luck, as it stands, is simply my fortune, and intelligence gauges my cleverness. What exactly are the system points? How does the levelling mechanism function? And why does my ability rank remain hidden?" Felix stated his deductions and inquired of the system about the aspects that eluded his understanding.

[You are definitely a smart one, which shows from your 30-point intelligence, system points are gotten from killing enemies, it can be used to buy new abilities but don't get your hopes high, you can't even afford the lowest price at your current level, it can also be used to upgrade your abilities, the leveling would need to be explained later because you have to leave now, and lastly your ability rank doesn't show because I can't recognize it at my current level, which may be because it is at a rank higher than SSS+]

"A rank higher than SSS+," Felix exclaimed in shock, almost falling to the ground.

"Who would have thought that my trash skill would be so OP? This is incredible!" Felix exclaimed, his eyes beaming with excitement.

"First, I have to burn this place down, then I’ll go visit an old friend." He had already looted the body, and there was nothing valuable left to take.

With all his essential belongings in hand, Felix stepped outside and ignited the shop in flames. As the fire consumed the structure, he lingered for a moment, captivated by the spectacle before deciding to depart, wary of potential onlookers lurking in the shadows.

As he departed from the scene, his gaze fell upon a crowd of people beginning to gather around.

Amid the chaos at the burning shop, he initially believed they were arriving to assist in extinguishing the flames. However, as the truth unfolded, a look of scorn crossed his face when he witnessed them entering to pilfer whatever remained untouched by the inferno.

“What a group of despicable individuals, can't even pretend to extinguish the flames.” With a surge of anger, Felix watched as they stole his books. He shook his head in disbelief and turned away, leaving the scene behind.

As he navigated the maze of confusing alleys, a sense of unease gripped him; he could have sworn someone was tailing him. Finally, he stumbled upon a quaint pawnshop with the image of a dragon on its sign, beckoning him closer.

With a heavy sigh, he stepped inside. As he entered, his gaze swept the room and landed on a short blond man engaged in a heated discussion with a plump, red-faced man whose extravagant clothing seemed utterly out of place there. Felix could sense the tension in the air as their argument unfolded.

"This bracelet is far from ordinary; do you have any idea of the trials I endured to acquire it? And now you expect me to part with 10 F rank beast cores? You'd better offer me a fair price, or I won't hesitate to take my business elsewhere." The plump, red-faced man expressed his dissatisfaction with the short blonde man.

"Are you suggesting that I lack knowledge of my own work? If you were to take this to another pawnshop; the price would likely be even lower. If you claim that my price is excessive, or if you disagree, you're welcome to visit another pawn shop or even the Esper association and seek a 'fair price,' hmm!" The short blond man looked up at the plump, red-faced man, feigning injury from the sting of his words.

"Do you really believe I can't do that? I came here under the impression that you were a man of integrity." The plump, red-faced man, simmering with anger, feigned an exit. Yet, as he reached the door, he cast a furtive glance at the short blonde man, only to find him preoccupied with other matters. With a clenched jaw, he turned back, determination etched on his face.

"Fifteen F rank beast cores or nothing at all." The plump, red-faced man spoke with his teeth clenched tight.

“You’ve returned! I was under the impression you were off to another pawnshop.” The short blonde man replied with a smirk.

“With a heart full of generosity, I shall give you the 15 F-rank beast cores.” The short blonde man spoke with unabashed confidence, a wide grin spreading across his face, giving him the mischievous appearance of a little devil.

"You..." The plump red-faced man almost puked blood as he was shocked with the shamelessness of the short blonde man. Just moments ago, he had declared the necklace worthless, barely worth 10 F rank beast cores, and now, astonishingly, he was offering 15 F rank beast cores for it.

"Thank you for the transaction. Wishing you a wonderful day ahead!" The short blonde man, with a mocking grin, addressed the plump red-faced man. In a swift motion, he snatched the necklace from him, simultaneously shoving the cores into his hands.

Despite the knowledge that he had been deceived, he had no choice but to accept the beast cores like that. It was his only ticket out of the slums. The piercing gazes of those outside felt really creepy like lions poised to pounce. He was acutely aware that wandering into an alley could spell disaster—robbery or something far worse. The tales of misfortune that echoed through this place were plentiful, and he was no fool to ignore them.

“Have a nice day” Felix said to the plump, red-faced man as he walked past, fuming. It was only then that he noticed someone standing nearby, but he was too angry to pay him any heed.

"Sup Dave, I see that you haven't changed much," Felix said with a grin, watching the plump, red-faced man depart. He then approached the short blonde man, whose expression radiated the joy of someone who had just won the lottery.

"Oh Felix, I didn't see you there. It seems you haven't changed much either. Still dealing with problems involving Teddy?" With a smile, Dave looked at Felix, taking in the bruises that marred his face. He then shoved the cores into his pocket, which bulged ominously from the weight of the numerous treasures crammed inside. Felix couldn't help but wonder how Dave managed to move around with such a heavy load weighing him down.

"Yeah, same old," Felix chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he observed Dave.

"Ever thought of getting a storage ring? I still can't wrap my head around how you manage to move around so easily with those cores stuffed in your pockets." Dave's bulging pockets made for quite the comical sight.

"You must be joking, Felix! Do you really think I could stroll around with a storage ring on my finger? Haha!" Dave chuckled, his hands patting his pockets as if he feared the Cores might vanish from them at any moment.

"Gimme a minute; I have to make an important call" Dave said to Felix, who half-expected him to pull out a phone. But he was proved wrong when Dave retrieved a colourless orb from one of the numerous pockets in his attire, reminiscent of trousers from Earth.

This revelation struck Felix, making him realize that there were indeed some similarities between Zenith and Earth.

"Yes, it is me. I possess a remarkable artifact that I am certain will captivate you—a bracelet, to be precise. As for the price, I assure you, I will offer you the most favourable deal possible. How does 100 F rank beast cores sound? You know me; it's merely business. When have I ever deceived you? Feel free to come by for it at your convenience. Until we meet then, farewell." Dave engaged in a brief conversation with the individual through the now radiant orb, concluding the call with a satisfied smile. Meanwhile, Felix observed as the orb gradually returned to its original colourless form.

"What brings you here at this hour?" Before making his way to the door of his shop, Dave turned to Felix and asked.

"I find myself in need of your assistance, but before anything else, I need a place to rest. Would it be possible for me to stay here?" Felix inquired of Dave, his fingers rummaging through his pocket in search of something.

"Yeah, sure, you know that you’re family" Dave said, his voice laced with concern as he opened his door and glanced around, locking it quickly behind him. "But what happened to your shop?"

"It sort of went up in flames; it's a complicated tale, one you might not want to hear," Felix said, pulling out the dagger he had taken from the assassin and passing it to Dave.

“I need you to find out what you can about this dagger," Felix said to Dave as he handed it over. The moment the dagger touched Dave's palm, Felix noticed the shock etched across his face.

"Wow, this should be an E rank weapon at the least," Dave exclaimed, his voice spiked with disbelief. "But I have to use my ability to confirm it."

He cradled the dagger in his palms, following which, a warm light burst forth, illuminating his hands as he shut his eyes tightly.

"Ding"

[System has detected an F rank detection ability "Analyze"]

[Would host like to steal it, the cost is 200 system points]

As he heard this, the edges of his mouth rose to reveal a smile.