Chapter Sixteen: Apprentice of Extraordinary Powers

Chapter Sixteen: "Apprentice Ability User"

The ability user assessment for which Shen Hua had registered Xia Zheng was scheduled for two days later. After taking some time to adjust and restore his condition, Xia Zheng decided to travel alone to Dannute City.

Originally, Chu Yan wanted to assign someone to escort him back and forth, but Shen Hua firmly refused the suggestion. She believed that Xia Zheng needed to train independently for his own good. Besides, as a psychic ability user, his true combat strength was not inferior to a B-class ability user. Even if he couldn’t win a fight, escaping wouldn’t be a problem. Chu Yan, after considering it, relented but still reminded Xia Zheng that if he encountered danger, he shouldn’t get entangled—just run.

Xia Zheng agreed, knowing that although his actual combat strength was considerable, his battle experience was still lacking. If he fought recklessly, he would easily fall victim to underhanded tricks.

“Master, I’m leaving!” He waited in the training room until Shen Hua emerged from her meditation before bidding her farewell.

“Got it, enough chatter!” Shen Hua seemed a bit impatient with his fussiness, waving him off as a goodbye.

Still, Xia Zheng deeply respected his unpredictable master. Shen Hua was the classic sharp-tongued, soft-hearted type. For this trip, she had prepared a set of weapons for him: throwing knives, spikes, and nails—six of each, forged from top-grade alloy, all perfect for use as ranged hidden weapons. There were no close-combat weapons. According to Shen Hua, if a psychic ability user was forced into physical combat, he might as well give up.

He slung his single-strap bag over his shoulder, packed with some food, fresh water, and a first-aid kit for external injuries. He’d withdrawn five thousand yuan in cash and kept it close. Embarking on his first solo journey, Xia Zheng felt nothing but excitement. In deserted areas, he even used his psychic power to boost his running speed. Though not as exaggerated as skimming over grass, he reached speeds of a hundred kilometers per hour—very fast.

Ten minutes later, a toll station appeared ahead, guarded by federal soldiers. Many vehicles were passing through, the queue stretching for several miles. Xia Zheng stopped, glad he hadn’t chosen to take a car. Pedestrians only needed to walk through a dedicated lane for a simple check.

After a brief inspection, Xia Zheng received his pass and officially entered the Dannute District. There was still some distance to Dannute City, but once he reached the subway station, things would be much easier. The Ability User Professional League generally operated at the city level, so it wasn’t uncommon for young people who had awakened abilities to come for their assessment.

Dannute District was a typical energy region, its economy supported by various minerals. The most renowned was the “Anti-Magic Ore,” which had sparked a frenzy among major corporations. Now, most of it had been mined, though many veins were rumored to remain undiscovered.

As a result, ability user teams hired by various corporations often came here seeking news of new veins. Fights, brawls, and even bloodshed broke out over these resources.

“The team that was attacked by our company had their mishap here; I’d better keep my guard up.” Xia Zheng wasn’t thinking of revenge yet—he hadn’t truly fought before, so discretion was wise.

The subway station wasn’t far. After passing the toll, he walked about a kilometer and saw the entrance.

He bought a ticket and boarded the subway, observing the people around him. Most Dannute City residents had darker, drier skin. Their clothing wasn’t as fashionable as in the Bolante District—practicality was favored. It was mid-September, the weather cooling, so nearly everyone wore long sleeves and pants.

Half an hour later, Xia Zheng exited at a spot not far from the Professional League. Using his navigation, he quickly found the entrance.

Handing over his admission permit, he rubbed his hands, noticing the temperature had dropped significantly.

“Bolante District?” The examiner glanced at Xia Zheng’s personal information and asked.

“Yes, sir,” Xia Zheng replied, briefly explaining why he hadn’t taken the assessment in Bolante District but had come here instead.

After retrieving his permit, he joined the queue with other candidates. The system assigned him number 0647.

It was around eight in the morning; the Professional League’s assessment would officially start at nine. There was still time for breakfast.

Conveniently, the League had a living area with restaurants and other facilities. It was bustling, the breakfast shops busy.

He entered a restaurant called “Uncle Mike’s Breakfast,” ordered a bowl of plain noodles, two meat buns, and a bottle of milk—twenty yuan in total, neither expensive nor cheap.

After finally finding an empty seat, he hadn’t sat for long before chairs on several sides were pulled out.

A pale, chubby boy, likely not yet fifteen, his face speckled with freckles. Next to him was a young man with curly brown hair and skin, a bit handsome, about Xia Zheng’s age. The third was a girl with a single ponytail; her hair color, possibly dyed, was like flax, her skin yellowish, features ordinary.

All three carried trays and sat down, chatting freely as they ate breakfast. Xia Zheng quietly ate his own meal, hoping to glean useful information from their conversation.

“Caroline, are you confident about this assessment?” The chubby boy asked while biting into a burger. He had at least seven or eight burgers and a huge bottle of milk in front of him—a real glutton.

The girl shook her head. “I don’t know. My physical data was good last time, but when I fought the mechanical guard, I didn’t perform as well as I should have.”

Xia Zheng noted some useful info—physical tests and battling mechanical guards. He wondered if those were the only parts.

“It’s okay, you’ll make it this time,” the handsome youth comforted her, patting her hand. She blushed and lowered her head.

“Hey, hey… you two are too much, showing off while I’m right here!” The chubby kid protested, swallowing nearly half a burger in one go, like a python devouring prey—one had to wonder if he’d choke.

The handsome youth smiled and asked, “Andrew, how’s your preparation?”

“Not bad. If I don’t pass, I’m only fourteen this year, so I’ve got three or four more chances.” The chubby kid answered.

Xia Zheng was secretly surprised. This fatty probably awakened his ability at twelve, so he was here for the assessment so young—remarkable.

“The most likely to pass among us is Lester. Last year, he nearly scored full marks in all sections. If he hadn’t drawn that monster in the final combat round, he’d have passed already.” Caroline looked at her boyfriend with regret.

Lester’s eyes flashed with sharpness; then, noticing Xia Zheng watching him, he smiled. Xia Zheng nodded back in greeting.

Soon, the three finished and left. Xia Zheng got up as well. From their conversation, it seemed the ability user assessment had three parts: physical data testing, battling mechanical guards, and a combat round.

As a psychic ability user, Xia Zheng didn’t plan to reveal his identity early. His physical training was solid, at least at the D-level standard, while the entry assessment was for E-level ability users. He remained confident.

Entering the waiting hall, Xia Zheng checked his badge and found his way to District Seven—surprised to see the trio from breakfast there as well. Fate had brought them together again.

“Oh, we meet again. Hello,” Lester greeted Xia Zheng. Being close in age, they got along easily.

“Hello,” Xia Zheng replied with a smile, sitting across from Lester. District Seven had only about twenty candidates waiting, while other districts had over a hundred.

Caroline glanced at Xia Zheng and nodded slightly, showing little expression. Andrew, the chubby kid, was rather aloof—he turned away and ignored Xia Zheng.

“Such a cocky chubby kid…” Xia Zheng didn’t mind, settling in to wait patiently.

Around nine o’clock, District Seven was nearly full, about a hundred people, while the other six districts were already packed.

“Welcome, everyone, to the Professional League’s ability user qualification assessment. Ability users represent the fusion of human technology and life, shouldering the future’s responsibilities. Here, we uphold justice and equality, showing no favoritism towards any apprentice ability user, striving to maintain the fairness of this assessment. Please await the system’s call in your respective districts; groups of seven will be tested together.”

Once the broadcast ended, the atmosphere grew tense, even though it was only the initial physical test.

No family members were allowed inside the venue, so Xia Zheng noticed some apprentice ability users had elders accompanying them outside—almost like a major professional exam.

Soon, the first group of seven from District Seven was called by the system, left their seats, and entered the passageway. The holographic announcement board began listing names and numbers for each group, awaiting the results.

The first section was called “Physical Attributes,” divided into strength, endurance, speed, and agility—each scored up to 100, with the average as the final mark. But this section only counted for 20%.

The second section was “Martial Arts Challenge”—everyone must don identical simple gear, and weapons can only be chosen from the system library. They then challenge mechanical guards of varying combat strength, in a gauntlet format. Defeat one guard and continue; stop when you give up or lose. This part accounts for 30%.

The third section was “Combat Drill”—qualified candidates face off in paired matches. Winners pass the assessment; losers are eliminated. This section carries the most weight, at 50%. Clearly, the League values real combat, since ability users often face crises, many caused by their own kind.

Xia Zheng closed his eyes to rest, adjusting his state. Soon, the first batch of candidates returned—the best scored full marks, while the lowest had around eighty.

The announcement board updated. Xia Zheng glanced briefly, then stopped paying attention. After about twenty minutes, it was his and six others’ turn to step forward.

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