• 2 months ago
Get the Pocket FM app now and enjoy the full audio series:
https://click.pocketfm.in/2IE7/ocj6advk
Transcript
00:00A week didn't go by where I didn't become the subject of some kind of meme along my classmates.
00:08It was easier and safer for me to just ignore them.
00:12Any of them could kill me in an instant after all.
00:15Uh, this is our table?
00:17Come on, there are dozens of empty tables. Can you just find another one?
00:24All right, Drake, I'm just trying to have lunch. Can we please not do this today?
00:27I don't know what you're talking about, Quinn.
00:28Drake, I know this is you, okay? So just watch your tone with me.
00:34Let me explain something to you, all right?
00:36I've heard the same crappy speech every day for 16 years.
00:40In this superpower world, nothing is worse than being powerless.
00:45Drake never misses an opportunity to make fun of me.
00:47Come on, just give me my book back. I'm gonna miss my bus.
00:49Come on, you're gonna miss my bus.
00:51What kind of loser rides the bus anyway? It's a superhero school.
00:55Oh, that's right. You don't have any powers.
01:00Yeah, at least I don't have to bribe my teacher so I can pass class.
01:03What'd you say?
01:04Nothing. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
01:05Look, can I just have my book back? Please?
01:09I got a better idea.
01:10How about you knock Big Ronnie's phone out of his hand?
01:13Big Ronnie, are you kidding me? He has super strength.
01:15So what? Go.
01:18Okay, Big Ronnie. Ronnie, right?
01:25What do you want, Dorkenstein?
01:27Uh, nothing.
01:32Oh, yikes.
01:36Looks like you missed your bus.
01:40Whoops.
01:42I wonder what her name is.
01:44Yo, man, do your own work.
01:46Ahem. What is going on here?
01:48My lab partner caught that level one trying to cheat, sir.
01:51I wasn't cheating, sir. I just wanted to see what was gonna happen.
01:54Mr. Taylor, it does not look like you have done much work here at all.
01:59Tell me, how much psychic radiation did you subject your substrate to?
02:04Sir, I can't do what you're asking me to do.
02:06Why is that?
02:08Because I'm not psychic.
02:09That's right. Tell me again, what is your power?
02:13I can't just tell them I have a useless computer in my head, can I?
02:18I don't have an ability, sir.
02:20Disappointing. You know, your parents were two of the most powerful students to ever grace this academy.
02:28It's a shame they gave birth to such a pathetic offspring.
02:32Sir, do you know my parents?
02:36He doesn't even have the ability to walk correctly.
02:39I hate this place already.
02:41Every kid at school who has bullied me and made fun of me, I will take revenge on all of them.
02:47But first, it is crucial that I open this book.
02:52It's my one shot at answers.
02:57Okay, so far no reaction.
03:02I don't know why I keep trying.
03:06Damn it.
03:07Okay, I'm gonna go.
03:09Damn it.
03:11It's like my parents wanted to taunt me with an ability book from beyond the grave.
03:15They could have at least left instructions.
03:20What the hell is happening?
03:21Congratulations, you have been granted the vampire system.
03:34Hello?
03:38Hello?
03:42Upload complete.
03:47Uh, what happened last night?
03:55Wait, no way.
03:58I can see the whole room?
04:00How?
04:00Was it the book?
04:03It's gone.
04:04Think, Quinn.
04:05Try to remember what happened.
04:06Menu, menu, menu.
04:08Main menu.
04:10Who sent it?
04:12What is all this?
04:15This thing, it's controlled by my thoughts?
04:20A skills tab?
04:21Oh, it's like one of those old gaming systems.
04:24Did this come from the book?
04:25Ability books can be absorbed for additional XP.
04:29So my parents did leave me an ability book.
04:31Oh, yeah!
04:39But I don't feel any different.
04:42It just seems like an old gaming interface.
04:45Okay, if you're a computer, do you have any information about my parents?
04:49Systems are often disregarded as simple computers.
04:53But with the right user, they can become quite powerful once leveled up.
04:58Cool, I'll play your game.
05:01So how do I level up?
05:02Drink two liters of water.
05:06Two liters for five XP.
05:09That's it?
05:10I can definitely do that.
05:16My stomach feels like it's gonna burst.
05:19Challenge complete.
05:21Five experience points awarded.
05:22At least I know this system works now.
05:25Hopefully if I keep doing quests, I'll level up and get stronger.
05:30Quintalan.
05:32Hello.
05:33We've been waiting outside five minutes already.
05:35What?
05:36Don't play dumb with me.
05:38It's draft day, boy.
05:40Time for you to head to military school.
05:42That's right.
05:43How could I forget?
05:44The war with the Dahlke wiped out most of the population.
05:48Now, like every student age 16, I'm required to attend military school for two years.
05:54No one expects the peace deal with the Dahlke to last.
05:58Neither do I.
05:59It's so bright.
06:02What's happening to me?
06:04You okay, son?
06:06You're not gonna try to run, are you?
06:08Your stats are being reduced to 50% during exposure.
06:11Please seek immediate shelter from direct sunlight.
06:14I'm weaker in sunlight now?
06:16What kind of drawback is this?
06:22Keep it moving, recruit.
06:24Sorry.
06:25Sorry.
06:26You are no longer in direct sunlight.
06:29Stats have returned to normal.
06:33What a relief.
06:34That was torture.
06:36When is the shuttle arriving?
06:38ETA 11 minutes.
06:40Keep it quiet.
06:42Keyword, direct sunlight.
06:46Another quest.
06:48At least this one's easy.
06:49I wonder what the military academy is gonna be like.
06:51Yeah, me too.
06:52Quiet!
06:53Whatever it's like, it's probably better than school.
06:56Warning.
06:56A foreign substance has been detected.
06:59Activating oxygen reserves.
07:01What?
07:02Your resistance to the substance has increased.
07:04Approximately 30 seconds of consciousness remaining.
07:07What's going on?
07:09Don't fight it, son.
07:11What the hell?
07:14Rise and shine, maggots!
07:15You spend the next two years of your miserable lives here, so you better get used to it.
07:20Once you've been tested, it will show a number representing your current status.
07:24It will show a number representing your corresponding power level.
07:28Power levels range from one to eight.
07:33Hey, I wouldn't do that if I were you.
07:35Huh?
07:36The harder you tug, the tighter it gets.
07:39You ever see someone on the street without a hand?
07:42That's the price for running.
07:44Thanks.
07:45Once you've been tested, it will be displayed as a number representing your corresponding power level.
07:50Power levels range from one to eight.
07:53I think I could get at least a five.
07:55What?
07:56I heard no one's ever gotten higher than a five on the first test.
08:00Well, except originals.
08:01You know, people who don't need ability books for their powers to perform that way?
08:05Yeah, I know what originals are.
08:06Oh, okay.
08:09I was just making conversation.
08:10I know.
08:11I'm sorry.
08:12So, name, ability, favorite color.
08:16Next group, quintet.
08:19Hey.
08:19Peter Chuck.
08:23Hey, hide me.
08:23Hey, knock it off.
08:25Vorden Blade.
08:27Rough hands, bro.
08:29Ever try lotion?
08:30Layla Monroe.
08:35And Aaron Healy.
08:38Finally.
08:39You five will be today's final group.
08:42Good luck.
08:43So, Quinn, right?
08:47Name's Vorden.
08:48What's his angle?
08:49Why is someone that looks like him being so nice to me?
08:52Use of foreign ability detected.
08:53What did you say your ability was?
08:55Ability attempt blocked.
08:57Ability blocked?
09:01Warning, you are being hit by direct sunlight.
09:05All stats will be reduced by 50%.
09:08First time teleporting?
09:09Second ability attempt blocked.
09:13Don't touch me.
09:14Look, I'm pretty strong.
09:15So if anybody messes with you, I just put them in their place, you know?
09:19Vorden, what's up?
09:21Vorden, nice to meet you.
09:23Vorden, pleasure.
09:25Vorden, very nice to meet you.
09:27Hi, Vorden, nice to meet you.
09:29Maybe he's just friendly with everyone.
09:31I hope I don't look as nervous as him.
09:33I definitely look more nervous than her.
09:35Cool box.
09:36What's inside it?
09:37Ow, ow, ow.
09:39Not what gives.
09:40Line up.
09:42Side by side.
09:43My name is Jane and I will be in charge of testing today.
09:46Once you have finished your trials, I will be adjusting
09:49your wrist devices to match your decided ability levels.
09:53But before we get started, we have a couple things to take care of.
09:57Quinn Talon?
09:59Their records show I don't have an ability.
10:02But do I have an ability?
10:08Whatever this system is,
10:11my parents kept it secret for a reason.
10:16Standard issue Earth abilities.
10:19I can't.
10:20Pardon?
10:21I don't want to.
10:24Would you excuse me for one moment?
10:30Talon Quinn won't take the book.
10:32How do you wish to proceed?
10:35No abilities, no parents, no connection to Pure either.
10:39Let's see how he does without the help of military assistance, shall we?
10:42Understood, sir.
10:46My apologies.
10:47Please, await further instruction.
10:51Phew, that was a close one.
10:54All right, testing will begin in groups of two.
10:58First up, Erin Healy and Layla Monroe.
11:04Good luck, babe.
11:05Send that pretty little face my regards.
11:12She has ice abilities.
11:14She could freeze me anytime.
11:15What the hell's the matter with you?
11:16Stop touching people without their permission.
11:18Stop touching people without permission.
11:19Hey, that's what you sound like.
11:21If you are not Erin or Layla, please move away from the immediate area.
11:27I'll try to go easy on you.
11:29It won't be a competition.
11:31We do this in twos to save time.
11:33It literally is not a competition.
11:37This test will measure your combat prowess.
11:40Use whatever tools you have available to decimate the targets.
11:44Three, two, one, start.
12:01What's she doing?
12:03She's telekinetic.
12:04Telekinesis is normally considered weak,
12:06but maybe when paired with a beast weapon, any power can be strong.
12:13She's a beast weapon too.
12:32Damn.
12:34This next test will gauge endurance.
12:38We call it the blade test.
12:40Try to avoid getting struck.
12:44Are you scared?
12:49No.
12:49Don't worry.
12:50They're just simple holograms.
12:53Three, two, one.
13:13They're moving so fast.
13:15It's impossible to dodge them.
13:20I guess they weren't holograms after all.
13:23Time.
13:24I have made my decision.
13:26Layla Monroe, you have been awarded the rank of a level two ability user.
13:30A respectable score for a first try.
13:32Level two.
13:35Congrats on your win, princess.
13:37Again, not a contest.
13:40Aaron Healy, you've been awarded the rank of a level five ability user.
13:45Only the third person in history to do so on their first test.
13:49Congratulations.
13:50Five.
13:51That's it.
13:52Oh.
13:53I guess neither of them are happy with their scores.
13:56Next two up, Vorden Blade.
13:59You're ready to watch them roll these games out of the water?
14:02There's no way he's that strong.
14:04Quint Allen.
14:05What?
14:07No, you can't test me.
14:07I don't have an ability.
14:08And yet you refuse the ability book.
14:11My commander is instructing me to test your mettle regardless.
14:14You're making an example out of me.
14:16If you aren't Vorden or Quinn, please step aside.
14:19You two, get in position.
14:21Don't worry, Talon.
14:23I'll make sure to go easy on you.
14:24It's not a contest.
14:26With you it isn't.
14:27What?
14:28Boys.
14:31How am I supposed to hit those targets?
14:34All stats are reduced to 50% in the sunlight.
14:39This idiot couldn't really be strong.
14:42Could he?
14:50I thought it might be different here.
14:52But it's more of the same.
14:54I'm still a loser.
15:00If only there was a little shade.
15:05It can't be.
15:09He has ice abilities?
15:11He also has ice abilities?
15:14What are the chances two people in the same class have such rare gifts?
15:18That's why he kept touching people.
15:19Very nice to meet you.
15:21Vorden.
15:21Nice to meet you.
15:22He was sampling abilities.
15:30Please, thank you.
15:31Thank you for making me blush.
15:34I really couldn't have done it though without you in particular.
15:39Enough.
15:40Get ready for the blade test.
15:43Three.
15:44Two.
15:44It was nice knowing you, Talon.
15:46I'm sure we would have made great friends.
15:49Come on, system.
15:50I know you can do more than this.
15:52Help me out here.
15:54All stats are reduced to 50% in the sunlight.
15:56My parents wouldn't leave me this book if it was useless.
15:59Come on.
16:01Am I about to die?
16:09Time.
16:16That's enough.
16:18Vorden blade level five.
16:21Quin Talon level one.
16:25Sorry about the frost, bro.
16:28It's okay.
16:30Thanks.
16:31Told you I'd protect you.
16:32Maybe he's not so bad after all.
16:35You didn't try to take my ability that time.
16:37Respect.
16:39You know, no one's ever figured out my trick so fast.
16:42So is that your ability?
16:43No.
16:44You were pretty surprised when it didn't work.
16:46Well, credit where credit's due, right?
16:49Yeah.
16:50You know, there's no ability book that teaches copy ability.
16:55You're an original, aren't you?
17:02This building was constructed to honor the lives lost in the great Delqui war.
17:08This is where the tour ends.
17:10Great time to get to know each other a little better.
17:12Better use of your time.
17:14After all, you are classmates now.
17:18We'll break a bit here.
17:19All stats are being reduced by 50% during exposure to sunlight.
17:24I should have figured we weren't going to be friends.
17:27The rules here are the same as back home.
17:33Level threes vie for the attention of the fours and fives,
17:36and twos pick up the scraps.
17:39Everyone wants to move up, and I'm at the bottom again.
17:42Alone.
17:44Or maybe not.
17:48It's just a level, right, man?
17:50Can't let it get to us, you know?
17:52Right.
17:53Thanks.
17:55You were great back there, by the way.
17:58Training on the test with no abilities?
18:00There you are!
18:02Hey.
18:03Dude.
18:04All of a sudden, all these students wanted a piece of me.
18:06Totally lost sight of you.
18:07Oh, oh, uh, uh, I've been here the whole time, man.
18:11Yeah, well, let's, uh, let's be here together.
18:16Yeah.
18:17You too, sad boy.
18:19You can hang with us.
18:20Me? Really?
18:21Yeah, unless you're too cool to hang with us.
18:24A level five befriending two level ones?
18:27He's like no one I've ever met.
18:30All right, let's see what room number I get.
18:3523.
18:36I got 14.
18:37Hmm.
18:39Yo, Quinn!
18:40Dude, what room number did you get?
18:4323.
18:44Okay, cool.
18:46Oh, fingers crossed we get the same one, all right?
18:49Yeah.
18:50All right, see ya.
18:54Ah, no way.
18:55I'm in room 23.
18:56We're neighbors.
19:07Hey, what room number did you get?
19:1523.
19:17You're gonna trade with me.
19:19What?
19:20Why would I do that?
19:22Hey!
19:27Don't forget to wash your hands.
19:32Do you really think it's gonna be different from the crap holes we came from?
19:37One can only hope, right?
19:39Yeah.
19:41Yo!
19:42I guess you got room 23.
19:44Same as Quinn.
19:46Wow.
19:47What are the chances?
19:49Yeah, it's like, like fate wanted us to be best friends.
19:53Right, buddy?
19:53Yeah, fate.
19:58We should throw a party in here.
20:00Tonight.
20:08Do you know who this is?
20:12There he goes again, Mr. Popular.
20:23Hey.
20:25I, uh, just want to say I thought you did really good in the field today.
20:30You know, a lot of people say that toe caps are actually like, really good.
20:33You did really good in the field today.
20:35You know, a lot of people say that toe caps are actually like, really weak.
20:38But I thought, I thought you did really good.
20:40I thought you really did.
20:44Telepaths are weak?
20:46God, I'm an idiot.
20:51I should see what Peter's up to.
20:55First year, nothing out of the ordinary.
20:58Orphan boy, no abilities.
21:01And yet you'll notice he refused to take the standard ability book when authored.
21:05You can bump into me like that without saying sorry?
21:07I'm sorry.
21:08I can't hear you.
21:09I'm sorry.
21:10Peter?
21:11Hey, what's going on?
21:12There's much you don't know.
21:16We originals have a heavy burden that even you and your military might could never comprehend.
21:22Hey!
21:26There are abilities that are far darker and more dangerous than have been made public.
21:31Abilities that we're still discovering from books that have been lost to the annals of time.
21:35What is this?
21:36Another prompt?
21:37Powerful attempt to attempt.
21:39Initiate battle mode.
21:41You think this boy has an ability powerful enough to end the world?
21:46Or end a war before it begins?
21:51What are you going to do, level one?
21:52You think you can do better than this twerp?
21:54I believe this Quintallon is hiding something.
21:58You can help me reveal it.
22:00Initiating battle mode.
22:04You want to find out the hard way?
22:05You have received another daily quest.
22:08I need to run.
22:09Find Gordon.
22:10He's only level two.
22:11I can take him.
22:12Make his life hell.
22:14Make him suffer.
22:17And we'll see what he becomes.
22:18He's gotten into you.
22:21I think I've found an easy way to level up.
22:27Let me have him.
22:30Let's do this.
22:33What powers has Quinn unlocked?
22:36And what will he do with them?
22:39What secret is the book hiding?
22:41And why is the military after Quinn?
22:46Will Quinn finally be able to take his revenge?
22:50To know more, download the Pocket FM app and listen to the blockbuster audio series,
22:54My Vampire System.
23:00you