Chapter Seven: Ability Development Assessment

Ability training center, inside a café. Watermark advertisement test. Watermark advertisement test. Xia Yan and Tao Lu were deep in discussion.

“No problem now. Your brain domain development has reached 14.1 percent—you can finally awaken your ability,” Tao Lu said with a smile.

Over the past three months, their joint goal had been to unlock Xia Yan’s ability. To achieve this, Xia Yan had poured considerable energy into combat, rapidly advancing his brain domain development.

“But isn’t it said that abilities only manifest once you reach 15 percent?” Xia Yan asked, puzzled.

“After surpassing 14 percent, you can apply for an ‘Ability Development Assessment.’ If your application succeeds, there’s a good chance you’ll awaken your ability ahead of schedule,” Tao Lu replied, smiling. “Xia Yan, you’re eager to develop your ability and earn more money—so you certainly won’t miss out on the ‘Ability Development Assessment.’”

“I understand. I’ll apply for the ‘Ability Development Assessment’ and unlock my own ability,” Xia Yan nodded, silently vowing, “Ding Li, wait for me. Soon, I’ll earn two million credit points, and I’ll come find you.”

In these three months, they had completed numerous tasks, large and small. Aside from the ‘special situation’ on their first mission, things had been much smoother since. In this time, Xia Yan had accumulated 27 contribution points.

Additionally, developing an ability would earn him 50 contribution points from the institution. With these 77 points, he could exchange them for equipment, sell it on the black market, and easily get close to a million credit points—halfway to his goal. Moreover, once his ability awakened, the missions would become more difficult, but the rewards would also increase.

When the institution set up the contribution points system, each point was essentially equivalent to 10,000 credit points. However, in the market, rare items often fetched higher prices, yet the institution’s exchange center still allowed the trade, so the actual value per point was closer to 11,000–12,000 credits.

Unlocking an ability is every human’s dream. Once awakened, their status and standing rise significantly, and their future becomes limitless.

Who doesn’t wish to become a hero, to be wreathed in flame or freeze the earth for miles around? Who doesn’t long to stand atop the world like an elf, gazing down upon the masses?

On this day, Xia Yan and Tao Lu met and headed for the ‘Comprehensive Building’—a place they seldom visited voluntarily—to the office of their superior, Ryan.

Ryan was as usual: silver hair, a hint of languor, and an impression of seductive beauty.

“So, what brings you to me? Could it be you’re volunteering for a mission?” Ryan smiled at them.

“I have neither the time nor the inclination for small talk,” Tao Lu replied, her tone as poor as ever. “We’re here to submit an application.”

“What kind of application?” Ryan asked.

“An Ability Development Assessment,” Xia Yan interjected. “After three months, my mental strength has increased significantly, now reaching 14.1 percent.”

“Oh…” Ryan was surprised. “Xia Yan, your progress is remarkable. When you joined, you barely had just over 12 percent.”

“Three months—isn’t fast enough,” Tao Lu grumbled.

“I can help you apply, but it won’t be approved,” Ryan said with a smile. “At 14.1 percent, your chances of awakening an ability are too slim. Unless you reach 14.9 percent and are willing to wait a few months, your application won’t go through.”

“If he could reach 14.9 percent in a short time, there’d be no need for the ‘Ability Development Assessment’—he’d develop his ability naturally with a little more effort,” Tao Lu retorted. “Are you saying that, as our superior, you can’t even handle this?”

“I’ve never seen subordinates speak to their boss this way,” Ryan spread his hands. “Let’s put it this way: The Ability Development Assessment can be triggered by paying 10 contribution points. For a free assessment, you must reach 14.9 percent and be willing to wait a while.”

“Isn’t there any other way?” Xia Yan asked.

“Xia Yan, you still have plenty of contribution points. Why not use 10 points to apply proactively?” Ryan suggested.

“No. I won’t spend a single point—these are too important to me,” Xia Yan replied firmly.

Ryan, high and mighty, felt a surge of dissatisfaction toward these two. One seemed oblivious to the concept of hierarchy and respect, while the other always spoke to him coldly—as if he owed her millions.

“Then there’s nothing I can do. Please leave,” Ryan said, dismissing them.

“Is there really no other way?” Xia Yan pressed.

Ryan’s smile faded as he met Xia Yan’s gaze, sighing inwardly. “I can submit the application, but the final decision isn’t mine.”

“Whose is it?” Tao Lu asked quickly.

“Our Ability Development Institution has ten administrators, but only six are true decision-makers,” Ryan explained, smiling. “Even among the six, responsibilities differ. The ultimate authority lies with the top-ranked member.”

“Who is that?” Xia Yan asked.

“She’s a human woman named Gong Kui,” Ryan replied.

…

In an office as pristine as a clear blue sky, a beautiful young woman was busy with her work.

Among the institution’s members in Fuxiang City, she ranked first—which meant her strength was unmatched by any other.

Just how powerful she was remained a mystery. With her beauty and approachable demeanor, her popularity was high, and many members sought to join her team.

“The door isn’t locked. Please come in,” Gong Kui said, pausing her work and looking toward the entrance. Xia Yan and Tao Lu entered.

“Is there something I can help you with?” Gong Kui inquired politely.

“You’re the institution’s top-ranked member?” Tao Lu squinted, sizing up the difference in strength between them, though without a fight, she couldn't be certain.

“Absolutely, no mistake about it,” Gong Kui replied cheerfully, unfazed by Tao Lu’s challenge.

“If you fought and lost to me, I’d be number one here, right?” Tao Lu asked mischievously.

“Of course.” Gong Kui nodded. “However, you’d need to be ranked in the top thirty first. There’s a yearly challenge application for that.”

“Besides, it’s been two years since anyone applied to challenge me,” Gong Kui laughed. “I’m quite pleased someone’s interested!”

“Ms. Gong Kui, we’re here to ask for your help,” Xia Yan said, getting to the point.

“What is it? If it’s within my power, I won’t refuse,” Gong Kui replied, looking at Xia Yan.

“I’d like to apply for a free Ability Development Assessment, but I understand it requires your approval,” Xia Yan explained.

“That’s right. Each year, I’m allotted a few free slots, but priority goes to those whose brain domain development is around 14.9 percent,” Gong Kui said with a gentle smile. “Although a higher brain domain doesn’t necessarily mean a greater chance of awakening, I still use that as my criterion for free candidates.”

“And, I give preference to my own team members—that’s a bit of favoritism,” Gong Kui admitted. “So, tell me, what’s your brain domain development?”

“14.1 percent,” Xia Yan answered.

Gong Kui feigned distress. “That puts me in a difficult position.”

Sensing the hidden meaning in her words, Xia Yan frowned. “If you have a condition, I’ll consider it.”

“Very well,” Gong Kui smiled softly. “If you two are willing to transfer to my team, I can use my discretionary authority.”

“You know us?” Xia Yan asked, frowning.

“Of course. I’ve heard of the famous transfer students,” Gong Kui replied, smiling at them. “Mr. Xia Yan, Ms. Tao Lu.”

“How do we transfer?” Xia Yan inquired.

“Well… you both need to agree, and I must approve,” Gong Kui said with a wry smile. “Mr. Xia Yan, you don’t seem to understand what a joke is!”

“I didn’t realize you were joking,” Tao Lu sided with Xia Yan.

Gong Kui sighed softly. “Here’s the situation: tomorrow there’s a free slot for Ability Development Assessment, but unfortunately, I’ve already assigned it to a member with 14.9 percent. I can ask him if he’s willing to give it up.”

“Only a saint would agree,” Xia Yan muttered.

“The assessment’s success rate depends on overall strength. Actually, Mr. Xia Yan, your chance of success should be seventy percent or higher,” Gong Kui said, somewhat apologetically. “All right, I’ll let you challenge this member. If you win, the free slot is yours.”

“Agreed,” Xia Yan nodded, then added, “I owe you a favor.”

“This member isn’t human, by the way,” Gong Kui reminded him. “So don’t judge his strength by human standards for those who haven’t awakened abilities.”

“Just tell me the time and place,” Xia Yan said, a hint of a smile on his lips. “Thank you, Ms. Gong Kui.”