The sun peeked through the thick clouds above the academy grounds as Dave gritted his teeth and pushed himself off the cold stone floor for the thirtieth time.
"29... 30."
He collapsed on the grass outside the dorms, sweat clinging to his brow. His breaths came heavy, his muscles ached, but his expression was calm—focused.
He still had more to do.
Dragging himself up, he started a light jog around the outer field, circling the large metal training dome. Most students were still in bed or heading for early breakfast, but Dave had a different routine. The System's Daily Quest was clear:
30 push-ups (+5 EXP)
20 sit-ups (+5 EXP)
Run 3 kilometers (+5 EXP)
Bonus: Complete all for +1 to all stats
By the time he finished the jog, Dave's shirt clung to his back. He was drenched, but he smiled faintly as the familiar notification rang out in his mind:
> ✅ Daily Quest Completed
+15 EXP
+1 to Strength, Speed, Agility, and Stamina
He wiped his forehead with his sleeve and headed back to the dorms.
---
"Yo," Mike called as Dave entered the room, "you've been doing this every morning. What the hell, man?"
Tobin looked up from his bed. "Yeah, trying to get a six-pack already? It's not like we'll be graded on abs."
Dave tossed his towel on the bed and grabbed a bottle of water. "Just trying to build my body up. Since I don't have an ability, I figured I should work harder."
Stive, sitting cross-legged on his bunk, raised an eyebrow. "You sure it's not because of that beast weapon class? Daniel looked like the kind of guy who chews iron for breakfast."
Dave gave a slight chuckle. "Maybe. But I want to keep up with you guys somehow."
Mike snorted. "You? Keep up? Come on, man. We all know guys with no ability usually end up stuck in support units or as scouts."
Tobin laughed. "No offense, bro, but right now, you're like a civilian with a knife."
Dave smiled, but inside, he felt the sting of those words. They don't know… I'm not normal anymore.
He turned away and pretended to focus on his watch-like academy tag as the others chatted.
---
Later, when the room was quiet, Dave opened his system window mentally.
> [System Status]
Name: Dave Snyder
Race: Human
Level: 1
EXP: 45/50
Strength: 13
Agility: 13
Speed: 13
Stamina: 13
Ability: 0
Skills: 0/?
Race Bonuses: None
Quests: Daily Quest – Complete
He was close. Just 5 EXP away from reaching Level 2.
Dave sitting on his bed and pulling on his boots. "Let's get some food. I'm starving."
After breakfast, they all headed to their homeroom class. The instructor covered more about the world's power systems—abilities, beast rankings, and the role of military training in humanity's survival. Most of the class felt like revision, but to Dave, every detail mattered.
Once theory ended, students broke off into their respective specialization classes. Mike and Tobin went off to the Elemental Class, while Stive and Dave walked toward the Beast Weapon Class together.
Stive gave Dave a sideways glance as they moved through the corridor. "You sure about this class? No ability means you'll be depending purely on technique and instincts."
Dave nodded. "That's why I picked it. It's the only path that makes sense for me."
They arrived at the large circular arena that served as the training ground for the Beast Weapon Class. Dozens of students stood around, waiting in anticipation.
Instructor Daniel stood at the center, his arms crossed. He wore a black sleeveless uniform with a beast-ranked sword strapped to his back.
"Today," Daniel said, his voice commanding attention, "you will all be sparring."
Murmurs broke out among the students.
"I don't expect you to win your fights," Daniel continued. "Not yet. What I want to see is how you move, how you think, and how you use your chosen weapons. You'll be evaluated not by power, but by potential."
He pointed to the rack of training weapons. "Pick your weapons. You already know—every blade here is Rank F, the lowest tier of beast weapons. They don't require synchronization. Anyone can use them. Your real journey begins with mastering even the weakest weapon."
Stive grabbed a long ice-coated spear, while Dave picked up twin daggers. The weapons were rough-looking, slightly chipped, but when Dave held them, a faint buzz echoed through his arms. The weapons still held a trace of beast energy—even at Rank F.
"You two," Daniel said, pointing at Dave and another student. "You're up first."
Dave stepped forward nervously as the other student, a bulky boy with a giant axe, smirked.
"No ability, huh?" the student laughed. "This'll be over quick."
Dave gripped his daggers and lowered into a stance. The system didn't give him instant power, but it did push him to train. His body felt lighter, more coordinated than before.
[System Quest]
Sparring Initiated: Defeat your opponent +20 EXP
The moment the whistle blew, the other student didn't hesitate.
A gust of wind surged around him, kicking up dust as his feet barely touched the ground. He had a wind-based ability—and speed to match. Before Dave could react, the boy was already in front of him.
Clang!
Dave blocked the first swing with his twin daggers, but the impact made his arms tremble. The axe was heavy, and the opponent was using his wind ability to enhance his attacks. Dave leaped back, trying to regain space, but the boy was faster.
"Too slow!" the student roared.
Dave ducked under a horizontal slash, rolled to the side, and tried to counter with a quick jab of his left dagger, but the boy's body twisted unnaturally mid-air—buoyed by a wind burst—and he struck Dave clean in the chest with the blunt side of the axe.
Boom!
The blow sent Dave flying across the ring. He hit the ground hard, sliding to a stop.
"Match over!" Instructor Daniel called.
The arena was quiet. Some students chuckled, others just watched in silence.
Dave groaned and sat up, coughing slightly. His chest ached, but nothing was broken—just his pride.
"Ugh… damn it," he muttered.
The victor walked past him. "No hard feelings. But you should really think twice before joining this class without an ability."
Dave didn't respond. He stood up slowly, clutching his daggers, and walked back to the resting area where Stive was waiting.
"You okay?" Stive asked, wiping sweat from his forehead.
"Yeah…" Dave forced a nod. "Just… got a reality check."
Stive hesitated, then spoke. "Don't let it get to you. The truth is, without an ability, your road is going to be harder than anyone else's—but that doesn't mean it's impossible."
Dave didn't reply.
---
Later that day, Dave returned to his dorm. His body was sore, but what hurt more was the expression on everyone's face—the pity, the amusement, even the boredom. Like his fight didn't even matter.
Mike looked up from his bed. "Heard you lost already," he said casually. "Don't push too hard, Dave. It's not worth getting hurt over."
"Yeah, I'm fine," Dave replied flatly, lying down on his bed.
Tobin didn't say anything, but the look he gave Dave wasn't one of mockery—it was concern.
Dave opened his system interface in his mind.
---
[System Log]
Quest Failed: Defeat Your Opponent (+0 EXP)
Daily Quests Completed
[Stats Updated]
Strength: 13
Agility: 13
Speed: 13
Stamina: 13
EXP: 45/50