Ten years after the Gates first appeared and Hunters began awakening around the world, a mysterious individual entered a B-rank Gate alone and cleared it single-handedly, sparking a major commotion among the newly formed Guilds.
Many of them approached the mysterious figure, offering everything from money to status in hopes of recruiting such rare talent. But the person refused any invitations, stating that his sole reason for closing that specific Gate was revenge, and then disappeared.
At that time, Hunters, especially the strongest ones, could only rely on Techniques, which were mostly combat styles with Nano or spells developed for specific elemental types. So, closing a Gate alone, even a low-level one, was basically suicide.
A few years after that incident, Hunters across the world began awakening unusual abilities. That was when Innate Skills were formally acknowledged, shaking the already unstable foundations of the new society.
In just five years, Innate Skills earned recognition as a respected category of abilities, though they were later overshadowed by the emergence of Blessings.
An Hunter with good Nano reserves, strong elemental control, and powerful Techniques can achieve a great rank without possessing an Innate Skill.
However, they remain at a disadvantage compared to those who possess one.
When someone awakens an Innate Skill, it can manifest in three forms: Elemental Skills, Transformation Skills, or Specific Skills.
Each one having its own unique strengths and variations.
For example, Elemental Skills are powers related to a Hunter's element. A fire user may awaken black fire that never extinguishes, or a water user may manipulate blood.
Transformation Skills are related to individuals who can transform into animals, strange beasts, or even legendary creatures like dragons.
Specific Skills, on the other hand, belong to those who possess powers unrelated to elements or transformations, such as telekinesis.
It's already considered lucky to awaken even one Innate Skill, and even rarer to have more than two. Only a handful of people in the world possess three.
In all of Sozukusen's history, only two individuals have accomplished something like that. Now, it seems Reisou will become the third.
Miwa and Sae exchanged odd looks the moment they heard his statement and came to that realization.
"Aragaki, are you serious about this?" Sae asked firmly, momentarily losing her composure as her sharp gaze locked onto him.
"I hope you do, because that's a very serious claim," Miwa added.
Reisou knew that blurting out such information would be unbelievable, but it was better than giving a dumb excuse and becoming a subject of suspicion.
"Yes, it's the truth. If you want, I can show you," he said, shifting his gaze between Sae and Miwa.
The two women exchanged brief glances before nodding and gesturing for him to demonstrate in the corner of the room.
Before he began, they asked if it was a particularly destructive ability, and Reisou assured them it was not.
Under the intense gaze of both teachers, he activated his first skill.
✢| Intimidation |✢
A dominating aura washed over them for a second, making the two teachers feel an overwhelming pressure before it quickly dissipated.
Thanks to their strength surpassing Reisou's, the effect was weak. Still, the duo understood that this artificial fear was not normal and immediately recognized it as a unique power.
Although generating pressure with Nano wasn't unheard of, most people who could do it had slain a considerable number of monsters or humans.
They doubted Reisou had killed enough at such a young age.
✢| Fury |✢
Without wasting time, Reisou activated another skill and explained how it worked, stating that it provided a boost greater than the Enhancement technique while also granting slight damage resistance.
His explanation made both of them doubtful as to whether it could truly be classified as an Innate Skill, but that doubt faded when he displayed his incredible agility and strength, each punch creating a gust of air as it cut through the room.
Of course, to make it more believable, Reisou also used Enhancement, making the potential of Fury seem more plausible in their eyes.
The two teachers knew that Innate Skills which enhanced the body did exist. Miwa even recalled an S-rank Hunter with a similar ability.
She was someone whose physical strength alone was enough to wipe out a small wave of medium-level monsters.
✫| Armament Haki |✫
As his final demonstration, Reisou explained Armament Haki. Since the slight dark coating on his arm wasn't visible, it was hard for them to understand what he was trying to show.
To confirm he wasn't lying, Reisou asked Miwa to hold his hand. Slightly flustered, she hesitated for a moment before doing so. As soon as she made contact, she confirmed that it felt like she was touching iron.
Sae, curious, also took his hand. Unlike Miwa, she remained unfazed. As her fingers traced most of his arm, she confirmed that it felt much harder than normal human skin.
They kept touching his hand and arm for a moment until he subtly decided to warn them.
"Cough..." Reisou cleared his throat, causing both teachers to retract their hands. Miwa's face turned a little red with embarrassment, while Sae's neutral expression stayed the same.
"So, do you both believe me now?" Reisou asked, returning to his seat.
The duo exchanged another brief glance and nodded. Miwa quickly pulled out her red tablet from her tracksuit and began typing rapidly, her fingers moving with practiced speed.
"It seems those three abilities can be classified as Innate Skills," Sae said calmly, but her eyes held a certain expectancy. "Congratulations, Aragaki. You've become the third student in Sozukusen to awaken three Innate Skills. We expect you to develop these powers and use them in the fight against the Gates."
Reisou nodded, acknowledging her words. After a brief exchange and filling out some forms, he headed home, feeling mentally drained.
Upon entering his room, Reisou saw 2B holding a box with the academy logo on it. She looked up and greeted him as usual.
Before Reisou could ask what was inside the box, she explained that it contained some clothes.
Reisou immediately assumed it was her YoRHa uniform, and since there was no proper place to store it, she had simply used an old box.
This made his heart ache, feeling like an incompetent master who couldn't even provide a proper wardrobe for her. Earning more Credits to improve their living situation had now become his top priority.
Unfortunately, the school didn't allow the conversion of money. If it did, he could sell monster cores outside the school, earn money, and convert it into Credits later.
Although leaving the school was extremely difficult, as students were only permitted to leave for a valid reason, he was confident he could find a way to bypass the security.
With a heavy sigh, Reisou approached 2B and apologized for being a worthless master. The white-haired android placed the box down and wrapped him in a gentle hug.
"You are not worthless, Master," she said softly. "Never say that again."
Her reaction made Reisou feel that he really didn't deserve such a cute android.
Both of them stayed in the same position for a few minutes until Reisou gently pulled away, assuring 2B that he was feeling better and promising that their life would change.
Feeling inspired, he took the box and asked 2B where he should place it. Seeing him act this way, 2B smiled and gave him directions.
Afterward, she headed to the kitchen to prepare something for them to eat.
The rest of the day passed in a flash, with 2B going to bed earlier as usual, while Reisou spent his time playing something on his smartphone.
- - -
"Everyone, we have a new transfer student joining us today."
Chabashira Sae made the announcement the moment she stepped into the classroom, causing an immediate silence to fall over the students.
No one could believe what she had just said—after all, at Sozukusen, transfer students were as rare as awakening a Blessing.
In an instant, the stunned class erupted into chatter, with students eagerly speculating whether the transfer student would be a boy or a girl.
Some even discussed the potential background of the new student, wondering if they were from a prestigious family or the child of an S-rank Hunter.
Reisou also found himself curious, and a ridiculous thought flashed through his mind. He swiftly shook his head, silently dismissing the possibility.
"Silence!" Sae commanded, and the excited students immediately fell silent.
She then stepped out of the classroom and returned shortly after, accompanied by a stunning girl with short white hair and calm gray-blue eyes.
The girl was dressed in the standard school uniform, with a black blazer and skirt. Her figure was so perfect that it was impossible not to notice her the moment she walked in.
All eyes were on the girl. Her presence stunned the class for a moment, and it didn't take long before the boys broke into a frenzy of whispers, struggling to contain their excitement.
Reisou, on the other hand, wasn't excited but shocked.
He knew exactly who this girl was.
For that reason, he lost his composure.
"2B!?"