Chapter Forty-Eight: "Shoddy Equipment" (Please Vote~)

Chapter Forty-Eight: “Bootleg Equipment”

Uncle Tian smiled, walked over, and pointed at the screen. “This is an old model ability analyzer, a third-generation product from twenty years ago. Of course, the tiny earpiece you see now is the latest, a portable version. But this old device can analyze blood, which is something the portable detectors can’t do.”

He paused, then smiled again. “From what I see, congratulations—you’ve officially been recognized by this instrument. You’ve crossed the threshold between ordinary people and those with special abilities.”

He pointed to the final line on the screen. “Overall rating: C-. Generally, our organization has a standard: anyone with an overall ability at D-level or below is considered a normal person. Those above D-level are classified as ‘specials,’ or what we call ‘superhumans.’ The instrument acknowledges your abilities.”

Superhuman…

The word sparked Chen Xiao’s imagination…

“It’s not the SUPERMAN from the movies. What we mean by superhuman is simply ‘beyond ordinary humanity.’” Uncle Tian looked at Chen Xiao with a serious expression. “From the current test results, you possess three special traits. First, your strength is impressive—B-level.”

He pressed a button below the screen, and a chart quickly appeared.

“Our organization, based on years of experience, has developed a rating system for those with abilities, especially combat-types—the ‘seven-tier system’: S, A, B, C, D, E, from strongest to weakest. E is the weakest, even below ordinary people, usually indicating some deficiency or disability. D is the standard for normal people. The higher the tier, the stronger the ability.” Uncle Tian added, “Actually, the seven-tier system was first created by the Service Agency, but now it’s used worldwide. Nearly every organization uses this system.”

“S, A, B, C, D, E…” Chen Xiao repeated quietly. “That’s six—what’s the seventh?”

“X.” Uncle Tian’s expression turned solemn. “X stands for ‘limitless.’ It means the ability exceeds any measurable or predictable range. If someone reaches X-level in any area, I dare say they could be considered almost godlike in their domain. Fortunately, no X-level individuals exist—at least none I know of. Maybe they do, maybe they don’t, but I haven’t seen one.”

Chen Xiao pondered. “I think it’s possible. Otherwise, your organization wouldn’t have created the X-level.”

Uncle Tian smiled calmly. “That’s beyond our concern. Let’s get back to you. Your strength is B-level, beyond normal human limits. Look at this menu for the strength ratings.”

Chen Xiao carefully examined the menu pulled up on the screen:

Strength:
Ability to lift or bear heavy objects.
E: Weak (can’t bear weight equal to own body)
D: Normal (can bear weight equal to own body)
C: Human limit (can bear twice own body weight)
B: Beyond normal (200 kg – 10 tons)
A: Beyond normal (10 tons – 50 tons)
S: Beyond normal (50 tons – 100 tons)
X: Unmeasurable (over 100 tons, no calculable limit)

Hmm…

So he was B-level: beyond normal, able to bear 200 kilograms to 10 tons!

Ten tons?

Chen Xiao instantly recalled the “car crash” event from that day.

“In addition, you have C-level combat skills. I know you’ve trained in martial arts, right?”

“Yes, a few years of karate, but nothing too advanced,” Chen Xiao replied, a bit embarrassed.

He remembered clearly that when he wore Zhu Rong’s earpiece, he saw Uncle Tian’s combat skill listed as S-level!

“Potential for enhancement—the system rates your potential highly, A-level,” Uncle Tian smiled.

“What does ‘potential for enhancement’ mean?”

Uncle Tian thought for a moment. “Simply put, it’s hidden strength.”

His expression grew more serious. “Chen Xiao, in our circles, there’s a rule: we don’t casually use detectors to analyze other abilities. It’s considered unfriendly—almost hostile. Unless you’re facing an opponent, you wouldn’t do it. If you use a detector on a stranger and they find out, they’ll treat you as an enemy—expect hostility!” Uncle Tian’s tone was warning. “The technology isn’t unique to the Service Agency. Other organizations, like the Club, have similar products. All these devices share a feature: ‘counter-detection.’ If you scan someone, their device will sense it. Some advanced models even have detection-blocking functions.”

He paused, tone more severe. “Also, the readings aren’t always accurate! Many with abilities can conceal their true strength. For example, you might measure someone’s ability at a certain level in their normal state, but in battle, they could unleash far greater power—that’s what we call hidden strength. You may have noticed, the detector always marks data as ‘real-time’—these numbers aren’t the final rating!”

Chen Xiao wanted to ask Uncle Tian whether he was hiding his real level, but seeing the hint of pride in Uncle Tian’s tone, he felt there was no need.

“Now, we’re retired, no longer part of Service Agency staff. We rarely clash with other groups. And there’s an unwritten rule in the world of abilities: once someone is officially retired, no matter past grudges, organizations won’t bother them. So as our agent, your safety is guaranteed.”

“Chen Xiao, your potential is impressive—the system rates you at A-level, probably due to your exposure to the ‘Purification’ potion. I can’t predict exactly what will happen; the secrets of the potion are unknown, and the only remaining dose was destroyed by you. So we can’t foresee how your body will change.” Uncle Tian looked at Chen Xiao, shaking his head. “Don’t be surprised. Before you arrived, the organization had already informed us about everything.”

“Looks like I have no secrets from you.”

“In fact, there’s one advantage to being with us.” Uncle Tian smiled. “You have a blue-blooded girl at home. She’s probably a test subject from a research institute under the Club. While that matter is over—they lost last time—the Club has been a rival to the Service Agency for years. We must be wary—they might target you and the girl one day. Once you’re our agent, we’ll guarantee your safety—note, this is limited: if your life is threatened by other ability-users, we’ll intervene. But for ordinary matters, your private affairs, we won’t help. That’s the rule.”

“Fair enough. I have no objections.”

•

Uncle Tian took a metal case the size of a laptop from a cabinet beside the secret room and tossed it to Chen Xiao.

“This is your full set of equipment. Everything inside is practical.” Uncle Tian looked very pleased. “This kit is almost identical to what Service Agency’s field operatives now use! Even though we’re retired, we have some personal connections to get a few sets. It includes the portable detector. The only difference: this kit has had its database deleted—it can’t connect to the organization’s database of ability-users…”

Uncle Tian’s tone grew slightly odd. “In other words, it’s ‘bootleg’! If you had the genuine kit, it could link to the database, containing records of known ability-users. You could pull up profiles as soon as someone’s identity was confirmed—without scanning. Your equipment doesn’t have that function.”

Bootleg?

Chen Xiao felt a mix of curiosity and excitement as he quickly opened the slim case…

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(Preview: Another chapter tonight, Chapter Forty-Nine: “Heavy Duty.”)