I Am a Hero With A Hundred Abilities-Chapter 6: Ch 5. Innate Talent

After listening to the mission details, Ethan nodded firmly. "I accept."

The woman behind the counter acknowledged his response with a slight nod before finalizing the process with a few more taps on her holographic screen.

"Your mission details and coordinates have been sent to your phone," she informed him.

A faint vibration in his pocket signaled the arrival of the notification.

Ethan retrieved his phone, watching as a holographic map projection of the mission's location materialized above the screen.

He studied it briefly, committing the route to memory before slipping the device back into his pocket.

"I'd also like to rent battle armor and a Striker-V1," he added.

The woman arched a brow but made no comment, efficiently processing his request.

During his research on this world, Ethan had uncovered a crucial fact—heroes didn't rely solely on their abilities.

They wielded Battle Tech, highly advanced weapons and gear forged from the remnants of Dread Beasts and their dens.

These resources were invaluable, shaping the very foundation of modern technology.

And the most significant advancement was Battle Tech—equipment that drastically increased survival rates against Dread Beasts.

Fortunately, the Hero Association provided such gear to its members, even low-ranked ones like himself.

Even if what he was getting was Rank 1, he wasn't about to complain. As an E-Rank himself, it was better than nothing.

After transferring the required credits, the woman motioned toward a hallway. "Proceed to the weapons room. They'll issue your gear there."

Ethan gave a curt nod and followed her directions. Upon entering the weapons room, he was met with a grizzled man clad in a dark combat uniform—undoubtedly the one in charge.

The man gave Ethan a quick once-over before confirming the transaction.

"Here's your gear," the man said, handing over a sturdy black suitcase. "Changing rooms are to your right."

Ethan accepted the case and stepped into the designated room. As he unlatched the case, his eyes widened slightly in appreciation.

The battle armor was sleek yet durable, resembling reinforced leather.

Running his fingers across the material, he could tell it was far stronger than anything from his previous world.

The design featured a jet-black base with elegant gold linings tracing along the chest, arms, and legs—almost regal in appearance.

Despite its sturdy build, it was surprisingly lightweight, allowing for full mobility. The gloves and boots were reinforced, ensuring better grip and impact absorption.

Once suited up, Ethan stepped out, feeling more like a hero than ever before.

At his side, the rented Striker-V1 was securely holstered.

The Rank 1 Tech Pistol had a sleek, ergonomic design, its black frame adorned with subtle silver engravings.

The barrel emitted a faint energy glow, a sign of its specialized rounds designed to pierce through Dread Beast's hides.

Ethan adjusted the pistol's holster and flexed his fingers.

"Alright," he muttered to himself. "I'm all set."

With that, he left the weapons room, ready to embark on his mission.

—

Ethan stepped out of the hover taxi, his boots crunching against the dry earth beneath him.

The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of damp soil and vegetation.

Before him stretched the Blackwood Forest, a vast and ominous expanse bordering the Outlands of City X.

Towering trees with twisted, darkened bark loomed over the landscape, their gnarled branches weaving together to form an almost impenetrable canopy.

The deeper regions of the forest were notorious for harboring escaped Dread Beasts—remnants of destroyed dens or failed extermination missions.

This was where his mission would begin.

Before proceeding, Ethan activated his Aethermark Interface for the first time.

A faint glow flickered in his eyes as a translucent holographic screen materialized before him.

[ Aethermark Interface ]

Name: Ethan Cross

Rank: E (Forsaken)

Level: 1 (Novice)

Ability Limit: 1

Abilities: [None]

Meta Essence: 0/10

Ethan exhaled sharply, studying the interface. His level was still at 1—Novice.

In this world, heroes ascended through nine distinct levels, each demanding increasing amounts of Meta Essence to progress:

Level 1 – Novice (The Starting Point)

Level 2 – Adept (Enhanced Physical Capabilities)

Level 3 – Warrior (Battle-Honed Proficiency)

Level 4 – Elite (Superhuman Combatant)

Level 5 – Champion (Peak Mortal Strength)

Level 6 – Master (Legends Among Heroes)

Level 7 – Grandmaster (Unrivaled Power)

Level 8 – Overlord (Walking Cataclysm)

Level 9 – Ascendant (Transcendent Being)

Each advancement required a growing amount of Meta Essence, the fundamental energy that fueled abilities and progression.

The cruel irony?

Meta Essence was needed to unlock abilities.

Yet Meta Essence could only be obtained by slaying Dread Beasts.

And to slay Dread Beasts effectively, one needed abilities.

A brutal paradox—one that separated the weak from the strong.

Fortunately, at lower ranks, this limitation wasn't absolute.

The awakening process granted a noticeable boost in physical attributes, making even ability-less heroes stronger, faster, and tougher than normal humans.

Battle Tech further bridged the gap, providing a fighting chance against the horrors of the world.

That was why Ethan had rented the battle armor and Striker-V1.

He couldn't afford to rely on raw physical strength alone, not against creatures like the Lesser Dreads.

Closing his interface, he steadied his breathing. "Alright... time to get started."

With his battle armor secured and his Striker-V1 holstered at his side, he took his first step into Blackwood Forest—his first true step as a hero.

—

Ethan moved carefully, his steps slow and deliberate.

The atmosphere was eerily silent, save for the occasional rustling of leaves in the wind.

The lack of wildlife sounds—no birds, no insects—sent a chill down his spine.

His fingers hovered near his holster, ready to draw his Striker-V1 in an instant.

His senses sharpened, body tense as instinct took over. The academy training of his past life melded seamlessly with the cold pragmatism of his new existence.

He wasn't just relying on reflexes—he had done his research.

Gobkars.

Low-tier Dread Beasts resembling twisted, emaciated goblins with leathery, pale-green skin.

Their elongated claws were sharp enough to tear through flesh, their serrated teeth designed for ripping apart prey.

Their glowing yellow eyes provided exceptional night vision, making them deadly hunters in darkness.

They had distinct behaviors that made tracking them easier:

Gobkars rarely lingered in one place unless they had a den or a steady food source.

Even in groups, they were constantly on edge, wary of stronger predators.

They marked trees with deep gashes, warning others of their claimed territory.

Ethan scanned the ground, noticing small, clawed footprints pressed into the dirt.

Nearby, a tree trunk bore fresh scratch marks, three long grooves deeply etched into the bark.

The tracks led deeper into the forest, converging at what looked like a natural cave formation.

Ethan's pulse quickened. It was a den.

Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself and stepped inside.

---

Inside the Gobkar Den

The air grew thick with the stench of rotting meat and damp earth.

The cave sloped downward, its rough, uneven walls glistening with moisture and moss. Ethan moved carefully, his footsteps silent, his breath controlled.

Then, he froze.

Right on the path he was walking stood a Gobkar sentry—a lone creature posted to guard the entrance.

Its hunched posture and slow, rhythmic breathing suggested boredom, but Ethan knew better than to assume carelessness.

Gobkars were naturally skittish, but when backed into a corner, they became vicious.

Slowly, Ethan lowered himself behind a cluster of jagged rocks, peering over the edge.

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His hand moved to his Striker-V1, his finger resting lightly on the trigger. He lined up the shot, aiming for the creature's temple.

Then—he fired.

The silenced projectile zipped through the air, striking the Gobkar cleanly in the head.

Green blood splattered against the cave wall as the creature slumped lifelessly to the ground.

Ethan didn't waste time celebrating. His mind immediately focused on his surroundings, checking for any reactions—silence.

No alarm was raised.

But then—something unexpected happened.

---

[System Notification]

+1 Meta Essence

Conditions Met – Innate Talent Unlocked!

Innate Talent: Sanctum of Beasts

---

Ethan's breath caught in his throat. Innate Talent?

His Aethermark Interface flickered to life once more, displaying a new section under his abilities.

He frowned. What the hell is an Innate Talent?