Dead Man, Living World

There was blood covering my room, but I'd have to worry about that later.

It would suspicious if I missed the orientation, and nobody would bother to check my room as a (supposed) LVL 0 like me could never kill three ability wielding students.

For once, my weakness was a blessing. I'd have to scrub my walls with bleach later, but that was a problem for future me. For now, I'd just have to worry about the entrance exam. It wasn't really an exam, per se, but more of an assessment.

Everyone at the orientation had already gotten into the school, some way or another, but their power levels were yet to be confirmed by the school. From what I've heard, it's always one-on-one combat, no holds barred.

Normally, I'd just get my ass kicked, but maybe I stood a chance with my new skill. I guess my biggest problem would be the people at the school who knew me questioning how I got such a skill.

Well, whatever. I'd figure it out as I went.

[Mars, I would suggest that you refrain from using your electric abilities during the entrance exam.]

Why the hell shouldn't I?! You gave me this ability, and now you're telling me not to use it?

[Electricity related abilities are scarce and expensive, Mars. If a nobody like you possessed one, others would surely come for it. On top of that, it's a completely unknown ability. Nobody has it but you. The introduction of a new ability is not something that is scoffed at, and you would be forced to hand over the ability book. Of course, since there is no ability book, you would likely be tortured to reveal its location. On top of that, since it's a skill rather than an ability, it's relatively weak, and can only be trained to a certain extent. You wouldn't want a weaker ability to be the only one you're allowed to use under the public eye.]

I scratched the side of my head and sat on the floor. I could feel a migraine coming. This was so annoying! But Gamma was right; I shouldn't use my skill in front of other people too much. My hunting nails would have to suffice.

Another thought crossed my mind. I wouldn't be able to tank attacks like I had planned. My unnatural recovery is far faster than any self-healing ability, and would also be highly sought after if discovered.

Although self-healing abilities aren't rare, they can take hours, or even days, to recover what I can in under a minute.

That placed a lot of restrictions on me. I couldn't get beat up too bad, because I couldn't show off my immortality. That meant I had to win without using my ability, at least visibly.

Maybe I could use it briefly when connecting with my opponent to stun them, like a taser. They'd be pretty confused, sure, but not enough to report me.

"Hey, Gamma, it says that my skill is level 1. Can I level it up?"

[Yes, after using your skill it will naturally level up. I wouldn't suggest practicing before the orientation this morning, though, as it would drain your mana reserves. Remember, you don't naturally recover mana as a zombie. Your "Mana" capability only shows you your maximum capacity for mana.]

Damn. I didn't know that! How am I supposed to know how much I have left?

[The goal is for you to sense it naturally, but since it seems you're incapable of that at the moment, I'll give you a little handicap.]

Suddenly, a little blue bar appeared in the top right corner of my peripheral vision. It was mostly blue with a little gray at the end, and read

[6/7]

I've already used one up while practicing... Well, at least they don't go down too fast. One mana point seems to give me a decent bit of energy.

I walked out to the bus stop, and after a couple minutes, it pulled in and picked me up. I was enjoying my bus ride in peace when some level ones heading to a different academy than me started bullying a level 0.

Normally that would've been me getting picked on, or I would've just ignored it, but today was different. I felt confident. I took off my level 0 badge, walked up to the level ones and decked one of them in the back of the head before he could even react.

Then, I extended my hunting claws and pressed them against the throat of the other one, drawing a little blood.

"Get the fuck out of here, man."

The level one picked up his friend and sat back down as he glared at me.

"Hey, you alright?"

I asked the level 0.

"Yeah, thanks for kicking their asses,"

He replied, laughing.

I was surprised. I'd expected him to be much more reserved. Even in my days as a real level 0, I fought back more than any of the others, and that was still hardly at all. Most of them were shy and kept to themselves, out of fear for being hurt more than they already were.

It was a pleasant surprise to see someone so open and carefree

"The name's Kaiden,"

He said, before I could ask.

"Mars."

We chatted for a little while, but all I really found out about him was that he was going to train privately under one of his father's old friends in the military. He was ability-less, and his parents were poor, and this was pretty much all his dad could do for him.

He didn't really ask about how I kicked those level 1's asses, which I appreciated. In reality, I wasn't sure myself. I shouldn't be stronger than a level 1 yet, so they must've just been really pathetic, along with me getting the drop on them.

Besides, public transportation is all ability restricted. They could get in trouble for using abilities here if they don't have rich parents. Finally, after about a half hour, the bus pulled into the bus stop in front of the school. There were already other kids waiting out front. I guess I was one of the only ones to travel on public transportation.

Kaiden wished me luck, and we got off the bus, heading in opposite directions. I ended up re-attaching my level 0 badge. It was required by the dress code to wear my badge at all times on school property, so unfortunately I'd have to show off how pathetic I am to everyone.

I walked up to the small crowd, a bunch of level 1-3's, and a couple level 4's dotted around. They all ignored me. I was glad that they did. I guess they're more refined than the kids from my last school. After about five minutes, a man in a pinstripe suit with a sword on his hip walked up to us.

"Welcome, new students. I'm Mister. I'm the head of the first years. Welcome... to Cisten academy."

Mars' status:

[Name: Mars Valentine]

[Level: 2]

[Race: Zombie]

[Mutation Points: 0]

[Skill Points: 0]

[Skills:

Immortality (MAX):

*PASSIVE*

Bearer is effectively immortal so long as brain remains intact. Bearer will not age and all injuries will be healed rapidly.

NOTE: If bearer does not consume human flesh regularly, the effects of {Immortality (MAX} will be diminished, reducing healing capabilities of the skill.

Pain Tolerance(LVL 1):

*PASSIVE*

Increases bearer's tolerance to pain.

Mana Drain (LVL 1):

*PASSIVE*

Through consuming human flesh, bearer can harvest the mana within it and increase his capabilities with mana-required skills as well as increase his physical capabilities.

Charged Fingers (LVL 1):

*ACTIVE*

Electricity will run between the bearers fingers, electrifying anything touched by them.]

[Mutations:

Hunting Claws: Allows the bearer to grow retractable claws under his nails. 1.5 inches long. 0.1 mm wide edges.

Condensed Muscles: +1 Strength. Causes bearers muscles to remain more compact while becoming stronger.]

[Ability: N/A]

[Curses:

Zombified:

Bearer has been affected by a strange and ancient pathogen. No longer requires sleep. Buffs to all stats. After going long enough without eating, bearer will turn into an insatiable killing machine, out to consume human flesh.

G.A.M.M.A.: The incredible and powerful system known as G.A.M.M.A. has granted pity on the pathetic bearer and granted him new life as a zombie. G.A.M.M.A. is amazing, beautiful, and all around the greatest creation the universe has produced.]

[Capabilities:

Strength: 12

Agility: 7

Endurance: 5

Intelligence: 8

Mana: 7

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