Damigod

Facing extinction, humanity seeks salvation in the Astral Verge, a dangerous dimension accessed via portals that threatened to wipe out the entire planet.

Few years later, aspiring recruit Daniel Vance enters the Verge for his final assessment, hoping to Awaken a Talent and secure his future. While others gain common abilities, Daniel secretly Awakens the mythical SSS-Grade Talent: [Soul Assimilation]. This allows him to absorb essence, enhancing gear, gaining stats and EXP from slain creatures, and crucially, absorbing attributes and skills from fallen Awakened.

Witnessing the swift death of the arrogant Jaxon Rex, Daniel makes a grim choice: he assimilates Jaxon, gaining his first skill, [Kinetic Pulse]. This sets his path: scavenging the aftermath of others’ battles. He enhances gear and, after achieving his first kill on an injured beast, waits patiently to assimilate two more fallen recruits, acquiring [Quick Step] and the invaluable passive [Aura Sense].

Starting as average, Daniel rapidly gains power in secret, enhanced gear, multiple skills, and boosted stats , far exceeding his peers while remaining outwardly unremarkable. He navigates the lethal Verge alone, using its inherent dangers to fuel his growth, wrestling with the moral cost of his unique, overwhelming power.

SSS-Rank Talent: Super Upgrade System

The tests continued in this fashion.

One after another, recruits went in full of hope and came out looking like they'd been used as a speed bag.

A fire-elementalist lasted just ninety seconds, his flames crushed by silent force, snuffing out both fire and confidence with brutal ease.

It quickly became clear that lasting for three minutes was the benchmark for true excellence, the point where the Vice-Principals on the dais would offer a glint of interest, a subtle nod of approval.

It was a test of will as much as skill, a desperate struggle against an opponent that could not be beaten, only endured.

Then, it was Olenna's turn. She walked to the pod with a calm, confident stride, her elegant business suit a stark contrast to the battle-worn fatigues of the others.

She gave Daniel a quick, knowing look before stepping inside.

Final Test. Pt 2