Skills, in their simplest form, are superpowers—extraordinary abilities that defy scientific explanation and are wielded by superhumans commonly known as "Extraordinaries." These powers are awakened through a unique genetic trait called the "Apex Gene."
[History]
The origin of Skills is unknown, though several theories exist. One suggests that Skills are the result of a genetic mutation, the next step in human evolution. This mutation is believed to have appeared long before proper records were kept, making its true beginnings impossible to pinpoint. Another theory claims that Skills were gifts from the gods, bestowed as weapons to battle against the dark gods and their demonic forces.
The first documented Skill was classified as a common ability, granting its user the power to produce a small flame—no larger than that of a candle. Over time, however, Skills have evolved in both variety and potency, each generation giving rise to stronger and more versatile abilities.
Those born with Skills are divided into three broad alignments: villains, who misuse their powers for personal gain or allegiance to the dark gods; heroes, who stand as protectors of the weak and defenders against villains, dark gods, and demons; and neutrals, who either abstain from using their powers, employ them only for mundane tasks, or act in ways that serve neither good nor evil. Despite these distinctions, ordinary humans rarely view Extraordinaries with kindness—fear and mistrust remain the most common reactions to their presence.
The era when Skills spiraled most violently out of control is remembered as the Hadez Era. Lasting two thousand years before its end, it was a time when villains reached their greatest strength, vastly outnumbering the heroes who opposed them.
[Information]
Merely possessing the Apex Gene does not guarantee the awakening of an ability, though it does grant the potential for one to manifest over time. There is no known limit to the number of abilities an individual can develop, but their total power is restricted by the user's physical endurance. A Skill may emerge at any stage of an Extraordinary's life—and in rare cases, even at the moment of death.
The Apex Gene does more than grant supernatural powers. It enhances an Extraordinary's physical capabilities beyond those of normal humans, extends lifespan, and provides resistance to most toxins and diseases that affect ordinary people.
However, Skills can be lost or rendered inactive. The most common causes are the disease known as Skillrot—which erodes the Apex Gene and, in turn, the abilities tied to it (though it is not contagious)—or through power-suppressing drugs and advanced neutralization technologies.
Skills are hereditary and may be passed down genetically, inherited from one or both parents, or appear as a combination of their abilities. Only one parent is required for the Apex Gene to be transmitted, and it is not uncommon for a descendant to develop Skills entirely distinct from their lineage.
Some Skill users are capable of engraving the essence of their power into an object. The object must be strong enough to endure the ability, and the process results in the permanent loss of the user's Skill. Engraved objects may hold limited or single-use abilities, and over time the power may degrade as the object itself wears down.
Artificial Skills are created when the Apex Gene is artificially implanted into another organism. While this can result in the development of abilities, these tend to be less diverse and significantly weaker compared to naturally awakened Skills.
[Types of Skills]
[Psychic] — Skills that allow the user to influence themselves, others, or the world around them through mental focus and commands alone.
[Generator] — Skills that grant the ability to produce, generate, and manipulate energies—whether known or unknown, natural or fantastical.
[Shapeshifting] — The power to alter one's form into something new or different. Some users can even create entirely original forms rather than simply mimicking what they know. However, if control is lost—or if the memory of their original body fades—returning to their true form may become difficult, if not impossible.
[Physiology] — Skills that enhance the user's body or alter its composition, as well as the potential to manipulate the physical makeup of others.
[Manipulator] — Abilities in this category allow the user to control or reshape what already exists in the world, taking many forms depending on the manifestation.
[Creator] — These Skills enable the user to bring forth matter or constructs seemingly from nothing, materializing objects or entities that had no prior physical existence. (The rarest type)
[Skills Classification]
『Common Skills』
Chance ~ 50%
Description: The most widespread Skills, usually limited in scope and strength. They provide small, practical advantages such as enhanced senses, minor physical boosts, or simple elemental tricks. Useful in everyday life, but rarely decisive in combat.
『Uncommon Skills』
Chance ~ 25%
Description: More specialized and powerful than Common Skills, these abilities often have combat or utility value. Examples might include mid-level elemental control, moderate healing, or enhanced durability. They mark an Extraordinary as above average but not exceptional.
『Rare Skills』
Chance ~ 15%
Description: Notable powers that set their users apart. Rare Skills often include strong elemental manipulation, advanced physical adaptation, or refined psychic abilities. They are sought after by organizations, governments, and factions for their battlefield and societal impact.
『Epic Skills』
Chance ~ 10%
Description: Highly versatile and destructive powers that can shift the balance of battles. Epic Skills often allow for large-scale manipulation of environments, formidable offensive potential, or unique abilities that are difficult to counter. Wielders of Epic Skills are often feared and respected.
『Legendary Skills』
Chance ~ 0.5%
Description: Incredibly rare abilities capable of extraordinary feats. Legendary Skills grant their users mastery over vast forces—such as controlling natural disasters, manipulating time in short bursts, or wielding devastating psychic power. Those with these Skills often shape history.
『Mythical Skills』
Chance ~ 0.1%
Description: Powers steeped in legend, capable of altering the course of civilizations. Mythical Skills often bend reality itself, allowing users to transcend normal limitations of life, death, or matter. These users are remembered in myths, their deeds retold across generations.
『Divine Skills』
Chance ~ 0.05%
Description: Abilities so rare and overwhelming they are often mistaken for gifts from the gods. Divine Skills can command cosmic or metaphysical forces, enabling acts that blur the line between science and divinity. Those who wield them are often revered—or hunted.
『Unique Skills』
Chance ~ 0.01%
Description: One-of-a-kind abilities with no duplicates in existence. Unlike other categories, Unique Skills may vary wildly in strength, but each holds properties that cannot be replicated or inherited. They are the rarest manifestation of the Apex Gene, feared and coveted above all.