Ability Theory

While they were deep in discussion, Hoshimiya-sensei walked into the classroom.

The students had been so focused on the assessment that they had nearly forgotten they still had regular class in the afternoon.

Seeing how reluctant they were to stop, Hoshimiya-sensei joked with them to lighten the tense atmosphere.

"Shibata," Hoshimiya-sensei called, "weren't you so sure at lunchtime that you could handle it all by yourself? So how come you look like a drowned rat now?"

Shibata stood up. A flicker of embarrassment crossed his face, but he still stubbornly replied, "At least I made it out in one piece, and I got all the water off me."

Hoshimiya-sensei's expression was odd, but she soon turned her attention to the lesson. She cleared her throat and began guiding the students into today's class.

"All right, everyone, let's begin today's lesson. The name of my class is Ability Theory. Please remember that." Hoshimiya-sensei's voice echoed through the classroom as she picked up a piece of chalk and wrote the three characters for "Ability Theory" on the blackboard.

Then the chalk kept moving, quickly sketching out several diagrams.

"Today, I'll start by discussing how Water-Type Ability Users and Body-Type Ability Users fight, so you can understand the purpose of Ability Theory."

First, she drew a simple diagram on the blackboard, showing the basic principles behind Water Ability.

"Water Ability, as the name suggests, is an ability related to the element of water. It can manipulate water molecules, change water's state, and even create water. Its strength lies in its fluidity and adaptability, allowing it to take many forms and respond to all kinds of combat and non-combat situations."

Then Hoshimiya-sensei turned to Shibata. "Shibata's ability, on the other hand, is what we call a Body-Type Ability. It focuses on enhancing the user's physical attributes, including strength, speed, stamina, and reflexes. This ability makes its user extremely powerful in close combat, allowing them to use their physical strength to fight against all kinds of abilities."

"When a Water-Type Ability User fights a Body-Type Ability User, each side has its own advantages.

"Let's start with Water Ability. Its fluidity and versatility can effectively evade direct attacks from Body Ability. For example, water can turn into steam or ice, reducing the impact of direct physical blows."

"Second, Water Ability can use its control over water molecules to weaken the effects of Body Ability.

"By controlling the water in their opponent's body, a Water-Type Ability User can restrict their movements or even dehydrate them, reducing their strength and speed."

"However, Body Ability also has its advantages against Water Ability.

"Body-Type Ability Users usually have exceptional stamina and resilience, so they can endure Water Ability attacks for longer.

"Furthermore, if a Body-Type Ability User can close the distance quickly, they can use their strength to overpower their opponent, making it difficult for the Water-Type Ability User to use their ability."

"Body-Type Ability Users can also adapt quickly to underwater environments.

"They can enhance their respiratory and circulatory systems to withstand water pressure and low temperatures.

"This means that even in an unfavorable environment created by a Water-Type Ability User, a Body-Type Ability User can remain combat-ready."

Then Hoshimiya pointed at Shibata. "So, Shibata, your ability seems to falter in underwater combat. That isn't because there's anything wrong with your ability itself; it's because you haven't fully mastered its power yet."

Hoshimiya-sensei's gaze was sharp, and her words went straight to the heart of the matter. "You're simply too weak."

Her words roused Shibata's competitive spirit. "I understand, Hoshimiya-sensei. I'll train with Kanzaki over the next few days. I'll get stronger."

Hoshimiya-sensei nodded, a trace of approval in her eyes. "Good, Shibata. Remember, improving your ability isn't just about increasing its strength. More importantly, you need to understand its nature and learn how to use it. That's the meaning of Ability Theory."

The students listened, thoughtful.

But Hoshimiya-sensei wasn't finished.

"The core topic of today's class is the core of abilities—in other words, their nature."

Hoshimiya-sensei's voice was gentle and soothing. "I imagine you haven't forgotten that abilities can be divided into six main categories based on their characteristics and range of effects: mind, body, object, spirit, brain, and spacetime."

She went to the blackboard and quickly wrote down the names of the six categories, then explained them one by one:

"Mind-Type Abilities involve emotions, thoughts, and the power of the mind. They can affect a person's mental state and even change someone else's emotions and will."

"Body Abilities are directly related to the body. They can enhance a person's physical abilities or grant the body special powers, such as superhuman strength and speed."

"Object-type Abilities concern the manipulation and creation of matter. Users of these abilities can control the elements or create objects from nothing."

"Spirit Abilities are closely connected to the soul and supernatural phenomena. They can involve healing souls, communicating with deities, and even crossing the boundary between life and death."

"Brain-type Abilities are an expression of intelligence and knowledge. Users of these abilities possess extraordinary intelligence, memory, or calculation skills. Their thoughts are faster and more profound than those of ordinary people."

"Finally, Spacetime-type Abilities involve the mysteries of time and space. They can allow people to travel through time and space or change the relative positions of objects."

Hoshimiya-sensei turned to face the students, her eyes shining. "Every category of ability has its own unique appeal and potential, but each also has its limitations.

"Understanding the nature of your abilities is essential to mastering and improving them."

She paused to let the students absorb the information, then continued.

"Abilities don't exist in isolation. They interact with one another in complex ways.

"Understanding these interactions can help you bring out greater power in practical applications."

Then she began a more detailed explanation, starting with Mind-Type Abilities.

"Mind-Type Abilities are the most subtle and complex category. They directly affect our thoughts and emotions, and can silently change a person's behavior and decisions."

Hoshimiya-sensei's gentle, soothing voice made people want to keep listening.

"Take my own Charm Dominance, for example. Its nature is to guide other people's desires toward the outcome I want."

She introduced her ability without reservation, as if she were explaining an ordinary scientific principle.

Seeing the students' astonished expressions, Hoshimiya-sensei explained casually, "Charm-Type Abilities aren't something you need to keep secret. In fact, it's better if people know about them.

"When people are constantly on guard, they're more likely to let their guard slip—and that makes them easier to charm."