The Scumbag's Guide To Heroism

〘 Pull complete. Displaying results...

Congratulations! You have acquired: [False Data] — Uncommon Rarity

Type: Configurable Passive

Description: User gains active control over their data profile as detected by scanning, analysis, and diagnostic-type Aspects. Allows masking of System abilities and the projection of fabricated statistics, capabilities, and power signatures that register as genuine to standard readings. 〙

"Another fucking non-combat ability?" I slammed my fist on the bed. "What am I supposed to do with this? I’m not trying to hack the Pentagon. I need something that hits people!"

I fell back against the mattress with a groan. Two pulls, and what did I have to show for it? Ghost arms, infinite cardio, the power to make things slightly wet, and now some data manipulation thing.

〘 You appear to be missing the strategic implications of your new acquisition. 〙

"I’m about to miss your face with my fist."

〘 That would be inadvisable, as I lack a physical form. Additionally, you would be punching yourself, which would trigger the Oracle Feed’s self-harm protocol. 〙

I sat up, rubbing my temples. "Just explain why I should care about this useless—"

Wait. Wait wait wait.

I bolted upright, heart hammering against my ribs. "Holy shit."

〘 And there it is. 〙

"I can fake an Aspect." The words came out breathless. "I can create a false data profile that registers as a real Aspect to scanners."

〘 Correct. 〙

"I can walk into Halloran—"

〘 Yes. 〙

"—with a completely fabricated Aspect—"

〘 Indeed. 〙

"—and they’ll never know I’m using a System."

〘 Now you understand why this ability is useful and not common trash. 〙

I jumped off the bed, pacing the room with newfound energy. This wasn’t just good. This was game-changing. The single biggest obstacle between me and Halloran Academy was my Unmarked status. The exam was built for people with Aspects. The scoring system favored Aspect users. The entire institution was designed around categorizing, developing, and weaponizing superpowers.

And I’d just pulled the ultimate countermeasure.

"Can I control what kind of fake Aspect I project? Like, can I make it something specific?"

〘 You can fully customize the fabricated Aspect signature. Classification type, manifestation characteristics, power level readings, and energy signature are all configurable parameters. The deception is data-only; you cannot produce visual effects through this ability. 〙

I walked to the mirror, staring at my reflection. The amber eyes looking back at me belonged to a kid who’d spent nine years being pitied as the Unmarked orphan. The Belmont boy who didn’t inherit his parents’ gifts. A genetic dead end in a world built on power.

Not anymore.

"So if someone with an analysis Aspect scans me..."

〘 They will detect whatever Aspect profile you have configured. The deception operates at the data level, not the physical. Standard diagnostic equipment will register the fabricated signature as genuine. 〙

"This is..." I laughed, running my hands through my hair. "This is fucking incredible."

I couldn’t stop grinning. The kid in the mirror looked manic, his amber eyes bright with possibilities.

"I need to design my fake Aspect. Something believable for someone with my build and background. Nothing too flashy—I don’t want to draw attention. Just enough to get through the door." I tapped my fingers against my thigh. "Something that explains why I can fight without powers."

〘 Would you like suggestions based on your current loadout? 〙

"Hit me."

〘 Given your Spectral Reach ability, you could fabricate a Channeler-class Aspect that manipulates force at a distance. This would provide cover for your actual ability while remaining consistent with observed effects. 〙

I nodded slowly. "Not bad. What would we call it?"

〘 Common naming conventions favor simplicity and descriptiveness. Suggestions: Phantom Touch, Kinetic Projection, Force Extension. 〙

"Phantom Touch," I repeated, testing the name. "Class I Channeler. Rare rarity would be believable without raising too many flags. Projects invisible force that can manipulate objects at a distance."

〘 Configuring parameters now. Aspect Core location? 〙

"Hands. Most Channelers project from their hands or eyes."

〘 Processing... 〙

The system interface flashed, and I felt something shift within me. Not physical—more like a new awareness settling into place, a program installing itself into my mental operating system.

〘 Configuration complete. [False Data: Phantom Touch] is now your active profile. All standard diagnostic scans will register you as a Class I Channeler with Rare-tier projection abilities. 〙

I laughed again, louder this time. Nine years of being Unmarked, wiped away with a single ability. Nine years of sympathetic looks and lowered expectations, gone in an instant.

I rolled onto my back, staring at the ceiling. This changed everything. I wasn’t just another Unmarked kid trying to climb Mount Everest in flip-flops anymore. I was officially a Rare-class Aspect user applying to Halloran Academy.

Still an underdog, but a legitimate contender.

"Sloane’s going to flip when she sees this," I murmured, then sat bolt upright as another realization hit me. "Wait. Sloane’s going to see this."

〘 Probability of subject Sloane Fitzgerald checking your IHL registration status within the next 24 hours: 87.6%. 〙

"Fuck." I jumped up and started pacing again. "She knows I’m Unmarked. Everyone knows I’m Unmarked. I’ve been Unmarked my entire life. If my status suddenly changes overnight..."

〘 This presents a significant narrative complication. 〙

"No shit." I ran my hands through my hair. "I need a story. Something plausible."

〘 Analyzing plausible scenarios... 〙

"Late manifestation," I said suddenly. "It happens, right? People who were considered Unmarked suddenly developing an Aspect later in life?"

〘 Late manifestation occurs in approximately 0.6% of the population previously classified as Unmarked. Typically triggered by extreme emotional or physical stress. Average manifestation age in these cases is 14.2 years, making your case unusual but not unprecedented. 〙

"Perfect." I paced faster, the pieces falling into place. "Training with Sloane pushed me to my limits. The pressure of preparing for Halloran. The constant physical stress. Something clicked."

〘 This explanation has a 72.3% probability of acceptance among your immediate social circle. 〙

"And it’s not even really a lie." I gestured to my spectral arms, which I summoned into existence. The translucent limbs extended from my forearms, hovering in the air. "I actually can manipulate things at a distance now. The System gave me a real ability that matches the fake Aspect I’m registering."

I dismissed the spectral constructs and sat down at my desk, pulling up more information about late manifestations on my laptop. I needed to know the details—how it typically feels, what the physical symptoms are, what kinds of tests the IHL runs to confirm new manifestations.

"I’ll say it happened during training tonight," I muttered, scrolling through a medical journal article. "When Sloane knocked me down for the hundredth time, something just... snapped into place."

〘 Additional recommendation: Physical manifestation events typically produce visible effects. You should create evidence of environmental disruption to support your claim. 〙

"Good point." I glanced around my room. "I’ll knock some stuff over, maybe crack the window."

〘 Warning: Subject Sloane Fitzgerald approaching your location. ETA: 37 seconds. 〙

"What?" I jumped up. "Already? But the movie isn’t for a little while."

〘 Subject appears to be excited. Detected elevated heart rate and increased movement speed. 〙

"Shit." I looked around frantically. "I’m not ready. I need more time to prepare the story."

〘 Unfortunately, time manipulation remains outside my current functionality. 〙

"Not helpful!"

I took a deep breath. Okay. I could handle this. I just needed to act surprised when she told me what she’d discovered.

A rapid knock on my door made me jump despite my mental preparation.

"Lukas!" Sloane’s voice came through the door, bursting with energy. "Ready to watch the movie?!"

===

〘Traore’s Thoughts〙

Hey guys, I decided to make a Power Stone Goal for this novel.

Every 200 Power Stones this week = +1 Extra Chapter. (MAX 14 ChapterS)

We can have the normal 2 Daily Chapters + 2 Extra Chapters Every Day, is all up to you ;)