My Talent's Name Is Generator Chapter 5 5: Turns Out, I Had a Talent Panel Too

"Generator?" Steve’s eyes narrowed as he focused his attention on me, clearly intrigued.

"Yes, Generator," I confirmed.

He tilted his head to the side.

"So… what does it actually do?"

"I have no idea," I confessed.

"There isn't a description at all. It just lists the name Generator 1 and something called Essence 0/5."

Steve’s brow furrowed into a frown.

"That’s bizarre. Usually, there’s some kind of explanation provided. Are you expected to figure it out on your own?"

I gave a simple shrug.

"I guess so."

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"Well, based on the name alone, it likely generates something. And that 'Essence' part? It’s probably the fuel that runs the whole thing."

"Yeah, I’m thinking the same. But the real mystery is how I fill that Essence. And once the bar is full… what happens then?" I pondered aloud.

"Should we test it out?" I asked, my excitement growing.

"No, no, no," Steve replied, waving his hands dismissively.

"Billion, I’ve got to pack my gear, talk to my parents, and handle a million things. Figure this out yourself and give me an update later, alright?"

A smirk played on my lips.

"Yeah, right. I’m certain your lazy ass is just going to nap for half the day."

He let out a scoff.

"And?"

Shaking my head at his antics, I snatched my bag and moved toward the exit.

"See you tomorrow."

"Yeah, yeah. Try not to blow yourself up before then," he shouted after me.

I let out a chuckle as I crossed the threshold.

Mounting my bike, I raced back home. My residence was located in a different district—one that was more secluded and affluent than Steve’s neighborhood.

Before long, I pulled into the driveway and rolled straight into the garage.

My home was a spacious two-story bungalow. It featured a private garden, a gym, and even a swimming pool—luxuries that often felt hollow without the family members who once made the house feel warm.

I unlocked the front door and walked inside.

For a brief moment, I stood silently in the living room, absorbing the atmosphere. My eyes eventually drifted to the right wall, where a large family portrait was displayed.

I approached the painting and came to a stop.

My grandmother, Elena Ironhart, was seated in a chair, cradling a seven-year-old version of me who was busy making silly faces.

Standing behind her was my father, Julius Ironhart, dressed in his formal special forces uniform… he had green eyes, brown hair, and a subtle, proud smile.

Beside him stood my mother, Chloe Ironhart, looking regal in her own uniform. Her long black hair flowed over her shoulders, and her dark eyes seemed to be fixed on me even through the canvas.

The two had met during their probation, fallen in love, and built a life together.

They were lost to me ten years ago. Since that day, it had been only Grandma and me.

I hadn’t even noticed that my vision had become blurred with tears.

Clearing my throat, I forced a small smile to my face.

"Hey, Dad. Mom." My voice was barely a whisper. "Your son finally awakened."

I took a slow breath, my lips curling into a confident smirk.

"I graduated at the top of my class, just like you did, Mom. I’m going to make it into the special forces too. Grandma and Steve are looking out for me, so… life has been okay."

I moved a step closer, my hands tightening into fists.

"And don’t worry. I’m coming to liberate your souls from those Eternal bastards soon. I’ve been training. Hard."

"I’ve awakened a talent, so just wait for me."

I offered a small, respectful bow before turning away and heading straight for the gym.

My personal gym was a long, rectangular hall with enough space for twenty people to train comfortably.

I had outfitted it with every piece of equipment necessary to push my stats past the natural human limits.

After switching into my training gear, I began my stretching routine. Naturally, I started with squats. Squats were the foundation of everything.

Deciding I had warmed up enough, I summoned my status screen, reviewing it once more to ensure I hadn't missed any clues regarding my talent.

"Alright, let’s see what you’re capable of, Mr. Generator the First."

I focused my intent on the screen—and suddenly, things changed.

The interface flipped over.

A brand new panel manifested before my eyes, labeled Talent.

"Goddamn," I whispered, my eyes widening in shock.

[Talent]

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Talent Name: Generator

Function: Generates Essence from absorbed energy

Level: 1

Essence: 0/5 units

Level Up Requirement: 100 units of Essence generated

Progress: 0/100

Talent Upgrade Requirement: Talent Level 5

Generator Activation Command: Requires voice command

Recharge Sources: Any form of energy

Abilities:-

Essence Transfer – Can transfer stored Essence to an attribute. After use, 10% of the transferred Essence unit remains as a permanent boost

Essence Infusion – Can infuse stored Essence.

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I stared at the new window floating in the air, scanning every line of text. My heart rate accelerated as I processed what I was seeing.

My gaze immediately fixed on the function description.

A whirlwind of emotions washed over me: disbelief, shock, and eventually, pure adrenaline-fueled thrill.

Manipulating essence usually required high levels of Cultivation and immense proficiency, yet I could generate it myself. This was a game-changer.

I quickly moved to the abilities section to read about Essence Transfer. I read the description twice, then a third time, my fist clenching tight. This… this was ridiculous. I could permanently raise my stats just by utilizing my talent? It meant that every fight and every tactical use of Essence would make me inherently stronger, far beyond normal leveling.

I let out a long breath, trying to suppress the massive grin that wanted to break out on my face.

Then, my eyes shifted to the next ability: Energy Infusion.

Store Essence, create Essence, and then discharge it in an attack. No convoluted methods, just pure, raw power. It was simple and devastatingly efficient.

Furthermore, the talent itself could be leveled up.

I checked the Level Up Requirement: 100 units generated.

I did some quick mental math. Since my maximum capacity was five units at a time, I would need to perform at least twenty full cycles to level up. That was manageable. As long as I kept the process going, I’d reach the goal.

However, what truly piqued my interest was the next requirement -

Talent Upgrade Requirement: Talent Level 5.

This meant that once Generator reached Level 5, I could evolve it into something even more potent.

Damn, that was incredible. What could a talent like Generator even turn into?

My mind was racing with possibilities, but I shook my head to clear the distractions.

I looked at the blinking line for the Essence Activation Command and rubbed my chin. I needed something easy to remember. It had to be simple, but also something that wouldn't make me look like a fool if I had to shout it in public.

I went through several candidates in my head.

"Go Boom? No, that sounds like I’m about to self-destruct."

"Activate? Way too boring."

"Juice Me Up? Yeah, absolutely not—never saying that."

Then, the perfect phrase hit me.

"Power Up."

It was direct and had the perfect vibe. I grinned and confirmed the choice in my mind. The flashing text on the panel updated instantly.

Essence Activation Command: Power Up!

Perfect.

With the setup finished, I dismissed the interface. The golden text shimmered briefly before vanishing, leaving me alone in the quiet of the gym. Now, the only thing remaining was to put this new power to the test.

And I fully intended to do exactly that.